This article examines the tension between the democratic right of public participation on specific environmental issues, guaranteed by European Law, and the degree to which it is being challenged in the UK as a consequence of recent approaches to energy infrastructure planning. Recent trends in UK government policy frameworks seem both to threaten effective public participation and challenge EU planning strategy, in particular those outlined in the Aarhus convention. The research outlined in this study involves an assessment of the changing context of planning and energy policy, in addition to recent changes in legislation formulation in the UK. The research findings, derived from an extensive interview process of elite stakeholders engaged in policy and legislation formulation in the UK and the EU provide a new categorisation system of stakeholders in energy policy that can be utilised in future research. The article concludes with a second order analysis of the interviewee data and provides solutions to increase public participation in the planning of energy infrastructure that emerge from the different perspectives.


The galaxy-clusters move outwards in a synchronous manner, their speeds increasing at the expense of their internal energies; the process is self-limiting and reversible, and this puts the universe in an infinite-loop of pulsations. The model is based on the hypothesis that motion at speed 'c' is the fundamental property of matter, and hence the clusters can move at very high speeds. The model is complete in all respects, is in agreement with observational evidences, does not require any dark matter or dark energy, and predicts the Earth-moon distance correctly. Based on these, I claim that the proposed model is better than the existing LCDM model.


In recent decades, the shortage of natural resources like primary raw materials has increasingly shifted into the focus of public discussion and research. Especially in the resource-intensive construction sector the implementation of a circular economy can strongly contribute to a reduction of primary resource demand. Positive developments can be noticed already, but the desired goal of an effective circular economy is still not being reached. For instance, the usage of recycled raw materials as substitutes for primary resources could be significantly higher.
In order to implement the protection of resources in the construction sector, it is essential to assess resource-saving measures and their impact on conservations as well as stakeholders motivation to implement them. For this purpose, a Stakeholder-based Assessment Model (SAM) is introduced to provide recommendations for political actions and potent measures to foster the circular economy in the construction sector that lead to increased reuse and recycling of construction materials. In the SAM, relevant actors are identified and their characteristics and preferences as well as the level of influence on each other are modelled and validated for Germany. Moreover, available resource-conserving measures concerning the construction sector are identified and related measures are grouped together. Thereupon the influence of measures on stakeholders and their willingness to take positive actions in terms of a circular economy have been investigated and modelled. Relevant model data has been gathered by intensive literature review, surveys and expert interviews.
The results show that measures regarding lifecycle oriented planning of buildings as well as the development of stakeholder cooperation are the most effective ones to save resources and to reduce the disposal of construction material. Furthermore the results demonstrate that a leading role of public authorities is crucial to foster a circular economy.


Optimizing (maximizing or minimizing) is a basic need of human being. There are many real life problems that need the process of optimization; one of it is the problem of finding a maximum value flow in a single commodity network. A maximum value flow in a pure network can be calculated by different methods with different computational complexity. One of the earliest methods is the Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm with limited practical use. Hence, among the different methods this book emphasized on Dinic's method for getting a maximum value flow in pure network (single commodity flow) with very best running time. The method is applied after constructing an auxiliary network (layered network) with respect to the present flow vector in a given network. This process identifies and includes those paths which are important for maximizing the flow amount in the network. To get the maximum value flow, the construction step of the layered network would be carried out repeatedly. The book clearly shows how to use the Dinic's method appropriately and contains clear examples for elaborating the means to get a maximum value flow by the aforementioned method.


ABSTRACT The high-order accurate compact finite difference scheme which belongs to the finite difference methods is constructed to solve the system of partial differential equations with random noise. The error analysis and stability analysis are given and then the numerical simulation is executed. The simulation results verify the theoretical analysis results and have the faster computation speed and higher accuracy.


A compound of formula (I) ** ** Formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R is an aromatic 6-membered ring, a heteroaromatic ring of 5 or 6 membered containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from S , O and N, or a benzofused 6-membered ring containing N as heteroatom, optionally each of said rings substituted by one or two substituents selected from the group consisting of (C1-C3), cycloalkyloxy heteroaromatic ring (C3- C5) alkyl, (C1-C3), cyano, trifluoromethyl, dimethylamino, or phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, or a 5- or 6-membered ring containing one to three nitrogen atoms, X is O or N; P is pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazyl or pyridazyl, each optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of (C1-C3), halogen, trifluoromethyl and cyano.


Three new species of Choleva from the cisteloides group are described and illustrated: Choleva (Choleva) sagittaria sp. n. and C. (C.) rousi sp. n., both from the Caucasus, and C. (C.) fencli sp. n. from the Caucasus and northeastern Turkey. The description of female of C. (C.) zolotarevi Reitter is completed. A key to species of the cisteloides group is given. New distributional data are presented for some species.


Many professionally trained immigrant applicants receive high marks in the selection process for their perceived value to the host Canadian society and economy. Upon arrival, however, many new immigrants find that employers and industry-regulated accreditation boards do not recognize their foreign degrees and work experience. In this thesis, I interview 25 underemployed or unemployed foreign-trained engineers in Vancouver to investigate the diversity of their experiences in the labour market. I focus on how they perceive the obstacles they are facing and how they are responding to these barriers in seeking employment. This thesis is situated in a growing body of literature that considers labour markets as complex, place-contingent, socially and institutionally embedded constructs. Using a "socio-institutionalist" approach, which refutes conventional neoclassical economics' theories of labour markets as free, self-equilibrating, and uninterrupted markets, enables me to compose, then put to work, a multilogical theoretical model that examines the ways in which various institutions control, shape, and govern access to professional engineering jobs in Vancouver. In particular, I draw upon theories of regulatory, social and cultural institutions in the labour market. I find that regulatory institutions, such as the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC), create licensing obstacles that are indeed profound for new immigrants. In addition, many recent immigrants are excluded from local social networks that diffuse information about professional job availabilities; assistance is provided through inclusive immigrant and ethnic networks, but this rarely leads to professional employment. Lastly, many newcomers perceive their cultural institutional affiliation to be wanting, and so pursue Canadian academic credentials in an attempt to gain entrance into the market.


The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the contribution of observer sex, type of rape, multicultural awareness and belief in rape myths to intellectual empathy and empathic emotions of male and female college students toward acquaintance or stranger rape victims. This study also sought to explore if there were interactions between and among these variables which would predict additional variance in intellectual empathy and empathic emotion. The results of the study showed that observers' who read the stranger rape scenario held significantly more intellectual empathy for rape victims than observers who read the acquaintance rape scenario. Participants who endorsed lower levels of belief in rape myths also held more intellectual empathy for rape victims than participants who endorsed higher levels of belief in rape myths. The study did not find support for the hypothesis that type of rape scenario, sex, belief in rape myths, and multicultural awareness contributed to empathic emotion for rape victims. Interactions of the study variables did not predict additional variance in intellectual empathy nor empathic emotion for victims of rape. This abstract of 175 words is approved as to form and content. 111 Changming Duan, Ph.D. Professor of Counseling Psychology School of Education The undersigned, appointed by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, have examined a dissertation titled "The Relationship of Multicultural Awareness and Belief of Rape Myths with Intellectual Empathy and Empathic Emotion for Victims of Acquaintance and Stranger Rape among Undergraduate Women and Men" presented by Tawny A. Hiatt, candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, and hereby certify that in their opinion it is worthy of acceptance. Changming Duan, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Director of Training Department of Counseling & Educational Psychology Laverne A. Berkil, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Counseling & Educational Psychology Diane 1. FI on, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Chair Department of Psychology ?1~r:~ Mal~ E. Linvl~e, Ph.D. Professor Curriculum & Instruction Chia-Chih Wang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Counseling & Educational Psychology Date


A review of existing methods of geometric changes of the working volume of automobile internal combustion engines as a result of which the advantage of engines with a modular cutout of cylinders is proved. The preconditions of load control in petrol and diesel engines in the partial modes by changing their cubic capacity under the part of the working cylinder cutout condition are also proved. It is shown that while carrying out the existing ways of cylinders cutout analysis one of the most effective of them is cylinder deactivation by stopping the piston motion. The design of the conrod free engine with the system of modular cutout of cylinders is described. The functional scheme of the cylinders modular cutout mechanism is given. The cylinders modular cutout mechanism is developed at the Motor Transport Department of the Automobile and Road-Transport Institute of the State Institution of Higher Education of Donetsk National Technical University. The function of each elements of mechanism is described. The results received at the previous stage by making the analysis concerning the physical model of mechanism of cylinders modular cutout on engineless device are given. The design of some elements of motorless device is described. The analysis of the results received during processing the oscillograms shows that time of mechanism functioning is not above 3 msec under condition of 1 kN load on the mechanism.


Computer operators need special armrests to reduce musculoskeletal disorders related to holding the arms, bending the wrists, and adopting other work postures of the hand and arm. It is expensive to replace the existing conventional fixed/no-armrest chairs with ergonomic chairs that have special armrests. This article presents a low-cost and ergonomic solution: a portable, adjustable armrest that can be attached to a chair. The armrest enables vertical (height) adjustment and horizontal movement (i.e., length, width, and direction/rotation movements) to suit various arm positions for keying and mousing tasks. Usability tests show user acceptance and improvements in forearm, hand, and wrist postures.


"Dry syndrome in northwest China" is a common disease caused mainly by dry pathogens,which is manifested by dry mouth,nose,throat and skin,dry cough,restlessness and susceptibility to multiple allergic diseases.Combining theories of various physicians and analyzing the syndrome,Yu Chang found that the theory of autumn dryness provided solid evidence for the differential diagnosis and treatment of dry syndrome in northwest China caused by dry pathogens.


