Ćirić, [Lj. B. Ćirić, A generalization of Banach's contraction principle, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. vol. 45 (2), 1974, pp. 267-273], introduced and studied the concept of quasi-contraction. He also obtained a Banach type fixed point theorem on complete metric spaces. Recently Suzuki, [T. Suzuki, A generalized Banach contraction principle that characterizes metric completeness, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. vol. 136, 2008, pp. 1861-1869], introduced a new type of contraction and presented a generalization of the Banach contraction principle in which the completeness can also be characterized by the existence of fixed point of these mappings. In this work, we generalize the results of Ćirić in the view of Suzuki's results.


We describe and verify convergence properties of our forced-based genetic algorithm (FGA) as a decentralized topology control mechanism distributed among software agents. FGA uses local information to guide autonomous mobile nodes over an unknown geographical terrain to obtain a uniform node distribution. Analyzing the convergence characteristics of FGA is difficult due to the stochastic nature of GA-based algorithms. Ergodic homogeneous Markov chains are used to describe the convergence characteristics of our FGA. In addition, simulation experiments verify the convergence of our GA-based algorithm.


Many cultural metaphors based on perceived male-female differences have developed from speakers' attempts to understand and experience gender differences. Animal-based metaphors and symbols, only a few of which are based on actual physical differences between male and female bodies, make up a relatively small portion of our cultural metaphors about gender, but they nevertheless illustrate how deeply speakers are influenced by the underlying symbolic values that, over centuries, English speakers have assigned to masculinity versus femininity. In addition to exploring such questions as why peacock and goose are more commonly used than peafowl and gander, respectively, this study looked at how college students applied 20 animal names to people. Some animal names ("jackass," "wolf," "beast," "pig," "chicken," and "bull") were used primarily for males, whereas other animal names ( "tigress," "vixen," "shrew," "bird," "bitch," "cow," and "peacock") were used primarily for females. One finding was that, when an ...


For optimal performance of a high-precision optical system, careful and stable alignment is necessary. To achieve robust alignment in a commercial system, performance tradeoffs or significant redesigns are often made. We have developed subsystems that allow us to automatically monitor and control the optical system alignment, allowing us to minimize the changes necessary between high-performance research systems and practical commercial designs. In addition, this can allow ruggedization of systems that would be too unstable otherwise. We have implemented such an alignment system in a high-performance medical interferometric imaging device with a focus on maintaining high throughput and allowing for significant system customization. The system is able to maintain near-optimal alignment without any user interaction over a large thermal range and can compensate for misalignments during initial system construction or resulting from shock events. With careful planning, the cost of such a system can be kept reasonably low and it requires minimal interruption to a normal user's workflow. We will discuss the basic principles and necessary considerations for the implementation of such a system, using the developed system as a case study. Similar technology can be used in many optical devices and is especially relevant if access by a trained technician is difficult or costly.


The study seeks to measure the service gaps between perceptions and expectations of business students keeping in view the need to deliver quality education in public and private higher education institutions. In addition, it aims to explore what measures should be taken for the improvement of quality of education. The related literature shows the perceptions and expectations of business students in these educational institutes are neglected especially in public sector education institutions in Pakistan that is why, the quality of education is not satisfactory in this regard. So the present study has contributed in providing implications how to increase their quality by focusing on the reasons for this negligence. An adapted version of EduQUAL scale which based on SERVQUAL instrument was used for data collection from business students of public and private institutes. Out of 300 questionnaires, only two hundred respondents dully filled the questionnaires with the response rate of 67 percent. The significant differences were enunciated between perceptions and expectations of business students in public institutions as compared to private institutions, where differences were relatively low. Considering the importance of quality of higher education the public institutions management needs to improve their learning and practical orientation in education, academics and physical facilities as well. The private institutes needs to improve firstly the services in learning outcomes, physical facilities and academics followed by responsiveness and personality development in both public and private institutes require attention of administration for the improvement in these areas.


Inhibin is a gonadal protein hormone that suppresses the secretion of FSH from pituitary gonadotrophs. It has previously been characterized as a heterodimer of two dissimilar subunits (α, 18 kilodaltons and β, 14 kilodaltons) the smaller of which exists in two forms (βA and βB) and can form dimers that stimulate the secretion of FSH. In the present work, cDNA clones encoding the inhibin α- and βAsubunits have been isolated from rat ovary and characterized. The α-inhibin cDNA predicts a precursor protein of 366 amino acids containing the 133 amino acid mature α-subunit at its COOH-terminus. The βA-inhibin cDNA predicts a precursor protein of 424 amino acids containing the 116 amino acid βA subunit atits COOH-terminus. Analysis of rat ovarian RNA indicates that α-inhibin mRNA levels are stimulated by PMSG treatment in vivo. In cultured granulosa cells, FSH also stimulates α-inhibin mRNA, and the FSH effect is suppressed by cotreatment with GnRH. Hybridization in situ to rat ovarian tissue demonstrates that ...


This paper presents the impact of the environment on target detection in monopulse secondary surveillance radar (MSSR) systems. The concrete case of electromagnetic (EM) signal propagation in the aircraft MSSR aircraft (AVO) dialogue is studied, highlighting the positioning anomalies that can occur when the signal path is obstructed by a line of trees. Real MSSR positioning data is presented to exemplify the resulting positioning errors.


Abstract: A multi-viewpoint integration scheme is introduced to implement over-thehorizon cooperation of on-vehicle vision systems. In this scheme, GPS tracks are successively matched with a multitude of Brownian motion processes to generate graph structure spanning possible destinations. By identifying chromatic diversity with fractal attractor under the control of scene specific primary, saliency patterns arising in probed image are transferred to future visitors.


Abstract This study focuses on the solid phase extraction method for the enrichment and separation of phenol from coal liquefaction oil. The phenols' separation efficiency was compared on different solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, and the effect of solvents with different polarity and solubility parameter on amino-bonded silica was compared for selection of optimal elution solution. The result showed that amino-bonded silica has the highest selectivity and best extraction capability due to two factors, weak anion exchange adsorption and polar attraction adsorption.


Sarana Wijaya is a limited liability company for the procurement of construction goods and services founded by Mr. Tri Pudjiarso and Mrs. Anik Purwamti. On December 21, 2009 in Semarang CV. Sarana Wijaya is located at Jl. West Cinde 9 No. 15 Semarang.The purpose and objective of this company is to run a business that is engaged in establishing and operating companies in the construction of buildings, housing, bridges, roads, railways, dams, reclamation, dredging, docks, drainage, and landscaping. (landscaping) and interior design.The research methodology used by the author is desriptive research type and the research specifications used by the author are descriptive qualitative research. The data source used by the author is the premier data source


VOLUNTEERISM AND MARITAL QUALITY AMONG LDS SENIOR MISSIONARY COUPLES Megan Oka Department of the School of Family Life Master of Science Although research has been conducted on marriage and volunteerism in later life, little is known about the impact of volunteerism on marital quality, particularly intense volunteer experiences. Missionary couples for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) leave their homes for a period ranging from 6-18 months and dedicate the majority of their time to working in church assignments. Qualitative interviews were collected from couples who had served senior couples missions for the LDS Church and returned home in the last year. The mean age of participants was 69, and the mean length of marriage for couples was 37 years. Twelve couples were interviewed conjointly about the experience of their missions, and their perceived marital quality before, after, and during their missions. Qualitative analysis was conducted on these interviews, and several themes emerged from the data, as well as subthemes. The themes were divided into those that occurred prior to serving a mission, those that occurred during the mission,


ABSTRACT This study examined the application of Benford's Law to analyse the 2015 and 2019 presidential election data in Nigeria. Data obtained from the electoral body were analysed using frequency distribution and Spearman Rank Correlation tests at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that the second digits distributions of the vote counts for the two major political parties, registered voters and total vote counts in both elections do not conform to the distributional pattern predicted by Benford's Law. The study recommends that stakeholders should aim for an electoral reform that allows the use of forensic analysis of electoral data in Nigeria.


We show that every matrix $A \in \mathbb{R}^{n\times n}$ is at least $\delta$$\|A\|$-close to a real matrix $A+E \in \mathbb{R}^{n\times n}$ whose eigenvectors have condition number at most $\tilde{O}_{n}(\delta^{-1})$. In fact, we prove that, with high probability, taking $E$ to be a sufficiently small multiple of an i.i.d. real sub-Gaussian matrix of bounded density suffices. This essentially confirms a speculation of Davies, and of Banks, Kulkarni, Mukherjee, and Srivastava, who recently proved such a result for i.i.d. complex Gaussian matrices.
Along the way, we also prove non-asymptotic estimates on the minimum possible distance between any two eigenvalues of a random matrix whose entries have arbitrary means; this part of our paper may be of independent interest.


