One of the most harmful causative agents of root rot of the wheat is the Drechslera sorokiniana fungus, which causes serious diseases in this crop - black embryo, thin stalks, black-brown spots on the leaves, a decrease in the number of productive stalks, grains in an ear, the average weight of grains. The frequency of occurrence of the pathogen on wheat in the Republic of Moldova is high, especially under wet conditions, and therefore there is a need to create resistant varieties. The purpose of the research is to identify some important genetic factors involved in the formation of the response of winter wheat to the fungus D. sorokiniana. In this regard, the main task was to establish the effect of fungus isolates on germination, root and stem growth at different wheat genotypes - lines, F 1 hybrids. The article presents the results of a study on: 1) the variability of the reaction and the contribution of wheat genotype when interacting with the used isolates; 2) the degree of domination of growth signs at wheat hybrids F 1 in optimal conditions and in the processing of grains with the culture filtrate of the fungus; 3) the influence of the parent factor on the response of wheat F 1 fusions to the pathogen. Studies were conducted at the Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection of the Republic of Moldova. The material for the study was the lines, F 1 wheat hybrids, and culture filtrates of isolates of the fungus D. sorokiniana. Conclusion: interallell interactions and parental components of the genotype are of great importance in the reaction of wheat to the D. sorokiniana fungus.


The 2005 Doing Business report rated Poland as one of the slowest judicial systems in the world. It took 1,000 days for a contract to be enforced through the courts, causing Poland to be ranked 140th of 145 countries in regard to the speed of courts. This poor ranking prompted the National Bank of Poland and the World Bank to draft a report, 'Poland: legal barriers to contract enforcement,' which contained recommendations designed to speed up court proceedings. One of the key recommendations of the report was to open the bailiff profession to more competition, so as to improve the service bailiffs delivered. Specifically, the report called for an expanded number of bailiffs, for creditors to have greater choice among those bailiffs, and for the deregulation of bailiff fees. After a change of government in 2005, a new team including the author headed the justice ministry. The author was receptive to new ideas, and the justice ministry endorsed the report, which provided the impetus for undertaking these reforms. The author suggested three changes: (a) the justice minister should be able to appoint more bailiffs without going through a complicated procedure; (b) bailiffs should be able to compete with each other regardless of their location; and (c) price flexibility should be introduced to bailiff fees.


On 5 October 1869, a small party of parliamentary members came ashore at the gloomy grounds of Port Arthur penal station to assess the future of this last institutional relic of Tasmania's convict era. The prison that had become 'the emblem of the miseries of transportation' was soon to be dismantled (1877), having proven itself too expensive for a colony with limited means. For a newspaper reporter accompanying the visiting members, the term 'prison' no longer seemed appropriate to describe Port Arthur in any case. He regarded the prisoners as 'men of broken spirit - who offered no difficulty' to penal administrators and lived in relative luxury: 'arrangements made for the physical comfort, and we may add, enjoyment of the penal inmates of Port Arthur; are more complete than will be found in any other institution in the colony'. Another visiting reporter in March 1870 claimed that the Port Arthur penitentiary 'better represents a mansion, than a house of correction for criminals'.


Background: The gender-based approach can identify women's health problems on the basis of biological differences and their social, familial and individual roles. Unequal power relationship between men and women, fewer chances of education and employment, repeated pregnancies, longer life-spans, a greater proportion of the world's poor, inappropriate familiarity with their health risks increase their need to better benefit from primary healthcare. As determinants of health, poverty and social class indicate that women and especially deprived women require a greater focus on their health. This study attempts to identify modifiable health risk factors of these individuals. Methods: The women-headed households under cover in 11 provincial centers were included in the study. Medical consultation, general physical examination, fasting blood sugar level, blood cell count, lipid profile and systematic examinations, specific examinations of breast, pelvis, mammography and Pap Smear were performed according to the protocol. As a pilot study, 2730 individuals were assessed and their demographic features were obtained. Results: The mean age of participants in the pilot study was 47.6±10.2 years ranging from 22 to 88 years of age. Conclusion: We expect that the study's findings would provide the opportunity to compare the differences of the special subgroups of vulnerable women with the data available in the country, and if necessary implement changes suitable with the vulnerable groups' health status.


We consider a two-stage non-cooperative Bertrand game with location choice involving r firms. There are n spatially separated markets located at the vertices of a network. Each firm first selects the location of a facility and then selects the delivered price in the markets in order to maximise its profit. The article extends the duopolistic model with completely inelastic demand (Lederer and Thisse 1990) to the oligopolistic scenario. Under moderate assump- tions, a pure strategy equilibrium, which minimises social costs, exists. Further- more, an equilibrium location can be obtained by finite steps and consists of vertices only.


In the present work was shown that Transfer of Carbon and Nitrogen was detectable from leaves to associated mycorrhizas in different broadleaf tree species. For that results of different field and laborary Experiments with isotopic technics were discussed. Main object of this work was the European beech in association with other tree species .


Cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin films have been prepared by a simple technique such as chemical bath deposition (CBD). A set of samples CdS were deposited on glass substrates by varying the bath temperature from 55 to 75 °C at fixed deposition time (25 min) in order to investigate the effect of deposition temperature on CdS films physical properties. The determination of growth activation energy suggests that at low temperature CdS film growth is governed by the release of Cd2+ ions in the solution. The structural characterization indicated that the CdS films structure is cubic or hexagonal with preferential orientation along the direction (111) or (002), respectively. The optical characterization indicated that the films have a fairly high transparency, which varies between 55% and 80% in the visible range of the optical spectrum, the refractive index varies from 1.85 to 2.5 and the optical gap value of which can reach 2.2 eV. It can be suggested that these properties make these films perfectly suitable for their use as window film in thin films based solar cells.


Abstract An integrative model of the work–family interface was developed and tested. This model extends prior work by Frone, Russell, and Cooper (1992a). Although the present model adopts the distinction between work-to-family and family-to-work conflict, several important changes have been incorporated. First, a more explicit attempt is made to model the reciprocal (i.e., feedback) relations between work and family life. Second, a distinction is drawn between proximal and distal predictors of work–family conflict. Third, the relations between work–family conflict and role-related affect have been differentiated into predictive and outcome relations. Finally, role-related behavior and behavioral intentions have been explicitly incorporated into the model. Data were obtained from a sample of 372 employed adults who were married and/or parents. The model was tested with structural equation modeling techniques and the results were supportive. The present model provides a general framework to help organize past research and guide future research on the work–family interface.


TV white space (TVWS) represents unused TV channels - resulting from the transition to digital over-the-air broadcasting - made available by FCC for unlicensed secondary users. This presents opportunities for new wireless networks and services, for example as a complement to licensed 4G cellular networks as a mechanism for data offloading, in analogy with the use of 802.11 WLAN hotspot networks for current 3G networks. However, certain design challenges must be addressed - TVWS spectrum is characterized by significant (spatial) variability in number and quality (measured by signal to interference and noise ratio) of available channels. Therefore, channel allocation - that seeks to optimize some overall network performance metric - must be adapted to this variation while complying with FCC regulations. In this paper, we explore the problem of resource allocation in TVWS spectrum by developing models for channel availability based on co-channel interferences among secondary users as well as primary-to-secondary interference. We define two formulations: a) based on maximizing number of allocated channels, and b) based on total network throughput. Techniques for solving these two formulations are explored and the results are compared through numerical evaluations.


THIS STUDY EXPLORED HOW educators implement policies that support children's health and wellbeing, and that promote sustainable practices in five Australian early childhood (EC) centres. In early childhood centres where parents provide the food, educators are responsible for supervising children's eating and often have to manage children's food that is highly processed and packaged. Interview data from children, parents and educators from five EC centres where parents provide children's food was analysed. The key findings demonstrate that the differing perspectives by the educators, parents and children produced challenges for enactment of healthy food choices and sustainable practices, even though EC centres sought advice from government agencies. Parents' food decisions were often misaligned with centre policies and children were frequently caught between the EC centre's policies and parents' choices of food. Educators felt ineffective influencing parents' food choices and sustainable practices regarding waste minimisation. A holistic educational approach is required where all stakeholders have social responsibility towards this approach.


This study aims to assess the feasibility of Bongo Village in the Gorontalo Regency as a religious tourism destination. The method used uses a qualitative descriptive approach by using Islamic religious tourism indicators, including tourists' motivation to visit Bongo Village, the behaviour of tourists while in tourist objects, the availability of halal food and drinks, and the availability of halal accommodation. The study results found that the application of religious tourism indicators in Bongo Village still experienced several obstacles, including the behaviour and ways of dressing some tourists and local people who were not following Islamic law. No accommodation was following the standard of halal accommodation according to international rules. However, in terms of tourism activities, several activities represent religious tourism activities where some tourists visiting Bongo Village are to study religious histories such as studying the Walima tradition as the Prophet's Birthday Commemoration and the activities of Pesantren Alam. In terms of food provision, several food stalls in Bongo Village have provided halal food. However, a halal certification from the MUI still has to be supported to ensure the trust of Muslim tourists when visiting Bongo Village.


Clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists can play an important role in assisting the trier of fact in determining incompetency/incapacity. Each state has its own statute defining these concepts and, not surprisingly, these differ. The purpose of this study was to document the statutes of all 50 states and then to analyze those statutes for key issues most relevant for the clinician. Case law was then examined to more fully understand judicial interpretation of these statutes. The main findings were that (a) most states use the term incapacity, whereas a minority uses the term incompetency, and (b) most states include cognitive/communication impairments as well as functional impairments in their statute. A minority of states includes provisions that address undue influence or exploitation and decision making based on religious issues in their statute. Findings are discussed in terms of their relevance for clinical work.


