Since the first reports on the so-called "Culture of Silos" there have been several functions attributed to areas of silos that archaeologists digging in the fields of Copper Age: grain storage, burial structures, rituals or simple garbage. However, the characteristics of shape, size and spatial distribution that some authors have analyzed so far have not provided a satisfactory explanation for a number of these negative structures if we account the density of the organic content if it is compared with the great loss of energy inverted in its excavation. From this project we propose other functions to those already mentioned in response to the current agricultural activities practiced in South America, Africa and Asia. These functions are the composting and storage of forage, currently known among farmers as silage. ** Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales – Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Laboratorio de Paleobiología – IAPH ** Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales – Universidad Pablo de Olavide VI ENCUENTRO DE ARQUEOLOGÍA DEL SUROESTE PENINSULAR ISBN 978-84-616-6306-4


Our lives are often shaped and made meaningful by the stars and celebrities who enter them. Our bedrooms can become shrines of longing, identification and desire, and the friends we make and the lovers we take can gravitate around the famous figure we together so admire. For the writers of this piece, David Bowie is one such star-man: his music, lyrics, writings and performances are felt to wrap themselves around their youth, their rebellion, their hurt, and their love.


Lung cancer (LC) incidence is increasing globally and altered levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) in blood may contribute to identification of individuals with LC. We identified miRNAs differentially expressed in peripheral blood at LC diagnosis and evaluated, in pre‐diagnostic blood specimens, how long before diagnosis expression changes in such candidate miRNAs could be detected. We identified upregulated candidate miRNAs in plasma specimens from a hospital‐based study sample of 128 patients with confirmed LC and 62 individuals with suspected but confirmed negative LC (FalsePos). We then evaluated the expression of candidate miRNAs in pre‐diagnostic plasma or serum specimens of 360 future LC cases and 375 matched controls. There were 1663 miRNAs detected in diagnostic specimens, nine of which met our criteria for candidate miRNAs. Higher expression of three candidates, miR‐320b, 320c, and 320d, was associated with poor survival, independent of LC stage and subtype. Moreover, miR‐320c and miR‐320d expression was higher in pre‐diagnostic specimens collected within 2 years of LC diagnosis. Our results indicated that elevated levels of miR‐320c and miR‐320d may be early indications of imminent and advanced LC.


Objective:To investigate the prevention and treatment for complications after mastectomy.Methods:To make a retrospective analysis for the accumulative liquid of subcutanea and skin flap necrosis swell of the illed lateral upper arm in 122cases from January 2002 to March 2005.Results:In these patients,there were 12cases with accumulative liquid of subcutaneous,6cases with skin flap necrosis and 6cases with swell of the illed lateral upper arm.There was a little accumalated amount of liquid and generally did not need to be processed.Everyday it was sucked repeatedly when the accumulated liquid was more than 5ml,and then it was pressed and tied up.If the liquid was over 50ml,the needle suture could be tore down and cut to reset the drainpipe,the longest time was15days.Skin flap necrosis should be less than 3cm and the process was transition medicine dressing.If it exceeded 3cm,scrab should be cut and the skin should be reset.For swelling of upper lateral arm,light degree swelling didn't need treatment,but for severe degree of swelling the patients needed functional physical exercise and heat transparent treatment,and they could be cured.Conclusion:Reasonable designing the operation incision,careful operation,wrapping up with pressure and functional exercise are very important for treating subcutaneous liquid,skin flap necrosis and swelling of upper lateral arm.It can make the patient with breast cancer to have further treatment.


By using the method of documentary,body composition testing,body measurement,mathematical statistics,experiment,this paper makes three months aerobic exercise in water for 20 adult women in Xi'an.The result shows that there is no significant changing for body before and after exercise,but the weight of muscle increase,the rate of body fat and circumference decrease.The heart rate at rest and weight index decrease at certain degree.Aerobic exercise can promote physical fitness development for adult woman.


This article reports a case of anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia associated with giant type granuloma annulare. An 8-year-old boy was absent sweating since birth. One year ago, scattered red annular plaques developed on his head, face, trunk and extremities. The size of lesions varied from 2 cm to 20 cm. Physical examination showed hypotrichosis, saddle nose, cotyloid incisor teeth and pegged cuspides. Histopathological diagnosis was a granuloma annulare.


Thickness and composition of thin layers on a substrate can be determined by measuring the "k-ratio", the ratio of intensity for a characteristic line to the intensity from a bulk pure specimen, for all emitted lines. Conversion from k-ratios to structure requires an accurate model for x-ray generation and this is commonly based on the assumption of a continuous phi-rho-z curve for each line. Useful weighting rules have been developed and successfully deployed to determine an "effective" phi-rho-z which works well for the analysis of many types of multilayer sample, although it is well recognised that this analytical model approach is questionable when there is a large atomic number difference between the various layers [1]. The obvious alternative is Monte Carlo (MC) simulation which can deal explicitly with sudden changes in material properties as individual electrons travel inside the specimen. The application of MC to stratified specimens is known to be useful in understanding how x-ray corrections behave for complex samples [2]. However, whereas analytical model approaches have converged on some programs that have been tested for practical analysis tasks, MC programs are often provided with many adjustable parameters and are usually intended as research tools rather than for routine analysis. With the widespread availability of some free MC programs and published examples showing excellent performance, there is an increasing expectation that these programs provide results that can replace real experiments. While there is no doubt these programs are useful, we would like to know if MC could ever match the accuracy of semi-empirical phi-rho-z programs for thin film analysis and deliver results well within 10% relative error. Therefore, we have investigated performance using the comprehensive data base of k-ratios measured on layered samples by Bastin & Heijligers [3].


The authors of this paper have attempted to bring out the learning issues for the vendors of Indian automotive sector. Literature review exercise is conducted to bring out the important issues concerning technology transfer. The issues, which have been taken for discussion here include Present Scenario, Technology transfer and Tierisation Process. A case study has also been taken up to illustrate technology acquisition and adaptation at Swaraj Mazda Though India is getting advanced technology in different fields, but still there is a huge technology gap as compared to developed countries in different industrial sectors in general and automotive sector in particular. Automotive makers and their vendors in India had no challenge earlier to upgrade their technology. After 1984, with the arrival of Suzuki Motors having joint venture with Maruti Udyog Ltd., came the new technology and bigger volumes. Situation changed very fast since 1991 with the arrival of multinationals as mentioned above. At present due to fierce competitive environment & presence of global players in Indian market, Indian companies are forced to go for technological collaborations, joint ventures and technology licensing etc. for developing capabilities in generating world class products for local and global market. In this context, for fast development, technology transfer from foreign players is of utmost importance to Indian auto sector companies. The process of technology transfer is a complex phenomenon, which includes various phases like technology need identification, technology selection, technology acquisition, technology adaptation and technology absorption etc. For automotive makers, the world over, the trend is to outsource the majority of components and keep only those components for in-house manufacturing which are very critical and come under their core competence. The benefits obtained from outsourcing include lower investments, decentralized operations, speed, flexibility & competitive quality. The automobile industry in India is no exception to this strategy. In Indian automotive industry, the pioneer companies which started with vigorous vendorisation are Maruti Udyog Ltd., Swaraj Mazda Ltd., Hero Honda Motors Ltd., Eicher Mitsubishi Ltd. etc. Since all these companies are joint ventures, it was important for these companies to select right kind of vendors having appropriate technology suitable to them and in number of cases help the vendors in acquiring right kind of technology. LITERATURE REVIEW Okko (1996) has attempted to identify suiable strategies for the technological innovation and transfer. An investigation into the experience of Finalnd in technology transfer has been done. Role of R&D in improving technology transfer and diffusion in Finland have been discussed.


Purpose – To suggest how the idea of the learning organization can be adapted to fit organizations in different contexts. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on many years of work on the idea of the learning organization and how it can be made to fit in different contexts. Findings – Any organization that has an interest in becoming (or continuing to be) a learning organization is recommended to critically examine the relevance of each and every element of the idea of the learning organization, and thereafter construct a model of the learning organization that fits the particular organization. Practical implications – Organizations that aim to become (or continue to be) learning organizations are offered some concrete advice as to how to examine the relevance for their particular organization of the elements that the idea of the learning organization consists of. Originality/value – In contrast to all those who claim that the idea of the learning organization is relevant as is, without first ...


Emissions taxes and carbon caps can both lead to efficient production of energy, in the sense of controlling carbon emissions to the extent that is efficient with existing technologies. However, the regulatory policy has a second objective, which is to create incentives to develop lower-carbon technologies. With both objectives in mind, does one policy dominate the other? The answer depends partly on whether the regulated price of energy is in the elastic or inelastic part of the demand curve. It also depends on the size of the improvement. Under tax regulation, an innovator can always profit from diffusing the clean technology to all producers. This is not true under a carbon cap because diffusion expands energy supply, reducing the price of energy and of allowances and eroding the producers' willingness to pay for licenses. Under cap-and-trade regulation, the regulator has less ability to control the price of energy while ensuring productive efficiency (full diffusion). Because there is little incentive to invest in a larger improvement than will be fully diffused, cap-and-trade regulation limits innovation in a way that is avoided by a tax.


An investigation has been conducted in the NACA Lewis altitude wind tunnel to evaluate the performance of the J47 turbojet engine over a range of simulated altitudes from 5000 to 50,000 feet, simulated flight Mach numbers from 0.21 to 0.97, and a complete range of engine speeds. Data are presented to show the effects of altitude at a flight Mach number of 0.21 and of flight Mach number at an altitude of 25,000 feet. The performance data are generalized by two methods to determine the range of flight conditions for which engine performance may be predicted from performance data obtained at a given flight condition.