More than 51 isolates of bacteria were obtained from leaves, crushed leaves and rhizosphere of lettuce plants. The bacteria isolates were purified and assayed against Cercospora lactucae-sativae on PDA plate by dual culture technique. Four isolates showed zone of inhibition against the pathogens. The antagonistic bacteria isolate LBF02 showed the highest percentage of growth inhibits against C. lactucae-sativae leaf spots with 80.82% inhibition, compared with the control. Based on morphological and biochemical tests, isolate LBF02 was identified as belonging to the Bacillus subtilis group. The LBF02 isolate was chosen for the formulation development. The formulation contained 40 ml of cell suspension, 89 g of rice flour, 1 ml of vegetable oil and 10 g of sucrose. The biocontrol of leaf spot diseases was tested by using a formulation applied in greenhouse experiments. The result showed that spraying 1 hour before or after the pathogen inoculation on lettuce plants was more effective in suppressing leaf spot disease than simply pathogen inoculation alone. Moreover, the antagonistic bacteria in formulation have the ability to survive for more than 6 months under storage at room temperature and survive for up to 15 days on lettuce leaves.


Drawing on achievement goal theory, self-determination theory and the dualistic model of passion, this study identifies distinct contextual antecedents and subsequent work behavior for employees' h...


Setting the Scene Conceptual Framework Rajasthan Background and Setting NGO and Private Sector Involvement in Rajasthan's Agricultural Development Collaboration and Coalition Building in Udaipur and Other Districts Applying Process Monitoring and Documentation in Udaipur Do Process and Coalitions Offer Opportunities to Multiple Stakeholders? Reconciling Process to Projects


The pyroelectric properties of the crystals of the ferroelectric semiconductor Sn/sub 2/P/sub 2/S/sub 6/ were studied. It was established that at room temperature their pyroelectric parameters are comparable to those of the best known pyroactive materials. It was shown that a change in the technological conditions under which crystals are grown affects the stability of the domain structure.


Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery offers advantages over open procedures, such as improved recovery time, decreased trauma, and decreased hospital expenses. One drawback to laparoscopic surgery is that tactile feedback provided to the hands of the surgeon is attenuated. Additional tactile feedback may allow surgeons to better control grip force and better identify tissue characteristics, potentially decreasing the learning curve associated with laparoscopic surgery. A tactile feedback system has been developed and integrated into a modified laparoscopic grasper, allowing the forces applied at the grasper tips to be felt by the surgeon's hands. Piezoresistive sensors transmit force data to a microcontroller, which then controls a solenoid valve-based pneumatic system. Feedback is provided using silicone-based balloon actuators, which inflate to apply pressure to the surgeon's hand. The actuators are flush with the handles, such that they do not hinder movements during surgical task performance. Preliminary tests have shown successful operation of the system with latency less than 50 ms, high actuation pressures (15 PSI), and high perceptual accuracy of the balloon-based stimuli (≫ 90%).


We describe here methods of estimating interval velocities based on two nonlinear optimization methods; very fast simulated annealing (VFSA) and a genetic algorithm (GA). The objective function is defined using prestack seismic data after depth migration. This inverse problem involves optimizing the lateral consistency of reflectors between adjacent migrated shot records. In effect, the normal moveout correction in velocity analysis is replaced by prestack depth migration. When the least‐squared difference between each pair of migrated shots is at a minimum, the true velocity model has been found. Our model is parameterized using cubic‐B splines distributed on a rectangular grid. The main advantages of using migrated data are that they do not require traveltime picking, knowledge of the source wavelet, and expensive computation of synthetic waveform data to assess the degree of data‐model fit. Nonlinear methods allow automated determination of the global minimum without relying on estimates of the gradien...


Preface Exercise 1. Introduction to the Scientific Method Exercise 2. Windows to a Microscopic World Exercise 3. Functions and Properties of Cells Exercise 4. Movement of Molecules Across Cell Membranes Exercise 5. Investigating Cellular Respiration Exercise 6. Photosynthesis Exercise 7. Organic Molecules and Nutrition Exercise 8. Factors that Affect Enzyme Activity Exercise 9. Introduction to Molecular Genetics Exercise 10. Mitosis and Asexual Reproduction Exercise 11. Connecting Meiosis and Genetics Exercise 12. Human Genetics Exercise 13. Evolution Exercise 14. Functions of Tissues and Organs Exercise 15. The Cardiovascular System Exercise 16. Introduction to Anatomy: Dissecting the Fetal Pig Exercise 17. Organs of the Abdominal Cavity Exercise 18. Introduction to Forensic Biology Exercise 19. Biotechnology: DNA Analysis Exercise 20. Using Biotechnology to Assess Ecosystem Damage Exercise 21. Ecosystems Exercise 22. Population Ecology Appendix I. Game Cards for Ex. 21 Appendix II. Self-Test Answers


Reduction in relative water content (RWC) and photosynthesis (dry matter) is a common effect of salinity stress. In the present study, 7 days old rice plants were exposed to 0 (control) and 100 mM NaCl salinity for 7 days to determine the osmolytes accumulation and relative water content (RWC) in leaves. We observed that shoot dry matter, relative water content and K content decreased significantly with the increasing of salinity. In contrast, Na and proline content excessively increased in the leaves of salinity stressed plant. The results revealed that both the organic (proline) and inorganic (K) osmolytes accumulation may be responsible for stress alleviation by retaining water in cell.


Cardiopulmonary function was assessed in 41 dogs by means of combined right and left heart catheterization and measurements of blood gas exchange before, during, and after positive pressure breathing and electrically induced simulated exercise. Thirty-three dogs received 2,000 R to 5,000 R of x-irradiation to the lungs while 8 dogs served as controls. In the irradiated animals functional abnormalities consisting of an abnormally wide alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient and a larger than normal ratio of shunt to total blood flow during positive pressure breathing were detectable one week to one month after irradiation. Although light microscopic changes were minimal at this time, it is postulated from electron microscopic observation that these functional abnormalities may reflect x-ray-induced depletion of pulmonary surfactant. From two to four months postirradiation, progressively abnormal responses to positive pressure breathing were noted. In addition, the response to simulated exercise strongly suggeste...


Objective:To compare the effects of laparoscopic and distal gastrectomy in gastric cancer treatment.Methods:Sixty-four patients with gastric cancer were divided into laparoscopic group and traditional gastrectomy group.The differences of safety,postoperative recovery,radical effect of tumor and cost of medicine between the two groups were compared.Results:There were no postoperative complications and operative deaths in 30 patients of laparoscopic group and 34 patients of traditional gastrectomy group.There were 3 patients of laparoscopic group converted to traditional gastrectomy during laparoscopic surgery.The operative time,blood loss,postoperative complications had no significant differences between the two groups(P0.05);The time of patients′ exhaust and down bed,and the days of hospital stay in patients accepted laparoscopic surgery were significantly shorter than that in patients accepted gastrectomy(P0.05);the length of resected tissues and the total number of lymph nodes excised were no significant differences between the two groups,neither the total medical costs(P0.05).Conclusions:The laparoscopic distal gastrectomy were safe,effective,economic,and consistent with the principles of cancer therapy.


The validity of mathematical model direct impact the research result of the boiler-turbine coordinated control system. Based on the mechanism mathematical model and system identification method, this paper build a non-linear mathematical model of boiler-turbine coordinated controlled object. By deducing and comparing the corresponding differential equation with another non-linear mathematical model, some results have been obtained, which supplied the theory foundation for the researchers to build an effective mathematical model. Simulation test verifies that this model can exactly reflect the varying trend of the controlled object.


Let A be a generalized continuum, i.e. let A be a connected, locally compact, separable metric space, and let F be a one-to-one continuous map of X onto the plane. A point xEX will be called a cut-point (respectively, a local separating point) of A provided x separates X (respectively, x separates some open set in A). See [7, pp. 41, 61]. By an w-manifold, m^.0, we shall mean a separable metric space such that every point has a neighborhood homeomorphic to an open subset of a closed m-cell. All terms not defined here may be found in [7]. There are several known conditions on X that imply that F is a homeomorphism. In [4] L. C. Glaser proved that if A is a 2-manifold that satisfies several strong conditions, then F is a homeomorphism. In [2] E. Duda proved that if A is a locally connected generalized continuum that has the property that the complement of any compact set has exactly one component with a noncompact closure, then F is a homeomorphism. In [l] the author used Duda's result to show that if X is the product of two noncompact, locally connected, generalized continua, then Fis a homeomorphism. In [S] D. H. Pettey was able to remove the conditions imposed by Glaser and prove that if A is any 2-manifold, F is a homeomorphism. There are several examples of one-to-one continuous maps of 3-manifolds onto E3 which are not homeomorphisms. See [ó] or Lemma 2 of [3]. It is an open question as to whether every one-to-one continuous map of a locally connected generalized continuum onto the plane is a homeomorphism. The purpose of this note is to prove the following:


Abstract The electrochemical behaviour of Inconel 625 and Monel 400 alloys has been investigated in Dead Sea water and 0·5M K2SO4 solution using the impedance technique at several anodic potentials. In Dead Sea water, the Monel alloy is active at anodic potentials ≥ –100 m V; owing to pitting corrosion, while the Inconel alloy is passive up to 300 mV: Above this potential, destruction of the passive layer takes place leading to the formation of two maxima in the phase angle curves, indicating that two different oxide layers are present on the surface of the alloy. The radii of the pores formed at the surface of both alloys were calculated using the Kugel diffusion impedance element. In 0·5M K2SO4 both the Inconel and Monel alloys are passive, up to 500 and 600 mV respectively. Above these potentials both alloys became active. The passivity of the Inconel alloy is explained by the formation of chromium and silicon oxides.


In this paper we discuss some challenges of nuclear well logging related to the lack of the gamma ray and neutron detection technologies capable of operating reliably in the down-hole hostile environment. Different nuclear well logging techniques are described, the parameters of nuclear detectors which would satisfy the requirements imposed by these techniques are considered, and the results of the analysis in the well logging industry demand's for different types of nuclear detectors is presented. The impact of several technological innovations introduced recently in nuclear well logging, including detectors based on LnBr3:Ce and GYSO scintillation materials, are discussed. The possibility of replacing He3 ionization detectors with Li6 glass scintillation detectors is considered. Also some of the reliability problems of well logging nuclear detectors are analysed and their possible solutions are discussed.


