This paper presents the design, fabrication and measurement of the first pull-in free tunable evanescent-mode microwave resonator based on arrays of electrostatically actuated fringing-field RF-MEMS tuners. Electrostatic fringing-field actuation (EFFA) is the key on achieving a wide tunable frequency range that is not limited by the conventional pull-in instability. Furthermore, total lack of dielectric layers and no overlap between the pull-down electrode and movable beams significantly enhance the robustness of our proposed tuning mechanism by making it devoid of dielectric charging and stiction and amenable to high-yield manufacturing. The proposed electrostatic fringing-field tuners are demonstrated in a highly loaded evanescent-mode cavity-based resonator. The measured unloaded quality factor is 280–515 from 12.5 to 15.5 GHz. In addition, a 10× improvement in switching time is demonstrated for the first time for EFFA tuners in a tunable microwave component by employing dc-dynamic biasing waveforms. With dynamic biasing, the measured up-to-down and down-to-up switching times of the resonator are 190 and 148 μs, respectively. On the other hand, conventional step biasing results in switching times of 5.2 and 8 ms for up-to-down and down-to-up states, respectively.


The overall objective of the program is to demonstrate and commercialize the IGT two-phase BIOGAS Process for optimized methane production from, and simultaneous stabilization of, municipal solid waste (MSW). The specific objective of the current program is to conduct a laboratory-scale investigation of simple, cost-effective feed pretreatment techniques and selected digestion reactor designs to optimize methane production from MSW-sludge blends, and to select the best pretreatment and digestion conditions for testing during the subsequent program for process development unit (PDU) operation. A significant portion of the program efforts to date has been directed at evaluating and/or developing feeding, mixing and discharging systems for handling high concentration, large particle size RDF slurries for anaerobic digestion processes. The performance of such processes depends significantly on the operational success of these subsystems. The results of the subsystem testing have been implemented in the design and operation of the 10-L, 20-L, and 125-L digesters. These results will also be utilized to design the CSTR and the upflow digesters of a large two-phase system. Data collected during the initial phase of this research showed in general that methane production from RDF decreased as the loading rate was increased. Thermophilic digestion did not appear to bemore » significantly better than mesophlic digestion. 9 figures, 3 tables.« less


Low temperature cooling provides excellent operating conditions for some conventional and superconducting electronics applications. The cooling requirements for these applications include moderate to low power levels (down to fraction of Watts) and very strict spatial and temporal temperature variation (in the order of 0.1K or less). In this paper, experimental and modeling results of a liquid nitrogen cooling system, using an EHD meso pump are presented. The pumping mechanism uses the EHD ion-drag technique. The experimental set-up, procedures and results are presented, followed by a pumping curve obtained by numerical modeling.© 2003 ASME


The Influence Diagrams (IDs) is a kind of Probabilistic Belief Networks for graphic modeling. The usage of IDs can improve the communication among field experts, modelers, and decisionmakers, by showing the issue frame from a high-level point of view. But with the size and scope increasing of the complex issue descibed, the IDs model evaluation is more and more difficult. Moreover, the appearances of some extended IDs made it's crying for approximate evaluating methods. This paper studys stochastic simulation for the evaluation of Dynamic-Stochastic Influence Diagrams (DSIDs), a kind of extended IDs, to discuss its sampling stopping procedure. The introduced stopping procedure and its implementation for scenarios comparison could bring more exact sampling times or less sampling time.


This cross-sectional study uses the Environmental Justice Index to assess the association between environmental injustice and health status at the neighborhood level.


Indonesia economic development cannot be separated from the role of natural resources, one of the natural resources that currently supports the Indonesian economy is coal. This research was conducted in order to see the prospects for coal mining activities at PT. Cipta Kridatama, site PT. Kuansing Inti Makmur (PT KIM), Bungo Regency, Jambi province through an analysis of management strategies in the form of investment feasibility. The research methodology used is descriptive qualitative in nature referring to quantitative studies, comparative studies (comparisons), and correlational studies. Data collection techniques are carried out by: field research, literature study and secondary data collection such as RKAB of the company. Based on field research, the data obtained included cropline roofs and M4 floor seam, coal strike and dip, overall highwall slope and outcrop area (section). The results of the investment feasibility study were obtained from coal resources based on a stripping ratio (SR) of 1:4.56. From the calculation results, the net present value (NPV) is greater than 0, which is 16,169,241,885, so it can be concluded that this project is considered economical and feasible to mine. The internal rate of return (IRR) is 19.807%, means that PT. Cipta Kridatama was able to return the invested capital with an increase in interest rates reaching 19.807%. Meanwhile, based on the payback period (PBP) calculation, it shows that the time needed for the investment capital to return is 5.6 years, this shows that the payback period is smaller than the project implementation period. The project ratio value (PI)>1 is 3.9537 which means the project is feasible to operate. The calculation has adjusted the discount rate, so the present value (PV) of coal mining PT. Cipta Kridatama of IDR 17,981,921,072.4 according to the discount level. Benefit cost ratio (BCR) value from PT. Cipta Kridatama is 24.66, which means the project is feasible to operate with the profits from the project are greater than the expenses so that the project is acceptable or feasible to continue.


This report is based on the investigation of the effect of temperature on the removal of Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ in aqueous effluent using C. bicolor biomass in a batch sorption process. The result showed that the most suitable sorption temperature was 40oC with maximum sorption capacities of 49.02 mg/g and 52.63 mg/g for Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ respectively. Various thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔG o , ΔH o , ΔS o and E a have been calculated. The data showed that the sorption process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature and that lower solution temperatures favours metal ion removal by the biomass. The findings of this investigation suggest that physical sorption plays a role in controlling the sorption rate. The sticking probability model was further employed to assess the applicability of the C. bicolor biomass as an alternative adsorbent for metal ion contaminants in aqueous system.


The majority of eating disorders occur in women of adolescent and childbearing age. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa are associated with adverse consequences during and after pregnancy, including higher rates of miscarriage, low birth weight, obstetric complications, postpartum depression and breastfeeding problems. Women with eating disorders are reluctant to disclose their condition or symptoms to health care professionals. Therefore, midwives need to improve their understanding of the predisposing factors associated with eating disorders, and of any indicators of the presence of these conditions during the antenatal or postnatal period. Increased knowledge in this area will help midwives to properly assess a woman's condition in order to promote a healthy pregnancy and neonatal outcome.


Purpose of the study: This study aims to provide a proposed model for intellectual property as a waqf asset with the perspective of legal substance and legal structure.
Methodology: This study was conducted by examining various regulations in the field of waqf. In-depth Interviews with the Indonesian Waqf Board and D.G.I.P. are used to identify obstacles to the implementation of I.P.R. Waqf. The data obtained were analyzed using a qualitative approach and presented in the descriptive form.
Main Findings: The results show that B.W.I., P.P.A.I.W., Appraisal, and Commercial Court play an important role in establishing a legal structure for the implementation of I.P.R. waqf. P.P.P.A.I.W. directly pertains to success in the administration of I.P.R. waqf. B.W.I., as a Nazir advisor, is needed in the socialization and enhancement of Nazir competencies, especially Intellectual Property Rights. Commercial Court, as a judicial institution that has the authority to provide the determination, can be involved in the process of implementing I.P.R. waqf. Meanwhile, to find out the economic value of I.P.R., an appraisal can also be involved.
Applications of this study: This study is useful for the Indonesian Government to make implementing regulations regarding Waqf with I.P.R. assets.


Recent literature in philosophy of science has criticized the practice known as inference to the best explanation (van Fraassen [1980], Cartwright [1983] and Friedman [1983]). The criticisms are varied. Some emphasize the fact that explanation has to do with providing answers to why-questions or organizing and systematizing our knowledge--pragmatic features that do not provide evidence for the literal truth of the background theory assumed in explanatory contexts. But, even for those that disagree about the pragmatic status of explanation, the best available explanation may not be the one that we would want to accept, even provisionally. Friedman opposes inference to the best explanation on the ground that it provides no guidance on the issue of whether we should construe theoretical structure literally or instrumentally. It simply fails to explain why theoretical structure should ever be taken literally. Regardless of whether we interpret theoretical structure as a mere representation of observable phenomena or as a literal reduction we enjoy the same consequences vis a vis the observable realm. Friedman's solution to this problem consists not in giving up this method of inference but rather of restricting its applicability. He argues that theoretical inference can be


Tuckermannopsis pinastri is a lichen species found commonly on rocks and tree branches in boreal and alpine habitats in the northern United States. Members of this species produce three yellow-pigmented phenolic compounds: usnic, pinastric, and vulpinic acids. The objective of our study was to quantify the variation in concentration of the latter two of these compounds in relation to substrate factors, chlorophyll content, and thallus size. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we analyzed 120 thalli of T. pinastri collected randomly from a single large population located at Spruce Knob, West Virginia. Although individuals were sampled from both tree and rock substrates that differed markedly in light intensity, these environmental factors were not correlated with observed variations in vulpinic or pinastric acid concentrations. Instead, compound concentrations were correlated most closely with thallus size, with small rather than large thalli having the highest concentrations of the two compounds. Small thalli did not have higher concentrations of chlorophylls than large thalli, however, which suggests that the rate of production of secondary compounds by the fungus in T. pinastri is independent of algal biomass. Inasmuch as lichen secondary compounds serve a defensive role against microorganisms and herbivores, our results suggest that small, juvenile thalli are better defended than more mature thalli.


