Quantum strategies have been successfully applied in game theory for years. However, as a reverse problem of game theory, the theory of mechanism design is ignored by physicists. In this paper, we generalize the classical theory of mechanism design to a quantum domain and obtain two results: 1) We find that the mechanism in the proof of Maskin's sufficiency theorem is built on the Prisoners' Dilemma. 2) By virtue of a quantum mechanism, agents who satisfy a certain condition can combat Pareto-inefficient social choice rules instead of being restricted by the traditional mechanism design theory.


Piebaldism is one of three types of hypopigmentation of animals, when some areas on the skin have no pigments. Anomalously white cetaceans are rare, although they have been reported in more than 20 different cetacean species, including the common bottlenose dolphin, which in the Black Sea is recognized as an endangered endemic subspecies — the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus Barabash-Nikiforov, 1940). Its main habitat in the north-western Black Sea region is the coastal waters, however, these dolphins also occur offshore. Thirty cases of anomalously white bottlenose dolphins have been reported from the Black Sea, which were unevenly distributed, and only a few sightings have been reported from the north-western Black Sea. Cetacean observations were conducted in the Ukrainian part of the north-western Black Sea waters in April 2017, onboard the research vessel "Auguste Piccard". All encountered cetaceans were photographed, and individual distinctiveness of dorsal fin images was used for their photo-identification. On 13 April 2017, four groups of up to four individuals of bottlenose dolphins were encountered in the same area at a distance of 61 km south of Odesa (34 km from the nearest coast). The depth at the observation site was about 20 m. The initially observed type of dolphins' behavior was feeding. However, two groups changed their behavior and followed the vessel by 5–6 individuals for approximately 18 minutes. The joint group consisted of adults and one juvenile individual. Among the adults, there was one piebald specimen with white patches on its dorsal fin, peduncle, and tail fluke. The piebald dolphin was photographed and photo-identified. Our research has shown that piebald Black sea bottlenose dolphins occur not only in the coastal waters, but also in offshore waters of the north-western Black Sea. However, the frequency of such hypopigmentation in local populations remains unknown. Further intensive photo-identification and genetic sampling of local stocks of the Black Sea bottlenose dolphins are necessary for the assessment of their population genetic structure and its divergence.


Abstract The effect of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is well-documented for individual interventions for depression. Studies of group interventions for depression using CBT principles are more sparse. Hence the reason for this naturalistic study that reviews the results of a short term 12-session manualized CBT group intervention offered in an inpatient setting at the Specialized Treatment Unit for Depression and Anxiety at the Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, over a 5-year period. The aim of the study was the treatment and relapse prevention of depressive symptoms by teaching patients cognitive behavioural therapeutic methods. The manual deviated only slightly from Melanie Fennell's treatment model. Sixty-two patients were referred and 48 participated, 45 of these had been inpatients with moderate to severe major depression admitted to the ward with a depressive episode or recurrent depressive episodes of at least 2 weeks and up to 2 years' duration. So far the results are promising, measured by the decrease in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) score at session 12 [mean BDI-II score at baseline: 30.7 (s.d. = 9.9); post-treatment: 20.4 (s.d. = 12.6), p<0.0001], relapse was measured by the rate of readmissions compared to data published in a previous register-based study on Danish patients with unipolar depression, which showed significantly lower rates of readmission in our sample (p = 0.003) and patients' self-reported improvement, indicating that treatment in groups can be recommended, although a 12-session programme may have to be extended for people with more complex and longstanding personality impairments and recurring depression. Secondary gains not originally intended, but pointed out in patient feedback, were the strengthening of social skills and self-esteem.


Preparation of allenyl perfluoroalkyl sulfones from perfluoroalkyl sulfinyl chlorides and their reactions with secondary amines and water were studied. At room temperature secondary amines reacted readily with allenyl perfluoroalkyl sulfones to give the corresponding enamine adducts, which underwent rearrangement to afford conjugate enamines in refluxing toluene. Good diastereoslectivities were observed in the addition of diethylamine to gamma-ethyl-gamma-methylallenyl perfluoroalkyl sulfones. In refluxing acetonitrile, water could also undergo the similar addition with allenyl perfluoroalkyl sulfones.


The embodiment of the invention provides an input control method and an input control device. The input control method and the input control device are applied into electronic equipment. The electronic equipment comprises a touch display unit. The method comprises the following steps that: when the electronic equipment is in a first input mode, a first input operation of an operation body in a first display region of the touch display unit is detected; a first input track formed by the first input operation is identified; a target candidate object corresponding to the first input track is determined; and the electronic equipment is switched to a second input mode corresponding to the target candidate object. Through the method and the device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the switching between the modes of the electronic equipment is realized through the first input operation, and different input operation responses can be executed in different input modes, so that the convenient and effective input control on the electronic equipment is realized.


Raising awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the school environment is essential. Kamaljit Thandi provides information and advice on FGM, which school nurses can provide to teachers and other professionals working in schools.


This article asks questions about the recognition of gaining adulthood for those who are mentally disturbed and residing in specialized institutions. By focusing on the specific quest of the right to sexuality and contraception, our argumentation aims at exposing the vulnerability that results from a way of seeing and of intervening which enclose these individuals of the stigma of "the eternal child". A study using ethnographic methods was conducted in a specialized medical institution that has adopted new practices to prepare their residents to come of age as adults (by creating an "Inter-Unit of Young Adults"). Data consisted of observations of what happened daily in the institution, participation in these activities and interviews with the staff who were involved in the project. Results point to the difficulty of enabling mentally disturbed individuals to accede to a satisfying affective and sexual life. It appears that accompaniment in these moments of intimacy requires changes in the legal framework, appropriate professional training and the development of new practices. These must be matched by a change in the way mental disturbances are viewed.


Current advancements in nanotechnology appear to open a more efficient, stable, and cheaper way of producing solar cells to replace the too expensive means of inorganic solar cells production. The creation of nanoscale materials for advanced structures has led to a growing research interest in the area of photovoltaic energy conversion using photovoltaic devices. This research investigates the impact of annealing temperature on the optical properties of silver nanoparticles-doped titanium (IV) oxide thin film (TiO2:AgNPs) deposited by spin-coating method on glass substrate. AgNPs were prepared using the leaf extract of Gliricidia sepium as a reducing agent for silver nitrate. Deposition of TiO2:AgNPs composite solution was performed in different volume ratio. Deposition of TiO2:AgNPs volume ratio (1: 0.2) was performed with different spin-coating speed for 30 seconds at 7 different thicknesses. Characterization of the optical properties of thin films was carried out by using a UV-vis single beam spectrophotometer; this was used to calculate the absorbance and the bandgap energy. Sixteen 16 samples of TiO2:AgNPs deposited at 1000 rpm on the glass substrate were annealed at temperature range of 50 to 425 °C with step of 10 °C interval in a tubular furnace. It was observed from the results that the peak absorption of photon energy occurred at 375 °C in the visible spectrum of the wavelength band. The optimal thickness for peak absorbance of the TiO2:AgNPs blend layer occurred at 115 nm in the visible spectrum and at the corresponding spin speed of 1000 rpm. The optimized fabrication process with blend layer thickness of 115 nm yielded the best absorbance at an annealed temperature of 375 °C in the visible spectrum. The volume ratio of (1:0.2) gave the peak absorption at 0.75 au. At 1000 rpm with the corresponding thickness of 115 nm, TiO2:AgNPs blend has the peak absorbance. The energy band gap of the blend thin film is 3.58 eV at 375 °C in the visible spectrum of wavelength band. The result obtained showed that AgNPs enhanced light absorption, broadened absorption spectral range and thermal stability of titanium (IV) oxide film. The result can be used as a guideline in the design and fabrication of solar cells.


With the popularity of the Internet and the improvement of the rural infrastructure, electronic commerce in rural areas shows a fast development tendency and has a bright future. However, it also faces a lot of problems and obstacles in further development. This paper has summarized the problems based on the research data and brought some forward countermeasures of electronic commerce development in the suburbs of Beijing.


Objective
To study the timing of surgical resection of congenital dermal sinus complicated with the infection of central nervous system.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 10 cases of congenital dermal sinus complicated with the infection of central nervous system admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center between October 2005 to December 2015. Among them, 5 cases had appropriate antibiotic administration prior to operation and underwent surgery immediately after infection was controlled. The other 5 cases received surgical treatment when the infection was not controlled.

Results
Among the 10 cases, infection was effectively controlled and no recurrence was observed. Compared with that in patients with uncontrolled infection, the average operative time was reduced by 1.3±0.3 hours in 5 cases who had the operation after the infection was preliminarily controlled. The number of opened vertebral segments was less and the recovery of neurological function was better in patients with controlled infection. The average length of hospitalization was 16 days longer in infection-controlled than infection-uncontrolled patients.

Conclusion
Appropriate antibiotic administration prior to operation and immediate surgery following controlled infection could reduce operative difficulty and surgical trauma and facilitate recovery of neurological function. However, it might increase length of hospitalization and treatment costs.

