. - Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques were used to determine the presence of electric field induced biaxiality in the nematic phase of MBBA. Electric fields have been observed to produce optical rotations in thin nematic films ascribable to induced biaxiality [I]. In the present paper we report a direct observation of electric field induced biaxiality in a bulk nematic sample using NMR techniques. These preliminary measurements demonstrate that these techniques may provide a powerful tool for elucidating biaxial order parameters in a variety of liquid crystal phases.


The authors conducted an open study of levetiracetam as add-on therapy in nine patients with well-defined progressive myoclonic epilepsies and refractory myoclonus. Myoclonus was evaluated semiquantitatively (territory, intensity, daily living activities). Five patients had improvement of their myoclonus score. Levetiracetam may benefit myoclonus in progressive myoclonic epilepsy.


Objective:To explore the polymorphism of low density lipoprotein-receptor(LDL-R)gene in neonates with fetal growth restriction(FGR)and their mothers and its effect on lipid level in serum.Methods:The polymorphism of AvaⅡ locus of LDL-R gene from umbilical cord blood of 11 FGR neonates(A1 group)and 27 healthy neonates(A2 group)and venous blood of their mothers(B1 group,B2 group)were detected by PCR-RFLP.Results:①The frequency of A+/+ genotype in A1 group was 19.3%,which was higher than those in the other 3 groups(P0.05).The frequency of A+ allele in FGR group was 29.8%,which was higher than those in A2 group and B2 group(P0.05).②No difference was found in lipids level in serum between A1 and A2 groups,B1 and B2 groups(P0.05).But the lipids levels of B1 group and B2 group were higher than those of A1 group and A2 group(P0.05).③The TC,LDLC levels of four groups with A+/+ genotype were significantly higher than those with A-/-genotype(P0.05).④No correlation was found in lipids level in serum between neonates and their mothers.Conclusion:The frequency of A+ allele in FGR neonates is rising;there is no correlation between lipids level of umbilical cord and lipids level of their maters,but can be affected by the polymorphism of LDL-R,the neonates with A+ alleles maybe have a high risk for hyperlipidemia.


The multilateralization of international investment law and the emergence of uniform principles of investment protection are not only a matter of the resemblance of treaty texts, of the operation of MFN clauses, and of the effects of corporate structuring. They are also championed by the rules on investor-State dispute settlement. At a time when capital-exporting and capital-importing States were still unable to agree on a common set of substantive rules for international investment relations, above all the appropriate level of protection of foreign investors, they agreed, by concluding the ICSID Convention in the mid-1960s, to establish multilateral rules for the procedural aspects of investor-State disputes. Genuine multilateralism in this context presumably worked because States agreed that investor-State dispute settlement constituted a valuable institution, even though they disagreed on the extent of restrictions to be imposed on States regarding the treatment of foreign investors. Although the ICSID Convention is not the only procedural framework under which investment treaty arbitration can take place, it remains the most important one, having governed 62 percent of the 290 investment treaty-based disputes known by the end of 2007. Furthermore, the ICSID Convention illustrates best the importance of the procedural framework for the multilateralization of international investment law. For this reason, the following chapter concentrates on investor-State dispute settlement under the ICSID Convention. Notwithstanding its exclusively procedural scope, the ICSID Convention contributes significantly to the multilateralization of international investment law. Already from a formal perspective, it establishes a uniform framework for the settlement of investor-State disputes.


The main purpose of the mission to the Stewart Research Station was to provide scientific support to the entomology section, and to activities set up between 1994 and 2000, but more particularly to new activities following worrying phytosanitary problems that first occurred in 1999 and for which our partner, CCRI, called us in. Our role was therefore to train the team in work methods designed to acquire knowledge of population dynamics: estimation of population levels, prevention of leaf-eating insect outbreaks threatening coconut yields, by carrying out preventive (but not curative) releases of parasitoids. We were also requested to take part in identifying new pests (Lepidoptera and Curculionidae) and introducing possible control methods against such pests. (Resume d'auteur)


Infidelity creates enormous impact on women physically as well as mentally. Infidelity tends to create divorce. While infidelity itself cause tremendous impact on women, divorce as the consequence of infidelity delivers even greater impact to the victims. Repeating life hardships may create unpleasant life impression and causes a person lose the meaning of life. Anyone who has lost the meaning of life will lose the spirit of life. However, there are woman who suffered from divorce due to infidelity of their husbands remain able to find the meaning of live. The question of this research lies on "how do these women describe their meaning of life after having divorce as a result of their spouse's infidelity?" Data collection was conducted between March to May 2006 be using in-depth interview. The result indicates that all subjects experienced losing the meaning of life soon after divorcee. They regained the meaning of life after obtaining insight by actively engaging experienced after obtaining their life commitment.


PURPOSE
To gain insight into nurses' perceptions and use of providing structure (PS) as an intervention during psychiatric inpatient care.

DESIGN AND METHODS
Interviews were conducted with nurses (n = 18) from two inpatient wards in psychiatry immediately following the occurrence of a PS event. This was done immediately following the occurrence of a PS event. Transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative coding process.

FINDINGS
Four general and 14 specific PS activities were described associated with the nursing intervention PS.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Nurses can now refer to specific activities of PS. An elaborated definition of PS is provided to facilitate a better understanding and using of PS as a psychiatric nursing intervention.


The connecting means having a plurality of mutually spaced electrical contact points, and is turned on, the contact portion is turned by means of strip-shaped, flexible, which at least in part on a plurality of parallel lines a thin film line, wherein the line segment combinations within the scope of the plug connector plug device and / or the socket connector constituting the plug directly contacts.


The invention discloses a processing method of blueberry health-care beer. The processing method is characterized in that the beer comprises 5-50g blueberry juice, 20-30g Chinese yam juice and 1000g beer; the processing method of the beer comprises the steps of adding the blueberry juice and the Chinese yam juice into the beer in proportion, stirring uniformly, adding a clarifier for clarification for above 24h, filtering for the first time and the second time, sterilizing, and filling; kieselguhr and a paperboard are sequentially adopted for primary filtration; and micropores are adopted for secondary filtration. With the adoption of the method for processing the blueberry health-care beer, the juice is not required to be added together for fermentation, the processing method is simple and easy to operate, and the processed beer has a unique taste, is richer in nutrition, has a health-care function, and is suitable for frequent drinking.


This study was carried out to investigate the effects of covering with near ultraviolet ray-absorbing (UVA) film on the growth and coloration of spring red leaf lettuce and to evaluate the subsequent coloration after removal of the film. The daily mean temperature and light quantity under the UVA film were similar to those under ultraviolet transmitting film. The growth of 'Variety-nouaka', 'Black rose', and 'TLE-496' was promoted by covering with UVA film, while that of 'Red fire', 'Red falder', and 'Early span' was not affected. Covering with UVA film decreased the leaf anthocyanin content by 30 to 40% in 'Red fire', 'Red falder', and 'Early span', and by 60 to 70% in 'Variety-nouaka', 'Black rose', and 'TEL-496'. The leaf anthocyanin content at 3 days after the removal of the UVA film was higher than that just before removal in all varieties except 'Red fire'. In 'Varietynouaka' and 'Black rose', the increase in the leaf anthocyanin content occurred mostly until when the integrated light quantity of near ultraviolet rays reached around 600 W∙h∙m–2 after the removal of UVA film.


One hundred and eleven cases of multiple focal to massive hepatic necrosis were noted out of 202 guinea pigs, aged between 4 and 23 weeks, purchased from 3 different Japanese breeding colonies. Guinea pigs with hepatic lesions showed no abnormal clinical symptoms. The occurrence of lesions peaked at 5 weeks of age in males, and 10 weeks of age in females. Grossly, yellowish white lesions, up to 10 mm in diameter, were observed singly or scattered in the liver. Histopathologically, the commonest lesions consisted of coagulative necrosis or vacuolation of hepatocytes in the central area, and macrophage/lymphocyte infiltration and regeneration of bile ducts around the peripheral area. The cytoplasm of the necrotic hepatocytes and macrophages often contained mineral granules, which were thought to be the dystrophic mineralization and associated with a concomitant occurrence of chronic nephropathy. The other organs examined revealed no significant lesions related to the hepatic lesions. Light and electron microscopic examinations failed to uncover causal organisms; an experimental infection by inoculation of extract from the guinea pig hepatic lesions to immuno-suppressed mice failed to cause hepatic lesions.


Based on the high-tech statistics data of China,this paper compared the high-tech enterprise competitiveness of three regions in China,with the index values of the three evaluation dimensions of enterprise competitiveness,which is enterprise scale competitiveness,enterprise management competitiveness and enterprises innovation competitiveness.It analyzed the reasons from the angle of regional economic development,innovation strategy of enterprises and human resources.It pointed out a series of measwes to enhance the competitiveness of high-tech enterprises of China.


A simple method was developed to visually present the phagocytic activity of leukocytes by using adherent Staphylococcus aureus cells and blood applied on a plastic dish. When heparinized blood was applied on thin‐layer of heat‐killed S. aureus cells on the plastic dish, plaques due to the phagocytic activity of leukocytes were observed with a microscope under a low magnification. Fewer and smaller plaques were observed when plasma‐deprived rather than whole blood was used. Some analyses were made in respect to the fundamental conditions required for optimal results. This method was considered to be useful for conveniently evaluating the serum opsonin activities and phagocytic function of leukocytes in various kinds of diseases.