The Present work shows a study on the effect of "Pulsed Plasma Nitriding and Post-Oxidation" treatment on mechanical properties and electrochemical corrosion performance (3% NaCl solutions) of a steel AISI 1045. The effect of temperature and processing time on surface hardness, oxidized layer thickness, electrochemical corrosion rate and crystalline phases was evaluated. Results show that post oxidation treatment at 400°C during 30 minutes promotes a reduction of corrosion rate about 50% the corrosion rate of the untreated reference sample. This phenomenon is attributed to the growing of a oxide thin film (about 400 nm thickness) constituted mainly of magnetite (Fe3O4) on a nitrided layer compose by Fe3N/Fe4N. Nitriding post oxidation process increases the hardness and corrosion performance of a common steel with several applications in industy.


Austerity economics is winning in America. It has become the central issue of our time and warrants our most focused attention. And it is all the more important since the Republican electoral landslide in November. In the view of this editor, we are repeating the tragic mistakes of our past. We are demanding that Americans tighten their belts in a weak economy as if that will restart economic growth. But even the International Monetary Fund has produced research to show that such austerity does not achieve that objective. No matter, the Republicans will demand spending cuts. The Democrats at best will disdain a new stimulus, however badly it is needed. In this issue, we present two pieces that approach the subject somewhat differently, but overlap in their point of view and some of their economic principles. First, Washington economist Thomas Palley, at the New America Foundation, lays out a comprehensive discussion of the contradictions of austerity. It is a most impressive work. Then Laurence Seidman of the University of Delaware covers some of the same principles, but puts forward a plan to cut the deficit after the economy has recovered. By the time readers receive this issue, the president's fiscal commission will have reported its recommendations, and other deficit commissions, including one on which this editor serves, will have released their reports. But these two pieces will hold up as precise analyses of the flaws of this type of thinking. At a time when all attention is on the financial industry and its handful of institutions deemed too big to fail, there is in fact an arguably even more damaging systemic risk in another industry: defense. The increase in spending on our military budgets has not resulted in commensurately greater security. The new weapons are more complex, but they have proven to be unreliable to win modern wars. Given the country's financial problems, it is time to engage the


Laboratory experiments designed to uncover mechanistic information about the spectral and spatial characteristics of shuttle glow were conducted. Pulsed oxygen atoms traveling at orbital velocities were directed toward a substrate which was previously dosed with NO molecules. Heterogeneous recombination of the O and NO species resulted in NO2* exiting the surface of the sample, and an associated emission was found to extend from the sample plane. In the experiments the materials investigated were Z306 Chemglaze® (a common baffle black paint), aluminum, and nickel. The sample temperatures were varied from 300 to 77 K, and the oxygen atom velocity was varied from 5 to 10 km s−1. The experimental results include the measure of (1) an effective NO2* lifetime of 185 μs, (2) complete surface thermal accommodation of the formed NO2*, (3) a large NO2* emission brightness which was inversely related to surface temperature, and (4) a spectral shape which indicates a red shifting to distance from the sample as well as (5) a slight spectral shift which appears to be material related. The preliminary experimental data from this experiment were presented by Caledonia et al. (1990).


Accurate models for estimation of remaining useful life (RUL) is a key tool to improve productivity and reliability in modern industries. Recent advancements in machine learning and easier availability of data are driving development of data driven prognostic frameworks for estimation of RUL. Direct adoption of learning algorithms is challenging due to inherent characteristics of the domain like non-causal definition of required target, heterogeneity among the units, and temporal dependencies. This paper proposes a prognostic framework that attempts to overcome these using a modified support vector regression (SVR) as its base. SVR is modified with temporal features and an adaptive penalty term that gives higher importance to targets closer to the end-of-life of units. An ensemble of such models is learned on groups of units having similar trajectories. The framework is evaluated on benchmark data set to estimate the RUL of aircraft engines.


With the increasing development of computer network and device technologies, live streaming becomes a new media format for various industries, such as electronic commerce. The opinion leader can record and broadcast their product recommendation in online live streaming. In this paper, we explore the effect of opinion leader features on audiences from the perspective of flow theory, in order to provide important implications for online livestreaming platforms aiming to optimize their operation mechanisms and recommendation algorithm.


6626Background: Despite limited data, PET-CT has become increasingly used as an initial staging tool in patients with SCLC. The test was endorsed by ASCO in September 2015 for staging in patients p...


The paper analyzes the creative strategy of cubo-futurists for self-promotion in the 1910s. The author's goal was to investigate the methods used to form the literary reputation of the "Gilea" group, based on published reviews of the performances of cubo-futurists known for aestheticizing creative behavior. It is important to study the media image of cubo-futurists in the press and the conflicts that arise between them and the media. The author comes to the conclusion that cubo-futurists deliberately formed the literary reputation of hooligans, their creative behavior was characterized by an attitude towards scandal. This image was replicated by the press, conflict relations with which were part of the Cubo-Futurists' strategy of selfpromotion.


Abstract A symmetry reduction of a (2+1)-dimensional nonlinearN-layer fluid model is shown to lead to a prototype for anN-component extension of the classical Ermakov system. The generalN-component Ermakov system introduced here has the attractive property that it may be iteratively reduced to a system ofN−2 linear equations augmented by a canonical 2-component Ermakov system. The recently established linearization procedure for the latter may then be used to solve theN-component systemN>2 in generality. The procedure is illustrated, in detail, for a 3-component system. Sequences of classical 2-component Ermakov systems are shown to be linked via Darboux transformations.


Background: Uterine inversion is a rare obstetric emergency with associated high maternal morbidity and mortality if intervention is delayed. The low incidence of uterine inversion results in sparse experience in resolving this obstetric emergency. There are many treatment strategies, but they are poorly described. The aim of this paper is to describe a rare case of acute uterine inversion and discuss it's management. Methods: A rare case report of acute uterine inversion following delivery in a multiparus woman which was treated promptly by obstetric team intervention with good outcome. Results: We were able to recognize the acute inversion of the uterus postpartum and offered manual uterine reversal using Johnson maneuver at an early stage without complications. The risk factor for uterine inversion was the fundal implantation of the placenta. Conclusions: The best management options for acute inversion of the uterus are not known, it is however important to keep in mind this diagnosis and be updated about the strategies required to achieve uterine reversal at an early stage.


LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Controlled Laboratory Study SUMMARY Purpose. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical proprieties of 4 and 5-strandgrafts. Methods. For the present study, fresh-frozen bovine common digital extensor tendons were used. Tendon grafts were prepared and sized to have a length of almost 27 cm and a cylinder 4 strand diameter of 8 mm. In half of all samples (Group A, n=12,), the graft was formed by 2 bundles duplicated around a metallic rod creating a 4-strand-tendon construct. In the other half of samples (Group B, n= 12,) 5-strand-tendon construct was created duplicating a single tendon around the rod, and tripling the other one. The grafts were preconditioned at 50 N for 10 min, followed by 1,000 cyclic loading between 50 and 250 N. Load-to-failure test was then carried out at a rate of 1 mm/s. Results. No statistically significant differences were found between two groups concerning cyclic elongation at the 500th cycle and at the final cycle. An increased stiffness was observed in the Group B during cyclic loads and at pull-out (p<0.05). Significant differences were noted at the ultimate load-to-failure between Group A (1533 ± 454 N) and Group B (1139 ± 276 N) (p< 0.05). Conclusion. This study showed that both graft construct appears to be biomechanically effective in a bovine tendon model. 5-strand-graft showed an increased stiffness and a decreased ultimate load-to-failure comparing to the 4-strand-graft construct. Biomechanically, no real benefit could be observed in the clinical setting increasing the numbers of strands used for the ACL reconstructive surgery.


Mixed-mode chemistries rely on at least two retention mechanisms (e.g. reversed-phase and ion exchange) to simultaneously extract a broad range of compounds from a single aqueous sample. Charged compounds can form strong ionic bonds with the ion exchange component, while other compounds are bound by the hydrophobic interaction of the reversed phase component. This multiple interaction requires a high ion exchange capacity to improve sample clean up of ionizable compounds. The Discovery DSC-MCAX provides the efficiency critical to isolating the more polar basic and zwitterionic compounds from the basic nonpolar fraction.


1. Burton GW, Traber MG, Acuff RV, et al. Human plasma and tissue a-tocopherol concentrations in response to supplementation with deuterated natural and synthetic vitamin E. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;67: 669–84. 2. Vatassery GT, Bauer T, Dysken M. High doses of vitamin E in the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system in the aged. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:793–801. 3. United States Pharmacopeial Convention. Vitamin E. In: The United States pharmacopeia and the national formulary. Rockville, MD: United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc, 2000:1747–9. 4. Cohn W. Evaluation of vitamin E potency. Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69:156–7 (letter).


In this study, we describe the removal of toluene vapors in a pilot scale biofilter. Biofiltration tests have been performed in a column fed upward with contaminated air at ambient conditions. The column was packed with a mixture of conditioned biomass and structuring agent on which a mixed microbial population of four selected strains was immobilized and then formed a biolayer. The biofilter was operated under various inlet-airstream toluene concentrations and flow rates of the contaminated airstream. Based on the present measurements, the biofilter proved effective in removing toluene at rates up to 165 g·h-1·m-3 of packing. The effect of some design and operation parameters (concentration of nutrients solution, presence of xylene, gas flow rate, pressure drop, temperature, etc.) are reported.


A 1.04 J, λ=515 nm laser at 1 kHz repetition rate was demonstrated by frequency doubling 1.2 J, temporally shaped square 2 ns pulses from a cryogenically cooled Yb:YAG laser in LBO crystals.