Key words:
Spinal dysraphism; Central nervous system infections; Spinal subdural empyema; Dermal sinus


This paper analysis the present technology of Chinese Search Engine carefully, and presents the advanced technique about information searching, AI (Artifical Intelligence) and natural Chinese disposal. On which the new intelligent search engine about the regulate database and irregulate database analysis based.


We consider the generalized shift operator, associated with the Dunkl operator Λα(f)(x) := d dxf(x) + 2α+1 x ( f(x)−f(−x) 2 ) . In this paper, the boundedness of the Dunkl maximal operator, the Dunkl fractional maximal operator and Dunkl fractional integrals in weighted Lp,w,α(R) spaces is established. 1. Preliminaries For a real parameter α ≥ −1/2, we consider the Dunkl operator, associated with the reflection group Z2 on R : Λα(f)(x) := d dx f(x) + 2α+ 1 x ( f(x)− f(−x) 2 ) (1.1) Note that Λ−1/2 = d/dx. For α ≥ −1/2 and λ ∈ C, the initial value problem: Λα(f)(x) = λf(x), f(0) = 1, x ∈ R has a unique analytic solution Eα(λx) called Dunkl kernel [4, 16, 19] and given by Eα(λx) = jα(iλx) + λx 2(α+ 1) jα+1(iλx), x ∈ R, where jα is the normalized Bessel function of the first kind and order α, which is defined as (see [20]) jα(z) = 2 Γ(α+ 1) Jα(z) zα = Γ(α+ 1) ∞ ∑ n=0 (−1)n(z/2)2n n! Γ(n+ α+ 1) , z ∈ C. We can write for x ∈ R and λ ∈ C (see Dunkl [3]) Eα(−iλx) = Γ(α+ 1) √ πΓ(α+ 1/2) ∫ 1 −1 (1− t2)α−1/2 (1− t) e dt. 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 42B25, 42B35; Secondary 43A62, 44A20, 47G10.


In Computational Mechanics one comes across with models based on finite element formulations, which often need to be repeatedly solved, e.g. in the scope of frequency response analyses in structural dynamics and vibroacoustics. Usually, such problems represent both a data storage and time expensive task, when the whole system is considered and classical solvers are used. In the last decades several Model Order Reduction (MOR) techniques have been developed for decreasing the computational cost and the memory store of data, though maintaining the main features of the original model.
This work presents moment-matching MOR techniques, namely Pad\'{e} approximation, Krylov-based Galerkin Projection method and Derivative-based Galerkin Projection. A numerical example of a vibroacoustical problem is presented. The results show the suitability of the moment-matching methods for non symmetrical and non proportional damped systems and highlights the time efficiency and the suitability for parallel implementation of those methods.


Nowadays,peoples tendto seekan alternative treatment from traditional plants because it is side effects relatively less than synthetic drugs. One of the famous traditional medicinedrinks in Indonesia is "kunyit asam". People was make it with mixed both Curcuma domestica Val and Tamarindus indica L. Beside it has many advantages for health such as increasing stamina, it also has a good taste, so many people consumed it. However, the acid content in this drink maycause enamel erosion. Therefore the aim of this present study is to determine the in vitro effect of "kunyit asam" solution towards microhardness and roughness of human enamel tooth. The pH of solutionwas measure using a digital pH meter, while the calcium content measure using the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). This study used 40 permanent maxillary first incisor that has been extracted from the patient who came to dental polyclinic of hospitals in Polewali Mandar regency, West Sulawesi Province during February 2015-April 2015 period. The roots of the teeth were removed at the cementoenamel junction. Tooth crowns placed on blocks orthoplast with labial surface facing up. Samples were randomly divided into 2 groups equally andimmersed in aquadest solution pH 7.0 (negative control) (Group I) or "kunyit asam" solution pH 3.0 (Group II) for 14, 28, 42 and 56 minutes respectively. An Universal Hardness Tester (Affri® Universal Hardness Tester, Japan) was used to measure enamel surface microhardness, while to measure enamel surface roughness wasused a Roughness Tester (Surftest 301 Mitutoyo, Japan). Both measure were done before and after immersed in solution. Data were statistically analyzed using Levene, paired-t one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significance Different (LSD) tests. The results of present study showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) microhardness but significant differences (p<0.05) for the roughness of tooth enamelbefore and after immersion in both group. In conclusion, pH (3.0) "kunyit asam" decreased of microhardness, meanwhile it is calcium content (794.23 µg) increased roughness of human enamel tooth in vitro .


Most of the ADaM datasets are in BDS data structure. So statistical programmers spend a lot of time implementing BDS datasets. In this paper, the author's thoughts and practices are illustrated using examples about how to implement ADaM-compliant BDS datasets when facing some complex situations in ophthalmology studies considering that each subjects can have 0 or 1 study eye and 1 or 2 fellow eyes, that the measurements can be performed on various segments of each eye, and that measurements can done at different time points.


Simply because you are in compliance with federal debt collection laws does not mean that you are in compliance with all state laws.


In this paper, we deduce the equivalence relationship among strongly c-elegant labelling, super-edge magic total labelling, edge antimagic total labelling, and super

 t
 ,
 1

 -magical labelling. We study some properties of the graph with a strongly c-elegant labelling. On the basis of small-scale graphs with strongly c-elegant labelling, several types of large-scale graphs are constructed through graph operations, and we further prove the existence of their strongly c-elegant labelling. In addition, we also define a transformation of strongly c-elegant labelling, which provides a method for the transformation between several strongly c-elegant labellings of a graph.


Photoacoustic imaging is a scalable functional and molecular imaging technique that can potentially be used for transcranial brain imaging as a complementary method to ultrasonography.


The rapid increase in construction activities leads to scarcity of conventional construction materials such as cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. Researchers are being conducted for finding cheaper materials. In India, there are many industries producing large amount of effluent treatment paper waste sludge which leads in problems of disposal. In the Pulp and Paper Industry several types of solid wastes and sludge are generated. Solid waste is mainly produced from pulping, deinking processes and wastewater treatment. The waste generation is strongly affected by the production process and wastewater treatment technologies. Paper manufacturing is a highly capital, energy and water intensive industry. In India, around 905.8 million m3 of water is consumed and around 695.7 million m3 of wastewater is discharged annually by this sector. The amount of waste generated in paper production varies greatly within different regions, because of different recycling rates. The purpose of this study is to find an alternate source for Fine aggregate, cement and as an admixture. In this project concrete was tested with w/c ratio of 0.45.


The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires that all electric utilities develop and update evacuation plans for the areas surrounding their nuclear power plants. The evacuation of people around these plants has certain peculiar transportation-related characteristics, such as the location of the incident is fixed, the evacuation area is predetermined by NRC, and all the inhabitants must be evacuated from the affected area. These characteristics pose a challenge to evacuation planners and modelers. The developed evacuation models should incorporate these characteristics and address the peculiarities of the evacuation process. Hobeika et al. have developed a mass evacuation computer program (MASSVAC 3.0) that models the evacuation process and utilizes the traffic assignment of all-or-nothing and Dial's algorithm to simulate the traffic movements during evacuation. The objective of this paper is to describe the upgrade of MASS-VAC 3.0 to MASSVAC 4.0, which incorporates new modeling features such as the user equilibrium (UE) assignment algorithm, which was not available in MASSVAC 3.0. The focus of this paper, however, is on comparing the assignment results of Dial's algorithm with the UE algorithm using performance measures such as the evacuation time, the number of congested links, and the computer execution time. The results show that the evacuation performance measures are largely dependent on the highway network structure and the number of vehicles produced in an emergency planning zone, Generally, it was found that the UE algorithm was more efficient than the Dial's algorithm in the three performance measures mentioned above.


The coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has had a great negative impact on human health and economies all over the world. To prevent the spread of infection in many countries, including the Russian Federation, public life was restricted. To assess the impact of the taken actions on air quality in the Moscow region, in June 2020, mosses Pleurosium shreberi were collected at 19 sites considered as polluted in the territory of the region based on the results of the previous moss surveys. The content of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb in the moss samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The obtained values were compared with the data from the moss survey performed in June 2019 at the same sampling sites. Compared to 2019 data, the Cd content in moss samples decreased by 2–46%, while the iron content increased by 3–127%. The content of Cu, Ni, and Pb in mosses decreased at most sampling sites, except for the eastern part of the Moscow region, where a considerable number of engineering and metal processing plants operate. The stay-at-home order issued in the Moscow region resulted in a reduction of vehicle emissions affecting air quality, while the negative impact of the industrial sector remained at the level of 2019 or even increased.


The transmission of an electric current in a conductor is a process in which some electrical energy is converted into heat (thermal energy). We deal with a nonlinear boundary value elliptic problem which describes the electrical heating of a solid conductor and the Joule‐Thomson effect is taken into account. The existence of a weak solution is proved under both space and temperature dependence of the electrical and thermal conductivities. When the coefficients are only dependent on their temperature argument, some regularity results are stated.