Background: One of the most important professional challenges of physicians is patients' dissatisfaction and complaints submitted to judiciaries and their consequences in patients' personal lives. These malpractices may take place everywhere in the healthcare system. Objectives: This research aimed at examining complaints against Military Hospitals medical malpractices within different medical disciplines, submitted to forensics and medical council of Tehran. Patients and Methods: This was an interim and explanatory-analytic research. All cases related to military hospitals submitted to central commission of Tehran medical council from 2006 to 2011 were examined. Results: Totally, 41 cases who lodged complaints were examined using detailed information, from which36 cases were male (87.7%) and 5 (12.2%) were female and the mean age was 43.91 ± 8.26. From those 41 proven medical malpractices, indiscretion accounted for 15 cases (36.58%), imprudence for 12 (29.26%), lack of scientific and practical skills for 10 (24.39%), and lack of observing state regulations for 4 (9.73%). Conclusions: Orthopedics specialists and general physicians accounted for the highest number of malpractices. Indiscretion and imprudence made up the highest rates of malpractices.


In this paper, we propose an improved delay-constrained unicast routing (I-DCUR) algorithm for real-time networks which is based on the delay-constrained unicast routing (DCUR) algorithm. Our I-DCUR algorithm is quite different from DCUR algorithm, because the node will choose the link between the active node and the previous node, and it will replace the original loop path when it detects a loop. Thus, firstly consider to choose the link between the active node and the previous node to replace the original loop path when a node detects a loop. So our algorithm can make the construction of path more efficiently, as compared to DCUR algorithm. We could see that the performance of I-DCUR algorithm is much better than DCUR algorithm in the experimental results. There were over 40% improvement in 100 nodes, 60% in 200 nodes, and 9% reduction of costs.


Many scholars have paid greater attention to fiscal deficit these years,especially after Chinese government carried out the expansion fiscal policies since 1998,the theoretical circle has carried out a series of researches on the effects of the policy and the infuence of fiscal deficit Grasp of these research outcomes wholly and analyze from both sides of the achivements and shortcomings.Finally,on the bases of the present researches,the author proposes some preliminary imagination for the theoretical system relating to china's fiscal deficit.


Traditional linear machines are under great influence of longitudinal end effect because of their finite stacking lengths in transverse and longitudinal directions. Longitudinal end effect causes imbalance of phase performance so that linear machine's force fluctuation is aggravated. The negative impact of longitudinal end effect on a flat type switched reluctance linear machine (SRLM) is verified in this paper. In order to avoid this problem, a novel tubular switched reluctance linear machine (TSRLM) is proposed, which can shield from unexpected impact of end effect. In structure, there is no transverse cut in tubular linear machines, so tubular linear machines can evade the influence of the transverse end effect. The equivalent magnetic circuit of this TSRLM is analyzed in this paper, which proves that the TSRLM is also not influenced by longitudinal end effect. A prototype is manufactured, and its corresponding hardware platform is established. A series of simulations and experiments verify that there is no deviation performance among phases in the proposed TSRLM. Accordingly, the traditional longitudinal end effect in linear machines caused by longitudinal cuts can be thoroughly evaded in proposed TSRLM.


In hot stamping, the determination of the thermal contact conductance values between the blank and tool surface during the process is crucial for the purpose of simulating the blank rapid cooling inside the tool using finite element analysis (FEA). The thermal contact conductance value represents the coefficient of the heat transfer at the surface of two solid bodies in contact and is known to be influenced greatly by the applied pressure. In order to estimate the value and its dependency on applied pressure, the process of hot stamping was replicated and simplified into a process of compression of heated flat blank in between the tool at different applied pressure. The temperature of the blank and tool surface were measured by means of thermocouples installed inside the tool. Based on the measured temperature, the thermal contact conductance between the surfaces was calculated using Newton's cooling law equation. The calculated value was then used to simulate the blank cooling inside the tool using FEA commercial software. This paper describes an experimental approach to estimate the thermal contact conductance between a blank made of Boron Steel (USIBOR 1500) and tool made of Tool Steel (STAVAX). Its dependency on applied pressure is also studied and the experimental results were then compared with FEA simulations.


Since decisions about contraception are formed in the context of sexual activity, family planning programs are urged to broaden their focus to include sexual health. Sexuality-related needs may include contraception, protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), rape counseling, learning how to achieve satisfying sexual relationships, or overcoming shame and guilt. In this context, family planning personnel need to relinquish their role as experts and become facilitators, helping people to identify and articulate their needs. Also needed is training to enable staff to talk sensitively, comfortably, and respectfully about sex. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has forced family planning programs to talk about the reality of sexual life. Not only must personal life-style issues be discussed, but proper use of condoms must be demonstrated. Operations research is currently underway in 6 Family Planning Associations in developing countries to determine how the concept of sexual health can best be operationalized in work with local communities.


The oligogalacturonides mixture (Ogal), is a biostimulant obtained at National Institute of Agricultural Siences (INCA). This product has a high proportion of ionizable functional groups, which allows the formation of bonds with heavy metals. In this work, tomato seedlings with Ogal were sprinkled with 5, 19, 20, 30 mg L -1 concentrations, cultivated in an artificially contaminated soil, red ferralitic leachate type with 700 mg kg -1 copper (Cu). At 35 days of germination, were evaluations the total pseudo copper content in soil (mg kg -1 ), pH, as well as height (cm), root length (cm) and content of Cu (mg kg -1 ) in the different organs of the plant. The results showed that the height and length root of the plants grew in a contaminated environment without the application of product suffered a significant decrease in relation to the control; however, in which the product was applied, this decrease was not as marked as the previous ones, obtaining the best results when doses of 20 mg L -1 (dose 3 mL plant -1 ) were applied. On the other hand, the extraction of Cu ions by tomato plant increased with the presence of the Ogal, mixture being more phytoextraction when 20 mg L -1 (doses 3 mL plant -1 ) were applied.


The importance of viticulture and the winemaking socio-economic sector is acknowledged worldwide. The most renowned winemaking regions show very specific environmental characteristics, where climate usually plays a central role. Considering the strong influence of weather and climatic factors on grapevine yields and berry quality attributes, climate change may indeed significantly impact this crop. Recent-past trends already point to a pronounced increase in the growing season mean temperatures, as well as changes in the precipitation regimes, which has been influencing wine typicity across some of the most renowned winemaking regions worldwide. Moreover, several climate scenarios give evidence of enhanced stress conditions for grapevine growth until the end of the century. Although grapevines have a high resilience, the clear evidence for significant climate change in the upcoming decades urges adaptation and mitigation measures to be taken by the sector stakeholders. To provide hints on the abovementioned issues, we have edited a special issue entitled: "Viticulture and Winemaking under Climate Change". Contributions from different fields were considered, including crop and climate modeling, and potential adaptation measures against these threats. The current special issue allows the expansion of the scientific knowledge of these particular fields of research, also providing a path for future research.


Mitral valve repair is desirable and superior to replacement in nearly all instances of mitral disease. The excellent long-term results have facilitated changing the indications for mitral surgery.1 Mitral patients can potentially be referred earlier, in a lower functional class or even when asymptomatic, before left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and dilation occur. This synopsis considers clinical and individual surgeon factors that predict mitral repair, which could lead to higher repair rates and improved outcomes.2


This paper presents the findings of a questionnaire survey on behavior for natural ventilation and electricity consumption among selected households in Johor Bahru City. The main purpose of this survey was to examine effects of natural ventilation on energy saving among households. The survey revealed that the reduction of both numbers and use of air-conditioners were the most effective means for electricity saving among households. Although approximately 80% of respondents opened their windows during the daytime, only arounds 10% did so during the nighttime. It is very important to encourage occupants to open windows especially during the nighttime for achieving energy saving objectives.


A novel interactive design for spatialization in halls and its real-time control is presented. The DJ interaction metaphor is augmented to achieve control of spatialization as a bi-product of musical performance using motion-tracking technology. A system is specified and realized using commonly available hardware technology. The integration of the system in performance spaces is discussed. Based on the design we achieve seamless integration of spatialization and its real-time control in musical venues.


The development of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for thoracic surgery has created new challenges for the anaesthetist. The preoperative phase is critical not only to identify high-risk patients, but to optimise organ function. An anaesthetic is required which adequately suppresses the surgical stress response, the mainstay of ERAS, but also promotes rapid recovery with minimal side effects. Locoregional anaesthesia is the key. The use of a non-intubated, spontaneous breathing technique may confer some benefits. Effective analgesia is essential to allow early postoperative mobilisation and to reduce complications.


Objective:In this study two substances 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridineion(MPP+) and glutamate(Glu) were used to induce neurotoxicity and degenerative change in dopaminergic neurons in primary cell culture.By additional applying strychnine in such cellular toxic models we tested the pharmacological and toxicological influence of strychnine on neurodegenerative processes.Method: the pregnant OF1/SPF mice were choose,the midbrains were collected,the primary cells of dopaminergic neurons were cultured at 5%CO2,37 ℃,100% humidity conditions in incubator.On the day in vitro(DIV) 10,strychnine at concentration of 0.1,1,5,10 μmol ·L-1,MPP+ 10 μmol · L-1,Glu 500 μmol · L-1 was added for 48 h and performed staining on DIV 12.numbers of dopaminergic neurons,numbers of processes and length of processese were measured and analyzed.Result:The results demonstrated that strychnine at all range of concentrations(1-10 μmol · L-1) had no significant toxic effect on normal dopaminergic neuron cells in 48 hours without MPP+ or glutamate.However,a significant stimulating effect on neuron occured,namely,in which under treatment of strychnine at dose 10 μmol · L-1 cell number was enhanced compared with control(P0.05);the value of length of neuronal processes also increased by 10 μmol· L-1 strychnine(P0.05);as well as number of neuronal processes elevated in the range of 5-10 μmol · L-1(P0.05).When neurons were treated by MPP+(10 μmol · L-1),strychnine played anti-neurodegenerative effect.Under concentration 10 μmol · L-1 of strychnine,the number of neurons was higher than that in MPP+ treatment(P0.05);the value of length of neuronal processes was increased by strychnine at 10 μmmol · L-1(P0.05);the number of neuron processes under 5 μmol · L-1strychnine was also higher than that in MPP+ treatment group(P0.05).In Glu(500 μmol · L-1) induced neurotoxicity,strychnine showed significant neuroprotective action,which indicated by recovery of morphology or the number of dopaminergic neurons 10 μmol · L-1(P0.05).Conclusion:The present results demonstrate that strychnine stimulated in vitro the growth of dopaminergic neurons from substantia negra par compacta,and played the neuronal protective effect against neurodegenerative damage in vitro.