An operation guidance system for iron ore sintering process was developed, according to the characters of sintering plant in China. The sintering process is divided into three stages that(which are the ) forming, moving and disappearing of reaction zone. The control strategy integrated soft measurement, prediction and fuzzy control technology was put forward on the basis of analysis to mechanism of sintering process. Change of permeability in first stage was judged using integrated fuzzy judge method, and TRP and BTP were soft-measured according to temperature of waste gas. Predict model of BTP was build by time-list method. The self-adaptive fuzzy control algorithm was achieved by auto-center, non-linear quantification, self-adjust rules and so on. Industrial application of this system shows that the fluctuation of main status parameters can be fell down 18%~29%.


The question of the form of the chlamys is one of the most perplexing that meet us in the study of Greek costume. Every one of the numerous modern statements on the subject with which I am acquainted is either indistinct or, in my judgment, erroneous. And yet the evidence is abundant, consisting not only of numerous representations of the garment in vase-painting and sculpture, but also of several more or less specific indications in our literary sources.! Under these circumstances it would seem as if a convincing solution must be attainable. We are in the habit of applying the name "chlamys" with a great deal of confidence to all small brooch-fastened outer garments represented in Greek art. But for our present purpose it is better to take nothing for granted. For identifying, then, the chlamys in art we have chiefly the following data: it was fastened by a fibula (Isidore Orig. 19. 24. 2: chlamys est, quae ex una parte intduitur, neque consuitur, sed fibula infrenatur; Ovid Met. 14. 393, 394; Suetonius Tib. 6); it was associated with the petasus (Philemon, quoted by Pollux 10. 164; Anthol. Gr. xii. 78); it was worn by Hermes (Ovid Met. 2. 733; Lucian Tim. 30; Pausanias v. 27. 8). Accordingly, the chlamys may be recognized in such vase-paintings as Figs. 8, 463, 524 of Baumeister's Denknaler; Arch. Zeitung, 1854, P1. 67; Jahrbuch d. arch. Instituts, 1891, P1. I, and Anzeiger, p. 23. From these and similarly wellattested examples we may go on to identify the chlamys, with more or less of certainty, in numerous other cases; but the question whether every small brooch-fastened garment may safely be called a chlamys is one which I should like to leave open till the end. The vase-paintings just cited have been chosen because they clearly show that, if the chlamys had one definite shape, it was


One of the central themes in Chekhov's literature is the spiritual awakening of a man. In particular. after expedition to Sakhalin, the spiritual awakening of the characters in Chekhov's short stories became a pivotal key in his literary work. The awakening of the characters in Chekhov's work is divided into two types. First. the hero look back one's bygones and regret his past mistakes through his subconscious memory. Jakov in 〈The Violin of Rothschild〉 suffer a pailful sense that he had lived in the wrong way of life when his wife died of a disease. Second, the hero is abruptly conscious of unifying himself with nature and universe in the course of awaring the eternity of time. At this time the hero reached the state of great delight and feeling of escape from worldly existence. A seminary student Ivan Velikopolskij in 〈The Student〉 and an archbishop Peter in 〈The Bishop〉 were deeply moved by instantaneous spiritual awakening that the past is linked with the present by an unbroken chain of events flowing one out of another. Especially Ivan Velikopolskij perceived that he had just seen both ends of that chain. Here Ivan Velikopolskij's abrupt awakening is similar to the Zen of Buddhism. Chekhov try to get an answer to the mystery of human existence in the philosophical category of time and nature. According to Chekhov's thinking, one can obtain the existential meaning when he realize that he is going with the flow of nature and time as a part of the universe.


A mixture model incorporating long‐term survivors has been adopted in the field of biostatistics where some individuals may never experience the failure event under study. The surviving fractions may be considered as cured. In most applications, the survival times are assumed to be independent. However, when the survival data are obtained from a multi‐centre clinical trial, it is conceived that the environmental conditions and facilities shared within clinic affects the proportion cured as well as the failure risk for the uncured individuals. It necessitates a long‐term survivor mixture model with random effects. In this paper, the long‐term survivor mixture model is extended for the analysis of multivariate failure time data using the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) approach. The proposed model is applied to analyse a numerical data set from a multi‐centre clinical trial of carcinoma as an illustration. Some simulation experiments are performed to assess the applicability of the model based on the average biases of the estimates formed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Management information systems refer to methods used to manage information collected during an organisation's daily activities and can be used to determine business strategies and support the decision-making process. Plans for modernisation and improvement of service delivery rely on improvements in quality, efficiency and capacity, which, in turn, require strong systems for information storage and handling. The NHS provides a comprehensive range of services including information services to patients to promote good health, prevent disease and reduce health inequalities. It has a strong system for clinical governance and aims to improve the quality of its services. It has become evident that healthcare services has seen a shift from the dominance of clinical professionals to the position where institutions are managed based on market values. The NHS will have to prioritise investment in the training of staff to develop analytical skills of current economical and market forces. Interoperable IT systems wit...


Defects and amorphous C layers or clusters in a type-Ib diamond formed by C- or P-ion implantation under certain doses are clearly annealed or epitaxially crystallized during thermal annealing at 750 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C or during mega-electron-volt (MeV) ion-beam irradiation at 750 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Implanted P atoms are incorporated into substitutional sites after complete crystallization by using MeV-ion-beam irradiation. This is confirmed by using the Rutherford-backscattering-spectroscopy channeling method. A considerable amount of defects or amorphous clusters are formed by C-ion implantation at a 50-keV energy for a $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ dose. However, they are crystallized epitaxially to the crystalline diamond by using only thermal annealing at 750 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C or by using MeV-ion-beam irradiation at 750 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Above $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ C doses, continuous amorphous layers are formed internally in the substrate and epitaxial crystallizations proceed from both the crystalline substrate and the crystalline-surface region. Moreover, the rate of crystallization is higher for annealing with MeV-ion-beam irradiation than for thermal annealing at the same temperature. Epitaxial crystallization of the internal amorphous layer, however, stops in both thermal annealing and MeV-ion-beam irradiation, even if annealing time or irradiation dose increases. This is probably due to amorphous C changing into the graphite layers that occurs during thermal annealing or MeV-ion-beam irradiation. Graphite formation is also observed for the as implanted sample before annealing. Direct evidence of graphite formation is given from the channeling yield difference between samples for a $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ dose and for a $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ dose, showing clearly the stopping power difference between ${\mathrm{sp}}^{2}$ (graphite) and ${\mathrm{sp}}^{3}$ (diamond) bonding. Amorphous layers in diamond can be formed by C-ion implantation at a more than one order of magnitude smaller amount of doses, compared with those needed for the amorphization of the Si substrates. A calculated number of vacancies created per incident C ion in Si is larger than in diamond. Nevertheless, diamond is amorphized faster than Si. A mechanism is proposed for forming the amorphous layer in diamond. This consists of a bond-breaking process due to inelastic electronic scattering and the movement process of C atoms after bond breaking with the assistance of elastic nuclear scattering without recoil, induced by ion implantation. Atomistic models for ion-beam-induced epitaxial crystallization (IBIEC) and for low-temperature crystallization of implantation-amorphized epitaxial Si layer formed by ultrahigh vacuum chemical-vapor deposition are proposed and discussed, putting particular emphasis on the role of both nuclear and electronic scattering of incident MeV-ion beam. A similar atomistic model for the inclusion of implanted P atoms into substitutional sites is also proposed, based on this atomistic IBIEC model.


The dependence of the proton chemical shift of water on the concentration of sodium methane sulphonate, tetramethylammonium bromide, and tetrabutylammonium bromide was measured in water and in water-D2O mixtures. Chemical shift data were used to calculate the fractionation factors (o) for the methane sulphonate anion, the tetramethylammonium-, and the tetrabutylammonium cation. In agreement with the results of other studies the obtained fractionation factors (0.97 ± 0.03, 1.0 ± 0.05, 1.06 ± 0.05 for the above mentioned ions, respectively) indicate that the methane sulphonate anion decreases the structure of water (relative to that of bulk water) whereas the tetrabutylammonium cation is clearly a structure maker. The effect of the tetramethylammonium ion appears to be negligible.


Extended adjacency matrix of a graph with n vertices is a real symmetric marix of order n × n whose ( i , j ) -th entry is the average of the ratio of the degree of the vertex i to that of the vertex j and its reciprocal when i , j are adjacent, and zero otherwise. Aggregate of absolute eigenvalues of the extended adjacency matrix is termed as the extended energy. In this paper, the concept of extended vertex energy is introduced and some bounds of extended vertex energy are obtained. From there, we obtain some new upper bounds of the extended energy of a graph. Next, we obtain two inequalities which relate the extended energy with the ordinary graph energy. One of those inequalities resolves a conjecture which states that for every graph, ordinary energy can never exceed the extended energy. Using the relationships of extended energy and ordinary energy, we obtain new bounds of extended energy involving the order, size, largest and smallest degree of the graph. We show that these new bounds are improvements of some existing bounds. Finally, some improved bounds of Nordhaus-Gaddum-type are also found. MSC (2020): 05C50, 05C07.


This paper aims to explain the dimensions of inequality power relations and revictimization that occurred in a rape case by seduction in dating violence context. Using the case study of court decisions and radical feminist theory as a tool of analysis, the author argue that the narrative 'in the name of love' used by perpetrators of sexual violence in personal relations is actually another manifestation of the inequality of power relations and become site of female body subjugation. Therefore, forms of exploitation that use a 'proof of love' narrative in cases of forced sexual intercourse should be identified as part of sexual violence.