Development of the optoelectronic system for monitoring of diamond/DLC (Diamond-Like-Carbon) thin films growth during μ PA ECR CVD (Microwave Plasma Assisted Electron Cyclotron Resonance Chemical Vapour Deposition) process is described. The multi-point Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) and Raman spectroscopy were employed as non-invasive optoelectronic tools. Dissociation of H 2 molecules, excitation and ionization of hydrogen atoms as well as spatial distribution of the molecules became subjects of the OES investigation. The most significant parameters of the deposited film like molecular composition of the film (ratio of diamond sp 3 , graphite sp 2 and amorphous phases), presence of defects and rate of the film growth can be investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. Modular Raman system for in-situ monitoring of the film growth, equipped with fibre probes, was designed. Investigation with use of optoelectronic tools provides important data about CVD process progress as well as enables optimization of DLC synthesis parameters and improvement of synthesized films quality.


An experiment on strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) cv. winter dawn was conducted during December 2021 to April 2022, in Horticulture Research Farm of Horticulture Department, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P) India. The experiment was performed on strawberry variety of winter dawn. There are 16 treatments, viz., T0 (water spray),T1(Zn 0.2%+Fe 0.2%),T2 ( Zn 0.4%+Fe 0.4%),T3 ( Zn 0.6%+Fe 0.6%),T4(Zn 0.2%+Fe 0.4%),T5 (Zn 0.2%+Fe 0.6%)T6(Zn 0.4%+Fe 0.2%)T7 (Zn 0.4%+Fe 0.6%)T8(Zn 0.6%+Fe0.4%)T9(Zn 0.6%+Fe 0.2%) ,T10 (Zn 0.2%),T11(Zn 0.4%),T12(Zn 0.6%) ,T13(Fe 0.2%),T14 (Fe 0.4%),T15 (Fe 0.6%) replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The results of the present investigation, regarding the cultivation of strawberry with different concentrations of Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) found as the best option for higher productivity whereas the treatment T3 with concentration of Zn (0.6% )+ Fe (0.6%) showed the best result in terms of plant height at 30 days to transplanting  (8.1 cm), 60 days to transplanting  (15.4 cm) and 90 days to transplanting (22.1 cm), Number of leaves plant-1 at 30 days to transplanting  (7.3), 60 days to transplanting  (21.3) and 90 days to transplanting  (27.4), Plant Spread (27.2 cm), runner plant-1 (5.9), yield/ha (6.0 t), fruit length (4.3 cm), fruit weight (29.3 g), fruit diameter (3.4 cm), TSS (9.3o Brix),  showed the best results in terms of vegetative growth, yield, quality.  Hence the T3 Zn (0.6%) + Fe (0.6%) is best suited for the farmers in terms of growth, yield, quality and net returns.


Abstract : The U.S. Navy employs several models of maritime combat to provide analytical rigor to force structure and weapon system procurement policies. All of the models currently used are high resolution and deterministic, providing very detailed results but without any measurement of variance or any statistical manner of evaluating risk. This thesis provides the initial groundwork for a low resolution stochastic maritime combat model that may provide an initial evaluation and shape future detailed studies. The framework for the model is a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) Model fed by Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) input and output modules. The simulation loads scenario inputs from XML files forming the baseline values of entities, the rules employed for movement and combat, and the general concept of the scenario. During simulation run, the model makes intermittent calls to an optimization package to allocate weapons based on a multidimensional knapsack problem simulating a networked force. Upon completion of the simulation run, the model generates an XML output that can be later read for statistical analysis and data mining. Because of the stochastic nature of the model, it provides an increased level of analytical quality to its results as well as the ability to calculate the risk involved with the force structure and units employed.


Abstract The article explores the impact and legacy of the 'dictatorship of the truth' exemplified in Gillo Pontecorvo's The Battle of Algiers (1965). Its central claim of realism has left an extraordinary impact on viewers: the film was (and still is) seen as a truly authentic depiction of the Algerian FLN's successful struggle against French rule. Thus, The Battle of Algiers influenced leftwing revolutionary groups, but it was also screened at military academies for training in anti-guerrilla warfare. The image of the 'dictatorship of the truth' has since grown to almost 'mythical' proportions, while necessary questions about accuracy tended to be sidelined. Therefore, it is necessary to scrutinize its central claim—offering a view of an historical event as it 'really' was—not only on matters of bias and historical accuracy, but also along the inherent limitations of cinematic 'realism'.


In this paper, we present a novel contactless gesture recognition system using proximity sensors. A set of infrared signal feature extraction methods and a decision-tree-based gesture classifier are proposed. The system allows a user to interact with mobile devices using intuitive gestures, without touching the screen or wearing/holding any additional device. Evaluation results show that the system is low-power, and able to recognize 3D gestures with over 98% precision in real time.


Monte Carlo simulation has been used to value options since Boyle's seminal paper. Monte Carlo simulation, however, has not been used to its fullest extent for option valuation because of the belief that the method is not feasible for American-style options. This paper demonstrates how to incorporate optimal early exercise in the Monte Carlo method of valuing options by linking forward-moving simulation and the backward-moving recursion of dynamic programming through an iterative search process. To demonstrate the potential of this method, we use it to value American-style options on the average price or Asian options. The computational experience reveals a flexible valuation technique with potential for application to a range of securities and financial decision problems.


This paper presents a low power current-mirror based potentiostat for implantable glucose sensor tags. With a potential-control loop and an error-reduction loop, the potentiostat can accurately capture the weak current from glucose sensors. The design has been implemented using SMIC 0.13 μm 1P8M CMOS process. According to the test results, the liner correlation coefficient of the potentiostat is 0.999936 with the current range of 0~40nA, and the power consumption of the potentiostat is 3.6 μW.


Objective To observe the long-term condition of patients after mitral valve replacement with or without mild aortic valve regurgitation(AR) and discuss whether treatment of AR is necessary during the course of mitral valve replacement.Methods From March 1999 to April 2004,88 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement(with or without mild AR before surgery) in West China Hospital of Sichuan University were followed up for 5 years or more.The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had mild AR based on the result of preoperative echocardiography examination.In the AR group,there were 35 patients including 7 males and 28 females aged 49.26±11.87.By the New York Heart Association(NYHA) grading system before surgery,4 patients were classified as ClassⅡ,26 ClassⅢand 5 ClassⅣ.In the non-AR group,there were 53 patients including 7 males and 46 females aged 48.59±10.22.Using the NYHA grading system before surgery,we found there were 7 patients with ClassⅡcardiac function,39 ClassⅢand 7 ClassⅣ.After operation,all patients were followed up regularly and 5 years after surgery,patients were examined by echocardiography again.Results The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 9 years(6.39±1.26).There was no statistical difference in gender(P= 0.394),age(P= 0.841),preoperative cardiac function(P= 0.960) and cardiac rhythm(P= 0.732) between the two groups.For the AR group,after operation,NYHA heart function,left ventricle ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricle fraction shortening(LVFS) significantly increased or improved(P 0.05).In the non-AR group,after operation,NYHA heart function and LVEF significantly improved(P0.05),while LVFS had no significant change(P0.05).Left ventricular dimensions(LVD) and aortic dimensions between the two groups had no significant difference after


Soil temperature is one of the most important meteorological parameters that plays a critical role in land surface hydrological processes. In the current study, artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed and tested for 1 day ahead soil temperature forecasting at 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100 cm depths. Antecedent soil temperatures plus concurrent and antecedent air temperatures were used as inputs for the ANN models. Soil and air temperature data were collected from two Iranian weather stations located in humid and arid regions for the period 2004–2005. The models' accuracies were evaluated using the Nash–Sutcliffe co‐efficient of efficiency, the correlation co‐efficient, the root mean square error and the mean bias error between the observed and forecasted soil temperature values. The Nash–Sutcliffe co‐efficient of efficiency values >0.94 and correlation co‐efficient >0.96 for all the ANN models show that the models can be applied successfully to provide accurate and reliable short‐term soil temperature forecasts.


We consider a power system with N transmission lines whose initial loads (i.e., power flows) L1, . . . , LN are independent and identically distributed with PL(x) = P [L ≤ x]. The capacity Ci defines the maximum flow allowed on line i, and is assumed to be given by Ci = (1 + α)Li, with α > 0. We study the robustness of this power system against random attacks (or, failures) that target a p-fraction of the lines, under a democratic fiber bundle-like model. Namely, when a line fails, the load it was carrying is redistributed equally among the remaining lines. Our contributions are as follows: i) we show analytically that the final breakdown of the system always takes place through a first-order transition at the critical attack size p = 1− E[L] maxx(P[L>x](αx+E[L | L>x])) , where E [·] is the expectation operator; ii) we derive conditions on the distribution PL(x) for which the first order break down of the system occurs abruptly without any preceding diverging rate of failure; iii) we provide a detailed analysis of the robustness of the system under three specific load distributions: Uniform, Pareto, and Weibull, showing that with the minimum load Lmin and mean load E [L] fixed, Pareto distribution is the worst (in terms of robustness) among the three, whereas Weibull distribution is the best with shape parameter selected relatively large; iv) we provide numerical results that confirm our mean-field analysis; and v) we show that p is maximized when the load distribution is a Dirac delta function centered at E [L], i.e., when all lines carry the same load; we also show that optimal p equals α α+1 . This last finding is particularly surprising given that heterogeneity is known to lead to high robustness against random failures in many other systems.


This paper gives an overview of individualized information provision services, then describes the use of a basic experimental system to investigate constraints on such services, and reports the results. Based on the discovered constraints, the authors perform verification tests to investigate the effects on existing on-board devices of individualized information provision services and broadcast delivery to dedicated onboard devices. Results showed a high probability that use of the simplified method would allow individualized information provision without the need for establishing special operational rules.


