enthusiasts one rarely finds writing between the same covers. Some of us occasionally enjoy the perusal of the Morningside Mirror. So far as we know, all the contributors to The Arena are free to wander where they will. Hypnotism in surgery; prenatal influence; the divided skirt, and male and female culture generally ; Occultism in Thibet: a remarkable psychic experience?all treated in articles in this one number?may be specially suited to the medical reader. Probably the most amusing article for the general reader is one by the editor, 011 Fostering the Savage in the Young; and the way it is done is by cadet corps and drill-sergeants in the schools: " The child who is drilled in the manual of arms, has constantly before him the hour when he may draw the trigger which means death to a fellow-man; he conies to love the sound of the drum-beat, and learns to long for the chance to shoulder the


The authors describe a coupled system for knowledge-based signal understanding. This system maintains two separate, collaborating knowledge bases, one for the signal analysis knowledge and one for the domain specific knowledge. An object-oriented approach is followed to ease the knowledge representation for both fields of expertise. A vocabulary (or language) is provided to facilitate interaction between the two experts and the two knowledge bases. This same language contains elements to express spatial and temporal relationships and to provide adaptation of object descriptors as the analysis progresses. Following the approach described here, the authors have developed two prototype application systems, for EEG analysis.<<ETX>>


The failure to properly transition from a superannuation system that had permitted unlimited accumulations on introduction of the 2007 changes has necessitated two major reforms. First, to limit the amount of exempt pension income in a superannuation fund, through introduction of the transfer balance caps and, second, to limit the amount of wealth that can be held in the tax preferred environment of a superannuation fund, through introduction of the total superannuation balance. This article identifies the concessional nature of superannuation taxation as Australia moved from an exempt/exempt/taxed basis of taxation to its current position to show the problems being resolved by these two changes. While the methods chosen to resolve these problems have been seen before in superannuation taxation, there are concerns about their complexity, equality of treatment of taxpayers, creating additional tax distortions and the differential treatment of pensions.


Abstract The species of the genus Asyndetus from China are reviewed. The following two species are described as new to science: A. beijingensis n. sp., A. guangxiensis n. sp. A key to the known species of Asyndetus from China is given.


PURPOSE: A control apparatus of a water discharge rate and pressure in fire truck is provided to allow a very easy convenience by regulating the discharge rate and pressure properly to the flow, and to prevent the fire hose and piping from being damaged by locking the nozzle during remote extinguishing. CONSTITUTION: The water discharge device includes: a fire pump(2), connected to a truck engine(1) and rotated according to the rotation of the engine(1) so as to pump the water inside a water tank; a fire hose(3), guiding the water from the fire pump(2) and having a nozzle(3a) for spraying the water in its front end; and a fire piping(4), having a fire valve(4a) for connecting the fire pump(2) with the fire hose(3). The control apparatus of a water discharge rate and pressure in fire truck includes: a flow detector(100), arranged on the fire piping(4) and composed of many sensors(101); a governor(210), installed in the engine(1); a governor regulator(220); an engine speed regulator(200); a control panel(310); and a controller(300).


Ever since 1970s,the philosophical foundation of positivism in Hesperian social policy evaluation has been attacked by post-positivism,hermeneutics and criticism.Determinism and empiricism can not cope with the complicated social policy evaluation while the expert-guided evaluations are oppugned by the other stakeholders.As a result,the trend towards multiple evaluation methodologies and contents has emerged,and the coexistence of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies has contributed to the four dominant paradigms: scientific research,logic of positivist debate,direct social change and theory of social justice.


The electoral studies of the recent years reveal discrepancies between the results of the opinion polls and the election results. The mismatch in forecasting the results of regional and municipal level elections is tremendous. Poor quality of the electoral forecasting is not only the Russian problem. Foreign sociologists who failed to give accurate forecasts also happen to be in the spotlight. Some of the recent examples are results of the Polish presidential elections, the Greek referendum, and the British parliamentary elections. In all these cases the faults of sociologists drew wide public discussion for a reason: poor quality election forecasting undermines public trust in surveys. The public do not perceive sociology as a reliable source of information about the public itself. The article presents the results of the project aimed at studying the American approaches towards electoral forecasting and includes a series of interviews with the largest American pollsters. The paper considers such questions as who forecasts the American elections and how the role of electoral forecasting is perceived in the research environment.


Proterotaiwanella tanabei n. g. n. sp. is described for a mecistocephalid centipede collected in Kume Island, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. Of the two Taiwanese species originally included in the genus 'Taiwanella' Takakuwa, 1936 (invalid name), 'Taiwanella' sculptulata Takakuwa, 1936 is recognised as belonging to the new genus (as Proterotaiwanella sculptulata (Takakuwa, 1936), n. comb.) while 'Taiwanella' yanagiharai Takakuwa, 1936 is recognised as belonging to the large genus Mecistocephalus Newport, 1843 (as Mecistocephalus yanagiharai (Takakuwa, 1936), n. comb.). The geographical range of the two species of Proterotaiwanella (Taiwan and Ryukyu Islands) parallels a distribution pattern common to some mecistocephalid taxa.


Accurate, reliable and stable temperature measurement is essential in the forehearth and working end of a glass melting tank, to ensure optimum product quality. Radiation thermometers are ideally suited to the needs of the glass industry when used to measure the temperature of molten glass


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design and test a user satisfaction model to evaluate the contribution of biodiesel production and consumption to the sustainability of a semi-urban community in the Cowichan Valley in British Columbia Canada. This case study is part of a larger research study whose purpose is to create a model for an index of sustainable community production and consumption.

Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical approach selected was the national indices of consumer satisfaction models. The methodology was qualitative and quantitative, in-depth interviews were used to learn the opinion of active and non-active consumers of biodiesel. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed with specialized software for qualitative studies. A structural equation model, whose innovation is the inclusion of the sustainability variables, was designed and analyzed with statistical technique partial least squares.

Findings
The designed model and methodology were useful to identify the principal cause variables of consumer satisfaction of biodiesel in two types of users: active users and non-active users. The determination coefficient R2 of the latent variables satisfaction and loyalty for the prediction of biodiesel active users model is 0.82 and 0.72, respectively, while the result for the non-active users model is 0.90 for satisfaction and 0.73 for loyalty. Sustainable consumption at community level is statistically significant as a direct cause of the variable sustainability of the community for both models, and in turn the sustainability of the community variable has a significant impact on loyalty for the active users model.

Originality/value
This case study is part of a larger research study whose purpose is to create a model for an index of sustainable community production and consumption which will be measured longitudinally to detect changes in the sustainable consumption of the community members.


Context: In oral insulin delivery, blood glucose profiles of a subject can be a function of complicated transfer of water and insulin between gastrointestinal and blood compartments. Objective: This study examined the effects of orally administered water on blood glucose profiles of oral insulin-fed diabetic rats. The blood glucose, insulin and red blood cell concentration profiles of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were determined following administration of deionized water and insulin solution (14 IU/kg) with control receiving none. The aqueous solution samples were subjected to X-ray diffractometry (XRD), fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), viscometry and osmolality tests to elucidate the state of water-insulin interaction. Results and discussion: Deionized water reduced blood glucose concentration by more than 70% via dilution of systemic circulation. The addition of insulin into deionized water negated its blood glucose lowering property instead of no influence due to insulin had not shown marked oral bioavailability. The insulin interacted with water to form solution with higher viscosity and osmolality values. Conclusion: Insulin-water interaction could be one reason where water migration from the gastrointestinal lumen into systemic circulation is reduced and blood glucose lowering capacity of deionized water is negated.


Bi4Ti3O12 ~BiT! ferroelectric thin films were used as photoconductive or photovoltaic ultraviolet detectors. The maximum of the spectral distribution lies around 370 or 390 nm, depending on whether the incident light is continuous or modulated. The maximum current responsivity obtained for the films annealed at 700 °C is about 0.01 A/W. The specific detectivity is 5.5 310 cm W Hz at a modulation frequency of 20 Hz. The frequency characteristics of the photovoltaic signal measured in modulated light suggests a 1/ f frequency dependence of this signal. © 1998 American Institute of Physics. @S0003-6951 ~98!02229-3#


A new design method to improve durability of spur gears made of low tensile strength material is utilised. In this method, the gear is made of two materials, where most of the gear body is made of low tensile strength material (like gray cast iron or aluminium), and only teeth fillets are made of high tensile strength material (like steel). The method shows promising results; all maximum stresses carried by the gear body 'weaker material' and the maximum tooth tip deflection are significantly reduced. A computer code using the boundary element method is written to find gear stresses. Computations carried out by the present code have been verified by comparison with COSMOS/M (Version 1.75) package computation. To simulate two materials body, two pieces made of cast aluminium with circular steel inserts are fabricated. The experimental tests show that failure takes place in the aluminium region.


This article studies trends in gender inequality in the domain of fiction books between 1960 and 2009 in France, Germany and the United States by analysing bestseller lists and literary award winners. It is argued that gender inequality is larger in fields or genres where more status is at stake for individual agents, as this causes an influx of men who then 'edge' women out of the field. The study finds evidence for this mechanism, as the presence of female authors in bestseller lists (exponent of the popular culture system) is larger than that among literary award winners (highbrow culture system) in all three countries. Cross-national differences are consistent (US smallest inequality, France largest), emphasizing the importance of field characteristics in explaining social inequalities in cultural production.