THE INVENTION CONCERNS A PACKAGE FOR WEAR A RELATIVELY LARGE CONTAINERS SIMILAR TO BOXES. THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES 12 DEVICE THAN SURROUNDING AND HOLDS MEETINGS PARTIES SUPERIOR CONTAINERS 16, AND 14 DEVICE IS IN THE FORM A BAND THAT sURROUNDS ALL CONTAINERS 16 SIGNIFICANTLY MID-DISTANCE BETWEEN PARTS OF HIGHER AND LOWER PARTS THEREOF. THIS BAND HAS A HANDLE 14 28 WEAR THAT ALLOWS ALL GROUPS AND CONTAINERS 16 SCOPE. CONTAINERS PACKAGING SHAPED BOX, ETC .


Complex fractures of the body of the os calcis remain a difficult group of injuries. Preoperative evaluation that defines the fracture anatomy is essential in any operative approach. A fracture classification system based on the pathomechanics of these injuries and treatment regimens for the various fracture types is presented. Choice of surgical approach depends on the fracture pattern. Case examples are presented to illustrate the author's approach to os calcis fracture management.


A modified nonlinear time series analysis technique, which computes the correlation dimension D2, is used to analyze the X-ray light curves of the black hole system GRS 1915+105 in all 12 temporal classes. For four of these temporal classes, D2 saturates to ≈4-5, which indicates that the underlying dynamical mechanism is a low-dimensional chaotic system. Of the other eight classes, three show stochastic behavior, while five show deviation from randomness. The light curves for four classes that depict chaotic behavior have the smallest ratios of the expected Poisson noise to the variability (<0.05), while those for the three classes that depict stochastic behavior are the highest (>0.2). This suggests that the temporal behavior of the black hole system is governed by a low-dimensional chaotic system whose nature is detectable only when the Poisson fluctuations are much smaller than the variability.


'Xuanjing'is a new hemerocallis cultivar with full double edge.The average height of plants is 87.5 cm.It has large and thick leaves,single golden flower and strong growth potential.The petal number range from 8 to 12.It's flower diameter is 10.2-11.9 cm,flowering period from July to August.The cultivar has strong resistance and high ornamental value.It is with low seed-setting.


The existing standard model of software process measurement generally only proposes how to implement the software process management as well as what kind of standard should be achieved but hasn't done specific descriptions on how customer should do and which method they can use to achieve these standards.But six sigma improvement provides a set of flow,methods and tools to improve the existing procedure continuously.Six sigma design is a powerful tool to control the quality of product design breakthrough"Five Sigma Wall",which approaches to the bottom of the enterprise's management flow.Thus,in view of the software enterprise's own characteristic,combining six sigma to solve the control problem of software quality,produce the high grade product,and obtain competitive advantages has the extremely vital significance.This article has conducted the correlation literature survey research for this.


This study examined critical features of secondary special educator's experiences with transition professional development to predict variables most likely to influence performance of transition planning and services. Results included the extent to which secondary special educators are prepared to perform transition practices, the relationship between preparation and the frequency of performance, and specific variables predictive of higher levels of implementation. The results confirm that training matters if special educators are to implement transition interventions and services. Professionals with formal transition coursework and high rates of professional development were more likely to implement transition practices. Implications are offered for establishing specialized professional development originating from established course content sustained and supported with ongoing professional development.


We evaluated a structured pharmaceutical care program for elderly patients (> 65 yrs) with congestive heart failure (CHF) based on objective measures of disease control, quality of life, and use of health care facilities in a randomized, controlled, longitudinal, prospective clinical trial. The 42 patients in group A received education from a pharmacist on the disease and its treatment, and lifestyle changes that could help control symptoms. Patients also were encouraged to monitor their symptoms and comply with prescribed drug therapy. If necessary, dosage regimens were simplified in liaison with hospital physicians. The 41 control patients (group B) received standard care. The following outcome measures were assessed in all patients at baseline (before the start of the trial) and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months: 2‐minute walk test, blood pressure, body weight, pulse, forced vital capacity, quality of life [disease‐specific (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire) and generic (SF‐36)], knowledge of symptoms and drugs, compliance with therapy, and use of health care facilities (hospital admissions, visits to emergency room, emergency calls). Patients in group A showed improved compliance with drug therapy, which in turn improved their exercise capacity compared with those in group B; education on management of symptoms, lifestyle changes, and dietary recommendations were also of benefit. Group A patients significantly improved knowledge of their drug therapy over the 12‐month study and had fewer hospital admissions compared with group B patients. They also had improved outcomes compared with group B, despite the small samples. An extension of this trial to other sites with pooling of results would provide additional evidence of the value of this structured program in elderly patients with CHF.


The French government has introduced sweeping reforms to rescue the ailing social security system and its national health insurance plan.

The new proposal is for middle and upper income families to pay higher contributions to the system and for additional revenue to be generated by taxing savings accounts, life insurance, and capital gains.

At present contributions are based on salaries, with employees' contributions set at 5.5% of gross salary; …


Dialkyl phosphinate acids (DPAs) are the hydrolysates of aluminum dialkyl phosphinates (ADPs), one class of emerging phosphorus flame retardants since brominated flame retardants have been gradually phased out in recent years. It has been found that once dissolved in water, ADPs are completely hydrolyzed and exist as DPAs. However, there is no report on the determination of DPAs in environmental water samples. For the first time, we developed a method for the analysis of trace DPAs and ADPs in different environmental samples, including waters, soils and sediments. In this proposed method, MAX cartridges were employed for the purification, and ion chromatography (IC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS) method with large volume injection (200 L) and postcolumn addition of methanol and NH3·H2O were employed for the determination of DPAs and ADPs. The matrix effects were <16% for water samples and <25% for soil/sediment samples, which were greatly improved in comparison to the liquid chromatography (LC) tandem MS determination. Determined at three fortified levels of 0.02 g/L, 0.2 g/L and 1.0 g/L, the mean recoveries were from 75.8% to 110.2%, with an acceptable coefficient of variation (3.3–20%, n = 6) for water samples. The limits of the method were 3.5–9.3 ng/L for DPAs in environmental water samples, and 0.06–0.09 g/kg for DPAs and ADPs in soil and sediment samples. For soil and sediment samples, results determined by the present IC–MS method were in good agreement with that determined by LC–MS in our previous study. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


. This sequel to our work on /-linked overrings introduces, characterizes, and applies the /-theoretic analogues of integral domains satisfying the QR-and ößÄ-properties. In particular, we show that, unlike the situation with QQR-domains, the ZÖC?/?-property is stable under the adjunction of an indeterminate.


The aim of this chapter is to examine the reasons behind the increasing residential disparities in the city of Gdansk. Namely, I will look how the changes in urban policy, urban planning and owners ...


CMOS compatible nanowires provide an interesting opportunity to integrate logic functions in interconnects levels. We report here the development of a method to grow silicon nanowire using back-end-of-line compatible copper-based catalysts. Our approach is based on oxidation of copper prior to growth and allows reducing silicon nanowire synthesis temperature below 450°C, a Back-end-of-line compatible temperature range. New functionalities permitted by silicon nanowires may therefore be added to interconnection levels.


ABSTRACT This causal-comparative study analyzed the college readiness of Latino ELLs educated in two different bilingual education programs, Transitional Bilingual (TB) and Dual Language (DL), by examining science and mathematics scores on the nationally recognized college entrance exam, the ACT. A statistically significant difference was found in the performance of the participants in the areas of mathematics and science via a series of t-tests. The descriptive statistics report that DL participants had a 29.6% higher probability in science and a 15.2% higher probability in mathematics of being college ready, per the Texas Uniform Admission Policy. Over all, DL participants outperformed TB participants.


This study analyzed content on sustainable development in the middle school science curriculum of 2007-Revised. Analyses criteria were developed based on literature reviews. The analyses showed that among 25 units, nine of them dealt with the topics and issues on sustainable development. However, the content had too much partiality for biology and earth science, lacking integration with other areas of science. Results of this study suggest the need for developing systemized teaching material on sustainable development that can be incorporated in the science curriculum by pursuing the following tasks: First, the educational goal of sustainable development and its need should be mentioned in the science curriculum. Second, the class content, themes, objectives, teaching-earning programs on sustainable development should be formulated. Third, within the science curriculum, the content should deal with topics beyond natural or environmental issues, to issues such as economical and socio-political so as to bring better understanding of the concepts related to sustainable development.


The semi-natural grassland habitats contain an important part of the plant diversity in Europe. Changes in farming practices have lead to drastic decreases in plant species richness. The aim of the present thesis is to contribute to the knowledge about mechanisms governing the plant species richness in grasslands with emphasis on soil nutrients. Most species rich grasslands are found on soils with low nutrient availability where nutrients limit growth creating a higher potential for niche differences.
The results of my thesis show differences in niches or strategies to acquire phosphorus from soil among grassland plant species in cultivation. One herb without mycorrhiza had the highest phosphorus uptake and biomass production, but a higher available phosphorus concentration remained in soil after growth of that species, indicating an efficient phosphorus mobilisation.
 The results of this thesis show a strong inverse relationship between soil phosphorus availability and species richness in grazed grasslands of southern Sweden. Species richness was also inversely related to biomass phosphorus concentration, as a measure of soil phosphorus status, in Matorral forests of northern Argentina. We also observed increasing phosphorus uptake efficiency with increasing species richness of the plant communities. Despite less available soil phosphorus the plants were able to use the phosphorus resources more completely.
Soil phosphorus and nitrogen appear to relate to species richness in different ways. The strong linear relationships observed for soil phosphorus were not observed for soil nitrogen. A CCA relating species richness of sites in different types of grassland habitats to environmental variables showed that phosphorus availability and vegetation biomass influence species richness negatively, while soil nitrogen was less important. A 3-D projection of the same data reveals that relatively high species richness is observed on soils with high availability of one of the nutrients, nitrogen or phosphorus, and low availability of the other nutrient. This finding suggests that high species richness is not only found at balanced nutrient ratios and that low availability of both nitrogen and phosphorus is not crucial for diverse vegetation.
 Processes governing plant diversity in grasslands act on different spatial scales. In the grasslands studied, mainly differences in land use were responsible for the level of species richness. There were more species in the pastures than in the other grassland types. Nevertheless the landscape properties were important for what parameters that were influencing species richness of the grasslands on a local scale.
The experience from our studies suggests that soil phosphorus availability should be considered in plant diversity studies and in management of grasslands. Different nutrients can not be considered as one plant resource acquired in the same way by plant species. The differences in the ways nitrogen and phosphorus are related to species richness and how they interact is why both nutrients should be considered.


