Man finds himself living in an aleatory world," writes John Dewey, "his existence involves, to put it baldly, a gamble. The world is a scene of risk; it is uncertain, unstable, uncannily unstable."3 This fundamental ambiguity is compounded by the distinct conditions of our late modern, globalizing, postsecular world. Amidst the conditions of this world, the religious meanings, purposes, and desires that have traditionally oriented human life are being relativized; the boundaries of our religious and moral traditions, as a result of their passage through modernity and as an effect of their increasing cultural interconnectedness, have become more permeable to one another. Adding to these changes, some of our most conventional markers of identity, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation, are being deconstructed and reconstructed. We experience the world as simultaneously shrinking and expanding—our virtual and actual contacts with far-off places and peoples are more frequent, simultaneously deepening, and, oddly, familiarizing the feel of otherness. As a result of these dynamics, we tend to be much more aware of difference at the same moment that identity is being relativized and the traditions through which we negotiate difference and identity are being destabilized. Ours is an uncannily ambiguous world. The greatest evidence of the disorienting nature of these experiences is the saturation of our public discourse with pronouncements of certainty and the "


In this paper the author has studied the structure of articles that regulate territorial decentralization in the Constitution of Serbia 2006, and in three acts adopted in late 2007 (the Law on Territorial Organization, the Law on Local Government and the Law on Local Elections) in order to determine the meaning, characteristics of changes and possibilities for a further development of the Serbian system of territorial decentralization. After conducting a functional analysis of the system of territorial decentralization, he concluded that organization of decentralized units abandons the principle of division of powers, and then tried to evaluate the most important changes in relation to the previous system of decentralization, which relate to: restoring local property rights; modalities and criteria for the establishment of new provinces, cities and municipalities; rights of foreign nationals in the implementation of local self-government; authorization for creating public-private partnerships, new responsibilities in the hands of territorial decentralization units (including the right of a city to form a communal police); the position of the mayor and other local government bodies in the system of powers united in the hands of the local assembly; technical solutions which facilitate and accelerate the work of bodies of decentralized units; changes in the way of nomination and increasing the electoral threshold; controversies about the ways to end the councilor's mandate ("blank resignation") etc.


Experiments were carried out under field conditions to evaluate the effects of composted tannery sludge (CTS) on soil pH, electric conductivity (EC) and soil organic matter (SOM) content after three years of amendment. The CTS was applied at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 ton ha-1. In each year, soil samples were collected 60 day after CTS amendment. After three years, the CTS increased about 5, 46 and 69% of the soil pH, EC and SOM content as compared with the control. Consecutive amendment of crescent rates of CTS promotes linear increases in soil pH, electric conductivity and organic matter content.

 Key words: Composting, industrial wastes, salinity soil.


In modern applications, instruction cache misses have become a performance constraint, and numerous prefetchers have been developed to conceal memory latency. With today's client and server workloads, large instruction working sets require more. These working sets are typically large enough to fit in the Last Level Cache (LLC). However, the Level 1 Instruction (L1-I) cache has a high miss rate, which typically prevents the processor front-end from receiving instructions. Instruction prefetching is a latency hiding method that allows the LLC to send instructions to the L1-I cache. In order to design a high-performance cache architecture, prefetching instructions in the L1-I cache is a fundamental approach. When developing an efficient and effective prefetcher, accuracy and coverage are the most important parameters to be considered. This paper proposed a novel Hybrid Short Long History Table-based Cache Instruction Prefetcher (HCIP) for the L1-I cache. The HCIP makes use of a hybrid configuration of the two history-based prefetchers tables that are Long History Table (LST) and Short History Table (SHT). The transitive closure of the control flow graph is the PRE+PC table used in HCIP. In contrast to PIPS and NOPREF, HCIP indicates maximum coverage of 67% for the majority of the benchmarks given.


Culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) still remains a convenient and sensitive method for measurement of a person's immune system health. Basic elements of the process, namely PBMC purification and culture medium formulation, were first reported in the late 1960s, and the utility of the method for clinical application was reported in the 1970s. Clinically, the approach can provide information about the ability of an individual's immune system to fight off attacks by various pathogens. Over the years, the method has undergone many improvements, which have been aided by advancements made in flow cytometry technology and the development of fluorescent reagents. The protocols presented here describe flow cytometry–based techniques for PBMC culture that can be employed to determine the impact of various environmental toxicants on the immune system. A major advantage of these procedures is that they will provide information about a toxicant or drug through in vitro methods. As the relationship between exposures to certain toxicants and an individual's response to vaccinations has been of concern, one of the protocols described shows how to test an environmental toxicant for potential modification of the immune response to vaccine antigen(s). © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.


1. Nicolas Fulli-Lemaire
 1. Nicolas Fulli-Lemaire is a research analyst at Amundi Asset Management and at the University of Paris II in Paris, France. (nicolas.fulli-lemaire{at}hotmail.com)

2. Ernesto Palidda
 1. Ernesto Palidda is a VP at an Investment Bank in London. (ernesto.palidda{


In this paper, we adopt a position specific scoring matrix as an abstraction of amino acid type to derive two new statistical potentials for protein structure prediction, and investigated its effect on the quality of the potentials compared to that derived using residue specific amino acid identity. For stringent test of the potential quality, we carried out folding simulations of 91 residue A chain of protein 2gpi, and found unexpectedly that the abstract amino acid type improved the quality of the one-body type statistical potential, but not for the two-body type statistical potential which describes long range interactions. This observation could be effectively used when one develops more accurate potentials for structure prediction, which are usually involved in merging various one-body and many-body potentials.


Firstly the Lie point symmetries of cylindrically symmetric homogeneous Nawier equations are obtained. Using the symmetries the general class of similarity solutions are found. The subclass that also satisfies the non-homogeneous system of the medium subject to a singular force is determined. Substituting the subclass into the non-homogeneous system, a system of ordinary differential equations is obtained. The solution of the system satisfying the boundary conditions of Bousssinesq problem gives the exact solution.


Purpose of the study was to test for racial differences in the prevalence of hyperaldosteronism in subjects with resistant hypertension. Consecutive subjects referred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) hypertension clinic for resistant hypertension (uncontrolled blood pressure on 3 antihypertensive agents) were prospectively evaluated with a plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA), a 24-hr urine collection for aldosterone, cortisol, sodium and potassium during a normal diet. All subjects were on a stable antihypertensive regimen without use of potassium sparing diuretics. For results see the table. The prevalence of hyperaldosteronism on the basis of ARR 20 (29.6% vs. 31.1%) or using PRA<1.0 and urinary aldosterone 12g/24- hr (23.7% Vs 22.6 %) was not different by race. These data demonstrate that there is no racial difference in the prevalence of hyperaldosteronism in subjects with resistant hypertension. These findings support equal vigor in screening African American and white patients with resistant hypertension for primary aldosteronism.


The Iroquois (usually meaning the Seneca) have been described in a number of cross-cultural summaries as having exogamous moieties. However, the premier student of the Iroquois, L. H. Morgan, states only that moiety exogamy was the pattern "originally" and reports that at the time of his field work 'the "rigor of the system was relaxed." While it can never be known what the Seneca "originally" practised with respect to moieties and exogamy, a census taken in 1840 of the Buffalo Creek Reservation, at that time the most populous Seneca community, is examined in this paper. No evidence is found to support the hypothesis that the Seneca practised moiety exogamy.


A ramp (sawtooth wave) generator consisting of the voltage-current converter circuit, PMOS two-stage operational amplifier, current mirror and Schmitt trigger circuit is presented for the application of PWM modulator in this paper. The PWM modulator is one the PWM control core circuit of the switching power converters or the supply modulator of a wideband wireless transmitter. This paper proposes a ramp generator with Schmitt trigger circuit replace the conventional ramp circuit by use of two hysteresis comparators and one S-R latch circuit. The ramp generator with Schmitt trigger circuit can application to low power management integrated circuits, not only can reduce the area of the chip, more able to reduce the power consumption of the chip. This proposed ramp generator for PWM modulator circuit is design and implemented using the TSMC 0.35 μm 2P4M process technology. Based on measured results, the chip size is 671.99 × 586 μm2 with power dissipation about 2.48 mW, and the chip supply voltage can from 1.9 V to 3.3 V. The ramp voltage which linearly rise from 0 V to 2.82 V, and the output frequency is about 500 KHz and 700 KHz stably when the chip supply voltage is fixed at 3.3 V and 2.0 V respectively.


Effective marketing strategies are vital for the success and sustainability of businesses. This study investigates the marketing strategies employed by CV Farm Cikijing, a broiler business seeking to achieve long-term growth and stability. The research adopted a quantitative approach, utilizing survey and interview methods to gather data from the company. Through the application of the IE matrix, the marketing position of the chicken farm business was determined to be in Quadrant V, indicating a phase of growth and stability. To ensure sustainable growth, the study recommends a combination of strategic approaches, including market penetration, market development, and diversification of processed chicken products. These strategies aim to enhance the company's market presence, capitalize on existing markets, and explore new opportunities. The findings of this research hold valuable insights for businesses in the poultry industry and beyond, emphasizing the significance of well-planned marketing strategies in achieving long-term success and resilience in a competitive market landscape. By identifying and implementing suitable marketing approaches, businesses can navigate challenges, optimize growth, and secure a strong foothold in the market.


we turn, we seem to be able to explain the facts in one way only, namely, by the violent action of water, which, when we consider the continental nature of the phenomena to be explained (proving continuous conditions over wide areas), must have been on an overwhelming scale. Wherever we turn over a vast continent, we find the evidence uniform. The ossiferous gravels of Germany and England, the sheets of sand in Scandinavia, the diluvium in France, the loess in Central Germany, differing in texture and in contents, all merge into one another, all have the same character of mantling the country with continuous deposits independent of the configuration of the surface and of the drainage, and, whether we test them individually or grouped together, point an unmistakable moral,' namely, a wide-spread diluvial movement, and there seems to be no possible argument against it save a number of metaphysical phantasms about Uniformity, worthy only, may I say with all deference, of the period when the a priori problem of a chimasra disporting itself in vacuo was deemed a reasonable subject of Philosophical investigation.