The direct metal lamination is one of the additive manufacturing process using the arc welding technology; where the molten metal made by the arc discharge is accumulated successively in this process. In this study, two kinds of dissimilar metal fabrication were conducted. One is aluminium alloy and titanium alloy. Another is stainless steel and Ni based alloy. The boundaries of dissimilar metal structures were investigated. As a result, it is suggested the possibility of the fabrication with more than one kind of metallic material by direct metal lamination.


Cognitive impairment and physical disability are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). As a result diet can be difficult to measure. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a photographic dietary record (PhDR) in people with PD. During a 12-week nutrition intervention study, 19 individuals with PD kept 3-day PhDRs on three occasions using point-and-shoot digital cameras. Details on food items present in the PhDRs and those not photographed were collected retrospectively during an interview. Following the first use of the PhDR method, the photographer completed a questionnaire (n=18). In addition, the quality of the PhDRs was evaluated at each time point. The person with PD was the sole photographer in 56% of the cases, with the remainder by the carer or combination of person with PD and the carer. The camera was rated as easy to use by 89%, keeping a PhDR was considered acceptable by 94% and none would rather use a "pen and paper" method. Eighty-three percent felt confident to use the camera again to record intake. Of the photos captured (n=730), 89% were of adequate quality (items visible, in-focus), while only 21% could be used alone (without interview information) to assess intake. Over the study, 22% of eating/drinking occasions were not photographed. PhDRs were considered an easy and acceptable method to measure intake among individuals with PD and their carers. The majority of PhDRs were of adequate quality, however in order to quantify intake the interview was necessary to obtain sufficient detail and capture missing items.


The main aim of this paper is to study the oscillatory behaviors of gene expression networks in quorum-sensing system with time delay. The stability of the unique positive equilibrium and the existence of Hopf bifurcation are investigated by choosing the time delay as the bifurcation parameter and by applying the bifurcation theory. The explicit criteria determining the direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions are developed based on the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem. Numerical simulations demonstrate good agreements with the theoretical results. Results of this paper indicate that the time delay plays a crucial role in the regulation of the dynamic behaviors of quorum-sensing system.


This article examines tourism development in Costa Rica, with particular emphasis on the strategic choices facing the country in the future. It suggests that the traditional approaches to visitor segmentation may no longer be applicable. Visitor requirements and motivation are becoming more varied than in previous decades and more widely diversified across the spectrum of offerings. Drawing on qualitative empirical research with tour operators in Costa Rica, the study examines their approach to the marketplace and the management choices they face in terms of market development. The evidence suggests that Costa Rica is at a crossroads in terms of the strategic choices faced in the development of tourism. As the country moves towards a mass market culture, it will be necessary for both government and tour operators to apply stronger controls over access to its national parks and nature reserves.


Abstract: This chapter discusses some of the novel processes of structural modifications, namely bulking, incorporation of micro-pores, twistless and hollow fibrous assemblies, of staple fibre yarns. By modifying the yarn structure the thermophysiological comfort characteristics can be improved by improving the transmission characteristics of heat, moisture and air through the fabric, and the tactile comfort can be improved by proper rearrangements of fibres in yarns and fabrics. The impacts of the structural modifications on characteristics of yarns and fabrics are discussed in detail.


Our objective was to understand how mineral N availability alters accumulation of N reserves (nitrate, amino acids, soluble proteins and vegetative storage proteins known as VSP) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Lodi) taproots. The effects of variation in NH4NO3 availability were followed by studying non-nodulated plants grown under hydroponic conditions during 21 days with (i) different N supplies which corresponded to N-replete plants (N100% /optimal N) and N-limited plants receiving only 50% (N50%) or 25% (N25%) of optimal N (Experiment I), or (ii) decreasing concentrations of NH4NO3 (1000, 250, 100 or 50 mM, Experiment II). Regardless of the N-limitation mode (Experiments I or II), and compared with higher N treatments (N100 or 1000 mM), there was a significant reduction of total shoot dry matter per plant for lowest N treatments (N25 or 50 mM). This was accentuated by the degree of N deficiency in Experiment I only. In Experiment II, taproot biomass significantly increased for low N treatments. In both experiments, total N, nitrate and amino acid concentrations in taproots increased for high N treatments, while the concentration of soluble proteins, and particularly VSP, increased for low N treatments. These results indicated that non-nodulated alfalfa was able to accumulate N reserves (mainly as VSPs), even under N-limited conditions, while under high mineral N availability, taproot amino acid concentrations (mainly asparagine) increased without a corresponding increase in soluble protein concentration. These results show that alfalfa was capable of optimizing N cycling and storage as a function of mineral N availability. These adaptive responses to low soil N environments also allow alfalfa to go dormant and perenniate, while awaiting more favorable conditions for shoot growth. # 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.


We investigated the use of crystalline coatings as the highly reflective coating of an Yb:YAG thin disk directly bonded onto a silicon carbide heatsink. Compared to commonly used ion-beam-sputtered coatings, it possesses lower optical losses and higher thermal conductivity, resulting in better heat management and laser outputs. We pumped the disk up to 1.15 kW at 969 nm and reached 665 W of average output power, and disk temperature of 107 °C with a highly multi-modal V-cavity. These promising results were reached with this novel design despite the adoption of a cheap silicon carbide substrate having more than 3 times lower thermal conductivity compared to frequently used CVD diamond.


On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a black seamstress, refused to give up her seat to a white man on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and she was arrested. On that day, Rosa Parks became the mother of the modern civil rights movement. This study guide may be used as a companion to "The Rosa Parks Story" video which aired on CBS television February 24, 2002. It is intended for students in grades 9-12. The guide presents a synopsis of Rosa Parks's life and the events surrounding her actions and offers tips for using the guide and Web site, suggesting before-viewing activities and after-viewing activities. It also lists "names to know," discusses Jim Crow laws, and provides relevant vocabulary and terms. The study guide furnishes discussion questions for social studies and history activities, for English and language arts activities, and for media literacy activities, and also provides a timeline. It suggests diverse student activities and informs teachers that "The Rose Parks Story" addresses themes developed by national professional educational organizations to meet national standards for those disciplines. Lists several resources (books, Web sites, and videos and films) . (BT) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. "The Rosa Parks Story"


In reply to Mike Follows' review of Michael Strevens' book The Knowledge Machine: How an Unreasonable Idea Created Modern Science.


User interface prototyping is an efficient approach for eliciting user requirements in the early phase of software development. It is an iterative analysis technique in which users are actively involved in the mocking-up of the UI for a system. It is typically done in a drag-and-drop fashion by professionals, which is time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge. This paper presents a prototype tool SAIP (Semi-Automatic user Interface Prototyping), which allows users to express their natural language requirements and semi-automatically generates a corresponding graphical user interface. Based on a systematic literature review of the user interface prototype, we design a framework that maps natural language to the user interface prototype. Furthermore, develop a demo version of the SAIP a user interface prototyping tool served from natural language processing and neural network for the user interface automatic generation. Our tool aims to help users who have little knowledge in user interface design to express their ideas and requirements freely.


In the context of growing interest in innovation intermediaries, we provide a brief overview of the technology markets and innovation intermediaries. Starting from the nature of technological knowledge, the differences between product markets and technology markets are addressed. We further show that transferring technologies is more complex than transferring products. In addition, recent developments in the markets for technology are discussed. Furthermore, we elaborate on the question in what context intermediary services are used. Moreover, different types of intermediaries are examined, and the interaction of innovation intermediaries and industrial firms is discussed. Finally, a conclusion is drawn, and an outlook is given.


The article discusses educational actions planned intentionally with the use of games like Trigger learning Situation for internalisation of theoretical knowledge through the action and reflection as a result of mediation. Participants were 8 children of 2nd year of elementary school, selected by the teacher of the class. The investigative procedure took as a reference using a Guiding teaching Activity, through Being Learning Situations, verifying that the game, when used under the historical-cultural approach, triggers learning some concepts inherent in the operations of addition and subtraction. To this end, the games used CUBRA A SOMA and FECHE A CAIXA. The study consisted of five teaching activities with each game. The results indicated that the mediations, associated with the motivation of children, during the Teaching activity, can provide the development of highter psychological functions.


In this paper, we proposes a method to analyze and evaluate the quality of experience (QoE) in mobile terminals using "big data". The feature parameters of key quality indicator (KQI) are obtained from operators and quantized through the use of a scoring system. Then the scores of customer experience indicator (CEI) and QoE are calculated based on our proposed analytical model. In combination with the data of market operation, the terminal QoE evaluation scores contribute to offer effective suggestions on the promotion of mobile terminal.


Abstract The dehydration–dehydrogenation of 2-hexanol in the presence of a catalyst obtained from magnesium hydrogen phosphate was studied. The catalyst activity was found to be related to the nature of surface OH sites. Examination of the catalyst by the XRD, DRIFT,1H and31P MAS NMR, and UV–visible absorption techniques allowed the nature of the catalytically active sites to be established and the catalytic activity results to be explained.


The objective of this paper is to develop and implement an Islamic micro-finance model, using the Grameen group financing methodology, which can be used as a tool for global poverty alleviation. We posit that the fundamentals of Shari'ah concerning: (i) equitable risk and return sharing between the lender (bank) and the borrower (client) and (ii) helping the poor especially, the 'poorest of the poor' to be self sustaining, provide the necessary foundation for an Islamic finance model that is better suited to help the poor increase their sustainable income and eventually escape poverty. Our model begins with providing carefully self-selected client groups with murabaha contracts before providing musharaka finance. The murabaha financing agreement includes fixed payments each period of repayment and therefore is easier to administer and can be used to screen out potentially problematic clients who are most likely to default. Those clients who are in groups with successful repayment of the murabaha finance will have a choice between murabaha and musharaka financing in future. Finally, we describe our implementation strategy and preparations for a pilot study in Colombo and Bibile, Sri Lanka.