The statistical mechanics of fluids adsorbed on chemically patterned surfaces is far from straightforward when attempting to develop virial theorems for the interfacial free energy. This is because in general one would have to devise new procedures to distinguish surface tension from surface stress, even for wall-fluid models where the substrate atoms are replaced by an effective external field. However, the distinction may be made explicit for the special case of striped walls. This paper makes use of striped wall-fluid models to discuss the significance of fluid interfacial stress to patterned inhomogeneous fluids. In particular, it considers the adsorption of hemicylindrical drops on an array of high energy stripes. For the planar stripe geometry it is also possible to make effective use of the pressure tensor formalism. Beyond the special case of striped patterns it is not possible to use standard procedures based on virial theorems to directly evaluate interfacial free energy. The lessons learnt from these exercises apply especially to computer simulation studies of patterned inhomogeneous fluids.


PURPOSE: To easily obtain the subject carbon fiber sharp in fiber length distribution and very low in aspect ratio without the need for much energy by making infusibilized pitch-based fibers into milled fibers followed by carbonization or graphitization. CONSTITUTION: Optically isotropic coal-based pitch 250°C in softening point is put to melt spinning into pitch fibers, which are then infusibilized in an air atmosphere at max. temp. of 310°C. The resulting infusibilized fibers are made into milled fibers using a pressing machine to produce milled fibers of ca. 100μ, 60μ, and 35μ in fiber lengths, respectively. Then, these milled fibers are either raised in temperature at a rate of 5°C/min to 100°C and treated at this temperature for 30min into carbonized milled fibers, or treated at ≥2000°C into graphitized milled fibers, thus easily obtaining at low cost the objective high- quality pitch-based milled carbon fiber of ≤8 in aspect ratio with narrow fiber length distribution. COPYRIGHT: (C)1993,JPO&Japio


This paper proposes a Direct Active and Reactive Power Regulation of Grid-Connected converters using Sliding Mode Control approach applied to three phase PWM converters. The DPC-SMC controller regulates the DC-link voltage, active and reactive power-flows of the grid-connected converter. The proposed DPC-SMC strategy scheme calculates directly the required converter's control voltage. So as to eliminate the instantaneous errors of active and reactive powers without involving any rotating coordinate transformations. Meanwhile, there are no extra current controls loops involved, which simplifies the system design and enhances the transient performance. Constant converter switching frequency is achieved by using space vector modulation, which eases the design of the ac harmonic filter. Simulation results of the improved direct power control (DPC-SMC) are compared to standard direct power control (DPC) strategies. The robustness of the proposed DPC to line inductance variations is also inspected during active and reactive power changes.


Summary of the methods used by the NS for the ultrasonic inspection of rails. On the track, inspection is mainly performed by means of a special train (U-S); 3 teams of two persons inspect the free lines with portable instruments.


This study empirically analyzed the effectiveness of multilateral debt on real gross domestic product (GDP) in Nigeria using time series data spanning from 1981 to 2014. The econometric techniques of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were used for the analysis with the aid of EViews 8 statistical package, where multilateral debt was regressed on real gross domestic product and inflation to determine the relationship among them. Our study revealed that there is positive and significant relationship between multilateral debt and real gross domestic product in Nigeria. Therefore, multilateral debt is regarded as one of the major stabilization weapons that affects real gross domestic product in Nigeria positively. Equally revealed is the fact that multilateral debt has no significant and positive effect on inflation, it showed negative sign and is not statistically significant. We made the following recommendations which we believe if carried out approximately will in no small measure aid the effectiveness of multilateral debt on real gross domestic product. The government should ensure that multilateral loans must be invested in infrastructure because this will go a long way to boosting productive base of the economy, hence increase exports for improved foreign reserves. The government should source for multilateral loan to embark on infrastructural development that will empower industrial and manufacturing base of the country. Whenever government embarks on multilateral loans such money should be monitored by authorities in order to avoid looting and diversion of the fund into non-desired areas.


Based on the review of important references concerning 'experience' national and abroad,this paper,different from other studies on experience economy and experiential marketing,aims to find out the way in which 'experience' helps enterprises to create competitive advantage with the perspective of special customer value.After discussing the concept and meaning of 'experience',the paper makes a conclusion with case study method that 'experience' can help enterprises to expand their markets,create new customers,get higher customer satisfaction and loyalty,gain more profit and,finally,win the competitive advantage.


ObjectivesNondipping pattern of circadian blood pressure (BP) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; however, limited data are available among obese African–Americans. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the pattern of circadian BP variation and to identify clinical conditions associated with nondipping in this population. MethodsA total of 211 obese African–Americans enrolled in a weight-reduction program underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. Nondipping was defined as a nocturnal BP reduction of less than 10%. ResultsSystolic BP (SBP) nondipping was present in 158 participants (74.9%) and diastolic BP (DBP) nondipping was present in 93 participants (44.1%). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, diabetes was associated with SBP nondipping (adjusted OR, 2.53; CI: 1.16–5.76; P=0.02), and increasing BMI (5 kg/m2) was associated with DBP nondipping (adjusted OR, 1.46; CI: 1.17–1.83; P=0.001). In linear regression analyses, BMI was positively correlated to office, 24-h, daytime, and night-time SBP (P=0.03, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.005, respectively) and office, 24-h, daytime, and night-time PP (P=0.01, P<0.001, 0.001, and P=0.003, respectively). ConclusionThis study demonstrated an excessively high prevalence of nondippers and independent associations between diabetes and SBP nondipping and between BMI and DBP nondipping in an obese African–American population.


Past research on manufacturing has not generally included research on the attributes of outstanding manufacturing managers. This information is important as the success of the manufacturing function depends to an extent on the quality of the manager. This study sought then to identify the attributes of an outstanding manufacturing manager. The methodology adopted included reviewing relevant literature, analysing job advertisements and surveying senior manufacturing managers. The profile of the outstanding manufacturing manager that emerged contained 12 specific attributes. These were classified into three groups i.e. attributes related to the position; attributes related to people management; and attributes related to the individual manager. The profile identified in this study is quite different from the traditional profile of an old‐fashioned autocrat who has risen from the ranks. Today's manufacturing manager requires a strong academic background to understand and implement leading manufacturing and management techniques, good interpersonal skills and high levels of energy and drive.


Public value is a new and important concept in the public management research. This concept give a new idea of public management with theme of peoples first approach to facilitate them. Public value creation is the main concern of public mangers in today's public sector organizations. Public value is based on three building blocks of public value that are services, trust and social outcome. Professionalism is an esential requirement to achieve these building blocks of public value. A professional public manager by virtue of his possition will be in a better position to create public value. The important attributes of a professional public manger includes honesty, competency, accountability, self regulation and specialized knowledge of his field and duties. These attributes of public managers will create public value and ultimately establish the trust of public on the organization and as a result, the country will become a welfare state.


The thesis explores a number of ways for developing multilingual grammars written in GF (Grammatical Framework). The goal is to enhance both the coverage of the grammars, in terms of content and number of languages, and to reduce the development effort by automating a larger part of the process.

The first direction in grammar development targets the creation of general language resources. These are the starting point for building domain-specific grammars for the language. Developing resource grammars gives a good overview of the effort required and provides a solid base for subsequent experiments in automation. Our work resulted
in building computational grammars for Romanian and Swedish.

A further development step is multilingual domain-specific grammar creation. The technique we employed is converting structured models into grammars, which preserves the original structure of the model as a backbone of the grammar and uses the general GF resources for a smooth multilingual verbalization of the model. The use cases considered are an upper-domain ontology, a business model and an ontology describing cultural heritage artefacts, each posing a different challenge and illustrating another aspect of the GF grammars-ontology interoperability and its advantages.

An orthogonal approach to multilingual grammar development aims at increasing the number of languages from a domain grammar. Our solution is an example-based prototype which partially replaces grammar programming with feedback from native informants and SMT tools (such as Google Translate).

Last but not least, as an attempt to not only enhance GF grammars, but also use them in a novel way, we present the grammar-based hybrid system architecture combining GF grammars and SMT systems. This marks some of the first steps in using grammars for translating free text. As a side-effect of the work, we propose a technique for building bilingual GF lexicon resources from SMT phrase tables.