Objective To observe the hypertrophic scar fibroblasts P16 expression,and to explore the differences between normal skin tissue correlation. Methods The experimental group hypertrophic scar and normal skin tissue as a control group,two groups of P16 expression was detected by SP immunohistochemistry. Results P16 positive expression rate in hypertrophic scars 78.9%,significantly higher than that in the control group(P0.05).No significant gender expression site. Conclusions The scar formation process,P16 as a negative regulator of cell cycle expression imbalance important mechanism involved in scar outcome.


Vigorous and graceful performance of calisthenics has become a sport course in college before the years. Since then it is favored by students and plays an important role in students' health. The paper shows successful experience of education in sport vigorous and graceful performance of calisthenics of college and researches AGPC feasibility in middle school


In this paper isolated hybrid Hydro Systems, namely Hydro-Thermal, Hydro-Solar, Hydro-wind and Hydro Diesel Systems are modeled. The tracking and handling the deviation in frequency known as Load Frequency Control (LFC) is done using tuned Proportional Integral and Differential (PID) controller and Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC). Though the PID controller for LFC is ubiquitous, it is proved that the tuned PID controller in MATLAB gives closed loop stability and performance in the hybrid hydro system. The stability and the step response of the system is determined using MATLAB. Both the graphical and quantitative results of LFC with FLC for hybrid hydro systems are presented.


This is a set of lecture notes used for a course in seven lectures on Syzygies of graded modules and graded Betti numbers given at the Summer School at the Sophus Lie Conference Center in Nordfjordeid, June 15-19, 2009. The aim is to present the new development in the theory of graded Betti numbers that has come out from the work by David Eisenbud and Frank-Olaf Schreyer [8, 9] on a set of conjectures made by myself and Jonas Söderberg in 2006 [3]. The basic idea is to look at the rational convex cone spanned by all Betti diagrams and in this way classify the possible graded Betti numbers of modules up to scalars. This was indeed acheived when Eisenbud and Schreyer proved our conjectures, but even better, they discovered an analogous dual picture in terms of cohomology tables of vector bundles. Disclaimer: These notes have been written between the lectures and may contain lots of misprints and inaccurate statements. For the full story, please look at the original articles and books mentioned in the bibliography, which is by the way far from complete. Date: June 19, 2009. 1


Cereblon (CRBN), a subunit of the cullin 4-based E3 ubiquitine ligase complex, has been found to be the main immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) binding protein crucial for the antiproliferative and immun...


In order to utilize optimally potential of information and communications technologies, besides access to the technology, citizens should have certain communicology knowledge and develop media competence. Media education cannot radically change the contemporary media market that treats its users as consumers, not as citizens, but can contribute to changes by developing cognitive, technical, cultural and esthetic competence to understand and use of modern media, as well as economic and ideological principles by which it operates. The concept of media education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not sufficiently developed neither in the public sphere nor in the academic community, and the available data indicate that its integration into the educational programs will be lenghty and difficult process.


Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS), resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI), and zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to study the phenol·Kr and phenol·Xe van der Waals (vdW) complexes in their neutral excited (S1) and cationic ground (D0) state. For each complex, excitation and ionization energies and their red shifts relative to the corresponding data for bare phenol were determined. Inter- and intramolecular vibrational frequencies were recorded for the S1 state of the neutral complex, which were used as intermediate resonances for the observation of vibrational modes of the cationic state. Possibilities of different structures, that is, above ring position of the rare gas atom and "hydrogen-bonded"-like (HB) isomer, were investigated. Finally, the present results are compared to available data on similar systems, for example, phenol·Rg and other complexes of rare gas atoms with aromatic molecules.


A design study for the muon cooling in scaling FFAG lattices with racetrack-shape in underway. The ring has straight sections with scaling FFAG magnets, which make enough space to install kicker magnets to inject and extract the muon beam. A muon cooling ring based on the PRISMFFAG has been studied. This paper reports progress of the study.


Some experts inside and outside think the forth logistics are providing businessmen withtalent of leadings, which can solve some problems that can′t be solved by the third logistics enterprises,software enterprises and providing- chains members. The building of providing- chain logistics informationcommon platform can bring more benefit for buyers.


PURPOSE: To inexpensively obtain a device for loading roll bale capable of carrying out loading operation of placing roll bales on a bale supporting stand of wrapping machine in excellent handleability. CONSTITUTION: A dump frame 2 is held on a machine frame (a) to be attached to the rear of a machine body of a tractor T in such a way that the dump frame is rotated for dump toward one side of the right and left of a machine frame (a) by operation of a hydraulic cylinder 3. A turn table (b) and a bale supporting stand (c) are supported on the dump frame 2 and a lift arm 5 standing in an elbow state from the side end part of the dump frame 2 in the back view is arranged at the side for rotation for dump at one side of the right and left of the dump frame 2 in such a way that the lift arm is located at the side rear of the dump frame 2 in the plane view. The left arm is connected and supported on the dump frame 2 in an integrated way and the lift arm 5 is equipped with bale holding arms 51 for scooping a roll bale B in a fork state projecting forward. COPYRIGHT: (C)1993,JPO&Japio


Previous studies have established that the extended coordination model of solvation can satisfactorily account for the variation in the transfer enthalpies of solutes in mixed-solvent systems. However, the model parameter relating to the solute-induced disruption of the solvent structure shows a marked dependence on the nature of the mixed solvent. This result is not consistent with the underlying model of the solvation process.In the present paper we report the transfer enthalpies of tetrabutylammonium bromide, for which this dependence is large, into a series of highly aqueous mixed solvents. Analysis of these in terms of the extended coordination model confirms both the model's ability to account for the experimental data, and the variability of the structural disruption parameter. The possible origins of this latter result are considered in detail.


Abstract. Automated classification of images across image archives requires reducing the semantic gap between high-level features perceived by humans and low-level features encoded in images. Due to rapidly growing image archives in the Earth science domain, it is critical to automatically classify images for efficient sorting and discovery. In particular, classifying images based on the presence of Earth science phenomena allows users to perform climatology studies and investigate case studies. We present applications of deep learning-based classification of Earth science images.


K-shell ionization cross-sections for Ni, Cu, Ge, Ag and Sn and L-shell ionization cross-sections for Sn, Au and Pb induced by α particles have been determined at 5.2, 16.5 and 27 MeV. Results have been compared with the predictions of the plane-wave Born approximation (PWBA) and binary encounter approximation (BEA).


ABSTRACT The species belonging to the genus Metahelotella Kirejtshuk are revised. Six species are recognized, including two described herein, M. schawalleri sp. nov. from Vietnam and M. sprecherae sp. nov. from China (Shaanxi Province). Helota fulvitarsis Ritsema and H. difficilis Ritsema are placed as junior synonyms of M. semifulva Ritsema. Lectotypes are designated for H. fulvitarsis Ritsema, H. difficilis Ritsema, and H. immaculata Ritsema. A key and diagnosis of the species belonging to the genus Metahelotella Kirejtshuk are provided. Figures of protibiae, genitalia, internal sacs, eighth abdominal tergites, and fifth abdominal ventrites are given for all species.


The differential rates of synthesis of the three branched-chain aminoacyl-transfer ribonucleic acid synthetases were measured in Salmonella typhimurium LT-2 and a mutant, ilvA504. The mutant produced an l-threonine deaminase with a decreased affinity for its cofactor, pyridoxal-5′-monophosphate. The addition of pyridoxal-5′-monophosphate to cultures of strain ilvA504 growing in excess isoleucine, valine, and leucine resulted in an increased rate of growth and repression of the synthesis of the isoleucine and valine biosynthetic enzymes. No differences in the rate of synthesis of the branched-chain aminoacyl-transfer ribonucleic acid synthetases were observed in cultures of ilvA504 growing with or without added pyridoxal-5′-monophosphate. The differential rates of synthesis of all three enzymes were similar to the rates measured in strain LT-2. These experiments suggest that different forms of the ilvA gene product are involved in the regulation of the branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic enzymes and the branched-chain aminoacyl-transfer ribonucleic acid synthetases.


Using the 2009 National Baseline Household Survey, we examine the incidence of actual and proposed public expenditures in Sudan and South Sudan. Key results for Sudan are that public spending to support agriculture, if broad-based, is likely to be pro-poor, while petrol subsidies are not. For South Sudan, transfer payments, including in-kind food aid, are very poorly targeted. In both countries, subsidies for basic education services are pro-poor.


The rate and equilibrium constants of the first- and second-step complexations of the axial sites of a macrocyclic CoIII complex, Co(N4)(OH2)3+2(N4= Me6[14]4,11-dieneN4), with polymer-bound imidazole ligands such as N-vinylimidazole-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone (Plm) and partially quarternized poly(N-vinylimidazole)(QPlm) in aqueous solutions have been determined by means of spectrophotometry at pH 6.5. A unique aspect of the behaviour of the complex formation of the polymer ligands is that the formation of Co(N4)(Plm)3+2 from Co(N4)(B)(Plm)m+(m= 3 for B = H2O or m= 2 for B = OH–) proceeds via an intramolecular process, whereas that of the corresponding ligation for the non-polymer system follows second-order kinetics. For the polymer system the concentration ratio, [Co(N4)(Plm)3+2]/[Co(N4)(B)(Plm)m+], at the equilibrium state is independent of the concentration of the polymer ligand. The effect of polymer ligand on the rate and equilibrium of the complex formations are discussed in the light of the results obtained.


