Segmentation is an essential ingredient in a wide range of image processing tasks and a building block of many visualization environments. Many known segmentation techniques suffer from being computationally exhaustive and thus decreasing interactivity, especially when considering volume data sets. Multilevel methods have proved to be a powerful machinery to speed up applications which incorporate some hierarchical structure. So does segmentation when considered on quadtree respectively octree data sets. Here we present a new approach which combines a discrete and a continuous multilevel segmentation model. In figure 1 four different grid segments are depicted which resulted from the multilevel segmentation by using combinations of different boundary indicators which will be described later in detail. At first, the discrete method enables a fast segmentation depending on possibly multiple parameters describing the segment boundary and on selected seed points inside a segment. In an interactive process the user is able to ajust seed points which steer the automatic discrete segmentation process. Furthermore fast multilevel splatting techniques simultaneously enable interactive frame rates in the visualization to validate the obtained results. Thus, the user is effectively supported in the selection of appropriate parameters for the segmentation. Once an acceptable voxel discrete approximation is found a second segmentation and smoothing method based on a continuous model comes into play. It can be regarded Figure 1: Segmentation Results by greyvalue and gradient magnitude thresholding and the exclusion indicator σ = −χGc to prevent the algorihm to grow into Lena's hat. Efficiency: 0.152. as an suitable postprocessing step. Hence, solving an appropriate diffusion problem the boundary approximation of the already obtained segment is improved including a suitable tangential smoothing.


The dipole magnet of the China Spallation Neutron Source(CSNS) Rapid-cycling Synchrotron(RCS) will be operated at a 25 Hz sinusoidal alternating current which causes severe vibration.The vibration will influence the long-term safety and reliable operation of the dipole magnet.By taking the dipole...


Cultures, designated Ag1, Ag2 and Ag3, of a fungus resembling Ascochyta rabiei, Didymella rabiei (teleomorph), were isolated from blighted chickpea plants growing in three regions of Algeria. The isolates were shown to be the cause of the disease by fulfilling Koch's postulates and were identified as A. rabiei by sequencing ribosomal DNA. When grown on a defined liquid medium, consisting of Czapek Dox nutrients and five cations, the filtrates inhibited germination of chickpea seed, and elongation of hypocotyls and radicles of seedlings. All three isolates produced the phytotoxin solanapyrone A in culture and maximal concentrations in the culture filtrates, recorded after incubation for 14 days were 15.1 ± 1.29 µg/ml, 8.4 ± 1.19 µg/ml and 7.4 ± 0.85 mg/ml for Ag 1 Ag2 and Ag3, respectively. ED50 values were 7.15 ± 1.77, 5.87 ± 1.40 and 3.60 ± 1.47 µg solanapyrone A/ml for inhibition of germination, hypocotyl elongation and radicle elongation, respectively. Concentrations of solanapyrone A in dilutions of culture filtrates that caused 50% inhibition of these three parameters were sufficient to explain their inhibitory effects in all cases except the inhibition of germination and hypocotyl elongation by filtrates of Ag2 and Ag3. Here they were only 65% and 58% of the amount required to cause the inhibition of germination, respectively and 60% and 63% of the amount required to inhibit hypocotyl elongation, respectively, suggesting that other factors may be involved.


To infer and predict the reliability of the remaining useful life of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is very significant in the sectors associated with power source proficiency. As an energy source of electric vehicles (EV), Li-ion battery is getting attention due to its lighter weight and capability of storing higher energy. Problems with the reliability arises while li-ion batteries of higher voltages are required. As in this case several li-ion cells areconnected in series and failure of one cell may cause the failure of the whole battery pack. In this paper, Firstly, the capacity degradation of li-ion cells after each cycle is observed and secondly with the help of MATLAB 2016 a mathematical model is developed using Weibull Probability Distribution and Exponential Distribution to find the reliability of different types of cell configurations of a non-redundant li-ion battery pack. The mathematical model shows that the parallel-series configuration of cells is more reliable than the series configuration of cells. The mathematical model also shows that if the discharge rate (C-rate) remains constant; there could be an optimum number for increasing the cells in the parallel module of a parallel-series onfiguration of cells of a non-redundant li-ion battery pack; after which only increasing the number of cells in parallel module doesn't increase the reliability of the whole battery pack significantly.


The study with field sampling method showed that in the Tibetan region of North westeon yunnan Province,the dominant groups of grassland insect community were Cicadelloidea,Miridae,Muscidae and Cecidomyiidae.The number of insect families on forage grassland,cultivated grassland,grazing grassland and shrub grassland were 40,44,35 and 36,and that of insect individuals were 1869,1510,997 and 848,respectively,indicating the higher richness and abundance of insect community on forage-and cultivated grasslands.The biodiversity index of cultivated grassland was also the highest.Based on the criterion of Jaccard's ISJ,a medium similarity of insect community was observed on the four grasslands.Different management patterns of grassland had definite effects on grassland insect community diversity,and traditionally managed forage grassland was benefited to the maintenance of this diversity.


Financial services sector has become very competitive after Malaysia government's liberalization policy. In order to address the increased competition, banks have shifted their strategy from product-centered to a customer-centered strategy. This study tests a model related to the relationship between the service recovery, customer satisfaction and customer after purchase behavior. To test the proposed model, 370 self-administered questionnaires were distributed. The analyses based on Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) reveal direct relationships between perceived distributive justice, perceived procedural justice, perceived interactional justice and customer satisfaction in regard to service recovery. The results also show that customer satisfaction increases the level of trust among customers. There is also a high possibility that satisfied customers will spread positive word of mouth that can reinforce the good reputation of the service provider. Bootstrap is used to examine the mediation effects of satisfaction and the results show that customer satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between perceived interactional justice and word of mouth. The results also indicate that customer satisfaction partially mediate the following relationships; perceived distributive justice with word of mouth, perceived procedural justice with word of mouth and perceived interactional justice with perceive trust. However, the fact that this study is conducted by using cross sectional method, focuses on banking industry and covers a small area of the country should be taken into consideration for any generalization of results.


This Thesis describes the synthesis and characterisation of sulfonamide supported titanium, zirconium and aluminium complexes and their use as ring opening polymerisation catalysts for e-caprolactone and rac-lactide. Chapter 1 introduces polyester use, development and characterisation in general. Metal catalysed ring opening polymerisation of cyclic esters is considered in a literature review of the field. Titanium, zirconium and aluminium complexes supported by polydentate sulfonamide ligands are also discussed. Chapter 2 describes the synthesis and characterisation of new sulfonamide supported titanium amide, isopropoxide and zirconium isopropoxide complexes. Their application as catalysts for the ring opening polymerisation of e-caprolactone and rac-lactide is discussed and compared with known zirconium isopropoxide complexes supported by bis(phenolate) amine ligands. Chapter 3 describes the synthesis and characterisation of Cs symmetric titanium amide and alkoxide complexes supported by dianionic, tri- and tetradentate sulfonamide ligands. Zirconium alkyl and amide complexes supported by C3- symmetric trianionic 'tren' type ligands bearing three different sulfonamide groups are also presented. The application of these complexes for the ring opening polymerisation of e-caprolactone and rac-lactide is described and compared with the complexes presented in Chapter 2. Chapter 4 provides an overview of the synthesis and characterisation of aluminium alkoxide and alkyl complexes supported by dianionic, tri- and tetradentate sulfonamide ligands. Solution state behaviour and solid state structures are presented and discussed. An assessment of these complexes for the ring opening polymerisation of rac-lactide is presented. Chapter 5 presents full experimental procedures and characterisation data for the new complexes reported. CD Appendix contains .cif files for all new crystallographically characterised complexes described, and additional polymerisation graphs.


The crystal structures show a U shape for 26DAcBPy and 26DPXZBPy and a linear chain conformation for 25DAcBPy; for the first time, we reveal that the conformations are the result of intramolecular hydrogen bonding of these molecules.


Investigation of pharmacokinetic characteristics of 99mTc and 188Re labeled monopotassium salts of 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonic acid (KHEDP) in rat organism showed that the level of accumulated activity for 5 min, 1 h, and 3 h after intravenous injection of 188Re-KHEDP in most organs and tissues is higher than that after injection of 99mTc-KHEDP. In the subsequent period (6 and 24 h), the values of specific activity in the majority of soft organs and tissues exhibit leveling due to more intense elimination of 188Re-KOEDF. The dynamics of labeled drug accumulation in bone tissues is characterized by a gradual increase in the concentration of activity followed by its slow decrease. The maximum level of 99mTc-KHEDP in bones was achieved within 3 - 6 h, while the activity of 188Re-KHEDP was at maximum 1 h after injection. After reaching the maximum value, the activity gradually decreases. The rate of 99mTc-KHEDP elimination from bone tissues is lower than that for 188Re-KHEDP. The ratios of the specific activity in organs and tissues upon intravenous injection of 99mTs-KHEDP and 188Re-KHEDP are more clearly illustrated by the coefficients of differential accumulation (SDA) of activity in bone tissues (bone of femur, rib, skull and spinal) relative to soft organs and tissues. The dynamics of change in these values is characterized by gradual increase during 24 h upon injection. The growth is more pronounced for 99mTc-KHEDP than for 188Re-KHEDP. These data show that the elimination of activity from bone tissues upon the injection of 188Re-KHEDP is faster than that in the case of 99mTc-HEDP. A comparative analysis of the SDA values allows the dynamics of drug accumulation and elimination rates from soft organs and tissues to be evaluated in comparison to bone tissues. Using the SDA values, it is also possible to determine the optimum terms for carrying out the scintigraphic study of the skeleton by means of the gamma-ray chamber. The results of studying the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 99mTc-KHEDP and 188Re-KHEDP in rat organism showed that these complex compounds with generally similar structures substantially differ in the biological properties, as indicated by significant distinctions of their behavior in the organism upon intravenous introduction.