INTRODUCTION The Mechanical Engineering program at the authors' university includes the course entitled Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines (MIE301), which covers a wide variety of topics of mechanical devices, such as linkages, gears, and cams. The content of the lectures in MIE301 includes a combination of delivering notes in real-time, demonstrating mechanical models, showing computer animations, and playing of video clips. In September 2010, the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, at the University of Toronto introduced a lecture capture initiative to enhance student engagement and student learning. MIE301 taught by one of the co-authors was the first course in the Faculty to have the lectures captured for an entire term. To effectively provide presentations in the lectures of MIE301, the authors developed the Multimedia Enhanced Electronic Teaching System (MEETS). [1] A layout of the MEETS is shown in Figure 1. The EPDDA (i.e., Easel Paper Dispenser Display Adapter) shown in the figure has similarities to the plastic rolls used with an overhead projector. However, in this case, paper rolls are employed. Even when the class size is very large, the MEETS produces visual output to allow intimate demonstrations to the students at distant seats away from the front of the classroom. The MEETS produces signals which are seen and heard during the live lectures and is designed with the capability to integrate well with various lecture capture systems. All lectures for the course were presented in one section to the entire class of nearly 200 students. In addition, the lectures were captured live in the classroom using the MEETS, and then put online for the students to either listen to the ones they had missed or review those parts which they had trouble understanding. Engineering courses traditionally require rigorous note taking in the classroom and this often presents a challenge for sometimes missing key points of crucial visual demonstrations. Lecture capture allows flexibility in learning and accommodates the many different learning styles for engineering students. The authors believe it allows the students to focus on the presented material knowing that the full content including all demonstrations of physical models, will be available for review after the lecture. The ability for the engineering students to have full knowledge of the previous lectures and a better understand the content allows them to be further engaged in subsequent lectures. A survey was administered near the end of the term to gather input from the undergraduate Engineering students who took MIE301. The authors made efforts to make the questions clear and easy to answer. The majority of the questions were multiple choice and the relevancy of the questions was intentional and focused on the lecture capture initiative within the Faculty. This inaugural but significant survey provided relevant feedback from the students to establish general conclusion and positive outcomes of the Faculty lecture capture initiative. The authors believe the data and analysis will contribute to the improvement of the delivery of future Engineering courses. A survey was administered near the end of the term to gather input from the undergraduate Engineering students who took MIE301. The authors conducted the survey during a lecture at which the attendance was high to ensure that the results were an accurate reflection of the entire class of students. The authors made efforts to make the questions clear and easy to answer. The majority of the questions were multiple choice and the relevancy of the questions was intentional and focused lecture capture initiative within the Faculty. This inaugural but significant survey provided relevant feedback from the students to establish general conclusions and positive outcomes of the lecture capture initiative. The authors believe the data and analysis will contribute to the improvement of the delivery of future Engineering courses. RESULTS


PROBLEM-Training programmes are conducted to increase competency of trainees but effectiveness is not known. In most of the already published papers on training effectiveness measurement is based on learning outcomes and there is no focus on inputs. For continuous improvement in deliverables feedback about inputs is necessary. PURPOSE – Quality depends on customer satisfaction & meeting the expectations of the customer. James Cowan stated the Effectiveness is the ratio of actual to ideal outcome. An ideal outcome from Quality Management perspective is meeting the expectations of the customers. Hence, the purpose of the research paper is to find whether the training programme on Design and Analysis of Machines using Motion view and MATLAB conducted at MNIT Jaipur in collaboration with ATAL(AICTE Training and Learning) Academy was effective in the eyes of the students for whom it was designed. The effectiveness of teaching components like Instruction Material, Teacher, Teaching Methodology, Classroom Environment have an impact on the learning effectiveness so the intention is to formulate a regression model of learning effectiveness. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH – Literature review method was used to find out the basic concepts related to teaching methodology, types of teaching levels general and psychological teaching principles, training methods etc. Infrastructure related environmental conditions required were studied. The research design was of descriptive type as a questionnaire was designed based on literature review to map the effectiveness of above programme in which 15 questions were asked. The sampling type was non random sampling where selection of participants was done by MNIT college and more than 40 participants were selected. On the final day of the training 27 participants were available in the last session who filled the questionnaire and sampling was quota sampling. FINDINGS – Detailed analysis reveals that there are different dimensions which contribute to training effectiveness. A training programme is effective if (a) it meets the expectations of the students (92.59% felt that) (b) it attains the goals of memory, understanding and reflective levels of teaching (80.16,71.07, 60.74 % from sample felt that goals are attained) (c) uniform assessment is there for all participants (37.04, 51.85, 70.37 % feel that diagnostic, formative, summative assessment was conducted) (d) General & Psychological principles of teaching are achieved (77.78 % & 62.96 % of students felt that all General & Psychological principles were attained) (e) Teacher, Instruction Material, Infrastructure, Teaching Methodology, Learning all are effective (85.43, 76.30, 86.17, 72.84, 77.04 % felt that) (f) All topics are covered (81.48% felt that). Note: Sample statistics are given in brackets. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS – Effectiveness is the most important measure to find out whether goals are accomplished. The measurement of effectiveness should be done considering inputs, process, output factors and by taking feedback about all the deliverables it can be improved. ORIGINALITY/VALUE – This paper studies factors which probably have an impact on participant expectation fulfilment and highlights many new probable dimensional measures of training effectiveness irrespective of the training subject.


When a test set size is larger than desired, some patterns must be dropped. This paper presents a systematic method to reduce test set size; the method reorders a test set using the gate exhaustive test metric and truncates the test set to the desired size. To determine the effectiveness of the method, test sets with 1,556 test patterns were applied to 140 defective Stanford ELF18 test cores. The original test set required 758 test patterns to detect all defective cores, while the test set reordered using the presented method required 286 test patterns. The method also reduces the test application time for defective cores.


Karel Kosík has been read differently in the West and in Czechoslovakia. In the West, he was seen as part of 1960s trends searching for humanist versions of Marxism compatible with other continental philosophical schools. His synthesis of Marxism and Heideggerian phenomenology in The Dialectics of the Concrete was as popular as the work Lukács in Hungary and the Praxis group in Yugoslavia. During the 1980s this interest petered out. After 1989 and the collapse of socalled Marxist regimes, trendy 1970s Marxist intellectuals jumped on the Habermasian or de-constructionist bandwagons. The smooth transition of many leaders of the Yugoslav Praxis group from "humanist" Marxism to genocidal nationalism has further discredited their ideas.


Using India as a case study, this article analyzes how the Internet influenced its export-oriented software industry. We show that prior to the Internet, domestic entrepreneurship was the key factor for the industry's origin and growth. The industry suffered from relatively low value-addition. As a result, domestic firms, though they were industry leaders within India, were followers of the global leadership provided by transnational firms. With the arrival of the Internet, there was a rise in the level of domain expertise. We show that the Internet facilitated the transfer of domain expertise for foreign firms more than it helped the acquisition of domain expertise by domestic firms. While the value-addition of the industry increased as a result, industry leadership began to pass to foreign firms. The strategic lesson for other countries trying to rapidly develop an export-oriented software industry is unambiguous: exclusive reliance on domestic entrepreneurship will usually result in the domestic industry falling behind its global competitors, while granting unrestricted entry to transnational firms will lead to the domestic firms losing industry leadership in most cases.


The iron curtain is a new type of batch-fabricated storage array. The wiring of this array is made from insulated copper wires, covered with a thermobonding lacquer: These wires are glued together by heating, resulting in a wire screen made of one piece. Next the wiring is soldered in a frame and covered with a ferromagnetic metallic layer. Depending on the type of wiring, one obtains an iron curtain with core-type elements (CIC) or one with biax-type elements (BIC). The CIC can be operated in 2 or 21/2 D. The BIC is a word-organized element array and is operated in the flux-tipping mode. Typical outputs are between 5 and 10 mV.


Rapid pathogen dispersal by circulating nutrient solutions in closed hydroponic systems poses a major threat to this production method. Slow filtration is very effective against important fungal pathogens such as Phytophthora cryptogea and Pythium aphanidermatum. Filter efficacy against pathogens can partly be predicted by observation of autochthonous microbial communities in slow filters and filter efficacy can be improved by manipulation of these communities. However, data about factors influencing filter efficacy are scarce. Generally, slow filter efficacy is the result of complex interactions between abiotic and biotic attributes of nutrient solution and filter body. Selected abiotic (electric conductivity, pH, oxygen content, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved organic carbon) and biotic factors (general bacterial and fungal microflora, fluorescent pseudomonads, filamentous actinomycetes, Fusariumoxysporum, P. aphanidermatum, biochemical oxygen demand, enzyme activity) were monitored in a two-year study of two distinct commercial hydroponic systems (tomatoes and ornamentals) with integrated slow filters in supernatant, filter skin and effluent. The same filter skin parameters were monitored in six small-scaleexperimental systems with slow filters to establish possible correlations with filter efficacy against F. oxysporum f.sp. cyclaminis. In half these systems, filter skins were enriched with fungal cell wall preparation to enhance biological activity of microfauna. Total polysaccharide and extracellular biofilm polysaccharide content of the filter skin were determined and a method for extracellular biofilm polymer extraction devised. The hydroponic systems studied differed in terms of chemical oxygen demand, dissolved organic carbon, oxygen consumption of slow filters by aerobic autochthonous microorganisms and fungal densities before and after slow filtration. A seasonal influence on xylanase enzyme activity in filter skins was also observed. However, as filter efficacy and other parameters in the experimental systems exhibited no significant differences, no firm conclusions could be drawn. Total polysaccharide content within filter skins increased over time and was a good parameter for demonstrating the effects of organic amendments on filter skin formation. Extracellular biofilm polysaccharide content of filter skins was not influenced by organic matter addition but more research is needed to reveal the influence of this parameter on filter efficacy.


Complex ensembles of energy simulation models have become significant components of renewable energy research in recent years. Often the significant computational cost, high‐dimensional structure, and other complexities hinder researchers from fully utilizing these data sources for knowledge building. Researchers at National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed an immersive visualization workflow to dramatically improve user engagement and analysis capability through a combination of low‐dimensional structure analysis, deep learning, and custom visualization methods. We present case studies for two energy simulation platforms.