Both theoretical and observational results suggest that high-redshift radio galaxies (HzRGs) inhabit overdense regions of the universe and might be the progenitors of local, massive galaxies residing in the centre of galaxy clusters. In this paper, we present CO(3–2) line observations of the HzRG TXS 0828+193 (z = 2.57) and its environment using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. In contrast to previous observations, we detect CO emission associated with the HzRG and derive a molecular gas mass of $(0.9\pm 0.3)\times 10^{10}\, \rm M_{\odot }$. Moreover, we confirm the presence of a previously detected off-source CO emitting region (companion #1), and detect three new potential companions. The molecular gas mass of each companion is comparable to that of the HzRG. Companion #1 is aligned with the axis of the radio jet and has stellar emission detected by Spitzer. Thus, this source might be a normal star-forming galaxy or alternatively a result of jet-induced star formation. The newly found CO sources do not have counterparts in any other observing band and could be high-density clouds in the halo of TXS 0828+193 and thus potentially linked to the large-scale filamentary structure of the cosmic web.


For teaching spatial rotation concepts, this study investigated the learning effectiveness, problem-solving strategies, and error types produced by different teaching methods that used physical manipulatives with and without Cabri 3D geometry software. The study adopted a quasiexperimental, nonequivalent group design, and 61 second graders participated. The experimental group comprised 31 students who used physical manipulatives with Cabri 3D geometry software. The control group comprised 30 students who used only physical manipulatives without the software. The research revealed the following findings: Both the experimental and the control group exhibited considerable improvement following the posttest and showed that these methods of teaching spatial rotation concepts were effective for second graders; however, there was no significant difference in learning effectiveness between the groups. In addition, qualitative analysis was performed on interviews conducted after a relay test. The results indicated the following problem-solving strategies and error types: Most students first used intuition to make spatial judgements, before finding overall similarities between objects, checking for possible alternatives, and confirming their spatial judgement by using mental rotation strategies that employed all or part of the objects. After using their intuition, some students directly chose without rotating the objects; these second graders were apt to make an error involving a mirror misconception. Finally, some suggestions for future research and teacher development are offered as a reference to researchers and teachers, respectively.


An acoustic method, called seismic endoscopy, able to perform 3D imaging around shallow‐depth boreholes is presented. A probe, composed of an isotropic source and a directional receiver working in the 20–100 kHz frequency range, provides images of cylindrical volumes having radii of a few metres, with an accuracy of centimetres and 25° azimuthal directivity. In order to obtain clear images of the medium discontinuities, multi‐offset and multi‐azimuth data acquisition allows specific algorithms to be used to determine vertical directivity correction, azimuthal focusing and reflected wave enhancement by cancellation of the tube waves. The method is tested with data acquired in an acoustic tank and with synthetic data. Initial experimental results at a test site demonstrate the performance of the seismic endoscopy probe.


An important property of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is its relative insolubility. To survive the unpredictability of the extracellular environment, components of the ECM must be stable to changes in pH, hydration, ionic strength, and red/ox conditions. Biosynthesis and organization of an in soluble matrix present complex problems for the cell. Ma trix components must be synthesized in soluble form, post translationally modified (such as hydroxylation of proline and lysine in collagen), packaged, and transported to specific sites on the cell surface for assembly. During devel opment, the cell must adjust both the temporal, qualitative, and quantitative pattern of its synthetic activities to coor dinate the amount, type, and spatial organization of matrix components, so as to maintain the phenotypic composition typical of a particular connective tissue. The cell must also remain responsive to physiologic and pathologic stresses that necessitate modification of the matrix. It is now evident that pathways for matrix production form an integrated system regulated at many points by the cell, which can respond to common biologic signals (such as hormones or macro molecules from the ECM) thus permitting timing and con trol of matrix synthesis by external factors. But regulation of production of ECM components inside the cell is only a part of the story of assembling an ECM. Maturation and insolubilization of an ECM occurs outside the cell, but even here the cell exerts a continued influence over the process. An example is the crosslinking of collagen and elastin. Both proteins leave the cell as soluble monomers that organize into fibers at or near the cell surface. Their in solubilization is catalyzed by the extracellular enzyme lysyl oxidase, which oxidatively deaminates the e-amino group of selected lysine and hydroxylysine residues. This appears to be the only enzymatic step involved in crosslinking. Subse quent formation of more complex crosslinks (including the tetrafunctional amino acid isomers desmosine and isodes mosine) probably occurs as a series of spontaneous conden sation reactions. Lysyl oxidase thus occupies a critical posi


This treatise takes a fresh (and somewhat contrarian) look at the long history of accounting lead-ing up to the time of Luca Pacioli, who has long been considered the father of accounting. It first examines the centuries immediately preceding the time at which Pacioli recorded the Venetian technique of double-entry bookkeeping, in order to reveal why the model appeared in Italy during the fifteenth century. It also addresses the manner in which Paciolis work misdirected accounting historians efforts as they have sought the origins of accounting. Secondly, this treatise looks at stimuli explaining probable origins of accounting in earliest sedentary human cultures, in order to separate origins of accounting activity from the origins of bookkeeping. It is posited not only that the dawn of the institution of private property was the sole requirement for the existence of accounting activity, but that many of the factors (including writing and formalized mathematical systems) often believed to be necessary prerequisites for accountancy are most likely consequences of, not prerequisites to, the accounting process. This treatise concentrates attention on accounting for privately-owned entities rather than governmental accounting issues, partly because Pacioli himself concentrated on that aspect of accounting, but most importantly because everything said herein regarding fundamentals of accountancy is equally valid, with appropriate modifications, for governmental and nonprofit entities.


1. This document is HS64, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date 1980, re-written October 2005, and minor revision October 2008. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2. J.H. Crane, Professor, Tropical Fruit Crop Specialist, Univ. of Fla., IFAS, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead; C.F. Balerdi, Professor, Multicounty Tropical Fruit Crops Extension Agent, Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension Service, Homestead; University of Florida, IFAS, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead; I. Maguire, Media Artist, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead.


Thermal expansion of ZrC, which has the NaCI type structure, was determined from, 120 to 300 K by a powder X-ray diffraction method. The lattice parameter was measured precisely using a specially designed D-shaped symmetrical back-reflection-focusing camera with the specimen hanging from a cryoflask in the vacuum chamber outside the camera on the Rowland circle. The average coefficient of linear thermal expansion of ZrC in this temperature range is 6.22 x 10-6/K. The Zr/C ratio was 0.993.


Transformer and electrolytic capacitors (Ecaps) in light-emitting diode (LED) drivers lead to increased cost and shortened lifespan. Therefore, eliminating the transformer and Ecaps of the LED driver can not only achieve a lightweight design but also extend the service life. In this article, a novel single-phase transformerless capacitorless power factor correction rectifier is proposed. The proposed topology shares a common ground with the grid and the load. Thus, the reduced common-mode current is obtained, and the demand for an isolation transformer is eliminated. In addition, this article presents a unidirectional active buffer circuit to isolate the pulsating power, and the capacitor of the buffer circuit is multiplexed as an output filter. Compared with similar works, a lower voltage on the decoupling capacitor, fewer power components, and a simple control unit are obtained. Then, the operation principle and switching modes as well as the parameter design and implementation of the control strategy are elaborated systematically. Finally, an 80-W experimental prototype is built, and the experimental results confirm the feasibility of the proposed rectifier by reaching the efficiency up to 97.1% and the power factor to 0.984 at a wide range of operating voltage.


Abstract Program audience ratings are typically used as a reference in placing and pricing television advertisements. However, the discrepancy in audience size between a program and its commercials impairs the reliability of the program ratings. This study proposes a new metric, commercial audience retention (CAR), to measure a program's capability of retaining its audience when a commercial break occurs and develops a model to predict a program's CAR. The CAR metric and prediction model are tested and validated using a sufficient dataset with consumer TV viewing and program broadcast records for 1 year. We find that some factors that influence program ratings or commercial avoidance have no significant effect or have different effects on CAR. Our empirical results may be of value for advertisers and TV stations in purchasing and pricing of commercial airtime. A real-world application of the CAR metric for an advertising company is offered as an illustration. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/02650487.2021.1906541 .


Being able to perform invasive procedures competently and safely is an integral part of any doctor's daily work. In craft specialties such as surgery, these skills are clearly crucially important. Ongoing advances in technology and surgical technique continually increase the range of skills to be mastered. Yet reduced working hours, a changing ethical climate and a move away from traditional Halstedian training raise concerns about how clinicians (especially surgeons) can gain the skills they need without compromising patient safety. At least at first glance, simulation appears to offer attractive solutions to many of these issues and is increasingly adopted within mainstream health care education. Yet many challenges remain, and simulation design is not always based upon firm evidence.