In thsi paper,the synthetic methods of o chlorobenzaldehyde,p chlorobenzaldehhyde,2,4 dichlorobenzaldehyde,2,4,6-trichloro-benzaldehyde in the chlorobenzaldehyde have been studied.Then explored the new synthetic method of chloro-benzaldehyde by chloro-aniline,studied on the influences of the substituted benzaldehydes,with different position and number to productivity of chloro-benzaldehyde.Discussed the factors influencing reactions.


Abstract The morphology of the eggs and miracidia of Eurytrema coelomaticum was analyzed. The eggshell presented different composition according to the maturation stage of the egg, as seen by distinct birefringence after polarized light microscopic analysis. Detailed morphology of the brownish eggs, measuring 44.97±3.83 (38.67 - 51.40) μm in length and 30.71±2.54 (25.79 -34.47) μm in width, and the different electrondensities of the inner, middle and outer layers of the eggs were determined using light (bright field and DIC) and electronic microscopy (scanning and transmission). The morphometry of the eggs is in accordance to those measures presented in previous studies. The miracidia were observed using light microscopy, inside and outside the egg. It was possible to observe the terebratorium at the anterior end of the body, the ciliated epidermal plates, placed according the formula E=2E1 + 2E2, and the interepidermal ridge, but eyespots were not observed. The excretory vesicle was laterally placed in the posterior middle of the body and the germ balls were observed. The miracidium inside the egg was observed by routine techniques, but the miracidium was not well preserved. Thus, the eggs were processed using high pressure-freeze substitution technique and reasonable preservation was achieved. The cilia covering the larval body, with a typical ciliary organization, the terebratorium with folds and the junction of the epidermal ciliated cell with the larval body were seen. For the first time detailed information on the eggs and miracidia of E. coelomaticum is given, which can be the basis for new studies.


[Extract] Hewstone has skilfully produced a succint yet lucid text that attempts to bridge the gap between social psychology and political science. Various social psychological theories (e.g., cognitive consistency theories and Fishbein and Ajzen's expectancy-value theory) and a decade of Euro-barometre studies provide the basis for the in-depth analysis that follows.


Goldstein (1962) and Frank (1963) have emphasized the importance in the treatment process of the patient's and therapist's assumptive world. A number of authors have related certain personality variables, such as thinking introversion, to choice of medical specialty and orientation to treatment on the part of the doctor. The immediate fore-runners of the present investigation are the reports of Caine (1970), Smail (1970) and Caine and Leigh (1972), in which a test of 'direction of interest', in terms of an interest in the external world rather than in the internal world of thoughts and feelings, and a test of 'conservatism' were found to relate to nurses' attitudes to patient care and patients' symptomatology and treatment expectancies. This report is an extension of the search for the personality variables underlying patient and therapist expectancies. A third variable, namely convergent-divergent thinking, as defined by Hudson (1966), has been added. Convergent-divergent thinking has to do with whether one prefers to converge on a single solution to a problem or whether one prefers to investigate several possible solutions. Personality variables similar to the ones with which we have been working have been described in association with these thinking types.


In this study, an innovative method was developed to improve the shelf life of roasted peanuts. Sonication was combined with edible coating for enhancing oxidative stability of roasted peanuts. Georgia green runner peanuts were roasted, subjected to sonication and then coated with whey protein isolate (WPI), ZEIN and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Relative to the control, the oxidative stability of roasted-coated samples were improved by 80%, 38%, and 5% for CMC, WPI and ZEIN coating, respectively, while roasted-sonicated-coated samples were improved by 91%, 52%, and 27% for CMC, WPI and ZEIN coating, respectively. Sonication prior to coating resulted in 11%, 14% and 22% improvement beyond the CMC, WPI and ZEIN coatings, respectively. Texture analysis showed there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in peanut texture between the treated and control. Color analysis showed the HunterLab color parameters L, a, and b for most of the treatments did not have significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to control.


The physical properties of ionic surfactants are very sensi tive to the nature of the counterions. In particular, counterions that have a tendency to adsorb on th e surfactant micelle are known to dramatically modify the viscoelastic properties of these solu ti ns through the formation of long wormlike micelles [1, 2, 3, 4]. One extreme limit of an adsorbed co unterion is an oppositely charged surfactant, and aqueous solutions of such surfactant mixtu res are known to show interesting properties, such as low critical micellar concentration (CMC), high surface activity, formation of liquid crystalline phases at higher water content and spontaneous formation of vesicles [5, 6, 7, 8, 9]. This chapter deals with the e ff ct of the strongly bound hydroxy naphthoate (HN −) counterion on the phase behaviour of concentrated aqueous solutions of three cationic surfactants, namely, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetyltrimethyla mmonium chloride (CTAC) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). This counterion i s introduced by adding 3-sodium2-hydroxy naphthoate (SHN) to the surfactant solution. Ear lier studies on similar systems are described in section 2.2. In section 2.3, a brief descriptio n of the experimental techniques used in these studies has been given. Our results are described in se ct on 2.4. At low amounts of SHN, the phase behavior of CTAB-SHN-water system is similar to th at of the CTAB-water binary system, which exhibits a hexagonal (H I) phase over a wide range of water content. With increasing SHN concentration a lamellar phase with curvature defects i s found instead of the H I phase. At


A report presented on the acquisition, storage, processing and analysis of digital images of both fireants activities and small target visibility, beginning with the general introduction of background knowledge in digital image representation, covering acquisition, storage, enhancement and finally development of methods to extract information of interest from the digital images. Fast Fourier transform and digital image processing techniques are reviewed and utilized.


The Daeδalus experiment seeks to evaluate neutrino scattering effects that go beyond the standard model. Modular accelerators are employed to produce 800 MeV proton beams at the megawatt power level directed toward a target, producing neutrinos. The Superconducting Ring Cyclotron consists of identical sectors (currently 6) of superconducting dipole magnets with iron return frames. The Daeδalus Collaboration has produced a conceptual design for the magnet, which, after several iterations, is the current best design that achieves the physics requirements of the experiment. The main purpose of the analytical effort, results of which are presented here, is to develop a viable engineering design satisfying requirements to the superconductor, as well as structural and cryogenic requirements. The work includes proposed conceptual approaches, solid modeling and analyses for the conductor and winding pack design, high-temperature superconductor and copper current leads for the magnet, structural design of the magnet cold mass, cryostat and warm-to-cold supports, cryogenic design of the magnet cooling system, and magnet power supply sizing. A description of the winding pack design, structural analysis, and cryogenic system is reported.


I atrogenic superior vena caval (SVC) injury during central venous catheterization can cause hemothorax or hemopericardium leading to hemodynamic instability. Reportedly, very few cases of iatrogenic SVC perforation have been noted in literature. There are no specific guidelines regarding management of associated injuries. While these injuries have been conventionally treated with open surgical repair, minimally invasive techniques, such as endovascular repair and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), have emerged as widely accepted treatment options in the recent decade. We report two cases of SVC impalement during central venous catheterization, which were successfully treated with a purse-string suture for the impaled SVC and evacuation of the retained hemothorax through VATS.


The modern methods for recording and disseminating a teacher's oral performance can quite simply result in conflicting interests, and alternative education methods involving virtual learning has led to controversy among faculty and teachers. From the perspective of teachers, the recording of lectures can both be disturbing for the actual lecture as well as the fact that a teacher's future influence as to the result and its dissemination is decreased. From the perspective of the university as employer, the recording can be seen as a good way through which to develop teaching and attract students to the university.


Paper drying is one of unit operations that consume the most amount of thermal energy in papermaking machine. In this paper, the theoretical model for paper drying process was developed using sequential modeling method based on conservation laws of mass and energy. Aimed at reducing its thermal energy use, the overall structure of the paper drying model was proposed initially. It was composed of eight basic modules based on their different functions in paper machine drying process, i.e. cylinder group module, steam separation module, surface condensation module, fan module, heat recovery module, air heating module, paper sheet module and hood module. The models of above modules were also developed one by one in detailed, based on which, a theoretical model for a specific paper machine drying process could be constructed. It could use to simulate material and energy flow of each module and the whole drying process in a more comprehensive manner with integrated thermal energy use and drying performance information. In addition, the effect of operating conditions on thermal energy use in paper drying process could also be investigated.


To assess the feasibility of dynamic MRI of swallowing in a seated position using an open‐configuration MRI scanner, and to compare its capacity for motion analysis around the pharyngeal wall with that of videofluorography.


A novel interdigital transducer is described which employs intratransducer reflector banks to achieve unidirectionality, and whose fabrication requires a single photolithographic process.


"Dependency Matrix". The methodology consisted of consulting databases of federal, state and municipal agencies and programs. The results demonstrate the low level of economic activity, own revenues, high dependence on external revenues, high payroll on civil clerk, exposing themselves to the dictates of the Fiscal Responsibility Law (LRF) and high dependence on the Income Transfer Programs of the Federal Government such as the Bolsa Família Program (PBF) and the Continuous Payment Benefit (BPC). The Dependency Matrix assists the municipal manager in restraining the alleged migratory flight, the loss of economic relevance, as well as economic, environmental and social sustainability.


A growing area of mathematics topological data analysis (TDA) uses fundamental concepts of topology to analyze complex, high-dimensional data. A topological network represents the data, and the TDA uses the network to analyze the shape of the data and identify features in the network that correspond to patterns in the data. These patterns extract knowledge from the data. TDA provides a framework to advance machine learning's ability to understand and analyze large, complex data. This paper provides background information about TDA, TDA applications for large data sets, and details related to the investigation and implementation of existing tools and environments.