BackgroundAngul district of Odisha has achieved a major reduction in Malaria incidence and multiple challenges. This case study is an example of Malaria Control over last 10years. Methods: An analysis and review of the malaria epidemiology, control strategies adopted in NVBDCP and state and district specific interventions. The regular surveillance data in Govt. Health system was used to identify trends in Malaria epidemiology. The challenging factors were identified through analysis of socio-economic and health indicators. Findings: The confirmed malaria cases in Angul declined by 99.71% during the year 2019 as compared to year 2015 which was reported 29853 highest malaria cases over 10 years(2010-2019).The majority of indigenous cases were due to Plasmodium falciparum. Strategies implemented by NVBDCP & State Govt. of Odisha initiative DAMaN and Angul district specific policy are likely to be related to the decline in cases over the last 10years.The malaria diagnosis through microscopy & RDK and treatment given by age wise ACT combipack and radical treatment with Primaquine in Plasmodium falciparum cases and Chloroquine treatment to Plasmodium vivax cases with radical treatment according National drug policy 2010 and 2013 on Malaria .For vector control , IRS partially, full saturation of LLIN and for parasite control DAMaN, and mass screening and case follow up in community as well as tribal residential school are likely to have contributed to the decline of Malaria cases. Conclusion: Angul district has made significant efforts towards elimination and has adopted a goal of elimination. Major challenges in the future will be the tracking of private malaria screening, prevention and management of anemia and improvement of socioeconomic status of community for malaria control.


In this study, the burying ratios of the cereal stubble ware determined for mouldboard plough (wrth manure skimmer and rolling skimmer), disc plough and poly-disc piough. Field experiments were conducted on a wheat stubble clay loam soil. Before experiments stubble quantity, moisture content, bulk density and cone index of the soil at test plots ware measured as 3130 kg/ha, 12%, 1.51 g/cm3 and 2.1 MPa, respectively. According to the research results; stubble burying ratios increased with increasing forward speed. The highest stubbie burrying ratios were obtained with mouldboard plough which has manure skimmer. These ratios were found 98.1 % for mouldboard plough with manure skimmer and 93.2 % for mouldboard plough with rolling skimrr ıer. Stubble burying ratio for disc plough increased with increasing position and direction angles of disc. Stubble burying ratios of disc plough changed between 82.9 % and 87 6 %. The lowest stubble burying ratio were obtained by using poly-disc plough.


diabetes after kidney transplant be prevented? Diabetes Care 2013; 36: 1406–12. 9 Kuypers DR, Claes K, Bammens B, Evenepoel P, Vanrenterghem Y. Early clinical assessment of glucose metabolism in renal allograft recipients: diagnosis and prediction of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 2008; 23: 2033–42. 10 Porrini EL, Diaz JM, Moreso F et al. Clinical evolution of post-transplant diabetes mellitus. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 2016; 31: 495–505. 11 Rodrigo E, Santos L, Pinera C et al. Prediction at first year of incident newonset diabetes after kidney transplantation by risk prediction models. Diabetes Care 2012; 35: 471–3. 12 Okumi M, Unagami K, Tachibana H et al. Association between body mass index and outcomes in Japanese living kidney transplant recipients: the role of sex differences. Int. J. Urol. 2016; 23: 776–84. 13 Okumi M, Toki D, Nozaki T et al. ABO-incompatible living kidney transplants: evolution of outcomes and immunosuppressive management. Am. J. Transplant. 2016; 16: 886–96. 14 Sharif A, Hecking M, de Vries AP et al. Proceedings from an international consensus meeting on posttransplantation diabetes mellitus: recommendations and future directions. Am. J. Transplant. 2014; 14: 1992–2000. 15 Levey AS, Stevens LA, Schmid CH et al. A new equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate. Ann. Intern. Med. 2009; 150: 604–12. 16 Examination Committee of Criteria for "Obesity Disease" in Japan; Japan Society for the Study of Obesity. New criteria for "obesity disease" in Japan. Circ. J. 2002; 66: 987–92. 17 Egawa H, Tanabe K, Fukushima N, Date H, Sugitani A, Haga H. Current status of organ transplantation in Japan. Am. J. Transplant. 2012; 12: 523–30. 18 Kamar N, Mariat C, Delahousse M et al. Diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation: a French multicentre observational study. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 2007; 22: 1986–93. 19 Webster AC, Woodroffe RC, Taylor RS, Chapman JR, Craig JC. Tacrolimus versus ciclosporin as primary immunosuppression for kidney transplant recipients: meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomised trial data. BMJ 2005; 331: 810. 20 Cosio FG, Pesavento TE, Osei K, Henry ML, Ferguson RM. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus: increasing incidence in renal allograft recipients transplanted in recent years. Kidney Int. 2001; 59: 732–7. 21 Shah T, Kasravi A, Huang E et al. Risk factors for development of newonset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation. Transplantation 2006; 82: 1673–6. 22 Hernandez-Fisac I, Pizarro-Delgado J, Calle C et al. Tacrolimus-induced diabetes in rats courses with suppressed insulin gene expression in pancreatic islets. Am. J. Transplant. 2007; 7: 2455–62. 23 Luan FL, Steffick DE, Ojo AO. New-onset diabetes mellitus in kidney transplant recipients discharged on steroid-free immunosuppression. Transplantation 2011; 91: 334–41. 24 Maes BD, Kuypers D, Messiaen T et al. Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus in FK-506-treated renal transplant recipients: analysis of incidence and risk factors. Transplantation 2001; 72: 1655–61. 25 Rostaing L, Bunnapradist S, Grinyo JM et al. Novel once-daily extendedrelease tacrolimus versus twice-daily tacrolimus in de novo kidney transplant recipients: two-year results of phase 3, double-blind, randomized trial. Am. J. Kidney Dis. 2016; 67: 648–59. 26 Ekberg H, Tedesco-Silva H, Demirbas A et al. Reduced exposure to calcineurin inhibitors in renal transplantation. N. Engl. J. Med. 2007; 357: 2562–75. 27 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Transplant Work Group. KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the care of kidney transplant recipients. Am. J. Transplant. 2009; 9 (Suppl 3): S1–155. 28 Vincenti F, Friman S, Scheuermann E et al. Results of an international, randomized trial comparing glucose metabolism disorders and outcome with cyclosporine versus tacrolimus. Am. J. Transplant. 2007; 7: 1506–14. 29 Sarno G, Muscogiuri G, De Rosa P. New-onset diabetes after kidney transplantation: prevalence, risk factors, and management. Transplantation 2012; 93: 1189–95. 30 First MR, Dhadda S, Croy R, Holman J, Fitzsimmons WE. New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT): an evaluation of definitions in clinical trials. Transplantation 2013; 96: 58–64.


Abstract For eight chemicals or chemical mixtures with clear positive epidemiological evidence of carcinogenicity by inhalation (acrylonitrile, arsenic, benzene, beryllium, cadmium, chromium VI, coke oven emissions, and nickel), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) uses that evidence to obtain a single best estimate of cancer potency factor. The methods used have so far been ad hoc, because of the differences in published studies, although there are common factors. In every case, the uncertainties involved in the various stages of analysis are qualitatively acknowledged, and often quantitatively estimated, but no formal attempt has been made to propagate the uncertainties. I here provide a detailed case study for acrylonitrile that (a) incorporates all estimates of uncertainty mentioned by the US EPA in their analysis and propagates that uncertainty to produce an uncertainty distribution; (b) updates the USEPA analysis to incorporate more recent epidemiological data from the same stud...


Objective To examine the efficacy of the free radical scavenger edaravone as an adjuvant for thrombolytic therapy with recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator(rt-PA)in a rat model of embolic stroke.Methods A rat model of embolic stroke was set up by embolizing the middle cerebral artery with thrombus.Eighty-four SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 21 rats each:(1)the sham operation group,(2)the model group without treatment,(3)rt-PA group,(4)edaravone combined with rt-PA group.Each rat of group(4)was given IV injection of 5 mg/kg of rt-PA and 3 mg/kg of edaravone following 3 hours of ischemia.Twenty-four hours later neurological functional deficit score and the size of the brain infarct were assessed.The injury of BBB after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was assessed by determination of Evans blue(EB)content in brain tissue and immunohistochemistry method.Results After 24 hours of rt-PA thrombolysis,the sizes of brain infarcts in rats of group 4 were obviously smaller than those in rats of group 3(P0.01).The EB content in brain tissue was significantly decreased in group 4 compared with group 3(P0.01).The enodothelial barrier antigen(EBA)expression of BBB in group 4 was significangtly higher than that in group 3(P0.05).The expression of fibrinogen around microvessels was significantly decreased in group 4(P0.05).Conclusions Thrombolysis with combination of edaravone and rt-PA at 3 hours after ischemia significantly reduces infarct volume and improves neurological function.


The aim of this paper is not to explore what democracy is in some normative sense, but rather how, and with what, democracy gets carried out in practice. In doing this the author seeks to rework the focus on the tactics and materialities of government developed within Foucault's work on governmentality, as well as in actor-network theory, by way of a deliberative approach: Political technologies are not to be understood in a context of the microphysics of power, as techniques of domination exclusively, but as tools for public involvement, for democratisation and deliberation as well, it is argued. Hence the notion 'tool of democracy'. Empirically the paper attends to the early 1970s and explores the contestation over a power plant that never came into existence. It demonstrates that non-existent objects may have long lasting political effects: The power plant took part in bringing a politics of emissions down to earth, thus enabling the evironmental issue as well as another political landscape. By exploring these events, closely and historically, the paper argues that perhaps democracy was never like we thought it to be.