..................................................................................................ii Chapter One: The Problem......................................................................1 Importance of Study................................................................... 2 Background of Study.................................................................. 3 Purpose of Study........................................................................ 5 Chapter Two: Literature Review..............................................................7 Overview.................................................................................... 9 Model A: Inclusion in Kansas...................................................... 11 Model B: Inclusion in Washington...............................................23 Model C: Inclusion in Minnesota.................................................32 Conclusion................................................................................. 45 Chapter Three: Purpose of Study............................................................ 54 Participants................................................................................. 54 Setting........................................................................................ 55 Measurement Instruments........................................................... 56 Procedures................................................................................. 57 Hypothesis................................................................................. 58 Results....................................................................................... 58 Conclusion................................................................................. 61 References............................................................................................. 65 Appendix A Abstract Increasingly, students with disabilities are being placed in general education classroom; defined as inclusion, to be educated with students without disabilities. Proponents such as parents, professionals, economists, researchers, and the general public areIncreasingly, students with disabilities are being placed in general education classroom; defined as inclusion, to be educated with students without disabilities. Proponents such as parents, professionals, economists, researchers, and the general public are recommending a change in the continuum of services and a move toward a more integrated setting. Supporters proclaim: (a) special education is discriminating because it segregates students, (b) combining special education with general education will decrease the ever expanding budget, and (c) the American educational system is lacking and a "higher quality" education is essential. But, current research is not proving inclusion is a positive move forward as seen in the literature review. Students with disabilities are not demonstrating significant improvements academically. The study included an administrator, a special education teacher, ten general education teachers, and a paraprofessional involved in inclusive programming and the training those individuals received in preparation of the implementation of inclusion. Nevertheless, only half of the participants received training and of those that received training it was very minimal, to say the least. CHAPTER ONE The Problem Inclusion is defined as. the philosophy of integrating students with all ^ e s and severity of disability, into a general education class setting with age appropriate peers" (Smith & Cross, 1994, p. 1), or defined as separate special education placements fisr all students (National Association of State Boards of Education, 1992). Inclusion has drawn the attention of many people such as, parents, professionals, economists, researchers, and the general public who are involved and/or concerned with the educational system. Students with disabilities are presently provided an individualed program by a Multidisciplinary Education Team ̂ dET) in which they decide on delivery of services in the most appropriate placement (Bender, Vail, & Scott, 1995). Also, IDEA requires student's to be placed in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) (Turnbull, 1986). LRE mandates qualified personnel to examine the continuum of services and choose the best delivery model. Currently, students with disabilities are evaluated and placement is decided on a case-by-case basis as to insure students with disabilities do receive quality services to meet their needs. However, inclusion moves away fi'om case-by-case placement decisions, thus creating a critical problem. "That is full-time placement o f all students with learning disabilities in mainstream classrooms will result in the failure of some to obtain an appropriate education or one fi'om which they will benefit. No doubt general education can be made more accommodating of student diversity through important innovations such as


To analyze the relationship between the length from injury to first debridement (LFITFD) of open tibial fractures and perioperative infection, and explore independent risk factors related to infection.


Thirteen original transcriptions and subsequent analysis of improvised solos performed by Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen. The transcriptions are analyzed in three categories: harmonic vocabulary, technical devices, and motivic use. Pervasive harmonic and melodic themes are presented and compared with phrases from improvisers such as Sonny Rollins and Charlie Parker, as well as compositions by J.S. Bach and Johannes Brahms. Observations from the transcriptions regarding performance practice and techniques unique to Pedersen as well as the influence of the physical characteristics of the double bass are discussed. Pedersen's use of motivic development within a single solo is analyzed.


In the last few years, several projects of new independent power plants were proposed and many of them are now concluded in Japan. The increase of investment in the power sector and in particular in the development of new power plants is consequence of the new regulation of the electricity industry. An independent power plants operator can choose among several types of contract: forward and spot market, over the counter contracts with retailers and utilities, retail market; in this way, it is possible to find the best contract portfolio that maximize the company profit.


The aim of this paper is to establish some new ( p , q ) -calculus of Hermite–Hadamard inequalities for the double integral and refinements of the Hermite–Hadamard inequality for ( p , q ) -differentiable convex functions.


Objective: To study the effects of kneading Weizhong(BL 40) acupoint on brain reward circuitry. Methods: The functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI) technique was adopted to observe the signal changes of the nuclei of the brain reward circuitry in six healthy people receiving kneading manipulation at Weizhong(BL 40) acupoint. Results: Signals of the nuclei of the brain reward circuitry increase after kneading in bilateral amygdaloid nucleus and hypothalamus, and right nucleus accumbens septi(P0.05~0.01). Conclusion: Kneading Weizhong(BL 40) acupoint can excite the nuclei of the brain reward circuitry and hence produce pleasure effects, which may be one of the central mechanisms of Tuina therapy.


In this paper, a novel microstrip antenna using interdigital capacitor is proposed. The DGS technology is used to further reduce the size of the antenna. The size of the improved antenna is 24% of traditional rectangular microstrip antenna, and the antenna has frequency range 2.4-2.52 GHz with maximum gain of 2.35 dB, meet the requirement for ISM band applications, realize the miniaturization design.


ABSTRACT Teacher education programs are responsible for preparing science teachers for today's culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, which includes preparing them to support students' science learning and language development. Given the rapid growth in linguistic diversity across the country, science teacher preparation for English learners, referred to here as emergent bilinguals, is particularly critical. Although research-based pedagogical practices have been established for both science learning and language development, the fields remain separated in preparatory programs, which makes it unlikely that teachers will merge the 2 in future practice. To date, research has begun to explore professional development efforts with in-service teachers focused on science education for emergent bilinguals, but studies involving preservice science teachers are scant. Working within a sociocultural paradigm, this single-case study uses narrative methods to explore the following question: How does field-based teacher education promote and influence the development of professional expertise for teaching emergent bilinguals in secondary science classrooms? Analyzing data collected over 2 years, we present findings from a secondary science teacher candidate's experiences across a field-based teacher education program that prioritizes understandings, knowledge, and skills for emergent bilinguals. We discuss implications for science teacher educators seeking to design effective field-based programs that prioritize emergent bilinguals.


Studies on Roman participation in the Red Sea trade have tended to focus on wider geopolitical events such the unification of the Mediterranean world or the Antonine Plague to explain fluctuations in the level of activity. While such external factors are an important consideration, it would be a mistake to not also consider in tandem more localised developments in the Eastern Desert and Red Sea region. To this end, the aim of this paper is to explore the impact that the indigenous populations of this region had on the operation of the trade during the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.


In this study, rheological behaviors of soy protein and soy flour as powders, pastes, and dispersions are characterized over a range of water contents and temperature to understand their processing in adhesives or paints. At ambient temperature, soy protein samples were characterized by low critical strain values ( 1% strain with 30–90% water content. On heating, the aqueous soy protein and soy flour compositions have complex rheological behaviors due to plasticization by water and the thermal denaturing and crosslinking of protein and carbohydrate with increasing temperature. Below 100 °C, soy protein rheological behaviors were attributable to the glass transition of the 7S and 11S soy globulin fractions, polymer flow, and plasticization by residual moisture. Above 100 °C, the onset of protein crosslinking was observed with this shifting to higher temperatures for samples still dehydrating. With soy flour samples, the residual moisture present above 100 °C similarly increase protein crosslinking to higher temperatures (125–148 °C) for samples with initial water contents of 30–90%. These results provide a basis for understanding why soy systems undergoing heat processing and rapid dehydration will require higher temperature and longer processing time to attain a cured, crosslinked state. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45513.


We have experienced 83 cases of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) during the last five years, from August, 1982 to August, 1987, and 11 cases (13.3%) were associated with cerebral aneurysms. Totally 17 aneurysms were associated with AVMs including four cases of multiple aneurysms. Tweleve aneurysms were located in typical proximal sites or in abnormal distal locations along the feeding system to the AVMs, and the other five were located in sites remote and apparently hemodynamically unrelated to the AVMs. Six patients (55%) presented subarachnoid hemorrhage, diagnosed by CT scans and operative findings; four patients bled from an aneurysm, one patient from the AVM, and in one patient the source of bleeding was unknown. CT scans could not detect the bleeding source in two patients. Surgical treatment was performed in eight cases. Four cases were treated for aneurysms only, and four cases were treated for the combination of lesions. One-stage operation was performed in three of the four cases and two-stage operation in one case. All aneurysms were treated before the resection of the combined AVMs to avoid aneurysmal bleeding caused by the hemodynamic changes associated with the abrupt removal of the AVMs. Our experience and that reported in the literature led us to decide that every patient with this combination of lesions should have the aneurysm treated first. Exceptions to this principle are cases of large intracerebral hematomas from AVMs, or patients with hemodynamically unrelated remote aneurysms.