ABSTRACT:Much theoretical attention has been devoted to the surprise ending, but it is still unclear how fully a surprise ending must resolve global instabilities for it to be aesthetically satisfying. To refine James Phelan's theory, I argue that in character narration with multiple global instabilities the surprise ending must resolve the global instabilities which are most important to the narrator. My example is Julian Barnes's The Sense of an Ending (2011), which presents a surprise ending that generally fits well with the progression—which focuses on the global instability of Tony's relationship with his past—even though it fails to account for the global instability of Mrs. Ford's inheritance, which more explicitly initiates Tony's reevaluation of his past. I draw on Armine Kotin Mortimer's concept of the "second story," which refers to the reader's reconstruction, based on given cues, of a significant submerged element that constitutes a complete narrative. Mortimer is helpful for my inquiry because, in terms of the completeness of plot, the criterion for the second story is more rigorous than the existing ones for the surprise ending. Even though Barnes's ending does not meet Mortimer's criterion, it is successful because it supplies the narrator's motivations for storytelling and resolves the more important of the two global instabilities, namely the narrator's relationship with his past. In turn, Barnes's ending offers us a more or less complete progression concerning the development of the character narrator.


This filter assembly for a cigarette has: mouthpiece side and tobacco rod side filter plugs with a hollow part disposed therebetween that are separated from each other and not wrapped in wrapping paper; a capsule provided in the hollow part between the mouthpiece side and tobacco rod side filter plugs that holds a content fluid that includes a first smoke modifying agent within a membrane; and liquid impermeable forming paper that is wound around the mouthpiece side and tobacco rod side filter plugs and the capsule. The filter assembly for a cigarette is characterized by the filter plug on the mouthpiece side including one or a plurality of conductors for the smoke modifying agent and the forming paper being made to directly adhere to the mouthpiece side and tobacco rod side filter plugs by an adhesive.


THE problem of testing the significance of the difference between correlation coefficients, r1 and r2, found in two independent samples of size n1 and n2 may be considered as that of testing the hypothesis that the samples have been drawn from populations in which the coefficients of correlation between the variables have some common, but unspecified value, p. A method of procedure commonly used, which is adequate if the samples are large and p not too near either + I or 1, is to compare the difference, r1 r2, with an estimate of its standard error, 0'rl-1'2 But if these conditions are inot satisfied, we are at once faced with certain difficulties: (a) the value of o>,j-r2 is very sensitive to the particular estimate of p chosen; (b) the sampling distribution of r1 92 will be asymnietrical, difficult to calculate and again dependent on the estimlate of p.


This paper describes one personal computer series-communicating with many intellectual-meter under Windows2000 by using MSComm controls of VB6.0 ActiveX's.Coming to centralized controlling scattered intellectual-meter and Automatic data collecting and switching.


We consider diffraction problem of a plane electromagnetic wave by two rings with gaps. In the approximation of narrow rings (with respect to the wavelength), the problem is reduced to a system of two singular integral equations with respect to the surface current densities on the rings and their azimuthal derivatives with logarithmic singularities and singularities of the Cauchy type. Singular integral equations were solved by moment method. The radiation patterns of the scattered field were obtained. The analysis of these patterns was conducted from depending on the orientation of discontinuities relative to each other and the incident field. Unidirectional radiation pattern in the azimuth plane is observed with their orientation towards the incident field which in the case of two rings is narrower than in the case of a single ring.


A method for manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit having an active device and a FET device consists of a passive circuit, e.g., microstrip lines formed of series a, c, formed of parallel microstrip lines b, d, shunt capacitor CG, CD and a DC isolating capacitor CC, on a substrate, of forming the active FET device to the substrate, measuring the characteristics of this device, to simulate a circuit configuration of said device consisting of a circuit liabilities based on the measurement results and trace directly the circuit configuration on the substrate to form the device consisting of the passive circuit. is useful in particular in the manufacture of microwave monolithic integrated circuits such as field effect transistors and hetero bipolar transistors.


This study aimed to determine the anti-bacterial efficacy of 5 different medicinal plant extracts against Shiga toxin ( E. coli O157:H7) based on the in-vitro and in-vivo trial. A total of twenty-one (n=21) PCR-confirmed isolates were selected for detection of virulent genes in-vitro trial (zone of inhibition). For in-vivo trial, forty-two (n=42) day-old chicks were divided into seven equal groups randomly (n=6 birds/ group), and were classified as: G1 ( Azadirachta indica @ 18.25 mg/ml), G2 ( Melia azedarach @ 1 5.75 mg/ml), G3 ( Withania coagulans @ 25 mg/ml), G4 ( Nigela sativa @ 30 mg/ml), and G5 ( Calotropis procera @ 10 mg/ml) were taken as treatment groups, while G6 as a negative control, and G7 as a positive control. The results showed that 47.6% serovars were positive for the virulent gene ( Stx-1 ). Moreover, the highest zone of inhibition was observed in G5 (17.1 ± 0.60 mm, P<0.05) as compared to other groups, which indicated high anti-bacterial efficacy on in-vitro basis. The survival rate and weight gain of chicks were significantly higher (P<0.05) in G5 compared with all other groups. However, none of the medicinal plant extracts affect liver function and blood parameters. Finally, in conclusion, C. procera was found to be highly effective to protect birds against E. coli O157:H7 infection.


Training rural singer team is the new method and new carrier to explore construction of cultural life of Lubu League members.The developing activities,which rural youth singer teams sending arts to grass-roots level organization,realize the dream of seeking knowledge,happiness and aesthetic feelings for the rural youth,at the same time,these activities enrich the cultural life of rural youth and make the youth become the main force of rural cultural life.


The specimen taken in the same way as part Ⅰ was sectioned in 20 μ slices with Sartorius freezing microtome, stretched on a cover glass and dried up. Thus the vital specimen was made. It was stained in KOELLE modification and the activity of ChE in nerve cells was histochemically investigated. 1) In idiopathic epileptics the activity of ChE in nerve cells in premotor area of the cerebral cortex showed no significant variation. 2) In all cases the activity of specific ChE was very weak. There was almost no activtity of non-specific ChE. As above mentioned, there was histochemically no difference of ChE activity between the idiopathic epileptics and the contrast in this experiment. It seems to be due to the fact that this experiment was performed for the cerebral cortex, in which ChE activity is the least.


The paper presents the relevance of automation of the process of distribution of regional resources of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Two methods related to resource planning and allocation are considered: Constraint Programming (CP) and Operations Research (OR). The features of their application and disadvantages that arise in specific conditions are indicated.


The A. reflects on the mission and responsibility of the Medical Teacher as well as on the strategies to obtain competence in Medical Education. For the A., operational models of permanent training of teachers of Medical Schools are a condition for the success of Medical Education. Finally, the A. mentions the strategies used by the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon in the last ten years, which culminated in the creation of the first Masters' Degree in Medical Education in Portugal.


ABSTRACT In this paper a novel local uniform exponential stabilization for a class of nonlinear systems is investigated. A continuous and time-varying feedback control is constructed under which the local uniform exponential convergence for such systems is guaranteed. It is seen that the convergence rate and convergence region are variable parameters and they are chosen by the designer. The proposed method dose not need to construct Lyapunov functions and a time-invariant one is introduced. Some illustrative examples are also provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.


Althoughsignificantinsight into fullerene-substrateinteractionshascomefrom recentsurfacescience studies,to datetherehasbeenno unambiguousway to determinethe molecularorientationof adsorbed C60 molecules. We showthat photoelectrondiffraction patternsfrom monolayerC60 films aredirectly relatedto the intramolecularstructureof C60. This allows for the first time a direct andunambiguous identificationof the molecularorientationof the adsorbedfullereneswith respectto the substrate. A variety of molecularorientationsis observedon different substrates.


Accommodative esotropia is one of the most common causes of esodeviation in children with hypermetropia and an accurate cycloplegic refraction is essential to all children patients with strabismus. We evaluated the effectiveness of two cycloplegics, 1% Cyclogyl (1% cyclopentolate) and Mydrin-p (0.5% tropicamide +0.5% phenylephrine) in 40 eyes of 20 young children. Age was between 1.4 and 7.0 years old, average 4.3 years old. The cycloplegic refraction was done with 3 drops of Mydrin-p with a ten-minute interval. The refractive status was determined by a autorefractometer after 30 minutes. At least 3 days later, the cycloplegic refraction was repeated with 1% Cyclogyl to the same subject. The refractive status was determined 60 minutes later. The postcycloplegic refraction of all 40 eyes showed that 1% Cyclogyl produced +0.30D more plus than Mydrin-p with statistical significance (paired-t-test). In 26 hyperopic eyes, 1% Cyclogyl also showed +0.30D more plus than Mydrin-p. Most of patients felt transient stinging and conjunctival hyperemia after instillation of 1% Cyclogyl drops. Two children developed skin hypersensitive reaction and another one child with epilapsy history got a seizure attack. The result showed that 1% Cyclogyl is more effective than Mydrin-p in the cycloplegic refraction of children. However, practitioners should be aware of the topical and systemic side effects of cyclopentolate.


The tape printing apparatus has a margin setting function, when the file information is printed can be inputted to the desired length of the blank disposed at a desired position simply, thereby improving the degree of freedom of layout. Means having an input file to the print means prints information on a recording medium conveyed strip, designated blank space empty space should be provided specifying means when printed on the printing means, the designating means specifies the length of the blank space lengths, the position of the blank specifying means specifies the location corresponding to a given position of the edge is provided control means for controlling the printing document information specified by the printing means the length of the blank length specifying means margins.