Background The optimal treatment for Bankart lesion remains controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of patients managed with open Bankart repair versus arthroscopic Bankart repair. Material/Methods After systematic review of online databases, a total of 11 trials with 1022 subjects were included. The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the PEDro critical appraisal tool, and non-RCTs were evaluated by Newcastle-Ottawa (NO) quality assessment tool. Outcomes of shoulder stability, range of motion (ROM), functional scales, and surgical times were analyzed. Results Data synthesis showed significant differences between the two strategies, with regards to stability of the shoulder (P=0.008, RR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.89 to 0.98), and ROM (P<0.001, SMD=−0.47, 95% CI: −0.72 to −0.22). Conclusions Open Bankart repair produced a more stable shoulder but had a relatively poor shoulder motion, compared with arthroscopic Bankart repair, for the treatment of Bankart lesion.


We introduce a simulator of charge transport in fully-depleted, thick CCDs that include Coulomb repulsion between carriers. The calculation of this long-range interaction is highly intensive computationally, and only a few thousands of carriers can be simulated in reasonable times using regular CPUs. G-CoReCCD takes advantage of the high number of multiprocessors available in a graphical processing unit (GPU) to parallelize the operations and thus achieve a massive speedup. We can simulate the path inside the CCD bulk for up to hundreds of thousands of carriers in only a few hours using modern GPUs.


Abstract : Since June 1988, the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has been assisting the Department of Defense in developing a systematic process to estimate U.S. stockpile requirements for strategic and critical materials. This report documents the work the IDA team has accomplished during Phase I of this effort, describes the principal results and uses of the analyses, and defines the scope of IDA's current initiatives and proposed efforts to strengthen this process in the coming year.


We surveyed the prevalence of quill mites in wild passerines captured in Wielkopolski National Park, Poland. A total of 438 birds of 12 species were mist-netted during three consecutive spring seasons from 2006–2008. Eight bird species were infested with syringophilid mites: Erithacus rubecula (L.) (index of prevalence, IP = 16.2%), Turdrus merula L. (IP = 22.4%), T. philomelos Brehm (IP = 10.5%), Fringilla coelebs L. (IP = 36.2%), Coccothraustes coccothraustes (L.) (IP = 7.4%), Sturnus vulgaris L. (IP = 53.6%), Sylvia atricapilla (L.) (IP = 6.1%) and Troglodytes troglodytes (L.) (IP = 7.1%). In four cases, multiple infestation was observed, where one bird species was parasitized by 2–3 species of quill mites occupying separate niches in the plumage of the host.


From Facebook groups and online gaming clans, to social movements and terrorist cells, groups of individuals aligned by interest, values or background are of increasing interest to social network researchers (Snow et al., 1980; Zheleva et al., 2009). In particular, understanding the structural and dynamic factors that influence the evolution of these groups remains an open challenge (Palla et al., 2007; Geard and Bullock, 2008, 2010). Why do some groups persist and succeed, while others fail to do so?


In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced a whole new set of challenges and opportunities in Telecommunications. Traffic over wireless networks has been increasing exponentially since many sensors and everyday devices are being connected. Current networks must therefore adapt to and cope with the specific requirements introduced by IoT. One fundamental need of the next generation networked systems is to monitor IoT applications, especially those dealing with personal health monitoring or emergency response services, which have stringent latency requirements when dealing with malfunctions or unusual events. Traditional anomaly detection approaches are not suitable for delay-sensitive IoT applications since these approaches are significantly impacted by latency. With the advent of 5G networks and by exploiting the advantages of new paradigms, such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and edge computing, scalable, low-latency anomaly detection becomes feasible. In this paper, an anomaly detection solution for Smart City applications is presented, focusing on low-power Fog Computing solutions and evaluated within the scope of Antwerp's City of Things testbed. Based on a collected large dataset, the most appropriate Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies for our Smart City use case are investigated.


This paper examines John Maynard Keynes's ethical theory and how it relates to his politico-economic thought. Keynes's ethical theory represents an attack on all general rules. Since capitalism is a rule-based social system, Keynes's ethical theory is incompatible with capitalism. And since socialism rejects the general rules of private property, the Keynesian ethical theory is consistent with socialism. The unexplored evidence presented here confirms Keynes advocated a consistent form of non-Marxist socialism from no later than 1907 until his death in 1946. However, Keynes's ethical theory is flawed because it is based on his defective logical theory of probability. Consequently, Keynes's ethical theory is not a viable ethical justification for socialism.


For fifteen years, the New Southern Studies (NSS) has been doing battle on two very different fronts. To Americanists, we have tried to talk about what Houston Baker and Dana Nelson, in the essay that named the movement, called "the national formation of the United States and the dynamics of race, region, and citizenship entailed by, as it were, a putatively split and decidedly Manichean geography"; to southernists, we have talked about the need to get beyond what the same pair of writers called "our familiar notions of Good (or desperately bad) Old Southern White Men telling stories on the porch, protecting white women, and being friends to the Negro." Although in both struggles we keep bumping up against putatively objective scholars' unacknowledged and deeply self-serving fantasies about who "we" are (whether as "Americans" or "southerners," "radical" Americanists or Atticus Finch-y liberal white southernists), the former arguments – as Baker and Nelson's diction suggests – have tended to be more abstract, theoretical, ambitious, interesting, and smart; the latter, in contrast, have always felt like a rearguard action.


We have compared the X-ray emissions of active binary stars observed at various epochs by the Einstein and ROSAT satellites in order to investigate the nature of their X-ray variability. The primary aim of this work is to determine whether or not active binaries exhibit long-term variations in X-ray emission, perhaps analogous to the observed cyclic behavior of solar magnetic activity. We find that, while the mean level of emission of the sample remains steady, comparison of different ROSAT observations of the same stars shows significant variation on timescales ≲2 yr, with an "effective variability" ΔI/I = 0.32 ± 0.04, where I and ΔI represent the mean emission and variation from the mean emission, respectively. A comparison of the ROSAT All-Sky Survey and later pointed observations with earlier observations of the same stars carried out with Einstein yields only marginal evidence for a larger variation (ΔI/I = 0.38 ± 0.04 for Einstein vs. ROSAT All-Sky Survey and 0.46 ± 0.05 for Einstein vs. ROSAT pointed) at these longer timescales (~10 yr), thus indicating the possible presence of a long-term component to the variability. Whether or not this long-term component is due to the presence of cyclic variability cannot be decided on the basis of existing data. However, assuming that this component is analogous to the observed cyclic variability of the Sun, we find that the relative magnitude of the cyclic component in the ROSAT passband can, at most, be a factor of 4, i.e., Icyc/Imin < 4. This is to be compared with the corresponding but significantly higher solar value of ~10-102 derived from GOES, Yohkoh, and Solrad data. These results are consistent with the suggestions of earlier studies that a turbulent or distributive dynamo might be responsible for the observed magnetic activity on the most active, rapidly rotating stars.


Evidence in the last few decades have supported claim that meditation can reduce stress and promote health; the effects of which are on physical and mental health, and cognitive performance. There is more evidence about the specific parts of the brain involved in producing these positive influences. The neuronal pathways are not fully understood; the model of chronic pain however may provide better evidence also indicating that mindfulness meditation has both immediate and long‐term effects on cortical structures and activity involved in attention, emotional responding and pain. This is an important topic as chronic pain is so pervasive, and the available treatments do not provide adequate relief for most patients. Neuro‐endocrine influences such as in cortisol homeostasis is important for cognitive and affective functions that depend on cortisol‐sensitive brain regions including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. A review of these relationships is evidence of the systems‐based nature of the organism and the integrated nature of the biology involved. The Orien L. Tulp/G.P. Einstein/Michael S. Rahman model of Neuro‐Physio‐Quanta, Coherence‐Congruence, is a dynamic model and framework used to understand the mathematical and quanta relationships within the biochemical and biophysical aspects of the human organism it allows the understanding and prediction of non‐invasive neuromodulatory therapeutics like meditation. This study will also explore case studies in literature and clinical practice in support of the G. P Einstein model.


Improving energy efficiency by monitoring household electrical consumption is of significant importance with the climate change concerns of the present time. A solution for the electrical consumption management problemis the use of a nonintrusive appliance load monitoring (NIALM) system. This system captures the signals from the aggregate consumption, extracts the features from these signals and classifies the extracted features in order to identify the switched-on appliances. This paper focuses solely on feature extraction through applying the matrix pencil method, a well-known parametric estimation technique, to the drawn electric current. The result is a compact representation of the current signal in terms of complex numbers referred to as poles and residues. These complex numbers are shown to be characteristic of the considered load and can thus serve as features in any subsequent classification module. In the absence of noise, simulations indicate an almost perfect agreement between theoretical and estimated values of poles and residues. For real data, poles and residues are used to determine a feature vector consisting of the contribution of the fundamental, the third, and the fifth harmonic currents to the maximum of the total load current. The result is a threedimensional feature space with reduced intercluster overlap.


This paper present the determination of concentration profiles of an Mg Al diffusion couple that was obtained with a high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope, the Hitachi SU-8000 equipped with a SDD EDS detector. From these concentration profiles, the inter-diffusion coefficient is determined with the Boltzmann-Matano technique. The advantages and disadvantages of working at high and low beam energy for quantitative x-ray microanalysis are highlighted. The f ratio method is used in this work to convert the x-ray intensities into composition.