Constructed wetland was often used in treating domestic and industrial wastewater for its advantages such as high efficient,easy management and low cost.Macrophytes played an important role in wetland,including assimilating and storing nutrient elements in wastewater,enriching harmful substances,transporting oxygen to the root zone and providing oxygen to the growth,reproduction and degradation of microorganism.The important function of macrophytes in wetland system were discussed.The influencing factors of macrophysics on wastewater purifying were analyzed.


e13533 Background: Studies demonstrate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), if administered so that systemic toxicity can be controlled, is a useful anticancer agent. A gene therapy approach, using intratumoral injections of an adenovector expressing TNFα, is one way to potentially maximize antitumor activity and minimize systemic toxicity. Methods: AdGVEGR.TNF.11D (AdGVTNF) represents such an approach. AdGVTNF is a second-generation (E1-, partial E3-, and E4-deleted) adenovector carrying the transgene encoding for TNFa. The chemo + RT stress-inducible EGR-1 promoter was used upstream from the transgene to ensure maximal TNFα gene expression. Results: There is a known therapeutic synergy between RT and TNFα for local tumor control. Additionally, preclinical studies demonstrated AdGVTNF +IR suppressed lymph node metastasis in two preclinical models and this effect was CD8+ dependent. Results demonstrated that AdGVTNF +IR improved antigen specific tumor infiltration of CD8+ cells. Data also suggested that Ad...


Abstract An efficient, one-pot, three-component [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylide obtained from α-dicarbonyl compounds (cyclic and acyclic diketone or keto ester) and amino acids with maleimides under catalyst-free conditions has been developed. This cascade protocol shows high efficiency and remarkable functional group tolerance, and the ubiquitous succinimide-fused pyrrolizidines with a highly compact and strained scaffold were obtained with high yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. Furthermore, this novel and atom-economical strategy could be performed on a gram scale with comparable reaction efficiency.


This paper expounds the significance of the soil moisture content monitoring and the principles that should be followed in establishing the points of monitoring soil moisture content, introduces the methods and corresponding instruments for monitoring soil moisture content, the analysis and transmission of the data, and the archiving and arranging of the monitoring materials.


Secondary osteoporosis results from medical conditions or treatments that interfere with the attainment of peak bone mass and/or may predispose to accelerated bone loss. Although secondary osteoporosis is less common, it is becoming more frequently diagnosed. Apart from the well-defined risk of secondary osteoporosis in patients requiring long-term corticosteroids therapy, an increasing list of dietary , lifestyle, endocrine, metabolic, and other causes of bone mass deterioration has been identified (Table 1). Recently it has been demonstrated that, in contrast to primary osteoporosis which is associated with age, gender, and family history, secondary osteoporosis shows a prevalence in men similar to that in women (men 21% versus women 17.5%) [1]. However, at presentation with a recent clinical vertebral or nonvertebral fracture, at least 27% of patients have previously unknown contributors to secondary osteoporosis, which are treatable or need follow-up [2]. Therefore, a careful medical examination always should be carried out in each patient with a recent fracture to exclude potentially reversible causes of bone loss. In comparison with primary osteoporosis, treatment of secondary osteoporosis is usually more complex and requires treating the underlying disease. The main focus of this special issue is on current research that advances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the endocrine and metabolic causes of bone mass deterioration. In the paper " Bone mineral density accrual determines energy expenditure with refeeding in anorexia nervosa and supersedes return of menses, " the authors in the clinical study examined the disproportionate increase in resting energy expenditure that occurs with refeeding of women with anorexia nervosa to determine if it was related to bone mass increase. They found that prolonged nutritional rehabilitation may lead to recovery from osteopenia (a common finding in anorexia nervosa) and resumption of menses in the women who remain amenorrheic with low bone mineral density (BMD). The paper entitled " Protective role of black tea extract (BTE) against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-induced skeletal dysfunction " was aimed to examine the chemoprotective actions of aqueous BTE on decreased BMD induced by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in the Wistar rats. Some previous studies have suggested that habitual tea consumption might have beneficial effect on BMD in adults. In this study, the authors confirmed this suggestion in rats and also found that BTE may influence levels of RANKL, osteoprotegerin, and bone turnover markers. The paper " Bone health in patients with multiple sclerosis " describes the up-to-date diagnostic criteria and includes detailed …


Earlier published work on the determination of molybdenum with an incandescent air-acetylene flame showed that aluminium could be used effectively to suppress the interferences of such elements as strontium, calcium, manganese and iron, but this has not been confirmed for manganese and iron by other workers. Indications are that this is caused by instrumental characteristics. Ammonium chloride, subsequently shown to be effective in the suppression of manganese and iron interference in metallurgical analysis, was found to suppress the interferences of alkaline earth chlorides, but to have no effect on a severe interference by calcium ion, sulphate and phosphate in combination. As aluminium ion was found to suppress this interference, a mixture of aluminium and ammonium chlorides is suggested for general application.


A conduction welding apparatus and method for bonding abutted thermal plastic tubular end portions is particularly suitable for welding PFA. In a preferred embodiment, a folding weld head embraces the abutted the tubular end portions to be welded, each tubular end portion including a flange spaced from the surfaces to be joined. The weld head includes means for securing the flanges within the weld head and further include bias means. The bias means provide an inward axial bias on the adjoined tubular end portions when the tubular end portions are displaced axially outward from the weld head due to the expansion of the plastic during the weld process. The bias means in a preferred embodiment is substantially inoperative prior to the weld and provides bias, or a substantial increase in bias, when the flanges are displaced due to the expansion of the molten PFA during the weld process. In a preferred embodiment, the securing means comprises a pair of clamps which each attach to and encompass the respective tubular end portions at the end portion flanges. The tubing clamps fit into recesses in the weld head. In such a preferred embodiment the bias means is provided by a spring loaded plate which is deflectable in an axial direction outward from the weld head. The invention also includes a process for accomplishing a weld with the described apparatus.


Attempts to isolate the N2-fixing endophyte of Ceanothus caeruleus (Rhamnaceae) root nodules, led to the isolation of nine actinomycetous strains. Owing to their inability to fix nitrogen (Fix-) and nodulate (Nod-), they could not be regarded as the effective endophyte. Characterization was done based on morphological and physiological features and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The effective Frankia endophyte was characterized without cultivation by amplification, cloning, and sequencing of nearly full length 16S rDNA and partial nifH genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA revealed that both the effective endophyte and the isolated actinomycetes belong to two different but well-defined lineages within the family Frankiaceae. One lineage is formed mainly by uncultured endophytes that so far have resisted isolation, and the other includes only Fix-/Nod- isolates. Application of temperature gradient gel electrophoresis techniques to actinorhizal nodules allowed us to detect and identify 16S rDNA sequen...


The yield of chlorocyclohexane increased slowly with rising of reflux rate during the reactive distillation process of chlorocyclohexane preparation by photochlorination of cyclohexane. Thus, the existence of parallel reactions in this system was confirmed tentatively. The chlorinated liquid from the process for preparation of chlorocyclohexane by photochlorination of cyclohexane was analyzed by gas chromatography?mass spectrometry. The structures of 8 main products were determined. 3 parallel reactions were determined through the macroanalysis of reaction process. The consecutive-parallel reaction network mechanism was determined preliminarily. The present work may present a reference for research of reaction kinetics and optimization of preparation of chlorocyclohexane with reactive distillation process.


Salient findings of the fourth serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 infections conducted among the age cohort above 10 years in Tamil Nadu (India) have been described. The overall seroprevalence of 87% was reported in the survey done in December 2021, whereas in the first, second, and third surveys, the seropositivity was 32%, 29%, and 70%, respectively. The % share of the antibodies formed due to vaccination in the third and fourth surveys have the contributions of 6.2% and 28.3%, respectively as per the vaccination record of the state since the above given proportion of the state's population (full population) was fully vaccinated (two-dose) by the time the two surveys were conducted. Age-wise break up of seropositivity of the fourth survey showed that the cohort of 10-18 years had the least (68.4%) seroprevalence and adults above 60 had the highest at 84.5%. The rate of the spread of the virus decreased due to the hybrid immunity developed by infection and vaccination. Using the vaccination and serological data, the % enhancement of the antibodies formed due to vaccination has been worked out in the real world on the ground.


It is regretted that the originally published paper (Gustafsson, 2011a) was not the author's final amended version. We apologise for this oversight and reproduce the entire corrected paper here in print and online, with revised notation.


Aluminium pigments react in alkaline aqueous media (e.g., waterborne metallic paints) with the evolution of hydrogen. Low- and high-molecular weight styrene-maleic acid copolymers inhibit the corrosion of aluminum pigments in a mixture of water and butyl ether of ethylene glycol at a pH value of 10 very effectively and are much better corrosion inhibitors than high-molecular weight polyacrylic acids or a styrene-acrylic acid copolymer. There is a correlation between the composition of the styrene-maleic acid copolymers and the evolved hydrogen volume: the lower the acid number the lower the hydrogen volume ― resulting in a higher corrosion inhibiting effect.


We fabricated polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) operating in the ultraviolet (UV) region by a wet-process. The samples consisted of simple bilayer structures. In particular, the electronand hole-transporting materials were doped in the active layers to improve the carrier injection into the active layer. We observed a peaking wavelength of 389 nm was observed in the electroluminescence (EL) spectrum. In addition, the maximum external quantum efficiency was 1.8%.


James Watt's 1769 patent is widely supposed to have stood in the way of the development of high-pressure steam technology until it finally expired in 1800. We dispute this popular claim. We show that although it is true that high-pressure steam technology developed only after the expiration of Watt's patent, the delay was due to factors other than that patent itself, including the widely held opinion that the use of high-pressure engines were excessively risky. Indeed, Watt's monopoly rights may actually have hastened the development of the high-pressure steam engine by inspiring Richard Trevithick to revive a supposedly obsolete technology so as to invent around them.