The natural distribution of oriental arborvitae in Shanxi Province is limited to the south of inside the Great Wall.The test of oriental arborvitae silviculture has been carried in Huairen county since 1996 for realizing the diversity of afforestation species outside Yan Menguan.The results show that the culture zones for oriental arborvitae in this region should be confined to Xue Jiazhuang,Jin Shatan,Luo Zhenying,Jiu Liangwa forest farms,not the hilltop or hillside facing the wind.Its seeds should be collected as fully as possible in this locality or Nei Monggol region.The oriental arborvitae silviculture effect is the best if three year old bed growing seedlings or "2+1" replanting seedlings were mixed with broad leaved tree species.


A bottle tied with a rope is able to stop just before falling over the edge of the table, due to mechanics. A teaching tool to engage students learning about friction.


Through the introduction of a comparative party-state model, I will first demonstrate that due to specific structural and dynamic constraints, the capacity of party-states to learn is both limited and uneven. Differences in the room for manoeuvre are defined by structural and dynamic specifics of power distribution. These will determine the invariable implementation of structurespecific instruments of resource extraction and distribution and their escalation under external pressure no matter the requirements of adaptation. Accelerated implementation of structure-specific instruments leads to different paths of self-destruction rather than adaptation. Adaptation is therefore structurally constrained and self-consuming in party-states. Second,these theoretical arguments will be empirically demonstrated through the economic policy efforts to adapt to market pressures in three radically different party-states - Romania, Hungary by the end of the 1980s and China from early 1990s.


During the two polar world system in cold war period, Muslim countries under Non-Alignment Movement had different ideological agendas. Socialist interpretations of Islam became very popular with Arab nationalism. One of the interpretations is Universal Third World Theorem of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. The Green book of Gaddafi was showing a revolt and stance of his ideas against imperialism. As an Arab nation, there are strong emphasis on socialistic iterations in Green Book where Islamic socialistic discourse applied in some parts. In this paper, we first provide historical information about Libya and theoretical background of Islamic socialism explained by providing brief literature review. The final chapter of article devoted on to proper information about Green Book by analyzing its solutions to problems in developing world.


AbstractBy getting involved in the "Arab Spring", Qatar was determined to continue waging its foreign policy aimed at strengthening the positions of the country combined with the intention to create corresponding markets outside the country for Qatari gas. The Russia-Iran-US agreement on the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons, along with the newly-emerging Iran-US rapprochement, urged Qatar to re-think its Syrian agenda, especially in light of the diplomatic blockade by the Gulf states. It is concluded in the article that after the Syrian crisis, Qatar will continue seeking gas markets in order to ensure its national interests.Introduction - Qatar's foreign policy before the "Arab Spring"Since the oil industry boom, Qatar has gradually paved its way towards regional and world geopolitics. During the Iran-Iraqi war (1980-1988), Qatar sided with Iraq. However, during the First Gulf War Qatar turned its back on the latter, joining the Western-led coalition.* 1 In this operation Qatar lost two tanks and suffered three casualties.2 Meanwhile, it became evident for the ruling circles of Qatar that having a small territory was fraught with serious consequences as was the case of Kuwait. This gave a new impetus to a proactive foreign policy.3 Amidst these endeavors, Qatar mediated the Libyan conflict in 2008, convening a conference in Doha which succeeded in terminating the 18-month-long political crisis in the country.4 On 16 May 2008 Agence France Presse wrote: "By hosting rival Lebanese politicians, the tiny gas-rich state of Qatar has successfully bolstered an active diplomacy which has often unsettled its neighbors, notably the regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia."5 Indeed the strengthening of Qatari foreign policy, as well as the rise of its regional involvement, conflicted with Saudi Arabia's strategic interests. It can be explained by the very fact that Saudi Arabia has direct interests in the Middle East region, including the Lebanese crisis, in which it used to support Sunni forces against the Iran-backed Hezbollah.6The following year Qatar launched new talks on the Arab-Israeli resolution, later known as the "Gaza Talks". Riyadh gave a hostile reception to this initiative, because by means of the geopolitical presence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Saudi Arabia retained its dominant positions in the region: thus Qatari involvement in that conflict threatened to change the power ratio in the Middle East. Besides, the Qatari initiative encompassed Iran, Syria and Hamas. That meant a possible alternative challenge to the Arab League summit, due to take place three days later, which also contradicted both Saudi and Egyptian interests in the region.7 This makes the statement by the Saudi foreign minister Saud al-Faisal quite explainable: "The Arab world is divided and the division is because of Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Israeli occupation."8 In this regard, London-based analyst Tariq Alhomayed wrote: "Their [Iranian-Syrian-Qatari alliance - E.E.] victory lies not in rescuing Gaza, or defeating the Israeli enemy; it lies in cancelling the active and trustworthy Arab role undertaken by Saudi Arabia and Egypt. That is all they want to do in Doha."9Thus, it can be concluded that allying with the West, especially the US, in addition to the active foreign policy waged by this tiny Gulf state, creates for Qatar an image of a transparent and liberal Arabic country.10 It is noteworthy that on the eve of the "Arab Spring", Qatar was determined to implement a foreign policy deviating from the pan-Arab general discourse, notwithstanding negative reactions from Saudi Arabia. The latter lost the status of being a fair mediator in the region, yielding that role to Qatar.11 In its turn, Qatar beholds the mediation as a successful tool for gaining influence12 and reducing the Iranian expansion in the Middle East.13The "Arab Spring" and QatarSince the beginning of the "Arab Spring", Qatar supported anti-government movements in Arabic countries. …


Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PAT) may become a useful clinical tool to treat microbial infections, overcoming microbial resistance that is a major problem nowadays. The aim of our work was to verify the damage caused by photosensitization over a Escherichia col) via atomic force microscopy (AFM), looking for structural changes that might occur in cells after PAT. Cells culture were grown until a stationary phase to reach a concentration of approximately 108 cells/mL allowing the production of extracellular slime in a biofilm-like structure. The cells including the extracellular matrix were put in a slide and its structure was observed using AFM; subsequently a water solution of methylene blue at 60μM was applied over the cells and a pre-irradiation time of 3 minutes was waited and followed by illumination with a diode laser (λ=660nm, power 40mW, 3min, fluence 180J/cm2, beam diameter 0.04cm2). The same cells were observed and the images stored. A second set of experiments was performed with a smaller number of cells/area and without extracellular slime, using the parameters abovementioned. The results showed alterations on cellular scaffold markedly dependent on the number of cells and the presence of extracellular slime. The slime is targeted by the photosensitizer, and after irradiation a destruction of the matrix was observed; when fewer cells were evaluated the destruction is much more evident. The images suggested rupture of the cellular membrane and cellular fragments were observed. Our findings indicate that AFM seems is a useful tool to investigate parameters linked with photodestruction of microorganisms.


We could look back on a rich tradition of research reporting in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. But, with the changes in the Journal, and with the changes coming every day in natural resources and in the peoples of the earth, let's look ahead. I have some thoughts to share. These are based on several recent experiences.

One of the most recent experiences was evaluation of the research articles in the Journal in 1997. What an amazing diversity! In 1997, research subjects published in the Journal included water quality, soil quality, CRP, GIS applications, water use efficiency, restoration, economics, sustainable farming and conservation compliance. It was heartening to see in consecutive articles "Soil erosion and sediment yield in forest and agroforestry areas in west Java, Indonesia" and "Occurrence and flux of selected pesticides in surface water of the upper Snake River basin, Idaho, and western Wyoming." This diversity reflects the interest of the membership, the natural resource community, and SWCS's policy of …


A theoretical approach based on a tight-binding model is developed for studying the effects of finite concentration gas adsorption (for what are known as diatomic, triatomic and quadratomic gas molecules in the general forms denoted by XY, XY2 and XY3, respectively) on electronic properties of armchair graphene nanoribbons (AGNRs). To consider the edge effects on electronic properties of pure AGNRs for the first time, two hopping parameters, for hydrogen–carbon and carbon–carbon nearest neighbor hopping, are considered. We found, for some specified values of hopping integrals and random on-site energies, that adsorbed molecule AGNRs act as donors or acceptors, which is consistent with reported experimental results for CO, NO2, O2, N2, CO2 and NH3 adsorption on graphene. Then by using these parameters and the coherent potential approximation, we investigated the effect of finite concentration gas molecule adsorption on the average density of states. Our results could be used to make p-type or n-type semiconductors by means of finite concentration adsorption of gas molecules or a gas sensor.


We develop a prescription for characterizing the strengths of metal lines associated with Lyα forest absorbers (LYFAs) of a given neutral hydrogen column density NHI and metallicity [O/H]. This Line Observability Index (LOX) is line-specific and translates, for weak lines, into a measure of the equivalent width. It can be evaluated quickly for thousands of transitions within the framework of a given model of the Lyα forest, providing a ranking of the absorption lines in terms of their strengths and enabling model builders to select the lines that deserve more detailed consideration, i.e. those that should be detectable in observed spectra of a given resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. We compute the LOX for a large number of elements and transitions in two cosmological models of the Lyα forest at z ∼ 3 derived from hydrodynamic simulations of structure formation. We present results for a cold dark matter universe with a cosmological constant; an Ω = 1 cold dark matter model yields nearly identical results, and we argue more generally that the LOX predictions are insensitive to the specific choice of cosmology. We also discuss how the LOX depends on redshift and on model parameters such as the mean baryonic density and radiation field. We find that the OVI (1032 Å, 1038 Å) doublet is the best probe of the metallicity in low column density LYFAs (NHI ≈ 10 cm). Metallicities down to [O/H] ∼ -3 yield OVI absorption features that should be detectable in current high-quality spectra, provided that the expected position of the OVI feature is not contaminated by HI absorption. The strongest transitions in lower ionization states of oxygen are OV(630 Å), OIV(788 Å), and OIII(833 Å). These absorption lines are all predicted to be stronger than the OVI feature, but even at redshifts 3 − 4 they will have to be observed in the ultraviolet, and they are extremely difficult to detect with present UV instruments, such as the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS). At lower Presidential Faculty Fellow


The invention relates to a drilling methods and devices based on double gradient control pressure including: 1. surveying underground pressure data and then transmitting to the Sea Central Control System; 2. The Sea Center Control System after calculation, analysis and processing, transmitted the control signals to device that control flow of sea low-density fluidand underground while drilling joint; 3. device that control flow of sea low-density fluid control the volume and flow of fluid through the pump transmitting to the double-wall drill pipe underground, 4. According to the directive of the central control system , adjusting the size of the injection while drilling joint entrance, and the low-density fluid between inside and outside of the drilling hole pipe will injecte between the drill pipe and borehole 5. the drilling fluid returning from the bottom will be diluted by the low-density fluid and in the air shaft ring formed at least two different pressure gradient; 6. drilling fluid can recycle after dealing with the devices. The invention can be used for offshore drilling and earth drilling.


