Traditional data analytics tools are designed to deal with the asymmetrical type of data i.e., structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. The diverse behavior of data produced by different sources requires the selection of suitable tools. The restriction of recourses to deal with a huge volume of data is a challenge for these tools, which affects the performances of the tool's execution time. Therefore, in the present paper, we proposed a time optimization model, shares common HDFS (Hadoop Distributed File System) between three Name-node (Master Node), three Data-node, and one Client-node. These nodes work under the DeMilitarized zone (DMZ) to maintain symmetry. Machine learning jobs are explored from an independent platform to realize this model. In the first node (Name-node 1), Mahout is installed with all machine learning libraries through the maven repositories. The second node (Name-node 2), R connected to Hadoop, is running through the shiny-server. Splunk is configured in the third node (Name-node 3) and is used to analyze the logs. Experiments are performed between the proposed and legacy model to evaluate the response time, execution time, and throughput. K-means clustering, Navies Bayes, and recommender algorithms are run on three different data sets, i.e., movie rating, newsgroup, and Spam SMS data set, representing structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, respectively. The selection of tools defines data independence, e.g., Newsgroup data set to run on Mahout as others cannot be compatible with this data. It is evident from the outcome of the data that the performance of the proposed model establishes the hypothesis that our model overcomes the limitation of the resources of the legacy model. In addition, the proposed model can process any kind of algorithm on different sets of data, which resides in its native formats.


This examination of local health experiences in Dar es Salaam is grounded in ethnographic field research. It shows that women interpret health mainly in terms of cleanliness and argues that this mirrors the hygiene discourse strongly promoted by the socialist state of Julius Nyerere in the 1960s and 1970s. After the crisis of the 1980s and the liberalization of the 1990s, women face increasing difficulties in applying their views of hygiene to daily life, as a close look at «water provision» and «solid waste removal» demonstrates. Women experience and describe their difficulties as a practical and emotional burden. This burden, in fact, represents the tension between a global idea - hygiene - and local constraints - poverty, social exclusion and corruption in a particular locality.


. The traditional offline classroom teaching method of Computer Network is difficult to effectively improve students' learning interest and independent learning ability, and it is not easy to track or analyze students' learning progress as well. Combined with the advantages of online teaching and the output-oriented concept, blended curriculum teaching reform and exploration are carried out to enhance students' participation, enthusiasm and initiative in learning, and promote the continuous improvement of teaching quality.


ABSTRACT Little attention has been focused on how the differing features of 'superdiverse' neighbourhoods shape the demographic process of 'staying'. Through drawing on research conducted in two different superdiverse neighbourhoods in the city of Birmingham, UK, the paper highlights how 'staying' is an inherent feature of superdiverse neighbourhoods and which is actively practised by migrants and non-migrants alike. Empirically, the paper identifies how staying is informed by a number of features associated with superdiverse neighbourhoods, such as local infrastructure and visible population diversity, as well as relational proximity to other areas (of the city), including the significance of city centre spaces and their role as multicultural spaces of adaptation. Conceptually, the paper informs recent work on 'arrival infrastructures' and 'differentiated embedding' for migrant (and non-migrant) settlement and provides new insights into the territorial, relational and temporal aspects of staying. This includes the importance of neighbourhood histories in staying processes, and which hitherto have been relatively neglected.


The invention relates to an interaction system and method of a mobile intelligent terminal and a server-side. The server-side which is rich and powerful in function and the mobile intelligent terminal which is convenient to use and fast are connected through the Internet (a generalized local area network). The interaction system and method of the mobile intelligent terminal and the server-side solve the problems that the server-side is rich in function and powerful in computing power but is huge in size, and the mobile terminal is flexible, small and exquisite but is limited in function. Through the interaction system and method of the mobile intelligent terminal and the server-side, the mobile intelligent terminal can be communicated with the server-side instantly and synchronously, an instruction can be sent to the server-side in an effective range of the Internet (the generalized local area network), and call of an application program of the server-side is achieved. The function of the server-side is simplified and detached, a user is made to remove the step of directing operation of program of the huge server-side, a response is directly generated at the server-side, and abnormity due to frequent replacement of equipment is avoided. The interaction system and method of the mobile intelligent terminal and the server-side fully utilizes respective advantages of the mobile intelligent terminal and the server-side, enables colorful application programs of the server-side to be used to a largest extent in a broader environment and in a more effective mechanism.


In this paper, introduces the physical environment and climate in the plateau of north Tibet was introduced, the selection and cooling of the lubrication oil of petroleum equipment under the condition of low temperature in the plateau, and the affect of petroleum equipment in the climate of the plateau of north Tibet were discussed. It has the practicality significance of reconstruction and renovation of petroleum equipment in the plateau for the future


We present a theory for the metal-insulator transition (MIT) in the quantum-spin-liquid candidate material Na4Ir3O8. We consider an extended Hubbard model on the hyperkagome lattice, which incorporates atomic spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and multi-orbital interactions of iridium 5d electrons. This model is analyzed using the slave-rotor mean-field theory and thermodynamic properties across the MIT are studied. The ground state in the insulating side is a U(1) quantum spin liquid with spinon Fermi surfaces that consist of multiple particle-like and hole-like pockets. It is shown that the Wilson ratio in the quantum spin liquid phase is highly enhanced compared to the metallic state. This originates from the fact that the magnetic susceptibility in the quantum spin liquid phase acquires multiple enhancements due to the strong SOC, reduced band-width and on-site spin-orbital exchange, while the heat capacity does not change much across MIT. This explains the large Wilson ratio of the insulating phase observed in the previous experiment on Na4Ir3O8. Possible connections to other existing and future experiments, in particular on the metallic phase, are discussed.


Big data can provide effective support for enterprise's financial decision-making, but how to build accounting information system(AIS) under big data environment is the primary issue that cloud accounting suppliers must consider with. Based on the analysis of the impact of cloud AIS, the implementation framework of AIS with cloud accounting is established, and the role of each module in the framework is described. Then, the complex network theory is introduced to model the AIS products of cloud accounting and calculate the structural eigenvalues. The relationship between the structural eigenvalues and the credibility attributes of the AIS products of cloud accounting is also established by the structural eigenvalues. Finally, through the analysis of cloud AIS products provided by cloud accounting suppliers, according to the needs of enterprise users as a specific sample software, it verifies the structure and credibility of the cloud accounting AIS products proposed in this paper, as well as the effectiveness of management methods.


Layout analysis is the process of extracting a hierarchical structure describing the layout of a page. In the system WISDOM++, the layout analysis is performed in two steps: firstly, the global analysis determines possible areas containing paragraphs, sections, columns, figures and tables, and secondly, the local analysis groups together blocks that possibly fall within the same area. The result of the local analysis process strongly depends on the quality of the results of the first step. We investigate the possibility of supporting the user during the correction of the results of the global analysis. This is done by automatically generating training examples of action selections from the sequence of user actions, and then by learning action selection rules for layout correction. Rules are expressed as a logic program whose induction demands the careful application of ILP techniques. Experimental results on a set of multi-page documents shed evidence on the difficulty of the learning task tackled and pose new problems in learning control rules for adaptive interfaces. 1. Background and motivation Strategies for the extraction of layout analysis have been traditionally classified as top-down or bottom-up (Srihari & Zack, 1986). In top-down methods the document image is repeatedly decomposed into smaller and smaller components, while in bottom-up methods basic layout components are extracted from bitmaps and then grouped together into larger blocks on the basis of their characteristics. In WISDOM++, a document image analysis system that can transform paper documents into XML format (Altamura, Esposito & Malerba, 2001), the applied page decomposition method is hybrid, since it combines a top-down approach to segment the document image and a bottom-up layout analysis method to assemble basic blocks into frames. Some attempts to learn the layout structure from a set of training examples have also been reported in the literature (Dengel, 1993; Dengel & Dubiel, 1995; Kise, 1993; Walischewski 1997). They are based on ad-hoc learning algorithms, which learn particular data structures, such as geometric trees and tree grammars. Results are promising, although it has been proven that good layout structures could also be obtained by exploiting generic knowledge on typographic conventions (Esposito, Malerba & Semeraro, 1995). This is the case of WISDOM++, which analyzes the layout in two steps: 1. A global analysis of the document image, in order to determine possible areas containing paragraphs, sections, columns, figures and tables. This step is based on an iterative process, in which the vertical and horizontal histograms of text blocks are alternately analyzed, in order to detect columns and sections/paragraphs, respectively. 2. A local analysis of the document to group together blocks that possibly fall within the same area. Generic knowledge on west-style typesetting conventions is exploited to group blocks together, such as "the first line of a paragraph can be indented" and "in a justified text, the last line of a paragraph can be shorter than the previous one". Experimental results proved the effectiveness of this knowledge-based approach on images of the first page of papers published in conference proceedings and journals (Altamura, Esposito & Malerba, 2001). However, performance degenerates when the system is tested on intermediate pages of multi-page articles, where the structure is much more variable, due to the presence of formulae, images, and drawings that can stretch over more than one column, or are quite close. The majority of errors made by the layout analysis module were in the global analysis step, while the local analysis step performed satisfactorily when the result of the global analysis was correct. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of supporting the user during the correction of the results of the global analysis. This is done by allowing the user to correct the results of the global analysis and then by learning rules for layout correction from his/her sequence of actions. This approach differs from those that learn the layout structure from scratch, since the goal is to learn what the "errors" are which are performed by the automated global analysis process that the user corrects. Other document processing systems allow users to correct the result of the layout analysis; nevertheless WISDOM++ is the only one that tries to learn corrective actions from user interaction with the system. The problem we intend to solve is also different from learning search control rules in Artificial Intelligence Planning (AIP). In AIP an initial state and a goal are given and the task is to find a sequence of actions that maps the state into the goal by searching through a list of domain actions. Control rules are learned from plans (automatically) generated by a given planner for a set of initial states and goals. They are then used either to substitute the planner (Khardon, 1999) or to assist the search (Huang, Selman & Kautz, 2000). In our case, plans are manually generated by the user when he/she corrects the result of the global layout analysis. The initial states are automatically determined by the system WISDOM++, while the goals are implicitly defined by the user during his/her manual correction. Goals are not known for testing documents, therefore, the result of the learning algorithm can neither replace the planner nor assist it. Inductive learning algorithms can only be applied to generalize the set of preconditions for the applicability of domain actions, independently of the final goal. In the following section, we describe the layout correction operations. Section 3 explains the automated generation of training examples, while Section 4 briefly introduces the learning strategy. Experimental results are reported in Section 5 and discussed in Section 6, together with current limitations and new research goals. 2. Correcting the layout Global analysis aims to determine the general layout structure of a page and operates on a tree-based representation of nested columns and sections. The levels of columns and sections are alternated (Figure 1), which means that a column contains sections, while a section contains columns. At the end of the global analysis, the user can only see the sections and columns that have been considered atomic, that is, not subject to further decomposition (Figure 2). The user can correct this result by means of three different operations: Horizontal splitting: a column/section is cut horizontally. Vertical splitting: a column/section is cut vertically. Grouping: two sections/columns are merged together. The cut point in the two splitting operations is automatically determined by computing either the horizontal or the vertical histogram on the basic blocks returned by the segmentation algorithm. The horizontal (vertical) cut point corresponds to the largest gap between two consecutive bins in the horizontal (vertical) histogram. Therefore, splitting operations can be described by means of a unary function, split(X), where X represents the column/section to be split and the range is the set {horizontal, vertical, no_split}. The grouping operation, which can be described by means of a binary predicate group(A,B), is applicable to two sections (columns) A and B and returns a new section (column) C, whose boundary is determined as follows. Let (leftX, topX) and (bottomX, rightX) be the coordinates of the top-left and bottom-right vertices of a column/section X, respectively. Then: leftC= min(leftA, leftB), rightC=max(rightA,rightB), topC=min(topA,topB), bottomC=max(bottomA,bottomB). ————— 1 The origin of the coordinate system is in the top left-hand corner. Column