This research aimed to optimize the production of furfural by acid hydrolysis of candlenut shell pentosan. Research phases include sample preparation, furfural production with reflux with variations of concentration and heating time, furfural production with distillation, and spectroscopy analysis. It was found that furfural purity of 99,88% was produced after the sample was refluxed under optimum conditions (30 % sulfuric acid for 5 hours).


Objective:To evaluate the apical sealing ability of different methods of root canal filling and different root canal sealer.Method:150 recently extracted human teeth with single canal were divided randonmly into four experiment group(35 teeth of each),in addition to positive and negative control group(5 teeth of each).The root canals were instrumented using Pro-taper file with cortisomol with cold lateral condensation technique(A group),AH-plus with Obtura-II technique(B group),cortisomol with cold lateral condensation(C group),AH-plus with Obtura-II technique(D group).The apical microleakage was evaluated by dye penetration method.Linear dye penetration was measured.Result:There was significant difference in leaked lengths between A group and B group,A group and C group,C group and D group(P 0.05),but no significant different between B group and D group(P 0.05).Conclusion:Obtura-II technique show better apical sealing ability compared with cold lateral condensation technique.The root canals were better sealed with AH-plus than Cortisomol.


This chapter discusses the impact of the European Union on macroeconomic, regional development and immigration policies and governance in Turkey during the 2000s. It also explores the extent to which these changes represent instances of 'Europeanization'. Following the 'policy structure approach', it traces changes in principles, objectives, procedures and instruments of these key policy sectors. It shows that these changes resulted in stronger government policy commitment reflected in increased 'policy intensity' and 'policy density'. All of these changes led to an ever-larger 'policy capacity' of the Turkish state. The chapter concludes that the 'transformative power' of the EU in shaping policy structures, expanding both the density and intensity of these policies and enhancing the policy capacity is overwhelmingly large in Turkey.


The motivation for this extended abstract is to develop an agent-based model (ABM) to capture the existence of migrant and refugee flows, and to explore their effects on urban dynamics. We leverage an extant agent-based model founded on the rent-gap theory, as a lens to study the effect of sizeable refugee migration upon a capital city in West Asia. In order to calibrate and validate the simulation model, we construct indices for housing prices and other factors. Results from the model show the impact of migration shock on the housing market, and identify the relative efficacy of housing intervention policies. Our work progresses towards a tool for policy makers asking what-if questions about the urban environment in the context of migration.


Filter Bank Multi-Carrier based Offset Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (FBMC/OQAM) is a potential technique to substitute the traditional Cyclic-Prefix-based Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (CP-OFDM) in future communication systems. However, as any multicarrier system, FBMC/OQAM systems are sensitive to Sampling Time Offset (STO) and Carrier Frequency Offset (CFO). In this letter, a blind joint estimation of STO and CFO in FBMC/OQAM systems is proposed. To do this, we exploit the time guard interval used in burst transmission mode to transmit two virtual FBMC/OQAM symbols, one at the beginning and the other at the end of the burst. The signal received at these positions in a channel without distortion and without STO and CFO consists only of pure imaginary interference induced by adjacent data symbols. Based on the real orthogonality of FBMC/OQAM analysis/synthesis filters and assuming a known Channel Frequency Response (CFR) at the receiver, we derive a cost function that allows joint estimation of STO and CFO. Numerical results show an improvement in performance in comparison to other existing methods.


Results of computation are presented concerning the CANDU Reactor power costs. Lower values are used for the prices of UO/sub 2/, fabrication, and enriched UF/sub 6/ than those used in the previously published report NYO-9715. (J.R.D.)


General analytical expressions are derived for the average bit error rate of an intensity modulation and direct detection link using unbounded optical wavefront with on-off keying signalling technique propagating under all possible irradiance fluctuation conditions. These expressions include in a single equation the link performance of most of the proposed statistical models derived until now.


The article covers ideological direction as well as the analysis of the reform and changes in the content and meaning of TV programs in the new era. From this point of view, this article focuses on something that would reveal the role and importance of talk-shows in the Uzbek national TV channels.


This paper discusses the rationale behind and approach towards the development of a research environment –the Media Suite– in a sustainable, dynamic, multi-institutional infrastructure that supports mixed media scholarly research with large audiovisual data collections and available multimedia context collections, serving media scholars and digital humanists in general.


An ophthalmic apparatus has an optical system configured to illuminate an eye of a subject with a signal generated by a light source, a first reflecting portion having a reflecting surface for reflecting the signal generated by the light source, and a transmitting section and a light amount detection unit that is configured to detect an amount of light generated by the light source via the transmission section. The first reflecting portion is disposed in a direction opposite a direction of the light generated by the light source to the eye of the subject toward.


Page 4 Introduction Pages 5-7 Chapter 1 – Transference Pages 8-16 Chapter 2 – Discourse Pages 17-23 Chapter 3 – Masters Discourse Pages 24-26 Chapter 4 – Hysteric Discourse Pages 27-29 Chapter 5 – Analytic Discourse Pages 30-33 Chapter 6 – University Discourse Pages 34-36 Conclusion Pages 37-41 Bibliography Pages 42-43


It is an object of the present invention to provide a bending apparatus for bending a strip-like material, which can avoid excessive drag on the web-like material is applied, while the setting operation when the specification is to be formed on the sheet-like material modified is easily performs and reduces the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the bending device. According to the present invention, a bending apparatus for bending a strip-like material is provided to a corrugated sheet-like material comprising a support means for depositing the sheet-like material to its support surface which is formed with the desired corrugations; a feeding means for feeding the support means at a spacing of the corrugations formed on the supporting means, step by step; a bending means which is adapted between a correspondence position in which the tip of the bending means engaging in one of the corrugations of the support means, and a retracted position in which the tip of the bending means is retracted from the corrugations, to and to be moved to bending the sheet-like material along the corrugations formed on the support means on the corresponding position; a low-pressure means, which is adapted between a correspondence position in which the tip of the pressing-down means is immersed in one of the corrugations of the support means, adjacent to the corrugation, which is engaged by the bending means, and a retracted position in which the tip of the pressing-down means from is withdrawn the corrugations, to be moved back and to press down the web-like material that is bent by the bending means toward the support means; and a driving means for performing the bending of the belt-like material by sequential reciprocation of the bending means and the pressing-down means, wherein causing the pressing-down means presses down the sheet-like material.


Ultrastrongly coupled quantum hardware may increase the speed of quantum state processing in distributed architectures, allowing to approach fault-tolerant threshold. We show that circuit QED architectures in the ultrastrong coupling regime, which has been recently demonstrated with superconductors, may show substantial speedup for a class of adiabatic protocols resilient to the main source of errors, namely the interplay of dynamical Casimir effect and cavity losses.


Peer code review, as an effective quality improvement practice, has also been considered important for reducing security vulnerabilities. There is a lack of empirical evidence to quantify and support this claim. Therefore, we propose a research plan to analyze mature open source projects to gather empirical evidence regarding the relationship between peer code review and security vulnerabilities. As a proof-of-concept, we analyzed the Chromium OS project and found that reviewers identified potential vulnerabilities in 32 review requests.


Net electric field changes due to dart leaders in triggered lightning from experiments conducted in 1997, 1998, and 1999 at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing at Camp Blanding, Florida, are analyzed and compared with similar data obtained in 1993 at Camp Blanding and at Fort McClellan, Alabama. In 1997–1999 the fields were measured at 2–10 stations with distances from the lightning channel ranging from 10 to 621 m, while in 1993 the fields were measured at three distances, 30, 50, and 110 m, in Florida and at two distances, about 10 and 20 m, in Alabama. With a few exceptions, the 1997–1999 data indicate that the distance dependence of the leader electric field change is close to an inverse proportionality (r−1), in contrast to the 1993 data in which a somewhat weaker distance dependence was observed. The typically observed r−1 dependence is consistent with a uniform distribution of leader charge along the bottom kilometer or so of the channel.


This paper analyzes problems of current answering systems of online education administration,and proposes a modern answering system model—MASMOEA(Modern Answering System Model of Online Education Administration),which is capable of offering students timely services and enhancing administrative efficiency.


The irruption of the millennial learners shakes the academic institutions that believe in the old pedagogy whose infrastructure is sociologically conditioned by the predigital era. Despite the inquietude of academic institutions, the introduction of new pedagogies as creative responses to the irruption of millennial learners requires a transitional period that is often longer than what we, educators, previously estimated. Starting from the autobiographies of the millennial learners and educators that meet in this era, as well as the rich literature on the subject, this research paper attempts to fill at least temporarily this pedagogical vacuum. This paper proposes connection pedagogy to respond to the irruption of millennial learners in the digital era. Keywords—millennial learner, pedagogical transition, institutional quake, a sense of disquietude, connection pedagogy.


We present an autonomous technique for the detection and extraction of all potential endmembers from hyperspectral imagery. The proposed technique is based on the convex polyhedral model. The computation of the vertices of a minimal polyhedron is accomplished using lattice auto-associave memories as well as other lattice algebra theoretic concepts. A novel statistical data clustering algorithm is used to select final endmembers.


Embodiments of the invention relate to a composition for controlling a target pest, wherein the composition includes at least two active ingredients selected from the group consisting of thymyl acetate, linalyl acetate, amyl butyrate, anise star oil, black seed oil, p-cymene, geraniol, isopropyl myristate, d-limonene, linalool, lilac flower oil, methyl salicylate, alpha-pinene, piperonal, piperonyl alcohol, tetrahydrolinalool, thyme oil white, thyme oil red, thymol, vanillin, and wintergreen oil, wherein the composition causes synergistic control of the target pest.


In this paper we analyze the capacity of a convolutional neural network (CNN) to understand and model color texture. More specifically, we ask the question if a CNN is able to predict the complexity of a color texture image, in particular of a color fractal image. We used color entropy and color fractal dimension to compute the complexity of both natural color texture images from the VisTex image data base and synthetic color fractal images. We modified the last layer of a ResNet-18 CNN so that the network outputs a real number representing the input image complexity expressed either as color entropy or color fractal dimension. We trained the modified ResNet CNN in two scenarios: when fractal images were not part of the training set and when they were part of the training set. We report on our experimental results and draw the conclusions.