Universities and colleges of higher education in the UK are self-governing institutions.They are,however,subject to the relevant laws.The Council and the Senate,established by the Chart govern the University.A third body,the Court,exists by virtue of the Charter but has no direct role in governance.


For most of the twentieth century, electric and gas utilities focused predominantly on the operational aspects of their business Given their unique position in many states as the sole provider of electric and gas service in their franchise area, very few utilities focused their attention on the customer experience For their part, customers have been largely disengaged with their utility provider In 2016, the average utility customer spent a mere eight minutes looking at their utility bill, or 40 seconds a month Compared to Facebook, where users spend an average of 20 minutes daily looking at the website, and financial institutions, where customers visit their bank's website or applications on average 17 times a month, utility customers are considerably less engaged


Underground space is an important space for the future development of the city. Starting from the economic characteristics of the underground space,underground space of public goods,externality,monopoly in three aspects of economic characteristics were studied in this paper. Based on the analysis of the demand of government regulation of underground space development and utilization,and put forward proposals to strengthen government regulation of the development and utilization of underground space from four aspects to strengthen legislation,strengthening the planning,policy,improve the management etc.


To determine the importance of arousals from sleep on alterations of the cardiovascular control associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) we measured heart-rate, continuous blood pressure and respiration in 5 OSAS patients and 5 control subjects during test procedures performed in overnight sleep. The tests consisted of inducing arousal with acoustic stimuli randomly delivered when subjects were in a stable sleep stage. Time-varying systems identification by means of the Laguerre expansion technique allowed the tracking of arousal-induced changes in the impulse responses of the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and baroreflex (ABR) components of the cardiovascular control model. In the control group, significant reductions in ABR gain were detected during arousal. These changes were not observed in the OSAS group. RSA gain increased in controls during arousal, but its time course in OSAS was found to be significantly different. The lack of ABR reaction to arousal in OSAS reflects an impaired baroreflex that results from chronic exposure to repeated apnea episodes usually accompanied by sleep disruption.


The present article related to thermal and electric breakdown of water at influence of strong electric fields is devoted. Thermal processes in water lead to its boiling up and formation of gas inclusions, in which the crown and spark discharges are developed. It is shown, that at electric breakdown of water, unlike the thermal one, the delay time and emitted energy depends not only from parameters of the high-voltage equipment and electrode system, but also on water conductivity. The crown and spark discharges in water cause the shock waves and dispersing liquid streams, thermo ionization, formation of atomic oxygen, ozone and UV-radiation in all interelectrode distance. The considered physical processes can be successfully used in pilot-industrial installations for conditioning of drinking water and to disinfecting of wastewater.


Twenty four Okra genotypes were evaluated for marketable fruit yield and its related traits for genotype environment interaction during 2015-16 and 2016-17. The genotypes were exposed to alkaline environment with a pH range of 8.0±0.2, 8.5±0.2, 9.0±0.2 and 9.5±0.2. A significant level of deviation in expression of different traits was observed in all the genotypes with increasing pH. Based on Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), Genotype and Genotype Environment Interaction (GGE) biplot, Wrick's ecovalence (Wi2 ), AMMI Stability Value (ASV) and Yield Stability Index (YSi) stable genotypes with high fruit yield were identified over the eight environments. The combined AMMI analysis of variance indicated that genotype main effect, environment and genotype-by-environment interaction effects showed variation of 19.83%, 63.07% and 17.10%, respectively for fruit yield. On the basis of different stability measures, VRO-112, VRO-110, Kashi Kranti, VROB178, AE-70 and VRO-108 were differentiated as high yielding and stable genotypes over the tested environments. This study will be helpful for selecting alkali tolerant okra parents for further breeding programme and recommending the suitable genotypes for alkalinity prone area


SiO2/ZrO2-SiO2 composites were fabricated by sol-gel method, and then the flexural property and oxidation behavior of SiO2/ZrO2-SiO2 composites were discussed. The results showed that SiO2/ZrO2-SiO2 composites were fabricated by sol-gel method. The flexural strength of the composites was homology with that of SiO2/SiO2 composites, while the elastic modulus was higher than that of SiO2/SiO2 composites. After high-temperature oxidation, the fracture mechanism of the composites changed, which showed typical brittle/sudden fracture. Compare to SiO2/SiO2 composites, SiO2/ZrO2-SiO2 composites showed higher flexural strength and higher elastic modulus.


Lateral distribution (LD) of heavy vehicles has a major impact on fatigue cracking of concrete pavements. When the width of the concrete slab is small, wheels of heavy vehicles tend to pass near its longitudinal joint and, in this case, transverse cracks would occur from the joint edge. Conversely, where the width of slab is large, longitudinal cracks occurring from the transverse joint would be more predominant. Therefore, the LD of wheels of large vehicles should be considered in the design of concrete pavement. However, data on the LD of wheels is limited due to data acquisition difficulties. In this study, a Traffic Load Auto Measurement System (TLAMS) is developed to monitor traffic flow by recording wheel positions, speeds, and headways. By using the LD of wheels obtained by the TLAMS, fatigue analysis of concrete pavements was conducted and the effects of LD of wheels were investigated.


Isobutyranilidoxime meta-phenoxybenzyl ethers and related compounds were synthesized. Their insecticidal activities measured against Periplaneta americana by injection were lower than that of phenothrin by factors of at least 1/60. However, some compounds were comparable to or only slightly less potent than phenothrin and tetramethrin in miticidal activity tested by a contact method against Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Tyrophagus putrescentiae.


Phase-matching spectral phases of aperiodic quasi-phase matched gratings are experimentally measured by nonlinear spectral interferometry and microscopic images, respectively. The former enables accurate reconstruction of domain length distributions with 810-μm resolution.


Psychosocial distress among cancer patients leads to poor health outcomes and lower satisfaction. However, little is known about psychosocial distress among disadvantaged populations. We examined the prevalence, predictors, and follow‐up experience of psychosocial distress among cancer patients within a diverse, urban, and multi‐lingual safety‐net setting.


This paper proposes a novel but simple method to identify unknown common factors that have either stochastic trends or just trend components with a convergent panel. Typically, the weak σ−convergence test requires the elimination of common components before the test is performed. Instead, this paper uses potential variables to eliminate common (non)-stochastic trending factors, and if the left-over terms are weakly σ−converging, then the variables can be identified as unknown common factors. This paper provides the asymptotic properties of the suggested method, and examines finite sample performances by Monte Carlo simulations. To demonstrate how to use the new procedure, this paper identifies the underlying common factor for 46 disaggregate PCE inflation rates. Among many potential macro variables, only the Federal Funds rate becomes the common factor.


Compression is a design limiting for composites as its much lower strength than tension. And it is still a challenge to predict the damage process for open-hole composite laminate under compression precisely Therefore, we proposed a progressive finite element model to demonstrate the failure behavior of open-hole laminates under compressive loading(OHC) for high-modulus and high-strength fiber reinforced composite laminates. The model was established in commercial code ABAQUS, with Puck failure theory and zigzagging softening law considered. It is shown that the model can predict the compressive strength and failure modes accurately. Sublaminate scaled laminates failed in a brittle manner caused by fiber failure with failure plane almost perpendicular to the loading direction. Ply-level scales laminates failed in a brittle manner with fiber splitting and delamination. Thus, the open-hole compressive strength for high-modulus and high-strength composite laminates depends on the fiber compressive strength and in-plane shear strength.


Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heritable cardiac disease characterized by hyper-contractility, hindered relaxation, and impaired exercise capacity. Conventional negative inotropes can alleviate enhanced inotropy in HCM, but do not improve ventricular filling and have the potential to further decrease exercise capacity due to their off/on-target systemic effects. Recently, a novel small molecule cardiac-myosin attenuator, Mavacamten, has been shown to normalize hyper-contractility in the setting of HCM. This study evaluated and compared the in vivo functional selectivity of MYK-581, a mavacamten analog, with those of disopyramide (DISO), a commonly-used negative inotrope.

 In vivo, the acute cardiac (left ventricular pressures) and neuro-muscular (force of diaphragmatic and skeletal muscle contractions) responses to MYK-581 (up to 0.5 mg/kg IV) and DISO (up to 10 mg/kg IV) were simultaneously evaluated using anesthetized and mechanically-ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats; diaphragmatic (both intrinsic and phrenic nerve stimulated) and skeletal contractions (stimulated quadriceps) were measured via strain gauges.

 MYK-581 decreased indices of systolic function (dP/dtmax: −32±2% and vmax: −14±2%, P<0.05 vs. pre-dose) and increased LV EDV (+9±2%, P<0.05), while preserving EDP (6±1 to 6±1 mmHg), suggesting improved ventricular distensibility. Despite these marked cardiac effects, MYK-581 preserved both diaphragmatic (23.7±2.0 to 23.3±2.2 g) and skeletal in situ function (14.9±1.4 to 13.9±0.8 g). In contrast, DISO at matched levels of negative inotropy (dP/dtmax: −25±2% and vmax: −19±2%, P<0.05 vs. pre-dose) depressed diaphragmatic force (−16±3%, 23.8±1.9 to 19.8±1.2 g, P<0.05). Finally, the cardiac selectivity of MYK-581 was confirmed in kinetic experiments evaluating the Ca2+-activated ATPase activity of both cardiac and diaphragmatic myofibrils.

 Direct myosin modulation with MYK-581, a mavacamten analog, is characterized in vivo by reductions in systolic function with preserved filling pressures and improved LV compliance. Moreover, this cardiovascular profile was devoid in vivo of diaphragmatic/skeletal off-target effects that could further hinder exercise capacity in patients with HCM.