We study the geometry of needle-shaped domains in shape-memory alloys. Needle-shaped domains are ubiquitously found in martensites around macroscopic interfaces between regions which are laminated in different directions, or close to macroscopic austenite/twinned-martensite interfaces. Their geometry results from the interplay of the local nonconvexity of the effective energy density with long-range (linear) interactions mediated by the elastic strain field, and is up to now poorly understood. We present a two-dimensional shape optimization model based on finite elasticity and discuss its numerical solution. Our results indicate that the tapering profile of the needles can be understood within finite elasticity, but not with linearized elasticity. The resulting tapering and bending reproduce the main features of experimental observations on NiAl.


We use a quasi-experimental research design to study the effect of giving workers feedback on their relative performance. The setting is a firm in which workers are paid piece rates and where, for exogenous reasons, management begins to reveal to workers their relative position in the distribution of pay and productivity. We find that merely providing this information leads to a large and long-lasting increase in productivity that is costless to the firm. Our findings are consistent with the interpretation that workers' incipient concerns about their relative standing are activated by information about how they are performing relative to others.

This paper was accepted by Olav Sorenson, organizations.


This study aims to investigate the effects of collaboration with suppliers and lead users in new product development on open innovation in Jordanian manufacturing companies. Data was collected from 132 companies in two industries; machinery and electronics, and hierarchical regression analysis used to test the study hypotheses, with control variables of company age, company size, and length of relationship applied to avoid their potential bias. The results show that supplier collaboration in new product development does not significantly affect open innovation, while collaboration with lead users positively and significantly affects open innovation.


We address the systemic undertreatment of pain for individuals diagnosed with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Patients with DoC are often unable to communicate due to damage to their brains, and because DoC patients appear to be insensate, practitioners often believe that these patients are unable to feel pain and may not offer them analgesia, even before painful medical procedures. However, science shows that many DoC patients are able to feel pain, even if they are unable to communicate their distress. This Article moves from recognition of this problem to proposing solutions, in particular exploring what the legal system can do to improve pain management for DoC patients. We propose a novel tort, grounded in strict liability, in order to improve the management of pain for individuals with DoC. We explore how current tort law falls short, and why a new cause of action is the best mechanism to effectuate this necessary shift in medical practice. We aim to muster tort law to quickly reform the medical standard of care, to greatly reduce the risk that individuals with DoC will linger without adequate pain management, so that this medical injustice can be eliminated.


neoplasm, but sometimes occurs in cases of tuberculosis. The predominant cell in a pleural effusion due to new growth is the endothelial cell. Growth cells are practically never found though lymphocytes or degenerated endothelial cells may be mistaken for tlem. (8) In lymphadenoma there are usually palpable discrete glands to be felt in the neck, axilla or groin, and the spleen is often enlarged. A mediastinal mass shown by X-ray may, however, be the only sign. The possibility of intrathoracic goitre should be remembered. (9) In hydatid disease the right base is usually the site of the cyst. On X-ray examination there is a translucent area between the shadows of the cyst and that of the diaphragm. There is eosinophilia. Tile complement-fixation test is often negative in an unruptured cyst. (ro) A gumma is very rare, but I have seen a case in which there was one producing pleural effusion. Stridor may be due to syphilitic disease. (ii) In a case running an unusual course the possibility of actinomycosis should be borne in mind. (12) A good general condition and absence of toxaemia should be taken as evidence in favour of neoplasm rather than of tuberculosis.


Conventional flow-monitoring methods, such as sFlow, cannot detect low-rate HTTP GET Flooding denial of service (DoS) attacks, which are a threat even if the traffic rate is low. To solve this problem, we propose a method for detecting DoS attacks on the basis of the burst-state duration of traffic calculated using a quick packet-matching function of a general router such as TCAM. In addition, we prove that the burst-state duration is a good feature for distinguishing a normal user's traffic from a client to a server and low-rate HTTP-GET-Flooding attacker's traffic. Furthermore, we explain the results of an actual equipment evaluation carried out to evaluate the false-negative rate of our method and sFlow in an actual use case. The result shows that the proposed method is superior under the condition that the attack-traffic rate is low. The results also show that the proposed method can reliably detect such attacks under this condition.


There are in the policy fields of traffic management as well as public order and safety in the Netherlands new applications of location-based services (LBS) such as the public transport chip card and the use of mobile phone location data in policing. Combining citizens' location information and personal data is essential for the provision of LBS. We explored three cases of LBS in Dutch public administration and argue that LBS may affect the balance between the roles citizens can have in their relationship with government: subject, client and citoyen. Consequently, we discuss the concept of privacy in public places and relate this to European case law. It is important for government to be aware of the powerful inherent logic of LBS and how this may shape government-citizen interaction.


Abstract The 1:1 and 2:3 molar reactions between oxovanadium(V) chloride and sodium salts of the nitrogen donor ligands (LH2) such as aldimines, ketamines, semicarbazones, thiosemicarbazones and azines in refluxing benzene have resulted in the formation of products of the type [(VOC1)(L)] and [(VO)2(L)3], respectively. These complexes were obtained in almost quantitative yields and are light grey to greyish-brown or black crystalline solids. These have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determinations, conductance and magnetic measurements and electronic, IR and 1H NMR spectral studies. These data suggest that the ligands are functioning as dibasic tridentate ligands towards the metal atoms, which have coordination numbers of five in both type of complexes with trigonal bipyramidal geometry.


The Blue Datto Foundation has a vision that; each person has a right to enter adulthood carrying positive attitudes and behaviours, supported and encouraged by their families, friends and communities. In order to achieve this vision, Blue Datto provides attitude and behaviour courses to year 10 students in schools, community groups, and young people in need. A half day workshop provides tools to empower them to speak up as passengers, and behave responsibly when they become drivers, and pledge to do so. Language: en


According to the data of various authors, the frequency of hypotension development during central neuraxial blocks is in the range of 27-33%. Hypovolemia and insufficiency of cardiovascular compensation mechanisms are the key factors promoting the development of hypotension. Cardiac arrest is considered to be an adverse developmental variation of hemodynamic reactions. In this respect the success of resuscitation is considered as low due to obvious reasons. High risk of described adverse reactions makes necessary the analyses of conditions that can simulate block reaction in each specific case.The research work involves retrospective analysis of circulatory arrest during subarachnoid block by using nitroglycerin functional test and demonstrates the dependence of block circulatory reaction on cardiovascular fitness.


