With rapid population growth comes the ever-important task of meeting the energy demand that this growth requires, and many of the world's tropical regions have turned to hydropower to address the challenges associated with increasing energy consumption. Hydropower is an important energy policy issue in Brazil, and it is promoted as the preferred electricity option, because it is the least expensive in terms of long-term returns on investment; the Belo Monte dam in Northern Brazil provides an opportunity to study the effects of large investments in hydroelectric infrastructure on the surrounding local population. Using a matched panel data spanning 10 years (2005 to 2015), we study the impacts of Brazil's Belo Monte dam on cocoa and other food crop producers in the region. We find that households have seen a decline in rural employment opportunities, and despite improvements in cocoa productivity households have experienced declining food production. With the construction of the dam largely completed, farmers must now face the challenges of decreased food access and shifts in employment opportunities, and while there are many advantages and opportunities associated with this new development, special policy considerations are necessary to ensure that there are safety nets in place to assist those who will see a decline in access to economic opportunities.


This paper describes the control aspects and results of a student project called "MonoChair". The goal was to have students walk through a complete control systems development cycle. The focus in this contribution is put on the design of a stabilizing linear controller, a sensitivity analysis in order to study the impact of parameter variations, and the design and test of an adaptive controller using a model reference approach. The linear controller has been implemented on the physical system and has extensively been tested in driving experiments. The adaptive controller has been tested in simulations and implemented on the physical plant as well. Initial experimental results are presented. A video showing the performance with the nominal linear controller can be found on [1].


[Abstract] Objective To clone, express and study on the immunogenicity of human 67kDa laminin receptor precursor(LRP) .Methods The cDNA encoding LRP was amplified from gastric cancer cell SGC7901 by RT - PCR, then inserted into pUCm - T vector by T - A cloning and sequenced. Prokaryotic expression vector was constructed by recombinant DNA technique. LRP protein fused with histidine tag was expressed in M15/ pQE system and identified by SDS - PAGE and Western blot. Mice were immunized with the polyacrylamide gel particles containing the fusion protein, and the sera of them were detected for antibody activity by Western blot. Results The sequence of amplified cDNA fragment was fully consitent with that of LRP. After M15/pQE -LRP bacterium was induced with IPTG for 2h, a new protein band with a relative molecular weight of 34000 was shown on SDS - PAGE profile, and further proved to be fusion protein by Western blot. The antisera of immunized mice only recognized an unique protein band with a relative molecular weight of 42000 and showed high binding activity to target protein even at a dilution of 1:2000. Conclusion Human LRP with good immunogenicity was successfully expressed.


A analytical method for rapid determination of magnesium and zinc in finger nail by noncomplete digestion-flame atomic absorption spectromety have been developed. The sample was digested in concentrated nitric acid under low temperature and a homogeneous and transparent solution of sample was obtained. The working curve method was applied to the determination and blank solution was used as reference.The pretreatment condition of sample,chemical interference,effect of nitric acid, identity of viscosity for test solution and its blank solution,background absorption interference and detection limit were studied.The relative standard deviations were found to be less than 2.9%.The test results were consistent with those obtained by ashing method.The relative errors between two method were less than ±2.0%.This method was convenient,apid and accurate.


The effects of rare earth cerium additive on the corrosion resistance of electroplating Zn-Fe alloy coating were investigated. Loss of weight test, immersion test, and electrochemical corrosion parameters showed that the corrosion resistance of the coating could be improved obviously with a certain amount of rare earth cerium in the bath. Based on scanning electron microscope analysis, more smaller and denser Zn-Fe alloy plating was obtained by adding some rare earth cerium additive in the bath, and this is the reason for good corrosion resistance.