The main purpose of this work was the determination of the composition of a KY1−x−yGdxLuy(WO4)2 layer grown by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) technique on KY(WO4)2 substrate having enough refractive index contrast and appropriate lattice mismatch (fhkl) to act as planar waveguides. To achieve this we have grown KY1−x−yGdxLuy(WO4)2 single crystals by the flux method and characterized them in terms of chemical composition, structure and refractive indices. A high quality epitaxial layer of KY0.58Gd0.22Lu0.20(WO4)2 with a thickness of 10 μm was grown on a b oriented KY(WO4)2 substrate by LPE. At λ = 632.8 nm this planar waveguide can support five and four guided modes along the Ng and Nm directions, respectively and five TM modes along Np direction.


The paper presents studies and experience of their application and
impact of VR in education. Their influence on thinking and psychological
state of a person is traced. Virtual reality is considered as a special
information environment, in which all objects are presented in three
dimensions, there is a wide animation, change of images in real time and
experience of effective presence. Thus, it is reasonable to interpret
virtual reality as a method, means and technologies of training. Also,
some directions of education in which VR gives advantages over other
means of visualization and accuracy of reproduction in the safe
environment of a lesson are highlighted. Through the power of
psychological influence, which is provided by means of virtual reality,
depending on a kind of used gadgets, new opportunities and possibilities
arise as well as requirements to the lessons and representatives of the
sphere of education. New safety rules, lessons design have to consider
new possibilities and peculiarities of virtual reality and technologies
providing it.. Also it is important to take into consideration the issue of
socialization in new conditions. This aspect must also be considered in
the design of educational process and all its components. Because of
enhanced visuality of information the risks of incorrect premises
perception might appear as a result of misinterpretation of the
information given by a teacher. That is why it is necessary to control the
simplicity and rationality of the semantic charge both during theoretical
and practical lessons. That is why it is impossible to fully change people
for machinery as it is not able to understand wrong interpretation of
information by a student whereas an experienced teacher has abstract
thinking and life experience required for the task


Technical scheme of the utility model is to provide a bus duct cover plate with the following structure. The bus duct cover plate comprises a cover plate main body, cladding flangings disposed on two sides of the cover plate main body, and a groove disposed on the cover plate main body extending along a length direction of the cover plate main body.


Inaccurate predictions about educational technology are discussed, and the tendency for them to go unchallenged. Their global generalizability is questionable when the expertise underlying them is restricted to local contexts or is unknown. The limitations of futuristic studies need to be stressed to prevent their conclusions from being applied out of context. Problems arise when studies inaccurately claiming to represent developing-world needs and conditions are used for educational planning in those nations. The article analyzes the predictions made by the annual Horizon Reports and the One Laptop Per Child project. It suggests that these projects are currently responding to criticism in a manner similar to that described in the classic study When Prophecy Fails.


Abstract Calvia explanata sp. n. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), externally similar to and commonly misidentified as Calvia albida Bielawski, is described from India and Nepal.


Kiss of the Spider Woman Hector Babenco David Weisman

Babenco's film, about the points where orthodox revolutionary politics meets with sexual oppression, is a needed message to the left.


An optimization study of a subcritical two-zone homogeneous reactor was carried out, taking into consideration geometry, material, and economic parameters. The advantage of a two-zone subcritical system over a single-zone system is demonstrated. The study investigated the optimal volume ratio for the inner and outer zones of the subcritical reactor, in terms of the neutron-physical parameters as well as fuel cost. Optimal geometrical parameters of the system are suggested for different material compositions.


The questionnaire from the students attending PE course in 11 vocational colleges of Tianjin shows the problems that the students are not very fond of the course,the course offered can not meet the students' needs,the professional structure of the teachers is irrational,the semester and the teaching hours set cannot meet the stipulated requirements.Meanwhile,some countermeasures on the basis of the investigation and analysis of existing problems are put forward in order to provide some reference for the construction of optional PE items in vocational colleges.


The two substantives nor- and vira- mean basically '(adult) man' and are widely used in the most ancient corpus of Vedic literature. They seem to refer equally to the same persons, gods or humans, without any recognizable rule of distinction by semantic components. The previous attempts to interpret their distribution of usage have been unfruitful, in particular the one by Dumezil, following his tripartite scheme. Furthermore, it has been proved that any distinction between the two nouns according to an external hierarchy is superficial and does not account for the whole range of data. It is attempted to show that these two nouns are actually not synonymous, since they refer to 'man' from different points of view. The present paper examines first the distribution of these nouns as referring to the basic participants of the Vedic ritual action: gods, patrons, priests, poets. It appears clearly that vira- is specialized as the designation of the men that belong to the household; it never refers to the poets, who are the speakers of the hymns. By contrast, nor- is the noun that is most appropriate to patrons and poets, as well as to gods and patrons, as equal partners in contractual relations entailing exchange of goods and reciprocal benefits: those men recognize each other as nor- in the dialogue. Whereas vira- is the 'man' seen objectively or as an object, from outside, nar- implies a subjective appreciation of the virile quality, as the 'valuable man' in the eyes of the speaker. After having defined the roles of the partners of the Vedic verbal action, one proceeds to examine the shift between nar- and vira- in several passages of the Vedic hymns. The texts are analysed along the parameters of the enunciation. The appearance of one noun or the other is not arbitrary, but corresponds to different points of view which are connected with the various modes of the discourse and reflect the relative positions of the interlocutors or of the persons involved in the message. The nar- is seen from a personal or internal point of view, and is linked to one of the actors of the present enunciation; by contrast, the vira- remains external to the dialogue, and corresponds to the third person, with a neutral (or zero) point of view. The claim is supported by other arguments based on the distribution of several derivatives of the two nouns. The choice between two lexemes of the same semantic field was determined by the variations in the discursive situation : the lexical units may be added to the marks of the enunciation. If this analysis, which accounts for most of the RV data, is correct, it would imply the existence of a consistent rhetorical system for the diction of the Vedic hymns which are the products of poetic performance, as improvised by poets using various genres of discourse in addition to fixed formulas.


An image filtering scheme for images of cultural interest is presented. The proposed methodology utilize a semi supervised approach for the creation of an appropriate distance learning metric, which is used for the filtering. User's feedback is involved only for a minor set of data, defined using OPTICS algorithm and sparse modeling representative selection. Such an approach facilitates the refinement of retrieval results, always under the scope of the user needs. The described methodology can be easily implemented for a variety of feature vectors and data sets.


Polymer optical fibre (POF) is a growing technology in short distance telecommunication due to its flexibility, easy connectorization, and lower cost than the mostly deployed silica optical fibre (SOF) technology. Microstructured POFs (mPOFs) have particular promising potential applica-tions in the sensors and telecommunications field, they could specially help to reduce losses in poly-mer fibres by using hollow-core fibres. However, mPOFs are intrinsically more difficult to cut due to the cladding hole structure and it becomes necessary to have a high quality polymer optical cleaver. In the well-known hot-blade cutting process, fibre and blade are heated, which requires electrical compo-nents and increases cost. A new method has recently been published to cut POF without the need for heating the blade/fibre, therefore electronically devices are not required if it is used a proper mechani-cal system. In this paper, we present a passive and portable polymer optical cleaver implemented with a mechanical system formed by a constant force spring and a damper.


A helicopter geophysical survey of about 830line‐km was flown over an area of 180km2 in southern Norway to aid in determining which route a proposed railroad should follow. Along any route chosen, extensive tunnelling would be necessary. The aerial geophysical survey aided geologists in mapping the area and provided information on the presence of geological structures, particularly faults and fractures, which could hinder tunnel construction if they are major water conduits. The helicopter survey collected magnetic, electromagnetic, radiometric, and very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic data, and mapped a number of geophysical lineations and other structures. Most lineaments appear to be related to dikes, faults and fractures. Known major faults appear on all data sets, and minor faults appear on one or more of the individual data sets. Magnetic measurements proved to be the most useful geophysical tool for locating dikes in the area. Contacts between dikes and surrounding rock have been shown to be ma...


Most advanced manufacturing processes require precise linear-position control for material transfer, packaging and assembly. To achieve precise linear motion, most of these high-performance manufacturing machines use rotary motors and rotary-to-linear couplers. Although this method is widely used, it has the disadvantages of low accuracy, complex mechanical adjustments, high cost and low reliability. A prototype permanent-magnet DC linear motor that is used as a direct-linear drive for position-control applications is described. Experimental investigation of the motion system indicates that the constructed prototype has response with good accuracy.


Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) promotes tumour metastasis via activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). We here investigated the role of the protein kinase CK2 (formerly Casein Kinase 2 or II) in PAF‐induced NF‐κB activation and tumour metastasis, given that PAF has been reported to increase CK2 activity, and that CK2 plays a key role in NF‐κB activation. PAF increased CK2 activity, phosphorylation and protein expression in vivo as well as in vitro. CK2 inhibitors inhibited the PAF‐mediated NF‐κB activation and expression of NF‐κB‐dependent pro‐inflammatory cytokines and anti‐apoptotic factors. Pre‐treatment with the antioxidant N‐Acetyl‐L‐Cysteine (NAC) resulted in a significant inhibition in PAF‐induced enhancement of CK2 activity, phosphorylation and protein expression in vivo as well as in vitro. H2O2 and known reactive oxygen species inducers, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) enhanced CK2 activity, phosphorylation and protein expression, which was again inhibited by antioxidant. PAF, LPS and TNF‐α induced increased CK2 activity, phosphorylationand protein expression, which were inhibited by p38 inhibitor. PAF, LPS or TNF‐α increased pulmonary metastasis of B16F10, which was inhibited by antioxidants, CK2 inhibitor and p38 inhibitor. Our data suggest that (i) reactive oxygen species activate CK2 via p38, which, in turn, induces NF‐κB activation, and (ii) PAF, LPS and TNF‐α increase pulmonary tumour metastasis via the induction of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38/CK2/NF‐κB pathway.