Free legal aid is one of the most important duty of the Advocates. Clause
56 of Procedure of Criminal Law Code claim that every Advocates must give the
free legal aid for those who are poor. The duty to give the free legal aid based on
the Equality Before the Law Principal. This duty regulated in clause 22
paragraph (1) of statue no.18/2003 about Advocates that said "Advocates must
give the free legal aid for those who poor which searching for the Justice. From
the above background, it is in the writing of this essay presented two main issues,
namely : how the role of Advocates in providing the giving of free legal aid upon
the occurrence of Statue No. 16/2011 ?and what is the detention in the
implementation of giving the free legal aid for those who are poor?. This research
is normative research, made by reviewing/analyzing secondary data in the form of
legal materials, especially primary legal materials and secondary legal materials
to understand the law as a set of rules or norms in the system of positive law
governing the human life. The conclusion of the research indicate that the
detention in the implementation of giving the free legal aid which hindered by the
rule of the government No 42/2013 and Statue No 16/2011.


This paper proposes both point-wise and uniform confidence intervals (CIs) for an element θ1 of a parameter vector θ ∈ Rd that is partially identified by affine moment equality and inequality conditions. The CIs are based on an estimator of a regularized support function of the identified set and have a closed–form. I provide examples in which my CIs are shorter (with probabilty approaching 1) than those in the existing literature. Furthermore, unlike much of the existing literature, the proposed CIs can be computed as a solution to a convex optimization problem, which leads to a substantial decrease in computation time (relative to the existing uniform procedures). My approach can be used, for instance, to compute a CI for the returns to schooling using income bracket data without strong distributional assumptions.


We study dynamical holographic systems and the relation between thermodynamical and dynamical stability of such systems, using the conserved currents in the bulk spacetime. In particular, in the probe limit a generalized free energy is defined with the property of monotonic decreasing in dynamic processes. It is then shown that the (absolute) thermodynamical stability implies the dynamical stability, while the linear dynamical stability implies the thermodynamical (meta-)stability. The holographic superfluid is taken as an example to illustrate our general formalism, where the dynamic evolution of the system in contact with a particle source is clarified by theoretical investigation and numerical verification. The case going beyond the probe limit is also discussed.


The technology system and equipment of hydraulic extrusion were set forth.Based on the actual conditions of Liyi Coal Mine,the reasonable parameters of injecting water were studied.According to the investigation of outburst prevention result,the major mechanisms of outburst prevention of hydraulic extrusion were analyzed.(Adopting the) measure of hydraulic extrusion at outburst coal seam,stress concentration region of coal seam was moved forward,pressure relief region was widened,and the gas was released efficiently.The remarkable effect of coal and gas outburst prevention was gained,and the roadway driving speed was increased by 1.5 times.


Elements and impurity elements in aluminum alloy were determined by ICP-AES.The work conditions of ICP spectrometer were optimized.The recovery is in the range of 96%—106% with RSD of 0.28%—6.26%.The result are satisfactory.


Ginseng Rg1 could regulate the energy metabolize during and after exercise,however,the mechanism had not been clarified.This paper mostly probed into the mechanism of ginseng Rg1 from glycogen synthesize after exercise and glucose ingestion during exercise.The results showed that Ginseng Rg1 could regulate carbohydrate metabolize by augment glycogen synthase activities and dislocation of GLUT4.


Iterative solutions of forward dynamic programming formulations for the capacitated lot sizing problem are used to generate inequalities for an equivalent integer programming formulation. The inequalities capture convex and concave envelopes of intermediate-stage value functions and can be lifted by examining potential state information at future stages. Several possible implementations that employ these inequalities are tested and it is demonstrated that the proposed approach is more efficient than alternative integer programming–based algorithms. For certain datasets, the proposed algorithm also outperforms a pure dynamic programming algorithm for the problem.


N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent posttranscriptional modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. Dynamic and reversible m6A modification regulates gene expression to control cellular processes and diverse biological functions. Growing evidence indicated that m6A modification is involved in the homeostasis of host and microbes (mostly viruses and bacteria). Disturbance of m6A modification affects the life cycles of viruses and bacteria, however, these microbes could in turn change host m6A modification leading to human disease including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Thus, we raise the concept that m6A could be a "messenger" molecule to participate in the interactions between host and microbes. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification on viruses and commensal microbiota, highlight the roles of m6A methylation in the interaction of host and microbes, and finally discuss drugs development targeting m6A modification.


While there is little doubt that robotic interventions have already opened new horizons in surgery due to its inherent complexity, there is still an unmet need for tools allowing center‐to‐center performance comparisons. A complexity score could be a valuable instrument for further research.


expansion in the latter half of the nineteenth century and the earlier Industrial Revolution. One of the more striking observations in the discussion on the developments alter 1850 concerned the importance of intra-Asian trade and, more specifically, the role ol Japan in it. During the period 1880-1914 the intra-Asian trade expanded faster than the trade between Europe and Asia. This was linked to the emergence ol modern Japanese business management in those years. The successive integration of Asian commodity markets formed a critical stage within the worldwide process of integration, a stage that perhaps has received too little attention in the past. And in this respect, the discussions at Bern did bring us one step further. Much of the answer ol how Europe got integrated with the rest of the world may be found outside Europe.


Acoustic inspection is a valuable technique that can detect early stage defects in equipment, thereby facilitating predictive maintenance. In recent times, ultrasonic sensors have made detecting partial discharges through acoustic sensing increasingly feasible. However, interpreting the acoustic signals can pose challenges, as it requires extensive expertise and knowledge of equipment configuration. To address this issue, a technique based on zero-crossing rate and fundamental frequency estimation has been proposed to standardize insulator diagnosis. In an experiment involving a database of 72 raw acoustic signals with frequencies ranging from 0 to 128 kHz, various types of pollution and defects were introduced to a chain of insulators. By employing the proposed technique, the occurrence of partial discharges can be detected and classified according to type, such as corona or surface discharges. This advanced approach to diagnosis simplifies the process while providing valuable insights into the severity of observed phenomena in the field.


We have developed a new balloon borne payload for hard X-ray observations in the energy region 20 to 800 keV. The X-ray detector is 1200 sq cm area phoswich crystal, viewed by 13 phototubes with 3" dia, in an 'Anger' mode. The first engineering flight of the payload was made on March 28, 2005. This paper describes the details of the instrument and the detector behaviour at the ceiling altitude during the experiment.


Social disintegration is defined as the increase in the social problems such as crime, violence, alcholism, psychological disorders and suicide on the one hand, and the breaking of the social structure of the society and the lost of the social control on the other hand. If a social conflict, moral decadence and social disorder are common in a society, then the social disintegration is inevitable. There are some social values such as religion, culture and customs which safeguard a society against the disintegration. Any misconception in these values can lead to the social disintegration. Recently, the spread of violence in our society is the indication of the fact that in our perception of the values like religion which keeps us in harmony and gives us the idea of living together in the society is becoming ineffective. In this process, it seems that social disintegration is inevitable.


Blade tip losses would reduce lift and power of wind turbine. This paper analyzed the mechanism of tip losses, and according to Prandtl and Glauert tip loss correction factor and blade element - momentum theory derived the blade chord formula with tip losses. Further, lift coefficient calculation formula was obtained by integrating along the blade span. The lift coefficient formula considering tip loss expressed the highest value of lift coefficient of any practical wind turbine with tip losses. The research shows, the impacts of tip losses to chord concentrated in the tip area; tip losses will reduce the lift coefficient about 2 to 6 percent when tip speed ratio changes from 10 to 4.


Firstly,the foot diameter and the foot diameter volume table were defined.Secondly,the domestic study on the compilation of foot diameter volume table in recent 20 years was reviewed.At last,the problems of the foot diameter and foot diameter volume table in application were discussed and some improving advices were proposed in the paper.


This paper presents the research results about subjectivities and subjecti vity forms that are produced in the context of the uses and appropriations of a children Bogota group. It was developed in the social networking site Facebook, as part strategic cyberculture. The first part presents the subject matter and the scope of the research exercise. In the second part are some approaches to concepts and theoretical framework of the problem and deepen the discussions on the childhoods - media-technologies and subjectivities. In the third part presents the methodological considerations. At the end shows the results, highlighting the level of usage and that of appropriations.


objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the educational, vocational and social function of young adults with gonadal dysgenesis


Objective:Advanced ovarian epithelial carcinoma frequently metastasizes to the bowel. We intestigated whether cytoreductive surgery including bowel resection would affect the survival of these patients.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients underwent cytoreductive surgery with bowel resection due to advanced ovarian carcinoma and 16 patients receiving palliative surgery from 1998 to 2003.Results:During the study period,52 bowel resection were performed on 68 patients.Among them,the median survival rates according to the amount of residual tumor were 29 months for 34 patients with no macroscopic residual disease,23 months for 8 patients with residual disease less than 1cm and 13 months for 10 patients with residual disease more than 1cm.The median survival rates were 7.65 months for 16 patients who performed palliative surgery due to tumor widely spread itself. The main reason led to operation failed were widely metastases to bowel and the root of mesentery.Conclusion:Cytoreductive surgery with bowel tumor resection should be considered for ovarian carcinoma patients to help ensure that they are left no residual disease after debulking surgery,and properly selected patients are the key to its success.