We study a newsvendor problem with capital constraint and demand forecast update. The newsvendor has two instants to order from a supplier prior to a single selling season. While the demand is uncertain, the newsvendor can improve the forecast by utilizing the market signal observed between the first and second instants. We analyze the newsvendor's optimal ordering policy in two cases: risk-neutrality and risk-aversion. Our analysis suggests that the optimal policy in each case is characterized by a critical value: a target safety capital. Under this policy, part of capital is left to use at instant 2 if and only if the initial capital is above the target safety capital. When this happens, the order quantity at instant 1 decreases as the initial capital increases. We further analyze the effect of information update on the newsvendor's ordering policy. Our results indicate that more capital should be left to use at instant 2 when the correlation coefficient between market information and demand becomes large or when the newsvendor is more risk-averse.


In 1986, Congress passed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA).' In part, Congress directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt regulations requiring owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks (USTs) to maintain financial responsibility for "taking corrective action and compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by sudden and nonsudden accidental releases from operating an underground storage tank."2 In other words, owners or operators of USTs must


Experiments on albino rats with hypoparathyrosis demonstrated disturbances of the neuro-muscular transmission characterized by a decrease of the liminal strength of irritation in case of indirect stimulation, reduced amplitude of the muscle action potential, diminished latent period of response and absolute and relative refracterity phases and the character of muscular retention as well in indirect rhythmic stimulation. The investigated parameters displayed the same indices as in the control experiments following intravenous injection of proserine. Disturbances of the neuro-muscular transmission proved to be related to the presynaptic defect and could play a definite role in the development of the motor failure under conditions of hypoparathyrosis.


The meridional circulation plays an essential role in determining the basic mechanism of the dynamo action in the case of a low eddy diffusivity. Flux-transport dynamos with strong return flow and a deep stagnation point are discussed in the case of a positive α-effect located in the overshoot layer and a rotation law consistent with helioseismology. By means of a linear dynamo model, it will be shown that the migration of the toroidal belts at lower latitudes and the periods of the activity cycles are consistent with the observations. Moreover, at variance with previous investigations, the typical critical dynamo numbers of dipolar solutions are significantly smaller than those of quadrupolar solutions even in the regime of strong flow.


Judith Keene is the Director of the European Studies Centre and a member of the Department of History at the University of Sydney where she teaches Contemporary European History and Film and History. She has written on various aspects of the Spanish Republic and the Spanish Civil War as well as European Ž lm. She is currently writing a book on the foreign volunteers, male and female, who supported General Franco in the Spanish Civil War.


Semileptonic and purely leptonic decays of B meson to $\tau$, such as $B\to D^{(\ast)}\tau\nu_{\tau}$ and $B\to\tau\nu_\tau$ are studied. Recognizing that there already were some weak hints of possible deviations from the SM in the measurements of $\mathcal{B}(B\to\tau\nu_\tau)$ by \Babar~and Belle and the fact that detection of the $\tau$ also occurs in the measurements of $B\to D^{(\ast)}\tau\nu_{\tau}$, we stress the importance of joint studies of these processes, whenever possible. For this purpose, as an illustration, we introduce the observable, $\mathcal{R}(D^{(*)})/\mathcal{B}(B\to\tau\nu_\tau)$ where, for one thing, the unknown systematics due to $\tau$ identification are expected to largely cancel. We show that all measurements of this observable are consistent with the existing data, within somewhat largish experimental errors, with the predictions of the SM. We stress that precise experimental measurement and comparison with theory of the branching ratio for $B \to \tau \nu_\tau$ is extremely important for a reliable search of new physics. Furthermore, in view of the anticipated improved precision in experiments in the next few years, in addition to $\mathcal{R}(D^{(*)})$, host of other ratios analogous to $\mathcal{R}(D^{(*)})/\mathcal{B}(B \to \tau \nu_{\tau})$ in the SM are suggested for lattice calculations as well, so that for more stringent tests of the SM, correlations in lattice calculations can be properly taken into account to enhance precision.


Abstract : This is a slide presentation given at Third Coast Retina Conference Held in Dallas, Texas on 23 April 2016.


The paper describes the process of data collection and
the challenges encountered during a study carried out at
a religiously sacred site, that is, a Muslim shrine in
Pakistan. Conducting research in a Pakistani cultural
setting, using a research process and ethical framework
derived from a Western world perspective presented a
series of challenges. These included issues arising from
working in an environment closely related to a particular
religious value and belief system and a lack of basic
infrastructure and privacy when conversing with people
who were vulnerable and unacquainted with the concept
of this type of research. Cultural awareness, empathy, a
non judgemental approach, and reflective research can
assist in maintaining ethical practice among researchers.


A new algorithm to extract the weld torch lateral deviation for through-arc sensor with sinusoidal weave motion was proposed in this paper.Based on the detailed analysis of the welding current waveform in through-arc sensor with sinusoidal weave motion,the lateral deviation expression was deducted following the left-right area difference method.Adopting the function approximation theory,an index related to the lateral deviation was defined and the optimum result was calculated under this least mean square index.Experimental result proved the validity of the proposed algorithm.These results established the foundation for applications of the through-arc sensor in seam tracking system.


Prolonged or frequent looking down posture when using a smartphone in mobile has been assumed as a risk factor for neck musculoskeletal problems. However, existing knowledge on the severity of the head tilt posture when using the smartphone while walking is quite limited. An experiment was conducted to know how much users would tilt the head forward when using their smartphones while walking. Twenty-eight healthy young smartphone users participated, and they walked along a 60-meter straight track while conducting one-hand web-browsing and two-hands texting tasks using their smartphones. The amount of head tilt was quantified using an inertial measurement unit sensor, which was attached to the forehead. Participants maintained a forward tilt posture at 31.1° (median angle) from vertical when web-browsing and 38.5° (median angle) when reading and sending text messages, with significantly greater (p<0.05) tilt from the texting task. Results of this study confirm the association between smartphone use while walking and risks for neck musculoskeletal problems.


"Introduction: Military and political crises and conflicts have been part of the reality of many countries of the world, which are witnessing political, economic, social, intellectual, cultural and sectarian changes that have made violence and terrorism an essential material for expressing the content of the conflict and its extensions, then turning to other societies. In mid-2014, Iraq was subjected to a fierce attack by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) on the governorates of Mosul, Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Diyala and Anbar, which led to the occupation of some of them by the organization's forces, and thus led to the forced migration of hundreds of thousands of people to the safe provinces. Stable, the extension of this crisis and its various effects made it a strategic challenge for Iraq that requires exceptional national efforts to achieve stability and ensure the return of the displaced to their areas of residence within a legal framework of a humanitarian nature. The problem of the study: The problem of the research lies in answering several questions that were raised in the study, which are what are the reasons that led to this forced migration and mass displacement, and what are the challenges facing the displaced and displaced in Kirkuk, and how to coexist amid the charged atmosphere in the city of Kirkuk, which is threatened by invasion from Before the forces of the organization, and how to reach solutions that satisfy all parties and end this crisis and ensure the dignified return of the displaced families to their homes after the liberation of the region and the restoration of security to it. Study hypothesis: The hypothesis that the researcher starts from in order to answer the questions raised by the problematic, confirmed or denied by the data of the study. Therefore, the absence of a unified national strategy that addresses the crisis of forced displacement and mass displacement in Iraq in general and in Kirkuk in particular and responds to the requirements of their relief and return to their areas would reduce the The quality of the humanitarian response policy and achieve social justice befitting the life of the Iraqi citizen. The importance of the study: The importance of this research comes since the crisis of forced displacement and mass displacement began in mid-2014, after ISIS took control of the northern and central regions of Iraq, the humanitarian emergency in Iraq became more severe, according to United Nations estimates, as the number of displaced people in Iraq exceeded Nearly three million displaced people, while more than eight million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and with the lack of funding by the United Nations, and the presence of the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government also under economic pressure as a result of the war on ISIS, the protection of human rights and the provision of assistance are at risk Also at great risk. Objectives of the study: 1- Getting to know the international evidence for the displaced. 2- The impact of the characteristics of the displaced in Kirkuk and the effects of the crisis. 3- Knowing the national efforts to curb the effects of the crisis. 4- Defining the general framework for the sustainable solutions required to ensure the success of return or resettlement cases. Study methodology: The study adopted the analytical method of an inductive nature based on reality, as a method in proving the hypothesis in order to reach the research objectives. Structure of the study: The study was divided into two sections. The first section included the challenges facing the displaced in Kirkuk, which included three main axes: first the political and security challenges, secondly the economic challenges, and thirdly the social challenges. The second topic dealt with the procedures used to deal with the crisis, which was divided into the situation The government from the crisis, the position of local associations and international organizations from the crisis, and finally the proposed solutions to end the crisis of forced displacement and displacement in Iraq in general and Kirkuk in particular. Results of the study: The study reached several results, including 1- The relief programs and the humanitarian response policy were unable to mitigate the economic, social and psychological impact of the displaced, which deepened the severity of the crisis and its repercussions. 2- Doubling the national and international effort is a necessity to limit the spillover effects of the crisis, provided that these efforts are linked and encapsulated by legal frameworks. 3- Returning to the liberated areas is among the most sustainable solutions. Therefore, the return of the displaced must be accompanied by achieving stability, providing services and security. Sources study: The sources of the study varied from the reports of the High Commission for Human Rights in Iraq, UNICEF, Amnesty International of the United Nations, and the reports of the International Organization for Migration and other organizations that used to issue their periodic reports and in numbers on the tragic conditions experienced by the Iraqi diaspora, including the book The Displacement Crisis in Safe Iraq. And protection issued by the Cisfire Center for Civilian Rights in London, the national report on human development in Iraq, the reports of the World Food Program, and other sources in the course of the study. "


The ancient towns along the Grand Canal in the south part of Yangtze River are renowned by their achievements in the field of conservation and development. On the contrary,those in the north part of Yangtze River are rarely systematically studied about either their current conditions or their characteristics. The paper focused on the crucial influence of the old towns related to the stability of the interior structure of the national urban system,and discussed other factors affecting their situations such as geography,culture and minority. Besides,this article also analyzed the unique values of these old towns and some issues during the conservation and utilization.