The case report of natalizumab-associated JC virus granule cell neuronopathy (JCV GCN) by Schippling et al. in this issue of the Annals1 will come as a surprise for many. It shouldn't. Thirty years ago, E.P Richardson reported areas of cell loss in the cerebellar granule cell layer in 5% of cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)2. Twenty years later, we observed a patient with AIDS who developed bilateral subcortical frontal lobe lesions of PML as well as unexplained cerebellar atrophy and dysfunction. Neither MRI nor post mortem analysis showed any demyelinating lesions in the cerebellar white matter, but immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining revealed JCV infection of granule cell neurons in the periphery of areas of focal cell loss in the cerebellar granule cell layer. Laser capture microdissection of infected cells confirmed the presence of JC virus and mature viral particles were detected in the nuclei of granule cell neurons by electron microscopy 3. Comparison of the full sequence of the viral strains found in this patient's cerebral white matter and the cerebellar gray matter showed that the neuronal isolate had a unique 10 nt deletion in the C-terminus of the VP1 gene4. These findings thereby shattered two long enduring tenets of JCV biology, demonstrating that JCV does not only infects glial cells, and that mutations of JCV coding region may be associated with its pathogenicity, and not merely with the patient's geographic origin5.

Soon thereafter, we described an HIV-infected patient who developed a chronic cerebellar syndrome with marked atrophy despite a slow but steady rise in CD4+ T-cell count on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). JCV infection was restricted to granule cell neurons and hence this novel entity, distinct from PML, was named JCV granule cell neuronopathy (JCV GCN)6. Subsequent cases were reported in the Americas7-13, Asia14, Australia15-16, and Europe17, mostly in HIV-infected patients or immunosuppressed individuals, with or without concomitant PML. Molecular analyses of brain or CSF samples from 6 of these JCV GCN patients showed identical or similar mutations in the VP1 gene C-terminus11 (Figure), a feature otherwise absent from more than 569 JCV sequences deposited in GenBank, precluding a chance association.

Figure 1

Alignment of DNA and amino acid sequences of VP1 C terminus of all identified GCN-type JCV strains. The nucleotide and amino acid position numbers correspond to prototype JCVMad1. All GCN-type mutations (including both deletion and insertion) occur between ...

How could these minimal sequence alterations be associated with a radical switch in cellular tropism of the virus? The viral capsid is composed of 72 pentamers of the VP1 protein, which are hooked together by the very area that contains these mutations. Therefore, the mutated areas are not exposed on the surface of the capsid, and are not likely to directly alter binding to cellular receptors. However, they may be associated with the structural integrity of the virions, and may potentially modulate post entry events including uncoating, transport and replication of JCV DNA, protein expression and assembly of the viral capsid, which could then enable productive infection of granule cell neurons. In vitro modeling showed that the GCN1 mutant was replication-competent, remained stable overtime, and had a disadvantage for growth in glial cells compared to undeleted JCV strain11.

Although JCV GCN remains far less frequent than PML, the prevalence of JCV infection of cerebellar granule cell neurons is likely underestimated. Indeed, retrospective analysis of archival brain samples showed that up to 51% HIV-seropositive PML patients and 3% HIV-seropositive individuals without PML had demonstrable JCV infection of these neurons by IHC, regardless whether classic PML lesions were also present in the nearby cerebellar white matter 18. This may explain why mutated JCV strains can be found concomitantly to undeleted strains in CSF and blood of PML patients11 suggesting that the GCN-type mutations may arise outside of the CNS.

Ten years after the initial description of JCV infection of neurons, JCV GCN has come of age. Furthermore, the case report by Schippling et al represents 2 new milestones: Indeed, this is the first time JCV GCN has been associated with natalizumab and the first incidence of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). The fact that JCV GCN also occurs in natalizumab-treated MS patients should not be a surprise. As of 6/4/2013, there has been 372 reported cases of PML associated with natalizumab therapy worldwide19, and no genetic predisposition has been identified. The risk of PML is higher in patients treated with immunosuppressive medications prior to natalizumab20, but this was not as factor here. However, PML incidence increases with duration of natalizumab treatment. Therefore, it may be significant that the symptoms of cerebellar dysfunction attributable to JCV GCN started only after four years of natalizumab monotherapy, and hence a long exposure to the medication may be necessary for the development of this condition.

More interesting is the occurrence of IRIS in this case. IRIS, characterized by clinical worsening, occasional contrast enhancement on MRI and inflammatory infiltrates on brain biopsy almost always occur in natalizumab-associated PML, after discontinuation of natalizumab therapy and plasma exchange21. Since JCV-infected glial cells express MHC Class I and II molecules on their surface, they are recognized and ultimately, destroyed by the T lymphocytes returning into the brain parenchyma, triggering the inflammatory reaction. Whether neurons can in fact express MHC molecules, a characteristic that renders them visible to the immune system, has long been a matter of debate22. The present case report should dispel any remaining doubt that cerebellar granule cell neurons, when infected by JCV, can indeed be the target of CD8+ T-cells. As it is the case in PML-IRIS, JCV GCN-IRIS may also be devoid of contrast enhancement on MRI.

Now that JCV GCN has joined PML -a white matter disease- among the untoward side effects of natalizumab therapy, clinicians and their patients should be aware that unexplained cerebellar dysfunction or atrophy may be caused by JCV infection of neurons in the cerebellar gray matter. Diagnosis should be ascertained by JCV PCR in the CSF. Since the sensitivity of this test is unknown in this setting, a cerebellar biopsy or discontinuation of natalizumab therapy and plasma exchange should be considered if the JCV PCR comes back negative. IRIS will then have to be differentiated from MS flares if patients worsen clinically after natalizumab removal. These are daunting prospects, which will certainly complicate further the clinical management of these challenging patients.

However, this unfortunate event also gives us a chance to learn from history. In fact, JCV GCN is not the only condition caused by JCV infection of neurons. Cerebral cortical pyramidal neurons are also susceptible targets either in isolation, causing a gray matter disease called JCV encephalopathy (JCVE)23-24, or in association with PML18, another "surprise" that had been predicated already more than 40 years ago25. Since gray matter involvement is frequent in MS26-27, the development of cerebral cortical lesions and associated dysfunction, including seizures, occurring during natalizumab treatment should also raise the suspicion of JCV infection.

Paradoxically, the fact that natalizumab has now gone over to the "dark" side of the brain was also needed to put JCV GCN squarely in the spotlight, transforming it from side curiosity into a reality that has become impossible to ignore. Hopefully, this increased awareness will be instrumental in helping us define novel avenues of research to understand better all aspects of JCV pathogenesis, and finally challenge us to find a treatment for this cunning virus.


Chloroplasts isolated by methods similar to that described by Arnon et al. (1) are capable of incorporating acetate carbon into both lipid and n)on-lipid materials when fortified with appropriate cofactors (2, 3,4, 5). The actual rate of incorporation of acetate carbon in these preparations was, however, very small compared with the normal rate of photosynthesis (1-2 jumoles/mg chlorophyll'hr) by such chloroplasts (1). In the few cases where the rate of incorporation of acetate carbon can be computed (2, 5) an upper limit of approximately 6 mpumoles/mg chlorophyll-hour was found. Concurrent rates of COO fixation were not published. Jensen and Bassham (6, 7) have recently prepared chloroplasts capable of fixing CO2 at rates in excess of 100 ,moles/mg chlorophyll-hour. We have looked for acetate utilization in chloroplasts prepared by this method and have fractionated the products into water soluble and water insoluble and lipid fractions. The products of photosynthesis using 14C-labeled bicarbonate have been fractionated in a similar way in order to compare acetate and CO, as substrates for lipid synthesis, in the same chloroplasts. No attempt in either case was made to fractionate further the lipid fraction. Where this has been done in previous work with broken chloroplasts (5, 6) more than half of this isotope incorporated from labeled acetate was shown to be in fatty acids, with a small fraction in glvcerides. In our experiments, chloroplasts were capable of CO, fixation at a maximal rate of 96 ,umoles/mg chlorophyll*hour under No and were able to continue photosynthesis for up to 1 hour at slightly reduced rates (table I). Air inhibited the rate of photosynthesis by about 25 % in the presence and absence of acetate but had no effect on the distribution of 14C assimilated. Furthermore, we found that the presence of 1 mM acetate did not affect either the uptake of 1"CO, or the distribution of isotope arising from the fixation of 14CO2. On the other hand, 10 mM acetate inhib-


For over a year our team of researchers busied themselves studying a Negro Pentecostal church in Chicago. Our first contact with it was accidental. We stumbled across it, learned a little something about it, and then decided to take time to learn more. So it was that at the commencement of our activities our intentions were hidden. We had come as any other potential converts might and were treated as such. At this stage of things we resembled no one so much as a detective or a spy. We discovered, however, that we were capable of playing that game for a decidedly limited time. Far from being the comnpletely malleable tools of the social sciences we had previously considered ourselves, we found posing as something we were not almost unbearable. The detective is perhaps fortified with social sanctions, but we found the values we espoused as sociologists did not do the same for us. As we got in deeper, the thought that we were invading other people's private domains grew so strong that we were virtually forced to uncover our identities and our true purpose. There were practical considerations, too. Even if we becamne church members, adopted by the inner circle, we would never be able to give tests, examine records, and do the many other things we wanted to do unless it was known that we were sociologists making a study. When the time came to change our role and proclaim our intentions, we were very nervous. It seemed to us that we would be "unmasking" ourselves as false pretenders. But the crisis came and went uneventfully. The church people were delighted to be studied, and apparently delighted to be studied by us. The point nicely illustrates a dilemma participant-observers may often find themselves in, for, though they understand and catch most of what is going on around them, they may have the greatest difficulty in seeing their own place in the setting. We were filled with the thought of conducting the study, and in that frame of mind we entered the church; since we were concerned with the whole church and were looking at the whole social edifice, it was simple to assume the whole church was looking back at us. In point of fact the relationship was not reciprocal. We had simply made grazing contact with a few of the people, and none with the rest. From their point of view we had practiced no deception but had merely gotten to know a few people before coming forth with the proposal to conduct a study. Participant-observation has been described as the business of being a professional fifth wheel, and one of the elements the observer has to struggle to control within himself is the feeling that he is a superfluous entity. If the feeling becomes too sharp, he may begin to mistake the real potentialities of his position. Detectives learned long ago to make sure at least a few people outside the police force know who they are, and as such they can be thought of as one of a class of people to whom information is given. We possess many lightning rods of information: ministers, politicians, lawyers, and newspapermen to name a few that come immediately to mind. For the observer who is perplexed over his position, this way of looking at things can be more than a comfort; it can be a base upon which to build. He will be dealing with people long accustomed to treating with individuals who are receivers of information, but the observer may consider himself too different from other receivers of information. The others have an easily apprehended purpose and a context for their information-gathering. Looking back over our months spent in the church, it seems clear that we also had a context, although there was a long period