Growing demand for therapeutic products from indigenous medicinal plants has led to increased interest in its cultivation, which presents a viable option for improving smallholder farmers' livelihoods, as well as sustaining the availability of these resources for future generations. Serious bottlenecks however exist for subsistent farmers in the cultivation of these valuable plants. It was pertinent to probe whether the cultivation of medicinal plants provides feasible solutions to rural poverty, while effectively conserving threatened indigenous biodiversity. The paper employed a comprehensive review of existing literature to explore issues constraining smallholder farmers from involvement in a potentially lucrative plant value chain. Findings indicate challenges such as inadequate domestication of valuable plants species, continued over-harvesting from wild populations, poor knowledge of required agronomic practices, low efficacy perception regarding derivatives from cultivated plants, among others. These constraints occur alongside the conservation-oriented strategy driven by international conservation agencies and wholly adopted by the South African government. Recommendations to improve smallholder involvement in the cultivation of medicinal plants include support to research and extension, targeted inducement to smallholders, contracting and off-take agreements, aimed at promoting an alternative poverty-alleviation-focused economic development strategy. The review adds to the conceptual discourse related to plant diversity, resource conservation, poverty alleviation, and economic development


The paper presents a study of three polyimide-oxide interfaces. The Cr-oxide-PI interface seems to undergo a drastic topographical structural rearrangement. The case of the Ni surface is indicative of heavy decomposition of the Ni oxide which induces the decomposition of the polymer film. On the contrary the stabilized Ni surface behaves in a normal manner indicating that the driving force for the decomposition is the instability of the oxide.


BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with its attendant opportunistic infections and malignancies, is characterized by the presence of well-pronounced haemostatic, immunological and haematological abnormalities. AIM: This study investigated the haemostatic, immunological and haematological parameters of HIV-positive patients at two hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 54 subjects were recruited for the study, comprising 34 HIV-infected patients who were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 20 HIV-infected patients who were not receiving the treatment, at Sobi Specialist Hospital and Children Specialist Hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, for a period of 3 months. CD4 + count was analyzed by flow cytometry using the CyFlow® SL and Partec CD4+ autoanalyzer; full blood count was determined using Flow Cytometry using the Sysmex XP-300™ Haematology Analyzer, while select coagulation variables were analyzed using coagulometry. RESULTS: The CD4+ count, platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, packed cells volume, red blood cell count, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume were all significantly ( p < 0.05) elevated in HIV-seropositive patients who were receiving HAART, relative to those who were not receiving HAART. Hence, HAART improved the basic haemostatic, immunological and hematological indices of the HIV-infected patients.


Inventory of mangroves on the island of Buton, Southeast Sulawesi was conducted in June 2010. The method used in this research is exploratory. Based on the results recorded 21 species of mangroves spread Kakenauwe region. Twelve species of them are included in the category of rare plants refers to the IUCN 2014 which Sonneratia ovata (Near threatened), Acanthus ilicifolius (Least Concern), Acrostichum aureum (Least Concern), Aegiceras corniculatum (Least Concern), Allophylus cobbe (Least Concern, ) Avicennia marina (Least Concern), Ceriops tagal (Least Concern), Cordiasebestena (Least Concern), Nypa fruticans (Least Concern), Pongamia pinnata (Least Concern), Rhizophora mucronata (Least Concern), and Xylocarpus moluccensis (Least Concern) . Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Sonneratia ovata is a species that is often found at that location. Most of the mangrove plant species have the potential, ie as an ornamental plant, traditional medicine, foodstuff, as well as producing high-quality wood.


Scientiic databases are used to accession objects representing the results of scientiic inquiry, such as genes and DNA sequences. These objects must have stable identiiers that can be used as references in scientiic papers and other databases. The requirement for stable object identiiers, however, connicts with the tendency of scientiic data to evolve over time. We present in this paper version management facilities that allow scientiic databases to achieve a balance between stable object identiiers and evolving data.


EGR system has been often applied to engines to reduce NOx from exhaust emissions. As the EGR amount which is supplied to the engine increases, NOx emission shows a tendency of reduction. However, the excessive EGR supply causes lower fuel consumption and engine performance, and higher exhaust emissions due to the instability of the engine combustion. Therefore, the uniform EGR distribution is important in the case of multi-cylinder engines. It is difficult to predict the EGR distribution without real product, especially in the early stage of engine development. EGR distribution was predicted by CFD calculations in this study. CFD calculation results using 1D and 3D CFD code showed the acceptable EGR distribution.


In order to learn the influence about evolution pressure,analyses are done on selection of population size,selection operator,crossover operator.In three phases of genetic algorithms,choose different schemes to solve complex function optimization problem,receive different influence result on evolution pressure.By comparing and analyzing the difference,some advices are given on practical use.


Sally Goodenough explores the nature of structured data and some benefits and implications of storing indexes as structured data according to the EPUB standard.


La version française de cet article peut être consultée à: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2851320 The purpose of this document is to describe the Android ecosystem, the implications of its open source nature and the role that Google plays in the ecosystem. It details the players involved and the value chain between them, the freedom that various players have to do what they want with the Android source codes and the consequences of that freedom.


When I was working on my history of the American department store industry, I wished for a book-length global study of department stores that united all the stories of retail development and their diverse historical contexts around the world. I am still waiting. Most historical research and analysis of the subject takes place within a single national framework. Given the intricacies of law and policy that shape the direction of retail development in different countries, as well as the important role of culture in all things commercial, national studies make sense. The practicalities of research also favour national studies. Transnational projects require broader training and sometimes additional language skills, as well as international access to archives. While we are still waiting, this special issue of History of Retailing and Consumption takes us closer. As I hope readers will agree, it demonstrates the rich and diverse path of mass retailing around the globe, covering Eastern Europe, the Americas, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Each article focuses on a single country, but together they contribute to our understanding of the international history of this important social institution. The special issue documents cross-cultural influences in retailing, highlighting the influence of the United States across the world, but moving beyond the more wellknown Anglo-American networks. Many similarities are evident across national borders, but vastly different political and economic contexts resulted in unique retail environments, shaping labour and consumption in divergent ways. In the Western context, department stores originated in the nineteenth century. The term 'department store' became current in the 1890s in both Britain and the United States, though it was more narrowly applied in Victorian Britain than it was across the Atlantic. One provincial English department store, Browns of Chester, even objected to the term. While historians have documented early opposition to the new retail mode on both sides of the Atlantic, customers embraced it. Perhaps sooner and to a greater extent in the United States than in Britain, department stores expanded the contours of consumer culture. As has been well documented in North America, in the last quarter of the nineteenth century these department stores made mass consumption possible through their low prices and wide variety of goods under one roof. They also spread a consumer ethos through mass advertising and branding, new merchandising and sales methods, lavish interiors and attractive amenities. Nineteenth-century American department stores were harbingers of the rise of a national commercial society and


The increase in supply-dependent renewable energy sources and the decommissioning of thermal power plants lead to an increasing need for flexibility in the future European electricity supply system. In this context, hydroelectric power plants represent a mature and renewable flexibility option. The EU Horizon 2020 project "HydroFlex" aims to increase the value of hydropower through increased flexibility. To this end, the project aims to develop a flexible turbine capable of very flexible operation and in particular several start/stop cycles per day. In order to both estimate the operational requirements for hydraulic turbines in the future and to systemically evaluate the flexible turbine developed in the project, a unit commitment model based on a European electricity market simulation is required. Due to the high complexity resulting from the large number of hydraulic interconnections in the Nordics, permissible simplifications are needed to solve the problem in a reasonable computing time. The paper presents a method to simulate the unit commitment of highly complex hydroelectric power plant parks in the future European power system, which is necessary to evaluate the technological advantages of the turbine developed in the "HydroFlex"-project.


Determining if life ever existed on another planet is one of the main scientific goals of space exploration. Since liquid water is believed to be a basic requirement for life, an important step in the search for extraterrestrial life is to determine whether it exists on other planets.1 Mars is the most Earthlike planet in the solar system, and evidence indicates that it had liquid water in the past.2 Therefore, Mars is an excellent candidate to search for signs of life. The discovery of physical and thermodynamical evidence for liquid saline water on Mars,3 and for methane in its atmosphere,4 have excited the science community by reviving the possibility of extant microbial life on this interesting planet. The discovery of liquid water was initially debated by a few scientists from the Phoenix mission, even after perchlorate salts were discovered, because the thermaland electricalconductivity probe produced inconsistent results. However, new evidence supporting the discovery of liquid water has been accumulating.5, 6 This implies that Phoenix was the first spacecraft to detect and photograph liquid water beyond Earth. Current measurements suggest that the concentration of methane in the Martian atmosphere varies significantly in both time and space. However, this is not consistent with what is currently known about the planet, because it implies the presence of puzzlingly large sources and sinks of this biologically interesting gas. Geothermal as well as bioand geochemical aqueous processes in the shallow subsurface are potential sources of methane and other trace gases. Electrical activity in dust storms is a potential methane sink because it is likely to produce nonequilibrium trace gases, such as oxidants, capable of destroying it. Previously, we showed thermodynamic and photographic evidence that the Phoenix lander found liquid saline water in the Martian Arctic.3, 5 Now we show quantitative photometric Figure 1. Relationship between albedo and physical condition of ice and brines. (A) A sample of sodium perchlorate brine under the environmental conditions of the Phoenix landing site from previously reported laboratory experiments.5 The bright area inside the sample holder is a mixture of ice and frozen brine, the dark area is liquid brine, and the bright area outside the sample holder is frost. (B) New photometric analysis of the image on the left. This albedo or photometric image shows isolines at 0.1 in white, enclosing liquid brine, and at 0.3 in black, enclosing areas containing mixtures of liquid and frozen brines. New frost that never melted is blue.7


In mountainous areas, especially in large river catchments with torrential tributaries, the sediment supply significantly increases the flood impacts in the valley bottoms. Within the framework of the SAMCO (ANR) project, dealing with the potential impacts of global changes (climate, ecosystem e.g. land use, socioeconomic system) on mountain hazards, we aim to a better understanding of Alpine river systems through the analysis of the sediment budgets. For estimating these budgets it implies the analysis of geomorphic processes contribution in the sediment production and transfers, and the identification of different sources, pathways and sinks. In the study area (Guil catchment, Southwest France), remobilisation of sediment accumulated in hillslope storage are largely determined by geomorphic extreme events (debris flow, shallow landslides, runoff). The contribution of these processes in sediment delivery to channel is the main objective of this poster. We propose a compartment analysis modelling in order to quantifying sediments fluxes and stores using system dynamics modelling. Our study aims at analysing the temporal composition of sediment cascade in the Peynin sub-catchement which highly contributes to sediment budget of the Guil river catchment. The initial phase of our study consists in identifying sediment sources and storage through geomorphological analysis and mapping. Then a conceptual model of the cascade can be generated (Schrott et al., 2003, Heckmann et al., 2008). Then we provide a stock & flow modeling based on System Dynamics to modelize sedimentary signals through time considering processes and storages interactions or connections.


