Multi-constraint trajectory planning for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been widely used in military and civil fields. The existing path planning methods, such as swarm intelligence algorithm and graph-based algorithm, cannot incorporate the flying time and UAV kinematic model into evolution. To overcome such disadvantage, a method of solving trajectory planning under obstacles and multi-constraint is investigated in this paper. Firstly, the flying time is discretized as a certain number of Chebyshev points which are the optimized moments of control variable, and they can reduce the computational burden. The process of solution is divided into multi-phase, i.e., two points as a phase to generate the trajectory. Then, angular velocity is taken as control variable, and function of angular velocity is solved by cubic spline interpolation. Besides, functions of angle and position are obtained by integration. The results are substituted into the model consisted by particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the UAV kinematic model to optimize. On this basis, the angular velocity, angle and position are calculated according to the allocated moments. Finally, Monte-Carlo simulation and comparison with existed method are carried out in obstacle environment. All the results illustrate that the multi-phase method can calculate the kinematic parameters of UAV accurately and plan smooth trajectories. Meanwhile, the proposed method is easier to meet the complicated constraints than the single-phase method. In addition, the dimensionality of solution is also enriched effectively.


Background The Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) peficitinib and filgotinib are currently examined in clinical trials for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Both inhibitors are well tolerated up to doses causing Cmax values higher than 1 µM [1,2]. This is in contrast to the approved dosages of tofacitinib and baricitinib reaching Cmax values below 0.5 µM [3,4]. However, it is not known if the higher concentrations of peficitinib or filgotinib offer a benefit in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Objectives The aim of the study compared the effect of different JAKi on inflammatory response and functional behavior of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with RA (RASF). Methods Human RASF were isolated and pretreated with JAKi. After stimulation with IL-1β and JAKi with/without soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) the levels of IL-6 and MMP-3 were measured in supernatants by ELISA. The effect of different JAKi on proliferation of RASF was determined by a BrdU-incorporation assay. The influence of peficitinib on migration of RASF towards a FCS gradient was examined. For short-term adhesion assays, cells were treated with JAKi, detached and seeded in culture plates. The plates were extensively shaken and adherent RASF quantified by counting crystal violet stained cells. Cell viability, cytotoxicity and apoptosis were measured using commercially available assays. Results The IL-1β (10 ng/ml) dependant IL-6 release of RASF was decreased by peficitinib (62%, p<0.001) and by filgotinib (30%, p<0.05, n=7) at 5 µM. Peficitinib also decreased the IL-6 release at 1 µM (24%, n=7). In contrast to filgotinib, the JAK-inhibition with peficitinib reduced the MMP-3 levels induced by IL-1β by 88% (n=7, p<0.001) at 5 µM and by 31% at 1 µM (n=7, ns). In direct comparison to tofacitinib and baricitinb the IL-1β (20 ng/ml) induced IL-6 increase was only decreased by peficitinib and filgotinib but not by tofacitinib or baricitinib even at 10 µM. Tofacitinib only blocked the specific IL-6 effect e.g. induced by the combination of the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and low doses of IL-1β (p<0.01). The proliferation of RASF was attenuated by tofacitinib, baricitinib and peficitinib at 5 µM. Peficitinib exerted the strongest decrease of about 70% (p<0.001, n=4) and it was the only inhibitor attenuating the proliferation at 1 µM (23%, p<0.05, n=4). Peficitinib also decreased the migration of RASF by 38% at 1 µM and by 92% at 5 µM. The observed effects were not mediated by apoptosis and even after 48h peficitinib did not act cytotoxic on RASF. In contrast to migration, short-term adhesion onto a plastic surface was not affected by peficitinib. Conclusion Peficitinib and filgotinib modulated the IL-1β-induced response of RASF. Peficitinib also inhibited the proliferation and the migration of RASF. Therefore, especially peficitinib could be able to reduce the aggressive pannus formation in RA patients. References [1] Cao YJ, et al.: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of ASP015K (Peficitinib), a New Janus Kinase Inhibitor, in Healthy Subjects. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2016;5:435-449. [2] Vanhoutte F, et al.: Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Filgotinib, a Selective JAK-1 Inhibitor, After Short-Term Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of Two Randomized Phase IIa Trials. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017;69:1949-1959. [3] Lamba M, et al.: Evaluation of Pharmacokinetics Compared With Immediate-Release Tofacitinib and Impact of Food. J Clin Pharmacol 2016;56:1362-1371. [4] Shi JG, et al.: The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of baricitinib, an oral JAK 1/2 inhibitor, in healthy volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol 2014;54:1354-1361. Disclosure of Interests Magnus Diller: None declared, Rebecca Hasseli: None declared, Iris Aykara: None declared, Marie Hülser: None declared, Stefan Rehart: None declared, Ulf Müller-Ladner Grant/research support from: Projekt supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Celgene GmbH., Elena Neumann: None declared


We have given and proved two propositions of convergence and divergence of positive series in this paper.Thus we have sompared strength relations between two sets of judge methods respectively.


The research literature describes an intimate relationship between tree defects and vandalism behaviour. Decreased growth due to mechanical injury, reduced aesthetic features from tree part loss or modification, and increased hazards related to tree part weakness are among the impacts attributed to exposure to vandalism incidents. This study aimed to identify a common explanation for these outcomes. It scrutinized the association between tree defects and vandalism behaviour. Vandalism acts were investigated at Kuala Kangsar Urban Park in Perak, Malaysia, by means of an assessment conducted on 348 trees. The survey and inventory demonstrated that the trees had six types of defects and thirteen forms of vandalism acts categorized into three different behaviour types. The results indicate that poor management and maintenance practices, as well as anthropogenic stress, significantly contribute to urban tree vandalism and defects. Decision-makers and tree managers could use the study's findings to effectively deal with the issue of vandalism towards trees in urban areas.


Family caregivers (FCs) face a variety of demands while caring for persons with Alzheimer disease (AD). Longitudinal studies identifying the specific AD‐related neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) that contribute to FC distress are rare. We analyzed which NPS in association with care recipient and caregiver demographic factors are associated with FC psychological distress over a 36‐month follow‐up period.


This paper describes the step response performance of open typed constant flow hydrostatic guideways. To investigate the dynamic performance of open typed constant flow hydrostatic guideways, a new step excitation setup is designed to measure the step response of the hydrostatic bearing by removing the imposed displacement in short time. Four different experimental cases are carried out when inlet flow rate is equal to 80mL/min and 200mL/min. The experimental results show that the maximum dynamic displacement is twice than the imposed displacement. Furthermore, the settling time of the step response is related to inlet flow rate, but irrespective of the imposed displacement.


64 b o o k r e vi e w s the bookstores at a time when many liberal Americans have become well aware of the power of this movement, yet remain baffled by it all. Should we buy the author's analysis? Goldberg's brand of journalism, which relies on one-time conversations with right-wing spokespeople, or quick observations at conservative nationalist conventions, is much better at painting in broad strokes than at filling in the details. It relies too much on the words of the leaders of the movement and fails to really probe the worlds of rank-and-file believers. And it overstates the determining role of ideology and at times conflates the far right with the religious right. Still, I could not help but recall my own experiences ten years ago, when I was conducting fieldwork among Christian conservative activists engaged in a campaign against gay rights. Many of these grassroots activists were friendly folks who sincerely thought they were "helping" others through their political efforts. But when my book was published, a number of my interviewees did not like what they read, so they tried to have the book banned and sent me threatening phone calls and letters. So much for civility and tolerance. Though they represent only a minority of American voters, some conservative Christians clearly wish to reshape American culture in their own image, and they will engage in deception and intimidation to achieve that vision. Kingdom Coming paints a portrait of a movement whose power liberal intellectuals have long underestimated. A sociologist may find that Goldberg's analysis lacks precision and at times comes perilously close to leftist conspiracy-thinking. But these times may call for something other than intellectual subtlety.


Abstract The effect of hybrid inhibitor based on Gum arabic (GA, naturally occurring polymer) and zinc oxide on the corrosion of aluminium as galvanic anode in 4 M KOH was studied using hydrogen evolution experiment, electrochemical measurements, and surface analysis method. The results obtained showed that the combination of GA and zinc oxide operates as a hybrid inhibitor that effectively reduces self-corrosion of the aluminium anodes and increases inhibition efficiency (IE%) by increasing the concentration of GA. Also in the solutions containing ZnO/GA hybrid inhibitor, corrosion current decreases with GA concentration increment and its inhibition effect practically does not descend over time. The galvanostatic discharge shows that the additives suppress the hydrogen evolution and enhance the anodic utilization rate. In addition, the morphology and composition analysis of the aluminium surface suggest that the presence of GA promotes the deposition of zinc on the aluminium surface to be homogenized and more stable.


Abstract : The principles governing the simulation of radar signals in a supersonic trainer are presented along with brief description of the piezoelectric crystal and other components developed for this purpose. It is shown that the simulation requirements include the following condition: that the intensity distribution of the supersonic beam is identical with that of the electromagnetic beam of the radar set. None of the requirements has been fully met in any supersonic trainer designed to date.


An isolated antibody that: (i) binds to alpha 1 receptor of human interleukin 13 through one or more of residues 248-252 of said receptor deaminoacidos, (ii) inhibits signaling of interleukin-13, and (iii) does not cross-react with the alpha 1 receptor of interleukin 13 cynomolgus monkey.