With the arrival of the era of big data, processing large volumes of data at much faster rates has become more urgent and attracted more and more attentions. Furthermore, many real-world data applications present severe class distribution skews and the underrepresented classes are usually of concern to researchers. Variants of boosting algorithm have been developed to cope with the class imbalance problem. However, due to the inherent sequential nature of boosting, these methods can not be directly applied to efficiently handle largescale data. In this paper, we propose a new parallelized version of boosting, AdaBoost.Balance, to deal with the imbalanced big data. It adopts a new balanced sampling method which combines undersampling methods with oversampling methods and can be simultaneously calculated by multiple computing nodes to construct a final ensemble classifier. Consequently, it is easily implemented by the parallel processing platform of big data such as the MapReduce framework.


A library of 900 pyrimidine derivatives was screened virtually on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using Vlife MDS 4.1 software to identify potential candidates with anticancer and anticataract activity. A series of 2,4,6-substituted pyrimidine derivatives were synthesized in good yields from chalcones, where chalcones have been prepared according to claisen - schimidt condensation by condensing various ketones with aromatic aldehyde in presence of ethanol and sodium or potassium hydroxide. Their structures were confirmed by  IR, 1 H NMR and mass spectra. Biological screening of the potential candidates was done for anticancer and anticataract activity. The present study reveals that a derivative of pyrimidine shows activity against breast cancer and diabetic retinopathy through inhibition of VEGF.


ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this paper was to determine the amount of deformation in four commercial brands of nickel-titanium closed springs. Methods: A total of 130 springs were divided into 13 subgroups, according to their features and manufacturers (Morelli, Orthometric, Ormco and GAC) and activated from 100% to 1000% of the effective length of the nickel-titanium portion present at the spring, at 37 °C. Deactivation data were plotted and deformation was found graphically. The values were compared by analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test. Results: Springs manufactured by Morelli had the same amount of deformation when they were activated up to 700% of Y activation; springs by Orthometric had the same amount of deformation up to 600-700% of Y; springs by Ormco had the same amount of deformation up to 700-800% of Y; and finally, the majority of springs by GAC had similar deformation up to 800%-1000% of activation. All springs tested could be activated up to 700% without rupture. Conclusions: Most subgroups were similarly deformed up to 700% of activation, without rupture of springs. Subgroups 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E showed the same amount of deformation up to 1000% of activation without any rupture at all.


The role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) in elderly patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is unclear. We conducted a prospective study including 110 homogeneously treated patients with ALL aged 50–70 years. Their outcomes were analyzed by intention-to-treat on a donor-versus-no donor basis. Fifty-five patients (50%) underwent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing and were considered potential allo-HCT candidates, although only 25 (23%) eventually received an allo-HCT. Among potential allo-HCT candidates, patients with (n = 28) and without (n = 27) an HLA-identical sibling showed similar leukemia-free survival, overall survival (OS) and relapse risk, and the only variable associated with a better outcome was achievement of first complete remission (CR1) after induction therapy. Among the 25 patients who actually received an allo-HCT, the 4-year non-relapse mortality and OS were 42% (95% confidence interval 31–53%) and 37% (95% confidence interval 27–47%), respectively. In conclusion, having an HLA-identical sibling donor was not associated with a better outcome in patients with ALL aged 50–70 years.


A study of the pressure of BiCl/sub 3/ vapor in equilibrium with Bi-- BiCl/sub 3/ liquid mixtures was made by the transpiration method. The study covered the range of temperature of 230 to 410 deg and of composition from pure BlCl/sub 3/ to about 0.4 in Bi mole fraction. The vapor was found to be essentially BiCl/sub 3/ over the entire range studied. Activities of BiCl/sub 3/ calculated from the vapor pressures reflected positive deviations from Raoult's law for the solution. The relative partial molal enthalpies and entropies of BiCl/sub 3/ in the Bi-BiCl/sub 3/ solutions were slightiy positive for low concentrations of Bi and somewhat negative for higher Bi concentrations. (auth)


Helicobacter pylori is commonly associated with peptic ulcer cases as it, infects at least half of the world's population. H. pylori infection is typically acquired in childhood and persists chronically, probably continuing in the stomach throughout life. This research is aimed at comparing the efficacy of the faecal antigen tests with serology in detecting H. pylori in suspected peptic ulcer patients. Three hundred and seventy nine stool samples and equal number of blood samples were tested for antigens and antibodies to H. pylori respectively from208 males and 171 females of between 7- 57 years of age. Samples from one hundred and twenty six (33.2%) and 141 (37.2%) study participants were reactive to rapid faecal antigen and serology tests respectively. It is concluded that faecal antigen and serology for H. pylori are both effective diagnostic tools of the infection, and either one could be useful in early detection of the disease.


Objective: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of mental retardation, and affected individuals are more prone to infections, early senescence, Alzheimer`s disease and other anomalies. One of the principal characteristic of this pathology is the stress oxidative. Individuals with DS have increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. The objective of this study is evaluated the degree of oxidative stress in an adult population.
Methods: 17 individuals with Down syndrome, aged from 16 to 37 years, with a mean age of 24.3 ± 4.3 years, participated in the study. Were analyzed several biochemical parameters (glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-piruvic Transaminase (GPT), Alkaline phosphatase, gamma GT, lactate deshidrogenase (LDH), ferritin, saturation transferrin, transferrin, iron, ferritin, vitamin B12 and folic acid); haematological parameters (red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelets, mean platelet volume, leucocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils; selenium and zinc. The oxidation of proteins was analyzed by measuring the carbonyl groups in plasma; furthermore, it has measured the total antioxidant activity in plasma.
Results: There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the values total antioxidant activity of individuals with DS (1.08 ± 0.18 mM Trolox/L) and control groups (0.84 ± 0.15 mM Trolox/L). The levels of protein carbonyls in individuals with DS (0.51 ± 0.09 nM/ mg protein) were significant higher than the levels of protein carbonyls in control groups (0.34 ± 0.03 nM/ mg protein).
Conclusions: These results provide direct evidence that the oxidative stress is increased in individuals with DS. Since oxidative protein damage reflects increased degenerative processes, this data agrees with the reported premature aging, the increased incidence of cataracts and early Alzheimer changes in DS. This opens the possibility that antioxidant nutrient supplementation might help to ameliorate the pathology of DS.


The purpose of this study was to make a comparative analysis of the oral health knowledge, attitude and awareness of students in schools equipped with and without a dental clinic in the city of Gwacheon. The subjects in this study were 782 students in that area. Out of them, 398 students attended a school furnished with a dental clinic, and 384 attended another school that wasn ' t equipped with a dental clinic. It's ultimately meant in this study to contribute to boosting the managerial efficiency of a school dental clinic and stepping up the development of quality oral health programs. The findings of the study were as follows: 1. When the students from the two schools were compared in terms of oral health knowledge, there wasn ' t any significant gap between the two groups in general. One difference was that the students from the school furnished with a dental clinic were more aware of presentive treatment provided by a dental clinic than the others from the other school. 2. As for attitude to oral health, there was no significant difference between the two in every regard except daily mean frequency of having a snack. 3. Regarding oral health belief, the students from the school equipped with a dental clinic had a better oral health belief in every aspect including health status, importance of oral health and interest than the others, and the difference between the two was significant. 4. Concerning perception of school dental clinic, the students from the school furnished with a dental clinic were better cognizant of it. As to the necessity of it, both groups viewed it as necessary for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. In terms of preference for school dental clinic, the students from the school furnished with a dental clinic had a greater preference for that.


Induction motors and electric machines in general are important components in most industries. The condition monitoring of these machines is relevant at the industrial facilities for reducing costs and minimizing maintenance downtime. Infrared thermography is a non-invasive technique that allows on-line monitoring of electric machines; characteristic that makes it a suitable solution for industrial environments. However, some external parameters like the camera positioning and location can affect the estimations carried out by the camera. This work presents a methodology for thermal analysis on induction motors, showing how the location of the camera affects the thermography imaging process. Images are taken from different locations, relative to the monitored machine, and a comparative of the results is carried out for an experimental case of study consisting in a healthy induction motor and a motor with a damaged bearing. Results show that despite the fact that a change on the camera location produces a variation on the estimation of the temperature; the difference is not significant for applications on electric machines.


During last session of the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in September 2013, Secretary General of this organisation informed that shipping industry is waiting for some practical recommendations regarding e-navigation and principle of its introducing and asked for ending the discussion on e-navigation conception and its strategy implementation plan. Paper presents history and state of works on this subject conducted by two IMO Sub-Committees on Safety of Navigation (NAV) and Radio-communication and Search and Rescue (COMSAR) at the beginning of 2014 and remarks regarding possibility of realisation of the shipping industry expectations in near future.


The precursor of TiO2 ultrafine particles, titanium hydroxides, were synthesized in nonionic water in oiI (W/O) microemulsions.The red - shifted peak appeared in the UV - VIS spectrum when the vatue of co (ω= [H2O]/ [surfactant] ) or reaction time increased.The hydroxide particles were calcined at 650℃ and 1000℃ to form TiO2 ultrafine particles. The measurement of IR, XRD, TEM, EDS, BET surface area were used to characterized the particles. The results showed that the samples calcined at 650℃ were anatase Phase, and the average grain size and BET specific surface area were 24. 6nm and 53. 8m2/g respectively, and the samples calcined at 1000℃ were rutile phase, the average grain size and BET specific surface area were 53. 5nm and 20. 3m2/g respectively.