[Objective] The aim was to determine the content of the isoflavones in the leaves and the stems of Manglietia hainanensis.[Methods] Genistein was viewed as reference substance,the ultraviolet spectrophotometric method was used to determine the content of the isoflavones in the leaves and branches of Manglietia hainanensis.[Results]The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.000 5-0.004 5 μg/ml,and the regression equation was C=0.003 9A,R=0.999 9,the content was 0.240 % and 0.078 %.[Conclusion] The spectrophotometry was suitable for the determination of isoflavones from the leaves and branches of Manglietia hainanensis.This method operated conveniently,the result was stable and has good repeatability.


ABSTRACT Community-based adaptation (CBA) has gained traction in the management of climate risks within developing societies, due to its capacity to include local knowledge and build the adaptive capacities of vulnerable groups and communities. Yet little is known about what happens when such projects are implemented on the ground. This paper presents the results of a research project that sought to understand local perceptions and responses to planned CBA interventions in rural coastal communities in Bangladesh. Based on a qualitative approach, this paper presents the dominant narratives within local communities about the NGO-initiated CBA project. Findings highlight there is a deep disconnection between the objectives of CBA interventions and the perceptions of local communities about the project. Such a difference in perceptions meant that project participants prioritized personal gains over the creation of collective capacities to adapt to climate change. The paper concludes that in order to resolve such tensions, the gap between 'community-based' adaptation theory and practice needs to be addressed.


Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPRs) are respirators that utilise a small centrifugal blower to aid in drawing air through a filter. If the dynamic behaviour of PAPRs with filters can be modelled, adaptive controllers can be made so that air is only supplied through the filter when a user inhales. This paper presents the identification of a Wiener model using a separable least squares method with experimental application to a PAPR. The linear dynamics are shown to fit to an output error model structure, with the nonlinearity being a quadratic function. The model structure is then validated on a PAPR constructed in open loop formation. The validation is furthered by altering the filter resistance to check the performance of the model.


Introduction: Suicide, the most serious complication in patients with mood disorders, is the cause of death in 15 to 25% of untreated patients with mood disorders. Aim of the Study: To assess suicidal risk in patients with mood disorders through its correlation to the personality profile of those patients. Subjects and Methods: The cases were selected from inpatients admitted in the Institute of Psychiatry. The sample is a selective one including the first 50 patients admitted at the institute and fulfilling the criteria of bipolar or unipolar mood disorders according to DSM-IV. Patients were diagnosed by SCID-I, personality was assessed TCI-R, and suicidal ideation was assessed using Beck scale for suicide ideation. Results: Sixty four percent of patients did not have a previous history of suicide, 22% were classified as ideators and 14% with previous suicidal attempts. Correlation of Cloninger temperament and character to Scores of patients in Beck Scale for suicide ideation revealed direct relationship with total scales of personality dimension reaching point of statistical significance with harm avoidance (HAt) (p=0.017) and correlation held with history of suicidality revealed a higher mean scores of HA1 (anticipatory worry and pessimism Vs. Uninhibited optimism) among patients with previous suicide attempts with significant statistical difference. Also higher mean scores of RD2 (openness to warm communication versus aloofness) was detected among patients with previous suicide attempts with significant statistical difference. Conclusion: Suicidal risk in patients with mood disorders is correlated to their personality profiles. Personality assessment in patients with mood disorders is essential to predict risk of suicide in those patients.


This paper,from the existing educational pattern of higher education,presents the new curriculum systems based on the flexible education concept,and elaborates on the basic ideas and frame structure of the flexible curriculum systems.Then the measures of constructing the new curriculum system are discussed.It emphasizes a people-oriented approach that both scien- tifically trains talents and respects their personality.This is a flexible educational pattern that aims at educating the young talents to meet the needs of the modern society.


Purpose
This paper aims to examine the effect of family control on corporate anticorruption disclosures of UK publicly listed firms and whether female board directors moderate the latter relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses Poisson regression analysis for a sample of 1,546 FTSE 350 firm-year observations. Weighted least squares and propensity score matching are then used to assess the robustness of the findings.