A novel micro-nano touch trigger 3D probe of coordinate measuring machine(CMM) was proposed.Based on the high sensitivity and good anti-interference of fiber Bragg grating(FBG) sensor,FBG sensors were used as sensitive elements for the probe to measure the strain produced along the fiber.As FBG sensors were more sensitive to axial strain than to lateral strain,a flexible structure consisting of the three-wire and six-side connecting hanging structure with interval cantilevers connected with three FBG sensors was developed,which could be triggered by small strain produced by effective axial force.In case of pre-travel changes,flexible suspension caused deflection,leading to axial stretch or compression of the three FBG sensors,and thus the sensor signal output.The reposition performance of the probe mechanism is the criteria for judging whether it can go back to the initial location after measuring and is the basis of other performances of the probe.Therefore the actual reposition performance of the probe was tested with laser interferometer and precise micro-motion platform.Experimental results show that the application of the wire of 15 N pre-tighten force to the probe system can result in good reposition performance and sensitivity,with the reposition accuracy of the probe less than 20 nm,which meets the needs of micro-nano measurement.


Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) are a group of mental illnesses characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thought; they are often accompanied by cognitive dysfunction, social skills deficits, and low volition. This article reviews the extant literature on the efficacy of using yoga as an adjunct therapy to supplement standard pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment and management of SSD. The 16 studies reviewed indicate yoga may be an effective intervention for increasing global cognitive functioning, decreasing psychotic symptoms, and improving quality of life for clients with SSD. Recommendations for integration of yoga into a Recreation Therapy program are outlined.


A large percentage of short and medium span, steel bridges are deteriorating due to age and environment effects. Although these bridges are still in service, many need strengthening due to increases in legal live load and/or loss of section. This paper presents the results of two investigations – a laboratory study as well as a field study – in which carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates were used to strengthen composite steel stringers. In the laboratory investigation, small-scale steel-concrete composite beams were tested; there were control beams (no damage or CFRP applied), damaged beams (a percentage of the bottom flange removed), and damaged beams with CFRP applied to the bottom flanges and/or webs. In all cases the strength of all damaged/repaired beams was fully restored to their original undamaged state. This paper presents both details on the strengthening system and on the behavior of undamaged, damaged, and repaired scale-model specimens. Based upon the laboratory results, a second project was undertaken in which an existing steel-girder bridge was strengthened using CFRP plates. This bridge is a 150 ft x 30 ft three-span continuous rolled I-beam bridge in southwestern Iowa. The original non-composite four beam bridge was widened in 1965 by adding two additional composite beams. A recent rating of this bridge determined that several of the original beams were understrength in the positive moment regions, thus CFRP was bonded to the positive moment regions of the bottom flanges of the two original interior beams and the "new" exterior beams. At some locations on the exterior beams, the plates were installed on the top surface of the bottom flange to investigate the performance and in-service durability under detrimental environmental conditions. This bridge has been load tested three times: before and after installation of the CFRP plates, and approximately one year later to determine the effectiveness of the strengthening system. Results are presented to illustrate this effectiveness.


The survivability of Automatic Switched Optical Network ( ASON ) is reflected in two fields: Control Plane (CP) and Transport Plane (TP).This paper will main talk about a method which can strengthen the survivability of CP.By improving the design of CP of ASON,the exception information of CP will send to Management Plane(MP) in time and accurately.So,it can enhance the survivability of CP of ASON.


Electro-optic (EO)polymers, processed into thin multilayer films, exhibit large nonresonant EO coefficients and low dielectric constants from DC to multi-GHz frequencies. Orientation of the constituent nonlinear optical chromophores, usually accomplished by electricfield poling, provides an EO coefficient suitable for modulation of light beams propagating in the plane of the polymer film. Thus, EO polymers are ideally suited for applications in integrated optics. The field EO polymer integrated optics has been developing rapidly during the past several years. Recent advances include the formulation of poled crosslinked epoxies and guest-host polyimides exhibiting thermal stability at temperatures significantly higher than those previously achieved with thermoplastic acrylate chemistry. These developments are an essential first step toward achieving practical materials exhibiting stability to manufacture, assembly, and end-use in modem electronic systems applications. This paper provides an introduction to EO polymer waveguide devices for applications to electronic packaging and interconnection.


Several lines of evidence indicate that the Th2 immune response is associated with endometriosis. Although an increased concentration of interleukin (IL)-4, a typical Th2 cytokine, has been reported in endometriotic tissues, the implication of this for endometriosis has not been determined. To investigate a possible role of IL-4 in the development of endometriosis, we examined the presence of IL-4-producing cells in endometriotic tissues and the effect of IL-4 on proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells. Endometriotic stromal cells were isolated from endometriotic tissues obtained from women undergoing surgery for endometrioma. Immunohistochemistry of endometriotic tissues revealed that IL-4-positive cells were abundant in the stroma. The effect of IL-4 on proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells was studied using cell counting and BrdU incorporation assays. IL-4 (0.1 to 10 ng/ml) significantly increased cell number and BrdU incorporation in a dose-dependent manner, and the proliferative effect of IL-4 was inhibited by anti-IL-4 receptor antibody. IL-4-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in endometriotic stromal cells was examined by Western blotting. IL-4 induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun kinase, and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and inhibitors of these kinases suppressed IL-4-induced proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells. These findings suggest that proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells induced by locally produced IL-4 is involved in the development of endometriosis. (Am J Pathol 2008, 173:463–469; DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2008.071044) Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease that deteriorates the health of women of reproductive age. A widely believed etiology is that endometrial debris in retrograde menstruation implants, survives and grows in the peritoneal cavity. However, it remains unknown why endometrial implants develop to substantial endometriotic lesions. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that aberrant immune responses and inflammatory reactions are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Women with endometriosis have characteristics of autoimmune disease, such as increased polyclonal B-cell activity, abnormalities in Tand B-cell function, and familial inheritance. High prevalence of autoimmune disease in endometriotic women supports an autoimmune aspect of endometriosis. Allergies and asthma are also reported at high rates in endometriotic women. In addition, a recent genome-wide transcriptional profiling study revealed that endometriosis exhibits a gene expression signature reminiscent of other autoimmune disorders. It is well known interleukin (IL)-4 is a distinguished molecule in autoimmunity and allergy. In view of the autoimmune and allergic background of endometriotic women, IL-4 is speculated to play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The notion is underpinned by the evidence that the levels of IL-4 mRNA and protein in peripheral blood monocytes and peritoneal fluid cells are elevated in women with endometriosis. However, localization of IL-4 and effects of IL-4 in endometriotic cells have been unknown. IL-4 exerts its effect on immune cells. In addition, actions of IL-4 on several nonimmune cells have been reported. Interestingly, IL-4 stimulates or inhibits cell proliferation in different cells and settings. The biological function of IL-4 is mediated by a specific IL-4 receptor that is linked to several different intracellular


The current study has been influenced by that aspect of the philosophy of Realistic Mathematics Education which holds that mathematics should be learned as an activity of progressive mathematization. In this study I have used the Geometer's Sketchpad to design tasks for young learners, anticipating their reactions. My aim is to propose and introduce types of tasks /problems designed for primary-level learners, concentrating on two aspects: (a) using play-based "alive" tasks to demonstrate mathematical concepts (b) linking the sequential visual representations with instrumentally decoded math notions, thus making the whole figural diagram "alive", while giving the students the potential to focus their attention on simultaneous modifications (and transformations) of objects on the screen. In the current study, I paraphrase Pestalozzi's words "things before words, concrete before abstract" as "active or alive manipulatives before words, 'dynamic' concrete before abstract".