We combinebinaural sound-source localization and separation techniques foran effective deployment in humanoid-like robotic hearing systems. Relying onthe concept ofbinaural hearing, wherethehumanauditory 3D percepts arepredominantly formedonthebasis ofthe sound-pressure signals atthetwoeardrums, ourrobotic 3D localization systemusesonlytwomicrophones placed inside theearcanals ofarobot headequipped withartificial earsandmounted onatorso. Theproposed localization algorithm exploits allthebinaural cuesencapsulated within theso-called HeadRelated Transfer Functions (HRTFs). Taking advantage ofthesparse representations oftheear input signals, the3D positions oftwoconcurrent sound sources isextracted. Thelocation ofthesources isextracted after identifying whichHRTFsthey havebeenfiltered with usinga well-known self-splitting competitive learning clustering algorithm. Oncethelocation ofthesources are identified, they areseparated using ageneric HRTFdataset. Simulation results demonstrated highly accurate 3D localization ofthetwoconcurrent sound sources, andavery highSignal-to-Interf erence Ratio(SIR)fortheseparated sound signals.


Background

The asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 can act as an unseen carrier for magnifying the transmission of COVID-19.
Aims

This study was designed to appraise the burden of asymptomatic individuals and estimate their occurrence among different age groups and gender by reviewing the existing published data on asymptomatic people with COVID-19.
Methods

Three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search studies as per the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and the search was limited to English language. The study population of this review includes asymptomatic individuals infected by COVID-19. All original articles which have reported cases of the COVID-19 patients with no symptoms until 31 April 2020 were included in the study. Random effects model was applied to analyze pooled data on the prevalence of symptomless cases among total COVID-19 infected patients and also on different age groups and gender.
Results

In the meta-analysis of 16 studies, comprising 2,788 COVID-19 infected patients, the pooled prevalence of asymptomatic cases was 48.2% (95% CI, 30%-67%). Among the asymptomatic patients, 55.5% (95% CI, 43.6%-66.8%) were female and 49.6% (95% CI, 20.5%-79.1%) were children.
Conclusion

About half of the COVID-19 infected patients were asymptomatic cases. Children and females were more apparent to be asymptomatic patient of COVID-19 and could act as unseen carrier of SARS-CoV-2. Symptom based screening only, might fail to identify all SARS-CoV-2 infections escalating the threat of global spread of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, mass surveillance system tracking asymptomatic cases is a pressing need of public health, paying special attention to female and young children, which could aid in prevention and containment of this unprecedented pandemic.


The rigidity of traditional network architectures, with tightly coupled control and data planes, impair their ability to adapt to the dynamic requirements of future application domains, such as the Tactile Internet or Holographic-Type Communications. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architectures, which provide programmability to configure the network, have the potential to provide the required dynamism. However, given its centralized essence, SDN suffers from scalability issues. Therefore, efforts have been made to propose alternative decentralized solutions, such as the flat distributed SDN architecture. Despite its potential, the real applicability and scalability of decentralized SDN solutions are still open research questions. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the effects of different routing approaches on the scalability of flat distributed SDN architectures. Using the Open Network Operating System (ONOS) as our evaluation architecture, we have studied the tradeoff between routing overhead in the control data plane and inter-controller communications for different degrees of decentralization. We have found that routing applications, which only require control-data plane communication for setting the path, benefit more from decentralization than the ones which utilize inter-controller communications and ensure Quality of Service (QoS). Our findings highlight the need for efficient routing mechanisms to deal with inter-controller overhead while lowering the amount of control-data plane communication.


The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the model make a match assisted by question answer card on the excretion system on students' motivation and cognitive learning outcomes. The design of this study is Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The population of this research are students of class VIII semester 2, SMP N 1 Karangsambung, Kebumen. The samples to be used are class VIII A (experimental class) and VIII B (control class). Sampling technique with cluster random sampling. Analysis of the data used by the n-gain test and t test. This study has the results that there is an influence of make a match model assisted by the question answer card on the motivation and cognitive learning outcomes of students. The effect can be seen from the results of an increase test using N-Gain, the results obtained from the data that there is an increase in students' cognitive learning outcomes. Based on the results of this study "The effect of the model make a match assisted by question answer card on the excretion system material on motivation and cognitive learning outcomes of students" that have been done can be concluded on the model of a make a match assisted question answer card affect the cognitive learning outcomes of students with a value of t_count 4, 4945> t_table 1.9990 and the model of a make a match assisted by question answer card affect the motivation of students' learning with a value of of t_count 3.44879> t_table 1.9989.


Retroviruses are an important cause of neurologic disease in humans but the pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. To delineate pathogenic mechanisms in any neurologic disease in humans is extremely difficult and will continue to rely on the use of animal models. This review presents several murine models to study the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease which manifest noninflammatory spongiform lesions in the CNS. The cell types in the CNS infected by these murine retroviruses and their role in disease induction are discussed.


Proceedings for September, 1907, being part 1 of vol. xvi, contain a record of the excursions of this Club during 1906, and of the Winter meetings of 1906-7. An interesting excursion to the Lickey Hills was made under the direction of Professor Lapworth, and another notable excursion, in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Club, was made to Bourton-on-the-Water and Burford. Among the papers published is one by Mr. S. S. Buckman on "Some species of the genus Cincta." Of these the genotype is Terebratula numismalis, Valenciennes, afterwards known as Waldheimia numismalis. Two plates are given to illustrate this and nineteen other forms of Cincta. Another paper of considerable interest is by Professor C. G. Cullis and Mr. L. Richardson, entitled " Some remarks on the Old Red Sandstone Conglomerate of the Forest of Dean and the Auriferous Deposits of Africa." During the course of last year some stir was made in the newspapers about a discovery of gold in a locality about 200 miles distant from London. The locality is in the Old Red Conglomerate about one and a half miles south-west of Mitcheldean Road Station. The authors report that a small amount of both gold and silver do occur, "but it still remains to be proved that the gold occurs in any part of the rock, either at or below the surface, in sufficient quantity to be workable with profit."


Pulses have been described as a "poor man's meat and affluent man's vegetable" in India. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most legume crop grown during rabi season under receding soil moisture. Chickpeas is known to flourish in drought-prone conditions, but it seems to be sensitive to heat stress exceptionally during reproductive development, resulting in considerable yield loss. The performance of chickpeas under heat stress is more variable. It is crucial to develop screening tools to identify thermotolerant chickpea genotypes because of the increase in average global temperatures. In this view, a lab experiment was conducted to standardize the temperature induction response (TIR) protocol for chickpea seeds. The 70 % hydrated seeds were used for the experiment. This technique can be used as a potential tool to identify and select temperature tolerant lines at the seed stage itself from a large population. A set of six chickpea genotypes were screened for intrinsic tolerance using the standardized Thermo Induced Response (TIR) protocol. Among the genotypes JG-14, JG-11 and A-1 showed highest thermo tolerance in terms of higher survival of seeds (germination percentage) and seedlings with less per cent reduction in seedling survival, root and shoot growth. The genotypes with intrinsic heat tolerance can be explored for the development of varieties suitable for late sown conditions in Karnataka where chickpea is prone to terminal heat stress. The results of the study concluded and standardized the sub lethal temperature as 32 ºC to 50 ºC for 5 hours and 30 min, lethal temperature i.e., challenging temperature as 58 ℃ for 3 hours and LD 50 as 52 ℃ for 3 hours at seed level itself.


As the technology of connecting distributed power becomes more and more mature, more and more distributed power is incorporated into the distribution network, which makes the AC-DC hybrid distribution network receive unprecedented attention due to its ability to accommodate more distributed power sources. A hot topic researched by researchers at home and abroad, AC/DC hybrid distribution network is developed on the basis of active distribution network research, and its reactive power and voltage optimization problem is an important research topic related to it. In this paper, the coupling branch method is used to partition the voltage source converters into AC sub-regions and DC sub-regions. Based on the alternating-direction multiplier algorithm, a distributed reactive voltage optimization model is constructed with the goal of minimum active network loss and minimum node voltage deviation. It coordinates the distribution network in each sub-region through the coupling branch active power and node voltage consistency constraints, and uses the alternating direction multiplier to perform global coordinated and iterative solution.


The coding region of the nucleocapsid (N) gene was amplified from the viral RNA and inserted into the bacterial expression vector, pTrcHis2, for intracellular expression in three Escherichia coli strains: TOP 10, BL 21 and SG 935. The N protein was expressed as a fusion protein containing the myc epitope and His-tag at its C-terminal end. The amount of the fusion protein expressed in strain SG 935 was significantly higher than the other two strains, and was detected by the anti-myc antibody, anti-His and swine anti-NiV serum. Hence, the N(fus) protein produced in E. coli could serve as an alternative antigen for the detection of anti-NiV in swine.


The present invention provides a rotation operation part which is capable of absorbing shaft misalignment by a sufficient deformation force even when the shaft misalignment from a rotation type electronic part is generated in any direction. The rotation operation part is manufactured by integrally molding an operation portion (12) having a screw hole (120), a base portion (11), and a shaft portion (10) which connects both the portions from elastic resin, and fixing the base portion (11) on a rotation type electronic part(3). The shaft portion (10) includes a spiral spring (100) wound around a rotation shaft thereof, and the shaft misalignment with the rotation type electronic part is absorbed by the deformation of the spiral spring (100).