BACKGROUND
Eating behaviours are determined by a complex interplay between behavioural and physiological signalling occurring prior to, during and after eating.

OBJECTIVES
The aim was to explore how selected behavioural and physiological variables separately and grouped together predicted intake of eight different foods.

METHODS
One hundred adults with normal weight performed a food preference task combined with biometric measurements (the Steno Biometric Food Preference Task) in the fasting state. The task measured food reward as well as biometric (eye tracking, electrodermal activity, and facial expressions) response to images of foods varying in fat content and taste. Energy intake of the same eight foods as assessed in the preference task was subsequently assessed from an ad libitum buffet. A mixed effects random forest approach was applied to explore how individual and combined measures of food reward and biometric responses predicted energy intake of the eight single foods. The performance of the different prediction models was compared to the predictions from a linear model including only an intercept (naïve model) using bootstrap cross-validation.

RESULTS
Participants had a median [IQR] intake of 369 [126; 472] kJ per food. Combined or separate measures of food reward or biometric responses did not predict energy intake better than the naïve model.

CONCLUSION
We did not find that the reward or biometric responses to food cues assessed in a clinical setting were useful in predicting energy intake of single foods. However, this study provides a framework in the field of behavioural nutrition for applying machine learning with focus on individual predictions. This is necessary on the road towards personalized nutrition and provides great potential for handling complex data with multiple variables. Trial registration: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03986619).


Pressurized high temperature H2O2 bleaching and pretreatment before bleaching of wheat straw AS-AQ pulp were studied. When pretreatment agent X was used for pretreating the pulp ahead of pressurized high temperature H2O2 bleaching,the efficiency of bleaching was increased significantly. To improve efficiency of H2O2 bleaching,pretreatment agent X was better than conventional pretreatment agents,such as EDTA,DTPA,etc. The optimal conditions of pressurized high temperature H2O2 bleaching were pulp consistency 10%,dosage of H2O2 3%,NaOH 3%,MgSO4 0.5%,oxygen pressure 0.3MPa,retention time 60 minutes at 120℃. The bleached pulp obtained under the above conditions had the brightness of 79.8% and the viscosity of 941mL/g. The higher brightness of 84.5% of the bleached pulp with a higher viscosity could be reached by further activation of hydrogen peroxide with a small charge of chemical reagents.


The corporate culture has two addresses, one pointing outward to the social, community and indirectly also the whole country by the company contribution to employment and national development. Corporate culture also comprises an important and primary environmental care and all that joint described above reflects the general title of "Social Responsibility". The other direction is toward the inside of the organization and in this sense refers to maintaining harmony and solidarity as company values that are a powerful Intangible Assets. It is remarkable that have become increasingly important intangible assets in the past were limited to trademarks and patents but now have spread to other values fundamental importance subtle to the point that sometimes constitute the largest item of heritage business. In this article we will particularly discuss in detail the factors considered remarkable in terms of corporate culture within the organization.


Argemone mexicana L. belong to family Papaveraceae, commonly known as "Prickly Poppy" and "Satyanashi". It grow as weed in almost all part of India. The plant have many alkaloid, terpenoids,..


While a deficit model of 'missed learning' due to Covid-19 has been a constant refrain in the popular press, now is the time to act on what is best for children.


It is necessary to develop a vehicle digital twin (DT) for urban air mobility (UAM) that uses an accurate, physics-based emulator to model the statics and dynamics of a vehicle. This is because the use of digital twins in the operation and control of UAM vehicles is essential for the UAM operational digital twin infrastructure (UAM-ODT). There are several issues that need to be addressed in this process: (i) the lack of digital twin engines for the digitalization (twinization) of the dynamics and control of UAM vehicles at the core of UAM-ODT systems; (ii) the lack of back-end system engineering in the development of UAM vehicle DTs; and (iii) the lack of fault-tolerant mechanisms for the DT cloud back-end system to run uninterrupted operations 24/7. On the other hand, software aging and rejuvenation are becoming increasingly important in a variety of computing scenarios as the demand for reliable and available services increases. With the increasing use of containerized systems, there is also a need for an orchestrator to support easy management and reduce operational costs. In this paper, an operational digital twin (ODT) of a typical urban air mobility (UAM) infrastructure is developed on a private cloud system based on Kubernetes using a proposed cloud-in-the-loop simulation approach. To ensure the ODT can provide uninterrupted operational control and services in UAM around the clock, we propose a methodology for investigating software aging in Kubernetes-based containerized clouds. We evaluate the behavior of Kubernetes software using the Nginx and K3S tools while they manage pods in an accelerated lifetime experiment. We continuously execute operations for creating and terminating pods, allowing us to observe the utilization of computing resources (e.g., CPU, memory, and I/O), the performance of the Nginx and K3S environments, and the response time of an application hosted in those environments. In some conditions and for specific metrics, such as virtual memory usage, we observed the effects of software aging, including a memory leak that is not fully cleared when the cluster is stopped. These issues could lead to system performance degradation and eventually compromise the reliability and availability of the system when it crashes due to memory space exhaustion or full utilization of swap space on the hard disk. This study helps with the deployment and maintenance of virtualized environments from the standpoint of system dependability in digital twin computing infrastructures where a large number of services are running under strict continuity requirements.


Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) continues to be a valid surgical treatment option to address severe obesity. However, outcomes are varied and can be difficult to predict. Early prediction of suboptimal weight loss following LAGB may enable adjustments to postoperative care and consequently improve surgical outcomes. Therefore, our aim is to investigate the prognostic utility of using early weight loss following LAGB to predict long‐term weight outcomes.


Coverings of sets and domains by a system of circles whose centers have restrictions on their arrangement are considered. From the sensorrelated perspective, this corresponds to the sensor coverage problem, where the network sensors control objects or a region of space, but are located outside the control area. Formalizing the problem, we arrive at the problem of discrete geometry to determine the optimal number of circles, their sizes and locations, which provide the minimum coverage density of a given set. New results for the optimal outer covering of a circle, a square and a regular triangle are presented. The study of these models opens a possibility of building a sensor network with a minimal energy consumption.


Summary This study aims to reveal the development of public parks in Nagano prefecture in the Meiji and Taisho eras.I have searched for the articles concerning the public park in the documents such as the municipal records.And I put them in order and analyzed them.As a result,the following points became clear:


The present article makes a point about self-employment in Russia, which still has no conventional definition, nor in scientific literature, nor in legal field. Heterogeneity of self-employed is emphasized by the fact that self-employed are perceived not only as those who demonstrate entrepreneurial behavior but also those who are employed by individuals. Next goes the short history of self-employment legislative regulation in Russia within last five years – from the draft of the patent initiative and special registry up to legislative definition of those who perform self-employment activity.


Recently,the research on the European intellectual property right cross border injunction became a popular topic while the Brussels Regulation 2001 replaced the Brussels Convention 1968,becoming a new EU Directive to regulate the relate issue to the cross border private international law.At the same time,along with the property law's legislation in China,the principle to the private property protection may confirm by the legislation.During the part of the protection to the intellectual property which belong to invisible private property,we can learn and get relate elicitation from the research to the EU intellectual property right cross border injunction.


A theme common to all regions of the Portuguese seaborne empire was dependency on non-Europeans for the creation, consolidation and survival of empire: for defense, labor, construction of towns and forts, transportation, production of raw materials, sexual gratification and, in the case of the Estado da India (Portuguese forts, towns, cities and factories from the Swahili coast to Japan and Timor), on merchants, brokers and interpreters to provide access to suppliers, distributors, commercial networks, and even vessels and capital. Through conversion, peoples from Japan to Africa and America, contributed to the flock of the church militant and, in some more limited cases, as missionaries, catechists, and secular priests. One exception was Brazil where Amerindians were not admitted into the regular or secular clergy. The one area in which the Portuguese crown was not willing to countenance indigenous participation was appointment to public office, be this in the imperial bureaucracy, or election to city or town councils other than in Cape Verde and São Tomé. In Asia and Angola persons other than of exclusively European parentage on both sides and even New Christians may have served on town councils, and some non-Europeans held clerical positions, but the policy forbidding persons of African descent to hold office in church or state was adhered to in practice. Brazil was unique in at least two regards. First, perhaps in no other European colony was dispossession (from an indigenous perspective) so complete. The Portuguese assumed sovereignty over indigenous peoples and their territories and saw Brazil as a tabula rasa where the Portuguese were free to establish cities, institutions, governance, commercial practices, and to implant their religious beliefs, writing and numeracy systems, values, and mores. Secondly, among European overseas colonies in the early modern period, Brazil was unique in that by the end of the colonial period (1822), a transplanted population of African-born and their American-born descendants comprised a demographic majority which exceeded the indigenous population and persons of European origin or descent.