A new form of a linear SIR model (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) is posed and analytical solutions are presented. It is motivated by a desire to mimic illness patterns for particular zoonotic microorganisms. In cases where person-to-person transmission of a zoonosis is generally considered to be rare (e.g., campylabacteriosis), an interaction term between Susceptible and Infected groups is not necessary, enabling a linear model to be posed. Immunity lossed and gains are accounted for, and also the possibility that infection may occur in the absence of any illness symptoms. Under realistic values of its parameters, the solutions are able to mimic two patterns often inferred from clinical trial and outbrak data: (i) that children are more susceptible to zoonotic pattogens than adults, (ii) that people in regular contact with farm animals may attain greater immunity than the ordinary public.


A Markovian extinction model that takes into account age structure of local populations allows consideration of the effects of demography and successional dynamics on the evolution of migration. Analytical expressions for the evolutionarily stable (ES) rates of dispersal are given for cases in which newly recolonized sites attain carrying capacity within a single season. Using a low-fecundity numerical model, we find that an increase of the level of site saturation increases the dispersal rate. Ecological successions and unequal local extinction rates between newly colonized sites and established populations strongly affect the ES dispersal rate. The frequency of genetic modifiers that enhance the rate of dispersal evolves negative correlations with deme age, with high-migration genotypes predominant among colonizers while progressively declining in frequency as a deme ages. This suggests that between-deme selection (colonization) favors migrants while within-deme selection favors low dispersers, which allows the coexistence of types with different dispersal rates. Because of the interaction between the two levels of selection, the relation between the ES dispersal rate and the deme maximal lifetime is nonmonotone. We suggest that life-history traits other than dispersal might also experience antagonistic selective forces at the between- and within-deme levels.


Cancer patients, particularly those prescribed with oral oncolytic medications, face treatment side effects and temporary and permanent stoppages of treatment. This research examines how events during treatment affect patients' beliefs regarding oral oncolytic medications.


The initial investment and maintenance costs of traditional hydraulic cylinder heave compensation system is high. Its heave compensation displacement is limited because of finite hydraulic cylinder stroke. When the platform heave displaces over the stroke of hydraulic cylinder,the system failures. In order to reduce the drilling cost and improve the compensation displacement range,we proposed a design method of active heave compensation drawworks. A traditional drawwork was planned with active heave compensation function by controlling variable frequency motor to drive the drawwork drum rotate positively and negatively. Then,a control model close to real operation was built. At last,simulation comparison results between fuzzy and PID algorithm indicates that the feedforward- fuzzy-PI controller has high performance and meets the requirement of float drilling. It tests the validity of the scheme and provides reference for the design of optimize.


To anticipate and respond to harmful algae produced in a big artificial lake like Daecheong reservoir, development of a regional analysis computer system using GIS or RS technique is needed in addition to biological and chemical research. The purpose of this study is to develop a cyanobacterial blooming prediction model to prevent harmful algae produced in Daecheong reservoir and construct an early forecasting system based on GIS. For this purpose this paper examines previous studies related to the relationship between cyanobacteria and environmental factors in Daecheong reservoir and selects precipitation and air temperature as two important environmental factors for the development of cyanobacterial blooming prediction model. Data used in this study are water quality and weather data for three water regions in Daecheong reservoir between 2000 and 2004. Based on qualitative correlation analysis between cyanobacteria and environmental factors, this paper presents a Rump model which enables us to predict cyanobacteria in water regions of Daecheong reservoir. Under this model the prediction of initial occurrence time and growth period of cyanobacteria are possible. The model is also applied to the GIS-based early forecasting system for cyanobacteria, and finally a GIS which can predict cyanobacteria produced in Daecheong reservoir and can manage the related data is developed.


FIELD: agriculture. SUBSTANCE: method comprises cultivating the recombinant strain Escherichia coli RNCIM B-6519 on a medium containing a source of amino nitrogen, a source of vitamins, salt components and glucose, with stirring and aeration. The control of pH level and the optical density or dissolved oxygen level and the optical density is carried out through stagewise glucose inflow based on 2-3 g/dm 3 of culture fluid and 10-12% yeast extract solution at the rate of 3-4 g/dm 3 of culture fluid. Upon reaching the optical density of 3 to 3.5 units, the alcohol solution of isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside is added in a concentration of 8 to 12 mg/dm 3 . Extraction, purification, drying of the protein solution and making the oil suspension of the preparation is carried out. The resulting preparation additionally comprises bee wax, vitamins A and E, and has a stimulating effect on milk and meat productivity of farm animals. EFFECT: increase in meat and milk productivity of farm animals. 11 cl, 9 tbl, 3 ex, 3 dwg


The case of Anudo v. Tanzania is the first decided by the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights that considers the right to a nationality. The judgment complements existing jurisprudence from the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The Court ruled that Tanzania had arbitrarily deprived the applicant of his nationality and then arbitrarily expelled him from the country.


The Manchester Progressive Municipal Programme of 1894 has been viewed as indicative of a new Liberal approach to labour and social questions, heralding the New Liberalism of the Edwardian era and marking a gradual transition to class-based politics. Rather than focus on the role of senior individuals, such as Manchester Guardian editor C. P. Scott, in fostering the change, this article explores the practical problems of grass-roots party co-operation and the problems that Progressive approaches brought to Liberals. Progressive ideas had already permeated much Liberal thinking before 1890 and the Progressive Programme was less of a departure than might be imagined. Progressive policies may have helped consolidate Liberal working-class support but they did little to encourage co-operation with the Independent Labour Party (ILP). Where senior Liberals attempted to forge alliances they were invariably rebuffed. When Liberal candidates stepped down in deference to the ILP, Irish and working-class Liberal trade unionists revolted and split the party. The 1895 general election demonstrated the dangers of being too closely associated with the ILP and the limitations of Progressivism as a political strategy.


The present state of genofond of the collection that includes 78 taxa supfamily Maloideae C. Web. (Rosaceae Juss.) in DNU Botanical Garden.


Objective Exaggerated ovarian steroid production,increased secretion of luteinizing hormone and insulin resistance are concerned with polycystic ovary syndrome( PCOS). The aim of this study is to further study the correlation of obesity and PCOS,the high-fat diet model of female rats was established to explore whether the high-fat diet rats have phenotype of PCOS or not. Methods The female rats were fed with high-fat diet for 17 weeks to set up the high-fat diet model( high-fat group) which was compared with the control group fed with normal diet. Results After 17 weeks of high-fat diet,the fasting blood-glucose of high-fat group rose compared with control group( [7. 02 ± 0. 48]mmol / L vs [6. 00 ± 0. 70]mmol / L)( P 0. 01). The total cholesterol( [2. 04 ±0. 15]mmol/L vs[1. 70 ±0. 42]mmol/L)( P 0. 05) and low density lipoprotein( [0. 24 ± 0. 07]mmol/L vs [0. 15 ± 0. 04]mmol / L)( P 0. 01) rose at the same time. The female rats showed insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. The ovaries appeared the cystic follicles and the androgen levels increased. Conclusion High-fat diet could cause the appearance of cystic follicles in female rats' ovaries. These results suggest that high-fat diet is one of the inducements of PCOS.


Objective To discover the relationship between ALDH2 Glu487Lys gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease in Han population.Methods 490 patients with coronary artery disease(CHD group) which were identified by coronary angioplasty(coronary narrow ≥50%) and 433 patients without CAD were recruited from Zhongshan Hospital(control group).Taqman 5'nuclease polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to screen the ALDH2 Glu487Lys gene polymorphism.The difference of the distribution of ALDH2 gene was compared between CAD group and control group;We also carried out the subgroup analysis according to the risk factors for coronary heart disease.Results The difference of genotype distribution(P=0.22) between CAD group and control group showed no statistical signification.Subgroup analysis showed obvious statistical difference of ALDH2 gene type distribution(P0.05) between CAD group and control group in the following four subgroups:no smoking,no drinking,no hypertention history and BMI25(kg/m2) population.Conclusion There is no association between ALDH2 genetic polymorphism and coronary artery disease in Chinese Han population,but the ALDH2-AA genotype may affect coronary artery disease in Chinese Han population without drinking history,somking history,hypertention or BMI25(kg/m2).


Electromagnetic field analysis coupled with motion using the tableau approach has been applied to high‐speed circuit breakers of eddy current repulsion mechanisms. This breaker has an opening time of 1 ms and break time less than 1 cycle (20 ms). The driving part of the breaker is composed of electromagnetic repulsion mechanisms and disk springs with nonlinear characteristics. The mechanisms are composed of two fixed coils and one repulsion plate. A numeric experiment has been applied to investigate the dynamic behavior of the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism using the equivalent circuit method. Calculation results were in good agreement with both measurement results and calculation results by FEM on an experimental model. In addition, repulsive forces depending on material conductivities have been researched. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 152(4): 8–16, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20149


We derive a useful characterization of 3-by-3 copositive-plus matrices in terms of their entries, and use it to solve the copositive-plus matrix completion problem in the case of specified diagonal by showing that a partial copositive-plus matrix with graph G has a copositive-plus completion if and only if G is a pairwise disjoint union of complete subgraphs.


The problem of pattern matching is that of finding a series of characters, called the pattern, in another much larger series of characters, called the text. The pattern matching problem arises frequently in Bio-informatics in the context of searching DNA sequence databases. Since DNA sequences are typically huge (for example, the human genome is made up of three billion DNA base pairs approximately), space and time efficient data structures and algorithms are vitally important for the pattern matcher. Two different classes of pattern matching algorithms exist. One school of thought focuses on pre-processing the pattern. The other relies on pre-processing the text. In this paper we have presented an adaptive DNA pattern matcher, which combines both text and pattern preprocessing to efficiently detect the presence of a pattern in a DNA sequence.