Findings
The results show that family ownership and involvement are negatively associated with anticorruption disclosures. The tests of moderation indicate that female directors decrease the negative effect of family control on anticorruption disclosures.

Originality/value
To the best of the researcher's knowledge, this paper is the first to investigate the impact of family control on anticorruption disclosures while taking into consideration the moderating effect of female directors.


Disaster information is a key factor for fire extinguishment and emergency rescue that plays an important role in rescue actions.The basic concept,content and manifestation form of disaster information are induced in this paper,which also analyzes application status and future development direction of disaster information for fire extinguishment and emergency rescue by fire fighting force.Some improvement advices for application of disaster information are proposed,which provides technical supports for informatization construction of fire extinguishment and emergency rescue.


Uncontrolled lithium dendrites seriously hinder the commercialization of lithium metal batteries in comparison to the durable lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, inspired by squashy pomegranate structure, a novel loading strategy of metallic lithium (Li) is introduced to construct dendrite‐free Li metal anodes through porous reduced graphene oxide/Au (PRGO/Au) composite microrods (MRs) as unique storage parcels. The abundant internal voids and robust host structure are capable of achieving high mass loading of Li metal and effectively alleviating the conceivable volume change during cycling, accompanied by the preferential selective plating/stripping of Li inside the graphene‐based MRs with the embedded Au nanonuclei. As a result, the obtained PRGO/Au–Li anodes deliver a long‐lifespan stable cycling up to 600 h with a high specific capacity of ≈2140 mA h g–1 and voltage hysteresis as low as 20 mV in the absence of dendrites. The assembled full cells exhibit excellent rate capability and cycling stability. This work provides an alternative strategy to construct advanced high‐energy‐density lithium batteries via the unique 1D bioinspired graphene‐based packaging strategy.


Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular tumor associated with HHV-8 virus infection with a benign course in most cases. Local or minimally invasive treatments have been suggested especially for localized Kaposi sarcoma. We present a case of a Kaposi's Sarcoma on the penis treated with propranolol oral with total response.


Clinical characteristics Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is typically characterized by evidence of feminization (i.e., undermasculinization) of the external genitalia at birth, abnormal secondary sexual development in puberty, and infertility in individuals with a 46,XY karyotype. AIS represents a spectrum of defects in androgen action and can be subdivided into three broad phenotypes: Diagnosis/testing The diagnosis of AIS is established in an individual with a 46,XY karyotype who has: undermasculinization of the external genitalia, impaired spermatogenesis with otherwise normal testes, absent or rudimentary mullerian structures, evidence of normal or increased synthesis of testosterone and its normal conversion to dihydrotestosterone, and normal or increased luteinizing hormone (LH) production by the pituitary gland; AND/OR a hemizygous pathogenic variant in AR identified by molecular genetic testing. Management Treatment of manifestations: To prevent testicular malignancy, treatment of CAIS may include either removal of the testes after puberty when feminization is complete or prepubertal gonadectomy accompanied by estrogen replacement therapy. Because the risk of malignancy is low, however, removal of gonads is increasingly controversial. Additional treatment for CAIS may include vaginal dilatation to avoid dyspareunia. Treatment of PAIS in individuals with predominantly female genitalia is similar to treatment of CAIS, but is more likely to include prepubertal gonadectomy to help avoid increasing clitoromegaly at the time of puberty. In individuals with PAIS and ambiguous or predominantly male genitalia, the tendency has been for parents and health care professionals to assign sex of rearing after an expert evaluation has been completed. Those individuals with PAIS who are raised as males may undergo urologic surgery such as orchiopexy and hypospadias repair. Those individuals with PAIS who are raised as females and who undergo gonadectomy after puberty may need combined estrogen and androgen replacement therapy. Males with MAIS may require mammoplasty for gynecomastia. A trial of androgen pharmacotherapy may help improve virilization in infancy. It is best if the diagnosis of AIS is explained to the affected individual and family in an empathic environment, with both professional and family support. Prevention of secondary manifestations: Regular weight-bearing exercises and supplemental calcium and vitamin D are recommended to optimize bone health; bisphosphonate therapy may be indicated for those with evidence of decreased bone mineral density and/or multiple fractures. Surveillance: Periodic reevaluation for gynecomastia during puberty in individuals assigned a male sex; monitoring of bone mineral density through DEXA scanning in adults. Evaluation of relatives at risk: For an apparently asymptomatic older or younger sib who has normal external female genitalia and who has not yet undergone menarche, a karyotype can be done first. For those phenotypic females who have a 46,XY karyotype, molecular genetic testing for the known AR variant in the family can be pursued next. If the AR variant in the family is not known, androgen binding assays could be considered. Genetic counseling AIS is inherited in an X-linked manner. Affected 46,XY individuals are almost always infertile. Each offspring of a female known to carry an AR pathogenic variant (heterozygote) is at a 25% risk for each of the following: Carrier testing for at-risk relatives and prenatal testing for pregnancies at increased risk are possible if the pathogenic variant in the family is known.