The research aims to find out the impact of service quality and satisfaction on loyalty. Five dimensions of service quality i.e. issue program, academic reputation, physical aspect, career opportunity, contact personnel, responsiveness, and communication were analyzed. This research is descriptive – quantitative in nature. Data were obtained by using questionnaire which was distributed to the students of SMK Negeri 11, Jakarta. Using proportionate stratified random sampling technique, total sample of 87 respondents were obtained. Data were examined using both descriptive and statistical analysis. Results indicated physical aspect, responsiveness, and communication had the influence on the student satisfaction, meanwhile contact personnel, responsiveness, communication, and satisfaction had the effect on loyalty. Physical aspect had an indirect influence on student loyalty. It is suggested that the management pay more attention to program, academic reputation, career opportunity, and contact personnel. There is also a need for more research to answer which physical aspect is the most dominant. Keywords : service quality, satisfaction and loyalty


OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of asymptomatic, histologically proven prostatitis in men with symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia and to observe the correlation between asymptomatic prostatitis and prostate specific antigen (PSA) density. INTRODUCTION The incidence of type IV prostatitis is unknown. There is a tendency to correlate the presence of inflammatory prostatitis with an elevation of PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS From August 2000 to January 2006, 183 patients who underwent surgical treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia as a result of obstructive or irritative symptoms were prospectively studied. In accordance with the histology findings, these patients were divided into two groups: group I included patients with the presence of histological prostatitis and group II included patients with the absence of histological prostatitis. The mean PSA densities were compared. RESULTS Histological evidence of prostatitis was observed in 145 patients. In this group, the mean PSA density was 0.136 ± 0.095. In 38 cases, there was no evidence of inflammation upon histological examination of the surgical samples. In these 38 cases, the mean PSA density was 0.126 ± 0.129. No statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups; the p-value is 0.124. CONCLUSION Abnormal PSA density should not be attributed to the inflammatory prostatitis process.


The idea of using nucleotide sequences as barcodes for species identification has stirred up debates in the community of taxonomists and systematists. We argue that barcodes are potentially extremely useful tools for taxonomy for several reasons. Barcodes may, for example, help to identify cryptic and polymorphic species and give means to associate life history stages of unknown identity. Barcode systems would thus be particularly helpful in cases when morphology is ambiguous or uninformative and would provide tools for higher taxonomic resolution of disparate life forms. Comparative analysis of short DNA sequences may also represent heuristic access cards to a deeper understanding of evolutionary relationships between organisms. However, barcodes are the "essence" of species identities no more than taxonomic holotypes are "the species". It makes no sense to think that morphology and other biological information about organisms can be made obsolete by barcode systems. The biological significance of matching or diverging nucleotide sequences will still have to be the subject of taxonomic decisions that must be open for scrutiny. It is imperative, therefore, that barcodes are associated with specimen vouchers.


Abstract Conventionally the corruption perception index (CPI) of a country is assumed to be the true reflection of the concerned country's public (government) sector corruption on the ground that government is of the people, for the people and by the people. Country's public sector corruption (PSC) is still being evaluated by the perception and interpretation of the corporate sector firms (CSFs), which determine the frequency, volume and speed of inflow or outflow of corporate investment, domestic or foreign. So the corporate perception about PSC acts as a signal, green or red, for encouraging or discouraging the flow of investment of the CSFs. But unfortunately and surprisingly the paradox is that most of the CSFs are gravely involved in various names and nuances of corruption, for which they are convicted and fined by the courts of law in such a way that they are compelled either to close down or to subsist on break-even point. So the corruption of CSFs can indirectly reduce the country's level of investment. Hence as high PSC hinders or curbs country's level of investment via the red signal of CPI, similarly the same effect is realized via the red signal of the courts of law. Then what is the significance of the construction of CPI on the basis of the perception or judgment of the CSFs that are devoid of corporate ethics. This paper also questions the credibility of the government's credibility index (GCI) based on the perception of the CSFs. Is CPI itself free from corruption?


for Learning and Teaching?" The Modern Language Journal 94 (1): 103–115. doi:10.1111/ j.1540-4781.2009.00986.x. Garcia, O. 2009. Bilingual Education in the 21st Century: A Global Perspective. Malden, MA: Wiley/Blackwell. Helot, C., and A.-M. de Mejia, eds. 2008. Forging Multilingual Spaces. Integrated Perspectives in Majority and Minority Bilingual Education. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. Kenner, C., and T. Hickey, eds. 2008. Multilingual Europe. Diversity and learning. Stoke on Trent: Trentham Books. Lave, J., and E. Wenger. 1991. Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Rampton, B. 2006. Language in Late Modernity. Interaction in an Urban School. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.


Collapse accumulation is one of the most common bad geology bodies in mountain and canyon regions in southwest of China. Jiuzi collapse accumulation, which is located in the left bank of 400~1200 meters from wanjiakouzi hydropower station in the Xuanwei city Yunnan province, is primarily performing as a collapse body with some sliding character. Due to the close location to the dam site, Jiuzi collapse accumulation shows a tremendous safe hidden trouble to the engineering construction, and studying on its stabilization is of prime importance. Taking Jiuzi collapse accumulation as an example, expound the application of the Rosenblueth moment estimation method into probabilistic analysis of slope stability, effectively combined the traditional safety factor method with probability assessment method.


Abstract Background Situation‐Background‐Assessment‐Recommendation (SBAR) is a tool for structuring communication between healthcare professionals. SBAR reduces medical errors, however few studies have evaluated its quality in real practice. Aims To describe the quality of SBAR utilization by intensive care unit (ICU) nurses during phone conversations with physicians. To assess the influence of nurses' training, professional experience, and call circumstances on this quality. Study Design This observational study was conducted in the adult ICU of a university hospital in French speaking Switzerland. All consecutive telephone calls from nurses to physicians during a calendar month, were recorded. Those related to a change in patients' clinical status were selected and analysed. The quality of SBAR utilization was assessed using a pre‐defined analysis grid. Scores ranged from 0 (worst quality) to 100% (best quality). Nurses' sociodemographics and training record were collected. Multiple regression was used to assess determinants of SBAR quality including nurses characteristics and level of training. Results We analysed 290 phone calls, made by 99 nurses. The median SBAR quality score was 41% (interquartile range [IQR] 33–48). Quality scores varied across the four items of SBAR: Situation 88% (81–94), Background 17% (6–27), Assessment 17% (0–33), and Recommendation 33% (17–40). Factors independently associated with higher SBAR quality were age (−0.66%, p = .002, 95% CI [−1.07; −0.25]), primary language other than French (−8.40%, p = .017, 95% CI [−15.29; −1.51]), lack of ICU expertise (−9.25%, p = .013, 95% CI [−16.5;1–1.99]), and SBAR training in pre‐graduate nursing education (+11.53%, p = .028, 95% CI [1.27; 22.79]). Conclusions The quality of SBAR utilization remains low in ICU clinical practice. Pre‐ and post‐graduate training seem to improve its quality. Relevance to Clinical Practice Pre‐graduate mandatory training associated with multiple repetitions could improve nurses' SBAR utilization. Training using the SBAR tool should be combined with the development of nursing skills in assessment and clinical judgment.


This research conducts a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the Ba in the mid-sentence. Based on the description of the semantic types of the subsequent discourse of Ba, combined with the domain theory to analyze its interpersonal pragmatic function, mental space and domain value differences. The main point is: Ba in the mid-sentence indicates a pause and relaxation in the content world, expresses embarrassment and "adding new cognition" in the epistemic world, and eases interpersonal distance in the speech-act world; the functions of Ba in the mid-sentence are dynamic and diverse, which are consistent and closely related to the context and the proposition. these functions are not isolated and disorderly, but the projection of multiple domains of mental space, and the domain value changes regularly.


ABSTRACT. Diapausing pupae of Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart and S. bullata Parker reared at 20 or 25d̀C readily survive exposure to ‐ 10d̀C for at least 25 days. In contrast, non‐diapausing pupae produced by a variety of means are consistently intolerant of the low temperature. Non‐diapausing pupae are not immediately killed by exposure to ‐10d̀C: pupae exposed to the low temperature for up to 3 days proceed with pharate adult development but ultimately die before adult eclosion. Unlike many temperate zone insects, diapausing flesh fly pupae do not require a period of chilling for induction of cold‐hardiness, and the attribute of cold‐hardiness cannot be separated from other features of the diapause syndrome. Some cold‐hardiness is already acquired during the third larval instar: diapause‐destined larvae exposed to ‐10d̀C are more successful in pupariating than non‐diapause‐destined larvae of the same age.


Political crisis and democratic renewal in Africa electoral systems and democratization in Africa electoral corruption and manipulation in Africa - the case for international monitoring the 1989 elections and the decolonization of Namibia democratization and the 1991 elections in Zambia Kenya - the survival of the old order settling old scores - from authoritarianism to dependent democracy in Lesotho blocked transition in Nigeria - democracy and the power of the oligarchy the democratic transition in Malawi - from single-party rule to a multi-party state choosing "the freedom to be free" - the South African general elections of 1994 conclusion - false dawn or democratic opening?


Contents: Beethoven and the new categories of symphonic music - Aspects of architectonics - Content and form - Musical themes and the "poetic conception" - Universality of the symphony: genres and characteristics - The symbol in music - Satanism and the Crucifix - Dall' Inferno al Paradiso - Rhythmic leitmotivs - Characteristic Chord - Symbolic Sounds.