The purpose of this guideline is to make praticioners aware of simulation approaches for the evaluation of tourism projects. Simulation approaches are particularly useful when experimental or economic approaches for project evaluation are not feasible. For example, it usually is not possible to roll out a tourism-promotion program for a randomly chosen "treatment group" while excluding the program's benefits for a "control group" at the tourist destination. The guideline explains why a simulation approach is useful for tourism impact analysis, what a simulation model for the economic analysis of tourism impacts looks like, and data requirements. With the help of an illustrative two-island model, the guideline shows how to construct different kinds of simulation models and how to use simulations to quantify the costs and benefits of tourism and tourism projects. The guideline concludes by discussing some specific IDB projects in which this methodology has been used for tourism impact analysis. The primary goal of this paper is to make development practitioners aware of simulation approaches for tourism impact analysis and of how to integrate these approaches into their project proposals, budgets, and terms of reference for expert consultants.


Quadratic configuration interaction method including single and double substitutions has been used to optimize the possible structures of BeH 2 and H 2 S molecules with the 6-311++g(3df,3pd) basis set. The results show that the ground state of BeH 2 molecule is of D ∞ h symmetry and is in the X 1 Σ + g state, the ground state of H 2 S molecule is of C 2 v symmetry and in the X 1 A 1 state. The equilibrium geometry, dissociation energy, harmonic frequencies and force constants have been calculated. The potential energy functions of BeH 2 and H 2 S have been derived by using the many-body expansion theory. The potential energy functions describe correctly the configurations and the dissociation energies of the two ground-state molecules.


Commercial bedding plant production in northern latitudes often begins in late winter and continues through spring, when average outdoor temperatures require growers to actively heat their greenhouses (GHs). High tunnels (HTs) offer energy savings as they are passively heated and cooled structures that have a low initial cost. As a result, they have been used in northern latitudes to advance and extend the growing season and improve the quality of high-value horticultural crops. However, there is limited published information on growing bedding plants in HTs in northern latitudes. Our objectives were to quantify the effects of transplant date and the use of a row cover in a HT compared to a traditional heated GH on the growth and morphology of three cold-tolerant bedding plant species. Seedlings of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L. 'Liberty Classic Yellow'), dianthus (Dianthus chinensis L. 'Telstar Crimson'), and petunia (Petunia ×hybrida Vilm.-Andr. 'Wave Pink') were transplanted on weeks 13, 14, and 15 in 2012 and 2013 and moved to either a glass-glazed GH or a HT with or without a row cover. Several quality measurements increased when plants were grown in HTs compared with those grown in the GH. Dianthus and petunia transplanted during week 13 in the HT and HT


We study the Plotkin bound for codes over a finite Frobenius ring R equipped with the homogeneous weight. We show that for codes meeting the Plotkin bound, the distribution on R induced by projection onto a coordinate has an interesting property. We present several constructions of codes meeting the Plotkin bound and of Plotkin-optimal codes. We also investigate the relationship between Butson–Hadamard matrices and codes over R meeting the Plotkin bound.


SUMMARY Nausea and vomiting occur commonly in palliative care patients and these symptoms are usually manageable. Identification of the cause(s) is important in planning therapy. Common causes, general treatment measures and drug therapy are summarized. Evaluation instruments that have been used to assess these symptoms are described. Some open research questions are listed. A treatment algorithm, evidence tables and drug therapy tables are which include drug costs are presented.


Pages 65 to 79 comprise an introduction and historical review of anaerobic digestion. Pages 80 to 102 recount an experiment in which three laboratory digesters were seeded with digester sludge, with one digester continuing on sewage sludge and the other two gradually converted to operation on chicken manure. One of the later two digesters was fed sodium chloride with the manure to serve as an antagonist to ammonia. They concluded that: (1) High ammonia nitrogen concentration appears toxic to the anaerobic digestion of chicken manure; (2) The addition of NaCl to a digester with high ammonia concentrations appears to promote the digestion of chicken manure; (3) The following conditions appear to provide an environment under which chicken manure can be anaerobicly digested: pH of 7.4, volatile acids of 1,500 mg/l or above, alkalinity of 10,000 to 12,000 mg/l, ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 1,500 mg/l, detention time 20 days, loading rate of 1.4 g VS/l/day, 35/sup 0/C, and sodium concentration of 0.018 molar. The third section (p. 103-128) presents a kinetic model for high-rate anaerobic digestion.


Vascular tumors are rarely found in the female genital tract; Most vascular tumors are incidental findings due to their small size and asymptomatic nature, large lesions are present clinically, with characteristics that mimic gynecological tumors, even in imaging studies.1,2 Lymphangiomas are congenital or acquired malformations (secondary to trauma, infections or malignancies) that manifest as a very varied-looking tumor that is formed from embryonic cells in the ducts of the lymphatic system. From 20 to 40% of cases are associated with chromosomal abnormalities, various aneuploidies or malformations. Lymphangiomas are composed of dilated lymphatic vessels lined by endothelium and more than 50% of these lesions exist from birth; 90% appear in the second year of life. These lesions do not spread rapidly, but tend to infiltrate the surrounding tissues and malignant degeneration is very rare. Their size increases after birth and they invade adjacent structures, usually with cavernous spaces upholstered with endothelial and lymphoid cells. From the pathological point of view they are cavities full of lymphatic fluid of three types: capillary, cavernous and cystic (macrocystic with cysts larger than 2cm and microcystic otherwise). There are mixed forms and associated with vascular lesions of high flow; They are divided into three histopathological subtypes: capillary (composed of thin capillary walls), cavernous (composed of dilated lymphatic spaces) and cystic (cysts dilated by a layer of endothelium of variable size). Clinically it manifests as: a benign, soft, slow-growing tumor with aesthetic or functional alterations. Its volume is increased by infection or hemorrhage when vascular lesions coexist. They are diagnosed clinically and by imaging studies with ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. To define the lesion, its extension and fine needle aspiration must be differentiated from any cyst, lipoma and other vascular malformations.3


Abstract The phytochemical insecticide, azadirachtin (AZ), undergoes UV‐induced photodegradation. Using the isomer AZ‐A as a standard, its photochemical stability was studied with and without adding lecithin surfactant as a UV protectant. Standard solutions of pure AZ‐A and Margosan‐O® were prepared in methanol‐hexane with (AZ‐A:lecithin, 1:2 by weight) and without lecithin, applied separately onto glass plates and maple (Acer L.) foliage and exposed to radiant energy under controlled conditions. Noticeable photostabilization of AZ‐A was achieved in the samples containing lecithin compared to AZ‐A samples without the lecithin additive. First‐order kinetic evaluation of the data showed that the DTy50 (half‐life) and C (rate constant) values for AZ‐A with and without lecithin on glass plates were 5.68 d and 0.122, and 5.42 d and 0.128, respectively. The corresponding values for the Margosan‐0 formulation were 7.37 d and 0.094, and 6.24 d and 0.111. The DT50 and C values for the pure AZ‐A on maple foliage wi...


Three popular meanings of the second rated voltage value of T/R nowadays: root mean square value in resistance load(China as representative.),mean value in resistance load(few countries),peak value in open circuit(most countries in Europe,America)are analyzed,and the relation between the second voltage peak value and the second voltage average value during open circuit is studied.The phenomenon of no-zero for the primary and second voltage when thyristor is off as well as the influence of the second voltage on output power calculation during type testing is discussed.The impair on the selection under the cold state testing is presented,and two kinds of solutions are put forward:modifying nowadays regulation of the second voltage grade difference in T/R tap;type selection according to practical hot state working condition,greatly reducing the second voltage and current value grade of T/R,modifying the present related standard of the cold state testing.Meanwhile,the back-corona equivalent circuit diagram in ESP and the very important relation between the second voltage minimum value and the back-corona degree are brought forward.The second voltage minimum value is much lower than the beginning corona secondary voltage in back-corona.Finally,it is pointed out that the key point of detection algorithm for control of back-corona being suitable for intermittent power supply can be good for reducing the back-corona and improving performance for ESP.


Abstract : New growth within established communities puts undue pressure on existing infrastructure which in turn, drives tax rate increases for all residents to cover. However, there are sustainable methods that municipalities can turn to that diminishes the local impacts of new growth on the community. Based on the absorptive nature of green roofs, the delayed release of stored rainfall volume diminishes the instances of combined sewer outflows as well as reduces the need for increased infrastructure to convey and treat stormwater discharge. A municipality can introduce planned percentages of green roof coverage which will diminish infrastructure improvement costs over time and increase the population's sustainable footprint. By employing the curve number method for determining runoff volumes from specific rain events and attaching cost-per-unit increase values to the interacting variables, the runoff-cost model produces cost curves in relation to the percentages of green roof coverage. From this runoff-cost model, (based on a specific area), a calculated 40% green roof coverage can be fully reimbursed to the builders through tax abatements, eliminating the perceived cost premium of green over conventional roofs.


This paper presents the influence of processing temperature on the physico-mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) used at the injection molding of performance sport items. The test-pieces were molded at the following real injection temperatures: 220, 240, 260, 280 and 300°C. It was determined that the inmould pressure decreases with the increase of processing temperature The thermal analysis performed were: TG, DSC and DMA. It was established that the processing temperature influences the thermal stability of the polymer molded at 300°C, but the vitrification temperature and the melting temperature are slightly influenced by the processing temperature. The storage modulus E' is influenced by the processing temperature and stress frequency.