Working Papers are interim reports on work of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and have received only limited review. Views or opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Institute, its National Member Organizations, or other organizations supporting the work. Abstract A stochastic branch and bound method is extended and applied to the water quality management problem. The goal is to examine implementation issues, i.e., to look at the research questions which arise when applying a theoretical mathematical method for practical applications. These questions consist of the techniques for bounding and branching and the selection of diierent stopping criteria. This extended Stochastic Branch and Bound method is then applied to the water quality management problem of meeting speciied dissolved oxygen standards in a stream. The problem is to select wastewater treatment facilities at diierent locations along a stream with the objective of maximizing the likelihood of good management solutions, i.e., maximizing reliability and minimizing vulnerability, given water quality goals and a xed budget level. The method is demonstrated for the Willamette River in Oregon, USA. Both implementation questions and water quality management issues are analysed. The results show that the method is eecient and accurate in the water quality management case studied here, and may provide computational approaches to many other problems of similar complexity, which appear to be intractable otherwise. iii iv Contents 1 Introduction 1 2 The water quality model and problem formulations 2


Investigated here is the performance of composite explosives - measured in terms of the blast wave they drive into the surrounding environment. The composite charge configuration studied here was a spherical booster (1/3 charge mass), surrounded by aluminum (Al) powder (2/3 charge mass) at an initial density of {rho}{sub 0} = 0.604 g/cc. The Al powder acts as a fuel but does not detonate - thereby providing an extreme example of a 'non-ideal' explosive (where 2/3 of the charge does not detonate). Detonation of the booster charge creates a blast wave that disperses the Al powder and ignites the ensuing Al-air mixture - thereby forming a two-phase combustion cloud embedded in the explosion. Afterburning of the booster detonation products with air also enhances and promotes the Al-air combustion process. Pressure waves from such reactive blast waves have been measured in bomb calorimeter experiments. Here we describe numerical simulations of those experiments. A Heterogeneous Continuum Model was used to model the dispersion and combustion of the Al particle cloud. It combines the gasdynamic conservation laws for the gas phase with a dilute continuum model for the dispersed phase, as formulated by Nigmatulin. Inter-phase mass, momentum and energy exchange are prescribed by more » phenomenological models of Khasainov. It incorporates a combustion model based on mass conservation laws for fuel, air and products; source/sink terms are treated in the fast-chemistry limit appropriate for such gasdynamic fields, along with a model for mass transfer from the particle phase to the gas. The model takes into account both the afterburning of the detonation products of the booster with air, and the combustion of the Al particles with air. The model equations were integrated by high-order Godunov schemes for both the gas and particle phases. Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) was used to capture the energy-bearing scales of the turbulent flow on the computational grid, and to track/resolve reaction zones. Numerical simulations of the explosion fields from 1.5-g and 10-kg composite charges were performed. Computed pressure histories (red curve) are compared with measured waveforms (black curves) in Fig. 1. Comparison of these results with a waveform for a non-combustion case in nitrogen (blue curve) demonstrates that a reactive blast wave was formed. Cross-sectional views of the temperature field at various times are presented in Fig. 2, which shows that the flow is turbulent. Initially, combustion occurs at the fuel-air interface, and the energy release rate is controlled by the rate of turbulent mixing. Eventually, oxidizer becomes distributed throughout the cloud via ballistic mixing of the particles with air; energy release then occurs in a distributed combustion mode, and Al particle kinetics controls the energy release rate. Details of the Heterogeneous Continuum Model and results of the numerical simulations of composite charge explosions will be described in the paper. « less