Video games have risen as a popular medium with the potential to become a powerful tool for public climate change engagement. However, little is known about how existing digital games can fulfill this role. This study systematically compiles 150 video games that represent climate change, including serious (n = 109) and for entertainment (n = 41). The games are analyzed by adapting an existing framework (15 dimensions: achievable, challenging, concrete, credible, efficacy-enhancing, experiential learning, feedback-oriented, fun, identity-driven, levelling-up, meaningful, narrative-driven, reward-driven, simulating, social) and statistically compared. The analysis reveals that most games comply with most recommended attributes, but credibility, achievability, meaningfulness, and social features are uncommon or rare. Statistical results comparing serious games and games for entertainment associate six attributes with serious games (achievable, challenging, credible, efficacy-enhancing, experiential learning, feedback-oriented), and one (narrative-driven) with games for entertainment. The findings suggest that researchers would benefit from widening their lens to detect previously overlooked opportunities for game-based climate change engagement, communication, and education. The study also provides a systematic mapping of extant games depicting climate change for interested developers, designers and educators.


In a recent book I took up and revised the strategy of delinking advocated in the 1960s and '70s by the theorists of uneven development (Samir Amin most notably). The primary consideration for me was to "update" the strategy to take into consideration the emergence of financialization on a global scale. While this book made some recommendations for the form of the state able to implement this delinking strategy, it did not proceed beyond the level of a conceptual explication. My aim in this presentation for the Kingston conference was to construct a more practical and specific model for a delinking strategy that may work for the countries of the Caribbean, reliant as they are on tourism, the extractive industries, specialized agriculture, and in the Anglophone islands the provision of services such as call centers for the U.S. market. To construct this model, a form of the state that approximates to a city-state will be needed, whilst being able at the same time to belong to a regional bloc. The questions of the scale and functions of this hybrid entity will be addressed.


A typical Northeast China cold vortex (NCCV) that lasted for approximately 51 hours (from 0000 UTC 18 May to 0300 UTC 20 May, 2010) and produced several heavy rainfall events over Northeast China was successfully simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). Based on this successful simulation, the NCCV was analyzed in detail. Synoptic analyses revealed that the NCCV developed downward from the top and finally stretched to a maximum vertical extension of 900–200 hPa. The NCCV was colder than its surroundings in the middle-lower troposphere, whereas in the upper troposphere, it was warmer than its surroundings. There were significant warm and cold advections for the duration of the NCCV, favoring the enhancement of available potential energy (APE) and conducive to sustaining the vortex. The results of the quasi-Lagrange-form eddy flux circulation (EFC) and eddy kinetic energy (EKE) budget analyses indicate that different factors dominated the NCCV in various stages of its evolution. As for the EFC budget, the interactions between the NCCV and back ground circulations were more important than the interactions between the vortex and other synoptic systems; in contrast, for the EKE budget, the interactions between the NCCV and other synoptic perturbations were more important. The pattern of environmental circulations was very important to the NCCV because the vortex intensified as it moved from areas of low vorticity or EKE to areas with higher values. The baroclinic energy conversion was much greater than the barotropic energy conversion during the life cycle of the NCCV, implying that the NCCV was a typical baroclinic cyclone. Moreover, during the decaying stage, the attenuation of the NCCV appeared to be closely related to the frequency dispersion processes of the baroclinic Rossby wave.


Breaking bad news is quite all right with me; as La Rochefoucald said, "We all have strength enough to bear the troubles of others." However, I often try to soften the blow with the gift of music: "Your Auntie Rose is dead," sung to the tune of "Happy Birthday"; or the gift of humour: "You have two months to live, gosh, but that was from last month, and this is February"; or the gift of charades, which is tricky, as medical terms don't lend …


Based on an investigation of the reasons, political, cultural as well as economic, for the mix-up of China's economic law and administrative law, the author maintains that such mix-up does exist because of the particular context in China, and that a theoretical clarification of these two laws is hampered by the conformity to the conventional discourse.


Objective To analyze the image findings of renal tuberculosis and evaluate the merits and disad vantages of various imaging diagnostic methods, then choose the most sensitive one. Methods The KUB, IVP, AP and CT findings of 48 patients with renal tuberculosis which had been convinced by operations were evaluated and compared. Results The diagnosis rates of KUB and IVP were 41.7% (20/48), AP of 62.5 % (10/16), CT of 100 % (48/48). The characteristic findings of CT were multiple low density lesions, with "flower petals" shape gath-ered in sections. Conclusion CT has a great value for diagnosing renal tuberculosis.

Key words:
Tuberculosis, renal;  Radiography;  Phlebography;  Tomography, X- ray computed


We report the successful transcatheter closure of a large persistent left superior vena cava draining into a left upper pulmonary vein in a patient who suffered 2 transient ischemic attacks after intravenous (IV) injection of saline flush solution into a left arm peripheral IV line utilizing an Amplatzer Vascular Plug.


Residual mass ignorance and various degrees of denial that still surround HIV/AIDS and the associated stigma make it difficult for people, either suffering or suspected to be suffering from the opportunistic infections related with HIV, to go for testing and when they do to accept and disclose their status and seek the necessary psychosocial and medical support. Consequently, there are people, some of whom are in lifelong marital relationship, who have (either due to lack of testing or disclosure of their seropositivity) passed on the virus to their partners and unwittingly to some of their children and thereby contributed to the geometric progression in the onward march of HIV pandemic. As a result, there has been close to a tenfold increase in the rate of infection in Swaziland, within the most productive segment of population, from 3.9 percent in 1992 to 38.6 percent in 2003, predominantly due to lack of testing and disclosure of one's HIV-status, which factor (in combination with other variables) has exacerbated the problem of HIV/AIDS. This paper examines the moral complexities of HIV seropositive status disclosure and argues that personal voluntary disclosure is essential in the fight against the spread of HIV infections. LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol.3 () 2006: pp.283-299


An analytical method to evaluate time zones of interference for a dual-arm robot is presented with the con-sideration of shape and volume of links in the case,when the robot arms move along two given continuoustrajectories in three dimensional space respectively.A simplified model of links is given.The formulationsand criteria to determine interference zones are derived.The method is applicable to general dual-arm robotswith not only revolute joints,but also prismatic joints.A numerical example is presented for illustration.


System, comprising: a portable computing system (12), a docking station (11); and a security module (128) disposed in the portable computing system (12) and is configured to detect an undocking the portable computing system (12) of the docking station (11), wherein the docking station (11) comprises a release device (115) and a sensor (117), wherein the release device (115) is configured to release the portable computing system (12) of the docking station (11), and wherein the sensor (117) is configured to detect an actuation of the release device (115); and wherein the security module (128) is further configured to receive a signal from the sensor (117), and to determine that an undocking is unauthorized undocking event, if between the reception of the signal from the sensor (117) and the undocking a predetermined time period has elapsed.


In this study, we compared the texture features of mammographic parenchymal patterns (MPPs) of normal subjects and breast cancer patients and evaluated whether a texture classifier can differentiate their MPPs. The breast image was first segmented from the surrounding image background by boundary detection. Regions of interest (ROIs) were extracted from the segmented breast area in the retroareolar region on the cranio-caudal (CC) view mammograms. A mass set (MS) of ROIs was extracted from the mammograms with cancer, but ROIs overlapping with the mass were excluded. A contralateral set (CS) of ROIs was extracted from the contralateral mammograms. A normal set (NS) of ROIs was extracted from one CC view mammogram of the normal subjects. Each data set was randomly separated into two independent subsets for 2-fold cross-validation training and testing. Texture features from run-length statistics (RLS) and newly developed region-size statistics (RSS) were extracted to characterize the MPP of the breast. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed to compare the MPP difference in each of the three pairs: MS-vs-NS, CS-vs-NS, and MS-vs-CS. The Az values for the three pairs were 0.79, 0.73, and 0.56, respectively. These results indicate that the MPPs of the contralateral breast of breast cancer patients exhibit textures comparable to that of the affected breast and that the MPPs of cancer patients are different from those of normal subjects.


The central task of the Yellow River flood control works management is to maintain the integrity of the project and ensure the flood control ability of the project does not decrease. In order to achieve this goal, the Yellow River management departments at all levels need to use modern technology to supervise a set of modern project management system, so as to understand and grasp the project operation status in real time, so as to timely find and eliminate the project hidden dangers, and ensure the safety of the downstream embankment and flood control operation.


This essay is intended to make connections between the process of exclusion and negative representation that people of the favelas in Brazil suffer and others like this one. Starting from the ethnographical evidence in this case, and drawing on such authors as Berger and Luckmann, Mary Douglas, or Roger Bartra, reflects the causes explaining these events, the procedures that are used and the reasons for their effectiveness, trying to contribute clues for a deeper understanding. At the same time, the analysis can be used for better characterization of Brazilian society. PALABRAS CLAVE | KEYWORDS marginalidad | favelas | Brasil | desorden social | peligro | social exclusion | Brazil | social disorder | danger


This study discovers that there are some problems with college students' learning,employment,interpersonal relationship and their emotions.To improve the psychological health of college students,universities should pay attention to mental health education,strengthen the campus culture and create a good environment for psychological education;universities should offer psychological counseling agencies and strengthen teaching staff counseling;universities should create mental health education courses and through the campus radio,websites,billboards and other channels,universities should teach students the knowledge of psychological health and enhance self-psychological health awareness and psychological adjustment.