ABSTRACT As the number of uses for the Global Positioning System (GPS) continues to expand, so does the need for reliable position and velocity estimates. In this context, the need to identify and reject erroneous observations before they are allowed to corrupt state estimates is a major concern in many applications. Statistical reliability analysis is a tool whereby the ability of a particular system to identify blunders, and the effect of such blunders on the state estimates, can be assessed. Statistical reliability analyses can be performed assuming either an epoch-to-epoch least squares estimation approach or using a Kalman filter, depending on which estimator will be used in practice. However, with the trend towards the integration of multiple navigation sensors, the latter approach is often preferred. Unfortunately, traditional reliability analysis using Kalman filters assumes all of the observations at a given epoch are processed simultaneously. While such analyses are nevertheless beneficial, they do not consider the case where uncorrelated observations at a given epoch are processed sequentially. Such an approach offers significant processing advantages that may be important for time critical applications, or applications where minimal processing power is available, such as in embedded systems. The paper begins with a brief review of the Kalman filter equations and discusses blunder detection in that context. The traditional statistical reliability equations are then presented as a theoretical extension of blunder detection. Next, the concept of sequential processing of observations is presented and the computational benefits of such an approach are briefly discussed. The traditional reliability equations are then redeveloped accordingly. The paper concludes with some sample results from data collected during field trials to illustrate the advantages of each approach, in the context of GPS navigation. For the sequential update approach, the order in which observations are processed is varied


This paper aims to explain the time and regional feature of elementary school consolidation process, after regulating the relation of transition of the number of schools and consolidation based on the database about the number of pupils of elementary school and established and closed schools in 1948 2010 in Chugoku region. Although the definite number reduction of pupils was observed in city areas, there were comparatively little consolidation of schools until 2010. However, in the mountainous area, the rapid reduction of the number of pupils continued after rapid economic growth, consolidation of elementary schools were not avoided.


This work has also been supported by the Spanish MINECO, grants AYA2016-78994-P and FIS2012-32096, and by the European Research Council (ERC) Grant 610256: NANOCOSMOS.


this document bases on researching piece of remunerated vehicles on proposes & facebook a social control recommendation to pull in paid appearances' to relate in going with cloudy number of individuals from conceivable with the best obligation. Fake neural structures, garson's algorithmic program, and strengthen vector machine coefficient were adjusted evaluate plan properties. The results show that to the level of individuals came to, paid spreads ar fundamentally nine.52% fitting, withdrew and twenty four. 35% for submit hour, 16.eighty five% for resolute sheet like, & 16.44% pro kind of creation. Concerning level of comments, likes, and offers, paid advancing contributes ten.46%, 19.51%, and 15.55% affiliation, severally. Inspiration driving truth, the huge degrees of age stimulates from misuse paid degrees of progress and nonpaid sees ar surveyed and picked. This paper gives a social control suggestion to offering director to help the paid headway execution of conspiracy facebook pages.


The method based on impedance cardiography for evaluation of blood pressure in pulmonary artery is presented. This method was tested by using data of 109 patients with various cardiac and pulmonary diseases, and for all of them two-dimentional transtoracal cardioechoscopy was performed in aim to confirm or exclude pulmonary artery hypertension. Comparison of results received by applying both methods for measurement the blood pressure in pulmonary artery showed the especially significant correlation of data - Spearman's coefficient of correlation r=0,836, p=0,0001. These results permit to assume, that impedance cardiography, as non-invasive, inexpensive and user-friendliness method could be used for blood pressure evaluation in aim to detect the hypertension of pulmonary artery. Ill. 3, bibl. 11 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).


making it difficult to interpret the standard in accordance with its ordinary meaning, a reference to object and purpose of the network of IIAs (Article 31(1) 363 Ibid [80]. 364 E.g., S.D.Myers v Canada [245], [247], [250].


The Timoshenko–Mindlin plate equation of motion is modified in order to simultaneously specify the precise cutoff and asymptotic behavior of both antisymmetric modes of plate vibration described by it. A mathematical method for extending equations of motion to include higher order antisymmetric modes is presented. This method is illustrated by the development of an equation of motion for the first four antisymmetric modes of plate vibration.


The essential oils obtained by steam distillation from fresh leaves of four Plinia species were analysed by GC–FID and GC–MS. Fifty-two compounds were identified, accounting for 83.9–98.0% of the total oil. The four Plinia species were characterized by the dominance of sesquiterpenes, especially oxygenated sesquiterpenes. For P. edulis, β-caryophyllene and its oxide, caryophyllene oxide, were present in high percentage (39.3%), followed by spathulenol (11.9%). P. trunciflora oil showed β-caryophyllene (8.2%), bicyclogermacrene (10.6%), globulol (10.8%) and γ-muurolene (9.2%) as the main components. The oil of P. cauliflora was dominated by spathulenol (27.2%), caryophyllene oxide (21.6%) and epi-globulol (8.1%) and that of P. cordifolia was especially characterized by compounds with a bisabolane nucleus, such as α-bisabolol oxide A (28.0%), α-bisabolol oxide B (7.0%) and α-bisabolol (5.8%). This last species also showed a high percentage of β-caryophyllene (15.9%). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


In this study, the authors propose a novel methodology for static gesture recognition in a complex background using only depth map from Microsoft's Kinect camera. Four different types of features are extracted and analysed on two public static gesture datasets. The features extracted from the segmented hand are geometrical, local binary patterns, number of fingers (Num) raised in a gesture and distance of hand palm centre from the fingertips and the valley between the fingers. The hand region is first segmented from the image using depth data followed by the forearm removal. Four multi-class support vector machine (SVM) kernels are also compared and used for recognition of gestures with extracted feature vector as an input. The experimental results achieved recognition accuracy of 99 and 95.7 % on two public complex static gesture datasets using Gaussian SVM kernel function as a classifier. The proposed approach is found to be comparable and even outperforms some of the state-of-the-art techniques in terms of high recognition accuracies, even after using a single cue for hand segmentation and extraction of features in the complex background which results in non-dependency on too many cues and much hardware.


This study attempts to increase students' vocabulary achievement by using pictures. This study is conducted by using Classroom Action Research. This study was conducted as the first grade students of SMP Nurul Hasannah Medan. One class from four classes was selected as the subject of this research. The number of the subject of the reseearch was 38 students. The class taught by using interview sheet and observation sheet. The quantitative data were collected by giving multiple choice tests counting the mean of the students. The result of the research shows that the mean of the second cycle (77.29%) is higher than the mean of the first cycle(72.71%) and pre test (67.14%). Based on the observation sheet, interview sheet, questionnaire sheet and diary notes, the students were more active and enthusiastic during the teaching and learning process in the second cycle than in the first cycle. Key Words:  Vocabulary, Pictures


: A ketone, cyclic ether, and epoxide are combined in one-pot using aluminum tris(2,6-diphenylphenoxide) (ATPH) and LDA, the latter agent being applied as the trigger for the reaction


The spectral analysis of an infinite rectangular waveguide with dielectric-filled transverse corrugations is performed to investigate supporting backward waves in this structure. The corrugations act as a capacitive immittance surface which provides a suitable environment for left-hand propagation to occur in an undersized rectangular waveguide having an inherent shunt inductance of the evanescent transverse electric dominant mode. The analysis of the corrugated waveguide is based on Floquet's theorem, where the problem is solved in terms of a unit cell; then Galerkin's projection technique is applied to reduce the integral equation to the matrix form. The dispersion relation and the modal field expressions are derived and, for the special case of wall-to-wall corrugations with single current harmonic, rather simpler expressions are obtained. The effect of the different design parameters on the dispersion characteristics is studied with emphasis on the left-hand propagation band. Some representative field plots of the dominant mode of the corrugated structure are depicted. Sample results are compared with Ansoft High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) and with an equivalent circuit model developed for the same structure. The results exhibit very good agreement.


Aims:  To study the long-term survival of warfarin users after cataract surgery. Methods:  This retrospective study involved 200 consecutive patients taking warfarin and 129 patients who had phacoemulsification at the same surgical sessions between January 2001 and December 2006. Their clinical characteristics and survival were retrieved from the hospital medical records and the electronic Patient Record of the Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. Standardized mortality ratios were computed and survival after cataract surgery was compared using the log rank test. Results:  Patients taking warfarin had shorter survival after cataract surgery (log rank test, p < 0.001); their standardized mortality ratios being 1.95 (95% confidence interval, 1.56 - 2.44). Survival in both groups appeared similar in the initial 2 years postoperatively, but a difference emerged thereafter. No difference in the causes of death was detected in the two groups (p = 0.33). Conclusions:  Patients taking warfarin had shorter survival after cataract surgery. This was likely an effect due to selection of healthier patients for surgery.