ABSTRACT This paper offers an analysis of the primary wrong of epistemic injustice, namely, of the intrinsic harm that constitutes its action itself. Contrary to Miranda Fricker, I shall argue that there is an additional, overlooked dimension of this harm, which consists in a failure to perceive the knower as a concrete other with distinctive needs, features, and perceptions that are always implicit during her epistemic contributions. I shall name this dimension 'affective', and I shall consider the harm of epistemic injustice in the broad as simultaneously 'epistemic-affective'. In Section 1), I explain what I understand as a lack of individuality within feminist epistemology and in Fricker´s theory of epistemic injustice. As a result, in Section 2), I derive my notion of the affective dimension of the knower by drawing from Seyla Benhabib´s notion of the concrete other. Finally, Section 3) and 4) redescribe the primary wrong of testimonial and hermeneutical injustice respectively in terms of the affective wrong of having one´s specific needs and particular contribution as an individual unfairly diminished and downgraded. Overall, this shows that the harm of epistemic injustice should be reconceived as 'epistemic-affective'.


The effects of teacher personality and efficacy beliefs on practitioners' performance in the classroom, and student achievement have been well documented. However, little is known about the relationship between teachers' Big Five personality traits and their beliefs about teaching efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between English language teachers' personality, as measured within the framework of FiveFactor personality Model (FFM) by NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and teacher efficacy beliefs, measured by Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) developed by Tschannen-Moran and Hoy (2001). Participants of the study included 168 English language teachers who were teaching to senior and junior high school students. Data obtained from the above mentioned instruments were analyzed through stepwise multiple regression. Results of the study indicated that two of the NEO-FFM variables, extroversion and conscientiousness, significantly predicted teacher efficacy beliefs. The results also demonstrated that regarding the facets of teacher efficacy beliefs, extroversion was the most significant predictor for classroom management and conscientiousness came out to be the most significant predictor for instructional strategies as well as student engagement. The conclusion and the pedagogical implications of the study are discussed in detail.


Cavitation erosion inspections and repairs of hydraulic turbine runners require long periods of outage that limit hydropower generation. Although a current design tendency is to lower the cavitation of new runners, cavitation erosion continues to impose costly repair and loss of revenues. A vibratory detection system of cavitation erosion was installed 10 years ago for continuous monitoring of 4 high-power hydro-generators (> 300 MW) in a Hydro-Québec power plant. A new hardware version of the system was developed and installed in 2010. This new system configuration is more reliable than the previous generation. This situation improves the availability of the system and then allows more accurate evaluation of the cavitation erosion of the runners. The vibration measurements at the lower guide bearing and the analysis of the Mean Square Value (MSV) along with its modulation at the high frequency range (generally 5 to 15 kHz) allow the estimation of the cavitation erosion. The algorithm can be use to evaluate the relative cavitation signature vs. of operating conditions of the power plant or the continuous monitoring of the absolute cavitation erosion rate (in kg/10 000h). The absolute evaluation appeals for a vibratory transmissibility function between the blade and the guide bearing. In this research project the validation of the erosion evaluation algorithm is a continuous task. On planned inspection activities, the cavitation erosion was directly measured on each blade of the runners using a cavity filling method giving the exact volume of eroded material and by a normalized IEC 60609 method that allows an estimation of the same cavity by overall dimension measurements. The evaluation of the vibratory transmissibility function was also performed during this inspection. These evaluations are compared and will be used to enhance the erosion evaluation algorithm. This paper presents the historic of this vibratory detection system of cavitation erosion and will discuss the present work of validation of the erosion evaluation algorithm. Future work will also be discussed.