The increasing diversity of inhaled therapies combined with guideline differences has led to a lack of clarity regarding prescribing for COPD. This has resulted in the poor adoption of new potentially beneficial treatments, the over-prescribing of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and the rise in management costs. A joint working project, 'Going for GOLD' (G4G), was rolled out across the whole South Devon and Torbay CCG (SD and T) between 08/2016 and 02/2018. The project group consisted of two consultants and two members of the CCG Medicines Optimisation Team. The GOLD strategy provided the framework upon which the project was based. This was amalgamated with simplified prescribing to produce a one-page document that guided management in primary care. Other resources included information booklets for patients, accessible inhaler technique videos, ICS withdrawal protocol and resource packs for GP practices and pharmacists. Seven education events were held to explain the project, review the resources available, discuss cases and offer support and advice to encourage engagement. They were attended by 177 Healthcare Practitioners (HCP) following which each area was tasked with identifying patients and organising 'G4G' face-to-face reviews. 71.3% (4420/6200) of patients with COPD from all GP practices in SD and T participated and resulted in the following outcomes within 18 months. Compliance in prescribing rose from 26.4% to 60.3%. High-dose ICS prescribing decreased from 26.3% (53rd percentile nationally) to 16.0% (9th percentile). Unindicated ICS were reduced or stopped in 31.5% (1377) of patients. Uptake of LAMA/LABA inhalers rose from 9.4 to 130 items/month/1000 COPD patients. 125 incorrect diagnoses of COPD were identified. Net savings of £2 56 000 were generated from a £40 000 investment. This CCG-wide project brought together individuals from both primary and secondary care at a time when there was a demand for education and clear guidance regarding the optimum management of COPD. Frequently the drive has been towards the mass switching from one inhaler to another to reduce costs. G4G has delivered significant cost-savings but our ambition was to engage and educate the HCPs, provide them with the resources and support to deliver change that would result in a more sustainable improvement in local COPD care.


An innocuous morning e-mail provokes an extended contemplation. Can having no money, no resources, and no hope make you the happiest person alive?


A Bacia Bauru e uma bacia continental interior do Neocretaceo (Coniaciano-Maastrichtiano), desenvolvida no centro-sul da Plataforma Sul-Americana. Acumulou uma sequencia sedimentar essencialmente arenosa, que ocorre em area de cerca de 370.000 km2. Tem por substrato rochas vulcânicas, sobretudo basaltos da Formacao Serra Geral (Cretaceo Inferior). A area do mapa corresponde a parte oriental da bacia, com cerca de 180.000 km2. A sequencia neocretacea e composta por dois grupos cronocorrelatos: Caiua (formacoes Rio Parana, Goio Ere e Santo Anastacio) e Bauru (formacoes Uberaba, Vale do Rio do Peixe, Aracatuba, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Presidente Prudente e Marilia, incluindo os Analcimitos Taiuva). LITHOSTRATIGRAPHIC MAP OF THE BAURU BASIN EASTERN PART (PR, SP, MG), SCALE 1:1.000.000 Extended Abstract The Bauru Basin is a Late Cretaceous (Coniacian-Maastrichtian) interior continental basin developed as a result of subsidence of the central-southern part of the South-American Platform. It spreads over an area of approximately 370,000 km2 and is filled by a sandy sequence with a preserved maximum thickness of 300 meters. The substratum is made up of volcanic rocks (mainly basalts) of the Serra Geral Formation (Early Cretaceous). The map area corresponds to the eastern part of the basin, with about 180,000 km2 (west of Sao Paulo, southwest of Minas Gerais, northwest of Parana), located between the coordinates 18°S to 25° S and 47° W to 54° W (Figure 1). The Upper Cretaceous sequence is composed by two partially contemporaneous groups (Figure 2): Caiua (Rio Parana, Goio Ere and Santo Anastacio formations) and Bauru (Uberaba, Vale do Rio do Peixe, Aracatuba, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Presidente Prudente, and Marilia formations, including the Taiuva analcimites). The intensification of the tectonic activities at the north-northeastern and eastern margins, and probably also at the northwestern margin, caused significant changes in the paleogeographic scenario, promoting progradation of alluvial fans. At the same time, climatic changes increased the humidity in the marginal zones. These changes mark the beginning of the sedimentary phase during which important fluvial systems from northeast to southwest were established between the marginal zone and the inland Caiua Desert. During the uplift of the margins, the intrusion of several alkaline magmatic bodies cause extrusive magmatism near the eastern border (Taiuva analcimites), as well as localized silicification in the southern border. All known fossil occurrences are located in the eastern part of the basin and were paleogeographically controlled. They comprise bone remains, mainly from reptiles -crocodiles, turtles, dinossaurs -, as well as amphibians, fishes, mollusks, crustaceans, and oogones of charophytic algae. The main occurrences are from fluvial flood plain deposits and ephemeral lagoons in the interior of the basin, as well as from those of braided water flows and lagoons located in zones of marginal alluvial fans. In the interior of the basin the hot desertic condition prevailed during the two phases of sedimentation.


In most Indian cities, the problem of solid waste management is acute. Solid waste management is a critical service for the urban local bodies since many public health issues are connected with it. The situation is particularly bad in the unauthorized settlements and slums in urban areas where municipal solid waste management is virtually absent. Inadequate waste disposal may cause severe environmental and health problems. These problems may be attributed to the partial segregation of recyclable waste, absence of waste collection at source, unavailability of suitable infrastructure to treat and dispose the huge amount of waste generated. In order to meet these challenges, the present paper advocates decentralized solid waste management to minimize the problems of solid waste management in urban areas. The main purpose of the paper is to provide a comprehensive view of the decentralized approach to solid waste management along with the appropriate technologies to solve the problem of processing and treatment of waste. The paper also summarizes the major findings of the study and suggests policy relevant avenues for future research.


The current social problems are often related to the failure in building in our education process, more specifically teaching and learning process. Meanwhile, the basic concept of education is more than just transmitting knowledge to the learners but providing opportunities for the learners to build their character. Character education should be integrated into all subjects the students learn, including English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In setting up the objectives, it is important to provide students with learning activities and exercises which build character such as allowing students to understand the importance of respecting others or introducing responsibility. Such activities could be applied in all language learning activities. Accordingly, this paper tries to describe the integration of character education into language learning activities. Integrating character education into language activities should be started just from the initial process of designing curriculum.


People are seldom aware that the institution of military service in the 19th century was debated together with the making of French citizenship. One of the stakes common to both debates was the duty of the foreigner regarding military service (which was seen as a burden). Exemption was always a "privilege" which had to disappear for the sake of egalitarianism. But, of course, any extension of the military service led to defining rules and standards which showed antagonistic conceptions of French identity. How was it possible to assert the national character of the army without granting civic rights? Should a voluntary demand be required, or should naturalisation be automatic? How many generations were needed to obtain French citizenship? Should naturalisation be extended? All of these questions, which had been asked in 1831 and in 1848, were settled only in 1889 -by the law of June 1889 which reached the second generation, and by that of July 1889 which created the republican version of military service.


Smile and particle treatment apparatus includes a flow chamber and at least one trapping structure. It said flow chamber is respectively connected to the first port and the second port, and provides a space for the flow of the fluid containing the fine particles between the first and second ports. The capture structure is a fluid channel, a fluid channel is provided in the flow chamber has a first opening and having a second opening, the first opening and wherein said second port from said first port between the second openings the capture region having a variable cross-section for capturing the fine particles to move to is formed.


In this paper, we present a novel recursive method for pixel-based motion estimation. Assuming small displacements, we use an adaptive LMS filtering scheme to match the intensity values and calculate the displacement between two adjacent video frames. Using a sliding window from the template image, the proposed algorithm employs a simple 2-D LMS filter to adapt the corresponding set of coefficients in order to match the pixel value in the reference frame. The peak value in the resulted coefficient distribution points to the displacement between the frames at each pixel position. The experiments demonstrate good results because the filtering takes advantage of the localized correlation of image data in adjacent frames, and produces refined estimates of the displacements at sub-pixel accuracy. One particular advantage is that the proposed method is flexible and well suited for the estimation of small displacements within video frames. The proposed method can be applied in several applications such as super-resolution, video stabilization and denoising of video sequences.


The aim is to identify the effects and impact of the social composition of different types of secondary schools, considered as socialization agents in the political attitudes of students. The technique of "structural effect" is used in differentiating two types of effects of this kind. The information was obtained through a questionnaire administered to 1587 males of 40 public and private establishments, in different areas of Buenos Aires. Although schools socialize students, in the various school campuses the development of attitudes follows different patterns and varies according to the different political issues. More effectively, it inculcates political knowledge, cognitive disposition, and is less effective in influencing affective or assessment willingness. Thus, the wide dissemination of secondary education does not seem to cause dramatic changes in the political beliefs of the population, although schools influence, beyond doubt, as they provide better cultural and economic opportunities for those who attend the classrooms.


Mechanical engineering is the leading industry in the world, which has a significant impact on the level of development of a country. It produces various machines, machine tools, mechanisms, devices. The machine-building sector provides equipment to all other sectors of the economy, so the results of the work of related areas depend on its level of development and product quality. Among the main problems of the sector in Russia are high depreciation of fixed assets and low level of innovation. As a result, the low competitiveness of domestic machine-building products in the world market. Competitive advantages can be achieved primarily by improving the quality of manufactured products. Prompt solution of problems related to product quality is achieved by implementing various methods aimed at preventing the appearance of defects. The study presents an algorithm for the development and implementation of the 8D methodology in order to prevent the recurrence of product defects at the enterprise of Aktanyshsky Aggregate Plant. With the help of simple tools that underlie the 8D methodology, the causes of the defect were identified and corrective and preventive measures were proposed.