The invention discloses an image recording system. A bypass transporting path apparatus is disposed on a color image recording apparatus and a transporting path connecting apparatus is disposed between a front portion of a monochrome image recording apparatus and a rear portion of the color image recording apparatus. This system includes an operational state monitoring portion that monitors the operational states of the color image recording apparatus and the monochrome image recording apparatus, and a power supply controlling portion that performs control based on the operational states of the color image recording apparatus and the monochrome image recording apparatus to shift any one image recording apparatus to a power saving state and to make the other image recording apparatus wait in a recordable state.


Gamma irradiation of bromobenzene was found to give rise to a complex mixture of products, including three isomeric bormobiphenyls. The ratio of the isomers was determined by the isotope dilution method. Aliquot parts of irradiated bromo-C/sup 14/-benzene were treated with known weights of the respective bromobiphenyl, which was then isolated. 4-Bromobiphenyl was isolated as such, but the 2- and 3-isomers were obtained as crystalline dinitroderivatives. The isomer ratio was found to be consistent with the assumption of an initial free radical attack of phenyl radicals on bromobenzene. The formation of benzophenone by gamma irradiation of a mixture of benzene and benzoyl chloride was also shown. (P.C.H.)


Power supply reliability is the comprehensively reflection of power supply ability to customers and the real embodiment of operation management level. Power supply reliability management involves planning, designing, building, operation and maintenance management etc. In recent years Guangzhou power supply bureau starts the work to improve power supply reliability. According to the practical situation, in this paper, the statistical analysis of power supply reliability indexes at present and the existing problems are analyzed; supply reliability statistical indexes are studied and confirmed; the supply reliability statistical index analysis system is developed, which forms a comprehensive analysis and evaluation platform for the power supply reliability management. According to the analysis of power supply reliability indexes, relevant measures to improve power supply reliability are proposed in the following aspects: planning and construction, production and operation and professional management etc. The strategic target to improve power supply reliability is determined and disused in this paper, which has theoretical significance and practical engineering value.


During the past few years, multiple trials have demonstrated the need for greater blood pressure reduction, below levels that have been traditionally accepted as being hypertensive (5140/90 mmHg). In addition, emphasis on the importance of treating systolic blood pressure and perhaps even pulse pressure has forced us to re-evaluate the results of various clinical trials and our goals in clinical practice. The emphasis on reducing systolic blood pressure to less than 130 and diastolic to less than 85 mmHg in patients with clinical cardiovascular disease or diabetes has been based on evidence that early intervention in these patients can diminish the risk of progressive vascular and target organ disease. Counterbalancing our zeal for these lower levels of blood pressure is the practicality of how to accomplish this goal in an asymptomatic fashion. Combination therapy with two or more agents has blurred the merits of individual drug classes and whether there are speci®c bene®ts of one class versus another in various clinical disease states.


The Fama-French (FF) three factor model expands the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) to include two additional factors to the market factor – SMB, employed to capture a firm size effect in returns and HML employed to capture book-to-market effects in returns. In the UK, different researchers use different ways of calculating SMB and HML in the context of empirical applications of the three factor model, or extensions of it, perhaps because they believe the differences in the construction of the SMB and HML factors to be relatively unimportant from an empirical standpoint. We investigate whether indeed factor construction methods are unimportant. Our conclusion is that they do matter.


Cognitive and noncognitive skills are critical for a host of economic and social outcomes as an adult. While there is broad agreement that a significant amount of skill acquisition and development occurs early in life, the precise activities and investments that drive this process are not well understood. In this paper we examine how children's time allocation affects their accumulation of skill. Children's time allocation is endogenous in a model of skill production since it is chosen by parents and children. We apply a recently developed test of exogeneity to search for models that yield causal estimates of the impact time inputs have on child skills. We show that the test, which exploits bunching in time inputs induced by a non-negativity time constraint, has power to detect endogeneity stemming from omitted variables, simultaneity, measurement error, and several forms of model misspecification. We find that with a sufficiently rich set of controls, we are unable to reject exogeneity in our most detailed production function specifications. The estimates from these models indicate that active time with adult family members, such as parents and grandparents, are the most productive in generating cognitive skill.


The subject of this study falls into two parts. Firstly
an examination of the methodology of the analysis of archaeological
fish remains. It considers the problems of recovering
and quantifying material and then the aims and difficulties
of analysis. Several lines of evidence can be used to study how the fish were caught and utilised but much of it is
ambiguous and natural agencies can produce similar patterns.
One major use-for fish remains lies in the study of seasonality;
behavioural evidence is not as reliable as is often
claimed but growth rings and sometimes fish size are clear
indicators.
Integrated with this is a case study of a large and
well-recovered assemblage of fish remains from a series of
five fourth millennium bc. shell middens on the small island
of Oronsay(Inner Hebrides). The fauna is dominated by the
young age stages of one species, the saithe(Pollachius virens) but at least fifteen other fishes are represented; they are
mostly found along rocky shores or in inshore waters. The
size of the assemblage and the lack of selectivity, both in
species and sizes, suggests a technique of mass capture such
as a weir or nets; however, a combination of methods including
line fishing from boats seems likely.
The behaviour of the species and evidence from the
traditional fisheries demonstrates that it could be caught for most of the year, except the 'winter' quarter. Fish size
and growth ring data reveal a consistent pattern of a single
principal fishing season at each site and differences between
them. Collectively, the period of fishing spans much of the
year and, as the sites are broadly contemporary, there is a
strong possibility that they functioned as part of a single economic system.


The present invention relates to a light source system, comprising: a constant current source for supplying a predetermined current; a dimmer switch, used to open or close according to a dimming signal; a first interleave control switch, according to a first an interleaving control signal to open or close; a second interleaving control switch to open or close to a second control signal in accordance with interleaving; a first light-emitting load, by controlling the first switch and the interleaving dimmer switch to receive the predetermined current; and a second light-emitting load, by controlling the first switch and the interleaving of the dimmer switch to receive the predetermined current. The present invention provides a light source system capable of utilizing interleaving control module design, so that different light emitting diodes serial, can share the same dimmer switch and a constant current source, reduces the production and manufacturing costs, simplifies the design of the entire light source system.


Single crystals of p‐Hc1−xCdxTe (x=0.16) were grown by the Bridgeman technique. The bulk single crystals were irradiated with laser pulse of various energy densities. A pulsed laser (Nd:YAG) capable of producing 10‐ns pulses of 0.53 μm wavelength (frequency doubled) with varying energy densities (2–50 mJ/cm2) was employed. dc conductivity and Hall coefficient measurements were made on the single crystal using the Van der Pauw technique in the temperature range 77–300 K for both as‐grown and laser‐irradiated samples. Also the x‐ray diffraction pattern and transmission measurements of the samples were taken at room temperature. Electrical studies shows that the p‐mercury cadmium telluride after the laser irradiation becomes n type and optical results show that the free‐carrier concentration after laser irradiation increases sharply so that there is negligibly small transmission. The x‐ray studies show that single crystal p‐type samples after laser irradiation undergo structural changes as well, introducing ...


We first review and critically examine some basic concepts and ambiguities related to quantum mechanics and quantum measurement to understand the success and shortcomings of current theories. We also touch on ideas regarding expression of variables within a complex system. Then we discuss a model for quantum measurement proposed by us, in which the quantum system is allowed to interact with its image created within the detector, followed by a first passage random walk in the Hilbert space. Definitions and ideas from the first part are used in the context of the model. In the end, we discuss the puzzling question of entanglement. We propose how borrowing concepts from our model for quantum measurement may enable us to formulate a hidden variable scenario that does not violate Bell's inequality.


Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the main mineral component of bones and teeth, and for this reason its synthetic analogous has been used with excellent clinical results as bone substitute. The biological apatite is typified as a poorly crystalline carbonate apatite (CHA) formed by nanosized particles with a great superficial area. This work aimed to study the influence of ultrasound technique on the morphology and crystallinity of nanoHA synthesized by chemical precipitation method. The nanoHA particles were obtained from CaCl2·2H2O and Na3PO4·12H2O raw solutions and a powerful ultrasonic sound (UP400S) was used at different conditions during the synthesis. X-ray Diffraction, Infrared spectroscopy, Chemical Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to characterize the synthesized nanoHA particles. The results indicated that HA nanoparticles with nanorods morphology were obtained in all conditions. By Scherrer`s formula, the crystallite size was determined and it was found that the increasing in ultrasound amplitude enhances the nanoparticles crystallinity.


In this paper I present overview of two preprints that were published at Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in 1980 [1,2]. These original publications describing harmonic generation technique which has the same founda-tion as Echo-Enabled Harmonic Generation (EEHG). They recently become available online [3], but they are still unknown to FEL community. This paper is an at-tempt to current this omission.


The invention discloses a restoring method for a bushing melting defect of a camshaft bottom hole of a cylinder block and belongs to the technical field of engine remanufacturing. The method includes the following steps that the bushing-molten camshaft bottom hole is broadened to form an installation hole; according to the actual size of the installation hole, an inlaid bushing is machined, and the diameter of an inner hole of the inlaid bushing is smaller than the size of a qualified camshaft bottom hole; the machined inlaid bushing is installed at the installation hole; and the inner hole of the inlaid bushing is machined to the size required by a drawing of the qualified camshaft bottom hole, and then a camshaft lubricating inclined oil hole is machined in the inlaid bushing. The invention further discloses the engine cylinder block which comprises a cylinder block body. The installation hole is formed in the cylinder block body. The inlaid bushing is arranged in the installation hole. The inner diameter of the inlaid bushing is the size required by the drawing of the qualified camshaft bottom hole. According to the method, the camshaft bottom hole is restored to the original size, so that follow-up replacement and maintenance of the camshaft bushing are facilitated, and the utilization rate of the cylinder block is increased.