severe cases, for others a more satisfactory methlod than either of those mentioned was suggested to me by a case in whiclh the crusts were confined to' the left nostril. In this girl, aged 14, the riglht nostril was occluded by a cone-like deviation of the quadrangular cartilage. The left nostril was extremely wide, at least an inclh between septum and antral wall below the anterior end of the middle turbinal; turbinal atroplhy was marked. The cone was resected through the right nostril with the idea of replacing it with its apex inverted towards the left nostril. Unfortunately the cone broke, but the pieces were ptushe(d under the muco-perichondrium of the left side of the septum. The improvement that resulted was pirobably due to the freeing of the right nostril, as the left is still too wide, and it has been agreed to do the operation now to be described-transplantation of rib cartilage. Flakes of cartilage are, with a wide, sharp gouge, taken fromii the seventlh or eighth costal cartilage, and after incisioai and elevation of the muco-perichondriumii of one side of tlhe septuiii over the greater part of its extent and similar elevation on the inner antral walls between middle and lower turbinals, these flakes are introduced by suitable forceps-the swan-billed septal punch is excellent-inlto the pockets thus created, which are packed full. The incisions are closed by careful packing with bismutlh gaiuze, which is left for four or five days. Attenition to the following points helps to guardI against risks of septic infection, an importalnt considerationi in such cases witlh a closed wound. Local anaesthesia should, if possible, be used. An intranasal douche with normal saline should be given before the anaesthesia till nlo trace of pus can be seen. The nose and face must be cleansed with spirit, and the vestibule painted witlh iodine tincture. The costal wound is closed with an anchor dressinig before the nasal operationi is begun. If local anaestlhesia is used, then, before the costal operation is begun, the niose is anaesthetized witlh cocaine and an injection, at the vestibule, of eucaine or niovocain solution. The pieces of cartilage as removed are laid on sterile gauze and not touched except with instruments. They may be an incli or more long but neither broad noor thiclk; for to secure primary union and retention of the grafts the nasal wounds are best not more than 1 cm. long, placed vertically and just posterior to the skin margin, where they can be wiped with iodine. I have done this operation in three patients, aged 15, 18, and 60 respectively-once under chloroform, twice under local anaesfhesia-witli primary union and retention of all the grafts in each case. All the patients expressed themselves pleased with the results in respec.t of comfort and(I diminiution of discharge; but I am not satisfied, as thie cavities are still too wide, though the result is better than could be got by any other method known to me. It is surprising how much cartilage can be packed into the pockets; the cubic capacity of the nasal airway is relatively great. To avoid necrosis of the septum the perichondrium can be safely elevated from one side only at one operation; this leaves the other nostril too wide. This defect will be met in future by storing the excess of costal cartilage in a subcutaneous pocket, whenice it can be easily taken a montlh later for transplantation on to the second side of the septum. Wh'liere only one nostril need be narrowed the operation would probably be better done from the other, narrower, nostril; a bevelled incision, longer than that indicated and carri ied right through septal cartilage but stopping short of perichiondriuiii of the wider nostril, would allow comiiplete elevation of the latter, thorough packiing witlh tranisplants, and complete closure of the septal window owing to its bevelled edges and elasticity. Aniy treatment of atrophic rhinitis, the ciliary brush beinig gone, can be only palliative. All that is claimed for the method here suggested is that in well developed cases it is more efficient than paraffin injection and less formidable than Halle's operation. The cases are too few anid recent to judge results. The method is publishe(d that others who have more opportunity than I now have may try it and report.


PEP (Program Editor and Processor) is an interactive programming system based on an Algol‐like language. It is intended to replace BASIC as a system for interactive program development on small computers (LSI‐11).


The invention discloses a fixing device used for goods automatic bundling. The fixing device comprises a goods container with a door, a flexible material capable of coating and bundling goods and connecting bands at the two ends; the connecting band is connected to a rolling-stretching device, and is equipped with a connecting band locking device; the connecting band locking device is composed of a driven pressing arm fixedly arranged on a goods container structural part and a drive pressing arm which follows up with the door; the connecting band passes through an end part, which is matched and combined with the drive pressing arm, of the driven pressing arm; and the front end of the drive pressing arm driven along with closing of the door is in contact with the front end of the driven pressing arm for locking the connecting bands. The fixing device realizes automatical bundling and fixing of goods in the container, and does not need to manually tension and fix a to-be-bundled material. The fixing device is simple in structure, is detected and proved to have excellent locking effect, is convenient to maintain and is low in replacement cost, so that package is bundled safely and stably, adaptation is strong, goods safety is guaranteed, and damages of goods are greatly reduced.


Low vitamin D status, defined by circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) 0.5 IU/g diet. No differences in areal (aBMD) or volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) or biomarkers were observed among maternal groups. In the 2 d guinea pig neonate: both 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D followed a dose-response (p<0.0001) to maternal diet, femoral aBMD was 10 % higher in the 2 IU vs all groups except the 0 IU (p=0.04). At the neonatal distal femur and proximal tibia, response to maternal diet was U-shaped for trabeculae (Tb.) vBMD. Expansion of the femur growth plate was observed in the 0 IU vs all other groups. In conclusion, vitamin D status may be more important at pre-mating than mid-gestation in protecting against pregnancy induced glucose intolerance. To reflect normal metabolism, measurements of OC and glucose prior to isoflurane anaesthesia are recommended. Maternal vitamin D status below recommendations may result in features similar to rickets in the offspring but status above recommendations may not be advantageous to the bone in the guinea pig. %%%%Un taux faible en vitamine D, soit une concentration inferieure a 50-75 nmol/L de 25-hydroxy vitamine D…


We studied six cases of a novel type of nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Three cases with this disease were recently described by de Leval et al. (de Leval L, Savilo E, Longtine J, et al. Peripheral T-cell lymphoma with follicular involvement and a CD4+/bcl-6+ phenotype. Am J Surg Pathol2001;25:395–400). The entity was named peripheral T-cell lymphoma with follicular involvement because of its distinctive histological features. We report an additional six well-characterized cases and describe the molecular and cytogenetic findings. The neoplastic T-cells of this lymphoma type express CD4 and Bcl-6, and home to the B-lymphoid follicles. This suggests an origin of the lymphoma from an as yet poorly characterized subset of Bcl-6 expressing intra-follicular T-helper cells. Of interest, the cytogenetic data and/or the study of T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangements revealed more than one clone in each case. Cytogenetics further revealed complex karyotypes without recurrent chromosomal aberrations. We also studied the presence of somatic mutations in the 5′ untranslated region of the BCL-6 gene in four of the cases but no somatic hypermutation was detected. Clinically, the cases presented with widespread lymph node involvement at diagnosis and multiple relapses occurred after treatment. All patients received a CHOP-based chemotherapy regimen, later followed by high dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue in five patients. One patient died with lymphoma and hemophagocytic syndrome 24 months after diagnosis, one patient is alive with disease after 27 months from diagnosis, whereas the other four patients are in complete remission 12 to 124 months after diagnosis. In conclusion, we confirm that peripheral T-cell lymphoma with follicular involvement is a distinct lymphoma type and we show that the lymphoma is oligo-clonal. The clinical findings are those of an intermediately aggressive lymphoma type. Although minimal lymph node infiltration with lymphoma cells at diagnosis and oligo-clonality is also characteristic of angio-immunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, we believe that peripheral T-cell lymphoma with follicular involvement is a distinct T-cell lymphoma type. In contrast to angio-immunoblastic T-cell lymphoma it is characterized by the typical infiltration of lymphoma cells in B-lymphoid follicles, coagulation necrosis, the absence of proliferation of high endothelial venules and follicular dendritic cells in T-cell areas, as well as the absence of EBV infection. It is likely that T-cell lymphoma with follicular involvement arises from Bcl-6+ intra-follicular T-cells. No recurrent genetic defects have been identified but the oligo-clonal nature of the lymphoma is intriguing. The latter suggests that the triggering oncogenic factors are external, such as infection.


The purpose of this study is to explore what previous research suggests about how thematic variations in sexual depictions in young adult novels with lesbian characters can affect readers. Furthermore, it explores how different kinds of sexual depictions in lesbian young adult novels can be utilized in a classroom setting. Through close readings of four lesbian sexual depictions in young adult novels, these ideas are exemplified and further discussed. The four chosen novels are Nancy Garden's Annie on my mind, Sarah McCarry's About a girl, Julie Anne Peters's Keeping you a secret and Sara Farizan's Tell me again how a crush should feel. Relevant suggestions and claims of previous researchers is interwoven with aims from the Swedish syllabus for the English subject, and both serve as framework for the analyses within this essay. This research suggests that the differences in how sexual intimacy in young adult novels are depicted may have many different effects on young readers. Some thematic variations may be better suited for classroom settings. Furthermore, the research suggests that positive emotions of lesbian main characters is often favorable for young readers, something found in Annie on my mind and Keeping you a secret. Sexually explicit novels, such as About a girl, have been controversial in classroom settings but could also reduce the censorship of lesbian sexuality which has been prevalent in literature. The research suggests that depictions of sexual assault can be beneficial if combined with classroom discussions. Such a depiction is found in Tell me again how a crush should feel. Additionally, this research suggests that it is important for teachers to carefully choose lesbian young adult novels and evaluate what the depictions of sexuality within them may convey and to conduct post-discussions with their students if they include such novels within their teaching. (Less)


A historical review of assessment in the life model using the study-diagnosis-treatment paradigm updates this construct by adding ecological theory. Transition to this approach has led to changes in the gathering and conceptualization of information and a broadened perspective of applicable interventions for practice.


A brief introduction on building energy consumption, building energy saving methods, laws and guidance on building energy saving, evaluation system on energy saving, up to nowadays, are presented in this paper. Some new concepts such as building energy flow, building mass flow, couple recovering of building discharge energy, integrated system of building energy, factor of building energy integration I, effect factor on atmospheric environment of building energy F, etc. are presented, and further improving ways are suggested. Positive effect of these new concepts and new methods on tradition approaches are predicted.


This article presents the flight control problem of a flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle under input constraint and aerodynamic uncertainty. First, a control-oriented model is derived and decomposed into velocity subsystem and altitude subsystem, in which compounded disturbances are included to consider aerodynamic uncertainty and the effect of the flexible modes. Second, nonlinear disturbance observer technique is employed to estimate the compounded disturbance, where the estimation error converges to a compact set if the observer design parameters are chosen appropriately. Then, based on disturbance observer, a robust controller and a dynamic surface controller are developed, respectively, for the velocity subsystem and the altitude subsystem. Third, novel robust first-order filters are designed to overcome the "explosion of terms" problem induced by backstepping method. Additional systems are constructed to tackle input constraints. By rigorously Lyapunov stability proof, the designed control strategy can assure that tracking error converges to an arbitrarily small neighborhood around zero. Finally, simulations are performed to show the effectiveness of the presented control strategy.