This report documents the results of the L-Basin Corrosion Surveillance Program for the fiscal year 2004. Test coupons were removed from the basin on February 12, 2004, shipped to Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), and visually examined in a contaminated laboratory hood. Selected coupons were metallurgically characterized to establish the extent of general corrosion and pitting. Pitting was observed on galvanically coupled and on intentionally creviced coupons, thus demonstrating that localized concentration cells were formed during the exposure period. In these cases, the susceptibility to pitting was not attributed to aggressive basin water chemistry but to localized conditions (intentional crevices and galvanic coupling) that allowed the development of oxygen and/or metal ion concentration cells that produced locally aggressive waters. General oxidation was also observed on all of the coupons with localized corrosion observed on some of the coupons. These coupons were not pretreated to produce a protective oxide layer prior to exposure in the basin water. Non-protected coupons are more susceptible to corrosion than fuel cladding which has developed a protective oxide layer from high temperature reactor operations. However, the oxide on spent nuclear fuel (SNF) stored in L-Basin is not necessarily in pristine condition. Some of the oxide maymore » have spalled off or been mechanically damaged prior to arrival at SRS. These areas on the fuel cladding would have the same susceptibility to corrosion as the coupons. Current observations from the test coupons demonstrate that, even with rigorously controlled basin water chemistry, localized aggressive conditions can develop in intentional crevice and galvanic samples. These results do illustrate the potential for corrosion induced degradation and thus the importance of a routine surveillance program similar to that conducted on the Uruguay fuel and on the surveillance coupons stored in L-Basin and future in-service inspections proposed for additional SNF in L-Basin. The 2004 results are compared to previous results on coupons removed from SRS basins in fiscal years 2001, 2002 and 2003. The extent of corrosion is correlated with sample and storage conditions as well as the water chemistry during the storage period. Coupon weight gains from 2004 coupons are similar to those from 2003. Oxides were removed from furniture rack coupons from 2003 and 2004 and comparable pit depths were found in the filler metal. Corrosion induced-degradation of the spent nuclear fuels stored in L-Basin could potentially impact the storage process by causing cladding penetration, exposing fuel core material, and allowing release of radionuclides to the basin waters. Such releases could potentially lead to high water activity levels which could impact fuel integrity and present problems in future fuel handling and transfer operations. However, the collective results (to date) of the coupon and water chemistry evaluations and Uruguay spent fuel inspections indicate that the fuel in the SRS storage basins has not experienced corrosion-induced degradation that will limit the time for interim storage in the basin waters. Continued surveillance and inspection is essential due to the potential for corrosion induced degradation. The next withdrawal of surveillance coupons from L-Basin occurred on March 29, 2005.« less


Objective:To analyze the relationship between the depression symptom of climacteric women and the level of serum MAO activity and serum estradiol.Methods:Female workers aged 45~55 collected from three districts in Changchun were evaluated with Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Depression Status Inventory (DSI) ; 30 subjects each were chosen from the group of climacteric women with depression symptom (group1), group of healthy climacteric women (group 2), and group of healthy women aged 25~39 (group 3).The blood serum MAO activity was monitored by the EUV(extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy) and blood serum estradiol (E 2) level was monitored with Radiated Immune Method and Case -controlled trial.Results:The blood serum MAO activity of both group 1 and group 2 is higher than that of group 3.The serum MAO activity of group 1 is higher than that of group 2 significantly .The serum MAO activity increases with the decrease of the E 2 level.Conclusion:The climacteric depression symptom is correlated with the blood serum MAO activity. There is a negative correlativity between the blood serum MAO activity and the E 2 level of the climacteric women with depression symptom.


Objective: To review the progress in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE),in order to guide clinical practice.Methods: To summarize the therapies of systemic lupus erythematosus in recent years.Results: There was much progress of SLE,s treatment in recent years,and new therapies were clinically applied,especially in the application of new immunosuppressant.Conclusion: The early correct diagnosis and treatment were the keys to the successful treatment of SLE.The prognosis of patients would be improved when the new immunsupressant was used.


Most used anticorrosion sealants contained dichromate which was soluble ever before.Dichromate is very poisonous and can cause cancers.So it trends to study the chromate-free anticorrosion sealant.We emphasized to study anticorrosion effect of imidazole-(NH_4)_6Mo_7O_(24) in the polysulfide sealant and primarily researched the anticorrosion mechanism of it.


in Palaeozoic Monticuliporas the same relation holds, for in the case of fossils encrusting shells, a thin graphite-like layer of alga is sometimes found between the Monticulipora and the shell.* At present I am not prepared to say to what genus the Zooxanthella monad of Merlia belongs. I propose to name the species " noronhse" in honour of Senhor A. C. Noronha, who rendered invaluable assistance during the dredging operations off Madeira and Porto Santo Island. The name Merlia is a synonym of Monticulipora, the name of the sponge being Monticulipora normani, Kirkp. • A Camel Trypanosome.


In this paper, CAZO and CZO thin films were deposited on quartz substrates by radio frequency magnetic sputtering and annealed at different temperatures of 400, 500, and 600°C. One of the most structural studies of thin-film materials is the analysis of the results that are obtained from AFM images. The most variations in optical density of CZO and CAZO thin films were at energy points to about 3eV and 4eV, respectively. Fractal dimensions and structural properties of films, as well as the optical density of CZO and CAZO thin films, were investigated. The AFM images were used to estimate the lateral size of the nanoparticles on the surface of the films. Annealed films at 500°Chad the maximum values for the lateral size of the nanoparticles. These values for the as-deposited films and annealed films at different temperatures of 400, 500, and 600°C were about 7.9,8.1, 6.5, and 7.75nm for CZO thin films, respectively. In addition, the lateral size of CAZO thin films was about 6.8, 6.27, 6.04, and 6.71, respectively. Films that annealed at 500°Chad the minimum value of fractal dimensions. The power spectral density of all films reflects the inverse power low variations, especially in the high spatial frequency region, indicating the presence of fractal components in prominent topographies. The maximum variations in the bearing area were as much as 0.015μm and 0.01μm for CZO thin films and CAZO thin films, respectively.


A new glycoside of leucocyanidin designated 'Loquatoside' has ben isolated from the fruit pulp of Eriobotrya japonica along with three free sugars, D - ~ ~ u c ~ o S ~ , D-glucose and sucrose. Loquatoside has been characterised as leucocyanidin-3-a-L-ara-bopyranoside. It is the first report of isolation of any laucocyanidin pentoside.


No longer simply a fad, social media-based technologies are used by organizations to create innovative ideas that can enhance both a firm's product offerings and the ways in which it conducts its business activities. Despite its many apparent uses and benefits, there are several barriers associated with their use, including legal, security, and privacy risk. Grounded in the technology adoption theory, the purpose of this study is to understand how businesses perceive the benefits of and barriers to social media and its effects on adoption. Employing the partial least squares method, a research model was developed and tested via a survey of 117 senior employees from organizations in South Korea and New Zealand. The results suggest that the benefits due to social media, such as brand affinity, sales opportunities, and customer support, positively affect social business adoption; whereas a lack of social media strategy and security concerns negatively affect social business adoption. The results of the study have important implications for business managers and researchers.


2014 The magnetic energies and critical fields of networks of thin wires are calculated for the square net and the Sierpinski gasket and the results are applied to percolation clusters. The results are obtained by a systematic expansion of the Landau Ginzburg equations around the constant amplitude London limit. The role of flux quantization and local critical currents are included in a systematic way. For percolation we assume a short distance self similar fractal structure of the clusters with proper crossovers and inclusion of the Stauffer cluster distribution. Simple scaling forms for the magnetic energy and for the superconducting coherence length, and for the critical field of finite clusters and of the infinite cluster are obtained. The results are compared with other studies of the same problem and the origin of the discrepancies is discussed. We also discuss existing experiments and suggest some new experimental approaches. J. Physique 44 (1983) 805-817 JUILLET 1983, Classification Physics Abstracts 74.30 05.40


In this paper, the technical parameters, main dimensions, structural design, and the electrical field distribution of a 1100‐kV AC oil‐impregnated paper (OIP) condenser transformer bushing used in the Wuhan (China) ultrahigh‐voltage (UHV) experiment are presented. The electrical field calculations of the bushing, which is composed of the condenser, the lower porcelain housing, the grading ball, the transformer lifting seat, and the insulated oil, are performed and the parameters of the grading rings are optimized. The electrical field distribution curves of the bushing at 1.5 m height to ground are also drawn. By studying and experimenting on the 1100‐kV bushing, the inner and the outer insulation structure of the bushing were found to be proper; the radial and the axial electrical fields meet the design requirement; the performance parameters of the bushing are in accord with the corresponding standards and technical specifications. The bushing has already passed the type tests and works well at the Wuhan UHV AC experimental base. This establishes a good foundation for the design, manufacture, and experimentation on the 1100‐kV AC OIP condenser transformer bushing. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


In this paper, Ti (IV) hydroxides has been prepared by dropping an excess of NH 3·H 2O in the TiCl 4 solution. The optimum conditions were obtained by means of orthogonal experimental design, and gived isothermal adsorption equations.


Human Resources Management also deal with the facilities and requirements the Human Workforce are availing and need for their working process and carrier growth. It used to act as a bidirectional process flow which increase the "Workforce" and "Senior Management" and collaborate everybody's requirements in a solution space and help to provide a better and value added service or outcome to customer or client of the organization. To make a human resource department more effective and efficient new technologies are now being introduced on a regular basis so make things much simpler and more modernized. One of the latest human resource technologies is the introduction of a Human Resources Information System. This integrated system is designed to help provide information used in HR decision making such as administration, payroll, recruiting, training, and performance analysis.


This paper introduces the selection of chemical materials and the methods of pro- cesses control related to air-conditioner production procedure.