In order to improve laser output power of CW Nd:YAG laser,optimized structure size and beam expander are two important factors.By selecting and optimizing different combinations of laser cavity length and reflective output mirror transmittance,the experimental results show that the best combination of parameters of laser cavity length and reflective output mirror transmittance are as follows: L1=L2=140 mm,T=40%,the laser slope efficiency is 4.5%.A beam expander is designed with expander ratio of 3.By analyzing the action process of heat exchange in beam expander,the mathematical relationship between beam expander ratio and CW Nd:YAG laser output power and the thermal conductivity of lenses of beam expander are calculated.As a result,the maximum laser output power is increased by around 25W with respect to the theoretical design value.


In the present study, attempts were made to manufacture innovative conducting polymer nanocomposites (CPCs) with high performance, low cost, and appropriate electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, one of the main challenges in creating CPCs is the tendency of nanofillers to agglomerate and accumulate, resulting in a decrease in the electrical properties and performance of CPCs. To address this issue, the study developed an efficient and eco‐friendly CPC using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a binder and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as nanofillers. The study employed a chemical functionalization method to modify CNTs and enhance their compatibility and dispersion properties in the CMC matrix. The prepared CPCs were characterized using various techniques, including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results showed an improvement in homogeneity and surface cohesion between CMC and O‐CNTs through chemical surface modification of CNTs via carboxylic acid functional groups. The study observed good dispersion of nanofillers without any aggregation of the CMC/GNP/O‐CNT compared with the nontreated CMC/GNP/CNT composite. While a decrease in the degree of crystallinity was observed, conductivity increased for the CPC containing oxidized CNTs. The study found that the highest conductivity of ~112 S/m was obtained for D‐CMC/GNP/O‐CNT with 25 wt% of O‐CNT, while the maximum conductivity of D‐CMC/GNP/CNT was ~80 S/m with 35 wt% of CNTs. Additionally, the study observed an improvement in electrochemical properties after treatment of CNTs in the form of higher cathodic current in cyclic voltammetry and lower charge transfer resistance in impedance spectroscopy of D‐CMC/GNP/O‐CNT35 compared to untreated one.
Preparation of new conductive nanocomposite consisting of CMC, CNTs, and GNPs.
Carboxylation of CNTs to improve O‐CNT and CMC intermolecular interaction
CMC/GNP/O‐CNT is 40% more conductive than unmodified CNT nanocomposite.
Higher thermal stability and mechanical properties were observed by using O‐CNT.
O‐CNT caused higher current density and lower electron transfer resistance for CPCs.


Microfluidic techniques were applied to the separation of parasite and parasite-infected cells from blood to facilitate the detection of leishmaniasis, a disease representing a high burden in the developing world and for which new diagnostic tools are urgently needed. Leishmania mexicana promastigotes were successfully separated from red blood cells in a deterministic lateral displacement device. The mechanical properties of macrophages infected with L. mexicana were investigated using real-time deformability cytometry. In the early stage, we find that macrophages deform less than the control. The trend is reversed four days post infection while we see a continuous increase in cell size after parasitization.


In this article the authors reexamine the meaning of 'appropriation' in theft. The authors seek to reconcile the House of Lords' decisions in Lawrence and Morris and reconsider decisions made by lower courts in the light of their reconciliation.


Epidemiological data indicates that  thyroid carcinoma (TC)  is the most frequent endocrinological tumors, participating with around 1%  from all malignomas. Because of lack of published papers related to the epidemiological data for TC in the last two decades in our country especially after the introduction of corrected Iodine prophylaxis program, with new higher Iodine supplementation in 1999, there is a need for publishing real scientific view of the epidemiological situations. The aim of the study was to present epidemiological data on incidence and prevalence rate of TC in R Macedonia for the period 1999-2010. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of medical data from all diagnosed and treated TC at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine during the period 1999-2010 was performed. The Institute is the only Center performing treatment  of TC with 131I, therefore the registered epidemiological data are representative for the country. Statistical State Office data from the census in 1994 and 2002 were used to calculate annual incidence and prevalence rate as well as geographical and ethnic country distribution of TC. Results: During 12-year period, a total of 204 TC cases were registered, with prevalence rate of 10.15/105. The highest incidence rate was detected in 2000  (1.18/105) followed by reduction in 2003 (0,49/105). Annual incidence rate showed continuously higher incidence rate in the period 2006-2010 with average incidence rate of 0.98/105. Results indicate quite similar incidence rate among the three ethnic groups while the regional distribution indicates the  highest prevalence in Skopje region, East and Northeast region than Southwest region. The lowest prevalence rate was registered in Polog, Southeast and Pelagonia region. Conclusions: According to the analyzed data from the diagnosed patients with TC during the period1999 – 2010, there is increase in the incidence and prevalence rate, but however compared with the literature is still very low. Major differences in morbidity rate concerning the ethnic distribution were not found. Related to the geographical distribution of TC in eight regions, the highest prevalence rate was found in northern and eastern parts, while the lowest in western territories. Further analyzes are needed to compare it with the previous epidemiological data in the country, as well as an analysis for possible environmental effects for the low incidence rate, compared to those from literature.


In this paper the application of sliding mode control for improving the dynamic response of a self-controlled synchronous motor (SCSM) based position servo-system is presented. Sliding mode control gives fast dynamic response with no overshoot and zero steady-state error. It has the important feature of being highly robust, i.e, insensitive to plant parameter variations and external disturbances. A design procedure is outlined for the sliding mode controller for a servo- drive using the self-controlled synchronous motor. A novel scheme for fast torque reversal is proposed and implemented. Digital computer simulation of the overall position control system is carried out using a time domain model in the d - q reference frame. The rigorous simulation of the above servo system with sliding mode control shows the existence of limit cycles in the position response with certain type of speed encoder. Experimental results are provided for a 3 hp synchronous motor based servo drive. The sliding mode controller is implemented using a single board microcomputer which controls a GTO thyristor current source inverter to drive the motor.


A solution to robot control system architecture based on distributed embedded system organization is proposed here. The functions in a system are distributed to different subsystems, each of which is an embedded system with the same computing core structure. The architecture of this distributed system as a hierarchical subsystem structure, in which each entry is a subsystem and is connected by a network for data translation. The TCP/IP protocol is used in the network to give a robust communication protocol. In addition, each subsystem is a module with at least one of special functions that other module without it. Therefore, function expending is easy achieved by connecting another module with a new function. All subsystem has the same computing core running Linux operating system as each other.


The anticoagulant drug warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist, coumarin derivative which inhibits the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as the naturally occurring endogenous anticoagulant proteins C and S. Warfarin is still considered the mainstay of oral anticoagulant treatment, it is a difficult drug to manage due to its narrow therapeutic index. An inappropriate management of patients can lead to subtherapeutic or supratherapeutic levels, increasing the risk of thromboembolic episodes or hemorrhagic episodes, respectively. Common indications for the use of warfarin include stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, preventing thrombus formation in patients with heart valves and treatment of venous thromboembolism. When warfarin therapy is initiated for venous thromboembolism, it should be given the first day, along with a heparin product or fondaparinux. The heparin product or fondaparinux should be continued for at least five days and until the patient's international normalized ratio is at least 2.0 for two consecutive days. The international normalized ratio goal and duration of treatment with warfarin vary depending on indication and risk. Warfarin therapy should be stopped five days before major surgery and restarted 12 to 24 hours postoperatively. Bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin or other agents is based on balancing the risk of throm boembolism with the risk of bleeding.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2018;13(1): 40-43


Determination or verification of identity with biometric methods has a widespread use especially at borders for security reasons. Social Security Institution transferred the biometric identity verification practice to health sercives that are provided by private and university hospitals. The risks of the new system considering the privacy of personal data are under debate. Although there are announcements or manuals of Social Security Institution regarding the implementation and legislation for data sharing and security exists, lack of a national data protection law brings with it security gaps


Abstract This study aims to analyze the application and strength of indirect evidence in the case of the agreement on the importation of garlic cartels conducted by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia in the decision Number 1945 K / Pdt.Sus-KPPU / 2017. The Supreme Court in its decision used indirect evidence. The research method uses a type of normative legal research with a normative juridical approach by reviewing the applicable legislation, doctrine or expert opinion, and the existing literature books. The results of this study explain that the application of the concept of indirect evidence is not appropriate, because indirect evidence is not explicitly mentioned explicitly in Law Number 5 of 1999 concerning Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices and Unfair Business Competition. Keywords: Indirect Monopoly Evidence, Supreme Court


The photo-cleavage of SS bond of 5,5′-dithiobis (1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole) has been studied by the nanosecond-laser flash photolysis method. The transient absorption band at ca. 430 nm was attributed to 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5-thio radical forming by the SS bond fission. For the reaction with conjugated dienes, an addition reaction takes place forming the SC bond, suggesting that unpaired electron of the radical localizes mainly on the S-atom. From the decay rates of the radical, the addition reaction rate constant for 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene is evaluated to be 5.5 × 109 M−1 s−1 in THF at 23°C, which is as fast as diffusion controlled limit. The reactivity of the radical is ca. 100 times higher than that of the PhS˙. The reactivity of the thio radical to O2 was too low to evaluate, which is one of the characteristics of a S-centered radical. The rate constant for 1,4-cyclohexadienene (1.4 × 108 M−1 s−1) is larger than that of cyclohexene (2.8 × 107 M−1 s−1) suggesting the hydrogen abstraction is a main reaction. The MO calculations have been performed for these radicals to reveal the reason of the high reactivity of the radical. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of different Additive Manufacturing (AM) orientations on the structural behavior of topologically optimized wings for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), which might enable lightweight and low cost, yet complex, wing structural designs.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on an aerodynamic load, a two dimensional NACA0012 airfoil is topologically optimized considering PolyLatic Acid (PLA), several volume fractions and different manufacturing orientations. Then, the resulting topologies are post-processed to allow for manufacturing and extrude to three dimensional wing geometries with constant cross-sections. These wings are then manufactured using Fusion Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology and their dynamic structural behavior analyzed by means of Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) in the linear elastic region.