The chimaeric bcr/abl oncogene is detected in virtually all cases of chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML). It encodes a constitutively active tyrosine kinase of 210kDalton, p210bcr/abl, which stimulates a variety of cytosolic signalling intermediates. The effects of bcr/abl on the activity of growth factor receptors are less well known. In order to investigate interaction of p210bcr/abl with the receptor tyrosine kinase p145c‐kit, we used two myeloid, factor‐dependent cell lines, MO7 and 32D, to generate bcr/abl positive sublines, MO7p210 and 32Dp210, by transfection with the bcr/abl gene. Since 32D and 32Dp210 cells did not express p145c‐kit, a c‐kit retrovirus was used to generate c‐kit positive cell lines (32Dkit, 32Dp210kit). In contrast to MO7 and 32Dkit cells, MO7p210 and 32Dp210kit cells were factor independent and did not respond to the growth‐promoting effects of recombinant human Steel factor (rhSF). Preincubation with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) neutralizing the binding of SF to p145c‐kit did not affect the growth of MO7p210 cells, thus eliminating the possibility of an autocrine SF secretion. 32Dkit cells transfected with bcr/abl containing an inactivating point mutation (Lys→Arg271) in the Abl kinase domain (32Dp210(Arg271)kit) retained their responsiveness to the effects of rhSF. Immune complex kinase assays showed that the kinase activity of p145c‐kit was several‐fold higher in MO7p210 and 32Dp210kit cells than in MO7, 32Dkit and 32Dp210(Arg271)kit cells, suggesting that Abl kinase activity was necessary to activate p145c‐kit. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments with anti‐Kit and anti‐Abl MAbs demonstrated that p145c‐kit and p210bcr/abl were associated in an intracellular complex in human bcr/abl positive, c‐kit positive cell lines (MO7p210; GM/SO). Finally, colony assays with bone marrow from bcr/abl positive CML patients showed that the haemopoietic progenitors of three of four patients did not respond to rhSF. Taken together, the results suggest that p145c‐kit can be activated by p210bcr/abl via an Abl‐kinase dependent mechanism involving the complex formation of both proteins. These findings could explain some clinical features (basophilia, increase of immature myeloid cells) of chronic‐phase CML.


Vector network analyzers provide a convenient way to measure scattering parameters of a variety of microwave devices. However, these instruments, unlike oscilloscopes for example, require a relatively high degree of user knowledge and expertise. Prior to use, the network analyzer must undergo measurement calibration or error correction. Due to the complexity of the instrument and of the calibration process, there are many ways in which a poor measurement calibration or measurement may be produced. Check standards have been used to verify that the network analyzer is operating properly. In the past, the measurements were recorded manually and, sometimes, interpretation of the results was problematic. To aid our measurement assurance, a software program was developed to automatically measure a check standard and compare the new measurements with an historical database of measurements of the check standard device. The program can acquire new measurement data from selected check standards, plot the new data against the mean and standard deviation of prior data for the check standard, and update the database files for the check standard. This paper describes the function of the software including a discussion of its capabilities. The way in which the software is used in our lab is also described. Finally, some examples are given showing how the software can detect potential measurement problems.


The present study was carried on to investigate the degree of teacher vs. student-entered classroom interaction in ELT classes of the English Department of Isfahan University to see if the degree of teacher vs. student-centered classroom interaction is affected by different levels of education; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. The participants of the present study were teachers and students of 9 EFL classes in the Department of English of Isfahan University: three classes were selected at the B.A. level, three classes at the M.A. level, and three classes at the Ph.D. level. The courses under study were testing, methodology, and linguistics. In each of the classes under study a total of sixty minutes of classroom interaction was tape-recorded, thirty minutes of which was randomly chosen for the sake of the present study. The tape-recorded data were later analyzed based on Brown's Interaction Analysis System (BIAS). A Univariate Analysis of Variance and t-tests were run to see if the differences were meaningful. A post hoc Sheffe test was conducted to shed light on those differences. It was revealed that B.A. level classes were more teacher-centered than M.A. level classes, and M.A. level classes in their own turn were more teacher-centered than Ph.D. level ones confirming all but not the second hypothesis.


THE PAPER PRESENTS A METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE VERTICAL TENSILE STRESSES WHICH OCCUR AT THE ENDS OF PRE-TENSIONED PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS AT THE TIME OF TRANSFER OF PRESTRESS TO THE CONCRETE. THESE STRESSES ARE KNOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HORIZONTAL END ZONE CRACKING OFTEN OBSERVED IN FIELD SURVEY AS WELL AS IN MANUFACTURING PLANTS. THE METHOD WHICH IS DESCRIBED HERE IS BASED ON THE EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS OF OVER SIXTY TESTS. THE MAXIMUM TENSILE STRESSES ARE FOUND TO OCCUR ON THE CENTROIDAL AXIS AT THE END FACE, THE LOCATION WHERE HORIZONTAL CRACKING HAS BEEN NOTED IN THE FIELD AND PLANTS. THE PAPER SUGGESTS A METHOD FOR PREDICTING CRACKING, AND THE OBSERVED CRACKING LOADS ARE COMPARED WITH THOSE OBTAINED BY THIS METHOD FOR THE CRACKED BEAMS. /TRRL/


Case 1: A 76 year-old man with a background of vascular dementia presented with widespread, large, tense, blisters over his torso and limbs. A small number of oral mucosal ulcers were present.Case 2: A 77 year-old woman received treatment with intravenous vancomycin for hospital-acquired pneumonia and severe sepsis. Approximately 10 days after starting the antibiotic she developed a florid eruption consisting of tense blisters, arranged in ring formations. She also had multiple ulcers on the oral [...]


We provide the first detection of the Van Hoof effect over a complete Blazhko cycle in the variations of H β, neutral, and ionized metallic lines, measurable on 2782 high-resolution line profiles obtained during the course of a 41 day continuous and unprecedented survey of RR ab star, RR Lyr. We detect phase-lag variations in the velocity–velocity diagrams during the Blazhko period. The Van Hoof effect is maximum at the Blazhko modulation maximum and minimum at the Blazhko modulation minimum. Both turbulent velocities and equivalent widths are correlated with the Van Hoof and Blazhko effects. We investigate the differential motion between the upper and lower photosphere and between the photosphere and high atmosphere in the RR Lyr star. The differential radial velocity and differential acceleration curves show bulges and dents, respectively, during the inward moving atmosphere, but at the pulsation amplitude maximum, the differential acceleration curve is double peaked with a high differential radial-velocity gradient. Correlations between differential radial velocity, separating distance, and differential acceleration are monotonous during the Blazhko cycle, but the double-peak structure, left peak and right peak, is strongly Blazhko antiphased and phased, respectively. We explain the physical mechanisms driving the modulation of these quantities by the ShPM1, ShPM, ShPM2, and ShPM3 receding shocks, and the ShH+He outwarding main shock. The 3D interplay between the Van Hoof, Blazhko, and hypersonic–hydrodynamical effects provides a powerful tool for stellar pulsation and evolution challenges.


Symptoms in the Mind is not the sort of book that I would particularly seek out to read, although once confronted with the title I found it fascinating.


A team of observant student nurses at the University of Texas (UT) developed a new way of thinking about older adults in nursing facilities and established an innovative program within those facilities to highlight the skills and talents of older adults. The following event prompted the innovation. Mrs. King, a resident, had a daughter who visited her almost daily.When Mrs. King died, her daughter continued to visit the other residents she had befriended. She found out that the nursing home needed more bibs and napkins in the dining room. She also found some residents, three in particular, who loved to sew but couldn't because they had sold their sewing machines when they moved into the nursing facility. Although the three residents' mobility was impaired somewhat, they socialized and participated in various activities. Mrs. King's daughter decided to invite the three residents to her home to sew. They looked forward to their weekly jaunts, and soon they made more than 300 bibs and napkins and began looking for other projects. The student nurses who observed and encouraged Mrs. King's daughter discussed this case with their classmates at the UT School of Nursing, where they were enrolled in a course on aging. After much discussion, a class project was developed to systematically identify more residents in their nursing facilities and others who had special gifts and talents they were willing to share within their facility and community organizations.


The semantics of SJA in Russian has been a popular topic with the meaning of Russian prefixes. The SJA and prefixes cause changes in lexical meanings of verbs as well as grammatical shifts. Changes with prefixed SJA verbs semantically seem chaotic, but if SJA is considered as an expression related to the focus on the action of the verb, the meaning of the prefixed SJA verbs becomes much more intelligible. ?vedova et al. (1982: 385-90) has a list of prefixed SJA verbs and the analysis based on the data from the ?vedova's list and Russian National Corpus approves that the semantic function of SJA is focus on action, not a marker of intransitivity. The focus on action as a prototype of SJA is expressed variously in sentences with prefixed SJA verbs as a focus on the consequence of the action or as an action with elevated intensity. Along with the meaning of SJA, prefixes also alter the meaning of the verbs to which prefixes are attached. Schupbach classifies this change into two types - D(isplacement) and Q(uantification). The D means change of a location and the Q signals change in the intensity of performance. The distinction between D and Q is not always obvious. The D meaning is often related to the Q meaning through metaphor. These semantic factors - SJA as a focus marker and prefix as a marker of D or Q - affect the whole meaning of a prefixed SJA verb. Verification of the prefixed SJA verbs in ?vedova et al. shows possibility that the initial assertion can be extended not only to the prefixed SJA verbs, but also to all the SJA verbs in Russian. The purpose of this paper is to describe coherent functions of SJA and prefixes in prefixed SJA verbs and to make a theoretical argument for suggesting a semantic prototype of SJA, "focus on action" in a situation.