Chebyshev spectral collocation methods (known as El-Gendi methods—as described by El-Gendi in 1969 and Mihaila and Mihaila in 2002) are presented to deal with some nonlinear evolution equations including the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV), the modified KdV, the mixed KdV and modified KdV, and the generalized fifth-order KdV equations, which include as special cases some well-known equations. The problem is reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations that are solved by combinations of backward differential formulas and appropriate explicit schemes (implicit–explicit BDF methods—as described by Akrivis and Smyrlis in 2004). Good numerical results have been obtained and compared with the exact solutions.


Excerpt Homologous serum hepatitis occurring after administration of blood, plasma and certain derivatives has been well documented and is considered a calculated risk. In recent years another sour...


Extended structural studies, largely determinations at ~150 K, of the family of hydrates of [Co(NH3)6][Ln(dipic)3] (Ln = La–Lu, and Y; dipic = dipicolinate = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate) have provided detailed evidence of the nature of the interactions between the formally achiral cation and the chiral anions. They also provide a reference point for consideration of related systems incorporating chiral cations with and without the capacity to act as H-bond donors.


PURPOSE: To provide the codeine salt of substd. carboxylic acid which centrally and peripherally has the max. analgetic action and is useful as an analgesic formulated to minimize side effects. CONSTITUTION: The codeine salt of formula I {2-[2,6-dichlorophenyl)-amino]- phenyl}-acetic acid. The compd. the formula I is obtd. by using the {2-[(2,6- dichlorophenyl)-amino]phenyl}-acetic acid and the codeine of formula II at an equal mol and bringing both into reaction in a hermetically closed vessel and/or inert gaseous atmosphere preferably at room temp. in an inert solvent or diluent. COPYRIGHT: (C)1992,JPO


Surface discharges on flexible substrates are attracting attention for their unique capability to generate large‐scale non‐thermal plasma and potential adaptability to complex objects in many fields, like biomedical inactivation and material processing. Two fundamental issues are manufacture of stable flexible plasma sources and mechanism of multiple surface ionization waves (SIWs) propagation on curved gas‐solid interfaces. A polyimide‐based flexible plasma sheet is realized through printed circuit board with a non‐exposed electrode structure for discharge and the propagation properties of SIWs along its surface are investigated by experiments and simulations. Results show that SIWs start near the high‐voltage electrodes, and develop to the ground electrodes in a symmetrical petal pattern shaped by the potential gradient. The counter‐propagating SIWs merge above the ground electrodes, as the electrons' distribution converts from filament channel to a diffuse spatial distribution. Furthermore, bending the flexible sheet can change the charge density above the surface of polyimide, thus affects the space electron number density and electron temperature, but does not influence the overall appearance of SIWs propagation. This work will not only help to understand the surface process of ionization waves, but also benefit further researches on the application of flexible‐material‐based plasma source.


University competitions are held in most Russian cities every year. These competitions include winter poliathlon. However, very few universities have their own professional poliathlon team, as a result the trainers have to work with the skiers. The article is devoted to the problems of the athletes training in poliathlon and improving of this process. In the process of the study it has been revealed that the results in power exercises and skiing are at the average level and the shooting results of both control and experimental group are at the low level. Therefore, the training in shooting requires special attention. To speed up the improvement of technique in shooting it's planned to use the computer simulator SKATT. It can show the athletes' mistakes and correct them; it can help to increase the control quality over the shooting preparation in poliathlon.


Spiroaquilarenes A–E (1–5), a class of sesquiterpene polymers featuring unusual furaneol rings connecting sesquiterpene units, were isolated from agarwood of Aquilaria sinensis and structurally characterized.


Low power consumption, nowadays, has emerged to be an indispensable factor as there is a growing demand for designing efficient computation-intensive systems and integrating more transistors on chips. With a trade-off between area, delay, power consumption, and accuracy, approximate computing has become a promising solution to address the power efficiency problem for error-tolerant applications such as digital signal processing. Adders are imperative arithmetic components in the applications above. As adder participates in the critical path of most systems, reducing the power consumption of them can contribute to the total system power efficiency. To achieve high flexibility and less fault occurrence when using approximate computation, reconfigurable addition can be beneficial by providing different modes of approximate and accurate operations in multi-bit adder circuits. In this paper, we propose a 16-transistor accurate full adder design based on a 10-transistor full adder for which the threshold loss problem, has been reduced to increase the output voltage swing. This 16-transistor full adder is our baseline for the further proposed configurable bimodal design, which functions as a Lower-part-OR (LOA) Adder in the approximate mode. Having been optimized at transistor level, this configurable bimodal full adder, in the approximate mode, consumes 53% lower power than LOA adder. Moreover, in the accurate mode, the power consumption is reduced by 12% compared to its baseline 16-transistor accurate design.


How often do we not hear old people assert that when they were young the climate was quite different; that the weather was warmer or colder, etc.; and even comparatively young people are sometimes of the same opinion. It is most natural to assume that these observers have been misled by the more intense impressions of youth, which cause, for instance, a hot summer, bringing with it more rural pleasures and open-air sports, to be engraved on the mind for life. On the other hand, should the early years be accompanied by much wet weather and storms, these years are perhaps more easily forgotten, as the monotonous and tedious life within four walls to which one is then confined does not leave that distinct impression upon the youthful mind as that of a glorious summer spent out-of-doors. However, the importance of the question and its great general interest demand an investigation of the problem ; the more so as certain scientific theories and hypotheses tend to prove that a change in the climate must necessarily take place.


Background: The incidence of Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is increasing across the world. Finnegan scoring system is the most popular scoring system used in the management of NAS. However Finnegan scoring is lengthy, time consuming, and complex, with many measures being subjective, and operator dependent, and with different weightages for different measures. Hence we proposed a new scoring system NASCORE with 3 central nervous system signs, 3 behavioral signs, …


The NMC's decision to remove Margaret Haywood from the nursing register for a 'breach of confidentiality' is heinous. This decision will effectively destroy her career and livelihood, and only serve to heighten further anxieties regarding whistleblowing in the NHS.


Objective To explore the feasibility of MR imaging for tumor-associated macrophages. Methods BALB/c mice and BALB/c ( nu/nu) nude mice were randomly divided into 6 groups ( before injection, 6, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days after injection) and 5 groups (before injection, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after injection) with each group of 3 animals, respectively. Macrophages ( RAW 264. 7) were incubated with HSA-IONPs ( dopamine/HSA coating iron oxide nanoparticle) containing 20 μg Fe/ml for 24 hours. Then, 5 x 106 labeled macrophages were collected and injected into subcutaneous 4T1 tumorbearing BALB/c mice and 22B tumor-bearing nude mice via tail vein. At different time points described above, all animals performed transverse and coronal T2-weighted MR scans using a 7. 0 T MR imaging unit.After sacrifice at different time points, tumor, liver and other organs were removed and processed for histological examination. Cytotoxicity of HSA-IONPs were assayed by MTT test, Statistics analysis adopt SPSS 11.5, the differences among groups were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The difference was regarded as statistically significant when P 0. 05). There was a significant linear positive correlation between the labelled macrophage numbers and MR R2 values (r = 0. 99 ,P < 0. 05). In 4T1 tumor model, significant low signal intensity was found on T2WI surrounding the necrosis and cystic degeneration 6 hours after macrophage injection, with a signal reduction of 59.4%. The signal of tumor parenchyma showed no significant change, with signal reduction of 4. 8%. Irregular low signal ring could be seen at the junction of necrosis and parenchyma area at 24 hours after injection, with a signal reduction of 46. 8% and the signal loss was restored to 96. 8% around the necrosis and cystic degeneration. In 22B tumor model, multiple small scattered foci of low signal intensity were presented on T2WI around the necrosis and cystic degeneration 6 hours after macrophage injection with a signal drop of 46. 8% and reduced at 24 hours. 2, 3 or 7 days after macrophage injection, the morphology and location of low signal intensity were similar to those at 24 hours after injection on T2WI. But the signal intensity gradually decreased. The presence of labelled macrophages imaged by MRI were verified by pathology. Conclusion MRI is feasible for the delineation of tumor-associated macrophages. 24 hours after macrophage injection is the optimal time point for the assessment of macrophage migration and infiltration of tumor on T2WI. MRI can be used to evaluate the perfusion and neovascularization of tumor 6 hours after macrophage injection.

Key words:
Macrophage;  Neoplasms;  Magnetic resonance imaging


Introduction: Being ignorant or unaware is not expected in a situation like the pandemic of COVID-19 with modern internet connectivity and the era of social media. However, information overload may itself lead to health anxiety. Aims and objectives: This study investigated the predictability of health anxiety with information overload and sociodemographic profiles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 400 caretakers of non-covid patients in a tertiary healthcare medical college. The consenting participants provided their sociodemographic details and responded to the short health anxiety inventory (SHAI), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and Information overload scale (IOS) for COVID-19. Results: A total number of 400 participants aged 35.58 ± 10.57 years participated and out of which 88.2% acknowledged health-related anxiety and 56.8% for excessive use of social media. BAI measured anxiety was mild for 19.8%, moderate for 3.5% and severe for 3%. The linear regression analysis predicted health anxiety by three variables only: total anxiety as measured by the Beck anxiety inventory [β = 0.416, t = 9.318, p = 0.000], information overload (rejection of information) [β = 0.171, t = 3.126, p = 0.002], and excessive use of social media [β = 0.124, t = 2.888, p = 0.004]. Conclusion: Information overload, its rejection and excessive use of social media were found to be predictive of health-related anxiety.