Pakistan's IT industry is currently one of the top performers as compared to other industrial sectors within Pakistan. As per the findings of Ahsan (2008), despite the fact that Pakistan's IT industry is competitive (with respect to other industries within Pakistan!), its true potential is yet to be unfolded. Ahsan (2008); states that Pakistan's so called competitive IT industry has to be in lined with the international performers (Particularly South Asian economies!). A simple proof of this statement can be obtained from the fact that Pakistan's general economy is 1/5th of Indian economy. This must be true for IT sector of both the economies, which, unfortunately is not the case because Pakistan's IT sector is currently 1/27th of the Indian IT Sector. Ahsan (2008) believes that partial reason of this unwanted difference may be revenue models, business practices and political situations of the two countries. Other than these reasons Ahsan (2008) believes that several soft issues are also responsible for this industrial difference. Out of these soft issues 'motivation' is one such important factor. The role of motivation as an imperative soft issue for revitalizing workforce can also be reproduced for the discussion concerning the role of 'basic employee satisfaction' as an organization's productivity and quality enhancement tool. Employees, being an integral asset of the organizations, impact organizations in accomplishment of their objectives. The impact of employee satisfaction in software industry of Pakistan is relatively less known but plays significant role. This paper analyzes the major causes of employee satisfaction and the impact of employee satisfaction on quality and productivity dimensions (particularly) in the IT organizations in Pakistan. This research presents analysis of 'Employee Satisfaction' for IT sector of Pakistan. The study not only explores but also presents detailed explanation and analysis of the subject area for the IT industry of Pakistan by using necessary qualitative and quantitative research methods. The paper also explains all the important issues (As identified in PhD Thesis of Ahsan) arising due to underprivileged employee satisfaction. As a result of detailed analysis performed, the paper finally identifies important recommendations for improving employee satisfaction. The study analyzes the major causes of employee satisfaction / dissatisfaction and the impact of employee satisfaction on various organizational parameters (for instance quality, productivity etc).


Various methods have been used in an attempt to decrease prolonged pressure on skin, especially over bony prominences, and thus prevent pressure sores in immobilized patients: turning frames, circle beds, flotation beds, and special mattresses. Bridging is one means of relieving pressure on bony prominences which is both simple and inexpensive. Through the proper positioning of pillows, a patient is supported above the surface of the bed with free space between the bony prominences and the bed surface. Several different positions for pressure relief are possible. Advantages of the technic include its low cost, patient acceptance, lack of mechanical components which can fail, and ease of training personnel or family members to carry it out.


Most equity rights issues in the United Kingdom are underwritten, with a lead underwriter, supported by up to 400 sub-underwriters, undertaking to buy any shares that remain unsold. For some years there has been a vigorous debate over the fees (currently a flat 2% of the offer) charged for this service. Some have argued that 2% is excessive, pointing to the fixed-fee structure as evidence of inefficiency. Others have argued that the fees are a fair reward for the risks borne and that the fixed fee is simply a convenience that allows underwriting to be arranged quickly. They note that, although the fee is a fixed percentage, the discount at which the issue is offered is open to negotiation and this can be used to adjust for differences in risk between issues. The debate matters since, if sub-underwriters overcharge, raising new equity—and so capital itself—may be needlessly expensive.


© 2018 Journal of ophthalmic and Vision research | published by Wolters KluWer medKnoW I warmly thank Dr. Tripathy for his interest and discussion of our recent publication. As he mentioned in his first comment "Figure 1 is a multicolor image from the Spectralis machine and not an infrared reflectance image, as has been described in the manuscript;" it should be corrected to state that Figure 1[1] is indeed a multicolor fundus image and not an infrared reflectance image. I agree that it would be interesting to analyze color fundus photograph and fundus fluorescein angiogram from the acute phase. Unfortunately, however, our patient was evaluated in a rural part of our country where we did not have access to the multimodal imaging evaluation. At his presentation and during short‐term follow‐up I did not see any subretinal blood, central retinal arterial/venous occlusion, or pigmentary changes involving the macula. The mentioned unusual feature of rapid foveal atrophy in our patient may be due to macular capillary plexus disruption which could not be documented. During his physical examination, we could not find any signs of optic disc pit and its related maculopathy or juvenile retinoschisis in his fellow eye. As Dr. Tripathy requested, I attach the fellow eye's multicolor fundus image and optical coherence tomography (OCT) image as Figure 1. I agree that OCT findings in whiplash maculopathy or shaken baby syndrome do not exactly match the findings of the current case. The main point of similarity between these reports and our case is the retinoschisis (retinal splitting), although there are major differences considering the exact level of splitting. Clear signs of vitreous traction could not be seen on OCT [Figure 2],[1] but retinal disruption is primarily confined between the fovea and optic nerve head region. Firm attachment of the vitreous layers at these two sites and retinal disruption in this confined region may Author's Reply


Pure TiO2 and a series of Al-Fe-Cu tri-doped TiO2 were synthesized by using in-situ hydrothermal method. The synthesized materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated for degradation of methylene blue (5mgL−1) in aqueous solution under uv-visible light (λ = <420 nm). The XRD pattern showed that all samples exhibited anatase phase after calcined at temperature 500°C with crystallite size in the range of 10.00-13.23 nm. The FTIR spectra showed three important vibrational modes for vOH, δOH and vTiO that were assigned at range 3411.75-3399.27 cm−1, 1626.911630.53 cm−1 and 503.30-530.93 cm−1, respectively. The degradation rate of Al(1mmol)-Fe-Cu tri-doped TiO2 showed the highest photocatalytic degradation with 93% compared to pure TiO2, Al(2 mmol)-Fe-Cu tri-doped TiO2 and Al(3mmol)-Fe-Cu tri-doped TiO2 were calculated as 76%, 85% and 80%, respectively. Hence, it can be seen that, the amount of Al ion-doping have influence on the photocatalytic degradation.


The present invention describes an anti-fogging coating composition, said composition comprising an aqueous polymer dispersion, a crosslinking agent and a surfactant. After soaking in water for 1 hour at 25 deg.] C the dried and cured coating composition does not exhibit fogging within 8 seconds. In the preferred embodiment, a 24-hour soak in water at 50 deg.] C the dried and cured coating composition does not exhibit fogging within 60 seconds. Further comprising a description of the article and curing the dried coating composition, and a method of providing anti-fog coating on a substrate disposed on the substrate.


Excited-state proton transfer from 5,8-dicyano-2-naphthol to methanol takes place in CO2/methanol mixtures, in the pressure and temperature ranges of supercritical CO2. The efficiency of the proton-transfer step decreases with the pressure. This is assigned to the perturbation of the methanol clusters solvating the naphthol.


Abstract In this paper, we suggest a way to maximize economic utilization of science and technology from federal laboratories—the Business Development Wheel (BDW). Commercializing federally developed science and technology is challenging because the science and technology must first be transferred to a private organization and then brought to market. Historically, many important advances manage to migrate from federal laboratory to market, but this journey often relied on fortuitous events. Recent developments have, however, improved the process at some laboratories. The BDW offers a framework to assist in the commercialization process. This model is based on the experience and strategy of Sandia National Laboratories in the commercialization of its portfolio of science and technology. A portion of this work has been supported by Sandia, a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.


Abstract In this study, the values of the four kinds of cone factors(  ,   ,   , and recently proposed   ) and the soil properties, for the northeastern part of Shiwha area, were investigated. The measured and calculated undrained strengths, which have been obtained from the various experimental data, were compared with each other, and their relationship with the plastic index was also studied. The strength from the   method was unexpectedly not reasonable and the higher values of cone factors were observed with the larger plastic index.요 약 본 연구에서는, 시화지구 북동지역 지반에 대하여 네 가지 종류의 콘계수 값들 (   ,   ,   , 최근 제안된   )과 지반의 특성치들과의 관계를 고찰하였다. 다양한 실험결과를 활용하여 계산한 비배수강도와 실제 측정된 비배수강도를 비교하였으며, 이들 값들과 소성지수와의 관계를 분석하였다.   를 활용하여 구한 비배수강도는 의외로 좋은 결과를 보여주지 못했으며, 소성지수 값이 커질수록 콘계수 값이 커지는 현상이 고찰되었다 . Key Words : Plastic index, Undrained strength, Cone factor, Piezocone * Corresponding Author : Kim, Dae-Kyu(firstname.lastname@example.com)Received October 26, 2011 Revised November 12, 2011 Accepted December 13. 2011


An important problem faced in closed-loop supply chains is ensuring a sufficient supply of reusable products (i.e., cores) to support reuse activities. Accurate forecasting of used product returns can assist in effectively managing the sourcing activities for cores. The application of existing forecasting models to actual data provided by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) remanufacturer resulted in the following challenges: (i) inherent difficulties in estimation due to long return lags in the data and (ii) required adjustments for initial conditions. This article develops methods to address these issues and illustrates the proposed approach using the data provided by the OEM remanufacturer. The cost implications of using the proposed method to source cores are also investigated. Results of the performed analysis showed that the proposed forecasting approach performed best when the product is in the maturity or decline stages of its life cycle, with the rate of product returns balanced with the demand volume for the remanufactured product. Forecasting product returns can therefore be best leveraged for reducing the acquisition costs of cores in such settings.


We show that hypernetworks can be regarded as posets which, in their turn, have a natural interpretation as simplicial complexes and, as such, are endowed with an intrinsic notion of curvature, namely the Forman Ricci curvature, that strongly correlates with the Euler characteristic of the simplicial complex. This approach, inspired by the work of E. Bloch, allows us to canonically associate a simplicial complex structure to a hypernetwork, directed or undirected. In particular, this greatly simplifying the geometric Persistent Homology method we previously proposed.


Nine 0.04-ha plots were established in 1956 (age 35 years) in a balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) stand in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada to determine the impact of an uncontrolled spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) outbreak on stand development. The plots were measured annually from 1956 to 1961 and at five-year intervals from 1965 to 1995. Moderate to severe defoliation occurred from 1951 to 1957 and again in 1975 to 1977, 1981, and 1986 to 1988. Budworm-caused mortality from 1956 to 1961 (age 35 to 40 years) varied considerably among plots, reducing volume by 35 to 113 m3/ha (34%-84%), and resulting in a wide range of post-outbreak plot densities. Plots were grouped into three post-budworm outbreak (1965, age 45 years) basal area classes, of ≤ 20 m2/ha, 21 to 27 m2/ha, and ≥ 28 m2/ha, to examine stand recovery. Recovery of volume up to age 60 years ranged from 72 to 132 m3/ha, in the lowest to highest basal area classes, respectively. From age 60 to 75 years, five plots declined...