The aim of this thesis was to study 1. the relationship between periodontitis and systemic conditions and 2. the effect of 4 periodontal treatment modalities on clinical and microbiological periodontal parameters as well as systemic conditions. Our results showed that periodontitis is associated with a prothrombotic state, a condition involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In particular alveolar bone loss and the host immune response to two established periodontal pathogenic bacteria were associated with markers of prothrombotic state. In the randomized clinical trial the four treatment modalities included basic periodontal therapy (scaling, root planing and oral hygiene measures) with or without support of a local sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as well as with or without using systemic antibiotics (amoxicillin and metronidazole). Analysis of the results showed that basic periodontal therapy alone remains the first choice for the treatment of periodontitis. The baseline microbial composition may have predictive value for the clinical outcome. Adjunctive use of local disinfection with NaOCl to basic periodontal therapy does not contribute to an improvement in the clinical and microbiological parameters of periodontitis. Adjunctive use of antibiotics could be used to improve the periodontal clinical outcome of basic periodontal therapy. Patients participating in this trial were selected on the basis of absence of known comorbidities. However, results showed that at baseline 27% fulfilled the criteria of metabolic syndrome. Periodontal treatment resulted in a decrease of the systolic blood pressure and of triglycerides. This implies that improving periodontal health can lead to an improvement of metabolic status.


Historically, health services for the ambulatory patient have been organized throughout the world along several paths: (1) separate dispensaries for treatment of the sick, (2) hospital outpatient departments, (3) specialized preventive clinics under public health agencies, industries, or schools, (4) private group medical practice, and (5) health centers of either preventive or integrated preventive-curative scope. All five of these types of organized service continue to expand throughout the world, in relation to a declining importance of private individualistic medical practice. The trend is toward integrated ambulatory service for both preventive and curative services in health centers. The staffing and scope of health centers vary with the economic development of a country and its prevailing political philosophy. As a result of dialectical dynamics between hospitals and ambulatory care centers, these two types of service are becoming integrated in regionalized networks, increasingly supported by funds from collective sources (both taxation and insurance) and designed through national health planning. Increasing use is being made of paramedical personnel working with doctors in health teams.


A large pneumatized middle turbinate (concha bullosa) may require surgical reduction. Partial middle turbinectomy, especially when done simultaneously with uncinectomy and ethmoidectomy, results in an increased risk for adhesion formation in the middle meatus. Turbinoplasty is a procedure that results in a significant reduction of the width of the middle turbinate without injuring its mucosal surfaces. A 4-year experience with this procedure showed almost complete elimination of the synechiae problem.


Objective\ To clarify the levels of the natural environmental γ radiation dose rate in China. Methods Reliabilities of the instruments and methods used in both surveys [1,2] are evaluated by analysing and discussing practical data. Results The quality control instrument(RSS 111)and method used in the survey [1] are consistent with the international standard,and are reliable.The quality control instrument(AEI)of the survey [2] is about 10% lower than the international standard.And the method of deducting the response to cosmic radiation from meter reading for measuring natural γ radiation dose rate led to the lower results. Conclusions The data of survey [1] about natural γ radiation dose rats in China are representative.The population weighed average absorbed dose rates in air at 1 m above the ground from natural γ radiation are 80.3 nGy·h -1 ,119.5 nGy·h -1 and 79.5nGy·h -1 for outdoor,indoor,and roads, respectively.The annual average effective dose and annual collective effective dose to the population in China from natural γ radiation were estimated to be 684 μSv and 9.6×10 5 man·Sv,respectively.\;


An important life-history trait from a biological control perspective is shelf life, the cost-efficient storage of produced control agents until their application. The syrphids Eristalinus aeneus (Scopoli) and Eristalis tenax (L.) (Diptera, Eristalini) are used for pollination of crops. Campoy and colleagues investigated the cold storage conditions of the flies' pupae. Newly developed pupae survived better than older pupae. At 5 °C, development stopped entirely and pupae could be successfully stored for up to 18– 23 days, depending on species, without compromising adult fitness. Such information on cold tolerance can be directly used by biocontrol practitioners to improve their products.


When resolution is a primary requirement in high performance spectroscopy systems, the signal pulse filteringshould approach the theoretical optimum weighting function . This goal, almost impossible to reach with analog filteringespecially when 1/f noise is dominant, is achieved by the presented digital signal processor . It synthesizes the optimum weighting function by exploiting experimentally measured noise . The energy resolution dependence on the experimental settings is reported . Those include the number of samples acquired per pulse, the sampling frequency and the bandwidth of the antialiasing filter. An experimental comparison against the best analog filtershows an improvement of more than 10% in energy resolution . In spectroscopy of ionizing radiation energy is released in the active volume of the detector by impinging radiation. The signal produced in the detector is amplified and shaped, producing a pulse, the amplitude of which is then measured .This measurement, however, isaffected by many sources of noise, produced either by the conversion mechanism from radiation to electric signal or by the readout


Vitamin A exists in two chemical forms in the body. It is found circulating in plasma as the free alcohol, but is stored in the liver primarily in the ester form. During absorption, vitamin A alcohol, either preformed or the product of hydrolysis of vitamin A esters in the lumen of the intestine, must be esterified in the intestinal wall before it can enter the circulation (2, 3). In addition to the intestinal wall, several other tissues have been reported capable of esterifying vitamin A. These include muscle (3), subcutaneous tissue (4), and kidney (5, 6). In the eye, vitamin A is found in two tissues. The dark-adapted retina contains only traces of vitamin A, but upon exposure to light rhodopsin is bleached, liberating retinene, the aldehyde of vitamin A. Under the action of ADH,' retinene is rapidly converted to vitamin A alcohol. This series of reactions


Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion in sheep in the UK. This document will review disease background, how to reach a diagnosis of EAE, and recent developments in diagnostics and preventative approaches. It also explores the scope for progress and how that may be achieved. There is significant scope for more widespread screening and vaccination against EAE to yield benefits to animal health, human health, antibiotic stewardship, individual farm profitability and the UK sheep sector.


NIRS has a long history of research and development in clinical applications of radiation, especially in the field of nuclear medicine including positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and internal radiation therapy. Based on these accomplishments, the Molecular Imaging Center (MIC) was established in 2006. At present, research carried out in the MIC is based on collaboration among diverse areas as follows: (1) Drug design for target-selective delivery (molecular probes), labeling of the molecular probes with a suitable radionuclide for diagnosis/therapy, and radionuclide production. (2) Development of three-dimensional quantum photon measurement systems such as PET and SPECT, including hardware and software. (3) Basic evaluation and clinical application for diagnosis/therapy of tumors, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, and aging-related diseases such as inflammatory diseases. The MIC also promotes research on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray-CT imaging and optical imaging. These imaging techniques are an integral part of diagnostic imaging, so called multimodal imaging. Recently, PET-MR has been approved for clinical medicine, and development of its clinical applications will be a key task for MIC.


As a preliminary observation, we regret that the joint comments that we submitted in the context of the development of the RAC opinion the latter is referred to a number of times in the SEAC opinion have not been considered properly. SEAC should develop its own opinion independently of RAC's opinion, but since it mentions the latter as an important factor in the outcome of its own opinion, we feel the necessity to stress this important shortcoming. In particular, our previous comments have highlighted in detail how the vulnerability of the targeted public of this restriction should be an important guiding aspect in its development and how it justifies a precautionary approach in the use of existing data related to exposure as well as uncertainties.


In this work, an electronics nose (E-nose) based on six polymers and functionalized single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocomposite gas sensors was developed and installed on a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) platform for detection of volatile compounds in the air. The efficiency of each gas sensor was tested in a static gas measurement chamber with presence of volatiles. The gas sensors were observed to increase response with increasing concentration of ammonia and toluene. Polyvinyl pyrolidon (PVP)/SWCNT-COOH shows the highest sensor response to both ammonia and toluene. The E-nose drone has then been demonstrated under two situations, i.e., in a closed clean room with presence of ammonia evaporation, and in open air with low wind environment. It was found that the pattern of sensor data obtained from flying the E-nose drone under different situations can be clearly distinguished. It is hoped that the E-nose drone can be a very useful technology for military usage; such as to detect explosives, as well as for farmers; such as to map the malodor emission from their cattle farms or to search for ethylene for fruit ripeness detection, etc.


Lakes are closely coupled to terrestrial systems, and the trophic state of a particular body of water reflects carbon and nutrient inputs from its entire watershed (Fisher 1970; Hutchinson et al. 1970; Fisher and Likens 1973; Likens and Davis 1975). This is particularly true in the Pacific Northwest, where the surrounding coniferous forests are among the most productive in the world, and are characterized by large accumulations of biomass and detritus (Sedell 1972; Taub et al. 1972). One of the major objectives of the lakes program was to study these terrestrial influences in an effort to better understand their impact on lake metabolism. Four lakes in the Lake Washington drainage basin were studied. They ranged from high-altitude lakes surrounded by forests (Findley and Chester Morse lakes) to low-altitude lakes in more urban environments (Sammamish and Washington lakes). A progression from oligotrophy to mesotrophy exists in the order Findley Lake, Chester Morse Lake, Lake Sammamish, and Lake Washington (Table 11.1). More detailed physical descriptions of these lakes are provided in Chapter 1. Here we evaluate the production and community structure of the four lakes in relation to terrestrial inputs of nutrients and carbon. The processes that control nutrient and organic matter cycling in soils and terrestrial vegetation of an ecosystem adjacent to a lake are addressed briefly to provide background. Subsequently, material pathways within the lakes are discussed. Findley Lake and Lake Sammamish are considered in terms of the behavior of primary nutrients and production of biological communities. The next section discusses the response of plankton metabolism and physiology to varying environmental conditions. Finally, the relations between forage base and fish production in Lake Washington are discussed. Our research shows that the metabolic pathways and community structure of lakes in coniferous forests are influenced and, in certain cases, dominated by terrestrial inputs. Carbon budgets calculated for Findley Lake show that annual terrestrial inputs of particulate carbon in the lake causes the production of