Heavy metal pollution is one of the major problems of lakes and wetlands all over world. It is respon sible for causing serious threats to flora and fauna especial ly humans. Kunthbyog is natural freshwater, mid alt itude lake situated at Rewalsar town, Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India 1750 meter above mean sea level. Study was co ndu ted in (2011-2012) to find out heavy metal contaminations a d their seasonal variations in lake, if any. Wate r samples were analyzed for water quality appraisal of lake by ind uctively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer (ICP-ES). During pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons Cd was beyond permi ssible limit (0.01 mg/l), whereas Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, F e As and Ni were within safe limits prescribed by United states environmental protection agency (USEPA) and World health organization (WHO) for drinking water quality. In l ake water concentrations of heavy metals irrespecti ve of seasons, Fe > Zn > As were observed with similar trend, whereas c oncentrations were high especially in pre-monsoon c mpare to monsoon season. Trend of seasonal variations in hea vy metal concentrations observed during pre-monsoon , monsoon seasons were Fe > Zn > As > Cu > Cd > Ni > Mn > Pb and Fe > Zn > As > Pb = Cd > Mn > Ni > Cu respectiv ely. It reflected that anthropogenic activities linked with heavy metals contamination and water quality of la ke. Public awareness regarding fresh water lake should be encouraged to revive its life.


The authors demonstrated a complete organic field-effect transistor (OFET) on plastic with CNTs used as source, drain, and gate electrodes. CNT films are readily obtained over large areas by airbrushing and patterned either using shadow masks or via photolithography and reactive ion etching. Pentacene contacted by CNT source/drain electrodes shows moderate mobility (up to 0.1 cm2/Vs) and low contact resistance.


Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of mangrove plant: Bruguiera sexangula (Lour.) Poir. var. rhynchopetala Ko was analyzed in this paper, which is the first for the genus within the family Rhizophoraceae. The mitogenome sequence is 286,503 bp in length containing three ribosomal RNA genes, 25 transfer RNA genes, and 35 protein-coding genes. Genes ccmFc, rps3 and cox2 contain one intron, gene nad5 contains two introns, genes nad1 and nad4 contain three introns, and genes nad2 and nad7 contain four introns. Genes nad1, nad2 and nad5 are trans-splicing genes. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum-likelihood method positioned Bruguiera × rhynchopetala closely with Citrus sinensis in Rosales.


To evaluate resveratrol as a prostate cancer preventive material, we investigated its anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects in RC-58T/h/SA#4 primary human prostate cancer cells. Resveratrol significantly decreased the number of viable RC-58T/h/SA#4 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Resveratrol showed cytotoxicity against RC-58T/h/SA#4, LNCaP, PC-3 human prostate cancer cells with values of 245, 320 and , respectively. However the cytotoxic potential of resveratrol against normal RWPE-1 cells was lower ($IC_{50}


With the growing need to address the thermal issues in modern processing platforms, various performance throttling schemes have been proposed in literature (DVFS, clock gating, and so on) to manage temperature. In real-time systems, such methods are often unacceptable, as they can result in potentially catastrophic deadline misses. As a result, real-time scheduling research has recently focused on developing algorithms that meet the compute deadline while satisfying power and thermal constraints. Basic bounds that can determine if a set of tasks can be scheduled or not were established in the 1970s based on computation utilization. Similar results for thermal bounds have not been forthcoming. In this article, we address the problem of thermal constraint schedulability of tasks and derive necessary and sufficient conditions for thermal feasibility of periodic tasksets on a unicore system. We prove that a GPS-inspired fluid scheduling scheme is thermally optimal when context switch/preemption overhead is ignored. Extension of sufficient conditions to a nonfluid model is still an open problem. We also extend some of the results to a multicore processing environment. We demonstrate the efficacy of our results through extensive simulations. We also evaluate the proposed concepts on a hardware testbed.


Diabetes mellitus was known to the ancient Greeks who more or less correctly assumed that the victim was literally urinating (Greek o u p o v, urine) himself away. Since 1674, when Sir Thomas Willis suggested that diabetics should have gummy and starchy food, a lot has been written. Satisfactory adequately controlled studies have yet to be done to establish the role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and many studies have lead to contradictory findings and controversial conclusions. In some cases the disease is associated with metal abnormallties and in some of these, correction of the abnormality would affect a cure. Much work, however, remains to be done to pin—point these cases.


We estimate the stellar parameters of late K- and early M-type Kepler target stars. We obtain medium-resolution visible spectra of 382 stars with KP − J > 2 (≃K5 and later spectral type). We determine luminosity class by comparing the strength of gravity-sensitive indices (CaH, K i, Ca ii, and Na i) to their strength in a sample of stars of known luminosity class. We find that giants constitute 96% ± 1% of the bright (KP < 14) Kepler target stars, and 7% ± 3% of dim (KP > 14) stars, significantly higher than fractions based on the stellar parameters quoted in the Kepler Input Catalog (KIC). The KIC effective temperatures are systematically (110+15 − 35 K) higher than temperatures we determine from fitting our spectra to PHOENIX stellar models. Through Monte Carlo simulations of the Kepler exoplanet candidate population, we find a planet occurrence of 0.36 ± 0.08 when giant stars are properly removed, somewhat higher than when a KIC log g > 4 criterion is used (0.27 ± 0.05). Last, we show that there is no significant difference in g − r color (a probe of metallicity) between late-type Kepler stars with transiting Earth-to-Neptune-size exoplanet candidates and dwarf stars with no detected transits. We show that a previous claimed offset between these two populations is most likely an artifact of including a large number of misidentified giants.


The specific objective of this article is to describe a system using virtual reality concepts which allows the user to simulate and evaluate the performance of a control law design, including aircraft dynamics, in a visual manner. In this system, the computer controlled plane flies using the control laws under study while a virtual hand (controlled by a glove device) represents the target which the computer plane tries to fly to. In this way, the glove can be used to input evasive maneuvers while the computer controlled plane is observed to determine responsiveness and integrity. The computing platform used for this system is a 33 MHz, 80486 based personal computer. The glove input device is the Mattel PowerGlove modified for use on the computer. Stereo vision is provided by a pair of Sega shuttering lenses. The system software was developed using Borland's Turbo C++ compiler and is written entirely in the language "C". The graphics and interfacing software is provided by a public domain rendering library entitled "Rend386". The specific results obtained after developing the system include: the creation of a flexible, modular system which can be expanded as the need arises, a unique interface which provides an intuitive means to evaluate complicated control systems, the entire system is simple in design and is easily implemented using "off the shelf" virtual reality components (gloves, glasses, etc.).


Reduced cost interconnect for shaving razor cartridges. The base member is injection molded as a single continuous mass. The base member defines at least one air gap that may receive the mass increasing member. The base member has a handle portion formed integrally with the integral hinge and the interconnecting feature. The interconnecting function part is biased so as to be detachably engaged with the piece interconnecting function part of the blade cartridge. The elastomer reinforcement is molded over and over the base member to improve the structural integrity of the integral hinge. [Selection] Figure 3


This paper suggests the Complexity Theory as being a new conceptual basis that is capable of adapting administration to the kind of environment that contemporary organizations deal with. Then, a management approach "Complex Administration" is presented that aims at bringing the knowledge from this new science to the organizational universe. Based on the so called "complex adaptive systems", the key-concepts for our approach are established. Therefore, autonomy, cooperation, aggregation and self-organization are suggested as principles of "Complex Administration". Hopefully, by focusing on these four points, managers will be able to accomplish their task of influencing organizational performance. Aiming at demonstrating our approach, we present a case study carried out in a Brazilian industrial organization, which had developed an autonomous management system in one of its plants. This system illustrates the new role played by manager, who goes from commanding and controlling to autonomous individuals coaching.