The ELF radiation characteristics of a horizontal wire antenna (HWA) are studied and antenna performance predictions are derived using a simplified "image theory" approach. These performance predictions are substantiated by the results of a 1962 full scale ELF radiation experiment using a transmitting antenna consisting of a 50 mile length of power line located over low conductivity precambrian rock between Cheyenne and Larmie, Wyoming. The transmitting antenna was energized with 200 amperes of single phase 60 Hz current. Electric and magnetic field strengths were measured over an area within a 200 mile radius of the transmitting antenna as well as at a selected "low noise" receiving site 1000 miles away in the Los Padres National Forest, California. Using the "image theory" analysis and accounting for the ELF propagation characteristics of the earth-iononsphere waveguide, the calculated near field and far field values are shown to be consistent with the experimental results.


For some time, a mathematical model called QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) has been discussed in the fields of chemistry and pharmacy. QSAR is a way of correlating physical and physico-chemical properties of chemical substances to a mathematical evaluation of the structure of their molecules. The aim of this approach is to predict properties of similar substances. This paper shows the application of this method to surfactants and their washing efficiency.


The heat shock proteins gp96, HSP70, and HSP90 are complexed to a diverse array of cellular proteins and peptides as a consequence of their chaperone functions. There is good experimental evidence that vaccination with these heat shock protein‐peptide complexes elicit immune responses against chaperoned peptide antigens. As shown with gp96, this requires internalization of the heat shock protein‐peptide complexes by macrophages and processing of the chaperoned peptides for class I restricted presentation. Via this process, primarily CD8+ antigen‐specific T cells are primed by gp96 vaccination. This might represent a general mechanism for priming of MHC‐class I restricted T cells by professional antigen‐presenting cells. At least gp96 has been shown to be associated with peptides that are not selected by the MHC haplotype of the harboring cell. This allows for immunization with gp96‐peptide complexes across MHC barriers, for example against shared tumor antigens or viral antigens. J. Leukoc. Biol. 60: 153–158; 1996.


Spinaches(Spinacea oleracea)were packed in plastic skeps as control or packaged in plastic film bags without being sealed and stored at 9℃ for 33 days or at 2℃ for 45 days or 63 days to study the effects of film packaging without sealing and low temperature on storability of spinaches to select optimal storing method of the vegetable. Control spinaches lost water severely manifested by much higher weight-loss percent, as led to them wilting severely, and those stored at 9℃ yellowed severed. Pplastic packaging of spinaches without sealing and storing them at 2℃ could prevented them significantly form losing water, yellowing and rooting, therefore, maintained them fresh in appearance with storage period of more than 2 montns with yellowing percentage about 20%. When stored at 9℃, plastic film packing of spinaches also restrained them losing water effectively, but caused them rotted severely.


Employability has become one of the biggest concerns of higher education institutions (Osborne, Dunne & Farrand, 2013). Some authors believe that there should be a focus on bridging the gap between real world and higher education through changing the curriculum towards a more practical, work-related emphasis (Gulikers, Bastiaens & Kirschner, 2004; Wilson, 2012). Essential to this process is assessment as it influences what is taught and measures and supports students' learning (Griffith University n.d.). However, traditional forms of assessment such as examinations with multiple-choice questions which test students on rote learning are not suitable to foster deep surface learning. An authentic assessment as defined by Gulikers, Bastiaens and Kirschner (2004, p. 69), is "an assessment requiring students to use the same competencies, or combinations of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, that they need to apply in the criterion situation on professional life". Changing the assessment setting to a more "authentic" one is introduced as an improved way to embed elements of employability into the curriculum. Despite its current high graduate employability rate, RMIT Vietnam has started the process of following this trend. This paper introduces the implementation of RMIT Vietnam"s institution wide initiative to move towards more authentic assessments and in particular to remove all final examinations for all courses by the end of 2018. Aiming to provide students with an enhanced learning experience, RMIT Vietnam is going through a structured process of collecting and analyzing data about current issues with assessments for existing programs; developing supplemental resources for designing authentic assessments; organizing a community of practice for academic staff to share their experiences and collaborating between teaching teams and academic developers to redesign specific courses" assessments.