The paper deals with the problems of improving of vehicle characteristics with the new conception of bogies. The goal of research activities is wear reduction of rail wheels and tracks, wear reduction of traction energy losses and increasing of running comfort. For this purpose the experimental rail vehicle with special construction including control algorithms for routing optimization of bogie powered by traction battery is utilized. This vehicle has a rotary bogie with independent rotating wheels driven by permanent magnets synchronous motors and a solid axle. The designed testing control is implemented to the superset control system of this experimental rail vehicle. The traction requirements and curve track radius have an effect to the control. The wheel forces in bogie are measured by large number of the tensiometric sensors and other various vehicle sensors for evaluation of testing control effect. This control including sophisticated routing is verified and corrected according to individual traction and driving characteristics.


Oxidation of isatins (isatin, 5-methylisatin, 5-bromoisatin and 5-nitroisatin) to their anthranilic acids was performed efficiently with sodium N-chlorobenzenesulfonamide or chloramine-B (CAB) in alkaline medium at 35±0.1°C. The reactions follow identical kinetics for all the isatins, being first-order dependence each in [CAB]o and [Isatin]o and inverse fractional-order on [NaOH]. Addition of halide ions and benzenesulfonamide, reduction product of CAB, do not significantly affect the rate. Variation of ionic strength of the medium had no effect on the rate, while the dielectric effect is negative. The solvent isotope effect was studied using D2O. Activation parameters for the overall reaction have been computed. The rates satisfactorily correlate with the Hammett σ relationship and the reaction constant ρ is −0.31 signifies that electron releasing groups accelerate the reaction while the electron withdrawing groups retard the rate. Values of ΔH≠ and ΔS≠ are linearly related and an isokinetic relationship is observed with β=376 K, indicating the reaction is controlled by enthalpy. The stoichiometry of the title reaction is found to be 1∶1. Oxidation products of isatins were identified as their corresponding anthranilic acids and the yields were found to be around 90 %. The observed results have been explained by a plausible mechanism and the related rate law deduced. This method offers several advantages including high yield of the products, short reaction times, easier isolation of products, and stable, cost effective and relatively non-toxic reagents, which make the reaction process simple and smooth.


Purpose of this study : Big data refers to the huge amount of consumer data in a variety of types collected from social, mobile, and local channels. Big data analysis provides unprecedented opportunities for retailers to generate business value by leveraging consumer data analytics. For example, Netflix confidently decided to buy the House of Cards, based on an analysis of the company's subscribers' big data regarding preferred movies, directors, and actors, and made it a big hit (Carr, 2013). That is, the application of big data analysis is already a reality in many industries.


Organisms that thrive under extreme conditions, such as high salt concentration, low pH, or high temperature, provide an opportunity to investigate the molecular and cellular strategies these organisms have adapted to survive in their harsh environments. Thermophilic proteins, those extracted from organisms that live at high temperature, maintain their structure and function at much higher temperatures compared to their mesophilic counterparts, found in organisms that live near room temperature. Thermophilic and mesophilic homolog protein pairs have identical functionality, and show a high degree of structural and sequential similarity, but differ significantly in their response to high temperature. Addressing the principles of enhanced stability and structural resilience to high temperatures environments is important in furthering our understanding of protein folding and stability, and can be quite useful for protein engineering in industrial and biomedical arenas. Furthermore, understanding temperature dependent protein stability can provide valuable insights into aging and certain diseases. This work will present the observations from multiple large-scale studies that show meaningful general principles that can be a potential mechanism for thermophilic adaptation. First, from the analysis of the largest data set of thermodynamic data, the roles of reduced thermodynamic parameters upon unfolding, and their association with the unfolded state are discussed. Next, from a first-principle polymer physics model, the contribution from electrostatic interactions are shown to reduce the dimensionality of the unfolded state in thermophilic proteins. Finally,


Background: It is important to identify the prevalence and risk factors of psychological distress among medical students which not only affect their health but also the academic achievements at different points of time in their study period. In addition, the patient care is affected by psychological distress among physicians such as poor communication, diminished quality of care and medical errors have been found associated with physical stress.Methods: The present study was a descriptive type of cross-sectional study, which was conducted in a government medical college located in rural Haryana, India from June to July 2018 among 200 MBBS students after adopting inclusion and exclusion criteria. A pre-validated, pre-designed structured depression, anxiety and stress scale-21 items (DASS-21) (annexure 2) was used for obtaining information from the study subjects. The total score of the study subjects was computed and thereafter graded for levels of stress, anxiety and depression.Results: The response rate was 94.5%. The mean score for DASS 21 scale was found to be 16.13 (±11.27). Out of the total, 61.4% students are suffering from different levels of depression. About two-third of the study participants (69.8%) were suffering from different levels of anxiety. The prevalence of stress was about 46.6% in the study subjects.Conclusions: The study confirmed the general impression that there is considerable amount of stress, anxiety and depression in medical students.


Background Anemia during childhood remains a major public health challenge especially in Sub Saharan Africa with malaria being a major risk factor. Malaria also accounts for most hospital visits especially in children. Objective This study aimed to determine malaria as a major cause of anemia among under 5 children on hospital bed in State Specialist Hospital, Ondo, Ondo State. Nigeria. Method Three hundred and forty six under 5 children, 186 males and 160 females were admitted with packed cell volume (PCV) of <30% over a 6 month period from April September 2010. Malaria parasite was detected through simple chromatographic test (Rapid diagnostic test) and thick blood film microscopy. Anemia was defined as Packed Cell Volume <30%. Results At presentation, anemia occurred in 346[100%] of the patients admitted, 186[54%] were males and 160[46%] females, malaria parasite was positive in 315[91%] of patients. Children of age 1year had the highest prevalence of anemia which was 101[29%]; the lowest prevalence of 11[3%] was in 5years age group. Males have significant higher risk for both malaria and anemia. Mortality rate over the period of 6months was 4% [13 children died]. Conclusion Several factors contribute to anemia in children in African countries but Malaria remains the number one risk factor. Effective control measure against malaria is however advocated. The low mortality rate in this study shows that diagnosis and prompt treatment of malaria can reduce the malaria burden while effective control is being advocated for.


The present invention relates to reflective insulation the heat-insulating property is improved, the inner air layer (12) (14) multi-layer volume of insulating material 16, 18, upper and lower surfaces of the aluminum surface emissivity lower to the upper and lower film 20 having a ( 22) is formed, and also the upper and lower volume of insulating material 16, 18 between, the well but configured by lamination after the formation of the inner film consisting of aluminum, the surface emissivity is low, at least one inner film 24 has a volume insulator ( with between 16 and 18) to the width is formed into a more narrow 2 duplex compared to laminated upon an inner film 24 of the double layer are bonded between the upper and lower volume of thermal insulation 16, 18 made inside the inner film (24) the air layer 26 is, by configuring such that disconnection with the outside, the air layer, and 26 the air flow to help expand the heat-insulating property to suppress the addition due to this handling and construction and to reduce the thickness of the product to obtain a desired heat insulating property having this Also in order to facilitate, as well as reducing the thickness of the construction surface is a line to increase the space utilization.


Anticoagulation to prevent stroke is a mainstay of atrial fibrillation (AF) management. Patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) may have conditions that fulfil Virchow's triad for thrombogenesis even in sinus rhythm. Previous investigation into the benefit of warfarin compared to placebo or antiplatelet drug in sinus rhythm found a reduction in stroke rates, but with an increase in bleeding. The efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) agents has not been studied.

 To assess the safety and efficacy of NOAC agents in patients without AF.

 An electronic database search for randomized controlled trials that evaluated a NOAC and control drug (placebo or antiplatelet) in non-AF patients with CVD was conducted up until 1 September 2019. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were ischemic stroke and major bleeding, respectively. The net clinical benefit (NCB) was calculated as a weighted sum of rate differences of ischemic stroke and major bleeding. Groups were stratified according to intensity of anticoagulation (full vs. low dose NOAC).

 Twelve randomized controlled trials were identified with a total of 83,008 patients (50,617 on NOAC, 32391 on control drug; mean age 66±2.7 years). CVD included coronary artery disease (78.3%), hypertension (73.7%), diabetes mellitus (34.7%), peripheral arterial disease (30.3%), previous stroke (21.7%), renal disease (22.9%) and heart failure (18.4%). Over a mean follow-up of 17.3 months, 1347 (1.6%) ischemic strokes occurred. Use of NOAC was associated with 28% reduction in ischemic stroke (odds-ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% confidence-interval [CI] 0.60 to 0.87; 1.1 vs. 1.8 events per 100-person years), with numbers needed to treat of 145 patients to prevent one stroke. Major bleeding was increased nearly 2-fold (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.29; 2.1 vs. 1.0 events per 100-person years). The NCB demonstrated overall harm with the use of NOAC agents in this patient population (NCB = −0.28, 95% CI: −0.79 to 0.23). Use of full dose NOAC was widely unsafe (NCB = −0.35, 95% CI: −1.25 to 0.54) and low dose NOAC approached null therapeutic safety advantage (NCB = −0.06, 95% CI: −0.47 to 0.35).

 Patients with CVD are at increased of ischemic stroke in the absence of AF. The use of NOAC agents in this non-AF population reduces rate of ischemic stroke however overall risk of bleeding exceeds antithrombotic benefit. Low-dose NOACs demonstrate a neutral NCB suggesting a point of clinical equipoise and deserve further scrutiny.
 Ischemic stroke vs major bleeding

 Type of funding source: None


The aim of this work is to study damage mechanisms in high cycle fatigue (10 – 10 cycles) of C35 steel under complex loading (multia xial non-proportional loading, blocks loading). Effects of out-of-phase l oading on crack behaviour (initiation, propagation planes, bifurcation...) have been investi gated. Results indicate that there are two principal damage modes; the diffuse damage mode is specific for the torsion loading whereas the localized damage is common for many loading cases. HCF strength is higher for out-of-phase than in-phase t ension-torsion, in terms of applied stress amplitude. Stage 1 crack propagation occurs on the maximum shear stress plane in all loading cases (in-phase and out-of-phase). T he role of maximum normal stress (stage 2) is less determined under out-of-phase loa ding. Loading sequence effect is not remarkable in C35 steel. For lifetime modelling, it should predict correctly the fatigue limit and model completely both stages of crack pro pagation in each loading case.