This study is focused on the role of school safety and security committees (SSSCs) in the welfare of learners. A case study was conducted in two combined schools in the King Cetshwayo District of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of the study was to investigate SSSCs to understand the factors influencing them in executing their roles and strategies for improving their performance. A qualitative study within an interpretive paradigm was conducted. The data-generation instruments included focus group interviews and document analysis. Research participants were purposefully selected. Data were analysed through a thematic approach. The findings indicate that the majority of SSSC members understood their roles but challenges remained. Some of the challenges included financial constraints to buy security facilities such as metal and drug detectors. Participants were of the opinion that SSSC members must be compensated for the work they do. Another view was that private security companies must be hired. Based on the findings, continuous support workshops, employment of private security companies, and the production of isiZulu versions of policy documents are recommended.


Where a person embarks upon the commission of an arrestable offence involving violence and someone is killed in the course or furtherance of that offence (or any other arrestable offence involving violence), he and all other persons engaged in the course or furtherance of the commission of that arrestable offence (or any other arrestable offence involving violence) are liable to be convicted of murder even if the killing was done without intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.


*Corresponding Author Email: email@example.com Study habits are behaviors that students learn by repetition during their academic training. Good habits help achieve goals, as long as they are worked out properly. The objective of this study was to determine the level of utilization of study habits by students in the second, fourth, sixth and eighth semester of the Accounting Degree in the Temascaltepec University Center of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. The population consisted of 143 students of both sexes. We used the validated inventory tool of Habits of Study by Pozar (2002), with a quantitative approach that served to calculate the level of utilization of the scales: study environmental conditions, study planning, use of materials, content assimilation and sincerity.The results indicated that, for the scale of environmental conditions of study, students in the second, fourth, sixth and eighth semesters had a level of Moderate Normal utilization; in the scale of study planning, it was identified that in the second semester students had a level of Low Normal use, while the fourth semester, sixth semester and eighth semester had a Moderate Normal level. In the scale of use of materials, students in the second semester presented a level of Normal Low utilization and the fourth, sixth and eighth semesters presented a Moderate Normal level. On the content assimilation scale, students had a Normal Low utilization level in the second, fourth, sixth and eighth semesters. Finally, on the scale of sincerity, students of the second, fourth, sixth and eighth semester presented a Moderate Normal level of utilization.


According to the site measured results of the large volume concrete hydration thermal in the mine freezing shaft,the influence law of the concrete hydration thermal to the mine freezing shaft was obtained.The hydration thermal of the mine shaft concrete could affect the freezing wall thawing with 0.2~0.4m,which would be 0.43~0.5 times of the thickness of the mine shaft outer wall.The refreezing swelling force occurred from the refreezing would be 0.45~0.80MPa.With the analysis on the site measured data and the numerical simulation of the ADINA finite element program,the relationship curve between the thawing depth and time of the freezing wall was obtained and would have great guidance to the design and construction of the deep mine freezing shaft wall.


Due to their large storage capacity and small access time static random access memory (SRAM) has become a vital part in
numerous VLSI chips. Low power adequate memory configuration is a standout among the most challenging issues in SRAM design.
As the technology node scaling down, leakage power utilization has turned into a noteworthy issue. In this paper a novel power
gating technique, namely sleepy keeper leakage control transistor technique (SK-LCT) is proposed for a handheld gadget application.
The SRAM architecture has two primary components, specifically SRAM cell and sense amplifier. The proposed SK-LCT technique
is applied in both SRAM cell and sense amplifier for a new low power high speed SRAM architecture design. The outline of SRAM
architecture utilizing pass transistor decoder (PT-Decoder) gives better outcomes in term of power. Simulation is done using Tanner
EDA tool in 180nm technology and the results demonstrate a noteworthy change in leakage power utilization and speed.


More than two decades have passed since anesthesiologists began to play active roles in postoperative pain management. Prior to this time postoperative pain management was traditionally provided by the surgical house staff, and was generally considered to be a low priority responsibility. Although regional anesthetic specialists had for years provided limited postoperative plexus and epidural-based analgesia, the widespread acceptance of dedicated anesthesiology-based acute pain services as well as the introduction of new analgesic techniques, such as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) led to rapid and dramatic improvements in patient supervision and pain control.


New‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common complication in the setting of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and worsened short/long‐term prognosis. Several clinical parameters have already been associated with NOAF development. However, relationship between NOAF and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity in STEMI patients is unclear. This study evaluates the relationship between NOAF and CAD severity using Syntax score (SS) and Syntax score II (SSII) in STEMI patients who were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).


The article investigates the impact of clusters on the social environment and the impact of institutional factors on the formation and development of clusters. The authors proceed from the obvious assumption that the basic prerequisite for successful clustering is the development of entrepreneurship, and the expected result (i.e. the purpose of cluster initiatives) is the growth in cluster's competitiveness. In this paper a number of economic-statistical models were constructed using the data of international research organizations to identify the main factors influencing the competitiveness and the potential of entrepreneurship's development. It allows not only to substantiate the thesis about the dominant influence of social factors but also to reveal the implicit contradiction between the social and economic aspects of entrepreneurship able to cause a reduction in the competitiveness of the cluster. Obtained models permit to assert that social capital is the key factor for the effectiveness of cluster initiatives, therefore the negative impact of the cluster on the social environment leads inevitably to decline in its competitiveness in the future. Social capital is considered as the capital of relations which provides a certain level of social integration and directly depends on the level of social responsibility of subjects of relations. This implies that the level of social responsibility of business and government determines the prospects of clustering by influencing the key factors of the efficiency of this process.


In June 1999 Japan's political parties agreed on institutional reforms in the government and the Diet. They agreed to create a new position in the government; to eliminate the government committee member system (seifu iin seido); and to introduce in the Diet the National Basic Policy Committee. This paper describes the contents of the three reforms, traces how the parties reached agreement on them, and provides a preliminary interpretation of why the parties introduced these reforms in the manner they did.


Establishing the calculating formula of the vehicle emissions in Fuzhou urban district and the vehicle emissions' factors,collecting the related data of the vehicles and analysing them. The results show that,for having added clean energy vehicles and eliminated low emission standards' vehicle,the bus passenger quantity in 2012 increased by 3. 98% than that in 2010 but reduced total emissions over 12%,the total taxi mileages in 2012 increased 31% than that in 2010 but reduced the total taxi emissions over4%,it shows decreased that the vehicle emissions' annual increase amplitude in recent 4 years. It is highly correlated linear relationship between the annual emissions of the civil vehicles and the number of the vehicle in Fuzhou urban district,the annual pollutant emissions increased by an average of 0. 788 ton by every increase vehicles. To improve the air quality,we must control the number of vehicles in Fuzhou urban district and improve fuel quality and popularize the clean energy vehicles.


Objective To investigate the growth of vestibular schwannoma (VS) in a series of 123 patients with 127 tumors allocated to the "wait and scan" group in the period 1973–1999.


Abstract : The plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS) has many pulsed power applications. This paper describes experiments that have contributed to our understanding of the physics of the PEOS. The experimental results are in agreement with a theoretical model. Extending the PEOS to higher current, voltage, longer conduction, and faster opening should be possible.


Helicobacter pylori infection induces apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells. Here, we report a novel apoptosis‐inducing protein that functions as a leading factor in H. pylori ‐mediated apoptosis induction. We purified the protein from H. pylori by separating fractions that showed apoptosis‐inducing activity. This protein induced apoptosis of AGS cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The purified protein consisted of two protein fragments with molecular masses of about 40 and 22 kDa, which combined to constitute a single complex in their natural form. N‐terminal sequencing indicated that both these protein fragments were encoded by the HP1118 gene. The purified protein exhibited γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase activity, the inhibition of which by 6‐diazo‐5‐oxo‐ l ‐norleucine resulted in a complete loss of apoptosis‐inducing activity. To the best of our knowledge, the apoptosis‐inducing function is a newly identified physiological role for bacterial γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase. The apoptosis‐inducing activity of the isogenic mutant γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐deficient strain was significantly lower compared with that of the parent strain, demonstrating that γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase plays a significant role in H. pylori ‐mediated apoptosis. Our findings provide new insights into H. pylori pathogenicity and reveal a novel aspect of the bacterial γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase function.


Cardiometabolic risk factors are the combined vascular and metabolic components of risk that may lead to a cardiovascular event. There are numerous such factors. Underlying the concept of cardiometabolic risk is an association with excess visceral fat, leading to the dysregulation of the adipokines, the signalling proteins derived from adipose tissue. Changes in the levels of the adipokines – tumour necrosis factor-α, cholesteryl ester transfer protein and adiponectin, for example – can lead to alterations in insulin sensitivity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism. At present, specific cardiometabolic risk factors are commonly managed on an individual basis. We are now moving from the era of single risk factor intervention, however, to multiple risk factor intervention in people at high cardiovascular risk, with the additional possibility of using new drug classes to target the underlying cardiometabolic problems more effectively.


Factors exerting influence on the preparation of phase change microcapsules are discussed,such as the dosage of emulsifier,emulsification time and stirring speed,and the optimum preparation conditions are determined.The application processes of phase change microcapsules to denim by padding and coating respectively are optimized,and the influence of finishing process on the performance of denim is analyzed.The results show that the prepared microcapsules feature small size,narrow size distribution,regular shape and good temperature regulation,and can be applied to thermal regulation finish of the denim.