The high concentration of media communication is the main problem in Latin America, since it represents an obstacle to the plurality and diversity of views present in society, preventing the democratic process. Therefore, this article aims to expose the action of the Venezuelan government, which knowing the importance of media in public debate, has created communication policies and regulatory laws that prevent media concentration.


We propose a two-stage, data-driven exploratory approach to analyze the heterogeneity of null hypothesis (i.e. no task) fMRI data. In particular, we used a screening stage followed by (local) temporal clustering. Our analysis confirms that fMRI data are extremely heterogeneous. The physiological noise varies throughout the neuroscientifically interesting regions; this poses an extreme challenge for models used for the analysis. We conclude that local, data-driven approaches such as clustering should be carried out as a mandatory first step in fMRI data analysis, since they provide important insights for the development of more flexible, locally adaptive model-based methods based on e.g,, multiscale wavelet representations or local regularization techniques. The combination of data-driven and model-driven approaches should be the strategy adopted for the analysis of fMRI data.


The L‐arginine: nitric oxide (NO) pathway has been shown to be important in the regulation of intestinal motility and NO may be the mediator for nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) neurotransmission.


Bilayer graphene, unlike monolayer graphene, provides a tunable electronic energy gap when an electrical field is applied across the layers, and therefore holds great potential in the semiconductor industry. Here, we demonstrate a facile technique to obtain bilayer graphene structures on the growth substrate by controlling oxidation to remove monolayers, while retaining the bilayer electronic properties. We found that this precise oxidation process selectively destructs monolayers while preserves the qualities of bilayers, evidenced by the expected quantum Hall effect and exceptional room temperature carrier mobilities of ∼3500 cm2 V−1 s−1 obtained from an electrical transport measurement. In addition, visualization of the bilayers, which serve as nuclei for graphene growth, opens the door to understanding the actual mechanism of the graphene growth process which eventually can lead to the optimized synthesis.


Let E and X be real Banach and locally convex spaces, respectively. Let Ccn(E,X) denote the space of n times continuously Hadamard differentiable functions f:E→X, endowed with the locally convex topology generated by the seminorms of the form f∈Ccn(E,X)→sup{α[Dpf(x)(y)]:x,y∈K}, where p∈N, p≤n, K⊂E is compact, and α is a continuous seminorm on X. The authors show that Ccn(E,X) is complete if X is complete, and investigate the relationship between approximation in Ccn(E,X) and the approximation property of E. For example, if X is complete, then Ccn(E,X) is topologically isomorphic to the e-product of Ccn(E,R) and X. Using this result, the authors show that the following properties are equivalent: (a) E has the approximation property, (b) Ccn(E,R) has the approximation property for all (equivalently, for some) n≥1, and (c) for all X, Ccn(E,R)⊗X is dense in Ccn(E,X) for all (equivalently, for some) n≥1. Similar questions have been considered for the space Cn(E,X) of n times continuously Frechet differentiable functions, endowed with the same locally convex topology. For example, the equivalence of (a) and (b) was proved by the first author (""Differentiable functions with the approximation property'', to appear) and the reviewer [Infinite dimensional holomorphy and applications (Proc. Internat. Sympos., Campinas, 1975), pp. 1–17, North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1977; see also Seminaire Pierre Lelong (Analyse), Annee 1974/75, pp. 213–222, Lecture Notes in Math., Vol. 524, Springer, Berlin, 1976. It is apparently unknown whether Cn(E,R) is complete with this topology. Results relating the approximation property of E to approximation of Frechet differentiable functions defined on open subsets of E and to generalized differentiable versions of the Stone-Weierstrass theorem have been obtained by J. B. Prolla and C. S. Guerreiro [Ark. Mat. 14 (1976), no. 2, 251–258].


Friction stir welding(FSW)is a solid-phase welding operated under the melting point of workpiece materials;it's a technology which uses an anti-friction tool to join the sheet or shaped materials in rotary circs,and can be used in the welding of aluminum,magnesium and copper and has good welding quality.Generally,intensity of welds in FSW exceeds heat affected zone.This paper also introduces the application of FSW in shipbuilding and shipping manufacture,and research requirement in shipping manufacture.


Pancreatic cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the US with a dismal 5‐year survival rate of 7%. Despite several advancements in therapy, gemcitabine remains the standard treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, the modest survival advantage presented by gemcitabine evokes the need for a targeted therapeutic approach in addition to conventional treatment. The Receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE) is a cell surface receptor which has been demonstrated to be involved in pancreatic cancer progression. RAGE is also reported to facilitate pancreatic tumor cell survival by supporting autophagy and restricting apoptosis. Recent reports have illustrated RAGE as a potential mediator of chemo‐resistance in pancreatic cancer. HMGB1, one of the important ligands of RAGE, is released from necrotic cells upon treatment with gemcitabine. This HMGB1 triggers upregulation of RAGE in the tumor, making it resistant to chemotherapy. We intend to target pancreatic cancer with RAGE inhibitors in combination with gemcitabine to improve survival. We hypothesize that RAGE inhibitors can prevent the interaction between RAGE and its ligands, consequently sensitizing pancreatic cancer for gemcitabine.


The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the organization of the educational process in Russian universities. The object of the research is the experience of implementing e-education and the transition to distance technologies for continuing education of Chinese undergraduates in the Russian metropolitan university. Russian universities had the technical capabilities and used various electronic educational platforms. In the same time, the results of the survey showed a decrease in the satisfaction of Chinese full-time students when switching to distance learning. The study shows the significant factors that had a negative impact on the educational process using distance technology to teach Chinese undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors have grouped these factors into five groups (technical, language, emotional, and financial, content of lecture). Identification of these factors made it possible to develop a program to improve the educational process and enhance the satisfaction of foreign students studying at Russian universities.


North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) project R-1015 is the construction of the U.S. Highway 70 bypass around the town of Havelock, North Carolina. A large portion of the new right-of-way passes through Croatan National Forest (CNF) lands and will directly impact two of the largest known populations of Solidago verna M. A. Curtis (Spring-flowering goldenrod), a threatened species in N.C. and a federal species of concern (N.C. Natural Heritage Program 2004). A transplant project will be conducted to mitigate impacts to this population. A preliminary experimental transplant study was conducted from 2003 to 2005 on various soil types in the vicinity of the threatened population and with different vegetation treatments to inform mitigation transplant site selection and management (Fleming, Stucky, and Brownie, in review). Both soil wetness and plant interactions affected transplant survival and the effect of neighboring vegetation differed significantly between soils. Increase in transplant mass is not critical to establishing a viable population, however, as small individuals can reproduce. It is recommended that transplants be established in the longleaf pine flatwood along the west side of Wolf Pit Branch Rd.at 34° 53' N, 76° 56' W. The soil at this site is a dry phase of Leaf which was among the more favorable soils for survivorship of S. verna transplants during the experimental study. Also, the recommended site supports red-cockaded woodpecker longleaf pine nest trees so it will be prescribed burned to control shrub growth. Reduced shrub growth improved survivorship of S. verna transplants during the experimental study.


Abstract The present work was undertaken in hypereutectic ductile irons, to simultaneously study cooling curves, specimen contraction curves, microstructures and shrinkage tendencies as a function of inoculant selection and mould rigidity. Specific equipment was developed for simultaneous recording of cooling and contraction curves. The highest level of both concentrated and total shrinkage was recorded on the green sand mould system, where a much higher level of the initial eutectic expansion was observed, as compared to furan resin moulds. It was found that the Ca,Ce,S,O–FeSi inoculation gives the highest nodule count and a unique wide distribution of nodules sizes (large and small size nodules, in a peculiar ratio), as well as lower tendency to shrinkage formation. Also, the strongest graphitising effect before the start of eutectic solidification and more prolonged graphitising throughout the end of eutectic freezing characterise were observed with this complex inoculant system in addition to its peculiar action on minimising the shrinkage tendency of ductile irons.


Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has been a great development today. Robotic Process Automation is a useful tool for the pressing demand of the banking sector. Operation costs have been one of the focus areas in the banking sector. The major benefit of adopting RPA in the banking sector has significantly helped to reduce the costs by 30 per cents to 70 percent, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) saves labor costs and operational efficiency, accuracy, 24/7, offer innovative services and better experience of the customer. Also, Leading banks like India, such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank, have implemented Robotic Process Automation. The study focuses on Robotic Process Automation challenges, benefits, and significance in the banking sector. The study discussed the Robotic Process Automation world markets and applications.


The main aim of this note is to give a new foundation of Euclidean geometry based on the notions of "cross" and "signed angle". The reckoning with crosses, or directed angles, advocated by D. K. Picken has many merits: the rules are few, general, and simple, and one proof covers a number, often large, of special cases. I will first sketch the method, assuming Euclidean geometry already known.