Unsymmetrically substituted tetrathiafulvalene derivatives containing hydroxy group(s) on side-chain(s) have been synthesized from cyano precursors via either a cross-coupling reaction or a Wittig-type condensation. As deduced from cyclic voltammetry data, the electron donor properties of the obtained compounds have been found to be similar to those of BEDTTTF. A series of radical cation salts derived from these donors has been obtained by electrocrystallization and charge transfer complexes have been prepared chemically by using TCNQ as an electron acceptor. The electrical conductivity of these phases ranges from 3 × 10−2 to 7 × 10−7 S cm−1 which is consistent with their structural features. X-Ray structural analysis of three of the radical cation salts with monovalent closed-shell anions (Br−, ClO4−) indicates a 1 ∶ 1 stoichiometry which implies that, in each case, the donor has been oxidized to the D+ state. In the same way, a crystal structure made of stacks where the donor and the acceptor molecules alternate has been found for a charge transfer complex between TCNQ and a donor derived from EDTTTF. The crystal structure of one of the donors indicates that the flexibility of the hydroxylated side chains appears as a favourable feature for the formation of hydrogen bonds.


A zero-voltage and zero-current switching hybrid full-bridge three-level DC converter DC converter belongs. Dividing capacitor comprising an input circuit (1), blocking capacitor circuit (4), an isolating transformer (5), a rectifying filter circuit (6), characterized by further comprising a three-level inverter bridge arm (2) and the two-level inverter bridge arm (3). Voltage stress two-level inverter bridge arm of the switching tube; three-level inverter bridge arm, which switch voltage stress is half the input voltage, may be implemented in a very wide load range zero voltage switching MOSFET can be selected input voltage zero-current switching can be achieved over a wide load range, to use the IGBT, and the small size, light weight, and good dynamic characteristics and the like.


Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of interlay tympanoplasty on anterior tympanomeatal angle and on puretone average at 1 month, 6 month and 1 year follow up.

Methods: This study was done at department of Otorhinolaryngology, RMRI, Bareilly, India, a tertiary-care Teaching hospital. A total number of 187 patients (86 females, 101 males) were included in this study from April 2014 to March 2018. Age range of selected patients was 15 years to 62 years, 133 patients were having subtotal perforation and remaining having perforation in the anterior half extending upto the annulus.

Results: The anterior tympanomeatal angle blunting and pure tone audiometry (PTA) at the due follow up time was assessed and results were analyzed in terms of angle of blunting and hearing loss detected by PTA. Anterior tympanomeatal angle (ATA) blunting was categorized in three groups as follows <90o,90-120o and >120o. Only 3 patients were having >120o ATA after one year and mean hearing loss (air bone gap) was significantly less after 1 year follow up. There were only 3 patients with remnant perforation, after 1 year of surgery out of 187 cases, with 98.4% success rate.

Conclusions: Interlay tympanoplasty was significantly effective in repairing anterior and subtotal tympanic membrane perforations with avoidance of blunting at the anterior tympanomeatal angle and achieved good functional results.


The Green Bank Telescope is a large flexible structure, requiring rms tracking error ≤ 3 arcseconds against internal and external disturbances. We design an extended state observer (ESO) based controller in various configurations to improve tracking performance and increase disturbance rejection. The controllers are simulated with an experimentally validated model of the GBT. Through the simulations, the response of ESO based controllers and legacy PID controller are compared using time and frequency domain responses. We show that the ESO based controller when implemented in both position and velocity loop can give significant improvement in tracking performance and better disturbance rejection without increase in controller output.Copyright © 2015 by ASME


The high level energy consumption of the building sector is a common challenge faced by human beings. Building retrofit is an effective way to reduce the energy consumption of the building sector. To further promote the transition to a green building sector, many green building policies in the world are published. However, making a systematic whole-building retrofit plan optimally considering green building policies requires to solve a nonlinear mixed integer optimization problem. In addition, the whole-building retrofit project must be supported by a comprehensive and expensive energy audit. This study proposes a simplified optimization method for whole-building retrofit considering energy performance certificate standard (EPC) based on a grouping method and notch test data, aiming at reducing the complexity of solving the optimization problem and eliminating the need of a detailed energy audit. A case study shows that 74% energy savings and an A rating from the EPC rating system can be achieved with a payback period of 51 months.


Shrimp continues to be an important export commodity for Indonesia and contributed significantly to the country's revenue. However, shrimp exports have been frequently rejected by importing countries due to filth, Salmonella and insanitary conditions. This study was conducted to evaluate the profiles of bacterial contamination of ocean and aquaculture shrimp obtained from the area of West, Central and East Java; frozen shrimp and shrimp during industry production of frozen shrimp. The study indicated that both ocean and aquaculture shrimp obtained from the study area were heavily contaminated. On the average, shrimp obtained from West Java were more contaminated than those obtained from East and Central Java. The total bacterial counts were generally higher in ocean shrimp than those of aquaculture ones. Salmonella was present in two of 32 samples of ocean shrimp and in four of 32 samples of aquaculture shrimp obtained from the study area. Vibrio cholerae was not detected in shrimp from West Java, but was found in three out of 16 samples obtained from East and Central Java. V. parahaemolyticus was frequently identified in aquaculture shrimp but absent in fresh ocean shrimp. Studies on shrimp collected from six sampling points during frozen shrimp production revealed that processing will reduce the number of total bacterial, E. coli, and Staphylococal counts. However, the processing did not effectively reduce the incidence of Salmonella or V. parahaemolyticus when the raw material has been contaminated with the pathogens. Sizing and grading as well as arrangement of shrimp before freezing were considered as the critical points where bacteria should be controlled to inhibit growth and cross contamination with bacteria such as Listeria. Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices in production of raw shrimp as well as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point at the line processing are expected to improve the quality of fresh and frozen shrimp.


Soil properties that influence water movement through profiles are important for determining flow paths, reactions between soil and solute, and the ultimate destination of solutes. This is particularly important in high rainfall environments. For highly weathered deep profiles, we hypothesize that abrupt changes in the distribution of the quotient [QT = (silt + sand)/clay] reflect the boundaries between textural units or textural (TS) and hydrologic (HS) stratigraphies. As a result, QT can be used as a parameter to characterize TS and as a surrogate for HS. Secondly, we propose that if chloride distributions were correlated with QT, under non‐limiting anion exchange, then chloride distributions can be used as a signature indicator of TS and HS. Soil cores to a depth of 12·5 m were taken from 16 locations in the wet tropical Johnstone River catchment of northeast Queensland, Australia. The cores belong to nine variable charge soil types and were under sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum‐S) production, which included the use of potassium chloride, for several decades. The cores were segmented at 1 m depth increments and subsamples were analysed for chloride, pH, soil water content (θ), clay, silt and sand contents. Selected bores were capped to serve as piezometers to monitor groundwater dynamics. Depth incremented QT, θ and chloride correlated, each individually, significantly with the corresponding profile depth increments, indicating the presence of textural, hydrologic and chloride gradients in profiles. However, rapid increases in QT down the profile indicated abrupt changes in TS, suggesting that QT can be used as a parameter to characterize TS and as a surrogate for HS. Abrupt changes in chloride distributions were similar to QT, suggesting that chloride distributions can be used as a signature indicator of QT (TS) and HS. Groundwater data indicated that chloride distributions depended, at least partially, on groundwater dynamics, providing further support to our hypothesis that chloride distribution can be used as a signature indicator of HS. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


One of the most critical areas in the manufacturing process for FPD panels or shadow masks for CRTs is lithography. Most existing lithography technologies require high‐quality large‐area photomasks. The requirements on these photomasks include positioning accuracy (registration) and repeatability (overlay), systematic image quality errors ("mura" or display quality), and resolution (minimum feature size). The general trend toward higher resolution and improved performance, e.g., for TFT desktop monitors, has put a strong focus on the specifications for large‐area‐display photomasks. This article intends to give an overview of the dominant issues for large‐area‐display photomasks, and illustrates differences compared with other applications. The article will also present state‐of‐the‐art methods and trends. In particular, the aspects of positioning accuracy over large areas and systematic image‐quality errors will be described. New qualitative and objective methods have been developed as means to capture systematic image‐quality errors. Results indicating that errors below 25 nm can be found early in the manufacturing process is presented, thus allowing inspection for visual effects before the actual display is completed. Positioning accuracy below 400 nm (3 sigma) over 720 × 560 mm have been achieved. These results will in the future be extended up toward 1 × 1 m for generation 4 in TFT‐LCD production.


To predict the most potent indole based HDAC2 inhibitors from several scientific
reports through the process of lead identification and SAR development.
Background: The current scenario is observing Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) as an alluring
molecular target for the designing and development of drugs for cancer treatment.

The current scenario is observing Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) as an alluring
molecular target for the designing and development of drugs for cancer treatment.

To identify the lead and establish structure-activity correlation among indole based
hydroxamic acid to find out promising HDAC2 based anticancer agent.

A dataset containing 59 molecules was analyzed using structure and ligand-based
integrated approach comprising atom-based 3D-QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity
Relationship) and pharmacophore study, e-pharmacophore mapping and molecular modeling
methodologies. The finest model was prepared by amalgamating the properties of electronegativity,
polarizability, Vander Waals forces and other conformational aspects.