The loss of muscle mass and strength during aging is a debilitating condition leading to altered metabolism and the loss of independence in older adults. The causes of this condition, known as sarcopenia, are not known. We previously reported an increase in arachidonic acid and its metabolite 12‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12‐HETE), which is generated by 12/15‐lipoxygenase (12/15‐LO), in sciatic nerves of old (28–30 months) C57Bl/6 mice. To determine if 12/15‐LO activity contributes to the age‐related decline in muscle and nerve function, we treated middle‐aged (24 mo old) mice with the 12/15‐LO inhibitor baicalein for 14–16 weeks. Compared to baseline measurements, baicalein treatment improved hindlimb muscle force generated by electrical stimulation. Baicalein treatment partially prevented the decline in fatigue observed in vehicle‐treated old mice compared to baseline. These improvements occurred without any change in muscle mass or sciatic nerve conduction velocity. Baicalein treatment was associated with a reduction in oxidative and ubiquitin modifications to proteins in sciatic nerves from old mice, which may be due to elevated proteasome activity and altered stress response in sciatic nerves from baicalein‐treated mice. Our data suggest that lipid metabolites generated by 12/15‐LO may contribute to the age‐related loss of muscle strength observed during aging.


A look at the history of the bus and truck market in Brazil leads us to reflect on the best way to step up the use of composite solutions in that market. Individual differences from country to country and in the technology available prompt questions about suitable processes.


The hydrogen-bond pattern of 4-mercaptopyridine-4-thiopyridone in solution and in the solid state consists of extended chains of 4-thiopyridone associated through NH…S hydrogen bonds. The solution structure in chloroform was studied by UV–visible spectrometry and vapor pressure osmometry. A tautomerization constant of 1 · 8, favoring 4-thiopyridone, and a self-association constant of 2600 ml−1 were determined. Over 50% of the sample is aggregated near saturation with significant amounts (>15%) of the sample present as oligomers containing four or more 4-thiopyridone monomer units. In its crystal structure, 4-mercaptopyridine-4-thiopyridone is composed of infinite chains of 4-thiopyridone associated by NH…S hydrogen bonds between glide related molecules, with N…S = 3 · 219(3) A, H…S = 2 · 42(4) A, N—H…S angle = 175(4)° and H…S = C angle = 96(1)°. Relationships between solution aggregation, crystal nucleation, and crystal propagation are discussed. Crystal data are as follows: space group = P21/c, a = 7 · 183(5) A, b = 6 · 132(5) A, c = 11 · 618(7) A, β = 90 · 51(5)°, Z = 4, Dc = 1 · 44 g cm−3, 1623 reflections, R = 0 · 050, Rw = 0 · 072.


While exertion games facilitate, and benefit from, social play, most exertion games merely support players acting independently. To help designers explore the richness of social play in exertion games, we present the design dimension "bodily interplay" that gives critical focus to how players' bodies interact with one another. We offer two broad categories of bodily interplay—parallel and interdependent play—to explain how exertion games can facilitate independent and offensive/defensive-type experiences. These categories can be applied to both the physical and virtual space, and by looking at all permutations of these categories, we articulate four ways of coupling the spaces: comparative, actuated, derived, and projected coupling. This article illustrates the inspirational power of the dimensions by applying them to the analysis of four exertion games. Altogether, we articulate a vocabulary that can guide designers in the creation of social exertion games, helping players profit from the many benefits of exertion.


........................................................................................................................................................ ii Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................... iii List of Figures .............................................................................................................................................. vi List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................. vii Chapter 1 Speed and Accuracy of People's Trustworthiness Judgment across Cultures ..............................1 Culture and Speed of Impression Formation .............................................................................................2 Culture and Accuracy of Trustworthiness Impressions .............................................................................4 Overview of the Current Study ..................................................................................................................7 Chapter 2 Study 1: Trustworthiness Judgments in the Financial Domain .....................................................9 Method .......................................................................................................................................................9 Participants .............................................................................................................................................9 Stimuli and pretest .................................................................................................................................9 Procedure .............................................................................................................................................12 Results ......................................................................................................................................................14 Reaction time .......................................................................................................................................15 Baseline reaction time ......................................................................................................................15 Reaction time on the trustworthiness judgment task .......................................................................16 Trustworthiness ratings ........................................................................................................................18 Confidence in judgments .....................................................................................................................19 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................20 Chapter 3 Study 1: Trustworthiness Judgments in the Violent Crime Domain ...........................................22 Method .....................................................................................................................................................22 Participants ...........................................................................................................................................22 Stimuli and pretest ...............................................................................................................................22 Procedure .............................................................................................................................................26 Results ......................................................................................................................................................27 Reaction time .......................................................................................................................................28 Baseline reaction time ......................................................................................................................28 Reaction time on the trustworthiness judgment task .......................................................................28 Trustworthiness ratings ........................................................................................................................30 Crime likelihood ratings ......................................................................................................................33


In view of the fact that many different characteristics existing between service production and physical commodity,there are many different influence factors of competitive power between service enterprise and manufacture enterprise.The article proceeds from the domestic and foreign theories of service management and competitive power of service enterprise,analyses the connotation and influence factors of international competitive power of service enterprise,and discusses how to construct and promote the international competitive power of China's service enterprises.


Theory is presented for the in∞uence of sheet uniformity on several structural parameters of paper and general classes of planar stochastic flbrous materials. The theory makes use of the negative binomial distribution for the probability of coverage of points by flbres, allowing expressions to be derived for structural properties of sheets with greater variance of coverage than that observed in a corresponding point Poisson process. The expressions obtained provide insights into the extent that formation in∞uences free-flbrelength distribution, pore size distribution, absolute contact states and fractional contact area.


This chapter demonstrate Jacob of Edessa?s extensive use in his Commentary on the Hexaemeron of the Aristotelian theory of the four elements, arranged in concentric spheres according to their relative weight, which thereby give structure to the physical cosmos. This theory is at the heart of Jacob?s cosmology?which describes both the physical world and the wider, theological cosmos reflected in it?enabling him (1) to interpret in scientific terms the mystery of the upper waters in the Genesis account, and (2) to reveal the hierarchy of divine, angelic and human nature through the symbolism of the luminaries and their elemental composition. The chapter examines (3) how Jacob uses this theological-physical cosmology and adapts authoritative astronomical sources to formulate an original account of astronomy, which proves scientifically that God is the maker of all and (4) provides a refutation of astrology.Keywords: Aristotelian theory; Hexaemeron; Jacob of Edessa; symbolism; theological-physical cosmology


The first solution for addressing this new wire bonding challenge was the matte finish. Along with some geometrical capillary tip modifications, such as the double internal chamfer (IC), these changes proved Cu wire to be a reliable substitute to gold (Au). However, while the welding requirements were achieved, the tool's resistance to wear deteriorated. This was expected as the hardness of Cu wire is almost twice that of Au wire.


AbstractIron silicate slag is widely used in both ferrous and nonferrous extractive metallurgy, but there exists various inherent problems such as magnetite precipitation, rather high viscosity and substantial loss of valuable metals. From these points of view, calcium ferrite based slags are very interesting, but there is a lack of fundamental information.On the basis of the experimental equilibrium studies for the FeO-Fe2O3-CaO system, thermodynamic properties and phase relations are discussed, and the differences in these properties between silicate and ferrite slags are surveyed~Current structural information obtained by X-ray diffraction is also presented. The experimental results for heterogeneous equilibria between ferrite slag and molten copper or lead are summarized and show a considerable decrease in valuable metal losses to slags. The distribution ratios of minor elements between metal and ferrite slag differconsiderably from those of silicate slags. This is mainly due to the levelof lime activ...


In the course of the proof of the theorem, I also give a proof of my result mentioned above. We first state two corollaries to the theorem above.


Vol. 41, no. 4 april 2019 9 introduction Problem-based service learning (PBsl) is an approach to literacy instruction recently proposed by the authors (2018) with the vision of promoting differentiated learning that exposes and encourages students to use twenty-first-century skills. Primarily guided by the principles of service learning, civic engagement, and problembased learning, PBSL takes into consideration the skills learners— especially minority and underserved students—need today to be successful in their classrooms and will need in the future to be successful in their workplaces.


1. The reproduction of specialised endophagous insects relies on a fine temporal synchronization between the insect and its host plant phenology.


Antiretroviral (ARV) drug is a drug to hinder the development of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). So consuming it for people who infected by HIV or living with AIDS could encourage their long life expectancy, since there are not any drugs has been discovered to cure this disease. Therefore, the demand complexity of ARV drug is largely influenced by infection pattern of HIV/AIDS, requirement of lifetime treatment, impact of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) program and patient adherence level. So there is a needed for an inventory model that guarantees high service level at hospitals that serve HIV/AIDS medical patient, while optimizing the cost of inventory. In this paper, a new methodology by using a system dynamics approach in designing inventory model for decentralization logistic system in a case of ARV drug based on HIV/AIDS epidemic model will be explained. The case takes place in four state hospitals in Indonesia which conduct a government pilot project for HIV/AIDS prevention on 2009. Four indicators of logistic system have been set up in the Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) that shows the relationship between HIV/AIDS epidemic model and inventory model. Then the CLD will be verified and validated with a series of testing to ensure the model could represent the same behaviour in real situation. In the end, the result and a series of sensitivity analysis show that the inventory buffer policy for hospitals, provincial warehouse and central warehouse will produce the optimal solution.


Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of external coloanal anastomosis in the treatment of middle or lower rectal cancer.Methods Retrospective study on the safety and efficacy of resection and external coloanal anastomosis in treatment of 33 patients with rectal cancers. The operation was in brief to make coloanal anastomosis through an everted rectal stump,and pull back the proximal colon into the pelvic cavity.Results All postoperative patients were followed up from 5 to 10 years. Normal or good fecal continence was achieved in 84.8 % (28/33) of the patients,fair in 15.2% (5/33) .Anastomotic fistula developed in 5 patients and local recurrence rate was 15.2% . The 5, and 10 year survival rates were 60.6% and 39.4% , respectively. Conclusions Coloanal anastomosis provides effective treatment for middle and lower rectal cancer with a satisfactory long-term survival rate and quality of life.


Irrigation is the key factor that boosts agricultural production. Our aim is to increase agricultural production per unit volume of water, per unit area of cropped land & per unit time it is essential to see that the water available for irrigation is judiciously used and as far as possible water loss through conveyance is prevented. The main loss of water during transit is seepage loss. Main purpose of this paper is to calculate seepage losses through lined and unlined canals and lined and unlined minors. The best method for this is to measure accurately the inflow and outflow for the system. The difference between inflow and outflow will give the losses. Seepage losses depend upon the time for which the canal runs, type of soil i.e. capacity of soil to conduct water, wetted perimeter, length of channels, operation policies, method of construction and embankment material atmospheric temperature, microbial activity, type of lining, growth of aquatic weeds etc. The loss of water due to percolation seriously affects surface irrigation. "studies on seepage losses through canals and minors" was undertaken at the site of Paithan Left Bank Canal and Lassina Left Bank Canal. Maximum seepage loss was found to be 7.40 cumec/Mm2 in the second section of unlined canal and minimum seepage loss was found to be 0.80 cumec/Mm2 in first section of lined canal. Average seepage losses in lined and unlined canal were 0.836 to 7.063 cumec/Mm2 respectively. If lining is provided the seepage losses could be reduced by nearly 88.16%.


Celastrus paniculatus Willd.(family Celastraceae) also called 'Jyotishmati' in Sanskrit or 'Malkangani'and 'Duhudu'in Hindi improves memory and cognitive functions. It is widely used in ayurvedic system of medicine and beneficial in neurological diseases and pain disorders including muscle cramps, backache, sciatica, osteoarthritis, facial paralysis and paralysis. This plant is used in cure many diseases such as leprosy, leucoderma, skin diseases, paralysis, depression, arthritis, asthma and fever (Bhanumathy et al., 2010; Kumar and Gupta, 2002; Godkar et al., 2006; Godkar, et al., 2003; Patil et al., 2010; Sharma et al., 2001). C. paniculatus Seeds contains around 30% oil content in which many alkaloids like Celapagin, Celapanigin, Celapanin, Celastrine, Paniculatine, etc. are present. Seeds and its oil are mainly used in ayurvedic medicines. Leaves are also used for de-addiction. Generally, leaf juice is beneficial for treating opium addiction. This species distributed in, India (widespread), Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Java, Malaysia, Sumatra, Philippines, Moluccas, China, Taiwan (Hassler, 2016). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 5 Number 12 (2016) pp. 635-643 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com

https://www.ijcmas.com/5-12-2016/Rahul Vijay, et al.pdf


Group theoretical methods have become a powerful set of tools in the analysis of first-order optical systems. We earlier showed that every axially symmetric SL(2,R) first-order system, including the inverse free propagation process, can be synthesized with at most three thin spherical lenses.1 It is shown that every system in the larger family of first-order systems corresponding to the group Sp(4,R) can be synthesized using thin cylindrical lenses separated by free propagation sections. Synthesis of a system for scale transformation and image rotation2 is worked out in detail.


As a new emerging approach, virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control for interfacing inverters in renewable distributed generation (DG)-based microgrids has attracted significant research interest. However, VSG control cannot ensure proportional reactive power sharing among DG units when unequal transmission line impedances are involved, although active power sharing remains proportional among DGs. In this article, an adaptive virtual impedance-based VSG control approach for grid-connected and islanded microgrids is proposed to alleviate impedance difference at the inverter output and improve proportional reactive power sharing among DGs. The virtual impedance consists of an adaptive virtual resistance and a fixed virtual inductance, where the virtual resistance is designed adaptively based on operation points of the microgrid. In this article, the proposed adaptive virtual impedance control is implemented on a modified VSG control, known as fuzzy secondary controller-based VSG control, offering excellent voltage and frequency regulation at the PCC. Its performance is demonstrated through case and sensitivity studies using MATLAB/Simulink simulation; and further validated by comparing with an existing method.


This paper first analyzes the meaning and connotation of campus culture, and then expounds the importance of the spread of campus culture to the development of campus culture. Then, it makes an in-depth analysis of the characteristics of introducing computer network new media environment into campus culture construction under the new situation, including a detailed discussion and planning on the construction and dissemination of computer network new media in university campus culture, new ways of research and development of university campus culture, and how to use computer information network technology conveniently and efficiently. Finally, it expounds the application methods and ways of computer network new media in the research of campus culture construction. Based on the current situation of campus culture construction in China, this paper studies the new media environment of computer network to promote the innovative development of campus culture in colleges and universities under the new situation.


As mHealth (Mobile Health) thrives, advances in collection and analysis of vital signals on portable devices have become more and more important. In this paper, a low end effect on-line segmental empirical mode decomposition (SegEMD) is proposed. SegEMD is capable of processing continuous signals segment by segment with EMD, by reusing the slopes, the previous data and the estimation of signal characteristics in advance. Worst normalized mean squared error (NMSE) compared to the results carried out by the conventional EMD is less than 9%. For decomposing an 8-hour overnight electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, the processing time is twice the conventional EMD, but the memory requirement is reduced to below 1%. Compared with SEMD, the processing time is 83% less and the memory used is 63% less. The proposed detrending and extraction of ECG-derived respiration (EDR) also reach 0.72 of correlation coefficient with the respiratory signal from the thoracic belt.


Wilmington, NC-There's new help available for creating LASEK flaps. Instead of making one large, hinged flap in LASEK, the Brown Butterfly trephine (Rhein Medical) allows ophthalmologists to create two smaller flaps, which, according to its inventor, is significantly more manageable.


This research concerns the constitutional development in Pakistan with a specific reference to 21st Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan. It is widely perceived among scholarly and semi-scholarly circles that the tendency of militarys direct intervention in politics; toppling democratically elected government has been declined for the last many decades across the world. According to the new trends, military interferes in the state affairs through indirect means. One of the indirect means includes abusive constitutionalism that involves constitutional amendment and constitutional replacement as mechanisms for constitutional change. The paper explores whether 21st Amendment to Constitution of Pakistan was an abusive constitutionalism that really empowered military to get a strong hold on key policy making areas of national interest during the democratic rule. The research concludes that the 21st Amendment was an abusive constitutionalism as it curtailed civil liberties and fundamental rights of the citizens and hence undermined democracy in Pakistan.


A temporally and spatially resolved non-intrusive detection method with high sensitivity and selectivity has long been sought for atomic species whose first electronic resonances fall in the vacuum UV. CARS has been suggested as a suitable tool for this purpose. We report on a micro-computer-controlled CARS apparatus for time-resolved detection of transient species and the results of its use to detect atomic chlorine.


Recent advances in microarray technology allow an unprecedented view of the biochemical mechanisms contained within a cell. Deriving useful information from the data is still proving to be a difficult task. In this paper a novel method based on a multi-objective genetic algorithm that discovers relevant sets of genes and uses a neural network to create rules using the evolved genes is described. This hybrid method is shown to work on four well-established gene expression datasets taken from the literature. The results indicate that the approach can return biologically intelligible as well as plausible results. The proposed method requires no pre-filtering or preselection of genes.


Concept of corporate culture dimensions and types of corporate culture total culture and subculture development of corporate culture transformation of corporate culture - factors and agents of change transformation of corporate culture - continued organizational and psychological process corporate philosophy and corporate vision product-market strategy organizational structure and personnel management system top management international comparison.


The article dwells on the problem of the formation of universal educational actions (UEAs) in primary school. The author asserts that formation and development of the entire UEAs integration determining a development of individual's pedagogical qualities are carried out in the process of educational -upbringing work with taking into account the child's peculiarities referring to age, intellect and individual features, as the educational process determines a zone of the nearest development of UEAs and the latters ' properties. In their integration UEAs are a whole system where formation and development of each kind of educational action take place in interconnection with other sorts of EAs and common logic of age development.


Objective To investigate the significance of individualized selection of surgical approaches in thoracic esophageal cancer.Methods From January 2007 to January 2009,456 cases of thoracic esophageal carcinoma patients were treated surgically.The differentiation of tumor radicallity and overall postoperative complications between the different surgical approaches were analyzed.Results All patients were underwent the radical surgery.Left posterior thoracotomy with cervical incision(group Ⅰ) was 268 patients.Single left posterior thoracotomy(group Ⅱ) was 42 cases.Right posterior thoracotomy with upper abdominal incision(group Ⅲ) was 94 cases.Right anterior thoracotomy+cervical incision+abdominal incision(group Ⅳ) was 52 cases.Five cases had residual tumor on the cut-end of the esophagus.The overall rate of lymph node metastasis was 40.8%(186/456) and the lymph node metastasis ratio(positive nodes/total dissected nodes) was 9.3%(758/8141).The highest complication rate was 36.5%(19/52) in group Ⅳ,which was significantly higher than those in other groups.Conclusion The individualized selection strategies of surgical approaches help to increase the radical resection rate.Reduction of surgical trauma may decrease postoperative complications and maintain long-term quality of life.