This paper investigates the reasons why the Moroccan King Mohammed VI, unlike his father, King Hassan II, and the Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has shown a strong reformist commitment to revise the Family Code and eventually launched substantive changes. I argue that those reasons must be found in the opportunities and/or risks for preserving the authoritarian status quo that were created by the specific political context in which the regimes operated. In making this argument I consider the inter-relation of two main political contextual factors as the determinants of the regime's commitment to reform on Shari'a-based issues: first, the position of Islamist parties and other key political parties – being included or excluded – within the formal political space; second, the relationships – cooperative or uncooperative – that Islamists have with the other political actors. The inclusion of Islamists within the formal political space and the arising of cooperative relationships between them and the other opposition parties allowed Mohammed VI to use the family law reforms as a 'divide and rule' strategy to weaken the opposition bloc. The political context did not provide similar incentives to Hassan II or to Bouteflika, thus contributing to their lack of commitment to reform and reducing the impact of the changes enacted. A crucial implication arises from the analysis: the closer the linkage between reforms of Shari'a and the opportunity for the regimes to maintain their power, the more they will have an interest in pushing for substantive changes. Otherwise reforms, if any, will be fated to be at most incremental and cosmetic.


Sir, Cytokine adsorbers, such as CytoSorb (CytoSorbents, Monmouth Junction, NJ, USA), play an increasingly important role in the treatment of critically ill patients suffering from excessive inflammatory responses. Cytokine adsorption as a treatment during severe sepsis contains the excessive systemic expression of proand anti-inflammatory substances during septic conditions. Recently, it has been shown that BetaSorb (CytoSorbents) removes antibiotics in an in vitro system. The removal of vitally important antibiotics by cytokine-adsorbing devices in vivo may result in insufficient and low antibiotic levels and a poor outcome and may finally promote the development of antibiotic resistance. However, to date, no in vivo data are available on the removal of these drugs by a cytokine filter. Here, we report, for the first known time, the use of in vivo pharmacokinetic monitoring of linezolid and meropenem during treatment with CytoSorb. A patient with septic shock and multiple organ failure was admitted to the ICU at the University Hospital of Munich. The patient's condition was characterized by excessive inflammatory responses, presenting with 1700/mL of leucocytes (reference range 4000 –11 000/mL), 46 mg/L of procalcitonin (,0.1 mg/L) and 563000 ng/L of IL-6 (,5.9 ng/L). An initial laparotomy showed an ischaemic bowel with peritonitis. The patient was immediately given intravenous meropenem (2 g) and underwent a segmental resection of the jejunum and colon with the surgical formation of an ileotransverse colostomy. A culture from an intra-abdominal smear revealed meropenem-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae and a linezolid-susceptible strain of Enterococcus faecalis during the subsequent course of the disease. In addition to meropenem, linezolid treatment was started 5 h after admission. Both antibiotics were administered intravenously with short infusion times (15–60 min). Because of the excessive cytokine storm, adjuvant therapy with an extracorporeal arteriovenous cytokine filter system containing adsorbent polymer beads (CytoSorb) was initiated (four times within 96 h). The first use of the cytokine filter had to be stopped because a second look surgery was required to achieve haemostasis. Over the following days, the patient's condition substantially improved (i.e. there was an improvement in renal and liver function and cardiorespiratory status, etc.). However, after 4 weeks and seven further repeat laparotomies, the patient died from multiple organ failure. In the context of an observational study (DRAK, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01793012), serum samples were primarily collected to quantify linezolid levels. The serum samples from the arterial line for antibiotic determination were collected during routine blood sampling at multiple timepoints before, during and after antibiotic administration (giving a total of 25 samples). The medical staff recorded the exact time of blood sampling. Samples were immediately sent to the Institute of Laboratory Medicine, centrifuged, aliquotted into polypropylene tubes and stored within 1 h at 2808C. The serum linezolid concentrations as well as meropenem concentrations were determined using a highly accurate LC–MS/ MS method. The therapeutic target ranges were assumed for linezolid as trough levels between 2 mg/L and 10 mg/L, and for meropenem as 40% of the time with a serum level .8 mg/L. Figure 1 shows that there was a substantial reduction in the level of IL-6 over the course of four CytoSorb treatments from 563000 pg/mL on Day 1 to 19400 pg/mL on Day 4. Using a high loading dose of linezolid (4×600 mg on Day 1) and meropenem (4 g on Day 1) because of critical illness, post-operative bleeding and the use of a cytokine filter, all of the measured antibiotic concentrations were above the lower limit of the therapeutic target range. However, we observed a high intra-patient variability for the linezolid and meropenem levels (range of lowest to highest peak level for linezolid1⁄411.90–20.01 mg/L and range of lowest to highest peak level for meropenem1⁄438.40–66.20 mg/L). The peak levels of linezolid were substantially lower (22%–40%) Research letters


The presence of calcium‐cemented ash beds serving as caprocks in hydrothermal systems calls for the examination of any chemo‐mechanical processes that may undermine or enhance their sealing capacity. Understanding these processes provides new information regarding how to model time‐dependent observations associated with seismicity and/or deformation in volcanic areas. In addition, since these ash beds are inherently similar to ash‐based concrete, a bridge of knowledge can be built across disciplines in the earth sciences and engineering. This paper investigates how the permeability of a volcanic ash cemented with hydrated lime changes upon exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2) in humid and hydrous conditions relevant to natural or human‐driven processes such as those found in hydrothermal settings or near wellbores used for secondary oil recovery, CO2 plume geothermal energy, or carbon storage. We characterized samples by their permeability during carbonation and subsequent changes in pore pressure and confining pressure. Products from the reaction of CO2 with the cemented ash matrix reduced permeability and entrapped fluids. The regions within samples permeated with unreacted CO2 were susceptible to fracturing upon rapid depressurization, but only when the effective stress state was sufficiently low. Altogether, the results indicate that lime‐cemented volcanic ash beds are particularly suited to act as flow barriers to CO2‐rich fluids.


A three-dimensional ion imaging spectrometer has been designed and calibrated by ion trajectories simulations. We present a recipe for the verification of the calibration by obtaining kinetic energy (KE) distribution from the recorded flight times alone and consequently correlating the two KE spectra.


The article focuses attention on managerialism from the point of view of its ideological status. It traces the rise of managerialism, the main contributors to theorising about the nature of managerialism, and the characteristics and appeals of an outstanding managerialist text. The article begins by outlining the major features of the economic and social context in the United States, the United Kingdom and other Western countries that have contributed to the rise in the intellectual and social standing of the concept of managerialism. The problem of establishing consensus on the definition of managerialism is noted, as is the difficulty of positioning it within the conventional left-right political spectrum. The nature of an influential variant of managerialism known as 'socially responsible' management is then explored.


This study aims to present a description of the
economic impact of COVID-19 in Asia, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. This
pandemic outbroke in the city of Wuhan in China, spreading to approximately 213 countries and territories around the
world and is still ongoing. We are particularly interested in investigating the
economic outlook for COVID-19. This document uses data from scientific
contributions published in the Dimensions research academic database; starting
from the fact that this situation is an event in development, still. In
addition, the bibliometric analysis tools of science from this Dimensions
platform are used. In addition, VOSviewer software was used to build and
visualize bibliometric science networks. To explore this issue in depth, we divided the
economic impact into several regions, that is, the Chinese economy, the Central
Asian economies, the South Asian economies, the Southeast and West Asian economies,
the European economies, the North African, North African economies, Middle East. With all intention, the document avoids the information that is
handled in the American continent, since
it is a much more accessible and current knowledge in our geo-economic contact. This scientific contribution concludes that epidemic situations
seriously affect economies around the world. The basic reasons behind such
severity are labor immobility, reduced productivity, supply chain disruption,
decreased exports, uncertainty, etc. This study is of interest for companies
and legislators to estimate and plan current and post-pandemic situations.


The most recent notable trend in worldwide optical fiber production and market will be introduced. It includes the fact that some important US patents concerned with optical fiber fabrication will expire in a few years and its effects on the optical fiber market in years to come, the merger and acquisition trend ,the trend on fiber price descent. This paper also expounds the strategies should be taken by new entrants in optical fiber market.


This paper constitutes the second part of the analysis of the behaviour of centres of action above the Atlantic since 1881. The present study examines the applicability of the generated time series of the central pressure and geographical location of the Iceland Low (IL), Azores High (AH), Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and South Atlantic Subtropical High (SSH) to the description of the surface circulation and its influence on the climate anomalies above the Atlantic and adjacent land areas in the period 1950—1989. Using the normalized anomalies of the pressure gradient between the cores of the AH and IL (AH—IL gradient) as a NAG (North Atlantic Oscillation) index, it can be shown that t his index is a practicable tool for the detection of characteristic spatial anomaly patterns in different climate variables above the North Atlantic and surrounding land areas. The 'strong' NAG (the AH-IL gradient above 'normal') in winter leads to a warming above northern and central Europe as well as to the development of the dipole-like anomaly patterns in the wind speed, sea-surface temperature, surface and tropospheric temperature and other variables above the western and eastern North Atlantic. The composite analysis for the 'weak' NAG reveals inverse patterns. The application of the characteristic parameters of the ITCZ and of the two subtropical highs as predictors of the rainfall variability in northeast Brazil and the Sahel for the period 1950-1983 shows that for the most part, these variations can be explained by the anomalies of the latitude position and intensity of the ITCZ. © 1998 Royal Meteorological Society. Int. J. Climatol., 18, 23-36 (1998) No. of Figures: 3. No. of Tables: 5. No. of References: 71.