This study is to evaluate the emission characteristics of VOCs from indoor side the heat recovery ventilator system. The operating conditions are flow rate and operating time under KS cooling and heating standard condition, 2 kind of elements in heat recovery ventilator are used, L and M type. The VOC concentrations from heat recovery ventilator with M type and L type elements have no effect on variation of flow rate and operating time. The VOC concentrations on the cooling condition is much larger than those of heating condition.


The large number of microplastics (PM) that are thrown into the sea increases considerably, affecting marine animals and especially invertebrates, in the course of years. MPs pose a threat to food safety. Therefore, a protocol for evaluating MP in marine bivalves Choromytilus chorus (Molina, 1782) and Aulacomya atra (Molina, 1782) in the department of Lima, Peru was


Objective: The study objective was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on the severity of pain, swelling and trismus on male after the surgical removal of impacted lower third molar. Material and Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted for 150 male in two groups of patients, smokers and non-smokers. Each group consisted of 75 patients; smoking patient were the ones who smoke more than twenty cigarettes per day for more than one year of continuous smoking. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the degree of swelling was evaluated through facial reference points' variation. The presence of trismus was analyzed through measurement of the interincisal distance (IID). Result: Clinical and radiographic examinations were carried out. Data regarding the age, gender, angulations type, depth and width of impactions were evaluated and analyzed The severity of pain, swelling and trismus on the 1st, 2nd , 5th and 7thday postoperatively was estimated. In both groups the pain and trismus were reported to be in peak level during the first post-operative day while post-operative swelling reaches its peak level in the second postoperative day. Conclusion: Cigarettes smoking do not have any significant relationship with the severity of pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of lower third molar on male gender. Key words:Cigarettes smoking, pain, swelling, trismus, impacted lower third molars.


Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is characterized by filling of the alveoli with a periodic acid‐Schiff‐positive proteinaceous material. Although the pathogenesis of primary or idiopathic PAP remains unknown, it has been proposed that a deficiency or loss of responsiveness of the monocyte/macrophage lineage to granulocyte–macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is involved in PAP. Secondary PAP is associated with haematological malignancies, especially in myeloid disorders. Herein, we report on an adult with PAP associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The CD16+ CD14dim monocytes comprise 5–10% of circulating monocytes in healthy volunteers. Flow cytometric analysis of the patient in the present study revealed increased CD16+ CD14dim monocytes in the peripheral blood. It has been demonstrated that the expression of CD16 and CD14 is regulated by macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and GM‐CSF. Hence, serum cytokines were analysed in our patient and the concentration of serum GM‐CSF was found to be less than the lower limit of the assay. In addition, serum M‐CSF and granulocyte colony stimulating factor levels were only slightly increased above the normal range. These results suggest that the increase in the CD16+ CD14dim subpopulation in the circulation of our patient indicates another pathogenetic mechanism for secondary PAP, such as hyperresponsiveness of the monocyte/ macrophage lineage to these cytokines.


This paper uses the method of documentation,statistics and logistics to sort out the volleyball master's graduation thesis in China's sport institutes from 1982 to 2010.And it makes a statistics on the research content,method and references of these theses,analyzes the current situation and existing problems of the volleyball master's scientific research and proposes countermeasures so as to provide references to the thesis writing of the volleyball masters.


The problem of determining system zeros (transmission+decoupling) of a linear system S(A, B, C, D) employing the canonical decomposition theorem is discussed. The zeros are characterized as eigenvalues of an appropriate real matrix of order of the state matrix. When the system is transformed to the Kalman canonical form that matrix takes an upper-triangular block form consistent with the Kalman structure of the state matrix. The submatrices of the diagonal describe successively output decoupling, transmission, input-output decoupling and input decoupling zeros. A suitable procedure for the computation of the zeros is proposed. As is shown, each system S(A, B, C, D) may be diagonally decoupled by state feedback and squaring down. The presented approach is based on the Moore-Penrose pseudoinverse of the first nonzero Markov parameter.


In this study we determineanticancerous and cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity of Curcuma pseudomontana. The tuber with rhizomes of Curcuma pseudomontanawere collected, shade dried and then extracted with distill water, methanol and ethanol using soxhlet extraction procedure. Anticancer activity of different plant samples is determined by cytopathic effect of plant extract on BHk-21 cell line, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity is determined by using MTT assay against BHK-21 cell line. From this study we determine that the active phytocompounds inhibit the growth of BHK-21 cell line, this is confirmed after cytopathic effect determination. Between 2-20 mg is IC50 value of plant extract for BHK-21 cell line; at this concentration 50% cells are died. Observations show that antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity of all extractsincreases with increasing the concentration of plant extract.


In the humidification and dehumidification solar desalination system, the recovery of vapor condensation latent heat is the key problem. Using a cascaded phase change heat storage method to recover vapor condensation latent heat can improve the phase change heat storage rate and the water production performance of dehumidifier. The exergy analysis and experimental methods are used to study the cascaded phase change storage dehumidifier. The results show that the more stages of phase change materials in the cascaded phase change heat storage device, the greater the exergy efficiency will be. The heat transfer performance of phase change materials increases with the increase of hot and wet air temperature and flow at the inlet of the dehumidifier. The exergy efficiency and gain output ratio of three-stage phase change heat storage are higher than that of the single-stage. The three-stage one is recommended. If the heat recovered by the cascaded phase change heat storage device is supplied to the passive humidification dehumidification desalinator for secondary water output, the water output and gain output ratio will increase by 25% and the water production cost will be reduced by 20%. The results can provide a basis for the design and application of a cascaded phase change heat storage dehumidifier.


The experiment was conducted to study the effects of different Ca levels on the digestion and metabolism of Ca,P,F and other nutrients in 6-year old male sika deer.Four healthy sika deers in 6-year old were selected,placed in four special-made digestive-metabolic cages and given four diet with different Ca levels(Ⅰ:0.74%,Ⅱ:0.92%;Ⅲ:1.09%,Ⅳ.1.27%)in a 4×4 Latin square experiment design.The balance trial was carried out.The results showed that the effect of the group Ⅰon the digestibility and metabolic rate of Ca was better than the other groups,but no significant difference(P0.05).For phosphorus(P) and fluorine(F),the differences were significant(P0.05).These effects were all reduced with dietary Ca levels increasing.The effects of four diets with different Ca levels on Ca,P,HPY concentrations and AKP activity in serum and urinary HYP concentrations were not significant difference(P0.05).It was concluded that under our experimental ranges the optimum dietary Ca level and the ratio of Ca to P in the antler growing stage of 6-year old sika deer were 0.74% and 1.54:1,respectively.


The paper approaches some of the classical methods used in statistics for the analysis of labor force and proposes new ways of current analysis required for adopting optimal economic patterns and strategies. The proposed methods, the linear mean deviation used in the analysis of the external mobility of the labor force, the coefficient of variation used in the analysis of the external mobility of the labor force and two-dimensional table used the coefficient of internal mobility calculation, are illustrated by the premises, the calculus methodology, practical applications and guidance for their use in adopting and applying optimal economic policy.


This paper presents a fully integrated SAR ADC for GSM/WCDMA/LTE triple-mode transceiver (RFIC) with non-binary DAC structure and digital correction techniques. All blocks including input buffer, ADC core, bias, references and ADC logics are implemented in a single chip with a small die area of 0.044 mm /0.066 mm for ADC core and ADC logic. The proposed ADC does not require off-chip decoupling capacitor for reference voltage by employing charge-sharing topology. Reconfigurable structure is used for multi-mode operation by adjusting ADC speed and noise, where SNDR of 67.0 dB in GSM and 58.2 dB in WCDMA/LTE are achieved at the sampling frequencies of 52 MS/s and 80 MS/s, respectively.


The dominant interannual SST variability in the eastern equatorial Atlantic referred to as the Atlantic Zonal Mode (AZM), which peaks in boreal summer impacts global weather patterns. The cold (warm) phase of this ocean-atmospheric coupled phenomenon enhances (weakens) the intensity of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR). Observational studies show a strengthening relationship between AZM and ISMR in recent decades, providing a predictive signal for the ISMR. However, a suite of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) model simulations in the highest emission scenario (SSP58.5) show a weakening relationship between ISMR and AZM in the future (2050-2099). The strengthening of atmospheric thermal stability over the tropical Atlantic in the warming scenario weakens the associated convection over the eastern equatorial Atlantic in response to the warm phase of AZM. This leads to weakening velocity potential response over the Indian subcontinent, resulting in a weak AZM-ISMR relationship. There is no convincing evidence to indicate that either the tropical Atlantic SST bias or the AZM-ISMR teleconnection bias plays a crucial role in the potential weakening of this relationship. These results imply that ISMR prediction will become more challenging in a warming scenario as one of the major external boundary forces that influence monsoon weakens.


Organizational decision-makers are confronted with pervasive Information Technology. Investments in Information Technology form a large portion of total investments, requiring a focus on the governance of IT. One prevalent IT Governance Framework is COBIT 5. Despite its widespread use, there is a claimed lack of research on COBIT 5. To validate this claim, we have looked at academic literature and mapped the results along different criteria. Our key findings suggest that the peak of COBIT 5 publications already seems passed, that most publications deal with the contextual use of COBIT 5, that this context is still very security/risk and governance focussed, and that the new concepts introduced in COBIT 5, and COBIT 5 as an artefact itself, are hardly researched. We conclude that COBIT 5 needs more thorough academic research at the conceptual level, and that future work should start with the development of a conceptual model of COBIT 5, making COBIT 5 truly researchable as an artefact.


(57) Abstract: brush cleaning unit for a heater fixture of a smoking device (21) (27) comprises such holder tube (29) capable of heating appliances are cleaned with liquid by the movable brush (39) . The tube first and second ends (31 and 33), part of the key (35) to corresponding portions cooperate with the keys on the heater apparatus for directing the heater fixture (37), and the brush rotates it can include an arrangement for preventing the. Brushes may be arranged so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the tube and the heater fixture attached thereto.