This paper is for a bachelor degree project in computer systems engineering at Halmstad University. The purpose of the project is to develop a program for analysis and editing of flight tracks. The ...


This study aimed to examine the effect of leverage, the intensity of fixed assets, the size of the company, and the political connections against tax avoidance. Measurement of tax avoidance in this study using the effective tax rate (ETR). This study was performed on companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) 2012-2014. The number of observations of 144 sample obtained by the method nonprobability sampling purposive sampling technique. The analysis technique used in this research is multiple linear regression analysis. The analysis showed that the intensity of a fixed asset leverage and negative effect on tax avoidance. This shows that the higher leverage and intensity of fixed assets will lead to reduced levels of tax avoidance. Company size has positive influence on tax avoidance. This means that the higher the size of the company, the tax avoidance measures will be high. While political connections did not affect the tax avoidance measures.


Myelinated retinal nerve bers (MRNF) or so called brae medullaris retinae are rare congenital anomaly. In most cases it is isolated ocular pathology, usually asymptomatic and diagnosed accidentally. They may present in a syndrome characterised by ipsilateral myelinated retinal nerve bres, axial myopia and amblyopia – triad of Straatsma. We report three cases of this rare congenital condition.


The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised (CFQ‐R) with toddlers and preschool‐aged children. Clinically relevant relations between health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), stress, and mealtime behaviors have not been examined. It was hypothesized that problematic mealtime behaviors and increased stress would be negatively associated with HRQOL.


A III-nitride-based photogated transistor using photons to control the channel width of an otherwise gateless field effect transistor (FET) is investigated. This is accomplished by stacking sequential layers of p-GaN/InGaN/n-GaN on a Si substrate in an array of nanorods. The nitride p-i-n diode can be activated by light, whereupon the nanorod device shows phototransistor characteristics in forward bias but behaves like a photoconductor when in reverse bias. An optically pumped FET model, as justified by the low-dimensional nanogeometry, is used in analysis of the device. The resulting photogate efficiency and photocarrier mobilities are estimated to be ∼0.04 V/(W/cm2) and, ∼2000–3000 cm2/V s, respectively.


Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is of great importance to signal processing, and, as a consequence, various arrays have recently been studied to get good DOA estimation performance. Particularly, spherical arrays have the advantage of three-dimensional orientation which benefits three-dimensional processing and analysis. Also, spherical symmetric structure of spherical arrays could promote the computation of decomposing the wave field into spherical harmonics. Spherical harmonics are mainly studied in this paper as they form a set of complete orthonormal basis to represent signal functions on the 2-sphere space. In previous papers, the theoretical formulation of the spherical harmonics decomposition and spherical array beamforming has been presented. On the basis of existed theories, a spatial sampling scheme where hydrophones are uniformly distributed on the surface of an open sphere is proposed in this paper. The hydrophone array which employs 36 array elements around the sphere is used to compute spherical harmonics up to the 4th order. Beamforming is used to estimate DOA after spherical harmonics decomposition. From this dissertation we analyze the DOA estimation in underwater waveguide environment using simulation for different cases of single source and double sources. Simulation results show that the direct sound and several reflections can be identified.


This report analyses the changing institutional structures for regional policy in Hungary from the pre-accession years to the second phase of the post-accession period. The first part of the paper investigates domestic settings for regional pol¬icy providing detailed information about the chosen case study in Southern Transdanubia. The second section examines the three major pre-accession funds and the first National Development Plan, followed by the analysis of the changes brought in by the New Hungary Development Plan 2007-2013. Institution-build¬ing at the regional level stood in the focus of that international comparative re¬search , and this is the broader theme the present report is also centred around. When drawing the picture on accomplishments and constraints of decentralisation in Hungary, document analysis and qualitative research tools were equally used.


This paper will examine the effectiveness of transport corridor agreements in increasing trade levels in landlocked developing countries (LLDC), with a focus on the 1985 Northern Corridor Transit Agreement's performance in Uganda. Finding ways to stimulate economic growth in landlocked economies is a critical development issue since many of these countries are poor. Being removed from world markets and having to rely on neighboring countries for access to the sea, LLDCs experience high transport costs that hinder trade and potentially stunt economic growth. Transport corridor agreements are designed to improve the flow of goods through the transport corridors that landlocked countries depend on and therefore can help lower transport costs and improve trade in landlocked economies. Using a time series ordinary least squares (OLS) model this paper will calculate whether the Northern Corridor Transit Agreement has had a measurably significant effect on trade levels in the landlocked Northern Corridor state of Uganda. Data for this study will come from the 2006 World Development Indicators (WDI) database, the Penn World Table Version 6.2 (PWT 6.2), and the 2004 Polity IV database. The main hypothesis of this paper is that by reducing transaction costs, the Northern Corridor


Conversion of L-phenylalanine to L-phenylglycine in the biosynthesis of virginiamycin S1 (1) can, in principle, take place with intramolecular nitrogen transfer or with intermolecular nitrogen transfer. A labeling experiment with DL-[3-13C, 15N]phenylalanine showed that the resulting L-phenylglycine contained no labeled nitrogen, indicating that the rearrangement proceeds via an intermolecular pathway.


An interdigitated microelectrode array (IME) that was coated with a film of a vanadium oxide xerogel served as a solid-state cell in which an anodic process in the presence of ammonia was promoted. The platinum indicator electrode array was modified with a film of mixed-valent ruthenium oxide with cyano cross-links, and the xerogel was loaded with KCI prior to use. Ammonia samples were quantified by injection of vapors into a gas cell that contained the modified and coated IME. Measurements under potentiostatic conditions yield linear calibration curves over the range of 2 to 27 μmol/ml.


Access from an HTML application side to an element of presentation control information (HTML document) included in a transmission media stream is enabled. A first HTML document for displaying a Web page is received. A transmission media stream including a predetermined number of transmission media and a second HTML document as presentation control information for the transmission media is received. When a DOM tree of the first HTML document is generated, if there exists in the first HTML document a video element referring to the transmission media stream, a DOM tree generated corresponding to the second HTML document included in the transmission media stream is connected under the node of the video element.


Epidemic evolution is the spread of a computer or biological virus over a network. The goal is to control the speed of the epidemic evolution with limited network control resources and to study how users in the network can be infected. The epidemic evolution can be modeled by a probabilistic dynamical system over a connected graph. We consider several epidemic evolution models in the literature, and formulate their evolution control under a common framework that requires solving a non convex optimization problem with an objective that is the spectral radius function of a nonnegative matrix. We propose two algorithms to tackle this optimization problem. The first one is a suboptimal but computation ally fast algorithm based on successive convex relaxation, while the second one can compute a global optimal solution using branch-and-bound techniques that leverage some key inequalities in non negative matrix theory.


Humorous talks during the rescue procedures of earthquake in Wenchuan have served to release pressure of those survivors and the rescuers.It aroused public attention at the same time,which more or less benefited the rescue.Features of humorous talks at that time manifest several features: the regional feature of language;the variability of material;the incongruity of its content;the ridiculous sense resulted by linguistic arrangement.


Y-chromosome-specific polymorphisms p49f-a/TaqI were studied in a sample of 68 French Polynesians, and five haplotypes were observed. Three of them were haplotypes characteristic of European ancestry. The mean haplotype (45.6%) in French Polynesia is haplotype XV, a typical western European haplotype. Such an elevated frequency of European haplotypes is due to male gene flow from Europeans in French Polynesia.


Abstract We study the problem of prescribing the curvature on an open Riemann surface of finite topological type, with either negative Euler characteristic, or with an hyperbolic end, when the prescribed curvature function is not everywhere negative.


NEW SOUTH WALES. The report of the Government Statistician of New South Wales for the metropolis of Sydney and for the Newcastle district for the month of July, 1'914, has been published in the "Government Gazette." The returns for the metropolis reveal a birth-rate corresponding to an annual biI:th;rat~pj;!r ):jOllO'of population of 31.99, as compared with 21.89 for the average of July for the previous five years. The death-rate corresponded to an annual death-rate' of 12:2'4,ascomparedWith"I1.83 "for: the corresponding periodfoi' thep~evlousflveyeats.' .Thi\'" iltee ltlma.te blr-th-ra.te worked: out at 2.46,' which is' approxtmatelvithe vsame as theraverage for 'July "during th,e' last five yeats. 'Ph ere has been a slight decline in the number of deaths' under one year .of age, the frequency working' out at 62 per 1,000' births. In regard to the causes of death, 100 out of a total"'ot740 were due to pulmonary disease's, 94 to heart diseases, and 69 to developmental diseases of infants, 52 to phthisis, 50 to cancer, 47 to Bright's disease, 46 to apoplexy, etc., 37 to senility, 25 to accident, 23 to epidemic diseases, and 22 to diarrhcea and enteritis. As compared wtth the average number in July during the previous five years, apoplexy and phthisis were considerably more frequent; and epidemic dtseases considerably less frequen't-cause of death'. Eleven'deaths were due to diphtherin. :i to typhoid fever, 3 to scarlet fever and 1 each to pertussis and influenza. During,the' month;·!l'Z·'cases of typhoid fever, 200 of diphtheria, 205' of s'c~rletif'ever:66 small-pox, ami 2 of anterior poliomyelitis werenottfted, The'mean shade temperature for the month was '52:9°, 'and the highest record 63.5°. The greatest amount of humidity recorded was 100 per cent. and the least 37 per cent. The total rainfall was 8.76, as compared with 5.91, which was the average for July during the previous ten years. In regardr tothe death-rate, 269 deaths occurred in hospitals. T,he returns for the Newcastle district Include the following figures: The birth-rate per 1;000 of population was 3.23, which is equivalent to an annual rate of 3.76. Six of the 186 infants born were illegitimate. The death-rate for the month worked out at 1.18 per 1,000 of poulation, which is equivalent to an annual death-rate of 14.16. Twelvedeaths occurred in public institutions. 'I'he chief causes of death were: Heart disease (14 out of a total of 68), developmental diseases of infants (10), bronchitis (4), pneumonia (3), and senility (3). Five cases of typhoid fever, 15 of diphtheria and 40 of scarlet fever were notified during the month. One of the cases of diphtheria proved fatal. The death-rate of infants under one year of age was 70 per 1,0'00 births.