We report the use of Raman conversion in calcite crystals to generate wave-lengths suitable for seeding sub-picosecond LWIR CO2 lasers after subsequent difference frequency generation.


Introduction Degenerative spondylolisthesis (dSpl) can lead to various symptoms, including low back pain. Lumbar facet joint orientation has been reported to be associated with the development of dSpl. The role of ethnicity regarding facet joint orientation remains uncertain. As such, the following study was performed across a wide-ranging population base to assess the role of ethnicity in facet joint orientation in patients with dSpl in the Asia Pacific region. Materials and Methods A multinational, multiethnic cross-sectional image-based study was performed in 34 institutions in Asia Pacific, identifying 448 cases. Lateral standing X-rays and axial MRIs and/or CT scans were obtained for patients with lumbar dSpl. Magnitude of slip displacement, level of dSpl, and left/right facet joint angulation, width-curvature ratio, and gap width were noted on image assessment. Facet joint measurements were performed at each level from L3-S1. Gender, age, BMI, and ethnicity were also noted. Results The study included 389 patients with known ethnic origin (mean age: 61.4 years; 36.7% males, 63.3% females). The mean BMI was 25.6 kg/m2. The level of dSpl was most prevalent at L4/L5 (72.4%). There were 28.8% Indian, 28.5% Japanese, 17.5% Chinese, 8.2% Korean, 6.2% Thai, 4.6% Caucasian, 2.3% Filipino, 2.3% Malay, and 1.3 were of mixed Asian origin. Accounting for patient demographics and displacement, there was a statistically significant difference between ethnicity to that of left/right facet joint angulations, width-curvature ratios, and gap widths from L3-S1 between specific ethnic groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion This is the largest study to address the role of ethnicity upon lumbar facet joint orientation in dSpl. Ethnicity plays a role in facet joint orientation and may influence the occurrence and severity of dSpl or be a potential consequence. An understanding of ethnic variability may be one factor which assists in identifying those patients at risk of postsurgical development or progression of dSpl. Acknowledgments This study was funded by AOSpine Asia Pacific. Disclosure of Interest None declared


The authors report the results of a pressure-dependent study of the electronic absorption and Raman spectroscopy of Re/sub 2/Cl/sub 8//sup 2 -/ in CH/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/ solution. The behavior observed is in marked contrast to that reported for the Br/sup -/ and I/sup -/ complexes. Their results are best interpreted as arising from a gradual change in the torsional coordinate, accompanied by decreasing Re-Re distance, with increasing pressure due to pressure dependence of the shape of the ground-state potential surface. The present studies were carried out on approx. 5 mM solutions of ((C/sub 4/H/sub 9/)/sub 4/N)/sub 2/Re/sub 2/Cl/sub 8/ in CH/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/ utilizing diamond anvil cells to attain the static high pressures. Methylene chloride freezes at approx. 2.2 GPa (1 GPa = 10/sup 4/ atm) at room temperatures, and no discontinuities in the spectroscopic data for Re/sub 2/Cl/sub 8//sup 2 -/ were detected on passing through this phase transition. Absorption energy maxima and resonance Raman frequencies for the metal-metal stretching mode are reversible on cycling of the pressure, indicating negligible sample decomposition at high pressures. These data are quantitatively reproducible independent of sample and regardless of the direction of pressure change. However, while all samples behave qualitatively the samemore » with regard to absorption intensity, for experimental reasons related to diamond cell techniques, the intensity data are from a single sample with points obtained only for increasing pressure.« less


In order to improve and optimize a liner shipping system and to meet the requirements of liner service with fixed schedules,a mixed-integer nonlinear model for fleet planning was established based on the multi-call liner route pattern.The objective of the model is to maximize the discounted cash flow of fleet operation during the planning period.Based on the characteristics of the model,a Lagrangian relaxation heuristic algorithm was developed to solve it.A liner fleet of shipping company was taken as an example to demonstrate the model,and the optimal solution including ship allocation,sail frequency and fleet development for multi-route,multi-ship,large-scale fleet planning is obtained by using the proposed heuristic algorithm.The simulation results indicate that the model is able to synthetically take into account many factors such as the forecasted flow of commodity,deadweight utilization and chartering in and out of vessels during fleet planning.Therefore,the model can be applied to the typical liner operation pattern with the same type of ships deployed on the same route,providing decision support for liner fleet planning.


s the table below hows, the United States has an enormous bi lateral merchandise Lrade deficit with Japan. Much of the deficit reflect:.. the fac1 that the United State:-. tend:, to cxporl raw materials anJ a few military goud-, 10 Japan. whi le importing large amount:or· manufactured items. The deficit in automobile vehicle:-. parts. and engines alone i~ equal 10 about 577c uf the total U.S.-Jupan trade deficit. Thar defrcir is in turn equal to roughly 43% of the total U.S. trade deficit. Efforts LO lower the U.S. deficit include Prel-iiclenL Nixon·s threat to invoke the Trading with the Enemy act Lo gel Prime Minister Tanaka to ~el ··voluntary .. texti le quotn1in 1968. the 1971 Smith:-.onian Agreement whid1 allowed the value of the yen to floai upwards, a 1981 agreement 10 lim it Japane,e automobile import:-. the MOSS (Market Oriented Sector Specific l talks begun in 1985 to olvc specilil: trade problem:,. the 1986 Semiconductor Trade Agrccmem wherein the Japanese government stateJ privately that it ·'expects'' the U.S. market share to reach 20%. the SIi (Structural hnpediment Initiative) of 1988 under which Japan pledged lo deregulate and spend more so that customers might benefit while the U.S. pledged to improve its schools and cut deficit spending. and the 1993 U.S.-Japan Framework for a new economic partnership under which ·'baskets" or specific agreements would help us trade. In June, 1995, after tense and often angry talks, the automobile '·basket" was finally woven. Americans claimed that the agreement committed Japan to opening uomestic markets LO U.S. cars; Japanese claimed that they had defeated an Ametican request for numerical -;aJel, targeb,. To help provide mate1ial:,, f'or clm,sroorn discussion of these issues. Ed11cutio11 Abour Asia has askeJ two experts to comment. In the first interview. Associate EdiLOr Peter Frost discusse:. the U.S.-Japan trade problem with his sister. Ellen Frost. former coun~elnr to U.S. Trade Repre~enwtive Mickey Kantor. [n Lhesecond interview, Ed1tcutim1 About Asia Editor Lucien Ellington dbcusses the trade problem with Professor Kiyoshi Kawahito. who do1,ely follows U.S.-Japun trade bsues.


On newspaper websites, journalists can observe the preferences of the audience in unprecedented detail and for low costs, based on the audience clicks (i.e. page views) for specific news articles. This article addresses whether journalists use this information to cater to audience preferences in their news selection choices. We analyzed the print and online editions of five national newspapers from the Netherlands with a mixed-method approach. Using a cross-lagged analysis covering 6 months, we found that storylines of the most-viewed articles were more likely to receive attention in subsequent reporting, which indicates that audience clicks affect news selection. However, based on interviews with editors we found that they consider the use of this information for news selection to conflict with professional norms. We elaborate on the implications of this discrepancy in the norms and behaviors of journalists, and project directions for future studies.


Depression is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder that has recently been increased. Patients continuously use antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The goal of this study was comparing the effects of raisin's extract and fluoxetine on depression symptoms in mice. Sixty female mice in the weight range of 25 to 30 g were divided into six groups of control, depression, fluoxetine (1.2 mg/kg) and 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of extract. All groups, except for the control group, received intraperitoneal injection of 0.4 mg/kg tetrabenazine to create depression. After last dose, all groups were evaluated using forced swim test and tail suspension test. Immobility time was measured as depression index. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results showed that raisin in 100 and 200 mg/kg doses increased mobility time and movement activity of animal significantly in proportion to control and fluoxetine groups (p<0.05) which shows depression reduction. Also, movement activities of these doses were increased significantly in proportion to fluoxetine group. Therefore, raisin's hydro alcoholic extract in 100 and 200 mg/kg doses can be a good replacement for fluoxetine to reduce depression symptoms.