C. Chu, "State-of-the-Art Review of Steamflood Field Projects," J. Pet. Tech., 37 [10] 1087–902 (1985). SPE 11733 R. C. Earlougher, "Some Practical Considerations in the Design of Steam Injection Wells," J. Pet. Tech., 21 [1] 79–86 (1969). SPE 2202 R. M. Butler, "SAGD Comes of Age," J. Can. Pet. Tech., 37 [7] 9–12 (1998). R. M. Butler, "Application of SAGD, Related Processes Growing Canada," Oil Gas J., 99 [20] 74–8 (2001). H. F. W. Taylor, "Structure and Composition of Hydrates", 7th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement, 1, PII 2/1–13, Editions Septima, Paris, France, 1980. L. H. Eilers and R. L. Root, "Long-Term Effects of High Temperature on Strength Retrogression of Cements"; Fall Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, October 6–9, 1974, Houston, Texas, SPE 5028 Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, Texas, 1974. L. H. Eilers, E. B. Nelson, and L. K. Moran, "High Temperature Cement Compositions Pectolite, Scawtite, Truscottite or Xonotlite Which Do You Want?" J. Petrol. Tech., 35 [7] 1373–7 (1983). R. I. Harker, "Dehydration Series in the System CaSiO3-SiO2-H2O," J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 47, 521–9 (1964). N. Mellor, K. Kyritsis, and C. Hall, "The Mineralogy of the CaO-Al2O3SiO2-H2O (CASH) System from 200 to 350°C," Cem. Concr. Res., 39, 45–53 (2009). H. F. W. Taylor, The Chemistry of Cements. Academic Press, London, 1964. H. F. W. Taylor, Cement Chemistry, 2nd edition. Thomas Telford, London, 1997. K. Luke, H. F. W. Taylor, and G. L. Kalousek, "Some Factors Affecting Formation of Truscottite and Xonotlite at 300-350°C," Cem. Concr. Res., 11, 197–203 (1981). K. Luke and H. F. W. Taylor, "Equilibria and Non-Equilibria in the Formation of Xonotlite and Truscottite," Cem. Concr. Res., 14, 657–62 (1984). S. Hiroyoshi and M. Grutzeck, "Effect of Starting Materials on the Synthesis of Tobermorite," Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., 245, 235–40 (1992). E. B. Nelson and V. Barlet-Gouedard, "Thermal Cements"; pp. 335–6 in Well Cementing, Edited by E. B. Nelson and D. Guillot. Schlumberger, Sugarland, Texas, 2006. G. DeBruijn, A. Garnier, R. Brignoli, D. Bexte, and D. Reinheimer, "Flexible Cement Improves Wellbore Integrity in SAGD Wells", pp. 1269–86 in SPE/IADC Drilling Conference and Exhibition 2009 Proceedings, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, TX, 2009. API/ISO 10426-1-2001, Specification for Cement and Materials for Well Cementing. API Specification 10A (Twenty-third Edition), Washington, DC, USA, 2002. API/ISO 10426-2-2003, Recommended Practice for Testing Well Cements. API RP 10B-2 (Fifth Edition), Washington, DC, USA, 2005. J. M. Makar and G. W. Chan, "End of the Induction Period in Ordinary Portland Cement as Examined by High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy," J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 91, 1292–9 (2008). ASTM, ASTM C348 08 Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2008. W. C. Oliver and G. M. Pharr, "Improved Technique for Determining Hardness and Elastic Modulus Using Load and Displacement Sensing Indentation Experiments", J. Mater. Res., 7, 1564–80 (1992). H. W. Lilliefors, "On the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test for Normality with Mean and Variance Unknown," J. Am. Stat. Assoc., 62, 399–402 (1967). D. Downing and J. Clark, Statistics the Easy Way. Barron's, Hauppauge, New York, 1997. N. B. Milestone and K. G. Ahari, "Hydrothermal Processing of Xonotlite Based Compositions," Adv. App. Cer., 106, 302–8 (2007). X. Huang, D. Jiang, and S. Tan, "Novel Hydrothermal Synthesis Method for Tobermorite Fibers and Investigation on Their Stability," Mater. Res. Bull., 37, 1885–92 (2002). J. M. Makar and K. Luke, "Impact of Steam Treatment on the Microstructure and Chemistry of Cured Oil Well Cements", to be presented at the 13th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement, Madrid, 2011. H. F. W. Taylor, "The Transformation of Tobermorite into Xonotlite", Mineral. Mag., 32, 110–6 (1959). S. Diamond, "Cement Paste Microstructure – An Overview at Several Levels"; pp. 3–23 in Hydraulic Cement Pastes: Their Structure and Properties, Edited by C.A. Association. Cement and Concrete Association, Wexham Springs, Slough, UK, 1976. V. S. Ramuchandran, R. F. Feldman, and J. J. Beaudoin, Concrete Science. Heyden and Sons, London, 11–14, 1981. I. Odler and M. Rosler, "Investigations on the Relationship Between Porosity, Structure and Strength of Hydrated Portland Cement Pastes: II. Effect of Pore Structure and of Degree of Hydration," Cem. Concr. Res., 15, 401–10 (1985). K. Kyritsis, C. Hall, D. P. Bentz, N. Meller, and M. A. Wilson, "Relationship Between Engineering Properties, Mineralogy, and Microstructure in Cement-Based Hydroceramic Materials Cured at 200–350°C," J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 92 [3] 694–701 (2009). K. Luke, "Phase Studies of Pozzolanic Stabilized Calcium Silicate Hydrates at 180°C," Cem. Concr. Res., 34, 1725–32 (2004). J. W. Anthony, R. A. Bideaux, K. W. Bladh, and M. C. Nichols, eds., Handbook of Mineralogy. Mineralogical Society of America, Chantilly, VA 201511110, USA. http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/; Accessed May 27, 2011. E. B. Nelson and L. H. Eilers, "Cementing Steamflood and Fireflood Wells – Slurry Design," J. Cdn. Petr. Tech., 24 [5], 58–63 (1985). h


Nowadays the use of data mining has been increasing rapidly in many areas like research applications, medical applications, healthcare applications, etc. The data mining applications really providing great applications for all areas due to its huge amount of data related to different types of data which was related to different types of areas in the storage servers, one of the problem with this mining applications is how to get the relevant data from the huge amount of data, many research and development applications are providing different types of solutions to retrieve the data from the mining. Once data was retrieved from the servers the users easily can solve their problems from their homes, for example, online doctor's information systems. In the olden days when the information technology is not vastly distributed the patient doesn't know the doctor's availability the success percentage of doctor treatment, how many doctors are available in their city, etc. This manuscript was proposing the algorithm for the healthcare system which is called query facets algorithm, which can fetches data from the server based on the query


The concept of digital scholarship is much discussed. Most writing on scholarship takes its cue from the work of Boyer (1990). Boyer was a senior figure in higher education, at one point Chancellor of the State University of New York who developed an account of what it means to be a scholar. He developed a view on teaching and research activities in the modern university and came up with a conceptualization of scholarship encompassing four-dimensional functions....


The model of third-degree price discrimination was used to derive the optimal coupon discount rate. Results showed that the optimal discount rate is related to the price elasticity of demand for restaurant sales in the market that do not involve coupons (the first market) and in the market with coupons (the second market). In light of the theoretical and data evidence, we also found that the price elasticity of demand for restaurant sales in both markets (with and without coupons) is elastic, and greater in the second market (with coupons) than in the first market (without coupons).


A new formal method of solving first passage problems is developed and applied to the multiple scattering equation for the simplest cases of single-and double-sided boundaries. The latter problem is also treated by an alternative method which enables the moments of the distribution to be calculated more readily.


Department of Chemistry, Division of Molecular & Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang 790-784, KoreaReceived July 25, 2002Key Words : β-Mannosylation, Anomeric selectivity, Intramolecular aglycon delivery, Lanthanide ion coor-dinationA great deal of attention has been given to the develop-ment of glycosylation methodologies in connection withincreasing importance of glycoconjugates, e.g. glycoproteinsand glycolipids, in biological events such as fertilization,immune response, viral and parasitic infection, cell growth,cell to cell adhesion and inflammation.


Hamka said that morality is the essence of the mind that is inwardly and has been stumbled, so that it causes temperament without thinking, either noble or despicable. Thus, what is meant by moral management is how to regulate, manage, and manage matters related to morality so that good and noble character is achieved following what is ordered. The formulation of the problem in this paper is how is the moral management in Surah al-Isra` from verses 23-39 according to Hamka contained in al-Azhar's interpretation?. So the purpose of writing is to find answers to these questions using a descriptive-analytic approach. The research method in this paper is a research library or literature review


Pedagogical competence is the ability to teach the students in the entire learning process. This compe tence could be seen from three main things that are how th e teacher planning, managing and assessing the lear ning process. Different personality and ability among the student s require teacher capable fulfilling all students' needs through inclusive setting. This is prominent since inclusiv e setting become an education standard in all regio n n Indonesia. Both academic and nonacademic skills of the SWDs student s should be met to align it with the aim of inclusiv e education that is the education for all. The purpose of this resea rch is to know the teacher's pedagogical competence for SWDs students in the inclusive elementary school of Klampis Ngase m 1 Surabaya. This research used a qualitative appr oach with a descriptive method which describes ten indicators of pedagogical competence of the teachers dealing with the SWDs students in every inclusive class in Klampis Ngasem lementary school 1 Surabaya. The researcher used three types of a qualitative research study of documentation or text , observation, and the interview. Data analysis used is the data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The result showed that the teacher who had a primary education background and teaching experience met the indicators of teacher's pedagogical competence. Evidenced by nine out of te n indicators met in the category one which consists of the teacher wit h a primary education background and teacher with te aching experience for 21 years. For category two which consi st of the teacher who graduated from non-primary edu cation background only fulfilled four out of ten indicator s. This research also proves the theory which states the competence of professional teacher is based on the teacher's skil l, teaching experience, and the teacher's education al background. These three aspects hold an essential role in forming the teachers' pedagogical competence.


cis-5,7-Dimethylcyclohepta-1,3-diene, which is readily available using organoiron chemistry, was converted to all cis-3,7-diacetoxy-4,6-dimethylcycloheptene (5), which was subjected to asymmetric enzymatic hydrolysis to give hydroxy acetate (6), and this compound was converted in four steps to the (+)-Prelog–Djerassi lactone having high optical purity.


The innovation process may be divided into three areas: the fuzzy front end (FFE), the new product development (NPD) process, and commercialization, as indicated in Figure 1-1.1 The first part—the FFE—is generally regarded as one of the greatest opportunities for improvement of the overall innovation process.2 Many companies have dramatically improved cycle time and efficiency by implementing a formal Stage-GateTM (Cooper 1993) or PACE (McGrath and Akiyama 1996) approach for managing projects in the NPD portion of the innovation process. Attention is increasingly being focused on the front-end activities that precede this formal and structured process in order to increase the value, amount, and success probability of high-profit concepts entering product development and commercialization. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with the most effective methods, tools, and techniques for managing the FFE.3 The chapter begins with a brief discussion of the literature and the rationale for developing the new concept development (NCD) model. The next section describes the NCD model. The remaining sections provide a description of the most effective methods, tools, and techniques to be used in each part of the NCD model.


Abstract Atmospheric compensation has been demonstrated using a liquid crystal light valve as a monolithic, integrated, wavefront sensor-corrector in a closed loop, all-optical configuration. For successful demonstration of this device, liquid crystal candidates were surveyed for high birefringence and fast time response in the blue region. BDH-E44 was selected with the highest figure of merit and a birefringence of 0.342 at 410 nm. Accelerated photostability studies indicated that the exclusion of oxygen/moisture extended the LC lifetime by twofold, while photo-exposure and applied electrical signal limited the lifetime due to photoinduced electrochemical degradation. A sealed BDH-E44 test cell after 60 Wh/cm2 of 405 × 20 nm light and electrical exposure exhibited 3% decrease in the effective δn and a 12% shift in the operating voltage. However, the LC recovered from the sealed test cell after photo exposure showed no significant change in composition.