Addition of andaliman extract has been shown to provide increased protection from lipid oxidation during cooking. Although andaliman extract has reported as an effective antioxidant in autoxidized system, no study have been published on its effects on light-induced oxidation or photosensitized oxidation. The objective of this research is to determine singlet oxygen quenching effects of andaliman extract on erythrosine-sensitized photooxidation of linoleic acid and in palm oil. Freeze dried ground andaliman fruit was sequentially extracted first using hexane, followed by acetone, and finally the residue was extracted by ethanol. Each of these three extracts were added to light-induced lipid peroxidation in a reaction system containing linoleic acid or palm oil with the presence of erythrosine as a photo sensitizer. Upon the exposure of fluorescent light at 4000 lux singlet oxygen is presumably formed from triplet oxygen which initiate the lipid peroxidation process. The sequential extraction of andaliman resulted in ethanolic extract containing phenolic compounds consistently show antioxidative activity presumably through singlet oxygen quenching in light-induced lipid peroxidation in either linoleic acid or RBD palm oil reaction mixture containing erythrosine as a photosensitizer. The andaliman hexane and acetone extracts may contain not only phenolic compounds, but also trace amount of plant pigments which resulted in stronger lipid peroxidation effect than the antioxidative effect of phenolic substances, especially at higher level of addition.


[Objective]To analyze the reason of complications of microendoscopy discectomy(MED)and to research the solution.[Method]Twenty two cases of complications were found in a total of 570 cases of lumbar disc herniation(LDH),the reasons were investigated.[Result]Complications included bleeding,neural deficit worsening,infection,reoccurring,dural tears,instability of lumber.Neural deficit worsening occurred in 5 cases(19.1%);the reoccurring involved 8 cases(30.7%).The reasons of complications involved failure of indication selection,insufficient image reading capability and lack of practiced skill.[Conclusion]MED is an effective treatment for LDH,while postoperative worsening of neural function and reoccurring are common complications.It is key point to choose proper indicating,having practiced skill and improve the level of diagnosing and managing relevant complications.


The fine arts legacy that history has left, are showing human intelligence ,culture and idea for every era. It was important to excite students understanding, exploring local humane landscape , fine-arts resources and inheriting national culture to develop local fine-arts education in local human landscape .


The rapid development of the Irish economy in the 1990s has provided substantial scope and possibilities for radical change. During this period the Irish economy has experienced high growth rates, expanding employment and low levels of unemployment. This paper evaluates the trend in welfare provision and social outcomes for this period. Although the Irish social welfare system has become more generous in the areas of health, education and direct social welfare benefits, it remains closer to a residual than a universal system. We conclude that there is little evidence in the Irish case yet to support any substantive trend toward a more socially equitable system.


ABSTRACT A literature review and experimental evaluation has been conducted to determine the effect of volatile fatty acids (VFA) on attached growth anaerobic fermenter performance. The literature review provided limited information establishing proposed relationships between C2-C5 VFAs and fermenter performance. These relation-ships were then evaluated using experimental data obtained from continuously stirred tank (CST), upflow sludge blanket (USB), and suspended particle-attached growth (SPAG) fermenters. The observed relationships are presented together with their effect on fermenter microbiology and stress-states.


The rapid growth in the miniaturized mechanical and electronic devices industry has created the need for temporary attachment systems that can carry out pick‐and‐place and transfer printing tasks for fragile and tiny parts. Current systems are limited by a fundamental trade‐off between adhesive strength and state‐changing trigger force, which causes the need for a rapidly switchable adhesive. In this study, an elastomeric microstructure is presented combining a trapezoidal‐prism‐shaped (TPS) and a mushroom‐shaped microstructure, which overcomes the trade‐off with the help of the TPS structure. The optimal design exhibits a strong adhesive strength of 87.8 kPa and a negligible detachment strength of <0.07 kPa with a low trigger shear stress of 10.7 kPa on smooth glass surfaces. The large tip‐to‐stem ratio (50 to 20 µm) enhances the suction effect, allowing the microstructure to maintain its adhesive performance even in wet conditions. Pick‐and‐place manipulation tasks of a single and an array of ultralight parts from micrometer to millimeter scales are performed to demonstrate the capability of handling fragile and tiny parts. Moreover, it demonstrates the ability to transfer parts across water and air interfaces. This proposed microstructure offers a facile solution for manipulating microscale fragile parts in dry and wet conditions.


A comparative study of the efficacy and safety of hyaluronan viscosupplements and placebo in patients with symptomatic and artrhroscopy-verified carilage pathology


A molding-type power inductor is an inductor that uses a hybrid material that is prepared by mixing a ferrite metal powder coated with an insulating layer and an epoxy resin, which is injected into a coil-embedded mold and heated and cured. The fabrication of molding-type inductors requires various techniques such as for coil formation and insertion, improving the magnetic properties of soft magnetic metal powder, coating an insulating film on the magnetic powder surface, and increasing the packing density by well dispersing the powder in the epoxy resin. Among these aspects, researches on additives that can disperse the metal soft magnetic powder having the greatest performance in the epoxy resin with high charge have not been reported yet. In this study, we investigated the effect of silanes, KBM-303 and KBM-403, and a commercial dispersant on the dispersion of metal soft magnetic powders in epoxy resin. The sedimentation height and viscosity were measured, and it was confirmed that the silane KBM-303 was suitable for dispersion. For this silane, the packing density was as high as about 72.49%. Moreover, when 1.2 wt% of dispersant BYK-103 was added, the packing density was about 80.5%.


The use of power electronics has led to a growing importance of higher time-harmonic content in electrical machines. To gain insight in phenomena related to these higher harmonics, such as noise and losses, a good understanding of the magnetic field's harmonic content is mandatory. Moreover, the development of fast and accurate, harmonic-based, analytical models requires a qualitative knowledge of the machine's time- and spatial-harmonic content. Although the harmonic content of electric machines is an extensively studied topic, previous publications tended to focus on one type of synchronous machines and often did not consider higher time-harmonic orders. This paper complements the existing theory by providing a more general approach, thereby covering machines and operating points that were not covered until now. It considers both three-phase and multi-phase machines with an odd number of phases. The winding distribution can either have an integer or a fractional number of slots per pole and per phase, and higher time-harmonic content is regarded as well. Note that the saturation is neglected. Despite its general validity, this paper succeeds at providing one simple equation to determine the machine's time-and spatial-harmonic content. Moreover, this paper also extensively discusses the physical causes of the harmonic content. The combination of this general validity, the simple result, and the insight in the physics makes that this paper is a strong tool to both study harmonic-related phenomena in electric machines and to develop harmonic-based analytical models.


Changes in the job market are affecting how employees view their current positions and careers leading to more employees (so-called 'free agents') developing portfolio careers. To maintain their long-term employability, free agents need to continually enhance and expand their expertise, knowledge-base, reputation and networks, and it has been argued that this will influence how employees view and approach their workplace learning. This article reports the findings of qualitative research aimed at exploring the free agent concept, the implications for workplace learning and the implications for human resource development (HRD) functions in organizations. The research used a convenience sample of 11 organizations from three continents, with data collected from senior HRD executives through telephone and face-toface interviews and e-mails. The results highlighted how some employees are changing their attitudes towards workplace learning, particularly those considered 'high potential' or working in 'high tech' positions. The research also identified how organizations are increasingly viewing learning as a means of attracting and retaining high quality employees, with implications for HRD functions in terms of a greater emphasis on delivery methods for learning beyond traditional training and greater emphasis on career development activities.


The adverse effects of the human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic are felt most severely in some of the world's poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa which has led to an upsurge in the number of orphaned children. This study assessed the nutritional status of 196 children, 0 to 17 years orphaned from HIV/AIDS living in Bauchi metropolis, using anthropometry and food frequency questionnaire. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation and paired samples T-test were computed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Their body mass index (BMI)-for-age and height-for-age were computed using WHO AnthroPlus software. Majority 159 (81.4%) of the respondents were above 5 years while 36 (18.6%) were under 5 years.  The most frequently consumed cereals were rice 179 (92.3%) and maize 172 (88.7%), while the most frequently consumed tuber, animal protein, fruits and vegetables were yam 171 (88.1%), meat 130 (67%), and fish 129 (66.5%), Orange 147 (75.8%) and garden egg 134 (69.1%) respectively. Twenty-eight (14.4%) and 18 (9.3%) of the children were moderately and severely underweight respectively, while 34 (17.6%) and 5 (2.6%) were moderately and severely stunted respectively. Twenty children were used for the intervention (administering kwash-pap powder for a period of 1 month) and the mean weight gain (0.99±0.43 kg) was significantly different before and after the study (p<0.001). Food based intervention can improve the nutritional status of children orphaned by HIV/AIDs.

 Keywords: HIV/AIDs, Bauchi, malnutrition, kwash-pap, orphans.