The present article deals with convergence and smoothness analysis of geometric, nonlinear, subdivision schemes in the presence of extraordinary points. For a certain class of stationary linear subdivision schemes we can show that if a convergent linear scheme and its nonlinear analogue meet a proximity condition, then the nonlinear scheme converges for dense enough input data. Furthermore, we obtain C1 smoothness of the nonlinear limit function in the vincinity of an extraordinary point over Reif's characteristic parametrisation. The results apply to the geometric analogues of well known subdivision schemes like Doo-Sabin or Catmull-Clark schemes. keywords: nonlinear subdivision, extraordinary point, irregular mesh. 2000 MSC. Primary 65D17, Secondary 68U05, 53A99, 58C07.


The article analyses part of the payment systems in Europe. The purpose is to overview their special features and the actual application of the payment services in comparative plan in the European Union and Bulgaria. The analysis includes the following payment systems: SWIFT, TARGET, EURO 1, STEP 1, EURO-Giro, MasterCard International, Visa International and the main Bulgarian payment system, operated by "Borika-Bankservice" AD (PLC). The process of integration of Bulgaria with the European payment infrastructures is taken into consideration. The focus is mainly on the payment systems of Bulgaria, Romania, Italy and Germany and for every country comparative values are represented via tables and graphics to visualize the research.


A computer code is presented which predicts the environmental impact of any specific scheme of radioactive material transportation. Results are presented in terms of annual latent cancer fatalities and annual early fatility probability resulting from exposure, during normal transportation or transport accidents. The code is developed in a generalized format to permit wide application including normal transportation analysis; consideration of alternatives; and detailed consideration of specific sectors of industry. (ERA citation 02:045144)


Abstract Conclusion: Superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy, which enables local control and laryngeal preservation, is a safe and useful therapy for preservation of nutrition, speech, and swallowing functions. Objective: To improve the laryngeal preservation rate in patients with hypopharyngeal piriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma by superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy. Methods: Fifty-seven patients received anterograde intra-arterial administration of docetaxel and cisplatin, and two courses of intravenous continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy over 120 h starting on day 2. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was administered from the third course to control the primary cancer. Remaining neck lymph node metastases were treated in principle by neck dissection. Results: The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 68.5% and 58.9%, respectively. The 5-year rates by the T classification were 96.0% (10-year rate, 88.6%) in T3, 48.1% in T4a, and 16.7% in T4b. The 5- and 10-year laryngeal preservation rates were 65.2% and 62.4%, respectively. The 5-year rates by the T classification were 92.4% (10-year rate, 87.6%) in T3, 36.2% in T4a, and 16.7% in T4b. No irreversible side effects, complications, or sequelae were reported. Superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy showed superior laryngeal preservation as well as high survival rates, particularly in T3, and was considered a useful therapy.


PURPOSE: An apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor chip and a method for treating an exhausting gas of the same are provided to collect a material sampled in a trap by using a pressure gradient. CONSTITUTION: A manufacturing apparatus for semiconductor(100) comprises a processing chamber(110), an exhaust pump(120), and a trap(130). The exhaust pump is connected to the processing chamber through an exhausting pipe. The trap is arranged on the exhaust pipe. The manufacturing apparatus for semiconductor more includes a gas supply unit(155) and a collection container. The collection container is communicated with the trap through the collection duct. The collection container stores the material sampled in the trap.


A system for sensing an electromyography and motion comprises: a sensing device including a case having a groove for positioning an electrode on one surface of the outside of the case, an electrode positioned in the groove and contacting a part of a subject, a sensing unit positioned inside of the case, sensing the electromyography and motion of the subject, and transmitting an electromyography signal and a motion signal corresponding to sensing results to a receiver device, and a battery supplying power to the sensing unit; and the receiver device receiving the electromyography signal and the motion signal from the sensing device and outputting sensing data corresponding to the received electromyography signal and the received motion signal.


Irrigation is the most important component in ensuring that crops can produce optimal yields. The use of drip irrigation can help farmers in providing water to crops in the amount required by the crop. Drip irrigation usually uses an uncompensated dripper and also a pressure compensated dripper. The use of an uncompensated dripper requires precise pressure to ensure a uniform flow for each dripper while the use of a pressure compensated dripper will also provide a uniform flow when operating pressure was used within the range specified by the dripper manufacturer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hydraulic performance of the drip irrigation system using low pressure compared to the minimum pressure recommended by dripper manufacturers. The pressure operation recommended by the manufacturer is 1.5-4 bars. This study uses pressures as low as 1 bar (low pressure), 2 bars, and 2.5 bars (recommended by manufacture) to operate this irrigation system. The volumetric approach was used to calculate each emitter's flow rate. Coefficient uniformity (CU), emission uniformity (EU), coefficient of variation (CV), and emitter flow variation (EFV) were the hydraulic parameters evaluated. The results show that CU, CV, and EU are in excellent classification, and the value for CU and the EU is more than 95 percent efficiency. The CV value is below 0.03 which is a very good classification. Meanwhile, emitter flow variation is 10% when operating at 2.5 bars and 2.0 bars and is considered the desirable classification. On the other hand, the emitter flow variation was reported at 6% for the 1 bar operating pressure and the classification was also recorded in the desirable classification. The results conclude that the use of low operating pressure compared to the minimum operating pressure proposed by the manufacturer can also operate in excellent condition according to the hydraulic parameters evaluated.


Aim: Removal of the third molars is the most common minor oral surgical procedure being performed. Though controversy is minimal when there is a pathology involved with the third molar, prophylactic removal of impacted third molars has always been debated. This review focuses on the prophylactic removal of the third molar Background: Many a time an impacted third molar can remain asymptomatic throughout life. What is to be considered is the risk of just retaining an asymptomatic third molar against overt problems that arise if it becomes pathological. Review results: Quite a number of systematic reviews have been compiled by various authors on this topic. However, still, there is no decision with a black and white certainty when it comes to prophylactic removal of impacted third molars. Conclusion: This article highlights the review on surgical removal of impacted molars, the associated complications during removal and the complications associated with retention.


This study was aimed at finding out the effect of Prediction Strategy on students' reading comprehension in narrative text. This study was conducted in experimental design. The population of this research was the first year students of SMA Swasta Masehi GBKP Berastagi. There were eighty students of first year senior high school as the sample of the research. This study was conducted with two randomized groups namely Experimental and Control group. The experimental group was taught by applying Prediction Strategy while control group was taught by applying Lecturing Strategy. The instrument of collecting the data was multiple choice tests which consist of 50 items. To obtain the reliability of the test the researcher used Kuder - Richardson (KR – 21) formula. The calculation shows the reliability is 0.56 (moderate). The data were analyzed by using t-test formula. The calculation shows that t-observed (3.96) is higher than t-table (1.99) at the level of significance (α) 0.05 with the degree of freedom (df) 78. It means that there is a significant effect of applying Prediction Strategy on students' reading comprehension in narrative text. So the null hypothesis (Ho) is rejected and alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted.


SUMMARY

Changes in collagen structure during maturation were studied with collagenous residues obtained from the loose connective-tissue network within bovine biceps femoris muscle from animals of different ages. A new technique for studying thermal shrinkage and collagen structure of powdered collagenous residues was described. Samples from four age groups were studied: Group I, three calves, 40–49 days old; Group II, three steers, 403–495 days old; Group III, three cows, 4 years, 8 months to 5 years, 5 months old; Group IV, two cows, 10 years, 2 months and 10 years, 5 months old.

The release of soluble protein, ninhydrin-positive material, and hydroxy-proline from collagenous residues into a phosphate-buffered medium (pH 7.0) upon incubation at gradually increasing increments of temperature from 25 to 70°C was measured. Differences between various age groups were marked, and at 60°C and above, the groups ranked I, II, III, and IV, from highest to lowest, in amounts of soluble material released. At the final temperature of 70°C, Group I samples had released 42% of their hydroxyproline in a soluble form, compared to only 2% from Group IV. The thermal shrinkage temperature, which was taken as that temperature at which a sudden release of soluble hydroxyproline occurred, increased with advancing age, from near 55°C for Group I to 70°C or above for Group IV, while the average molecular weight of the soluble protein released was greater for the younger animals. The results were discussed in relation to experiments involving the rate of collagenase digestion of the same samples. The findings indicate stronger or more extensive cross-linkages in the collagen from older animals.


For a class of robustly transitive diffeomorphisms on $\mathbb T^4$ introduced by Shub in [24], satisfying an additional bunching condition, we show that there exits a $C^2$ open and $C^r$ dense subset $\mathcal U^r$, $2\leq r\leq\infty$, such that any two hyperbolic points of $g\in \mathcal U^r$ with stable index $2$ are homoclinically related. As a consequence, every $g\in \mathcal U^r$ admits a unique homoclinic class associated to the hyperbolic periodic points with index $2$, and this homoclinic class coincides to the whole ambient manifold. Moreover, every $g\in \mathcal U^r$ admits at most one measure with maximal entropy, and every $g\in\mathcal U^{\infty}$ admits a unique measure of maximal entropy.


A two-stage vorbix (vortex burning and mixing) combustor and associated fuel system components were successfully tested in an experimental JT9D engine at steady-state and transient operating conditions, using ASTM Jet-A fuel. Full-scale JT9D experimental engine tests were conducted in a phase three aircraft experimental clean combustor program. The low-pollution combustor, fuel system, and fuel control concepts were derived from phase one and phase two programs in which several combustor concepts were evaluated, refined, and optimized in a component test rig. Significant pollution reductions were achieved with the combustor which meets the performance, operating, and installation requirements of the engine.