The establishment of in vocational education "overpass" makes the post-graduate vocational students have more opportunities and devel-opment space.As the education modes are fragmented and relatively independent in the vocational curriculum system,the connection of their curriculum systems get attention a lot.Starts from the practical experiences,analyzes the connection problems of secondary and higher vocational education.Takes computer major as an example to study the senior technical talents training mode based on the con-nection of secondary and higher vocational education.


A circular standing wave oscillator that generates sinusoids by forming standing waves on a ring transmission line is presented. Incorporating an even-mode suppression technique, a 10 GHz prototype realized in a SiGe bipolar technology has a phase noise of -110 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset with a 1.95 mA current drawn from 1.5 V.


 Abstract— Plain, unreinforced concrete is a brittle material, with a low tensile strength, limited ductility and little resistance to cracking. In order to improve the inherent tensile strength of concrete there is a need of multidirectional and closely spaced reinforcement, which can be provided in the form of randomly distributed fibers. Steel fiber is one of the most commonly used fibers. Short, discrete steel fibers provide discontinuous three-dimensional reinforcement that picks up load and transfer stresses at micro-crack level. This reinforcement provides tensile capacity and crack control to the concrete section prior to the establishment of visible macro cracks, thereby promoting ductility or toughness. The modulus of elasticity of concrete is a very important parameter reflecting the ability of concrete to deform elastically. In addition, in order to make full use of the compressive strength potential, the structures using high strength concrete tend to be slimmer and require a higher elastic modulus so as to maintain its stiffness. Therefore, knowledge of the modulus of elasticity of high strength concrete is very important in avoiding excessive deformation, providing satisfactory serviceability, and avoiding the most cost-effective designs. The present experimental study considers the effect of steel fibers on the modulus of elasticity of concrete. Hook end steel fibers with aspect ratio of 50 and 71 at volume fraction of 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% were used. Study on effect of volume fraction and aspect ratio of fibers on the modulus of elasticity of concrete was also deemed as an important part of present experimental investigation. The results obtained show that the addition of steel fiber improves the modulus of elasticity of concrete. It was also analyzed that by increasing the fiber volume fraction from 0.5% to 1.5% and aspect ratio of fibers from 50 to 71 there was a healthy effect on modulus of elasticity of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete.


Summary Migration of rabbit granulocytes or mononuclear cells from peritoneal exudates through filter membranes has been studied using Boyden's technique for measuring chemotaxis. Migration depends on 1) the cell type, 2) the pore size of the filter, and 3) the physicochemical properties of the filter. For measuring chemotaxis the pore size should be at least 3 μ for granulocytes and 8 μ for mononuclear cells.


The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of using fix-up strategy on the students' reading comprehension at MA AL-Wasilah Lemo. The population in this research was the second grade students of MA Al-Wasilah Lemo. The sample was consisted of 30 students which were taken by total sampling technique. There were 15 students in class Agama II 1 as experimental class and 15 students in Agama I as controlled class. This research was quasi experimental with the Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The data was analyzed statistically after the result of the test was gained.The research findings showed that the twelve grades students of MA Al-Wasilah Lemo obtained score on pre-test with the mean score 44.00 which classified as poor. After giving treatment the students obtained improvement, they gained score with the mean score 65.00 as fair classification. The result of the data analysis indicated that there was a significant improvement in the students reading analytical exposition text after being taught using fix-up strategy. It was proved by the result of the statistical analysis of the level significance 0.05 with degree of freedom (df) 14 indicated t-test values of the students' reading analytical exposition text (5.209) was higher than t-table value (2.145). Based on the result of analysis, the researcher concludes that fix-up strategy was effective to improve students in reading comprehension at the twelve grade of MA Al-wasilah Lemo.


Waterspaces, such as rivers and waterways, are signiŽ cant components of urban landscapes and regional systems. The European Commission's European Spatial Development Perspective (European Commission, 1999), for example, emphasises the role of inland waterways in the development of sustainable transport systems (see also Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), 1998, 1999), the 'special challenge' of water resource management, especially in large river valleys, and the signiŽ cance of rivers in cultural identity. However, in contrast to the regulatory mechanisms and potentials of land, which is a form of space widely written about and debated, waterspaces have received much less attention. This makes it difŽ cult to fully realise the potentials of waterspaces, particularly in a manner which is economically strategic, socially just and environmentally equitable. This paper, therefore, seeks to contribute to this literature, arguing that there is an insufŽ cient regulatory framework for maximising the multifunctiona l potential of urban rivers and waterspaces as nature reserves, transport arteries and leisure and recreational resources, and as key components of the public realm (DETR, 2000; London Rivers Association (LRA), 2002). In developing this argument the principal focus of the paper lies with the opportunitie s presented by urban rivers. It is argued that within the UK the application of spatial policy to such waterspaces is informed and implemented from a landbased perspective, and that urban river management and planning is often the responsibility of a complex array of institutions , with overlapping jurisdictions, con icting objectives and confused responsibilities . The result is a framework unable to sufŽ ciently accommodate the richness and diversity of urban rivers, nor to fully realise the value and regional potential of these waterspaces. A case study of the River Thames is used to illustrate this point. The paper concludes by considering the possibilitie s of a 'blue belt' as a new spatial planning instrument through which to optimise the use of the UK's urban rivers.


Incorporation of human factors engineering (HFE) and human systems integration (HSI) concerns in the establishment of program and system requirements is crucial for developing effective systems and products. This panel will discuss challenges related to why requirements are difficult to define, when requirements should be inserted, and how practitioners can create requirements with the characteristics necessary to result in systems that meet their intended capabilities. The types of requirements to be addressed include system capability requirements describing the basic needs to be met, contractual requirements defining the work to be done, the specification tree defining the product or system to be acquired, and documents defining the number, skill mix, and training requirements for personnel to operate and support the system. While there are common themes across these types of requirements, their individual characteristics necessitate that they be dealt with in different ways. This panel will address the challenges associated with each type of requirement and ways in which HFE and HSI practitioners can overcome those challenges.


List of Contributors 1. Verne, SF, and Modernity: an Introduction - Edmund J. Smyth 2. Jules Verne and the French Literary Canon - Arthur B. Evans 3. Jules Verne and the Limitations of Literature - Daniel Compere 4. The Fiction of Science, or the Science of Fiction - Timothy Unwin 5. 'L'Ici-bas' and 'l'Au-dela'... but Not as they Knew it. Realism, Utopianism and Science Fiction in the Novels of Jules Verne - Sarah Capitanio 6. A Hitchhiker's Guide to Paris: Paris au XXe siecle - David Platten 7. Future Past: Myth, Inversion and Regression in Verne's Underground Utopia - David Meakin 8. Measurement and Mystery in Verne - Trevor Harris 9. The Science is Fiction: Jules Verne. Raymond Roussel and Surrealism - Terry Hale and Andrew Hugill 10. Mysterious Masterpiece - William Butcher Index


Introduction. Urea disease is one of the most common diseases in the world, affecting almost 3% of the population, mainly people of working age from 40 to 50 years, which determines the relevance of a comprehensive study of this disease. The aim of the study was to study the mechanism of endothelial dysfunction formation in the complicated course of the postoperative period in patients with urolithiasis. Materials and methods. The study included 90 patients with urolithiasis who had operational interventions in the urology department of the Russian Railways-Medicine Clinical Hospital of Krasnoyarsk between 2017 and 2019. The age of patients with urolithiasis in our study was from 19 to 82 years, with a median age of 54 [37; 69] years. Results . The risk of postoperative complications in urolithiasis increases with increasing indices of terminal and total blebbing of plasma membrane of lymphocytes and increasing expression of lymphocytes activated by CD 31 and CD 38. Conclusion. Patients with a predicted risk of developing complications in the postoperative period need a choice of treatment tactics and postoperative therapy aimed at preventing the development of a complicated course of the disease.


The increase in ignitability consist a main aim of implementation of the turbulent jet ignition (TJI) in relation to the combustion of diluted charges. Such an ignition system has been introduced to the lean-burn CNG engine in the scope of GasOn-Project (Gas Only Internal Combustion Engines). In this study the impact of TJI application on the main combustion indexes has been investigated using RCM and analyzed on the bases of the indicating and optical observations data. The images have been recorded using LaVision HSS5 camera and post-processed with Davis software. Second part of the study based on indicating measurements consist the analysis of combustion regarding the variation in the geometry of pre-chamber nozzles. It has been noted, that combustion with TJI indicates signi- ficantly bigger flame luminescence and simultaneously – faster flame front development, than the combustion initiated with conventional SI. The positive impact of nozzles angular position on engine operational data has been found in the static charge movement conditions, regarding the combustion stability.


Electro-optic (EO) polymer waveguides are useful for optical circuit systems like inter-chip optical interconnections. They have many advantages such as potentiality of improving electro-optic coefficients, low dielectric constants, and capabilities of fabrication on various substrates and of construction of multi-layered structures. This paper describes vertical-type polymer optical switches we developed, which realize highly-integrated and multi-layered optical circuits. Two approaches we are trying for improving EO polymer materials are shown. One is to develop conventional poled polymers by screening nonlinear optical molecules using molecular orbital calculations. The other is to developing high-performance EO polymers in-cluding main-chain and conjugated polymers using vapor-phase film growth techniques which enable to control molecular order and alignment in polymers.