While the growing supply of university skills is known to have agglomerated towards the large centers in Finland, there is no research knowledge available on the development of regional demands. This paper attempts to fill this gap by analyzing regional variation in the private-sector return to university education in Finland for the period 1970-2004. In the analysis, we focus on studying 1) whether there are differences in the return to university between different region types, and 2) to what extent can these differences - if they exist - be explained by differences in regional skill supply and unemployment. For the econometric analysis, we use a large register-based dataset constructed by Statistics Finland and an estimation strategy that takes into account the possible nonlinearities in the effects of the regional variables, as well as biases arising from sample selection and endogeneity of education.


An overview of studies of aerothermodynamics and atmospheric pollution at mining facilities using computational fluid dynamics software systems (CFD modeling) has been presented. Both specialized and non-specialized software are marked. The review focuses on the studies performed using the FLOWVISION, ANSYS FLUENT and COMSOL software codes. An aerothermodynamic model of the atmosphere is described in which the equations of dynamics in the incompressible fluid approximation are supplemented by the heat transfer equation and the parameters of Coriolis, convection (buoyancy), background stratification and radiation flux. The necessary modifications in the COMSOL software are described, which make it possible to carry out studies of atmospheric aerothermodynamics under various atmospheric conditions. A two-dimensional CFD model of the atmosphere has been built and tested on a simplified representation of the tailings dump. At a fixed wind flow velocity of 5 m/s and variations in the background stratification parameter (from –0.05 to +0.05 °C/m), numerical experiments have been performed and the calculation results have been analyzed. Differences in the aerodynamic parameters of the flows and the spatial distribution of temperature under different atmospheric conditions are noted. Estimates of the dynamic velocity at the dusting height and the vertical mass flux using the empirical dependence of the dusting intensity are performed. The analytical dependence of the vertical mass flux as a function of the stratification parameter is discussed. The asymmetry (relative to the neutral state of the atmosphere) of the magnitude of the vertical mass flux in comparison with the unstable and inversion states is shown. In stable atmospheric conditions, the magnitude of the vertical flux of the dust mass, and hence the pollution of the atmosphere downstream, will be noticeably higher than in unstable states.


In this work, the reaction of a S. pasteuri carotenoid cleavage enzyme (SpCCE) was elucidated by using bicyclic and monocyclic substrates to produce products. The optimal conditions were obtained to increase the product contents by applying quadratic polynomial stepwise regression analysis. Four mathematical models were established. The effect of pH, temperature (T), time (t), and their interaction on the amounts of apocarotenoids was investigated by path coefficient analyses under the optimized analytical conditions. The largest direct path coefficient in products cleaved from β-carotene (-25.9647, p < 0.01) and canthaxanthin (9.1153, p < 0.01) by SpCCE were explained by incubation time. While, pH×T interaction contributed more in total z1 and z2 contents (40.7541, p < 0.01), and pH×t interaction affected more on the contents of a1 and a2 (40.5796, p < 0.01). Moreover, the optimal pH values were 4.5, 4.5, 4.5 and 4.0 for getting the maximal contents of β1, z1 and z2, a1 and a2, c1 and c2 respectively. Analogously, the optimal values of temperature for products of β1, z1 and z2, a1 and a2, c1 and c2 were 30, 30, 33 and 30C. The optimal incubation time was 15, 13, 45 and 41 min respectively.


Background. The evaluation of the accuracy of an estimation model for software fault-proneness is carried out by using the model with data collected on a set of software modules and classifying the modules in the set as either estimated faulty or estimated non-faulty. This classification usually involves setting a fault-proneness threshold: software modules whose fault-proneness is above that threshold are classified as estimated faulty and the others as estimated non-faulty. The selection of the threshold value is to some extent subjective and arbitrary, and different threshold values may lead to very different results in terms of classification accuracy.
 Objective. With our proposal, the accuracy of a fault-proneness model can be evaluated without fixing a threshold.
 Method. We first derive a property of Binary Logistic Regression fault-proneness estimation models. We show that the number of actually faulty software modules in the training set used to build a model is equal to the number of modules estimated faulty in that set, i.e., estimation is perfect on the training set. Then, we use the model on a different set, the test set, and estimate the number of faulty modules. We also estimate the number of faulty modules in the test set by using a more conventional approach with five different fault-proneness thresholds, and we finally compare the estimates with the estimates obtained via our approach. We carried out the empirical validation on a data set from NASA hosted on the PROMISE repository, by using a technique similar to the one used in K-fold cross validation.
 Results. In the empirical validation we carried out, the approach we propose is able to estimate the number of faulty modules in the test sets better than the threshold-based ones, in a statistically significant way.
 Conclusions. Our approach seems to have the potential to be practically used to accurately estimate the number of faulty modules without having to set specific fault-proneness thresholds.


A new type of redescending M-estimators is constructed, based on data augmentation with an unspecified outlier model. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the convergence of the resulting estimators to the Hubertype skipped mean are derived. By introducing a temperature parameter the concept of deterministic annealing can be applied, making the estimator insensitive to the starting point of the iteration. The properties of the annealing M-estimator as a function of the temperature are explored. Finally, two applications are presented. The first one is the robust estimation of interaction vertices in experimental particle physics, including outlier detection. The second one is the estimation of the tail index of a distribution from a sample using robust regression diagnostics.


The ultra-high voltage DC tie line is equipped with a large-capacity supporting power supply. The coupling between its operation mode and the clearing results of inter-provincial power transactions is complex. Therefore, the intra-provincial and inter-provincial AC circuit power flow must be decoupled to ensure the construction of an equivalent DC topology. On the other hand, the section power flow and the stability limit are boundaries of each other, and the power flow interval division of some sections constrains the stability limit of other DC lines. These cross-section power flow interval constraints do not contain each other, and each constraint constitutes a separate optimization decision problem, so it is impossible to establish a unified mathematical programming problem to solve at one time. In this paper, the pruning algorithm is used to simplify the problem and ensure the rapid optimization and clearing of inter-provincial power transactions.


The complicated historical relationship between ideas about homosexuality and concepts of "the family" in American culture makes the idea of gay and lesbian families-"chosen" or "created"-a provocative one in the study of American kinship. Insofar as lesbians and gay men have been ideologically excluded from the realm of kinship in American culture (Weston 1991:4-6), it is perhaps not surprising that claims to the legitimacy of gay and lesbian family configurations are often articulated and contested in terms of their perceived difference from (or similarity to) normative ideologies of "the American family." In her pivotal work, Families We Choose (1991), Kath Weston argues for the distinctiveness of a certain configuration of gay and lesbian kinship in which biological ties are decentered and choice, or love, becomes the defining feature of kin relationships. For Weston, gay and lesbian chosen families are neither derivative of, nor substititutes for, "straight," biological families; rather, they are distinctive in their own right (1991:210). Ellen Lewin takes a markedly different approach to the value of distinctiveness in her recent book, Lesbian Mothers (1993). By her own account exceeding the goal of her earlier work on maternal custody strategies-showing that lesbian mothers are "just as good" as heterosexual mothers-Lewin finds that "motherhood" in American culture constitutes a defining feature of womanhood that indeed supersedes the "difference" of lesbian identity (1993:3). In this reading, there is nothing particularly unique about the ways in which lesbian mothers negotiate relatedness and relationships. Though they are not explicitly foregrounded in such terms, I would argue that these two pivotal ethnographies together suggest that "biology," broadly conceived, is a crucial axis around which claims to the "distinctiveness" of gay and lesbian kinship revolve. Thus the relative centrality of biology in gay and lesbian families might be seen to signal a corollary assimilation into, or depar-


This article studies the effect of process parameters on the grindability of Ti-6Al-4V and particulate reinforced titanium matrix composites (PTMCs) comparatively, using the wheels of white alundum (WA) and cubic boron nitride (CBN) respectively. The processing variables, such as grinding force, grinding temperature, specific energy were investigated in detail. The results indicate that the grinding force and temperature with WA wheels were obviously larger than that of CBN wheels. The specific energy of Ti-6Al-4V and PTMCs decreased gradually with the increase in the maximum underformed chip thickness using the two different wheels.


ABSTRACT One of the advantages of applying the agile SCRUM methodology within the software
development process is that it is based on a set of good practices, which facilitate teamwork,
increasing the productivity of the staff that develops software, and obtaining the best possible
result in the execution of the entire life cycle of a project. The objective of this paper is to implement the SCRUM methodology in the Software
Development Section of the National Communications Office of the National Police, since
they do not use any methodology for software development.
KEY WORDS: Scrum, Policia Nacional, DINACOM, Methodology


Smart grid gives us to more effective life for our nature. Government announced that "Smart Grid construction and promotion law" on last May. This law defined 3 parts of certification in smart grid industry. Certification of smart grid home and building in one of 3 parts as smart device and equipment, service and building need to set the definition and policy for the act and plan. Also we need a information to status of other test and certification about building and energy. We study to the status of domestic certification of building and energy in this paper.


Since 1993, Michigan Tech has ofiered a course aimed at improving the spatial skills of incoming engineering students who have a demonstrated weak- ness in ability as measured by the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Rotations (PSVT:R). In the fall of 2000, this course was altered dramatically in terms of both content and instructional delivery method. The original model for improving spatial visualization skills adopted at Michigan Tech included a 3-credit (quarter system) course. The course met for two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour computer lab per week over a 10-week period. In the new version of the course, students meet for one 2-hour session each week over a 15-week period of time. During each course session students work with multimedia software designed to improve their spatial skills and complete sketching exercises from a workbook. Less emphasis is now placed on lecture in our new course, however, sketching hand-held objects remains an integral part. This paper will examine results from the revised course and compare our flndings with results from the previous version of the course. Particular attention will be paid to changes in success and retention rates among students with weak initial spatial skills.


response to repetitive nerve stimulation.49 The same behaviour is described in nonprogressive neuropathies that show increased fibre density and unstable complex in the earlier phases of reinnervation; however stable neuromuscular transmission is observed after some months of evolution. 18 25 Single fibre EMG study in hemiparetics, not previously referred to in the literature, provides new information on the electrophysiological features of this condition. The early increment of the motor unit fibre density is in accord with other electrophysiological findings,39 and supports the possible collateral reinnervation suggested by biopsy studies.' 523 The architecture of the motor unit is altered in hemiplegia.