Findings
Volume fraction increase is observed to improve the structural performance without increasing the manufacturing time. Despite manufacturing the wing from the leading edge to the trailing edge can reduce manufacturing time using FDM technology, it is found to be more difficult to build.

Originality/value
This research is a contribution toward the design and built of lightweight and low cost wings for UAS.


Photovaltaic power generation in the future world energy consumption will occupy an important position, not only to partially replace conventional energy sources, and will become the main energy supply. But at present, compared with conventional energy generation, photovoltaic electricity does not have a competitive advantage. So develop a reasonable electrovalency is the key to promote the healthy development of China's photovoltaic industry. This paper use the net present value method of financial analysis to learn the generating capacity and investment cost of PV system combined with system's characteristics and performance, discuss the unit cost of PV power and analyzed the impact of PV electricity price factors.


We investigate the role of buoyancy force on the generation and decay of random motion in a homogeneously stratified fluid by means of direct numerical simulations (DNS) of the dynamic and thermodynamic equations. The simulations start from a fluid which is at rest but has appreciable temperature fluctuations. Therefore the flow initially evolves by extracting energy from the potential energy field. Three free parameters, the Reynolds number Re, the Prandtl number Pr and the stratification number St, characterize the flow. Among these numbers the stratification number, St = (lT0/T′0) (dTR/dz), is the most crucial one for the investigated problem. Here T′0 and lT0 are the initial r.m.s. temperature and the initial integral temperature lengthscale, respectively, and dTR/dz is the background stratification. St is a measure of the strength of background-temperature gradient compared to the initial mean fluctuating temperature gradient in the fluid. A critical stratification number of order one is found to separate an oscillating, non-turbulent flow from flow states which exhibit features of turbulence. When St > 1, the statistics reveal a nearly linear and strongly anisotropic flow as typical for gravity waves but the flow-field variables behave randomly. When St < 1, i.e. when the initial gradient of fluctuating temperature exceeds the gradient of its background value, the available potential energy is sufficient to create nonlinear motions which resemble turbulence in many aspects. The properties of such a flow are a transient state of enhanced stirring and mixing, enhanced rates of dissipation of temperature fluctuations, and a quick return to isotropy. The stratification number is an easily measurable parameter in field experiments in the ocean as well as in the atmosphere. Therefore St may be a useful indicator of whether a flow regime contains sufficient potential energy to create turbulence.


Innovation is the soul of the progress of a nationality, and the inexhaustible impetus for a country to progress and prosperity, which liberated the productivity, and it's also the engine of the society's development. In the same way, innovation is the fundamental driving force of the educational development. Along with the global economy integration, the rapid development of science and technology, and the talent's severe competition, the university's management also should change the traditional system and the method of management. It needs to build a new creative management mode under the guidance of ideological innovation, the guarantee of system innovation, emphasis on the teachers' leading position and the students' subjective status, respect personality development, create an academic and a free environment, cultivate innovative talents which are adapting to social development.


Wireless power transfer (WPT) in near‐field communication (NFC) using current‐controlled multi loops with a loaded capacitance is demonstrated in this work. The proposed multi loops antenna design shows low mutual inductance and transfer efficiency required within the operating distance of 1 cm to 3 cm and ratio of the current between the loops was done by varying the value of loaded capacitor used in between loops. The results was changing rapidly due mismatch of impedance between antennas at different distance. Initially simulation of antenna designs were not performing therefore a new design was proposed. All antennas are first impedance matched at 1 cm but after optimization proposed antenna was matched at 3 cm. The proposed loop design show better transfer efficiency for WPT up to 3 cm. In this paper, receiving antenna is placed in different close proximity from 1 cm to 5 cm with respective to transmitting antenna. The results of conventional loop and single current‐controlled loop and proposed multi loop antenna shows that transfer efficiency of the proposed multi loop antenna is better from others and maintaining low mutual inductance at given distance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2472–2476, 2016


A frontier mentality has been a defining aspect of human history. Often this sentiment is optimistically framed in the language of aspirations and opportunities. But it can also be accompanied by unsavory narratives of over-exploitation, inequity, and conflict (1). If any place on Earth can be considered a final frontier, it is perhaps the ocean's "areas beyond national jurisdiction" (ABNJ), which are both distant (generally starting some 370 km from coastlines) and vast (covering nearly 40% of the planet's surface). It is also the subject of ongoing United Nations negotiations for a treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity found in areas beyond national jurisdiction (typically shortened to BBNJ, https://www.un.org/bbnj/). However, if current trajectories of expansion of human activities in the ocean


INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important healthcare concern in the modern world. This disease and its complications can affect virtually every system in the human body. A possible complication of DM is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). AIM: The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SNHL among the patients of type-2 DM attending the hospital as well as to correlate the severity of hearing loss to the duration of diabetes and the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. A total of 125 known cases of type-2 DM were included in the study. METHODOLOGY: For each patient, a detailed history was taken, thorough clinical ear, nose, and throat examination was done, hearing thresholds were evaluated by means of pure tone audiometry and HbA1c levels were measured. RESULTS: SNHL was seen in 76.8% of the patients. Robust correlation was seen between the severity of SNHL and the duration of DM (P < 0.0001, r coefficient 0.3668). Positive correlation was seen between SNHL and HbA1c levels (P = 0.0001, r coefficient 0.3517). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that there is a high prevalence of SNHL in type-2 DM.


The present invention relates to a system and method for determining the RH sensor or HFR circuit is working properly, the RH sensor is provided to measure the relative humidity of the fuel cell stack cathode inlet air, HFR circuit for measuring the water content of the fuel cell stack. The method provides the cathode inlet air through the WVT unit to the cathode inlet air increased water content. The method uses aqueous buffer model for determining the water content of the fuel cell stack based on input from a plurality of system components, and using a wet HFR signal RH or water transfer model correction signal to correct the WVT unit degraded. The RH sensor or HFR method determines whether the circuit is working properly, for example, by increasing the signal to determine whether the wet HFR than the water content of the fuel cell stack can be increased at a faster rate.


Objective Try to find out the incidence of snoring and sleep apnea syndrome(SAS) in urban and suburban residents of Weifang.Method From June 2000 to December 2001,3900 residents(2026 male and 1874 female) were selected as subjects of epidemic investigation by random sampling.The subjects were asked questions concerning the epidemic investigation.PSG were measured for subjects suspicious for SAS.Result 47 cases ( 45 male and 2 female) were diagnosed as SAS.The incidence of SAS was 1.2%.The male incidence of SAS was significantly higher than that in female.Conclusion The investigation basically reflected the true condition of SAS incidence in urban and suburban residents of Weifang.


This essay is a comparison of stylistic device-pun between English and Chinese. It is known that pun is one of the most common stylistic devices both in English and Chinese. As linguistic universalism of these two languages and close association of these two nations exist, they have much in commom in the formation of pun-homophone and homograph. However, as languages and culture differ, there are some differences between them.


Abstract The issue of strategies of activities aimed at people with disabilities living in the relevant communes is a topic rarely undertaken in discourse of special pedagogy. These issues are found among the other activities that local government entities are contemporary obligated to implement, and span solutions and activities in the area of inclusion for people with disabilities. It is hence important to know and overcome problems and barriers that hinder or block the right functioning of people with disabilities. Some of solutions and activities are contained in the two types of communal strategic documents, these are: Commune Development Strategies and Strategies for solving social problems. The article consists of three parts. The first covers the characteristics of communal strategies and social policy towards people with disabilities. The second part presents the assumptions and results of research based on a qualitative analysis of strategic documents of 27 communes (about 3900 pages of documents) in terms of categories and activities regarding the inclusion of people with disabilities. The whole is summarised in the final conclusions. The aim of the study is preliminary recognition of exemplary activities found in the strategies of communes from the counties of Żywiec and Cieszyn. Text notes the "good practices" and noteworthy solutions for inclusion applied by local government entities with respect to people with disabilities.


Abstract Counts of squirrel nests (dreys) and vegetation surveys in 32 1‐ha census stations were carried out to estimate densities in different forest types and determine habitat selection of the subspecies of red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris meridionalis in the Sila Grande forests, Calabria, South Italy. Dreys were not built randomly, but the majority was constructed at 60–70% of the total height of the nest‐tree, pines and oaks being the preferred tree species. Mean drey densities, 2.75/ha, 2.78/ha, and 2.00/ha in, respectively, Cal‐abrian black pine forest, beech dominated mixed forest, and chestnut woodlands, did not differ between forest types and extrapolated to estimated squirrel densities ranging from 0.44 to 0.61 squirrels/ha. Variation between stations in a tree species diversity index and in distance from the nearest plot of pine woodland significantly affected variation in drey density: squirrels preferred forest habitats dominated by beech, with also black pine and oak available, or chestnut woodlands that were within the range of one (male) squirrel home range diameter (310 m) of a plot of pine forest (mean drey density 5.4/ha). Fewer dreys were found in deciduous (beech or chestnut) woodland >310 m away from areas with pine forest (1.1 dreys/ha). Hence, the availability, at least in the vicinity of the census station, of pine seeds of the Calabrian black pine as main food resource strongly influenced habitat choice.