Job performance evaluations of 16 systems analysts, 52 programmer analysts, 63 programmers, and 71 operations personnel from twelve data processing centers in metropolitan Atlanta are presented. Judgmental ratings of eight job characteristic traits by the individual's manager or supervisor were used. Study subjects were rated highest in Cooperation and lowest in Innovativeness. Systems analysts were rated highest of the functional groups.


Space combined with a range of advanced technologies enables vitally important Fundamental Physics experiments that are impossible to perform on the ground. These in situ controlled experiments expand our understanding of nature in ways that are critically different from space based observational missions. In the following we describe recent work focusing on three related areas encompassing the scientific rationale for improved Equivalence Principle tests, the investigation of advanced precision drag free and attitude control space systems, and the modeling of forces and torques on gravitational proof masses. 1) The Scientific Rationale For Improved Equivalence Principle Tests (with Francis Everitt, Suwen Wang, and Paul Worden, Stanford, and James Overduin, the Johns Hopkins University) Central to Einstein's interweaving of space, time, and gravity into his general theory of relativity is a peculiar fact, first seen by Newton, which marks off gravity from all other forces of nature. Consider the two formulae F = ma and F = GMm/r2. Mass enters both, but in different roles; first as the receptacle of inertia and second, the source of gravitation. Taking this unexplained 'equivalence' of these two 'm's as fundamental, Einstein made it one of the two founding assumptions of GR. A consequence of the observed equivalence is the so called Universality of Free Fall – objects of different composition should fall with the same acceleration in a uniform gravitational field. Since the time of Newton this consequence has been used to test the EP to higher and higher precision. The laboratory of space will enable advances over the present limits by a factor of 10. Abstract of STEP STEP (the Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle) will advance experimental limits on violations of Einstein's equivalence principle (EP) from their present sensitivity of 2 parts in 10 to 1 part in 10 through multiple comparison of the motions of four pairs of test masses of different composition in an earth-orbiting drag-free satellite. Dimensional arguments suggest that violations, if they exist, should be found in this range, and EP violations are also predicted by many of the leading attempts at unified theories of fundamental interactions (e.g. string theory), as well as cosmological theories involving dynamical dark energy. Discovery of a violation would constitute the discovery of a new force of nature and provide us with a critical signpost toward unification. A null result would be just as profound, because it would close off any possibility of a natural-strength coupling between standard-model fields and the new light degrees of freedom that nearly all such theories predict (e.g., dilatons, moduli, quintessence). STEP should thus be seen as the intermediate-scale component of an integrated strategy for fundamental physicsof STEP STEP (the Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle) will advance experimental limits on violations of Einstein's equivalence principle (EP) from their present sensitivity of 2 parts in 10 to 1 part in 10 through multiple comparison of the motions of four pairs of test masses of different composition in an earth-orbiting drag-free satellite. Dimensional arguments suggest that violations, if they exist, should be found in this range, and EP violations are also predicted by many of the leading attempts at unified theories of fundamental interactions (e.g. string theory), as well as cosmological theories involving dynamical dark energy. Discovery of a violation would constitute the discovery of a new force of nature and provide us with a critical signpost toward unification. A null result would be just as profound, because it would close off any possibility of a natural-strength coupling between standard-model fields and the new light degrees of freedom that nearly all such theories predict (e.g., dilatons, moduli, quintessence). STEP should thus be seen as the intermediate-scale component of an integrated strategy for fundamental physics experiments that already includes particle accelerators (at the smallest scales) and supernova probes (at the largest). The former may find indirect evidence for new fields via their missing-energy signatures, and the latter may produce direct evidence through changes in cosmological equation of state, but only a gravitational experiment like STEP can go further and reveal how or whether such a field couples to the rest of the standard model. It is at once complementary to the other two kinds of tests, and a uniquely powerful probe of fundamental physics in its own right. STEP Science Goals The Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle (STEP) will probe the underlying foundation of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, the (local) equivalence of gravitational and inertial mass, often called the weak equivalence principle. The equivalence principle (EP) originated in Newton's clear recognition (1687) of the strange experimental fact that mass fulfills two conceptually independent functions in physics, as both the source of gravitation and the seat of inertia. Einstein's "happiest thought" (1907) was the realization that the local equivalence of gravitational and inertial mass tells us something very deep about gravity: it tells us that the phenomenon of gravitation does not depend on the properties of matter (for it can be transformed away by moving to the same accelerated frame, regardless of the mass or composition of the falling object). Rather, the phenomenon of gravity must spring from the properties of spacetime itself. Einstein eventually identified the property of spacetime that is responsible for gravitation as its curvature. General relativity, our currently accepted "geometrical" theory of gravity, thus rests on the validity of the EP. But it is now widely expected that general relativity must break down at some level, in order to be united with the other fields making up the standard model of particle physics. It therefore becomes crucial to test the EP as carefully as possible. Historically, there have been four distinct ways of testing equivalence: (1) Galileo's free-fall method, (2) Newton's pendulum experiments, (3) Newton's celestial method (his dazzling insight that moons and planets could be used as test masses in the field of the sun) and (4) Eotvos' torsion balance. Of these, (3) and (4) are at present the most exact: the celestial method now makes use of lunar laser ranging to place limits on the relative difference in acceleration of the earth and moon toward the sun of 3*10 [1], and constraints of 0.3+1.8*10 come from modern state-of-theart torsion balance experiments[2]. But both these methods have reached an advanced level of maturity and it is unlikely that they will advance significantly beyond the 10 level in the near term. STEP is conceptually a return to Galileo's free-fall method, but one that uses a 7000 km high "tower" that constantly reverses its direction to give a continuous periodic signal, rather than a single shot 3 s drop. A free-fall experiment in space has two principal advantages over terrestrial torsion-balance tests: a larger driving acceleration (sourced by the entire mass of the earth) and a quieter environment, particularly if drag-free technology is used. These and other factors will enable STEP to improve existing constraints on EP violation by five to six orders of magnitude, from 2x10 to 1x10[3-5] Figure 1 STEP experimental concept: masses of different composition (depicted by red and green) fall in the gravity field of the earth. An EP violation gives rise to a periodic signal in an orbiting experiment with radially constrained test masses. Theoretical Motivation Theoretically, the range 10 < ∂a/a < 10 is extremely interesting. This can be seen in at least three ways. The simplest argument is a dimensional one. New effects in any theory of quantum gravity must be describable at low energies by an effective field theory with new terms like β(m/mQG) + O(m/mQG) where β is a dimensionless coupling parameter not too far from unity and mQG is the quantum-gravity energy scale, which could be anywhere between the grand unified theory (GUT) scale mGUT ~10 GeV and the Planck scale mPl ~10 GeV. In a theory combining gravity with the Standard Model, m could plausibly lie anywhere between the mass of an ordinary nucleon (mnuc ~1 GeV) and that of the Higgs boson (mH ~100 GeV). With these numbers one finds that EP-violating effects should appear between (mnuc/mPl) ~10 and (mH/mGUT) ~10, the range of interest. This makes STEP a potential probe of quantum gravity [6]. The dimensional argument, of course, is not decisive. A second approach is then to look at the broad range of specific theories that are sufficiently mature to make quantitative predictions for EP violation. There are two main categories. On the high-energy physics side, EP violations occur in many of the leading unified theories of fundamental interactions, notably string theories based on extra spatial dimensions. In the low-energy limit, these give back classical general relativity with a key difference: they generically predict the existence of a four-dimensional scalar dilaton partner to Einstein's tensor graviton, and several other gravitational-strength scalar fields known as moduli. In the early universe, these fields are naturally of the same order as the Dz


The geometries of benzene complexes of a number of simple polar solutes have been studied through the solvent-dependences of Molar Kerr constants and 1H n.m.r. spectra. Further evidence for the association of benzene with these polar solutes is provided by molecular relaxation times.


Proper treatment of neonatal seizures is crucial for reducing long-term neurological disorders. None of the currently used drugs to treat neonatal seizures has sufficient evidentiary base to make an unambiguous conclusion about its effectiveness. There are no results of large-scale studies that allow choosing an anticonvulsant drug for starting therapy and an alternative to it, in case the drug of choice is ineffective. The review summarizes the data on the effectiveness of anticonvulsants of different pharmacologic classes and considers their benefits, drawbacks, and possible mechanisms of variability in effectiveness when used in newborns. The review also analyzes approaches to the duration of the anticonvulsant therapy and discusses the problems and prospects of clinical trials for increasing the effectiveness and safety of anticonvulsant therapy in newborns.


A multi-bit somewhat homomorphic encryption scheme based on Learning With Errors over Rings (RLWE) assumption is provided, which use canonical embedding to transform elements over a ring into vectors, thus the operation of polynomial multiplication can be performed within O(nlog n) scalar operations, and cipher text size is reduced as well. CPA security of this scheme can be reduced into RLWE assumption. Moreover, an efficient private information retrieval protocol that employs this scheme is presented.