Introduction Cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophoshpate (cGMP) are critical intracellular second-messengers involved in the transduction of a wide variety of extracellular stimuli, including peptide hormones, growth factors, cytokines, neurotransmitters and light. These messengers modulate many fundamental biological processes, including growth, differentiation, apoptosis, glycogenolysis, lipolysis, immune/inflammatory responses, etc. By catalyzing hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important determinants in regulating the intracellular concentrations and, consequently, the biological actions of these second-messengers (Fig. 1). The advent of molecular genetics has revealed the extraordinary complexity and diversity of the mammalian PDE superfamily, which contains at least 10 highly regulated and structurally-related gene families (PDEs 1-10).1-8 As depicted in Figure 1, some PDEs are highly specific for hydrolysis of cAMP (PDEs 4,7,8), some are cGMP-specific (PDEs 5,6,9), and some exhibit mixed specificity (PDEs 1,2,3,10). Most gene families are comprised of more than one isogene (indicated by A-D in Table 1). At least 19 genes encoding more than 30 isoforms have been identified. PDE families differ with respect to their primary structures, sensitivity to specific inhibitors, tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and mechanisms of regulation (Table 1).2-6 Within individual families, different mRNAs are generated from the same gene by use of different transcription initiation sites or by alternative mRNA splicing. These variant PDE isoforms are often tissue-specific and selectively expressed in various tissues and cell types.2-6 The importance of cyclic nucleotide signaling in cell regulation and the molecular diversity of PDEs has presented targets for selective interventions and development of family-specific PDE inhibitors as therapeutic agents. This brief review will discuss some general characteristics of PDEs and then focus on the cellular biology and diverse functions of different PDE isoforms and their potential as therapeutic targets.


The aeronautic disturbance of hot wire anemometry should be considered in turbulent flow velocity measurements.The multi position rotating methods with inclined single wire are studied in this paper.In view of the velocity profile characters of the swirl jet and the response of the inclined single wire probe perpendicular to the main flow,the optimized data process is introduced.The experimental results show that the optimized solution is more exact.


Linear anode-pipe arrangement cathodic protection system with a complete nonlinear cathode boundary condition is analyzed by finite element method numerical simulation to extract the effective parameters for both coated and uncoated pipe. The results show that defect size ratio, linear anode-to-pipe distance, and pipe diameter are fundamental parameters to design an effective cathodic protection system able to guarantee a proper current distribution. Soil resistivity has a significant effect on the current distribution of both coated and uncoated pipe. The results show that the 100 mV potential shift criterion for a single linear anode-pipe arrangement can be ineffective and a two anode system may be required.


Trabzon is one of the most important historical cities, situated in the eastern Black Sea region, Turkey. There are numerous historical monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods of the city. Since the city is also a port destination, it has always been open to innovation and changes. The first photograph houses in Trabzon were established in the late 19th century. One of the most important of these photograph jouses belonged to Kakuli Brothers (Cacouli Freres: Kakuli Kardesler Fotografhanesi). They photographed Trabzon's monuments of the time and these photos took place in a photo album in Yildiz Palace. This is the first public appearance of images of the city, walls, port and important monuments. These documents are not only valuable regarding the history of art they also bear significance to demonstrate the uniqueness and originality of the monuments. These photos are widely taken as reference in the process of restoration of the monuments. This article will examine the change in the urban fabric throughout history, the artistic value of the monuments and historical value the photographs


Abstract Cross-cultural values are known at a global level and can be explored from unique local life practices such as that of the Minangkabau people. Minangkabau is one of the ethnic groups in Indonesia. The Minangkabau people have a specific value system derived from natural and Islamic values called pepatah adat. Minangkabau people use these values as a code of conduct in intercultural affairs. This study aims at analyzing the values contained in pepatah adat and its relational significance to intercultural values, which affects the attitude of the Minangkabau people when interacting with others. This research used content analysis as the method. The main focus of this research is a selection of proverbs embedded in intercultural values; namely, timbang raso, hukum perdamaian, adab taratik, patuik, merantau, sifat kesayangan, dan saiyo. These seven values are related to three indicators of intercultural maturity: commitment, sobbing, and fairness. The results of this study conclude that pepatah adat contains intercultural values which contribute to the formation of self-identity of Minangkabau people, signified by someone having a moral commitment, being open-minded, and being honest.


The right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) has been considered a fair alternative choice for a coronary bypass graft. However, after such nonanatomical anastomosis, it is difficult to plan abdominal surgery without endangering the critical arterial supply. To date, gastrectomies and pancreatoduodenectomies have been reported in patients with RGEA grafts for coronary bypass. We recently performed living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in a patient who had previously undergone coronary bypass surgery using RGEA 3 years before the LDLT. This is the first case of LDLT after coronary bypass using RGEA. We report our two-stage explantation of the cirrhotic liver without any injury to the RGEA. The patient was a 63-year-old man suffering from end-stage liver failure and persistent cholangitis due to primary sclerosing cholangitis in May 2007. LDLT was indicated, and preoperative angio-computed tomography was performed and revealed that the patent RGEA graft was located on the left lobe of the cirrhotic liver (Fig. 1A). The LDLT was scheduled on May 28, 2007, with the attendance of a cardiac surgeon and full monitoring of cardiac function, including transesophageal ultrasound. Laparotomy showed that the RGEA was on the left lobe of the cirrhotic liver (Fig. 1B). In order to liberate the RGEA, the left lateral segmentectomy was performed first with the Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator system (CUSA; Valley-Lab, Boulder, CO) and saline-linked cautery (Dissecting Sealer DS 3.0, Tissue Link Medical, Inc., Dover, NH) with minimal blood loss (Fig. 1B,C). Subsequently, the remnant right lobe of the liver was explanted without a spastic event of the RGEA being caused; a left lobe graft from a living donor was then implanted. The RGEA was placed on the dorsal side of the graft because this was the natural position of the RGEA (Fig. 1D). No cardiac event occurred throughout the LDLT, with total blood loss of 1900 g during a total operative time of 1015 minutes. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged from our hospital on the thirty-first day after the LDLT. As of this writing, he has been doing well for 8 months since the LDLT. Performing LDLT in patients after previous abdominal surgery is a therapeutic challenge. In particular, the gastroepiploic artery used for coronary arterial bypass is a cumbersome entity because damage to the artery can cause significant consequences for the patient, including cardiac infarction. We performed two-stage explantation of the liver because it was impossible to mobilize the cirrhotic liver with the RGEA in place as the RGEA was present on the left lobe of the liver. After we recognized the situation through a preoperative three-dimensional recon-


Thank you for reading knowledge based systems for management decisions. Maybe you have knowledge that, people have search hundreds times for their favorite books like this knowledge based systems for management decisions, but end up in harmful downloads. Rather than enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, instead they juggled with some malicious virus inside their desktop computer.


Taking the supervision practice of Tianjin Port Nanjiang Coal Terminal Engineering as an example, this paper puts forward the point of view that only if we rely on strong technical strength, and through scientific management and quality service, can we create quality project.


Mobile compatibility testing has been identified as one urgent and challenging issue. Mobile apps are expected to work on thousand kinds of mobile devices with diverse device features and mobile platforms. So mobile compatibility testing is complex and costly, it is impossible to test mobile apps on all mobile devices and in all environments with limited test resources. Then the question is how to select test devices in cost-effective mobile app compatibility testing. This paper proposes a novel test device selection approach using multi-objective genetic algorithm. Using the proposed approach, the minimum number of mobile devices is selected, and the multiple test coverage requirements are met simultaneously. Furthermore, the case study results have successfully demonstrated that the proposed approach is effective for mobile compatibility testing.


Abstract : As its prominence as a national security challenge has grown since 2001, insurgency has become a subject of increasing interest across the armed services, in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and elsewhere in the U.S. Government. Although ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq give particular immediacy to the problem, the challenge of combating insurgencies extends well beyond these specific conflicts. It is important, therefore, that the U.S. Air Force (USAF) consider how best to meet the growing demand for airpower in joint and multinational counterinsurgency operations and that other services' and DoD-wide reassessments of the subject take the potential roles of airpower in counterinsurgency fully into account. To address these and related policy challenges, RAND Project AIR FORCE conducted a fiscal year 2005 project entitled "The USAF's Role in Countering Insurgencies." The core study addressed four major policy questions: (1) What threat do modern insurgencies pose to U.S. interests? (2) What strategy should the United States pursue to counter insurgent threats? (3) What role does military power play in defeating insurgencies? and (4) What steps should the USAF take to contribute most effectively to counterinsurgency? This monograph, prepared for the same project, examines the role of airlift in counterinsurgency. It begins by analyzing the strategic, operational, and tactical roles and effects of airlift in counterinsurgency, drawing on counterinsurgency theory, U.S. military experience, and USAF doctrine. Based on this survey, it then addresses the question of whether the airlift requirements of counterinsurgency call for specialized airlift forces or are merely another task best handled by the general-purpose airlift fleet. Finally, it examines airlift in the foreign internal defense (FID) program, through which the United States seeks to assist partner states in dealing with insurgent threats before they require U.S. intervention.


In Chapters 2, the central aim is the detailed exploration of political structures and nationalist narratives. It describes and re-examines the developments of the nation-state in the international legal order. It looks in greater detail at how scholars have understood developments that have shaped and influenced the existential nature of national statehood and how they dealt with them in accounts on modern notions of statehood. The discussion is pivoted on Islamic statehood and the idea of the collectivity (or the umma) under Islamic law and whether that concept can be reconciled with the nation-state. International cooperation, treaties in Islam and the Caliphate participating at an international level are also discussed in this chapter.