Yellow phosphorus is used widely in the world for production of phosphoric acid, various phosphates, flame retardant, detergent, water treatment, metal surface treatment, etc. After the production of yellow phosphorus, a large amount of phosphorus sludge is discharged to environment, causing environment pollution. This work focused on treatment of yellow phosphorus slag (YPS) and application of it as an absorbent for chromium (VI) ion and methylene blue. The YPS was first washed with water to remove phosphoferrite (FeP) and impurities and then being milled and transferred to a float sorting system to obtain YPS particles. The characteristics of YPS particles were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential, and nitrogen adsorption methods. The YPS particles were retreated with NaOH, HNO3, and EDTA solutions to evaluate the influence of these agents on metal ion and organic compound adsorption ability by YPS. The adsorption parameters of chromium (VI) ion and methylene blue (MB) by treated YPS particles were recognized by the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometer. The effects of temperature, pH solution, and initial concentration of absorbed substances on the adsorption ability were investigated. The adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics of chromium (VI) ion and MB by YPS particles were also determined. The obtained results confirmed that the green technology used to treat the YPS2 particles is suitable to obtain an effective absorbent. The adsorption efficiency of YPS2 particles for removal of chromium (VI) ions is smaller than that for removal of MB in aqueous solutions. The adsorption isotherm of MB adsorption process is complied with the Langmuir isotherm while the adsorption kinetic fits well with the pseudo-second-order reaction model. The thermodynamic parameters of MB adsorption processed on YPS2 were calculated and discussed.


Abstract A regional climate model driven at the lateral boundaries by ensemble integrations of a general circulation model (GCM) is used to investigate 1) the large-scale circulation anomalies associated with tropical sea surface temperatures (SSTs) that lead to extreme rainfall anomalies during January–May of 1983 (dry) and 1985 (wet) in tropical South America, and 2) the sensitivity of the nested model results to the choice of domain. The nested model is composed of the Regional Climate Model (RegCM) and the Community Climate Model version 3 (CCM3), both developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. In Part I of this study, the RegCM's ability to simulate circulation and rainfall observed in the two extreme seasons was demonstrated when driven at the lateral boundaries by reanalyzed forcing. Seasonal integrations with the RegCM driven by GCM ensemble–derived lateral boundary forcing demonstrate that the nested model responds well to the SST forcing, by capturing the major features of the ci...


Semi-arid ecosystems in southern Africa are experiencing change due to natural vari- ability in rainfall and to changes in the type and intensity of land use. This paper applies grazing gra- dient techniques to vegetation cover dynamics in areas of communal and semi-commercial grazing in the Kalahari rangelands of Botswana to see whether human impact can be separated from that of climate variability. Landsat Thematic Mapper and Multispectral Scanner data were acquired for the Gumare and Hainaveld areas for a number of wet and dry seasons. Vegetation cover was mapped using the PD54 vegetation index. Gradients in both vegetation cover and vegetation response to rain- fall were identified under communal use, suggesting both human impact and human-induced degra- dation. However, patterns were complex because of multiple focal points in the hinterland of larger settlements. Gradients in vegetation response were more effective than gradients in cover as identi- fiers of human impact in semi-commercial grazing areas. These gradients intensify in dry periods but vegetation partially recovers after good rains. Over time, however, the gradients are intensifying, suggesting that long-term grazing impact is occurring. As gradients intensify and degradation increases, vulnerability of grazing systems to rainfall variability and to drought is likely to intensify.


This document extends the Application-Layer Traffic Optimization
(ALTO) Protocol [RFC7285] by generalizing the concept of "endpoint
properties" to generic types of entities, and by presenting those
properties as maps, similar to the network and cost maps in [RFC7285].


BACKGROUND
Compensatory aids can help mitigate the impact of progressive cognitive impairment on daily living.

OBJECTIVE
We evaluate whether the learning and sustained use of an Electronic Memory and Management Aid (EMMA) application can be augmented through a partnership with real-time, activity-aware transition-based prompting delivered by a smart home.

METHODS
Thirty-two adults who met criteria for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) were randomized to learn to use the EMMA app on its own (N = 17) or when partnered with smart home prompting (N = 15). The four-week, five-session manualized EMMA training was conducted individually in participant homes by trained clinicians. Monthly questionnaires were completed by phone with trained personnel blind to study hypotheses. EMMA data metrics were collected continuously for four months. For the partnered condition, activity-aware prompting was on during training and post-training months 1 and 3, and off during post-training month 2.

RESULTS
The analyzed aMCI sample included 15 EMMA-only and 14 partnered. Compared to the EMMA-only condition, by week four of training, participants in the partnered condition were engaging with EMMA more times daily and using more basic and advanced features. These advantages were maintained throughout the post-training phase with less loss of EMMA app use over time. There was little differential impact of the intervention on self-report primary (everyday functioning, quality of life) and secondary (coping, satisfaction with life) outcomes.

CONCLUSION
Activity-aware prompting technology enhanced acquisition, habit formation and long-term use of a digital device by individuals with aMCI. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03453554).


Title: Diversity of HIV-1 genotypes and high prevalence of pretreatment drug resistance in newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients in Shanghai, China Authors: Zhen-yan Wang (firstname.lastname@example.com) Min Zhang (email@example.com) Ren-fang Zhang (email@example.com) Li Liu (firstname.lastname@example.com) Yin-zhong Shen (firstname.lastname@example.com) Jiang-rong Wang (email@example.com) Hong-zhou Lu (email@example.com) Version: 3 Date: 15 Mar 2019 Author's response to reviews: Response to Editor Comments: 1. Please change the section heading "Introduction" to "Background". Response: We have changed the section heading "Introduction" to "Background".


Despite the long history of music psychology, rhythm similarity perception remains largely unexplored. Several existing studies suggest that the edit-distance model—which is based on the number of notational changes required to transform one rhythm into another—can predict rhythm similarity judgements. Nevertheless, edit-distance has not been evaluated in the presence of other musical factors such as rhythms that also differ in tempo. Here, eighteen participants rated the degree of similarity of a series of pair-wise rhythm phrases in which edit-distance was varied from 1 to 4, and tempo was set at either 90 or 150 beats per minute. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) revealed that rhythm similarity ratings were clustered based upon either tempo or the identical onset pattern (i.e., primacy), but not based on edit-distance. Linear mixed effects modeling further confirmed the nMDS visualizations by yielding main effects of tempo and primacy. It also revealed interactions between edit-distance, tempo, and primacy, thus partially supporting edit-distance. That is, edit-distance predicted rhythm similarity only when tempo or primacy were controlled. Together, our findings suggest that the effects of tempo and primacy outweigh that of edit-distance, prompting a revision of theories regarding human percept of rhythm similarity.


In order to simulate the effects of high-temperature operating conditions on the through-plane gas permeability of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) used in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, uncoated and coated GDLs were heated at various temperatures (i.e. 200, 500 and 800 °C). The results show that the through-plane gas permeability of the uncoated GDLs generally increases after higher temperature treatment. However, the coated GDL displays a different trend: the through-plane gas permeability increases with increasing temperature treatment to 200 and 500 °C, but then decreases after heat treatment at 800 and 1000 °C. With the assistance of SEM images, the above results are discussed.


and Stephanie A. Shore. p38 MAP kinase regulates IL-1 b responses in cultured airway smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 279: L932–L941, 2000.—We have previously reported that interleukin (IL)-1 b causes b -adrenergic hyporesponsiveness in cultured human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells by increasing cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase is involved in these events. IL-1 b (2 ng/ml for 15 min) increased p38 phosphorylation fourfold. The p38 inhibitor SB-203580 (3 m M) decreased IL-1 b -induced COX-2 by 70 6 7% ( P , 0.01). SB-203580 had no effect on PGE 2 release in control cells but caused a significant (70–80%) reduction in PGE 2 release in IL-1 b -treated cells. IL-1 b increased the binding of nuclear proteins to the oligonucleotides encoding the consensus sequences for activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor (NF)- k B, but SB-203580 did not affect this binding, suggesting that the mechanism of action of p38 was not through AP-1 or NF- k B activation. The NF- k B inhibitor MG-132 did not alter IL-1 b -induced COX-2 expression, indicating that NF- k B activation is not required for IL-1 b -induced COX-2 expression in HASM cells. IL-1 b attenuated isoproterenol-induced decreases in HASM stiffness as measured by magnetic twisting cytometry, and SB-203580 abolished this effect. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that p38 is involved in the signal transduction pathway through which IL-1 b induces COX-2 expression, PGE 2 release, and b -adrenergic hyporesponsiveness. scintillation counting and for b -galactosi-dase activity by spectrophotometry with the b -galactosidase enzyme assay system (Promega). The results of the experiments are reported as mean luciferase activity normalized to b -galactosidase activity. With this system, the transfection efficiency averaged 16.4 6 2.8% ( n 5 5 experiments) as assessed by flow cytometry of cells transfected with a green fluorescence protein-expressing vector.


Alzheimer's disease is a most common neurological disorder, associated with cognitive disorder. Pathologically, Alzheimer's disease is characterized via the presence of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, hyper-phosphorylated tau proteins, and neurofibrillary tangles, but persistence oxidative-nitrative stress, endoplasmic reticulum pressure, mitochondrial disorder, inflammatory cytokines, pro-apoptotic proteins in conjunction with altered neurotransmitters degree are common etiological attributes in its pathogenesis. With the modern state of affairs, the variety of published proofs shows the neuroprotective capability of evidently occurring bioactive molecule via their anti-oxidant, ant apoptotic and neutransmitter modulatory residences. Many researchers have counselled that change of life style, proper diet, can delay or prevent the onset of this ailment. Diet is presently considered to be an important component in controlling fitness and protecting oneself towards oxidative strain and persistent inflammation, and hence towards chronic degenerative illnesses. A wide variety of bioactive food compounds may impact the pathological mechanisms underlying AD. Among them, phenolic compounds, omega-three fatty acids, fats-soluble vitamins, isothiocyanates, seem like the best in stopping neurodegeneration. The present review gathers proof that helps the neuroprotective impact of bioactive materials. Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration, amyloid cascade, tau protein, tau hypothesis, nitric oxide


People first,comprehensive,coordinative,sustainable scientific view,it is the guiding ideology of the new time to maintain the advancement of communist party.Construction of party' advancement is a comparason concept.We should explore the new way to maintain advancement under the new situation.