Non-market valuation supporting water management: the case study in Czestochowa, Poland Y. Kountouris, I. Godyn, and J. Sauer Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, 14 Princes Gardens, SW7 1NA London, UK Institute of Water Engineering and Management, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland Chair for Production and Resource Economics, Technical University Munich, Weihenstephan, Germany


Rising concern in environmental issues on global scale has made energy saving in powered equipment a very important subject. In order to improve the energy efficiency and driving range of a motor hoist, a regenerative braking system is designed and discussed. The system takes a unique ultracapacitor-only approach to energy storage system. The bi-directional bride DC/DC converter which regulates current flow to and from the ultracapacitor operates in two modes: boost and buck, depending on the direction of the flow. In order to provide constant input and output current at the ultracapacitor, this system uses a double proportional-integral (PI) control strategy in regulating the duty cycle of PWM to the DC/DC converter. The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PWSM) drive system is also studied. The space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique, along with a two-closed-loop vector control model, is adopted after detailed analysis of PMSM characteristics. The overall model and control strategy for this regenerative braking system is ultimately built and simulated under the MATLAB and Simulink environment. A test platform is built to obtain experimental results. Analysis of the results reveals that more than half of the gravitational potential energy can be recovered by this system. Simulation and experimentation results testify the validity of the double PI control strategy for interface circuit of ultracapacitor and SVPWM strategy for PMSM.


Until now, rather limited empirical research has been conducted as regards managers who coach their employees (Crabb, 2011). The aim of this research was to investigate the managers' challenging and successful experience when coaching their employees and how these coaching sessions were assessed by their employees.The overall study investigated 15 middle managers – from a major Danish nationwide company who were trained to coach by two coaching psychologists through theoretical presentations, individual coaching and peer coaching sessions with direct supervision (learning-by-doing: Spaten, 2011b) – when they were coaching their 75 employees through an online survey and semi-structured interviews.Four middle managers and employees were interviewed after the intervention. Thematic analysis was chosen and elicited three main themes: (1) coaching skills; (2) professional and personal development; and (3) the coaching relationship and power relation.The study found that the manager as coach should be highly sensitive and empathetic in building the coaching relationship, should be aware of the power relation, and should draw clear boundaries between their role as leader and their role as coach. The middle managers' coaching skills were assessed very positively by employees.


Temperature distribution in the pavement structure, moisture distribution in granular soils, modulus of the asphalt concrete, and fracture toughness of material in the pavement structure strongly influence the propagation and spacing of thermal contraction cracks. Fracture toughness was determined for frozen sand (subbase layer) and frozen crushed stone (base layer) by adapting established fracture mechanics test procedures recommended in American Society for Testing and Materials standard test method E399-83 for metals. It was established that fracture toughness increases with decreasing temperature and increasing volumetric ice content. For a temperature of –5°C, the fracture toughness of frozen crushed stone increased almost linearly from 0.05 to 0.40 MPa·m0.5 when the volumetric ice content increased from 6 to 14%. For frozen sand, the fracture toughness KIC in a wedge-opening mode increased from 0.04 to 0.70 MPa·m0.5 when the volumetric ice content increased from 8 to 28%. It was also established tha...


PROCEDURE AND GENERATOR FOR GENERATING A GAS GAS MIXTURE PESTICIDE SPRAYING AIR phosphine and a closed environment, FOR EXAMPLE, A GRAIN SILO (22) Phosphine. GAS WITH MOISTURE CONTENT IN ADJUSTED, IF NECESSARY, by drying or humidifying IS PASSING THROUGH A aluminum phosphide or magnesium, preferably in a cartridge (13) PULL. CARTRIDGE PREFERABLY is completely filled metal phosphide (14) in powder or granular MAY HAVE SIDE WALLS GAS IMPERMEABLES PARALLEL, FLEXIBLE AND STRETCH TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF metal phosphide during hydrolysis, AND EXTREMELY POROUS WALLS.


Objective To observe the efficacy of the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis on the treatment of the proximal humerus fractures.Methods Sixty-two cases of Neer Ⅲ and Ⅳ proximal humeral fractures were treated with the locking proximal humerus plate.They were randomly divided into two groups: minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis in 30 cases(minimally invasive group),and the traditional anteromedial incision approach in 32 cases(traditional group).All fractures were fixated with the locking proximal humerus plates.The operation time,the blood loss,the incision length,the postoperative Neer score,the healing time of bone were recorded.All the data were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 statistical software.Results The mean operative time was(80.20±12.41)min and(122.50±20.20)min in minimally invasive group and traditional group(P0.05).The blood loss was(164.67±35.21)ml and(330.94±84.71)ml(P0.05).The incision lengths were(9.07±1.05)cm and(15.56±1.24)cm(P0.05),and the Neerscores were(90.40±7.96) and(82.63±8.64) in minimally invasive group and raditional group(P0.05).The fracture healing time was(18.53±3.22)week and(18.22±3.72)week in minimally invasive group and traditional group.There was no statistical difference(P0.05).Conclusion The treatment of Neer Ⅲ and Ⅳ proximal humeral fracture with the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis is a perfectly innovational method.


This document presents a prototype that uses Network Coding as a tool for the recovery of lost packets in a butterfly network which is implemented using Software Defined Networking (SDN). The system is based on Ryu as the SDN controller; modules were developed for setting up the rules of the switches that structure the butterfly network, one without network coding and another for using it. Two complementary applications were developed, one for performing the tasks associated to network coding that requires generating new packets and the other for performing the necessary tasks to recover lost packets. Finally, the results of several tests performed using the prototype are presented and discussed and conclusions are drawn. Keywords-Network Coding; Computer Networks; IP Networks; Software Defined Networking; Software Systems.


In this study the baghouse ash (fly ash) from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plants was heated in a fixed bed reactor, from 25 °C to 800 °C. An optical fiber UV/VIS spectrometer was employed as the real-time monitor to probe the emission behaviors of organic compounds. A two-dimensional (2D) correlation technique was used to specify organic matter existing in exhausted gas. Three adsorbents, including water, acetone and cyclohexane, were used to adsorb the organic and molecular chlorine in the gas emitted from the reactor. Concentrations of molecular chlorine (Cl 2 ), total organic carbon (TOC), and total inorganic carbon (TIC) in these adsorbents were analyzed to evaluate the reactions occurring in fly ash. We have found that generation temperatures of molecular chlorine were found mainly at 200 °C and 750 °C, which are attributed to the dechlorination of chlorinated-organic compounds and vaporization of heavy metal chlorides, respectively. 2D correlation UV/VIS spectra are useful to extract valuable information from the one-dimensional UV/VIS of emitted gas. The identified organic species would be diethylamine, dibenzo-p-dioxin, thioxanthone, 1,4-dichloro-anthraquinone, benzene, 1-naphthalene azo, azulene, dibenzanthrone, 1-chloro-4-notroso-benzene and 4-nitro-toluene. The emission behaviors of dibenzo-p-dioxin, thioxanthone, azulene and dibenzanthrone were reported, and we concluded that the chlorine emission is almost always earlier than the release of these UV/VIS-sensitive organic compounds.


Structural countermeasures such as rigid and flexible barriers are commonly installed in mountainous regions to intercept mass-wasting processes. Without sufficient and reliable comparable physical data, the study of impact mechanisms remains difficult and not well understood. In this study, a newly developed flexible model barrier together with a rigid barrier are used to simulate either dry granular or viscous liquid impacts on these model barriers in a geotechnical centrifuge. The novel flexible barrier is made of four instrumented cables controlled by spring mechanisms to replicate a bilinear prototype loading response. Tests revealed that regardless of barrier type, both dry granular and viscous flows could have similar frontal dynamic impact coefficients around unity. Compared with the kinetic energy of flow mass (∼10 MJ), only 249 kJ of flexible barrier energy capacity was mobilized. This implies that debris-resisting barriers may only be required to intercept the dynamic flow front as the subseque...


This study is aimed to investigate effect of fly ash on compressive strength, free expansion and shrinkage of expansive concrete. High CaO and low CaO fly ashes are used in this study. The replacement percentages of total binders by fly ash are 0 and 30% by weight. The replacements of expansive additive are 0, 20 and 30 kg/m 3 of concrete. The test results revealed that the use of fly ash especially the high CaO fly ash can enhance expansion of expansive concrete at early age. The use of fly ash also reduces shrinkage at long term of the expansive concrete when compared with that of the expansive concrete without fly ash. Therefore, dosage of expansive additive in concrete can be reduced when fly ash is incorporated in the expansive concrete. An enhanced expansion of the expansive concrete is mainly due to a formation of ettringite which is verified by XRD/Rietveld analysis. The compressive strength is tested in conditions of unconfinement and confinement. The results revealed that the compressive strength of expansive concrete treated under confined condition is improved. The expansive concrete containing fly ash with a superior expansion is more effective to improve the confined compressive strength. This is because the restricted expansion under confinement leads to an improvement of microstructure, so making denser paste structure and gaining more strength.


port this theory was sought, but no correlation was found between growth along terminal hair follicles and clearance in a retrospective study looking at clinical characteristics and histological features of 98 lesions in PDT for in situ SCC. Interestingly, transplant and immunosuppressed status clearance rates (Table 3) were not statistically significantly increased or decreased at 12 weeks and 12 months (P = 0.504 and P = 0.807, respectively). Gender (P = 0.119, 0.213), age (P = 0.153, 0.996), previous skin cancer (P = 0.639, 0.180) or previous failed treatment of the lesion (any modality; P = 0.190, 0.209) were not associated with outcomes at the 5% significance level. The rates of clearance in this tertiary public dermatology outpatient clinic are comparable to, but overall lower than published rates, with the exception of nodular BCC (n = 2). Direct comparisons are difficult due to differences in published treatment protocols. This may be due to the mean age of our cohort and the severity of lesions treated, as moderate to severe AK are more resistant to PDT. In our cohort, only lesions considered significant enough to biopsy were referred for PDT treatment, and there were no field treatments, which it is considered may have led to a selection bias for hypertrophic AK, concerning for in situ SCC clinically, as opposed to mild to moderate AK as referenced in the product information. In the department studied, solid organ transplant recipients and significantly immunosuppressed patients are reviewed indefinitely. With detailed documentation of location and histopathological diagnosis of treated areas, PDT remains an appropriate second-line modality in solid organ transplant recipients.