Electromagnetic field induced by two external electrodes and temperature field resulting from electrodes action in 3D domain of biological tissue is considered. External electric field causes the heat generation in tissue domain. The distribution of electric potential in domain considered is described by the Laplace equation, while the temperature field is described by the Pennes equation. These problems are coupled by source function being the additional component in Pennes equation and resulting from the electric field action. The boundary element method is applied to solve the coupled problem connected with the biological tissue heating. In the final part of the paper the examples of computations are shown. 1. Governing equations In Figure 1 a typical radio frequency (RF) hyperthermia system is shown [1]. The mathematical model of the process analyzed consists of two parts [1-3]. The electric part concerns the Laplace equation to obtain the electric field distribution. The thermal part is connected with the bioheat transfer equation to obtain the temperature distribution. In the bioheat transfer equation the additional source term associated with the heat generation caused by electric field distribution appears. The potential inside the tissue is described by the Laplace equation ( ) ( ) ( ) , , : e , , φ , , 0 x y z x y z x y z ∈Ω ∇  ∇  =   (1) where e(x, y, z) [C /(Nm )] is the dielectric permittivity of tissue. On the external surface of tissue being in a contact with the electrodes the following condition is given ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 2 , , : φ , , , , : φ , , x y z x y z U x y z x y z U ∈Γ = ∈Γ = − (2) where U [V] is the electric potential of the electrode relative to the ground. Please cite this article as: Ewa Majchrzak, Marek Paruch, Numerical modelling of tissue heating by means of the electromagnetic field, Scientific Research of the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, 2010, Volume 9, Issue 1, pages 89-97. The website: http://www.amcm.pcz.pl/


In 2002 Neil Levy published an article in the Journal of Applied Philosophy (19, 2, pp. 121-130), "In Defence of Entrapment in Journalism (and Beyond)". This response to Neil Levy's recent assertion of a "right" of entrapment by journalists suggests that Levy's argument is based on an inadequate conceptualization of both the function of journalism and nature of journalistic practice, and fails to take into account how the law currently impinges on journalistic practice. We put the proposition that legitimating journalistic use of entrapment by paralleling it with "proactive policing" is not established as an ethically - or legally - acceptable practice, and indeed in terms of the re-emerging neo-Aristotelian ethic of virtue, is more likely to corrupt the journalistic practitioner than result in revelations of malfeasance in the public interest.


In order to understand the effect of surface structure on the irreversible capacity of graphitic carbons, the electrochemical lithium intercalation behavior of various commercial carbons was studied for 1M LiPF 6 in EC/PC/DEC electrolytes. Flaky graphites exhibited nearly a constant irreversible capacity per unit area for the EC/DEC electrolyte, while other carbons with more compact morphology showed significantly larger value. The increase in the irreversible capacity induced by PC exhibited similar structural dependence. The irreversible capacities were quantitatively analyzed in terms of a simplistic model, which explicitly took into account different reactivity of EC and PC toward the basal and edge planes. As the graphite structure exfoliated in the presence of excess amount of PC, the reversibility of electrochemical lithium intercalation deteriorated quite abruptly above a certain threshold PC content. The structural factors controlling the onset of graphite exfoliation were also discussed.


The 2-pond effluent systems used by the majority of dairy farmers in southern Australia result in the collection of liquid effluent in an aerobic second pond. This liquid effluent contains a wide range of nutrients that have the potential to significantly affect the nutritive characteristics and mineral content of forages. The effect of applying second pond dairy effluent to perennial ryegrass based pasture following harvesting for silage over a 3-year period was measured. Effluent was applied at 6 rates: 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 mm following a spring silage harvest each year, with changes to nutritive characteristics and mineral content determined at each subsequent grazing. Analysis of the effluent applied showed that on average, over the 3 years of application, the effluent contained 31, 454, 20, and 149 kg/ML of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur, and nitrogen, respectively. In addition, the effluent contained 152 kg/ML of calcium (Ca) and 225 kg/ML of magnesium (Mg). Changes in nutritive characteristics as a result of effluent application were primarily restricted to the first grazing after application. The metabolisable energy content of herbage at the first grazing in Years 1 and 2 was unaffected by effluent application; however, in Year 3 there was a linear increase of 0.0051 MJ/kg dry matter (DM).mm of applied effluent. In contrast, effluent application had a positive linear effect on pasture crude protein (CP) content at the first grazing in all years. In Year 1, CP content increased by 0.083%/mm of applied effluent, while for Years 2 and 3 the increases in CP content were 0.044 and 0.029%, respectively. In all years, there was a negative linear effect on water-soluble carbohydrate content at the first grazing after effluent application. For Years 1, 2, and 3, responses were –0.138, –0.066, and –0.022%/mm applied effluent, respectively. The P content of pasture was higher at the first grazing following effluent application at rates of 60 and 75 mm in each year compared with the control and the 15 mm application rate. Potassium concentrations were increased with effluent application at rates of 45, 60, and 75 mm in all 3 years in comparison with the control at the first and second grazing after application. In Year 1, Mg content of the pasture was lower for the control, 15, and 30 mm treatments than for the 2 highest application rates at the first grazing after application. This experiment has highlighted the potential of using second pond dairy effluent following pasture harvesting for silage to maintain the CP content of pasture in late spring. The high mineral content of effluent led to increases in the concentration of several these minerals and, while the ratio of K to (Ca + Mg) was substantially increased, it is unlikely that effluent application in late spring and the concomitant increases would lead to animal metabolic problems. Coupled with the observed increases in DM yield, the increase in CP content provides greater flexibility in feeding options to bridge feed shortfalls before summer forage crops becoming available on dryland dairy farms in southern Australia.


A Blind Cane is a tools resembles an ordinary wooden stick that can help blind people to recognize the environment atmosphere around them. However, this Blind Cane only help the blind, passively. Many research has been developed and enhanced for the Blind Cane. One of the research conducted is to create a smart cane that can detect the location while the blind doing travel. This research is comparing the performance comparison of module communication that will be implemented on Blind Cane in Telkom University area. There are three module communications that will be compared in order to have the best performance and the most economics cost implementation. They are module NRF24L01, module XBee Pro S2C, and module USR-BLE101. Based on the testing scenario, the best performance module communication is gained by XBee Pro S2C Module. While the minimum cost for implementation system is using module communication NRF24L01.


A stochastic analogue of the Lotka-Volterra model for predator-prey relationship is obtained when the birth rate of the prey and the death rate of the predator are perturbed by independent white noises with intensities of order c2, where ? > 0 is a small parameter. The evolution of this system is studied on large time intervals of 0(1/s2). It is shown that for small initial population sizes the stochastic model is adequate, whereas for large initial population sizes it is not as suitable, because it leads to ever-increasing fluctuations in population sizes, although it still precludes extinction. New results for the classical deterministic Lotka-Volterra model are obtained by a probabilistic method; we show in particular that large population sizes of predator and prey coexist only for a very short time, and most of the time one of the populations is exponentially small.


This paper proposes pandemic mitigation vaccination policies for Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) based on two compact mixed integer programming (MIP) models of the distance-based critical node detection problem (DCNDP). Our main focus is on two variants of the DCNDP that seek to minimize the number of connections with lengths of at most one (1-DCNDP) and two (2-DCNDP). A polyhedral study for the 1-DCNDP is conducted, and new aggregated inequalities are provided for the 2-DCNDP. The computational experiments show that the 2-DCNDP with aggregated inequalities outperforms the one with disaggregated inequalities for graphs with a density of at least 0.5%. We also study the strategic vaccine allocation problem as a real-world application of the DCNDP and conduct a set of computational experiments on a simulated contact network of NL. Our computational results demonstrate that the DCNDP-based strategies can have a better performance in comparison with the real-world strategies implemented during COVID-19.


As a sequela to the large release of {sup 131}I from the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, an expected late effect is thyroid cancer, especially in children. In anticipation of this problem, hundreds of thousands of measurements of thyroid glands were made with survey meters. Much attention was also focused on measuring the deposition density of {sup 137}Cs. The expectation was that the latter measurement could be a good surrogate for the deposition density of {sup 131}I, so that ecological models could be used to reconstruct thyroid doses in locations where no direct measurements of thyroid activity were made. However, this assumption has been seriously questioned, and there is interest in a more suitable surrogate that can still be measured even nine years or more after the accident. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the reconstruction of thyroid doses for a case-control study of childhood-thyroid cancer that has just been concluded, to discuss the reconstruction of thyroid doses for a current cohort study of childhood-thyroid cancer, and to discuss the use of {sup 129}I as a surrogate for the deposition density of {sup 131}I.