Seven underfill formulations have been evaluated for fast-flow fast-cure and low-clearance flow application for flip chip assembly. The effects of different ingredients are discussed. At least one formulation is found to have superior flow rate under a 30-micron die than any known commercial underfill available so far.


A method, device and system for collecting writing pattern using Body Area Network, BAN, wherein the BAN comprises at least one BAN enabled writing device, e.g. a pen and at least one wearable BAN enabled communication device, e.g. a wristlet, worn by a user, wherein a BAN link is established through the body of the user between the BAN enabled writing device and the wearable BAN enabled communication device, when the user touches the writing device, the writing pattern is created and collected by using the BAN enabled writing device and streamed from the BAN enabled writing device to the wearable BAN enabled communication device by using the established BAN link.


Abstract : This HVAC/PC Module volume is divided into a user's manual, a program reference manual, and a program listing. In this program listing, the FORTRAN programs of three programs in the HVAC/PC Module are documented. These three programs are MAIN1 (HVAC1), HVAC2, and RSPNSR.


Aggressive driving is speed that exceeds the limit, changing lanes without providing signal lights (turn signal), improper signaling in changing lanes, disobeying traffic signs (stop signs, no-passing signs, traffic lights, breaking through railroad crossing doors Aggressive driving behavior is caused due to several causes, one of which is related to individual emotional intelligence.The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship of emotional intelligence with aggressive driving.This study is a quantitative study with cross sectional approach, sampling in this study using incidental sampling techniques, instruments that used is the scale of emotional intelligence and aggressive driving scale and data analysis using product moment correlation (KPM) The results showed that there was a relationship of emotional intelligence with aggressive driving, indicated by the value of r -0.528 and the value of p = 0.000 <0.05.


Developing a speech application requires collecting and manually transcribing many hours of task-specific training. In recent years, unsupervised training approaches, which automatically transcribe task-dependent audio and train speech and language models using these automatic transcriptions, have reduced dependence on manual transcriptions. In this paper, we leverage our state-of-the-art speech recognition technology and use automatic transcriptions to reduce time and manual effort in developing a call routing application. Two key differentiators of our work include using different recognition strategies for unsupervised training vs. call routing, and investigating the impact of unsupervised training on call routing accuracy.


AckNowLEDgEmENTS This publication draws heavily upon the reports, publications, reminiscences and photographs of current and former employees of The University of Queensland Library, to all of whom we express our gratitude. The assistance of Spencer routh, who has been intimately associated with the Library for almost sixty years as a student, lecturer, librarian and researcher was particularly valuable.


Numerical studies on characteristics of the inter-layer current distribution and the AC losses in co-axial multi-layer cable conductors with superconducting magnetic shields were performed by using the model developed by our previous study. The inter-layer current distribution and AC loss dependencies on the twist pitches, the diameter and the numbers of the superconducting layers of the cables were investigated. The analytical results showed that the magnetic field produced by the shielding currents strongly affected the current distribution and the AC losses of the cable. Based on the model, the optimized cable structures to achieve the uniform current distribution and to reduce the AC losses were studied. Examples of the optimized structures obtained by our model were presented and compared with those obtained by the conventional electric circuit model.


The pycnogonids of the Southern Ocean have been studied for almost two centuries and have played a key role in shaping previous biogeographic regions for the Antarctic benthos. The aim of this study was to assess the biogeographic patterns derived from the most current sample records of pycnogonids from the Southern Ocean and neighbouring areas. 332 species of pycnogonids from 1837 sample locations were analysed using 279 38 by 38 grid cells. We investigated richness patterns and the effect of sampling intensity at both local and regional scales, and used multivariate analysis of distribution patterns and species assemblages to define biogeographic trends. These analyses identified a distinct and isolated Antarctic pycnogonid shelf fauna which was different to that of the deep-sea around Antarctica, the SubAntarctic islands, South America or New Zealand. Within the Antarctic, we found the South Shetland Islands to be the most speciose region and a probable center of radiation for the pycnogonids. No latitudinal gradients in species richness were detected. We note that the distribution patterns observed are based upon classical taxonomy and discuss the potential for changes to these patterns with new insights from molecular techniques. We conclude that, even with the potential for cryptic species, the large-scale biogeographic trends observed in the pycnogonids should hold true. Sea spiders (Arthropoda; Pycnogonida) have a worldwide distribution and are often regarded as a characteristic component of Antarctic habitats (Arnaud and Bamber 1987). Pycnogonid species tend to be of larger maximal size in colder and deeper waters compared to temperate and tropical waters (Hedgpeth 1969) and are usually more abundant, particularly around Antarctic shelves. These features make them a common and conspicuous component of Southern Ocean (SO) benthic samples, in contrast to the typical rarity of reports from elsewhere probably due to their small size and low abundance. The Antarctic pycno


Governor Parson has issued a number of Executive Orders since declaring a state of emergency throughout the State of Missouri on March 13, 2020, including the relaxation of certain statutory and regulatory provisions related to telemedicine, allowing waiver of strict compliance with statutory or regulatory compliance where it would hinder the State's response to COVID-19, and easing licensing requirements to eliminate barriers to the provision of health care services.7 But none of his Executive Orders extend immunity to healthcare providers responding to COVID-19 or aiding the response. Any health care provider who in good faith renders care or assistance, with or without compensation, in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, including taking measures to coordinate, arrange for, respond to, provide, or address issues related to the delivery of health care services, shall not be liable for any civil damages for any acts or omissions that occur during a period where there is in effect an executive order issued by the governor of Missouri declaring that a state of emergency exists .. . Governor Cuomo of New York, through Executive Order No. 202.10, granted more tailored immunity- immunity from civil and criminal liability to healthcare facilities and professionals for "any injury or death alleged to have been sustained directly as a result of an act or omission by such medical professional in the course of providing medical services in support of the State's response to the COVID-19 outbreak," unless the act or omission was caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.12 Governor Pritzker of Illinois took similar action through Executive Order No. 17, which granted healthcare facilities and professionals immunity from civil liability for any injury or death which occurs while the provider rendered health care services in response to COVID-19.13 Like New York, the immunity does not extend to injuries caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. Governor Evers of Wisconsin recently signed into law the 2019 Wisconsin Act 185 with bipartisan support, enacting substantially similar protections as New York and Illinois, though referring to health services provided (or not provided) in good faith, or which are "substantially consistent" with public health emergency guidance (instead of referring specifically to COVID-19), absent reckless or wanton conduct or intentional misconduct.14 This immunity is arguably broader than New York or Illinois' immunity provisions because it is not expressly limited to acts or omissions


fourth industrial revolution. Recently, the South Korean government announced its 'Bio-Health Innovation Strategy'. The most important element of that strategy is health care data. These days, it is also called 'Real World Data' because it shows what's happening in the real world. Health authorities have already declared that they will create a public data platform and have prepared a considerable budget [1]. In most countries around the world, including the Republic of Korea, it is legal to study health data after de-identifying personal information. However, some non-governmental organizations are concerned about such big data research. This is due to the view that it may be used commercially. Everyone acknowledges that health data includes highly sensitive personal information. Most academic researchers conduct research for public interest purposes. But recently many researchers are conducting research with the aim of commercializing the outcomes. In South Korea, the quality of individual researchers is also important when looking at government-funded tasks, but sometimes (government) requires participation by companies that can commercialize the results. As such, we cannot ignore or diminish the concerns of civic groups. Even if it is legal to use de-identified data, it is natural to suspect that there is a high probability of re-identification if it is exploited for commercial purposes. Indeed, many companies want to re-identify data to gain greater profit margins. For example, suppose that a company called B researched patients with A disease. Naturally, the patients' information is de-identified. The study found out such characteristics as vulnerable age, gender, and race of the disease, and eventually company B made a new drug. If the drug is marketed to patients with A disease, B could make a bigger profit. Therefore, company B would wish to re-identify patient information with A disease and advertise directly at the same time by promoting it to the hospital where the patient might go [2]. There have been many similar cases in the past. Some pharmaceutical companies and some 'fake' data analytic companies that were working to help with their marketing activities had unethical transactions with patient information. Through this data, companies determined the market share of their drugs, and the information of hospitals that used their drugs was obtained. Of course, with that information, they could actively engage in sales to doctors. Nowadays, such unethical activities have decreased and, on the contrary, almost all studies are in line with the public interest. The pharmaceutical industry is monitoring drug side effects almost in real time through 'Real World Data' study. And such evidence is helping to develop new drugs. Companies that use lots image data to learn artificial intelligence are expected to help radiologists. It is expected that the misdiagnosis rate will be lowered. While the situation has changed, such as the research environment and the ethical consciousness of researchers, Emerging Ethical Issues in Managing Real World Data


Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify and describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) in aboriginals in British Columbia (BC), Canada and compare these findings with non-aboriginal MS patients. Methods: This retrospective chart and database review accessed patient information from the linked BC-wide MS clinical and genetics databases. Data gathered included: demographics (age, sex and ethnicity); clinical characteristics (MS onset date, disease course and disability scores (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]). Aboriginals were identified via the database linkage augmented by physician and nurse recall. Two non-aboriginal comparator groups with definite MS were selected. Group one included all definite MS patients in the BC MS database, and group two comprised MS patients matched by sex, age at onset and initial disease course. Patient characteristics were compared using the Student's t-test, chi-squared test, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to examine disease progression (time to sustained and confirmed EDSS 6) Results: We identified 26 aboriginals with MS, of which 19/26 (73%) were female, 23/26 (89%) had relapsing-onset MS and a mean onset age of 31.1 years. There were no significant differences between the MS aboriginals and the non-matched (n = 5708) comparator group with respect to age, sex or disease course (p > 0.1), However, aboriginals progressed more rapidly to EDSS 6 from disease onset (p < 0.001) when compared with the matched and unmatched comparator groups. Conclusion: We identified a small, but important cohort of aboriginals with MS; being the largest identified to date. There was evidence of more rapid MS progression in aboriginals compared with non-aboriginals.