Frontline Issues in Nutrition Assistance: Hunger Report 2006, Bread for the World Institute, 2006. The Sustainable Kitchen: Passionate Cooking Inspired by Farms, Forests and Oceans, by S. Stein, M. Hinds, and J. Dern, New Society Publishers, 2004. Civic Agriculture: Reconnecting Farm, Food, and Community, by T. A. Lyson, University Press of New England, 2004. The Green Belt Movement, Sharing the Approach and the Experience, by Wangari Maathai, Lantern Books, 2003.


The capture and utilization of rainwater by crops under various mulching conditions have great importance in agriculture production systems, especially in dry-prone regions. Understanding the effect of mulching on rainwater use efficiency growth and yield of a crop is very important. For this purpose, field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the potential of ridge-furrow mulching on maize growth and development under rain-fed conditions. The field study compared four treatments, i.e., ridge-furrow without mulch (WM), black plastic mulch (BM), transparent plastic mulch (TM) and grass mulch (GM). The BM treatment consistently increased the soil moisture and temperature, resulting in earlier emergence, as well as increased plant height and plant biomass, compared to the WM treatment. Compared to WM, the two-years mean yield of maize with BM, TM and GM were recorded to be increased by 33.6%, 28.1% and 10.8%, respectively. The BM produced a maximal crop growth rate at 90 days after sowing (DAS) as specified by a greater leaf area index. Transpiration rate and leaf stomatal conductance were significantly higher with BM and TM than with WM, however, the BM treatment showed the highest net photosynthetic rate in both years. Net income for the BM treatment was the highest (USD 1226 ha−1) of all the treatments and USD 335 ha−1 greater than WM. As growth, yield and net income of maize were improved with BM, therefore this treatment was found to be the most effective for maize production in rain-fed conditions. This system is evaluated at a small scale, hence to maximize its effectiveness on a large scale, a simulation design needs to be developed.


Based on the practical situation of Jiangsu electric power company, this paper designs and implements a centralized theoretic line loss online calculation and analysis system for distribution networks with automatic data collections. Taking the situation of Jiangsu electrical information systems and the results of theoretic line loss data analysis of distribution networks into consideration, the feasibility of system construction is shown. Further, this paper describes and analyzes system construction roadmap, integrated design, interface design and function design, etc. By comparing the result of the proposed system with that of the historical calculation, the effectiveness of the system is shown. The system can not only ease workload, but also is with the characteristics of effectiveness and high precision. Therefore, its developmental prospects is promising.


The Early-Warning(E-W) System for financial crisis was built using the method of Possibility-Satisfiability(P-S). Accordingly, a set of leading indicators was designed. The warning system was applied to the Philippine currency crisis of 1997, the results show that the system is effective and has better early warning capability.


. In the work we obtain asymptotic estimates for the eigenvalues, eigenvectors and spectral projectors of a Sturm-Liouville operator with a matrix potential subject to quasi-periodic boundary conditions. The matrix potential is formed by functions square summable on the segment [0 , 1] and the matrix of the means of the functions have simple eigenvalues. We consider also the case when the matrix of the means has a simple structure.


While the concept of welfare dependence as now formulated is logically muddled, it is very powerful in shaping our view of both the welfare state in general and the requirements of welfare reform in particular, as well as in reinforcing a variety of norms, beliefs, and interests that are harmful to both welfare recipients and the community at large. But we are not generally aware of these aspects of our concept of dependence as so formulated. Hence, we continue to use the concept as so formulated in practice and, in doing so, bring about a series of negative - and in many cases unintended - consequences, including the maintenance of a set of artificial class distinctions between dependents, i.e. welfare recipients, and the rest of us, the shutting down of serious debate about welfare reform, and the reinforcement of anti-statist values that themselves preclude the development of a democratic mode of collective protection. I set out below to bring these consequences to our attention and to show how they follow from our prevailing concept of welfare dependence. I do so by exploring the concept of welfare dependence as now formulated in depth with respect to both form and content.


AbstractEstimating seismic response of reinforced concrete (RC) structures under bidirectional excitation covering admissible incidence angles is computationally challenging and time-consuming for ...


Objective/Hypothesis To test the hypotheses that 1) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–guided biopsy and aspiration with an open 0.2‐T system (Magnetom Open, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) in the head and neck is feasible and successful and 2) procedure times can be sufficiently short to be well tolerated by the patient.


Through the analysis of the lexicogrammatical level from a functional perspective, this paper explores the construction process of gender identity in English advertisements. It is found that the advertising text tends to emphasize the subjectivity and creativity when aimed at male consumers, but focus on the psychological process and objectivity when aimed at female consumers. The study also reveals that functional analysis is an effective approach to gender language study.


The method of syndrome testing of combinational circuits was introduced in [1] and [2], It was shown that, in general, syndrome testable combinational circuits require some pin-penalty and/or testing time penalty.In the present paper, a method is presented for the syndrome testing of syndrome-untestable combinational circuits. The basic idea is to measure the syndrome at several different points of the circuit-under-test simultaneously. In this method, the extra testing-time penalty of [1] and [2] is traded off with extra logic. The method can also be used for built-in test.


THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LARGE DIAMETER CASED BOREHOLE AND SURFACE INSTRUMENT SHELTER FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A HIGH RESOLUTION, LONG TERM RECORDING SIESMOGRAPH IN MARGINAL PERMAFROST 15 MILES WEST OF FAIRBANKS, ALASKA, IS DESCRIBED. PERMAFROST EXTENDED TO A DEPTH OF 123 FT AND CONSISTED OF FROZEN SILT, PEAT AND SANDY SMALL GRAVEL AND WAS UNDERLAIN BY A THAWED GRAVEL AQUIFER. THE FIRST 48 FT OF 16-IN. HOLE WAS DRILLED WITH A TRUCK-MOUNTED AUGER. A FAILING 1500 MOUNTED ON A TRACKED TRAILER WAS MODIFIED TO ACCOMMODATE A 4-IN. -ID KELLY, SWIVEL AND DRILL PIPE SO THAT COMPRESSED AIR IN REVERSE CIRCULATION COULD BE USED FOR CUTTINGS REMOVAL. AIR WAS CIRCULATED BY EITHER PRESSURIZING THE ANNULUS THROUGH A ROTATING SEAL OR BY AN AIR EDUCTOR (INJECTOR). THESE SYSTEMS WERE USED TO COMPLETE THE HOLE TO 92 FT. ALTHOUGH CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTY WAS ENCOUNTERED, DRILLING RATES OF 10 FT/HR WERE MEASURED WHEN USING COMPRESSED AIR CHILLED TO BELOW 20 DEG F, SHROUDED BITS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE BOTTOM HOLE CLEANING AND EITHER THE EDUCTOR OR THE PRESSURIZED ANNULUS. THE LATTER IS PREFERRED SINCE COMPRESSED AIR REQUIREMENTS ARE MUCH LESS. ELEVEN AND THREE QUARTER IN. O.D. CASING WITH FLUSH, STEP-THREADED JOINTS WAS SET USING A SOIL-WATER-SNOW SLURRY AS GROUT. FORTY THERMOCUPLES WERE INSTALLED IN THE FILL PLACED OVER THE CASING AND IN THE GROUND BENEATH TO MONITOR THERMAL BEHAVIOR. DATA FROM THESE ARE DISCUSSED. FIVE THERMISTORS ATTACHED TO THE BOREHOLE PACKAGE YIELDED DATA ON THE GROUND BENEATH TO MONITOR THERMAL BEHAVIOR. DATA FROM THESE ARE DISCUSSED. FIVE THERMISTORS ATTACHED TO THE BOREHOLE PACKAGE YIELDED DATA ON THE GROUND TEMPERATURE AT THE 80 TO 85-FT DEPTH INTERVAL. USING THESE DATA, THE PERMAFROST THICKNESS OBTAINED BY EXPLORATORY DRILLING, AND THE MEAN ANNUAL AIR TEMPERATURE, THE GROUND TEMPERATURE PROFILE AT DEPTH IS ESTIMATED. THIS ANALYSIS YIELDS A GROUND TEMPERATURE OF ABOUT -1.7 DEG C FOR A DEPTH OF FIFTY FEET (MINIMUM DEPTH OF ZERO ANNUAL AMPLITUDE). IT IS CONCLUDED THAT RAPID CONSTRUCTION OF SIMILAR INSTALLATIONS IN PERMAFROST REGIONS IS FEASIBLE, BUT WOULD PRESENT FORMIDABLE LOGISTICAL PROBLEMS. DRILLING "BIG HOLES WITH LITTLE RIGS" IN ALMOST ANY FROZEN SOIL OR ROCK ALSO APPEARS FEASIBLE. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DEVELOPMENT WORK WILL BE REQUIRED ON THIS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE 100% SUCCESS CAN BE GUARANTEED FOR EACH HOLE STARTED, CONSIDERING THE ORIGINAL LIMITATIONS ARBITRARILY SET ON THE PROBLEM; I.E., CONSTRUCTION IN UNFRIENDLY COUNTRIES, IN ONE WEEK'S TIME, WITH AIR TRANSPORTABLE EQUIPMENT.


Cleaning laser scanner point clouds from erroneous measurements (outliers) is one of the most time consuming tasks that has to be done before modeling. There are algorithms for outlier detection in different applications that provide automation to some extent but most of the algorithms either are not suited to be used in arbitrary 3 dimensional data sets or they deal only with single outliers or small scale clusters. Nevertheless dense point clouds measured by laser scanners may contain surface discontinuities, noise and diffrent local densities due to the object geometry and the distance of the object to the scanner; Consequently the scale of outliers may vary and they may appear as single or clusters. In this paper we have proposed a clustering algorithm that approaches in two steps with the minimum user interaction and input parameters while it can cop with different scale outliers. In the first step the algorithm deals with large outliers (those which are very far away from main clusters) and the second step cops with small scale outliers. Since the algorithm is based on clustering and uses both geometry and topology of the points it can detect outlier clusters in addition to single ones. We have evaluated the algorithm on a simulated data and have shown the result on some real terrestrial point clouds. The results explain the potential of the approach to cop with arbitrary point clouds and different scale erroneous measurements.