A support base and the support base application electronic device, the electronic device comprises a supporting base. The support base comprises a base plate, a rack gear meshed with the rack standard, a first bevel gear, a support member, meshing with the first bevel gear and a second bevel gear shaft. The floor has a track. Set rack in the bottom. The first bevel gear is slidably engaged on the rails card, and coaxially connected to the master gear. A support member pivotally connected to the axis of the first bevel gear. And is connected through a shaft bevel gear and a second pivotal support for a second bevel gear along with rotation relative to the support member, so that the first bevel gear relative to the rack gear rotates accompanying the reference and while moving along the track.


This paper surveys the state of arts of microsensors and microactuators. The first part of this survey introduces microsensors from the points of view of their classification principles of operation performance parameters and applications in robotic mechanisms. The second part concentrates on microactuators from the points of view of their classification principles of operation and of application in robotics


: The TIG arc characteristics in ultra narrow gap could be changed by the combined regulation of sheet tungsten electrode and insulating solid wall for avoiding lack of fusion on the corner of square groove. For understanding the regulation mechanism of constricted sheet tungsten electrode arc characteristic with insulating solid wall in ultra narrow gap welding, the three-dimensional quasi-steady state mathematical model of constricted sheet tungsten electrode arc characteristic with insulating solid wall in ultra narrow gap welding process is presented based on a set of partial differential equations and reasonable boundaries conditions. The distributions of temperature, velocity and current density of constricted arc in ultra narrow gap welding process are obtained with different constricted effect of insulating solid wall. The results show that the temperature field, flow field and electric field of constricted sheet tungsten electrode arc with insulating solid wall in ultra narrow gap welding process are symmetric at width direction of ultra narrow gap groove; the insulating solid wall would change the characteristics of constricted arc by cathode and anode control effect; the different constricted height could provide combined regulation of cathode and anode control effect, by which the maximum current density, temperature and plasma velocity of constricted arc enhanced; meanwhile this combined regulation would also restrict the flow of arc current on the side; the variation of constricted width would only bring about cathode control effect to take greater current density, temperature and plasma velocity of constricted arc, and the flow of arc current on the side could not be avoided; when the cathode and anode control effects are stronger,


According to the statistic,lithium battery armour plate leak current occupies 3‰ of the total amount approximately.Aiming at the battery shorter life and damage caused by excessive leak current of the armour plate,the rapid test instrumentation of lithium battery armour plate leak current was designed using ICL7107.And working principle of the test instrument was described in detail.Realistic application indicates that the test instrument can monitor lithium battery product quality effectively.


In this paper we report on transport measurements on tris(8-hydroxy quinoline) Aluminum (Alq) active layer devices. We study n+(p+) Si/Alq/Aluminum structures. Specifically we find that on n+ Si substrate the current density can be as large as 10 mA/cm 2 for a drive voltage 1-2 V. On p+ Si substrate we find good rectification in some samples and current density of 10 mA/cm 2 for 1-2 applied voltage. We discuss the possible mechanism for transport in semiconductor/Alq/metal heterostructures.


Variance components and the stability of yield characters of rape cultivars or lines tested in Zhejiang rape regional trials in 2008 and 2009 were analyzed with the analysis methods for unbalanced data from regional trial of crop variety.The results showed that the yield was mainly affected by the location and interaction between year and location.The yield of line '037-77' was higher than those of the others but there was no significant difference with that of the control('Zheshuang 72').Except for 'Zheza 0603' and 'Qianza 2630',which were sensitive to environmental composite indexes,and 'J6' and 'ZY-10',which showed poor identity,the other cultivars or lines showed similar stability.


Abstract: This study discusses the characters in the text Leader Leader Malay Malay phrase Tenas work Effendy. This study used a qualitative approach and descriptive method that aims to describe the characters contained in the text of the Malay phrase Leaders Work Tenas Effendy. In this study the authors used data collection techniques are engineering documentation, then classified based on the character-karakater leader according to Islam formulated into conclusions. The results of the research I have found in this study is the leader according to Islamic code contained in the text leader among Malay expression trustful character, character fathanah, characters and character shidiq sermons. Keywords: Character, leader of Islamic, Malay leaders, Malay teaching point.


This article provides detailed historical context for contemporary Bollywood melodramas, including a handful of feature films shot in Australia. It draws on interactions between technologies and media industries, and popular culture. The first section introduces the uses of music in Hindi films between 1930s and 1960s. Anna Morcom's (2007) discussions emphasising the 'eclecticism' of Hindi film music, dominant tendencies, and modes through which these films deploy certain sounds and songs to produce a recognizable soundtrack are problematised. The second section of this article discusses two major shifts that occur in the patterns of production and consumption of music during the 1970s and 1980s, followed by the formation of 'brand Bollywood' in the 1990s. Referring to M. Madhava Prasad's (1998) formulations, the problem of industrial, and formal 'mobilisation' is revisited through screen sound. While Sangita Gopal and Sujata Moorti (2008) study the popularity of Bollywood music, the author presents a more complicated mapping by investigating older musical exchanges. In this section, specific films like Disco Dancer (Babbar Subhash, 1982), as well as films situated in Australia—specifically Dil Chahta Hai (Farhan Akhtar, 2001) and Salaam Namaste (Siddharth Anand, 2005)—are analysed in relation to the musical designs of contemporary Bollywood films. This article locates the soundmarks of a popular form and historicises its new routes. In this context, Bollywood films appear like a productive model that enables us to more generally recognise the function of songs and music in cinema.


Appendicectomy remains the most common abdominal emergency procedure performed by surgeons. We reviewed appendicectomies for the calendar years 1999 and 2009 to assess any changes in the referral, presentation and management at a tertiary paediatric institution.


A coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed at the heliocentric distance of 12.7 Rυ by radio occultation measurements using the Akatsuki spacecraft. The temporal developments of the bulk velocity and the electron column density along the raypath traversing the CME were obtained, and under the assumption that the irregularities are transported across the raypath, the internal structure of the CME covering the region from the core to the tail was retrieved. The suggested internal structure was compared with Large Angle Spectroscopic Coronagraph images, a numerical study and previous radio occultation observations of CMEs to propose a CME model; the bulk velocity and the electron density have relatively large values in the core, decrease behind the core, and increase again in the tail region where the fast plasma flow associated with the magnetic reconnection converges. This implies that the magnetic reconnection behind the CMEs might continue up to at least the heliocentric distance of ∼13 Rυ.


Abstract Recycling of diatomaceous earth (DE) in a drinking water filtration system was investigated. The plant consists of four stages of cyclones plus a scavenger system for the recover of spent DE. Cryptosporidium, oocysts were seeded into the raw water from the DE pilot plant, at a concentration of 103 oocysts per liter. Samples were taken prior to injection from the seeded stock, down stream from the point of injection in the influent stream and from the overflow post‐cyclone separation. In the DE recovery plant the percentage of oocysts detected in the overflow stream (that volume of water and spent DE, which will not be recovered or reused) ranged from 27 to 79% depending on the number of cyclones present. It appears that while 91% of the oocysts were separated from the DE that was slated for recovery. The levels of this organism in the spent DE over time or after a large concentration spike in the influent, could present a problem if the DE is to be reused as body feed without some type of pretrea...


This study presents a system for virtual mouse control using hand gestures and voice assistant. The proposed system utilizes a camera to detect hand gestures and a microphone to interpret voice commands. The system is designed to provide an alternative to traditional mouse-based interfaces for individuals with mobility impairments or those who prefer a more natural and intuitive interface. User studies serve as a way to assess the system's efficacy, and the results demonstrate the feasibility and usability of the proposed approach. The study also discusses potentialapplications and future directions for the technology, including integration with virtual reality and other emerging technologies. Overall, the proposed virtual mouse using hand gesture and voice assistant system has the potential to improve accessibility and user experience in a variety of contexts.


The ability to measure drivers' physiological responses is important for understanding their state and behavior under different driving conditions. Such measurements can be used in the development of novel user interfaces, driver profiling, advanced driver assistance systems, etc. In this paper, we present a user study in which we performed an evaluation of two commercially available wearable devices for assessment of drivers' physiological signals. Empatica's E4 wristband measures blood volume pulse (BVP), inter-beat interval (IBI), galvanic skin response (GSR), temperature, and acceleration. Bittium's Faros 360 is an electrocardiographic (ECG) device that can record up to 3-channel ECG signals. The aim of this study was to explore the use of such devices in a dynamic driving environment and their ability to differentiate between different levels of driving demand. Twenty-two participants (eight female, 14 male) aged between 18 and 45 years old participated in the study. The experiment compared three phases: Baseline (no driving), easy driving scenario, and demanding driving scenario. Mean and median heart rate variability (HRV), standard deviation of R–R intervals (SDNN), HRV variables for shorter time frames (standard deviation of the average R–R intervals over a shorter period—SDANN and mean value of the standard deviations calculated over a shorter period—SDNN index), HRV variables based on successive differences (root mean square of successive differences—RMSSD and percentage of successive differences, greater than 50 ms—pNN50), skin temperature, and GSR were observed in each phase. The results showed that motion artefacts due to driving affect the GSR recordings, which may limit the use of wrist-based wearable devices in a driving environment. In this case, due to the limitations of the photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, E4 only showed differences between non-driving and driving phases but could not differentiate between different levels of driving demand. On the other hand, the results obtained from the ECG signals from Faros 360 showed statistically significant differences also between the two levels of driving demand.