We report results of our H-band survey of the Chandra Deep Field South (CDFS). The observations, made with SofI on the NTT, cover 0.027 square degrees to H < 20.5 and 0.17 square degrees to H < 19.8 (50% completeness limits). In total, 4819 objects were detected, of which 80% are galaxies based on the SExtractor parameter "stellarity index" having a value less than 0.5. Our astrometric solutions are in good agreement with those of the Las Campanas Infrared Survey (LCIRS), the COMBO-17, and the ESO-EIS surveys. Our photometry compares satisfactorily with the LCIRS results as well as with GOODS data. Galaxy number counts are50 000 galaxies per square degree at H< 20.75, in good agreement with those of LCIRS. The object catalog is published electronically at the CDS ?? .


All knowledge is bound to prossess a global scope and as a consequence encyclopaedias are still required. Only through encyclopaedias can we eventually constitute a global research community. However, as globalization intensifies, the crisis the legitimacy of global knowledge is looming larger. In the context of contemporary globalism we must reconceive knowledge through the problematic of encounter, negotiation and dialogue. In this way, 'inter-subjectivity' becomes an ontological concept and the Chinese ideal of a world of 'harmony-in-difference' becomes more apposite. By revealing that knowledge harbours its own counter-knowledge, the New Encyclopaedia Project upholds a new and important concept of globalization.


Gold and Currency received on deposit, subject to check at sight. Interest allowed on Cfirroney Accounts ht" me rate of Four per Cent per annum, credited at the end of each month. ALL CHECKS DRAWN ON US PASS THROUGH THE CLEARING-HOUSE, AND ARE RECEIVED ON DEPOSIT BY ALL THE CITY BANKS. Cert ideates of Deposit issued, payablo on demand, bearing Four per Cent interest. Loans negotiated. Orders promptly executed for the Purchase and Sale of Governments, Gold, Stocks and Bonds on commission. Collections mado on nil parts of tho United States and Canadas.


Invoices serve as records of financial transactions of taxpayers and significant basis to controlling tax source and collection of tax, via analyzing which, we can discern diversified tasks of tax risk, such as industry identification, hidden transaction detection, and illegal behavior mining. Among all the existing studies related to the identification of tax risk, there are some weaknesses through the machine learning model and network analysis because of the dependence on tax knowledge. Different from the manual selection of indicators and the manual definitions mode with the guidance of tax knowledge in the past, in this paper, we propose a novel method, namely, network embedding based on upstream and downstream for tax risk identification (NEUD-TRI), which considers the taxpayers serving as both seller and purchaser. The method designs optimization functions respectively to capture local and global static network structures and dynamic network structure. In view of the significant discrepancy of weights in the transaction network, this paper normalizes the weight within the range of the upstream and downstream of the vertex. Negative sampling and edge sampling are adopted to deal with the large-scale trait of the transaction network. Empirical results on tax data-sets of Shanxi province substantiate the effectiveness of our models.


The invention discloses a system for evaluating female pelvic floor muscle strength. The system comprises a pressure detecting device and a data processing device which are connected. According to the system, the pressure detecting device acquires the female pelvic floor muscle strength and converts the female pelvic floor muscle strength into a corresponding pressure signal for output, and the data processing device processes the pressure signal and converts the pressure signal into an oscillogram for display. The system is simple in implantation mode and will not cause wounds or pain to the human body when in use; muscle strength data can be acquired in real time and displayed as the curved oscillogram, and the display result is visual and convenient to observe.


An examination of the methods by which the main by which the inter-relationships of armed services and society may be explored and explained. It identifies the chief variables, assesses current theories and proposes an overarching theory which can explain changes and be used for prediction.


Abstract A delayed predator-prey system with Holling type III functional response is investigated. It is proved that the system is uniformly persistent under some appropriate conditions. By means of suitable Lyapunov functionals, sufficient conditions are derived for the local and global asymptotic stability of a positive equilibrium of the system. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the feasibility of our main results.


Accurate control of the power system problem was researched. Using the traditional power control algorithm based on the constant voltage driver metallurgy, vulnerable to external factors such as magnetic circuit saturation, hysteresis, cause unable to built accurate control model of defects, which reduces the power metallurgy control accuracy. Therefore, proposed a based on precise stepper motor control algorithm of metallurgy electricity control system. Using the method of multistage reactions can build stepper motor control mathematical model, calculation of metallurgy electricity control rules related parameters, so as to realize power metallurgical control. Experimental results show that this algorithm can effectively improve the accuracy of metallurgy electricity control, satisfactory results were obtained.


This paper constructs/updates the social accounting matrices (SAM) of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan for the year 2007 and estimates the backward and forward linkages of the textile and clothing industry in these countries.


An all-optical fiber multi-point photoacoustic spectroscopy gas sensing system is presented. The system can operate up to ten sensing points with a 1 ppm level C2H2 detection sensitivity for each sensor.


The illegal nature of the cocaine business implies particular relationships between these entrepreneurs and the Colombian society and institutions. Analyzed here is how this relationship is built, identifying sources of the social legitimation of illegal entrepreneurs. A comparison with the Italian mafia shows that territorial control is secondary for Colombian cocaine groups, and they also differ in terms of historical, organizational and relational aspects. What is the social and political impact for Colombia, as these groups enter in collusion with the state or with guerrilla and paramilitary groups? Through explaining how the business itself contributes to the amplification of other forms of violence and constructs new social bonds and alliances, illustrated is how the existence of the illegal business in Colombia has contributed to further state delegitimation, increased corruption and impunity, reinforced individual models of success "at any cost," deteriorated international relations and internal armed conflicts, and increased human rights violations. 1 Graph, 55 References. Adapted from the source document.


Two blade curvatures representative of those found in automotive fans are compared. Measured performances are analyzed for forward and backward curved blades, either with or without heat-exchangers placed in front of them. The backward fan demonstrated good efficiency but poor acoustics, whereas it is the contrary for the forward fan. Investigations are completed by a numerical analysis of the flow in the cooling module. Different integration effects are highlighted depending on the blade curvature, showing variation in pressure, torque and efficiency. Analyses of blade loadings show that the flow is more homogeneous with a forward curved fan and it produces less unsteadiness at the blade tip. Post-processing of detached eddy simulations (DES) shows density fluctuations on the blade wall and confirms the correlation between the large vortical structures and the acoustic sources for both fans. In addition, with the forward fan, the sound propagation is less directed towards the axis of rotation and it yields up to −3.6 dB of sound pressure level (SPL) measured in front of the cooling module. As a conclusion, any choice for a fan must result from a compromise between aerodynamics and aeroacoustics, and the final performances must be carefully checked on the module.


Background: Adiponectin is a circulating adipose-derived cytokine with anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic properties. Low adiponectin concentrations are related with endothelial dysfunction,...


Recent publications by Wasiak & Orynycz [8-10] present analysis of energy efficiency of biofuel production systems, as well as offer an attempt to redefine energetic aspects of sustainability Wasiak [11]. It was shown that (EROEI type) indicator of energetic efficiency, ε, of the energy production system built of, i, subsystems can be expressed by the law of additivity of reciprocals of partial efficiencies, εi, describing each of subsystems:


The Bamboo cellulose nano-crystal(Bamboo CNC) was prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis Bamboo cellulose. The influence of acid hydrolysis time on yield, morphology, Zeta potential, particle size and aspect ratio were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy image showed CNC was rod-like structures, which were about 160 nm in length and 5~15 nm in diameter. Zeta potential results suggested CNC suspensions had good storage stability. Moreover, the CNC yield from acid hydrolysis was first increased and then decreased with the increasing acid hydrolysis time. The maximum CNC yield was 34.4% at 60 min of acid hydrolysis time. Based on Simha's theory, the aspect ratios of CNC, which were calculated by intrinsic viscosity, were about 20. The estimated aspect ratios were consistent with the results of TEM observation.


In this study, a two-stage cascaded pulsed power converter based on the proposed optimised control scheme has been presented. In order to eliminate the low-frequency input current ripple, the front-stage converter only needs to provide average power and the second-stage converter provides pulsed power. Meanwhile, the isolation of energy transfer mode combines with the proposed optimised control method based on the input current AC signal feedback control guarantee smooth input power with low repeat frequency pulsed load. To demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed low-frequency input current ripple cancellation technique, a 1 kW peak pulsed power prototype is built and tested. The experimental results verify the validity and reliability of the two-stage isolated pulsed power converter with proposed optimised control method, and the proposed methods and concepts in this study can also be applied to all kinds of pulsed power applications.


Fast-changing technology has turned academic libraries into gateways - to electronic resources both within and beyond library walls. This volume features photographs, bibliographies, and practical, hands-on tools that will guide the reader through the process of planning and building an academic library space for the future. It covers how to create or renovate spaces that: incorporate innovations in academic library facility design; are flexible for changing information technology needs; and balance design, comfort, and physical space demands. The authors have not only gone through the process themselves but have also studied libraries around the country in order to determine the best ways to provide and streamline access to information.