Paediatric doses of the antituberculosis drugs are intended to achieve similar exposures to those in adults on successful treatment, provided they are safe. However, the generation of robust pharmacokinetic evidence to support improved dosing has been slow, and its translation into improved dosing guidelines has been limited. Drug exposures at the site of infection and susceptibility of the mycobacteria to the drugs determine antimicrobial activity. Immunity is also important for treatment response especially in the setting of a weak regimen. A wider appreciation of pharmacokinetic evidence together with the application of pharmacometric tools would improve drug dosing and guide regimen design. Recent pharmacokinetic studies in children with tuberculosis show that current doses fail to achieve adult drug exposures, most critically in young children who are vulnerable to disseminated and severe disease. In parallel, there is mounting evidence that adult pharmacokinetic targets should be adjusted, and that when determining optimal drug exposures, differences between patients and in disease expression should be considered. New drugs and treatment regimens are also emerging. The adoption of accurate and efficient methods is imperative to translate these advances into paediatric drug combinations and doses that optimally improve treatment outcomes and prevent drug resistance. Investment in the development and distribution of suitable formulations could then be driven with greater confidence. Roughly 1.2 million children develop tuberculosis each year. The recent SHINE study reported successful outcomes in 97% of children with non-severe drug-susceptible tuberculosis, confirming that children with paucibacillary tuberculosis respond well to treatment. Children under 2 years old and children with HIV are less able to contain the infection, however, and are prone to develop disseminated and severe disease with much poorer outcomes. Even amongst children with minimal disease, mortality is disproportionately high in the youngest children. In the SHINE study, the risks of unfavourable outcomes were roughly 5-fold higher in younger children compared with children more than 3 years old. Hence, it is particularly important to optimize dosing in these young children with immature immunity. That, on recommended doses, the smallest children have substantially lower drug exposures than adults is therefore worrying. Equally concerning is that older children have been neglected by recent guidelines increasing the first-line drug doses for children under 25 kg. Historically, doses for children have been informed by the weightadjusted (mg/kg) dose prescribed for adults. With intent to bring drug exposures in line with those in adults on standard treatment, in 2010, the World Health Organization increased doses of the first-line antituberculosis drugs recommended for children under 25 kg. The daily dose of rifampicin was increased by 50% to 15 (10–20) mg/kg and isoniazid by 100% to 10 (7–15) mg/kg. Pyrazinamide doses of 35 (30–40) mg/kg daily are recommended. The revised doses target uniform mg/kg doses through which lower systemic exposures in smaller individuals persist, with a marked trend to reduced drug exposure with decreasing weight band, due to the nonlinear relationship between weight and clearance. Semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic models have shown that reduced bioavailability of rifampicin and isoniazid exacerbates low exposures in children under 3 years and that immaturity of clearance pathways mitigates the effect of low bioavailability plus relatively increased clearance in small children, only amongst the youngest. After repeated doses, the predicted area Received: 27 July 2021 Revised: 3 November 2021 Accepted: 29 December 2021


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contingent relationship between government marketing assistance for export and the performance of early internationalizing firms in a developing country's low-tech industry. Design/methodology/approach – The authors employ hierarchical multiple regression based on the data obtained from Bangladesh, a south Asian developing country and a leading exporter of apparel products worldwide. The authors used a sample of 224 early internationalizing apparel firms to test the hypotheses. Findings – Research describes the relationship between export assistance and performance as direct. Recently, some researchers have suggested moderators between them. The authors argue that the relationship between the two is contingent on the level of export commitment. The authors find that neither informational nor experiential marketing assistance is directly related to export performance. The relationship between informational assistance and export performance is signif...


On July 17, 2009, Judge Paul Magnuson issued a 95-page ruling that Lake Lanier was not authorized for water supply. Further, releases from Buford Dam could not occur for the sole purpose of meeting water supply needs downstream. The judge ordered the litigation stayed for three years, allowing for Congressional action approving reallocation of storage in Lake Lanier. If July 17, 2012 arrives with no resolution of the issues, Judge Magnuson's order would compel Metro Atlanta water supply levels to revert to mid-1970s levels. Governor's Water Task Force. Governor Sonny Perdue convened the Water Contingency Planning Task Force to look at all possible water supply options in the Metro area if the Magnuson decision stands. The Task Force developed a three-pronged water supply approach for the Metro area: 1. CONSERVE conservation and efficiency


Modern processors use out-of-order and speculative execution to maximize performance. However, these types of optimization executions may leak users' confidential information to another malicious party through a side channel, as can be seen from the notorious Meltdown and Spectre poC attacks. Although some big companies have released software patches and updates to work around the hardware problems, however, they might inadvertently cause some stability or performance issues, especially for Windows systems. Furthermore, some legacy systems are never going to be patched, such as XP systems. Therefore, we provide a more proactive method, a multi-agent way of detecting Meltdown and Spectre on Windows (including the XP System), Linux and OS X Systems. Experiments show that our detection mechanism is very effective in detecting these attacks for all the major existing operating systems.


No mortality of immature Mormon crickets was detected in the field for 14 days after treatment with fungal baits or sprays of either Beauveria bassiana Strain GHA or Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52. Feeding behavior may have adversely affected the success of the bait treatments but confirmation will require additional study. Most importantly, temperatures recorded from the surrogates on the ground in cages indicate that an insufficient number of accumulated hours at temperatures appropriate for fungal development occurred during the study. The data suggest that (32 – 43) and (58 – 75) days of observation would have been required to detect any mortality that could have been attributed to the M. anisopliae and B. bassiana treatments respectively. In field mortality of adult Mormon crickets was not followed, but treated individuals were sent to Sidney, MT for observation. Prevalence of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae infections in these adults, as evidenced by mortality corrected for untreated controls, was 70% and 100% respectively. It is obvious that significantly longer observation times in the field will be required to detect any mortality in Mormon crickets that could be attributable to these fungal treatments. In fact, several weeks may be required after treatment for fungal infections to be expressed as mortality. However, there is some potential for faster fungal growth in Mormon cricket, particularly in the


A sensitivity analysis of a one-dimensional heat transfer model for a heat-hold-cool aseptic system of food products containing particulates was completed for eighteen different design, product, and process control parameters. All of the parameters, except the direct effect of the fluid specific heat, were determined to be statistically significant in influencing the accumulated lethality of the processes. the most influential parameters were surface heat transfer coefficient in the hold tube at the fluid-particle interface, exit temperature of the fluid from the heater, initial temperature, holding tube size, and holding tube-U value. the process/product-related parameters that are significant in the establishement of a process are: particle diameter, surface heat transfer coefficient in the hold tube at the fluid-particle interface, thermal properties of the fluid and particulates, maximum heater velocity ratio, maximum hold tube velocity ratio, surface heat transfer coefficient in the heater at the fluid-particle interface, product flow rate, and particle to fluid ratio.


This paper intreduced several kinds of modified asphalt studied and applied in recent years and some basic factors which affect it and this paper has a brief introduction on some new ways which appraise modified asphalt.


We present the results of a consistency check performed over a flatfile of accelerometric data extracted from the ITalian ACcelerometric Archive (ITACA), enriched with velocimetric records of events with magnitude M < 4.0. The flatfile, called ITACAext, includes 31,967 waveforms from 1709 shallow crustal earthquakes, in the magnitude range from 3.0 to 6.9, and occurred in the period of 1972–2019 in Italy. The consistency check is carried out by decomposing the residuals obtained from a reference ground motion model, for the ordinates of the 5% damped acceleration response spectra. The residual components are subsequently analyzed to identify a list of events, stations, and records that significantly deviate from the median trends predicted by the model. The results indicate that about 10% of events and stations are outliers, while only 1% of the waveforms present anomalous amplitudes. The asymmetrical azimuthal coverage of seismic stations around the epicenter is the most common issue that can affect the estimates of the repeatable event residual term. On the other hand, peculiarities in the site-response or wrong estimates of the soil parameters (i.e., the average shear-wave velocity in the first 30 m of the subsoil) are the main issues related to the repeatable station residuals. Finally, single records can show large residuals because of issues related to signal acquisition (e.g., multiple events, noisy records) or possible near-source effects (e.g., rupture directivity).


This paper deals with certain aspects of the aircraft-accessories maintenance problem, under wartime conditions, and sets forth some suggestions as to how manufacturers of aircraft hydraulic equipment might assist in its solution. The comparative merits of hydraulic systems and electrical-mechanical systems for operating airplane accessories are discussed from the standpoint of maintenance and repair.


Well recognized are the potential benefits in camera simplicity, power reduction and increased cooler life associated with the capability of operating infrared focal plane arrays at or near room ambient temperatures. Quality imagery in the 3 to 5 μm spectral band at scene temperature of 300K with focal plane array temperatures up to 175K was demonstrated recently. The array consisted of 640*512, 16 μm pitch N+p(As) detector elements grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy on a GaAs substrate. In this paper, a carrier recombination model is presented that explains the dark current density data as a function of inverse temperature. Basically the dominant carrier recombination occurs through ionized donor-like flaws centered in the upper half of the energy gap. For Hg1-xCd x Te, x=0.3 and 0.2867 materials, the flaw energy level, Eflaw(0K) respectively, is centered at 0.189 eV and 0.1181 eV above the valence band edge; The shortest possible lifetime τp0 for hole capture respectively is 3.5 and 550 μs. Band to band recombination is not observed to be dominant even in the temperature region T ≈ 300K, where the radiative and Auger lifetimes are significantly smaller than τp0. The asymmetry parameter γ = τn0/τp0 <<1.


Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) have been widely used for efficient conversion of CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals utilizing clean and renewable alternative energy sources. However, the scarcity of...


The FeCo3Sb12 skutterudite crystal was doped with Bi to act as a filler material for the Bi0.6FeCo3Sb12 formulation. It was prepared by ball milling and spark plasma sintering. The microstructure and thermoelectric performance of the bulk skutterudite was evaluated as function of its mechanical alloying process, i.e. ball milling. Rietveld analysis of its XRD spectra indicated that The Bi doping on the Co4Sb12 based skutterudite succeeded in partially filling the voids of the skutterudite, whilst the Fe doping partially substituted the Co sites in the lattice. This serves to simultaneously increase the electrical conductivity whilst reducing the thermal conductivity of the resulting skutterudite. The ball milling times was correlated to the resulting microstructure, and ultimately, its thermoelectric performance. It was found that the moderate milling times (at 15 h) resulted in the best electrical conductivity, given the homogenous distribution of particles. A Maximum ZT value was observed 0.18 for 10 h ball milled sample at 673 K, whilst almost the same value was achieved for the 15 h ball milled sample, i.e. ZT = 0.17 at 673 K. Beyond this milling time, agglomeration of particles after ball milling caused degradation in the overall thermoelectric performance. Thus, this paper presents a strategy optimize the mechanical alloying process parameters to provide improved thermoelectric performance.