The invention discloses a WIDI (Intel Wireless Display) based building visual talkback system and a method for implementing the same. The system comprises visual talkback equipment and wireless receiving equipment, wherein the visual talkback equipment is used for taking images of a visitor at detected time, sending the images to the wireless receiving equipment, and processing and displaying an interviewee image sent by the wireless receiving equipment; the wireless receiving equipment is used for receiving, analyzing and disposing the visitor images, opening one corresponding display device which is chosen according to the position of the interviewee, and taking the interviewee images and sending to the visual talkback equipment. The invention has the characteristics of applying WIDI to the wireless visual talkback, which is convenient for the interviewee to use and is prepared for home networking in the future; the invention has the beneficial effects that the visitor can be identified as different types by which the decision on answering or refusing is made intelligently; the second display device most accessible to the interviewee can be automatically located among a plurality of second display devices and is opened for the interviewee to see the visitor images.


Considering the shortage of the plant raw material the issue of its complex processing is relevant, and it contributes to its rational use. Aim. To develop the technology for complex processing of hawthorn fruits. Materials and methods. The lipophilic complex (LC) extraction was carried out with chloroform in the raw material-extractant ratio of 1 : 10; the phenolic complex (PhC) was prepared with the ethyl acetate-alcohol mixture in the ratio of 8 : 2; WSPC was obtained by triple extraction of the fruits meal after preparing LC and PhC with hot purified water followed by concentration and precipitation with 96 % ethyl alcohol. Results and discussion. It was found that the yield of LC in fruits of the hawthorn species studied was from 1 % to 10 %, the highest yield was determined in the fruits of C. submollis Sarg., C. succulenta Schrad. and C. densiflora Sarg. The yield of PhC was from 9 % to 18 %, C. submollis Sarg., C. mollis Sarg., C. arnoldiana Sarg. and C. canadensis Sarg. dominated. WSPC was from 15 % to 35 %, the highest yield was determined for fruits of C. submollis Sarg., C. macracantha Lodd, C. mollis Sarg., C. arnoldiana Sarg., C.succulenta Schrad. Conclusions. The technology of the complex processing of hawthorn fruits – С. submollis Sarg., C. mollis Sarg., C. arnoldiana Sarg., C. сanadensis Sarg., C. oxyacantha L., C. monogyna Jack., C. sanguinea Pall., C. pentagyna Waldst. Et Kit., C. aronia (L.) Bosc, C. densiflora Sarg., C. succulenta Schrad, C. macracantha Lodd., C. flabellata (Bosc) C. Koch., C. pseudokyrtostylla Klok., C. ukrainica A. Pojark., C. ambiguae C. A. M – has been developed. As a result of complex processing of the plant raw material such complexes as LC, PhC and WSPC have been obtained.


In this task you follow the See-Try-Apply model to learn how to: initiate a project, and plan a project. Contains an overview, two case studies, a decision making quiz, a decision tool, three group activities and a workplace task sheet. Contains an interactive Flash object with audio.


In this work, we combined red phosphorus and hierarchically porous carbon networks by the evaporation–condensation method to obtain a red phosphorus/porous carbon composite with outstanding performance for potassium storage.


The energy of the meaning is not a monolithic mass as it includes different particles of the sense, such as protoverbal meaning (or potential meaning) that forms the periphery of the sense and verbal meaning. Paradoxicality of the meaning energy actualizes itself in the semantic reflection of the concept (a construct with an implicit form). The origin of the meaning's movement is an image, and its final stage is sending the force of the meaning concentrated in the symbol to the concept.


This paper proposes efficient trimmed-sample Monte Carlo (TSMC) methodology and novel yield-aware design flow for analog circuits. This approach focuses on "trimming simulation samples" to speedup MC analysis. The best possible yield and the worst performance are provided "before" MC simulations such that designers can stop MC analysis and start improving circuits earlier. Moreover, this work can combine with variance reduction techniques or low discrepancy sequences to reduce the MC simulation cost further. Using Latin Hypercube Sampling as an example, this approach gives 29× to 54× speedup over traditional MC analysis and the yield estimation errors are all smaller than 1%. For analog system designs, the proposed flow is still efficient for high-level MC analysis, as demonstrated by a PLL system.


Objective To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2(TFPI-2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC),and to explore its correlation with the invasion and metastasis of NPC.Methods Immunohistochemical staining(MaxVision) was used to detect the expression of MMP-1 and TFPI-2 in 50 NPC tissues and 20 chronic nasopharyngitis tissues,and the relationship of MMP-1 and TFPI-2 expression to pathological and clinical features of NPC were statistically analyzed.Results Compared with chronic nasopharyngitis tissues,MMP-1 positive rate increased but TFPI-2 positive rate decreased in NPC tissues(78% vs 35% and 20% vs 85%,respectively;P0.05).Furthermore,the higher expression of MMP-1 and lower expression of TFPI-2 were found in NPC tissues with cervical lymph node metastasis than those in NPC without lymph node metastasis(all P0.05),and MMP-1 expression was negatively correlated with TFPI-2 expression(r=-0.490,P0.05).Conclusion The higher expression of MMP-1 and lower expression of TFPI-2 are closely related to NPC with cervical lymph node metastasis.The imbalance of MMP-1 and TFPI-2 expression is an important factor inducing high metastasis of NPC,and may be used as a biological indicator in the metastatic assessment of NPC.


Abstract : Partial contents: Underwater Electromagnetic Transmission and Its Application to Ship Position Control; Identification of Nonlinear Speed Equation from Full Scale Trials; Elements of an Integrated Control System for Large Surface Effect Ships (SES); Manual Steering of a Simulated Surface-Effect Ship; and System Analysis Techniques for Designing Ride COntrol Systems for SES Craft in Waves.


The pressure to publish or perish or, more recently, to be visible or vanish, marginalises a culture of critical reading and reflection that has historically been the province of book reviews. Today, book reviews are roundly rejected by academic bureaucrats as unimportant, easy to write and hence, easy to get published, mere summaries, uncritical statements of praise, marketing gimmicks and poorly cited so they are shunted to the tail-end of academic tasks. Historical dialectical analysis shows that the disdain for book reviews is implicitly related to their non-pecuniary characteristics. One contradiction in the status quo is that academics expect to be served but they are discouraged from serving and hence are led down a line of being selfish. Writing book reviews, therefore, is good not only for its many academic and social uses, but also for political and ethical reasons. A U S T R A L I A N U N I V E R S I T I E S ' R E V I E W


Results from the 2008 and 2009 operation of the LHC BLM system are presented with respect to the dependability (reliability, availability and safety) of the system. Known limitations and measures taken are discussed. The accuracy of the beam abort thresholds with respect to the magnet quench levels are examined. Threshold levels at different energies are compared to the noise levels and the limits of the readout electronics. An extrapolation from the measured loss profiles (injection losses as well as betatron cleaning and momentum cleaning losses) toward the expected loss profiles at higher intensity is given. It is verified whether they are expected to stay below quench and damage levels (respectively the currently enforced abort thresholds).


Wearables were supposed to be the next booming business, but to date the hype around wearables is not yet reflected by consumers' adoption of wearables and the attrition level (discontinued use) is high. Basically, the market has trouble reaching mainstream. The aim of this thesis is to investigate how to improve the diffusion, in personal use, of wrist-worn wearables in the Netherlands. 20 semi-structured interviews with wearable users in the Netherlands, from half 2016, are used to find out their experiences. A thematic and sentiment analysis is used to analyse these interviews. This together with a literature review and market research. The results of this report show producers of wearables should, regarding the time of this research, add more relevance, reliability, ease-of-use, addressing privacy issues and foster habit (using it all and every day) in order to make wearables a success.


ABB's move from the business of building large power plants is a striking vote of confidence in the concept of distributed generation. The idea is that by relying on dispersed small-scale generators, combined with other distributed resources such as flywheel storage devices and sophisticated control equipment, utilities can avoid costly investments in large, often polluting central plants. They can also deploy generating assets more flexibly as needed, and at the same time reduce transmission and distribution losses. ABB makes a strong case for the usefulness of smaller-scale power in the poorer parts of the world. These areas, after all, are where some 750 million families still lack electricity. How much of a dent distributed generation can make in industrial countries and whether or not technical developments will be truly revolutionary, or more evolutionary, remains to be seen. The author discusses fuel cell power plants and microturbines (miniature gas-fired turbines). The boost for renewable energy from distributed generation is discussed as are grid interconnection issues and the limited effect on fuel conservation.


This study investigated the relationship between students' occupational identity statuses and their mental health. A correlation analysis and cluster analysis were performed with a sample of 167 first-year agronomy students in Lithuania. It was expected that a higher statuses of occupational identity will be related to better mental health. Expectations have been fulfilled only for achievement status, indicating that achievement (the highest identity status) is positively related with general and all components of mental health. Moreover, foreclosure identity status also was positively related with general and three components of mental health. In addition, the results indicated that diffusion identity status was negatively related with real evaluation of subjectively perceived mental health. Clustering analysis proposed two profiles: first of students with better mental health and higher achievement and foreclosure statuses, and second cluster for students with poorer mental health and higher diffusion and higher moratorium statuses. Implications of these findings for university counsellors and for faculty are presented. Keywords: mental health, occupational identity, students. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2015.093