The result of 3D QSAR analysis, performed for 4 PLS factor, provided the following
statistical information: R2 = 0.9461, Q2 = 0.7342 and low standard of deviation SD = 0.1744 for
hypothesis ADDDH.10 and R2 = 0.9444, Q2= 0.7858 and again low standard of deviation
SD = 0.1795 for hypothesis DDHRR.12. The XP molecular docking showed intermolecular
interactions of small molecules with amino acids such as GLY154, HIP145, PHE210, HIE183,
internal H2O and Zn2+.

The interpretation of data generated as a result of this investigation clearly hints about
the better biological activity of test compounds as compared to SAHA. Hence, the outcome of these
structure and ligand-based integrated studies could be employed for the design of novel arylindole
derivatives as a potent HDAC inhibitor.


Objective To explore the feasibility,in the field of AIDS prevention and control,on governments' purchase of CSOs' services to conduct behavioral intervention and referral testing among the men who have sex with men(MSM).Methods Through publicity,policy provision,fund support,and a series of supporting measures including choosing social organization,signing service agreement as well as strengthening monitoring and evaluation,the Zhongda Sunshine Group conducted behavioral intervention and referral services among MSM population in Changsha city.Results Totally 1,209person-times' intervention services were provided,447 MSMs were referred for testing services,among which 17 new cases of HIV,32 cases of syphilis were found.Intervention coverage per month among MSM population in Changsha rose from 25.3%to 78.2%.Conclusions The implementation of the project promotes AIDS prevention and control in Changsha,and pushes the "service purchase" model to spread in further practice.


Tropical cyclone formation was markedly suppressed in the western North Pacific during 1998. To explore this, we contrast monthly mean fields for January, May, and July 1998 with climatologies, and with what is known about the preferred regions and mechanisms for tropical cyclogenesis by season. The atmospheric variables of interest include, surface wind speed, rainfall, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), total precipitable water (TPW), sea surface temperature (SST), and upper level velocity potential. Prior to June 1998, the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) warm event of 1997-98 dominated the atmospheric circulation in the tropical Indian and Pacific Ocean basins. A rising motion anomaly was evident just south of the equator in the eastern Pacific. Consistent with this anomaly were increased convective activity, wetter than normal air, and higher than normal SST. A center of anomalous subsidence was located over the western Pacific for the same time period. Consistent with that anomaly were suppressed convective activity, and drier than normal air. The rising and subsiding anomaly pair defines a shift in the Walker circulation that is a signature of an ENSO warm event. This paper argues that suppressed tropical cyclone formation over the western North Pacific is another effect of this signature. By July 1998 the ENSO warm event had terminated and the center of rising motion had shifted westward to the Bay of Bengal in contrast to the climatological position in the western Pacific, east of the Philippines. This resulted in a region in the southeastern Indian Ocean of anomalous rising motion, increased convective activity, wetter than normal air, and higher SST. Compensating anomalous subsidence was again located over the western Pacific in a region that is normally favorable for tropical cyclogenesis. Thus, even though the effects of the ENSO warm event had abated, and even though the SST in the western Pacific were above the climatological SST, the anomalies in the vertical motion of the large-scale circulation were sufficient to suppress tropical cyclone formation.


The necessity of constructing an independent categorical and conceptual accounting apparatus based on the use of developments in the field of the philosophy of science is proved. The approaches of domestic and foreign researchers to the classification of categories in accounting are analyzed. The interrelation between accounting categories and accounting concepts is justified. The general structure of the categorical and conceptual accounting apparatus is considered. The expediency of fragmentation of accounting categories is substantiated. The existing approaches to the categorization of land and related concepts in economic and legal sciences are analyzed. The article substantiates the expediency of using the concept of land assets in the accounting system, which is one of the accounting concepts and is subject to the category of «asset». The authors' definition of the concept of the land assets for the needs of accounting is proposed, and this allows to take into account their role in the economic turnover and does not contradict the rules of the allocation of the accounting categories and concepts.


World economic growth for 2005 is projected at 4.3 percent, measured in terms of real gross domestic product (GDP). The years 2003 and 2004 had growth rates of 4.0 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively. The International Monetary Fund in Washington forecasts world economic growth for 2006 at 4.3 percent;1 this is a constant growth rate compared with 2005, still signifi cantly above the historical trend of 3 percent. The forecast predicts continuously robust economic growth for the United States, China, and India. Middle and Eastern European countries, emerging Asian, African, Latin American, and oil-exporting countries will dynamically expand economic output. Similar to previous years, the economic outlook for Europe and Japan is lackluster (see Table 1).


A hybrid influence diagram is a compact graphical and numerical representation of a decision problem under uncertainty that includes both discrete and continuous chance variables. These models can be used by businesses to detect online credit card transactions that may be fraudulent. By creating decision rules based on merchandise value and additional address and product characteristics, the influence diagram model can be used to develop policies that help businesses decide when to investigate an order's legitimacy. The influence diagram establishes guidelines that minimize the sum of the costs of lost merchandise and order investigation.


Emerging evidence underscores the importance of the gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A key role in the maintenance of gut-liver axis health has been attributed to intestinal microbiota. Intestinal dysbiosis disrupts intestinal barrier integrity, which facilitates intestinal leakiness and translocation of intestinal-derived bacteria or bacterial products to the liver. These foreign antigens trigger an inflammatory response that contributes to the development and progression of steatohepatitis. The intestinal immune system recognizes antigens specifically and compartmentalizes intestinal immune response to avoid inflammation. Key participants in intestinal innate immunity are intestinal mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs), which comprise dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (Mus). MNPs not only kill pathogens directly, but also present antigens to immune effector cells, which elicit innate and adaptive immune responses that limit microbial translocation to the portal vein. MNPs can be subdivided based on expression of CD103 or CX3CR1, whereas CX3CR1 MNPs migrate to draining lymph nodes and initiate immune responses under conditions of dysbiosis. Schneider et al. recently recognized the central role of CX3CR1 in microbiota-mediated activation of innate immune responses, which participated in the procession of diet-induced steatohepatitis. Using Cx3cr1-deficient mice, they concluded that CX3CR1 signaling was crucial in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. Lack of Cx3cr1 expression was associated with reduced numbers of intestinal Mus and increased bacterial translocation. It is noteworthy that the roles of CX3CR1MHCII CD11bCD11cF4/80 Mus were determined in their study whereas CX3CR1MHCIICD11b CD11cF4/80 DCs were not evaluated. CX3CR1 DCs are also key regulators of intestinal immune homeostasis and inflammation as Mus. CX3CR1 DCs are on the front line in maintaining intestinal integrity, which can form transepithelial dendrites to phagocytose luminal pathogenic bacteria directly. CX3CR1 DCs display poor T-cell stimulatory capacity under steady-state conditions while they shuttle harmful pathogens to mesenteric lymph nodes in the case of dysbiosis, where they trigger specific immune response through a MyD88dependent signaling pathway. Niess et al. suggested that CX3CR1-dependent processes, which controlled host interactions of specialized DCs with commensal and pathogenic bacteria, might regulate immunological tolerance and inflammation. It was recently reported that CX3CR1 DCs could up-regulate CCR7 and migrate to secondary lymphoid organs, suggesting a broader role in orchestrating immunity. Therefore, CX3CR1 DCs are essential for both induction of active immunity and maintenance of barrier homeostasis. Despite phagocytosing bacteria or presenting antigens to immune effector cells similar to Mus, CX3CR1 1 DCs may play different roles in recognizing and responding to different microorganisms by producing distinct patterns of inflammatory cytokines. CX3CR1 DCs may participate in maintaining intestinal integrity alone or in combination with Mus to limit bacterial translocation to the liver by multiple mechanisms. Their specific functions can be studied in vivo by generating novel mouse strains, allowing depletion of each cell population. Without a thorough understanding of the activities of CX3CR1 DCs within the intestinal immune system, it is not possible to decipher the role of CX3CR1 in the maintenance of gut-liver axis health. The incomplete evidence might lead to unreliable conclusions. Because the specific roles of CX3CR1 DCs were not examined in their study, can the authors explain the validity of their conclusions in the absence of studying such DCs?


Nowadays,there are lots of electrical equipments used in public,which consumes a lot of electric energy as a result of being used for a long time and without any control.An energy saving control system is designed based on multisensory information,and discussed from several aspects,including existent problems,total framework,realization and experiment results.The system uses closed loop control,whose feedback information comes from sensor and inputs CPU in parallel to fuse information according to decision-making layer mode and outputs in parallel multiplex signals to dynamically control the running of electrical equipments.It can save energy as a result of these control measures,with better characteristics of accuracy,quickness and stability.Several experiments witness that this design meets demand.The system has been applied in a stations for saving energy control.


In this paper, we describe the context sensitivity problem encountered in partitioning a heterogeneous biological sequence into statistically homogeneous segments. After showing signatures of the problem in the bacterial genomes of Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 and Pseudomonas syringae DC3000, when these are segmented using two entropic segmentation schemes, we clarify the contextual origins of these signatures through mean-field analyses of the segmentation schemes. Finally, we explain why we believe all sequence segmentation schems are plagued by the context sensitivity problem.