This paper presents the first successful fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–MnO2 hollow sphere (HS) hybrid electrode materials through a solution-based ultrasonic co-assembly method. The porous structure of these MnO2 hollow spheres and the excellent dispersion of active materials give the as-fabricated RGO–MnO2 HS hybrid electrodes excellent specific capacitance and energy density, which can reach up to 578 F g−1 and 69.8 W h kg−1, respectively. These values are considerably larger than those of most reported graphene–MnO2 based hybrid electrochemical capacitors. This solution-processed method can also be used for the hybridization of graphene with other metal oxides in the fabrication of high-performance electrochemical capacitors.


Le Marche Region (IT) offers the most favourable environment for elderly. In fact, they constitute a large part of the local population, with more than four hundreds persons over 100 years old. The earthquakes, from 2016 to 2017, involved thousands of residents from the interior part of the Region, causing a variety of changes in their daily life. Data show that the elderly were strongly impacted by the situation, even though many interventions have been carried out to support them under the medical perspective. Starting from a theoretical background, in which a life-span psychology approach is adopted to look at elderly age as a potential active period of new adaptations, the paper moves to an overview of the situation, showing the role of the environment on the psycho-physical balance of elderly people.


During the summer of 2004 John H. Roberts, the head of the music library at the University of California, Berkeley, was able to acquire for our new Jean Gray Hargrove Music Library a particularly interesting seventeenth-century manuscript of French harpsichord music. This article is a preliminary report, concentrating on certain details of the manuscript's makeup and contents, with a brief discussion of the composers named in the source. The Hargrove Music Library already has a series of over a dozen fine French harpsichord manuscripts from the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, acquired by Vincent Duckles from the collection of Everett Helm in the late 1960s. (1) The new volume (Hargrove Music Library MS 1365) is a significant addition to this set and seems to date from a slightly earlier period than the other volumes. It was formerly in the collection of the French pianist and conductor Alfred Cortot (1877-1962), a substantial portion of whose music library is also now in Berkeley; the manuscript later passed into the collection of antiquarian music dealer Albi Rosenthal in London. (2) Twenty-seven of the more than one hundred pieces are ascribed to composers in the manuscript, leaving about three quarters of the works given anonymously. A handful of further pieces can be identified from concordances. However, most of the contents, including the majority of the works ascribed to a particular composer, seem to be unique to this source. There are new pieces by five of the most famous musicians of the period: d'Anglebert, Chambonnieres, Dumont, de La Barre, and Thomelin. There are several new works by de La Pierre, and new versions, including one new title, for known pieces by Louis Couperin. The manuscript also contains works ascribed to five other musicians: Madame de Bieule, Bouat, Brochard, Bremon, and Depins. While it is natural to focus at first on these works by named composers, the anonymous compositions that make up the vast majority of the source's contents are also of exceptional musical value and scholarly interest. On the cover is the title Liure d'Espinettes (Book for the Espinettes), a phrase amplified on the title page to Liure contenant Plusieurs Pieces D'Espinette (Book containing Various Pieces for the Espinette). In late-sixteenth-century and early-seventeenth-century France, espinette, or epinette, was a standard name for various kinds of keyboard instruments with plucked strings; somewhat like the word "virginals" in England, it was also used in the plural, as here on the cover. (3) The court keyboard player in the late sixteenth century was the Joueur d'espinette de la Chambre du Roy (Spinet Player to the King's Chamber), whereas by the 1670s the terminology had shifted to Claveciniste du Roy (Harpsichordist to the King). It would be unwise to imagine that the works in this manuscript were composed for a small instrument just because they are said to be for espinette(s). As we shall see, although everything remains playable on the harpsichord a few of the pieces are equally suitable for organ; some are perhaps even primarily intended for violin or other solo instruments, to be played with keyboard accompaniment. BOREL At the bottom of the title page there is an elegantly written name, "Borel." It appears to refer to the first--or at least an early--owner, who may or may not have also been the copyist. MS 1365 is therefore now referred to as the "Borel Manuscript." Several references to musicians of this name are known, although they all seem a little later than the apparent date of the manuscript. On 30 July 1678, a Jean Borel identified as an academiste and musician in L'academie des operas became godfather to a girl called Anne Fontange. He lived in Paris, in the parish of Saint-Sulpice, in the rue Sainte-Marguerite "dans le carrefour de St-Benoit, a l'image St-Pierre." (4) Is this the same Jean Borel who was a countertenor in the Chapelle royale between 1687 and his death in 1728? …


Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Survival is poor for patients with advanced‐stage HCC, and small trials of tamoxifen for patients with this disease have shown conflicting results. The authors conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials to compare the effect of a tamoxifen‐containing arm with a nontamoxifen‐containing arm in advanced HCC.


initial teacher education target, interest in advertising and publicity under a defined admissions policy began to increase. Even though staff might regard advertising and publicity with a certain hesitancy, it was even more disreputable to adopt a &dquo;take anyone who turns up&dquo; approach to enrolment for the degree and diploma courses of the College. The CNAA course approval procedure had encouraged staff to start from a proper respect for the needs of the students. It naturally followed that the new BEd degree courses and the new Dip HE courses, which staff felt met specific needs, should be advertised widely to ensure that the consumers knew of the improved course offerings. The common attitude among staff could be compared to the &dquo;product-concept&dquo; in marketing, i.e. the attitude that assumes that consumers will respond favourably


China is a country with a lot of differences among different regions in economy,society,resource and environment.To make a policy which can improve region economy effectively,it is necessary to evaluate properly the development level in different regions,and find out the key factors which lead those differences.This paper analyzes and compares the indices system of the regional economy by using the methods of principal components analysis and factor commonly used in the data mining field. By the analysis with historical data,the paper can come to a conclusion matching the reality,which is helpful in exploring the potential and making policy in social and economic development.


Two methods are presented to solve transonic airfoil flow problems. The first method is based on the integral equation solution of the full-potential equation in terms of the velocity field. A shock capturing-shock fitting scheme has been developed. In the shock-fitting part of the scheme, shock panels are introduced at the shock location. The shock panels are fitted by using the Rankine-Hugoniot relations. The second method is a coupling of the integral solution of the full-potential equation with the pseudotime integration of Euler equations, which are used in a small embedded region around the shock. This scheme is caUed the integral equation-embedded Euler scheme. The two methods are applied to NACA 0012 and 64A010A airfoils over a wide range of Mach numbers, and the results are in good agreement with the experimental data and other computational results. The schemes converge within a number of iterations that is one order of magnitude less than the finite-difference schemes. ment methods for solving transonic airfoil flow problems. The IE solution has several advantages in comparison with the finite-difference solution. With the IE formulation (IEF), the far-field boundary conditions are automatically satisfied, and only a small computational domain is needed around the source of disturbance. Moreover, the accuracy of the method depends on the evaluation of integrals rather than derivatives, and hence coarse grids can be used within the small computa- tional domain. Because of the obvious advantages of the meth- ods that are based on the IEF, it is highly desirable to develop these methods fully and extend them to treat transonic flows over a wide range of Mach numbers. Computational schemes that are based on the IE formula- tion have recently been developed by several investigators. Piers and Sloof10 and Tseng and Morino11 have developed IE schemes for the TSP equation, while Kandil and Yates,12 Os- kam,13 Erickson and Strande,14 Sinclair,15 and Kandil and Hu16 have developed IE schemes for the FP equation. Since the potential equation cannot accurately treat flows with strong shocks, the IE schemes for the FP equation must be modified to accurately treat flows with strong shocks. In this paper we present two methods to solve for the tran- sonic airfoil flow problems that are based on the IE solution only or on the IE solution with small embedded Euler-domain solution. The latter method can efficiently treat flows with strong shocks. For the former method, a shock capturing- shock fitting (SCSF) scheme is developed, whereas for the lat- ter method an integral equation-embedded Euler (IEEE) scheme is developed. The SCSF scheme takes about 20-30 iterations for convergence, whereas the IEE scheme takes about 10 IE iterations and a few hundred of Euler equations iterations (over a very small computational domain) for con- vergence. The methods are applied to NACA 0012 and 64A010A airfoils over a wide range of Mach numbers. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data and other results that were obtained by using finite-difference and finite-volume methods with TSP, FP, and Euler equations.


Thirty patients with 32 acute peripheral arterial occlusions underwent nerve conduction and electromyographic studies at a mean of 12.4 months after the vascular occlusion. Compound action potentials showed greater reduction than conduction velocity (26% to 75% vs 8% to 13% lower than normal). All changes were more prominent in the legs than arms, including fibrillation potentials (64% vs 28%). Short motor unit potentials were seen in extent of abnormality vareid with location of occlusion. Signs of nerve damage were significantly decreased in patients who had early revascularization. The electrophysiologic findigns suggested exonal destruction rather than demyelination.


Objective To study the pathological changes, clinical features and CT manifestation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods The relationships among histopathologic features of the liver, serum biochemical parameters and other clinical data of 45 NAFLD patients were studied. CT examinations were performed in 16 patients. Results According to liver fatty degeneration grading, 12 cases were classified to F0, 19 cases to F1, 13 cases to F2 and 1 case to F3. As to the grading of inflammatory activities, 9 cases were G0, 14 G1, 17 G2 and 5 G3. As to the grading of fibrosis, 11 cases were S0, 9 S1, 16 S2 and 5 S3. The hepatocyte steatosis was correlated to waistline (r=0.357, P=0.028), waist-to-hip ratio (r=0.463, P=0.001 6), and total cholesterol (r=0.484, P=0.004). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed no significant difference among each grade of liver inflammatory activity. The grade of hepatic steatosis was negatively correlated with liver value of CT. The liver-to-spleen ratios were not significantly different among F0, F1 and F2. Conclusion In NAFLD patients, with the increment of waistline, waist-to-hip ratio and TC, the steatosis gets worse. The levels of ALT and AST do not parallel with the hepatic steatosis. The degree of steatosis is negatively correlated with the liver value of CT, but the liver-to-spleen ratio does not reflect the grade of the liver degeneration.