The attenuation length for electrons in Al2O3 has been determined to vary from 6.3A at 157 eV to 16.7A at 1404 eV by means of an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic technique. The attenuation of photoelectron and Auger electron lines from a substrate was monitored as the thickness of an overlayer of Al2O3 was increased, the results being corrected for the asymmetry of photoelectron angular distributions from various subshells and for effects due to the geometry of the spectrometer. The results have been compared with a number of theoretical models of electron scattering. The major energy loss process has been demonstrated to be due to inelastic scattering involving valence band electrons.


Working rivers" provide societal needs like drinking water, industry, and agriculture. Our use of rivers has led to disruptions in the delivery of water, sediment, and nutrients and globally degraded water quality and biodiversity. To balance many social and environmental needs, strategies for river restoration integrate ecology-based predictive models and uncertainties with socio-economic models. We present a synthesis understanding of decision support methods that underpin contemporary systematic river restoration planning and management. Popular methods integrate hydro-ecological models with decision science methods like mathematical optimization and decision analysis. We use these methods in conjunction on a catchment-scale river restoration planning project in Australia.


A combined study of low-temperature specific heat $C(T)$ and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements on single crystalline FeSe reveals the existence of two superconducting gaps without nodes. The $C(T)$ data can be represented by a phenomenological two-band model with an s-wave plus an extended s-wave ($s$ + $es$) type gap structure. The estimated s-wave gap magnitude $\Delta_{s}$ is significantly smaller than that of the extended s-wave gap $\Delta_{es}$. An overall "U"-shaped gap found in the tunneling spectra away as well as on top of twin boundaries is in excellent agreement with the $C(T)$ analysis, confirming nodeless multi-gap superconductivity throughout the FeSe material.


Survey results show that more Hong Kong people claim a mixed identity, seeing themselves as both Hongkongers and Chinese. Their perceptions of Hong Kong–mainland differences are disappearing in terms of economic values but are still conspicuous in terms of political values. They identify with the cultural and historical aspects of their national identity more; political identification remains weak. The authors try to problematize the once dominant mediated local–national dichotomy and propose a multidimensional understanding of the formations of Hong Kong's national identity.


Growth of equine infectious anemia virus in equine leucocyte culture is influencedconsuderably by individuality of horse from which the leucocytes were derive. It alsoinfluenced by bovine serum which is contained in tissue culture medium No. 199.The relationship between the percentages of the serurn protein fractions o btainedby paper electrophoresis and the results of leucocyte culture was investigated to elucidatethe nature of the most adequate serum for equine leucocyte culture.As a result, the percentages of the albumin and the beta-globulin fraction were low, and that of the alpha-globulin fraction was high in such sera as considered adequatefor equine leucocyte culture.To obtain a serum sample which has the nature described above, the serum sampleshould be collected aseptically. it should not be filtered through a bacterial filter.If a serum sample is not filtered but heated at a proper temperature for a propertime (50 -60C, 30 -40 minute), it will give good results irc leucocyte culture.


Load forecasting helps to determine future electric load based on the historical data of the electrical system. Precise models for forecasting the electric power load are indispensable for the planning and operation of the utility. Load forecasting can also be used for load switching, demand-side management, identify and predict the energy consumption pattern to support an electric utility for future system operations. Many techniques can be used for load forecasting. The commonly used load forecasting technique is time series load forecasting. There are various factors which have an influence on the load and its forecast. Load forecasting using the time series ARIMA model for the forecast of the load is adopted in the present work. The Short-term is considered for the forecast i.e. one-day and one-week data along with the ambient temperature data as the independent variable. Forecast for four cases is carried out for determining the accuracy of the forecast. The error is expressed as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). It is found that when the ambient temperature data is considered, the accuracy of the forecasted value increases as indicated by the reduction in RMSE. For one day load data without considering the ambient temperature it was found to be 6.009955 and when the ambient temperature of one day is considered it was 5.990357. Similarly, for one-week data without ambient temperature is was 4.68697 and with ambient temperature is was found to be 4.682843. The result obtained also prove that the exogenous data and number of data samples considered will play an important role in load forecasting accuracy using time series forecasting.


Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently prescribed in the elderly due to the high prevalence of AED-treatable neuropsychiatric disorders in this age group. There are several factors associated with AED therapy in the elderly that substantially increase the risk of clinically significant drug interactions. The elderly exhibit altered pharmacodynamics resulting in greater sensitivity to both pharmacological and toxicological drug effects. The use of polypharmacotherapy leaves the elderly patient at an increased risk for adverse events. There are no known drug interactions between anticoagulants/antiplatelets and the following AEDs: gabapentin (GBP), lamotrigine (LTG), levetiracetam (LEV), tiagabine (TGB), or zonisamide (ZNS). A number of AEDs either induce or inhibit drug metabolizing enzymes and, in turn, their metabolism is affected by many co-medications. Several of the newer AEDs do not appear to interact with other medications, while others are affected by enzyme induction of inhibition but do not appear to alter the disposition of co-medications.


The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for particle reinforced metal matrix composite surface, belonging to the technical field of anti-wear material preparation; the present invention the apparatus comprises a cavity boss, a quartz tube, EPS foam, preformed layer, metal network, quartz sand, metal, rubber stopper, rectangular quartz, sand, quartz outer tube, vacuum gauge, a vacuum valve, a vacuum pump; by vacuum sealing techniques of the present invention to improve the filling capacity of the molten metal, the molten metal in order to facilitate enhanced permeability between the particles, thereby obtaining a thicker layer of a more densified composite, the particles prepared surface reinforced metal matrix composites having a high volume fraction of reinforcement, a more uniform distribution of the reinforcement as well as excellent impact wear properties; present invention the method of molten metal filling ability strong, thick surface particle reinforced metal matrix composite thickness of the surface characteristics of the composite material; method of preparation of the present invention is applicable not only to the general surface of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites, are also suitable for preparing composite material geometry preparation of test material high mechanical requirements.


The long term evolution of UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), UTRA LTE, is based on OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) combined with MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) techniques. In particular, the Alamouti and the V-BLAST (Vertical Bell Labs Layered Space Time) schemes are seen as interesting MIMO concepts. In this communication, the authors will compare these two MIMO schemes w.r.t. the achievable performance in the UTRA LTE downlink using up to two transmit and two receive antennas.


The purpose of the present paper is to suggest a philosophical basis for reflection on the transmission model of communication. The article is a contribution to the discussion about the genesis of the concept of communication. It also attempts to specify the conditions that have to be met to identify the non-etymological genesis of transmission approach to the phenomenon of communication. The paper consists of four sections. The first one distinguishes between a 'model of communication' and an 'approach to communication'. While the second section examines the etymological and historical genesis of the contemporary term 'communication', it particularly discusses two metaphors on which the transmission model of communication builds: the 'organic' and the 'transmission' metaphors. The third section considers the basic elements of the Shannon–Weaver model of communication which is generally regarded as the very source of all communication models. The fourth section delivers a presentation of a philosophical perspective on the genesis of the transmission approach: Plato's Phaedros, Scholastic semiotics, Descartes' cogito and Locke's empiricism are covered here. The most important conclusion that is drawn here has it that the philosophical perspective on the genesis of the concept of communication makes it possible to show that the category of transmission is inadequate for a serious reflection on the communication process.


Artificial neural networks (ANN) have been applied to the resolution of overlapping capillary electrophoresis peaks of amino acid derivatives labelled with 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS). The separation was performed with a fused-silica capillary and the corresponding 3D-electropherograms were recorded in a range from 225 to 550 nm with a diode array detector (DAD). Since complete resolution of all the analytes was not accomplished, a chemometric approach was used to improve the quantification mathematically. In the present case, a three-layer back propagation (BP) ANN with a sigmoid transfer function was built in order to perform the amino acid determination. The inputs of the ANN were the spectra or the electropherograms of each sample and the outputs were the concentrations of the amino acid derivatives in the overlapping peaks to be predicted. The results were compared with those from partial least squares regression (PLS) and, in general, ANN provided better predictions than PLS.


Discrete signaling schemes are proposed for non-coherent, single-antenna, Rayleigh block-fading channels (RBFCs). The schemes are inspired by the capacity-achieving distribution. A nested Monte-Carlo method is developed to compute the mutual information across the RBFC. Mutual information curves are presented and compared with other signaling schemes proposed in the literature.