ABSTRACT Drawing on an unorthodox approach to desire, Belkacem Meghzouchene's second novel, The overcoat of Virginia (2013), finds that opposition activists are probably more frustrating than the regime they contest. Specifying "a lack-based" desire, the trope of sodomy in the novel articulates the ways in which the Algerian postcolonial ruling elites allegedly embezzle the country's resources without any sensible logic except "pure grab", a predatory habit. This article argues that, while building on desire for understanding a postcolony such as Algeria can be insightful, reducing it to sexual assault is indicative of an impoverished intellectuality marked by a paucity of abstraction. Expressions of desire, once inhibited through disciplining the body via a recourse to an alienating temporality such as Islamism (even when not explicit), cannot be counted as insurrectional. Measured against the task of "revamping history", the one outlined by the opposition activists in the novel, the "perverted-desire-as-sodomy argument" leads to a submissive regime of truth. Still, Meghzouchene's characters' conservative outlook encourages readers not to overlook the biopolitical dimension of the postcolonial state, but warns against populist discourse that confuses scandalizing with activism.


Aeroenginge fault diagnosis system is designed and implemented using a hybrid programming of LabVIEW, C and MATLAB. DLL driver for data acquisition instrument is designed via C language, and LabVIEW called which to acquire data. According to the characteristics of aeroengine's vibration signal, this paper designs signal processing and feature extraction module. MATLAB is employed to compile COM component of support vector machine optimized by multi algorithms,and LABVIEW called the component to implement fault diagnosis. Database management module is designed using Database Connectivity Toolkit. The system is tested on the aeroengine rotor experimental rig, and the results not only indicate its high accuracy but also verify the feasibility of the design idea in the paper.


Mechanical seal is the core component of the servo system. It's sealing, reliability and wear resistance depend not only on the structural design of the seal, but also on the matching of friction pair materials on the end face of the seal. On the basis of the feasibility study of ion implantation on the surface of the seal ring, a comprehensive test scheme is proposed to verify the friction and wear characteristics of the seal pair. By selecting typical graphite and rotating metal ring pairs to test and test under dry grinding conditions, changing the linear velocity and the end face specific pressure, the friction and wear characteristics of paired friction pairs are compared and analyzed by using friction and wear testing machine, the influence of load and rotational speed on the pair friction coefficient of sealing pair is systematically studied, and the sealing tribological characteristics are revealed. This paper introduces mechanical-seal work reliability of temperature stress and system test performace based seal pair, the application of these plans will provide a reasonable and efficient technical way for the verification of life and reliability test of ultra-high speed mechanical seal.


Borges L.C., Leonardo A.S., Barreto-Vianna A.R.C., Borges J.R.J., Castro M.B. & Lima E.M.M. 2015. Morphoquantitative description of bovine digital cushion. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 35(7):671-676. Departamento de Anatomia Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, ICC Ala Sul, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Cx. Postal 4508, Brasília, DF 70760-701, Brazil. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com The digital cushion is characterized as a modified subcutaneous tissue that absorbs the shock during gait, assists venous return of the hoof and supports a considerable part of body weight. Digital cushions have particular importance in the pathogenesis of the hoof, since they need to properly work in order to prevent compression and traumas in soft tissues. This study aimed to measure and determine how is the arrangement of these structures, and for this it was established the proportions of connective, adipose, vascular tissues and collagen fibers and collagen types found in palmar and plantar digital cushion of bovine using fore and hindlimbs of twelve adult zebu cattle of both sexes, 11 male and one female, with 269kg average carcass weight and without limb disorders. Fragments of cushions were subjected to conventional histology, cut to a thickness of 4μm and stained with Red Picrosirius. With digital optical microscope, the quantification of the connective tissue and differentiation of types of collagen used the Image Pro Plus® software, and of adipose and vascular tissue, the test point system. The mean and standard error were estimated with the GraphPad Prism 5.0 software, and then data were subjected to Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and Student's t-test with significance level set at 5% for determining the amount of different tissues between fore and hindlimbs of studied animals. In forelimbs the mean and standard error of the connective tissue proportion was 50.10%+1.54, of the adipose tissue was 21.34%+1.44, and of vascular tissue was 3.43%+0.28. Hindlimbs presented a proportion of connective tissue of 61.61%+1.47, 20.66%+1.53 of adipose tissue, and 3.06%+0.20 of vascular tissue. A significant difference (p<0.001) was detected in the connective tissue proportion between fore and hindlimbs. Types I and II collagen fibers have presented, respectively, a proportion of 31.89% and 3.9% in forelimbs and 34.05% and 1.78% in hindlimbs. According to the used methodology, digital cushions had a clear differentiation relative to adipose tissue between fore and hindlimbs.


The manifestation of People's Sovereignty based on democracy led by solemn wisdom in representative deliberations, it is necessary to have a people's representative institution that can absorb and fight for the aspirations of the people to achieve national goals for the interests of the nation and the Republic of Indonesia optimally. For this purpose, a supervisory institution that is credible, honest, brave, and has the spirit of knights and statesmen is required. Supervision is intended as a means of governance that is formulated both philosophically and in the normative formulation so that the administration of government runs and achieves the stated goals. One of the characteristics of a modern (classical) state is the existence of supervision, in addition to the distribution of power and protection and a guarantee of human rights. Article 20A of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (the result) of the second amendment states that the House of Representatives has a legislative function, a budget function, and a supervisory function.


Photomechanical phenomenon broadly refers macroscopic deformation of the polymeric network in response to irradiation of light, driven by strong coupling between photon-molecule-structure. The phenomenon, hence, requires multiscale framework based on different scales and mechanisms in order to understand and design the behavior. A suggested multiscale framework is investigated in the present study, and demonstrated the light-induced behavior of photoresponsive polymer that are reported by experimental studies. A general form of photo-responsiveness is reported, which ranges from primary behavior such as shrinkage and bending, to complex ones such as saddle shape evolution and bifurcation. An optimization based design framework is also suggested as well, to provide prospective solutions in order to achieve desired shape change.


Fuel poverty is a relatively new subject in European political agendas. With the exception of Great Britain, which has been aware of the problem for about thirty years (Walker, Day, 2012), it is only recently that other countries have started to face the matter (among others, Brunner et al., 2012; Dubois, 2012; Tirado Herrero, Urge - Vorsatz, 2010).Indeed, while the specific subject of 'fuel poverty' could be connected to the more general and tricky problems of guaranteeing human rights and individual freedom – including housing (Council of Europe, 1996; European Parliament, 2001, 2014; Sen, 1997), social inequities and the distributive effects of policies (European Commission, 2010b; European Commission European Parliament et al., 2009; OECD, 2011; Sen, 1997; Stiglitz et al., 2009) when seen from a conceptual point of view, the authorities have only recently started to use the expression 'fuel poverty', thereby explicitly recognising that standards of energy efficiency now count as one of the factors used to define liveability of buildings (Comite economique et social europeen, 2013; European Parliament, 2013). However, to date policies have been piecemeal, with no specific package addressing the problem.The dual aims of this paper are (a) to contribute to raising the awareness about the problem, currently only studied by a small circle of experts; (b) to reflect upon the role Sociology could play.


A liberal arts education might be viewed as a metaphor for entrepreneurship. The humanities suggest that the entrepreneur is an artist. History might see entrepreneurs as the true revolutionaries of technological, economic, and social change. A liberal arts education is rich in metaphors that are capable of capturing the multifaceted life of an entrepreneur. A course in film or the theatre might suggest that the entrepreneur is a stage or film director, while a course in physical education might reveal the entrepreneur as a coach. . . . Undergraduate entrepreneurship education should not be viewed as a narrow careerist pursuit, but as giving new life to the traditions of a liberal arts education. -Dennis Ray, "Liberal Arts for Entrepreneurs" Many campuses are experimenting with introducing entrepreneurship into their curriculum in addition to empowering students through campus leadership programs and civic engagement projects that cast students and faculty in entrepreneurial roles. Leadership studies, student programs for responsible civic engagement and service learning, and entrepreneurship programs provide a nexus for new initiatives that will enrich both liberal education and the study and practice of entrepreneurship. The following assumptions underlie my analysis. First, entrepreneurship is a legitimate area of scholarly inquiry and a curricular component that need not be limited to certain departments or schools or to colleges of business. second, the fundamental elements of a liberal education are essential to the development of an "entrepreneurial mindset." And third, both the study of entrepreneurship and the goals of liberal education can derive mutual benefit from curricular and extracurricular initiatives that seek to link the two enterprises. The ideal liberally educated student of the twenty-first century is a lifelong learner who is openminded, tolerant, intellectually curious, courageous, self-actualizing (with the capacity for attaining personal growth, physical and mental health, and spiritual well-being). He or she values education for its own sake, the natural world, the rights of other individuals, the richness of diverse cultures and peoples, the need for community, and the common good. As a learner and citizen, the liberally educated person is actively engaged with the world in all of its complexity, diversity, and dynamism. Such an individual is characterized by an attitude of openness and curiosity, and seeks to make a positive contribution to the future of humankind. In discussing liberal education in comparative and historical contexts, Sheldon Rothblatt observes that one of the traditions of liberal education has been leadership: "As one of the oldest traditions of liberal education, preparation for political leadership dates back to the Greeks and is connected to holism and character formation" (2003, 28). Civic Engagement One of the most powerful developments in liberal education in recent years has been the emergence of a renewed commitment to service learning and civic engagement on campuses across the country (for an overview of these developments, see Schneider 2000). One of the most visible examples of this is the organization Campus Compact (www.compact.org), which currently boasts one thousand member institutions with a wide and growing array of programs designed to promote civic engagement. The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has produced numerous publications and initiated several programs designed to help colleges and universities link liberal education to citizenship and work and encourage experiential learning and applied research through faculty-student-community partnerships. In fact, in 2003, Campus Compact and AAC&U partnered to establish the Center for Liberal Education and Civic Engagement to help put civic learning at the heart of students' academic experience and faculty work. One of the best examples of this kind of institution is Portland State University, which is a model of the engaged, urban university that builds on a general education foundation in the liberal arts and extends to a plethora of programs designed to immerse students in their community in mutually beneficial ways. …