Synchrotron radiation facilities can play a pilot role in the next years by providing a well characterized, powerful, broadband source to develop prototypes of instruments and detectors and to perform scientific experiments in the terahertz spectral range.


Four soil samples different in there CaCO3 forms contents (total, active and active /total CaCO3) were taken from tillage horizon 0-30 cm depth to study the impacts of CaCO3 form on some soil inherent quality indicators in calcareous soils. Result revealed that the total CaCO3 forms have a great influence on particle size distribution to make it coarser in general comparing with the absence of CaCO3 with soil particles. The increase of active /total (A/T CaCO3%) till 50% has a positive effect on increasing soil electrical conductivity E.C ds.m-1, while increment of A/T CaCO3 over 50% till 70% detrimentally reduced soil E.C ds.m-1 hundred fold. The elevation of (A/T CaCO3%) has inverse correlation with soil cation exchange capacity (CEC Cmole.kg soil). the elevation of (A/T CaCO3%) has inverse correlation with soil cation exchange capacity (CEC Cmole.kg soil) the (A/T CaCO3%) ratio over 56% till 69% significantly improves the mean weight diameter and macro aggregate. In general the optimum total CaCO3 for micro aggregate formation may not exceed 20%. The best Total and (A/T CaCO3%) for better aggregate stability is between 20 to 48% . The proper total calcium carbonate for better total heterotrophic aerobic bacterial activity is around 20% . The best growth of the Azotobacter species which is belonging to non-symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria is obtained when total CaCO3 ranges between 10-20% or between 48-56% of (A/T CaCO3%).


Today, around 3 billion individuals are in lockdown all throughout the planet — and practically 90% of the understudy populace cut off from school. It's nothing unexpected that a great deal of kids and their folks are progressively interfacing with the rest of the world through screens they may have once respected with limitation or even rebuke. With in excess of 130 nations confining development to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the time has come to perceive the web as a basic apparatus for kids' admittance to learning, play, amusement and social connection. To put it plainly, they may have a ton to acquire from investing energy in the computerized space.


Recently, water quantity is decreasing due to high temperatures in summer and reducing the water quotas of Euphrates River in Iraq from the neighboring countries. These factors may increase turbidity and concentration of elements in Euphrates River especially near Alhindya Barrage, Babylon Governorate, Iraq. Thus, Euphrates River may not be valid for drinking and irrigation purposes in upstream of Alhindya Barrage. The aim of this study was to investigate the water quality upstream of Alhindya Barrage, Euphrates River, using Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI). The comparison of water quality was investigated in the years of 2008 and 2009 according to data availability. Statistical analysis were performed on measured flowrates and indicated that there is a statistically significant difference between measured flowrates for 2008 and 2009. The results showed that the CWQI of 2008 was 94 which is good to excellent water quality, compared to CWQI of 79 for 2009. This was due to reduction in mean water quantity from 370m3/s of 2008 to 213m3/s of 2009. The global warming phenomenon is the main reason for dry seasons and low rainfall intensity and caused bad water quality.


With the growing number of international graduate assistants in U.S. undergraduate classrooms, this study explored ITAs experiences in order to create a better classroom for effective teaching and learning.


ABSTRACT In 2016, the Free Library of Philadelphia reopened the newly renovated South Philadelphia Library. This full-service neighborhood library is co-located with pediatric primary care services, a city-run health center, and a recreation center in a first-of-its-kind facility called the Community Health and Literacy Center. The South Philadelphia Library aims to improve health literacy in the community through the provision of consumer health information and health programming, and the co-location with health care and recreation services provides unique opportunities to partner and offer health-based library services. A community health librarian certified in consumer health information assists customers with accessing reliable health information, and health programming covers many areas of interest. Partnerships with nearby health organizations also allow the library to connect customers with vetted neighborhood services. By combining health services with traditional library programming, customers are able to increase their health literacy when they visit the library.


This work presents a study of the use of a transistor with a different configuration in the channel region, named GradedChannel (GC), for analog application in current mirror circuits with different architectures: Common-source, Cascode and Wilson. A comparison will be done between current mirrors implemented with standard (uniformly doped) SOI and GC SOI nMOSFETs by using simulation and experimental data to analyze mirroring precision and output resistance as function of temperature.


In contemporary missions, soldiers often face unconventional opponents rather than enemy armies. How do Western soldiers deal with war criminals, rioters, or insurgents? What explains differences in behavior across military organizations in multinational missions? How does military conduct impact local populations? Comparing troops from the United States, Britain, Germany, and Italy at three sites of intervention (Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan), this book shows that militaries in the field apply idiosyncratic organizational routines. Friesendorf uses the concept of routines to explain, for example, why US soldiers are trigger-happy, why British soldiers patrol on foot, and why German soldiers avoid risk. Despite convergence in military structures and practices, militaries continue to fight differently, often with much autonomy. This bottom-up perspective focuses on different routines at the level of operations and tactics, thus contributing to a better understanding of the implementation of military missions, and highlighting failures of Western militaries to protect civilians.


Sediment macrofauna play a vital role in sustaining aquatic food webs and biogeochemical cycles. Previous research demonstrated that bioturbation indirectly affects methane (CH4) dynamics through mobilization of porewater and alteration of microbial processes in the surrounding sediment. However, little is known on the direct contribution of macrofauna holobionts (the assemblage of invertebrate host and associated microbiome) to biogeochemical fluxes. Here, we investigated how 19 taxa of macrofauna holobionts, from different estuarine habitats spanning 40° to 63° latitude, directly contribute to CH4 fluxes. Deep burrowing infauna and deposit feeders were responsible for the highest CH4 production, whereas epifauna and filter feeders promoted oxidative CH4 consumption. Among the different environmental parameters, salinity was inversely correlated with CH4 production by macrofauna holobionts, with the process suppressed at high salinity (≥ 33). This study provides empirical evidence on how functional traits and environmental factors influence sediment invertebrates' contribution to CH4 fluxes.


A novel method for the control and integration of a portable hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system, based on hydrocarbon fuel, is presented in this paper. The balance of plant (BOP) and power electronics systems are treated as separate local units, and local controllers are designed for each unit using established linear techniques. For the control of the integration of these two systems, a higher level supervisory controller is developed. The supervisory controller is an intelligent controller that decides how each of the local controllers should perform based on the status of the respective local units. Two energy buffer units (battery and super-capacitor) have been used for the mitigation of load transients. The supervisory controller is developed using state-flow and fuzzy logic toolbox of Matlab . All the modeling and control is implemented in a Matlab /Simulink environment.


A tunable slow light thermal modulator using 2D semiconductor metamaterial is presented and investigated. We have designed and simulated a terahertz (THz) semiconductor metamaterial (MM) waveguide system; The simulation results show the spectral properties and the group delay of the proposed 2D metamaterial can be tuned by adjusting temperature and the semiconductor used in the waveguide. Our calculations exhibit a significant slow-light effect, based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect. By appropriately adjusting the distance between the sub radiant and supper radiant modes, a flat band corresponding to nearly constant group delay (of order of 71) over a narrow bandwidth of THz regime can be achieved. Our analytical results show that the group velocity dispersion (GVD) parameter can reach zero. The simulation results show the incident pulse can be slowed down without distortion owing to the low group velocity dispersion (LGVD). The outstanding result is that, the 2D semiconductor metamaterial is in a high decrease of the group velocity and therefore slow light applications. The proposed compact slow light thermal modulator can avoid the distortion of signal pulse, and thus may find potential applications in slow-light and thermal modulator devices and thermal applications.


This paper offers central film thickness formula pertaining to shear-thinning lubricants under rolling/sliding point contact conditions. The shear-thinning behavior of the lubricants is modeled using Carreau viscosity equation and the piezo-viscous response employed herein is the free-volume based Doolittle equation in conjunction with Tait's equation of state for lubricant compressibility. The present formulation is based on reciprocal asymptotic isoviscous piezo-viscous coefficient as it is a more accurate measure of the high pressure piezo-viscous response of elastohydrodynamic lubricated (EHL) lubricants compared to the conventional pressure–viscosity coefficient. Comparisons between simulated, curve-fitted values, and experimental results validate both the employed numerical approach and rheological model.


inhabitants of select Early Postclassic sites. This difficulty is one typical of attempts to correlate archaeological cultures and linguistic or ethnic groups. It will be interesting to see how Fowler applies his comprehensive scholarship and stimulating theoretical perspectives to the presentation of the Cihuatan case, surely the best candidate for an early Nahua settlement in Central America.


Chemists tend to think that chemical equations are unique to chemistry and they are not used to thinking of chemical equations as the mathematical equations they in fact are. The objective of this paper is to illustrate the mathematical significance of chemical equations.


The macrophage appears to have a key role in the inflammation and proteolysis associated with the growth and development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The role of inflammatory mediators and Chlamydia pneumoniae in stimulating the influx of macrophages and dilatation of the abdominal aorta was investigated in an experimental model.


While FGF2 maintains the pluripotency status it can also
support the growth of pluripotent cells under conditions
favoring the oxidative phosphorylation.


The invention discloses a clamped liner-boss connection. A pressure vessel for storing a fluid, the pressure vessel including an annular inner boss having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming a passage adapted to receive a utility device therein, wherein the inner boss includes a liner channel formed intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface, a vessel liner having a portion thereof disposed in the liner channel of the inner boss, and an outer boss secured to the outer surface of the inner boss.