The invention discloses a refining method for improving the purity of ampicillin sodium, belonging to the technical field of medicine synthesis. The refining method is characterized by adding crude ampicillin sodium to purified water and a water-soluble organic solvent to be dissolved, then adding activated carbon and aluminium oxide to remove impurities, adding a crystallization reagent precooled to -10 to 25 DEG C under stirring to carry out crystallization and crystal growing and finally carrying out washing and drying, thus obtaining the high-purity ampicillin sodium white crystal. The refining method for improving the purity of ampicillin sodium has the beneficial effects that the obtained product has low dimer content and high purity, has the effects of reducing the adverse effect occurrence rates of clinical patients and improving the compliance of the patients and is beneficial to disease treatment; besides, the method is simple in process and mild in reaction conditions; the obtained product has good flowability and is easy to subpackage and industrially produce.


A 76 year old woman presented with a two month history of increasingly frequent bowel motions and weight loss. She had a history of diverticular disease diagnosed on barium enema 10 years previously. Physical examination was unremarkable. Blood tests showed normocytic anaemia and neutrophilia. …


The inorganic (or 'organometallic') polymers poly(dibutylstannane), poly(dioctylstannane), and poly(didodecylstannane) have been oriented by shear forces, the tensile drawing of blends with polyethylene, and deposition from solution onto glass slides coated with an oriented, friction‐deposited poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) layer. Orientation of the polystannanes has been examined by polarization microscopy, UV‐vis spectroscopy with polarized light, and X‐ray diffraction and their direction is found to depend on the length of the alkyl side groups and the method of orientation. Remarkably, in some cases the polystannane backbones are oriented parallel and in other instances perpendicular to the direction of the external orientation stimuli. The latter structural arrangement is most conspicuous for polymers substituted with dodecyl side groups, which are found to align parallel to the applied orientation direction, which forces the polymer backbone into a perpendicular position. Finally, UV‐vis spectra indicate that changes in the backbone conformation of certain polystannanes might be induced by applying mechanical stress.


Iron is the most important micronutrient in the ocean, but the nature and magnitude of its sources and sinks to the ocean are poorly constrained. Here we assess our understanding of the sources and...


Humanities have traditionally played a limited role in STEM education, yet their natural connections may be used to enrich academic understanding and student experience . Authors explore their mutuality by presenting an interdisciplinary curriculum, Humanities-Driven STEM (HDSTEM) . Unlike other iterations of blended disciplines, HDSTEM provides students with abilities and knowledge to go beyond the acquisition of soft skills toward humanistic, often artistic, creative problem-solving and innovative thinking . A pilot HDSTEM course offered through the first-year experience program is described . Authors outline its development, implementation, outcomes, and evaluation, positing humanities at the forefront as the impetus and lens for contextualizing STEM research and discovery . Challenges and implications for future development beyond first-year experience


The paper first describes the concept connotation of complex electromagnetic environment,then brings forward the means of classification for detection electromagnetic environment in accordance with the characteristics of equipment detection,thus ascertaining the constructing components of detection electromagnetic environment.It analyzes the constructing feasibility of electromagnetic environment.According to the demand for electromagnetic environment by frequency equipment of electromagnetic environment effect test,and based on a hardware-in-the-loop simulation system composed of ADS and Agilent 89600 software and test instruments concerned,the electromagnetic environment building-up system and the electromagnetic environment assessment system are set up.in an anechoic chamber.Finally,this paper emphatically describes the evaluation index of detection electromagnetic environment based on electromagnetic signal characteristics,including the selection principle and evaluation index system.


Combined with the relevant national military standards, this paper analyzes the problems existing in the selection and determination of the reliability index of naval gun weapon system, and puts forward the determination method of the basic reliability of naval gun equipment and the threshold value and target value of the mission reliability combined with the life profile and mission profile of Naval gun equipment. This method has a certain reference significance for the reliability design of naval gun equipment in the development stage, and the research of this paper has a certain practical value.


Mutational complexity or tumor mutational burden (TMB) influences the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, this information is not routinely used because TMB is usually obtained from whole genome or exome, or from large gene panel high‐throughput sequencing.


We analyze the guided modes of photonic crystal fibers. We compare the values of the V‐parameter obtained using the effective index for the fundamental space‐filling mode with those values obtained by using the effective index of the modes propagating in the photonic crystal fiber. We obtain the condition for single‐mode operation. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)


Protocols for welcoming visitors to Country have been part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years. Traditionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups had clear boundaries separating their Country from that of other groups. Crossing into another group's Country required a request for permission to enter. When permission was granted, the hosting group would welcome the visitors, offering them safe passage and protection of their spiritual being during the journey. While visitors were provided with a safe passage, they also had to respect the protocols and rules of the land owner group while on their Country.


This study aims to determine the effect of motivation, compensation and work environment on employee performance in PT Transcal Suntech International. This research method is using quantitative research method. The technique of collecting data is by distributing questionnaires to 171 respondents. Data were analyzed using test of validity, reliability, normality, multicollinearity, heterokedastisitas, multiple linear regression analysis, t test and F test. Test results of coefficient of determination Adjusted R Square shows that motivation, compensation and work environment variable are together providing 18.7 percent influence on employee performance variable. The results of this study indicate that partially motivation has no influence on employee performance, seen significant value 0.293 bigger than α value 0.05 and t value 1.054 smaller than t table 1.973 (H1 rejected), compensation has influence on employee performance because its significant value 0.000 smaller than α value 0.05 and t value 4.443 bigger than t table 1.973 (H2 accepted), work environment has influence on employee performance because its significant value 0.003 smaller than α value 0.05 and t value 3.000 bigger than t table 1.973 (H3 accepted), while motivation, compensation and work environment are simultaneously has significant effect on employee performance because its significant value 0.000 smaller than α value 0.05 and f value 14.062 bigger than f table 2.66 (H4 accepted).


This article describes the Thematic KKN program which is a form of activity that provides learning experiences for students to live in the midst of society outside the campus. I became one of the students of the Thematic KKN located at SD Kartika XIII-1 Ambon, Waihaong Village, Nusaniwe District. The University focused our Thematic KKN on the importance of literacy learning for students in schools and the use of learning media in the classroom. Literacy for students is an important point, besides that it is important for schools and teachers to raise awareness of the importance of control to students in class learning using learning media. By implementing literacy in the classroom and utilizing learning media, it is hoped that students can grow into a generation that can think critically.  Using a qualitative approach with a case study type of research, the results of research and interviews and observations conducted show that the role of Thematic KKN students at SD Kartika XIII-1 Ambon in learning Literacy in the classroom and utilizing learning media to students and also increasing parents' awareness of the importance of control to children in the learning process at home, shows that it is very beneficial in increasing the resources and potential of students at school


Vessels used for purse seine fishing gear operations in South Sulawesi are made of teak wood (Tectona grandis), spinach with a length of 13 – 25 m, a width of 3.30 – 5.87 m and a height of 1 – 1.8 m.  Based on the classification of durability and strength of wooden ships, types of teak and spinach are classified as durable class I and strong class II.  Good wood for ship building is one that has a durable class I – II and a strong class I – II (Wibowo 1981 in Marlin, 2008). This means that vessels operating purse seine fishing gear in South Sulawesi are well used because they have relatively large durability and strength. Purse seine vessels in this area have a tonnage between 10 – 35 GT.  GT calculation based on Director General of PERLA No, PY.67/1/16-02. The main engine used consists of two units of Yanmar brand, Mitsubishi and Yun chai with a power of 20, 27 or 30 PK.  In addition, it is also equipped with a 15 PK Jian Dong brand roller machine


Positioning of universities on the different educational markets is critical for academic survival, role definition and status clarification on the present education markets. The latter are defined by the globalization of educational services, an increased number of players and their almost fierce competition to attract students and funding. The ever increasing competitiveness all over the world, the new missions that universities have to assume due to pressures from stakeholders, and also from global processes (among which demographics and technology are ever more uncomfortable) are important issues that call for a clear organisational communication, as well as for an effective interorganisations information exchange. The present paper explores the importance of identity building for a coherent communication process meant to ensure the adaptability of a Romanian university to the needs of both its Romanian public, and also to those of an international audience. The case study under discussion is The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies (BAES), its identity, vision and mission and strategies development. The analysis of the identity building process in the BAES starts from the definition of the university as a "research and teaching university which organises higher and scientific preparation in the area of economic and administrative studies", as approved by the Senate in 2007. As an important dimension of the identity building process refers to its reception by the public involved, a questionnaire was given to a number of staff and students. The findings of this questionnaire, as well as several opinions verbalised during formal and informal meetings and personal conversations are included in this study.


Irradiation of bacteria in the presence of 1-naphthol produces a radiosensitization. The magnitude of the response is dependent upon cell concentration and type, and requires an extended incubation...


At the time of the burgundian kingdom, religious construction in Lyon and Vienne greatly increased. Some ancient writers Sidoine Apollinaire, Avit of Vienne, Gregory of Tours, describe contemporary buildings with some accuracy and help us to understand the part played by bishops and also the links between the ideal conception of the building and material needs. The numerous excavations since 1970, some buildings still standing point to important differences in the religious buildings of the two towns, difference of plans, between buildings with a single nave or with three naves, the presence of a crypt or not, of a transept or not which could be explained by the existence of models.