Aging is often associated with reduced leg blood flow, increased arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which are related to declining nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and passive leg movement (PLM) hyperaemia are two techniques used to measure NO-dependent vascular function. We hypothesised that acute dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation would improve NO bioavailability, leg FMD, and PLM hyperaemia. Fifteen healthy older men (69 ± 4 years) attended two experiment sessions and consumed either 140 mL of concentrated beetroot juice (800 mg NO3−) or placebo (NO3−-depleted beetroot juice) in a randomised, double blind, cross-over design study. Plasma nitrite (NO2−) and NO3−, blood pressure (BP), augmentation index (AIx75), pulse wave velocity (PWV), FMD of the superficial femoral artery, and PLM hyperaemia were measured immediately before and 2.5 h after consuming NO3− and placebo. Placebo had no effect but NO3− led to an 8.6-fold increase in plasma NO2−, which was accompanied by an increase in FMD (NO3−: +1.18 ± 0.94% vs. placebo: 0.23 ± 1.13%, p = 0.002), and a reduction in AIx75 (NO3−: −8.7 ± 11.6% vs. placebo: −4.6 ± 5.5%, p = 0.027). PLM hyperaemia, BP, and PWV were unchanged during both trials. This study showed that a dose of dietary NO3− improved NO bioavailability and enhanced endothelial function as measured by femoral artery FMD. These findings provide insight into the specific central and peripheral vascular responses to dietary NO3− supplementation in older adults.


A presumption shared by both Soviet and outside interpretations of the Russian Revolution is that of a straight line of development implementing the MarxistLeninist doctrine of proletarian dictatorship and one-party rule. Do not all the seeds of Soviet totalitarianism appear in What is to Be Done? and Lenin's other preRevolutionary programmatic statements? Unfortunately for logical simplicity,'the historical details do not always support the direct correspondence of doctrinal intention and Revolutionary result. This reservation particularly holds for the early years of the Soviet regime, which close examination shows to be a period of handto-mouth, trial-and-error expediency, with little conscious awareness of the unique pattern of rule by the Communist Party "apparatus" that was to emerge from this epoch of desperate struggle. Only a few Western scholars have probed the impact of circumstances on the actual operation of the new Soviet government during the period of civil war and war communism. Three who come to mind are Oskar Anweiler on the Soviets (Die Rdtebewegung in Russland, 1905-1921 [Leiden, 1958] and The Soviets: The Russian Workers', Peasants', and Soldiers' Councils, 1905-1921 [New York, 1975]), E. H. Carr on economic policy and industrial administration (The Bolshevik Revolution, 1917-1923, vol. 2 [New York, 1952]), and, more recently, Walter Pietsch (Revolution und Staat: Institutionen als Trdger der Macht in Sowjet-russland, 1917-1922 [Cologne, 1969]). Some Soviet scholars, beginning with Ie. N. Gorodetskii (Roshdenie sovetskogo gosudarstva 1917-1918 gg. [Moscow, 1957]) and continuing notably with M. P. Iroshnikov (Sosdanie sovctskogo tsentral'nogo gosudarstvennogo apparata: Sovet narodnykh komissarov i narodnye komissariaty [okt. 1917 g.-ian. 1918 g.~] [Moscow and Leningrad, 1966]), have helped break the ground for a detailed cultivation of these questions. But a major step in the factual understanding of how the Soviet system of rule took shape, unburdened with preconceptions about Marxist destiny or the Leninist monolith, is represented by the fine example of monographic study reviewed here.


A monocular stereoscopic vision sensor, consisting of one CCD camera and two pairs of symmetry mirrors, is designed for visual detect. A perspective transformation model is established in order to analyze the effect on sensor performance from the geometric parameters, such as the angle between two symmetry mirrors, angle and distance between two pairs of mirrors and the distance between CCD camera and mirrors. The measuring accuracy is related to both the geometry of sensor and the position of measurand. Enough theoretical research is made for the optimum design of stereovision system. The sensor, which is cramped construction and convenient adjustment, has been successfully used in the 3D-PIV measuring system for two-phase gas-liquid flow in the lab.


Introduction:
 In the general US population, Black adults have a higher stroke incidence and mortality rate after stroke compared to white adults. Among heart transplant recipients, Black adults also have a higher mortality rate beginning 6-12 months post-transplant. Whether there are racial disparities in perioperative stroke incidence and all-cause mortality following perioperative stroke among cardiac transplant recipients is unknown.

 Methods:
 Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we examined all adults in the United States who received their first heart transplant between January 2008 - December 2018. We used multivariable conditional logistic regression to assess the association between race and perioperative stroke. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression to examine the association between race and mortality among adults who survived a perioperative stroke. In both models, we included age, sex, hospitalization status, prior ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), calendar year, etiology of heart disease, bilirubin, and functional status as covariates.

 Results:
 Among 20,912 adults, 428 (2.7%) white recipients and 126 (2.4%) Black recipients had a perioperative stroke. In a multivariable model, there was 11% lower odds of perioperative stroke in Black recipients compared to white recipients (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.71, 1.12). Among perioperative stroke survivors, mortality rates were similar between Black and white recipients within 6 months (HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.70, 1.49) and in long-term follow up (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.52, 1.73). However, our regression results were imprecise. Further adjustment for health behaviors and socioeconomic position did not alter the results.

 Conclusion:
 Black recipients experienced a lower incidence of perioperative stroke; however, mortality rates were similar between Black and white recipients following perioperative stroke. These unexpected findings warrant further research.


One of the most promising theoretical perspectives in the study of foreign policy is that it is heavily influenced by domestic politics. In this study, we will examine North Korea's foreign policy with respect to its domestic political situation. In particular, we will attempt to uncover the influence that domestic politics has in North Korea's foreign policy behavior, specifically in regard to weapons of mass destruction. Whether or not and to what extent domestic politics influence the nuclear issues are the primary questions that we will attempt to address in this paper. In answering these questions, we will analyze three of the most recent nuclear crises: the first nuclear crisis of 1993-1994, the missile crisis of 1998 and the second nuclear crisis of 2002-2003. The diversionary theory will be utilized as the primary theoretical framework to analyze the cases. Based on suggestions from the diversionary theory, we will test the hypothesis that North Korea conducts its foreign policy in a risky manner as a means to divert the people's attention outward when the regime is (or perceives that it is) facing difficulties in domestic politics. For that purpose, we will examine the domestic political situation in North Korea during these periods and analyze the perceptions of the Pyongyang regime in such circumstances.


Genetic diversity is essential for any breeding program. However, breeders tend to concentrate on specific genotypes, which combine traits of interest and may be used as progenitors in several breeding programs. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding programs are not different in this sense. In this study, the genetic diversity of 21 common bean elite lines from the Bean Regional Trials conducted by the Embrapa Rice and Bean Research Center was evaluated using the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and pedigree analyses. Based on genetic dissimilarity, three groups were defined: group I - lines 1, 9 and 10, with low genetic distances among them (0.00 to 0.06), originated from 11 Mesoamerican parents; group II - 17 lines with genetic distances ranging from 0.03 to 0.33, originated from 50 parents (mostly Mesoamerican); and group III - line 21 (PR 93201472), which parents are the Andean cultivar 'Pompadour' and the cultivar 'Irai' (unknown origin). The genetic distances between line 21 and the lines of the other two groups varied from 0.68 to 0.93. Pedigree analyses demonstrated that cultivars 'Carioca', 'Cornell 49-242', 'Jamapa', 'Tlalnepantla 64', 'Tara' and 'Veranic 2', all of Mesoamerican origin, were the most widely used parents for developing lines present in group II.


Photoacoustic tomography has been developed for in vivo functional, metabolic, molecular, and histologic imaging by physically combining optical and ultrasonic waves. Broad applications include early-cancer detection and brain imaging. High-resolution optical imaging—such as confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, and optical coherence tomography—is limited to superficial imaging within the optical diffusion limit (~1 mm in the skin) of the surface of scattering tissue. By synergistically combining light and sound, photoacoustic tomography conquers the optical diffusion limit and provides deep penetration at high ultrasonic resolution and high optical contrast. Photoacoustic tomography has two major embodiments: photoacoustic computed tomography and photoacoustic microscopy. In photoacoustic computed tomography, a pulsed broad laser beam illuminates the biological tissue to generate a small but rapid temperature rise, which leads to emission of ultrasonic waves due to thermoelastic expansion. The unscattered pulsed ultrasonic waves are then detected by ultrasonic transducers. High-resolution tomographic images of optical contrast are then formed through image reconstruction. In photoacoustic microscopy, a pulsed laser beam is delivered into the biological tissue to generate ultrasonic waves, which are then detected with a focused ultrasonic transducer to form a depth resolved 1D image. Raster scanning yields 3D high-resolution tomographic images. Super-depths beyond the optical diffusion limit have been reached with high spatial resolution. The annual conference on PAT has grown exponentially since early 2000 and become the largest in SPIE's 20,000-attendee Photonics West since 2010.


The therapeutic effect of Triptergium wilfordii Hook.f(TWHF) is significant in clinical,but the toxicity limits its applications in many fields.As a toxic traditional Chinese medicine,TWHF contains quite a lot of chemical constituents which are complicated.However,some components are synonym,which has become a big barrier in drug efficacy and toxicity research.This article classifies and combs the components in Triptergium wilfordii Hook.f,and reviews recent research on its toxicity,summarizes that the toxic effect mechanism may be attributed to its ability to induce apoptosis and oxidative stress,as well as multi-way combined action.We propose to make a thorough study on toxic monomers,meanwhile to elucidate the toxic material base of TWHF and its toxicology mechanism research from monomer,component and extraction three levels.