Escherichia coli K-12 (E. coli K-12) is a representative indicator globally used for distinguishing and monitoring dynamic fates of pathogenic microorganisms in the environment. This study investigated how to most critically quantify lacZ (-galactosidase) gene in E. coli K-12 by two different real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) in association with three different DNA extraction practices. Three DNA extractions, i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/proteinase K, magnetic beads and guanidium thiocyanate (GTC)/silica matrix were each compared for extracting total genomic DNA from E. coli K-12. Among them, GTC/silica matrix and magnetic beads beating similarly worked out to have the highest (22-23 ng/µL) concentration of DNA extracted, but employing SDS/proteinase K had the lowest (10 ng/µL) concentration of DNA retrieved. There were no significant differences in the quantification of the copy numbers of lacZ gene between SYBR Green I qPCR and QProbe-qPCR. However, SYBR Green I qPCR obtained somewhat higher copy number as 1×10 8 copies. It was decided that GTC/silica matrix extraction or magnetic beads beating in combination with SYBR Green I qPCR can be preferably applied for more effectively quantifying specific gene from a pure culture of microorganism.


The methods for calculating efficiency of a dye lamp-pumped one-pass amplifier in the emitter resonance lidar are considered taking into account the effect of noise amplification in the active medium. The calculation results indicate that the main mechanism of radiation energy limitation with the increase in the length of the amplifier active medium is the amplified radiation noise.


Abstract : Research was continued on the development of the space background problem as faced by optical space defense systems operating in the infrared spectral region. Optical sensors for space applications must work in a background consisting of a multitude of point sources on the celestial sphere. This has presented a serious challenge to the designer to develop discrimination techniques for detecting essentially point targets against a stellar background. Further, the targets are relatively cold bodies (300 K) with most of their emitted energy concentrated in the far infrared. The aim is to locate and identify by theory and direct observation all thermal sources in space, stellar or otherwise, which will produce irradiances comparable to the irradiance from a relatively cold body at long range. For a preliminary measurement program, a new and improved stellar photometer was designed. Herein is described in detail the design of the optical-mechanical and electronic elements of the photometer system.


The category of space lies in the center of the conceptual picture of the world of any ethnic group and is being analyzed on the material of different languages in different directions, but ways of expression of orientation according to the cardinal points in a language have virtually not been studied. Separate publications on this issue are discussed in the article.


This graduation paper has the goal to research the acceptance of the shot beverage, 5 Hour Energy, in today Quito market. It also looks forward getting to know the reasons of the positive or negative outcome of the acceptance of the beverage. The price of this shot type drink is high, if you compare it to drinks that are bigger in size and other energy drinks found locally, which makes very difficult to compete based on the price. The drink most likely would have an important acceptance in the proposed market but its marketing must have a differentiation strategy based on the products most attractive and important features. Such features are, it contains 4 calories, zero sugar, hours of energy with no crash later, and great portable, convenient size and above all feel the effect felt in just minutes. To reach the main goal which is obtaining acceptance for the drink in Quito market you need to be specific in the results you want to get. The target market which was determined will be in charge of the sales growths, which are the working adults with a lot of work load under the age of 45, the college students of majors that require a lot of study time, trekking and mountain sports people, and the cab drivers who work the night shift...


Objectives: Paediatric obesity predicts adult obesity, and alarming new data in New Zealand reveals that obesity among the young continues to rise. In this study, we used a novel solution‐focused paradigm, or appreciative inquiry perspective, to explore the factors that influence not just obese but non‐obese states (that is, healthy weight as well as obesity), in Pacific adolescents (aged 13–17) living in socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods.


Current therapy of myasthenia gravis (MG) commonly requires treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Although effective, these drugs are often associated with adverse side effects,' including inhibition of necessary (as well as pathologic) immune responses. Ideally, treatment of MG should eliminate only the immune response against the autoantigen, acetylcholine receptor ( AChR), while leaving the remainder of the immune system intact. One way of approaching this goal is to inhibit the autoimmune response by means of suppressor cells specific for AChR. We have used the immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporin A (CsA), together with purified AChR to induce suppressor T cells specific for AChR? Our method is based on the observation that CsA inhibits helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells but still allows the activation of suppressor T cells by antigen.= This is particularly important in autoimmune diseases, such as MG, because the lymphocytes are already sensitized to AChR. When reexposed to antigen (i.e., AChR) to induce specific suppressor cells, these cells would instead produce an overwhelming autoimmune response. The use of CsA circumvents this problem by preventing the antigen-driven helper T-cell response while allowing the activation of suppressor T cells to AChR.


Inter-process communication (ipc) has to be fast and effective, otherwise programmers will not use remote procedure calls (RPC), multithreading and multitasking adequately. Thus ipc performance is ...


Objective To observe the effects of focused ultrasound irradiation on the Yong Quan acupiont at reducing blood lipid levels. Methods Hyperlipemia rat models were established by feeding the rats with high-fat feedstuff. The Yong Quan acupoint of hyperlipemia rats was exposed to focused ultrasound irradiation,after which the levels of serum total cholesterol(TC) ,triacylglycerol(TG) ,high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C) ,and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C) were determined. Results TC and TG levels in hyperlipemia rats were significantly reduced after focused ultrasound irradiated the Yong Quan acupoint(P0.05) . No significant difference was found between the ultrasound group and the acupuncture group. Conclusion Focused ultrasound irradiation to the Yong Quan acupoint in hyperlipemia rats can reduce TC and TG levels significantly and plays an effective role in regulation of blood lipids.


Electrochemical and theoretical investigations over triple-quadruple-, quintuple-, and sextuple-decker sandwich-type compounds {[(Pc*)Sm][(Pc*)Cdn(Pc*)n][Sm(Pc*)]} (n = 0–3) elucidate successive π–π interaction-linked extension in the perpendicular direction of the phthalocyanine plane along with increasing the stacked tetrapyrrole number, significantly improving the nonlinear optical properties including effective imaginary third order molecular hyperpolarizability and optical limiting threshold.


ABSTRACT
This study analyzes the attitudes and behavior of small business enthusiasts, along with examining the influence of entrepreneurial personality on entrepreneurs' performance using the Andragogik approach. The results of mapping found some personality values which will be used as exogenous, intervening, and endogenous variables. These values are achievement motivation and self efficacy as exogenous variables, entrepreneurial commitment as an intervening variable, and individual performance as an endogenous variable. The study also explains that achievement motivation, self efficacy, and commitment to entrepreneurship have a positive and significant impact on the performance of small-scale entrepreneurship. Motivation variable has the most dominant influence, either directly or indirectly on individual performance through commitment to small entrepreneurship in Takalar. Keywords: achievement motivation; self efficacy; entrepreneurship commitment; small business.


In this paper, the color reaction of lead with o-nitrophenylfluorone (o-NPF) in microemulsion has been studied. Lead (II) reacts with o-NPF to form a stable 1∶3 complex at pH 10.0. Its apparent molar absorptivity is 8.74×10~4 L·mol~(-1)·cm~(-1) at 598 nm. Beer's law is obeyed in the range of 0~(1.2 μg/mL). In order to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of the developed system in real sample analysis, sulfhydryl dextrane gel (SDG) separation/preconcentration prior to spectrophotometric analysis was employed. The method is used to determine trace amount of lead in food samples with satisfactory results.


Traditional extrusion based Additive Manufacturing (AM) is realized using a 3 Degrees of Freedom (DOF), translation only, 3D printer. Here, the printer must be larger than the printed part. One way of enabling AM in large-scale is to combine AM with robotics. By using a 6 DOF robot manipulator to extrude a fast-curing material, the workspace of the build would be greatly expanded and it would be possible to increase the flexibility of the building process itself since the structure would no longer have to be built from the bottom-up approach which is necessary for most existing forms of AM. This could possibly reduce the need for support structures to the point of only relying of anchoring and stabilizing. In this thesis, a method for generating a path for AM using robot manipulators that takes advantages of the robots DOF is presented. The path is generated based on simple surfaces in CAD models. First, the surface(s) is sampled and the samples are gathered in a point cloud. Then, a path is generated based on the point cloud using a path generation algorithm. Three different path generation algorithms was implemented and tested: greedy choice, weighted greedy choice and Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP). Out of the three algorithms, the weighted greedy choice algorithm shows the most promise. With this algorithm, paths that enable printing along curved surfaces and reducing the need for support structures was generated. The method is effective, and by interfacing with FreeCAD, it is easy to review the generated paths through visual aids. It is, however, important to mention that the method only generates paths based on simple surfaces and is based on the assumption of fast-curing material enabling mid-air printing.


Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are widely used for summative assessment in many different subjects. The tasks in this format are particularly appealing because they can be graded swiftly and automatically. However, the process of creating MCQs is far from swift or automatic and requires a lot of expertise both in the specific subject and also in test construction. This thesis focuses on exploring methods for the automatic MCQ generation for assessing the reading comprehension abilities of second-language learners of Swedish. We lay the foundations for the MCQ generation research for Swedish by collecting two datasets of reading comprehension MCQs, and designing and developing methods for generating the whole MCQs or its parts. An important contribution is the methods (which were designed and applied in practice) for the automatic and human evaluation of the generated MCQs. The best currently available method (as of June 2023) for generating MCQs for assessing reading comprehension in Swedish is ChatGPT (although still only around 60% of generated MCQs were judged acceptable). However, ChatGPT is neither open-source, nor free. The best open-source and free-touse method is the fine-tuned version of SweCTRL-Mini, a foundational model developed as a part of this thesis. Nevertheless, all explored methods are far from being useful in practice but the reported results provide a good starting point for future research.