Two formulae regarding reduction of output variation of an elementary feedback system due to variations in system parameters are derived and discussed. Certain confusing and often erroneously treated aspects are detailed and illustrated.


Combined with practice in subsequent service work of design the necessity of the subsequent service work of design is discussed.According to the questions encountered in subsequent service work such as the authority of design delegate,quality demands,specialty setting of designer in construction and so on discussion is made as well as the relationships between design delegate and other related parts in order to well develop the actions of subsequent service work of design for highway works.


A new approach for concentrating photovoltaic systems that can easily attain the maximum flux levels commensurate with solar cell technology is proposed. The collection unit is a miniature paraboloidal dish which concentrates sunlight into a short glass rod. The flux distribution of the transported light is homogenized in a miniature glass kaleidoscope that is optically coupled to a small high-efficiency solar cell. The cell resides behind the dish and can be cooled adequately with a passive heat sink. These nominally independent collection units can be assembled into modules and arrays that produce almost any prescribed power level. All system elements are predicated on existing technologies.


The strength of W. Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage mainly lies in its themes pursued with thoroughness and intensity, in its honesty and sincerity of feeling. The protagonist Philip's experiences is a typical representation of one who suffers from human bondages and struggles for freedom, and eventually finds truth and meaning in the chaotic life. In this novel, Maugham expressed more strongly the central concern of his writing: the importance of the physical, intellectual and spiritual freedom of the individual. The novel concerns with varieties of personal bondage. Through Philip's travail, we see he suffers from the bondage of passion, of religious belief and of emotional dilemmas, etc. Philip gradually frees himself from the bondages of religion, passion, class-prejudice, art, ambition, economic dependence, and the natural human desire to discover meaning and order in the universe. The revelation of life philosophy through his pilgrimage gives the enlightenment: one can overcome his weak points and surpass human bondages by exerting his will and reason. Keywords—Of Human Bondage; spiritual pilgrimage;


This study assesses the Philippine monetary and banking policies with the view of identifying preferred policy options and features of a monetary and banking policy program supportive of overall economic growth and agro-industrial development. It describes the following: the impact of existing monetary and banking policy on short- and long-term economic development and the legislative and administrative measures required to adopt and implement such a monetary and banking policy. It also identifies the general features of monetary and banking policy supportive of agro-industrial development.


All conjugated C60-containing block copolymers (BCPs) based on quasi-living Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization have been designed and synthesized for application in polymer solar cells (PSCs). The C60-containing BCP can induce the formation of a self-organization nanostructure of P3HT domain. Moreover, this C60-containing BCP serves as a compatibilizer to reduce the interfacial tension between the P3HT and C60, thus help establishing a moderate phase-separated morphology with crystalline P3HT and C60 domain. The performance up to 2.56%(AM 1.5G irradiation (100 mW/cm2)) of a P3HT:C60 device can be achieved by using C60–BCP as additive without any post-treatment.


Previous research has demonstrated a linear relatio nship between compressive strength (mortar cubes and concrete cylinders) and cumulativ e heat release normalized per unit volume of (mixing) water for a wide variety of cement-based m ixtures at ages of 1 d and beyond. This paper utilizes concurrent ultrasonic reflection and calorimetry measurements to further explore this relationship from the time of specimen casting o 3 d. The ultrasonic measurements permit a continuous evaluation of thickening, setting, and s trength development during this time period for comparison with the ongoing chemical reactions, as characterized by isothermal calorimetry measurements. Initially, the ultrasonic strength-he at r lease relation depends strongly on waterto-cement ratio, as well as admixture additions, wi th no universal behavior. Still, each individual strength-heat release curve is consistent with a pe rcolation-based view of the cement setting process. However, beyond about 8 h for the systems inve tigated in the present study, the various strength-heat release curves merge towards a single relationship that broadly characterizes the development of strength as a function of heat relea s d (fractional space filled), demonstrating that mortar and/or concrete strength at early ages can be effectively monitored using either ultrasonic or calorimetry measurements on small pas te or mortar specimens.


Artemia is a passive filter-feeder organism that uptakes particles between 1-50 micron without selection. In this study, potential of Artemia franciscana for nano particles assimilation and release in different salinities were investigated. Artemia nauplii were exposed to colloidal silver nano particles (32 mg/l) as well as TiO2 nano particles (100 mg/l) for 12 and 48 hours, respectively. Treated Artemia nauplii were collected and dried and the uptake rate of nanoparticles was measured by atomic absorption analysis. Also, to examine the elimination rate of adsorbed nano materials in naupliies, treated Artemia were returned to freshwater and were sampled after 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes, the release rate of nano materials was measured and 35, 70, 105 and 140 mg/l salinities was investigated in periods of 2, 6, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours by spectrophotometer by furnace atomic absorption analysis. The results of silver and TiO2 nano particles absorption indicated that the uptake of TiO2 (68.16±38.18) has been significantly higher than metal silver ion (2.13 ±1.79) (P<0.05). In addition, the release rate of silver ion in comparison with titanium ion in nauplies were returned to freshwater has been higher significantly (P<0.05). Moreover, the results of 24 h spectrophotometry showed that the silver ion deposition rate was increased by increasing salinity. Regarding the TiO2 with concentration of 100 mg/l, in the salinity of 70 mg/l, although, the deposition and aggregation rate in solution phase increased, the deposition rate of particles reached the maximum rate in 105 and 140 mg/l salinities. Conclusion of this research confirmed that, in the presence of silver or TiO2 nano particles in natural habitats of artemia or in the culture media with different salinities, a part of this nano materials deposited in salt waters and the rest would be absorbed by this organism which could be transmitted to the next consumer of Artemia.


The lithium-ion battery (LIB) thermal runaway is triggered by the exothermic reactions between electrode materials and other active substances such as electrolytes. In this study, the effects of ambient temperature and heat transfer coefficient on the thermal responses and chemical kinetic features of LiNi1/3Co1/3/Mn1/3O2/graphite battery thermal runaway at high-temperature abuse conditions are investigated using a validated 2D axisymmetric model. With varied heat transfer coefficients of LIB, the corresponding runaway, critical, and safety operation zones at different ambient temperatures are quantitatively distinguished. The results reveal that, with increased heat transfer coefficient, the critical ambient temperature, Tc, triggering thermal runaway increases. However, Tc almost remains 430K when the heat transfer coefficient is higher than 25W/(m2K). Additionally, based on the thermal response of LIB, the ambient heat absorption stage, ambient heat dissipation stage, and dramatic heat release stage in thermal runaway are defined. It is found that a higher heat transfer coefficient efficiently causes a shorter ambient heat absorption stage, which is the primary reason for the reduced delay time for the thermal runaway. Further, kinetic analysis is conducted at different conditions, and the correlation between LIB thermal responses and the heat release of side reactions in different operation zones is clarified.


Objective To study the effect of cimetidine aerosol inhalation on preventing and treating oral mucositis (OM) in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods 120 patients receiving HSCT were divided into three groups. The patients in group A ( n =40 ) did not receive aerosol inhalation, the patients in group B (n =40) were treated by normal sodium aerosol inhalation, and the patients in group C ( n =40) were treated by cimetidine aerosol inhalation. The preventive and curative effects between the three groups were observed and compared. Results The incidence rate of OM in group C was 40.0%, was less than no aerosol inhalation group ( 67. 5% ) and normal sodium aerosol inhalation group (50.0%), the difference was statistically significant(x2 =6. 216,P <0. 05). The Ⅱ - Ⅳ degree of OM in three groups were statistically significant( x2 =6.278, P < 0. 05 ) ; the occurrence of OM and the duration were statistically different ( P < 0. 05 ). The occurrence of OM was delay and the duration was shortened in cimetidine aerosol inhalation ( P < 0. 01 ). Conclusions Cimetidine atomizing inhalation is effective on OM in HSCT recipients, the incidence rate of OM decreased significantly, which could reduce the patients' suffering and increase the achievement ratio of HSCT.

Key words:
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation;  Cimetidine; Oral mucositis;  Aerosol inhalation


This paper attempts to study the variation of the electrode parameters particularly the temperature before the glow to arc transition occurs (Th) and the ratio of the hot resistance (Rh) to the cold resistance (Rc) of the lamp electrodes. The variations are observed with different operating cycles of self ballasted compact fluorescent lamps. The ratio of the hot resistance to cold resistance is closely related to the electrode temperature for the self ballasted fluorescent lamps. The wide variation of the electrode temperature with different operating cycles and their corresponding Rh/Rc ratio is an indication of the switching cycle the lamp is able to withstand. It is thereby justified that the temperatures at which the lamp fails to endure is responsible for the lamp failure. This increase in electrode temperature is attributed to the low power factor of the lamps. For the sake of study four samples each of same wattage of self ballasted fluorescent lamps from different manufacturers were selected. The lamps were then subjected to a 5minutes-ON and 5 minutesOFF switching cycles. The different values off electrode temperature were evaluated and compared with the Rh/Rc along the course of the lamp lifetime. Keywords-lamp electrodes, hot resistance and cold resistance, compact fluorescent lamp, operating cycles.