Members of the genus Pseudomonas bacterium are of great interest because of their importance in plant disease. In this study, DNA fingerprints of 60 strains of Pseudomonas bacteria including three species of Pseudomonas syringae (Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. Lachrymans (Psl)), Pseudomonas savastanoi (Psa) and Pseudomonas tolaasii (Pt) were used for developing a robust predictive classification model. The DNA fingerprints were obtained by repetitive polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC), repetitive extragenic palindromes (REP), and BOXAIR primers. The classification results of counter propagation artificial neural network (CP-ANN) modeling indicated that a combination of Rep-PCR fingerprinting and chemometrics analysis can be used as an effective and powerful methodology to differentiate species of Pseudomonas and pathovars of P. syringae strains based on a predictive model.


We prove that almost every finite collection of matrices in $GL_d( \mathbb{R} )$ and $SL_d({\mathbb{R}})$ with positive entries is Diophantine. Next we restrict ourselves to the case $d=2$. A finite set of $SL_2({\mathbb{R}})$ matrices induces a (generalized) iterated function system on the projective line ${\mathbb{RP}}^1$. Assuming uniform hyperbolicity and the Diophantine property, we show that the dimension of the attractor equals the minimum of 1 and the critical exponent.


Objective of this paper is to present how Fiat Auto has developed a peculiar and innovative global sourcing model in conjunction with the rolling out of its "world car" project "178". Differently from other OEMs, that have designed vehicles with common "global" underbody platforms adapting body, trim levels and ride characteristics to local conditions, Fiat Auto "world car" concept and globalization strategy is more ambitious and complex, since the standardization of the 5 models stemming from the 178 platform involves absolute cross-country identity not only of interior/exterior design and contents but also of quality levels, robustness and compliance with European rules in terms of safety and pollution. The international supply chain supporting this globalization process can be interpreted as a double network of operations and transactions: the "internal" supply chain, where "makes" are exchanged between Fiat Auto plants; the "external" supply chain where "buys" are purchased by Fiat Auto plants from suppliers. In the "external" supply chain, Fiat Auto manages, in a global sourcing perspective, a relatively stable group of suppliers, though in a competitive perspective, in order to guarantee cross-plant and cross-market component uniformity and worldwide efficiency. After depicting Fiat Auto global sourcing policies and the related organizational structures and processes, the paper highlights achievements and challenges of the model. The paper argues that Fiat's global sourcing, while putting competitive pressure on suppliers by means of worldwide information transparency on prices, quality and service, works as a performance improvement stimulator within OEM-first tier suppliers partnership relationships ("voice" mechanism), rather than a pure and simple supplierswitching device ("exit" mechanism).


Pharmacists play an important and crucial role in promoting a drug-free sport. Sports pharmacy is part of the pharmacy practice that provides pharmacist a designation to offer pharmaceutical care in variety of settings considering the needs of athlete-patients including doping control. Drugs prohibited in sports are often obtained by athletes from pharmacies either intentionally or inadvertently. Knowledge of what these substances are and how they exert their performance enhancing effects can help in preventing the inappropriate use of such drugs. Cold and flu products often contain decongestants, which help to dry up a runny nose. Various drugs that functions as decongestants also have stimulant properties. The important role played by pharmacy is illustrated well by using dispensing units during common wealth games held in Manchester for disabled people and number of substances were suggested for prohibition. Present study underscores the contribution and importance of pharmacists in social sports called common wealth games.


Higher concentrations of chlorides and other contaminants found in many U.S. well networks A new analysis of 56 well networks that represent many major U.S. aquifers and urban and agricultural land use areas has found that in 66% of the networks there was a statistically significant increase in concentration of at least one of three indicators of water quality: chlorides, dissolved solids, and nitrates. The analysis, by the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Water Quality Assessment Program ( NAWQA), which was released on 30 April, compared samples of groundwater collected from wells during 1988–2000 with corresponding samples collected from 2001–2010. The analysis found statistically significant increases of chloride concentrations in 43% of the networks, with the largest median decadal increases in well networks in the upper Illinois River Basin and in the New England coastal basins, while the largest median decadal decrease was in the upper Snake River Basin in the Pacific Northwest. The analysis also found statistically significant increases of dissolved solids concentrations in 41% of the well networks and increases of nitrate concentrations in 23%.


This study examined the relationship between selected attributes of physical educators (N=94) and their attitudes toward teaching students labeled educable mentally retarded, behaviorally disordered, and learning disabled. Data were collected through the administration of the Physical Educators' Attitude Toward Teaching the Handicapped–II (PEATH–II) instrument. A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that, of the eight selected teacher variables assessed, physical educators' perceived competence in teaching students with handicaps was the best predictor of attitudes. A repeated-measures ANOVA and subsequent post hoc comparison tests indicated that learning disabled students were viewed more favorably than educable mentally retarded and behaviorally disordered students.


J. Willard Gibbs in his pioneering work on the influence of surfaces discontinuity upon the equilibrium of heterogeneous masses suggested for the measurement of the quantities of a system a geometrical surface dividing the interfacial layer. Surface excess is the difference between the amount of a component actually present in the system, and that which would be present in a reference system if the bulk concentration in the adjoining phases were maintained up to the arbitrary chosen but precisely determined in position dividing surface.


Method for treating liquid slurries of bentonite particles, optionally comprising contaminating solids, by adding a dispersing agent composition comprising poly (acrylic acid), characterized in that bentonite slurries having a specific weight ranging from 1.01 g / cm 3 to 1.40 g / cm 3 are treated by adding a dispersing agent composition comprising 130 g NaOH in 500 g of a mixture of poly (acrylic acid) of average molecular weight 50% water, a ratio of at least 4 liters of dispersing agent composition per m 3 of suspension, and that the mixture of slurry and dispersion agent composition is submitted to a stage settling / separation for a period of 5 minutes to 5 days, to separate liquid bentonite or bentonite with the contaminating solids to settle thereby causing the bentonite or the bentonite with the contaminating solids.


In this paper, a novel dual-band periodic metamaterial antenna with a continuous beam scanning property from backward to forward directions is first proposed by using an eighth mode substrate integrated waveguide (EMSIW) based metamaterial transmission line (MTM TL). The proposed beam scanning antenna consists of 11 unit cells of the EMSIW based MTM TL, and the unit cell of MTM TL is designed by etching two different interdigital fingers on the upper ground of EMSIW. The MTM TL has two balanced composite right/left-handed (CRLH) passbands, and exhibits a continuous phase constant changing from negative to positive values within the two passbands. For verification, the proposed dual-band periodic beam scanning antenna is fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the fabricated beam scanning antenna has two operating frequency bands of 4.2–6.2 GHz (38.5%) and 10.2–11.1 GHz (8.5%), with a return loss better than 10 dB, and achieving a continuous beam scanning property from backward  −62° to forward  +55°and backward  −27° to forward  +18° within the two operating frequency bands, respectively. The measured peak antenna gain is 14.7 and 11.7 dB in the first and second operating frequency band. Moreover, the proposed antenna has a filtering capability in the two operating frequency bands. Besides, the measured and simulated results of the proposed dual-band periodic antenna are in good agreement with each other, indicating that the significance and effectiveness of this method to design beam scanning antenna.


The Ir-Co/C catalyst was prepared via a liquid phase reduction method.X-ray diffraction(XRD) and transmission electron microscope(TEM) results indicated that Co atoms enter the crystal lattice of Ir and form the Ir-Co alloy as evidenced by the lattice constriction of Ir and the aggregation of Ir particles could be suppressed.The electrochemical investigation illustrated that comparing with the Ir/C catalyst,the onset potential of the NH3 oxidation is negatively shifted about 100 mV,the peak current density is increased about 100% and the electrocatalytic stability is also increased at the Ir-Co/C catalyst.In addition,the sensitivity and the detection limit of NH3 are decreased at the Ir-Co/C catalyst.The results illustrate that the electrocatalytic performance of the Ir-Co/C catalyst for the NH3 oxidation is obviously better than that of the Ir/C catalyst.Thus,the Ir-Co/C catalyst has a potential application in the electrochemical NH3 sensor.


Basing on the experience of monitoring and practicing on noise of diggings many years and the features of causes and pollution of digging noise,the author probes into the model that monitor and evaluate noise.


The article is devoted to the study of the role of cadastral systems and land management in urban planning. The authors consider ways to optimize land use and urban planning based on the integration of modern cadastral tools. Potential advantages and opportunities provided by cadastral systems for effective management of urban territories, ensuring their sustainable development and taking into account ecological, economic and social aspects are analyzed. The article examines the relationship between cadastral systems and land management in the context of urban planning. The main attention is paid to the optimization of land use and urban planning with the help of modern cadastral technologies. Key principles by which cadastral information can contribute to a more rational and efficient distribution and use of land resources in urban conditions are considered. In addition, the article discusses the importance of cadastral systems in the formation of urban planning strategies and plans for the development of settlements. Formation of land relations, peculiarities of urban development. The theoretical foundations were studied and made it possible to develop an integrated environment for urban land use. This environment combines methods and models of observation, processing and use of geodata, implementation of urban planning documents, assessment of the dynamics of urban objects, identification of inconsistencies, their detection and correction, as well as methods of monitoring the development of urban territories, taking into account their economic, social and legal context. The relevance of the application of geoinformation systems is noted in connection with the complexity of urban planning documentation, a large volume of data and problems of management and distribution of urban land resources. Such systems are considered as a comprehensive solution aimed at optimizing decision-making processes in urban planning and land use. The article focuses on the need to integrate modern technologies into the urban planning process to achieve sustainable development of cities and harmonious interaction between man and the environment.