Seamless management of producer mobility in named data networks (NDNs) has become an inherent requirement to satisfy the ever-increasing number of mobile user devices and the streaming of widespread real-time multimedia content. In this paper, we first classify the various producer mobility management (MM) schemes into four different approaches. Then, we select a representative scheme from each approach and conduct a comparative analysis between them to suggest the most suitable producer MM approach for a broad class of latency sensitive applications, such as video and audio streaming and broadcasting over NDNs. To assess and compare the efficiency and effectiveness of the representative schemes, we implemented them in the NDN defacto NdnSIM simulator and used the same network scenarios and mobility settings. The results show the superiority of the producer MM scheme that follows the data plane-based approach, which yielded lower data loss rates, lower data delivery delays and lower signaling overheads.


Peter Campus, Douglas Davis, Dara Birnbaum, Stan Douglas are a selection of artists who have worked on performance and video art. This paper takes a look at artists who have joined the criticism of mass culture and consumption, using the media and their narratives to deconstruct them.


The electromagnetic circularly polarizing undulator (CPU) installed at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) storage ring produces skew quadrupole field errors, which were initially corrected by a small skew quadrupole magnet at one end of the device. Because the storage ring is operated at 1% coupling or less, a correction not located at the source inside the CPU is insufficient, as we have confirmed in simulation. Adding a skew coil at the other end of the CPU allows us to make a complete correction of the coupling source in the undulator. Correction set points are determined by APS's general optimizing software with the vertical beam size of an x-ray pinhole image as a readback.


The
vadose zone of a landfill site proposed as an integrated waste management
facility was evaluated based on geohydrological, chemical and microbiological
characteristics of the groundwater and underlying soil. These data were also
used to assess the attenuation capacity of the zone by the use of microbial
degradation test of some major constituents including fatty acids, organic
nitrogen and chloride of the leachate for a 28-day period. The main soil type
in vadose zone consisted of brownish clayey sand of low permeability. The depth
to water table which is equal to the thickness of the vadose zone varied from 8
- 13 m. Groundwater flowed with a hydraulic gradient of approximately 4.0 × 10Dž and a pore velocity of 1.6 × 10Dž cm/sec. The results of the
biodegradation tests showed that the major constituents of the leachate such as
ammonia/organic nitrogen, phosphate and organic carbon were completely degraded
within 28 days. The population of aerobic bacteria within the 6 m soil depth
was sufficient to bring about over 0.05% organic carbon removal. The soil
characteristics in the vadose zone are very favourable for the occurrence of
natural attenuation. The potential natural attenuation capacity of the vadose
zone is therefore classified as moderate to high.


The energy crisis of the 1970's, perhaps fortunately, is occurring at a time when the computational power of the computer is far enough advanced to contribute significantly to the solution of the resulting problems. Four technical sessions at NCC last month sampled some of these contributions and forecast some of the requirements energy problems will place on computers in the decade ahead.


Study design, materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of 331 consecutive women referred to an urogynecology ambulatory clinic due to lower urinary tract symptoms. Medical history was taken, urogynecological and urodynamic examinations were performed according to the standards of the International Continence Society. The degree of prolapse was assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q). The subjects were asked to complete a disease-specific QoL questionnaire – the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Detailed questions were asked about symptom severity, as well as day and night use of continence pads. A total of 307 women with UI were enrolled for further analysis and categorized according to the use of absorbent materials. Group I included women using continence pads only during the day i.e. in and outside the home, only outside the home, occasionally or changing underwear, but not at night. Group II consisted of patients using continence pads during day and night (24 hours). Patients not using continence pads or only for hygiene reasons were excluded. Medical history, urogynecological examination and questionnaire scores were compared. Altman's nomogram was used to determine the sample size for approximately 60 subjects in each group to give 80% power to detect a difference of 15 units in KHQ scores based on SD=30.0 at a significance level of 5%.


Among all infinite dimensional Banach spaces, Hilbert spaces have the nicest and simplest geometric properties. In Hilbert spaces the following two identities 2 2 2 , 2 ) 1 ( y y x x y x     for all E y x  ,


An efficient protocol which involved mechanical destruction of cell walls by freeze thawing and removal of polysaccharide by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide precipitation is described for the rapid isolation of high molecular weight (≥ 50 kb) DNA from the Spirulina platensis. The DNA yield ranged 1.0-1.54 μg/mg dry wt with the purity measured at A 260/280 of 1.77-1.82. The DNA preparation was suited as substrate for restriction and PCR.


What does AIDS teach us about social science, Gary L. Albrecht and Rick Zimmerman AIDS as a sociohistorical phenomenon, Sam Friedman risk perception and AIDS, Jennie Jacobs Kronenfeld, Deborah C. Glik, et al from epidemic to modern illness - the social construction of AIDS in France, Claudine-Herzlich and Janine Pierret the public and personal meanings of bisexuality in the context of AIDS, Mary Boulton and Ray Fitzpatrick powerlessness, invisibility, and the lives of women with HIV disease, Rose Weitz occupational health risks of harm reduction work - combating AIDS among injection drug users, Robert Broadhead and Kathryn Fox organisational response to AIDS in the workplace, Judith K. Barr stigma and homecoming - family caregiving and the "disaffiliated" intravenous drug user, Steven Crystal and Nina Glick Schiller promoting whose health? Models of health promotion and education about HIV disease, Peter Aggleton the sociological imagination in AIDS prevention education among gay men, Philip M. Kayal.


Depth-Image-Based Rendering (DIBR) is a fundamental technology in several 3D-related applications, such as Free viewpoint video (FVV), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). However, new challenges have also been brought in assessing the quality of DIBR-synthesized views since this process induces some new types of distortions, which are inherently different from the distortions caused by video coding. This work is dedicated to better evaluate the quality of DIBRsynthesized views in immersive multimedia. In chapter 2, we propose a completely No-reference (NR) metric. The principle of the first NR metrics NIQSV is to use a couple of opening and closing morphological operations to detect and measure the distortions, such as "blurry regions" and "crumbling". In the second NR metric NIQSV+, we improve NIQSV by adding a "black hole" and a "stretching" detection. In chapter 3, we propose two Fullreference metrics to handle the geometric distortions by using a dis-occlusion mask and a multi-resolution block matching methods.In chapter 4, we present a new DIBR-synthesized image database with its associated subjective scores. This work focuses on the distortions only induced by different DIBR synthesis methods which determine the quality of experience (QoE) of these DIBR related applications. In addition, we also conduct a benchmark of the state-of-the-art objective quality assessment metrics for DIBR-synthesized views on this database. The chapter 5 concludes the contributions of this thesis and gives some directions of future work.


An input-series–output-series inverter system is suitable for the large-capacity high-voltage ac power applications. If such a combined system comprising a number of small-capacity inverters is utilized in the high-power grid-connected power generation to replace a single high-capacity inverter, the voltage stress of the module would be greatly reduced. Additionally, the reliability of the whole grid-connected system could be effectively heightened owning to its flexible assembled-connection architecture. The principal issues for this grid-connected combined system touch upon multiple control objectives, including power balance, high power factor of the grid current, suppression of LCL resonance spike, and redundant operation of the system. Above all, the control variables are attentively screened to obtain a concise scheme to achieve the first three fundamental demands. Furthermore, the control units are dispersed into each module and a hot-swap technique is proposed to actualize the last objective, acquiring the superior reliability of the system. Finally, a three-module prototype is fabricated and the experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.


A new kind of carborane-containing aromatic diamine, 1,2-bis (4-aminophenyl)-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane (HPPA), as a curing agent for epoxy resins was synthesized and confirmed by proton, carbon and boron nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The compatibility, thermal curing behaviour and thermal properties of HPPA/epoxy resin E51 system were investigated. HPPA exhibited good compatibility with E51. Compared with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulphone (DDS)/E51, HPPA/E51 system had higher reaction activity and lower curing temperature. When the ratio of amine protons versus epoxy groups was 1:1 in resin systems, the epoxy resin cured by HPPA exhibited the highest glass transition temperature of 207°C. The residual weight ratios of cured HPPA/E51 at 800°C under argon and in air atmospheres were 43.7% and 50.5%, respectively, which were 28.6% and 47.2% higher than that of DDS/E51, respectively, indicating that the HPPA/E51 system had good heat resistance.


The determination of the properties of aqueous salt solutions of poly(ethylene oxide) has been extended to cloud-point and θ-temperature measurements in sodium acetate, potassium fluoride, sodium thiosulfate, and potassium phosphate. The Hofmeister series for the decreasing effect of anion species in salting out the polymer is accordingly extended. However, the order of the effect depends on whether it is made on the basis of molar anion concentration the molar concentration of unit anion charge, or the ionic strength. Viscosity measurements on θ and non-θ solutions containing zinc sulfate, potassium fluoride, and potassium phosphate gave polymer dimensions (in addition to limiting viscosity numbers etc.), and characteristic ratios in good agreement with theoretical predictions (Abe and Mark), and enthalpy and entropy parameters χH and χs; the latter values, nominally −0.14 and 0.63, are identical at 298 K for the three salt species.


meso-Tetraalkylporphycenes were synthesized in a few steps using intramolecular oxidative coupling of the Z-isomer of 5,6-dialkyldipyrroethenes. The use of a hypervalent iodine(III) reagent, namely phenyliodine(III) bis(trifluoroacetate), is essential for performing these reactions.