We generalize the rotationally-invariant formulation of the slave-boson formalism to multiorbital models, with arbitrary interactions, crystal fields, and multiplet structure. This allows for the study of multiplet effects on the nature of low-energy quasiparticles. Non-diagonal components of the matrix of quasiparticle weights can be calculated within this framework. When combined with cluster extensions of dynamical mean-field theory, this method allows us to address the effects of spatial correlations, such as the generation of the superexchange and the momentum dependence of the quasiparticle weight. We illustrate the method on a two-band Hubbard model, a Hubbard model made of two coupled layers, and a two-dimensional single-band Hubbard model (within a two-site cellular dynamical mean-field approximation).


The aim of this study was to describe the complications of clandestine abortions and their surgical treatment. It is a retrospective analysis of cases recruited in the surgical units of the Yaounde Central Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital over a period of four years from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2008. The epidemiological variables studied were age, parity, past gynaecological history, the duration of amenorrhoea at the time of the abortion; the clinical variables studied included the condition of the patient on her arrival in the surgical service, the type of lesions discovered, the type of treatment and the outcome. Fifty-one patients were included in the study; the age of the patients ranged from 15 to 41 years (average=30 years); 13 patients had a previous illegal abortion; 13 (25.42%) aborted above 13 weeks of pregnancy, and 49 (96%) presented with peritonitis and a poor general status. The surgical lesions were perforations and tears, at the level of the uterus in 20 cases (39.21%), on the intestine, colon and rectum in 16 cases (31.37%), and on the bladder in four cases. Treatment consisted of managing associated peritonitis with surgical repair of the uterine, intestinal and bladder tears; two hysterectomies, five salpingectomies, two cystostomies and two colostomies were also done. The mortality rate was 15.6%. This study recommends reinforcing education of women on contraception and family planning and a social policy to reduce the number of clandestine abortions.


Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the adult population. The management of traumatic brain injury depends on its severity. It must be recognized that almost all forms of treatment for TBI are geared towards the minimization of secondary injury, as it is assumed that primary injury is irreversible. The discussion here represents much of what is known up-to-date concerning TBI management, but its treatment continues to evolve once new mechanisms of injury are discovered and those that we know of now are refined. The treating staffs are encouraged to keep up with the current state of the literature to stay informed.


The standard reference material (SRM) for fineness of cement, SRM 114, is an integral part of the calibration material routinely used in the cement industry to qualify cements. Being a powder, the main physical properties of cement, prior to hydration, are its surface area and particle size distribution (PSD). Since 1934, NIST has provided SRM 114 for cement fineness and it will continue to do so as long as the industry requires it. Different lots of SRM 114 are designated by a unique letter suffix to the SRM number, e.g., 114a, 114b, .... ,114q. A certificate that gives the values obtained using ASTM C204 (Blaine), C115 (Wagner) and C430 (45 μm sieve residue) is included with each lot of the material. The supply of SRM 114p, which was released in 1994, was depleted in 2004. Therefore, a new batch of SRM 114 needed to be developed. This process included selection of the cement, packaging the cement in small vials, and determination of the values for the ASTM tests reported. In this case, the Blaine, Wagner and 45 μm sieve residue were the tests used. Later the particle size distribution (PSD) will be added. The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed description of the process used to package and certify SRM 114q. All measurements used for the certifications are provided along with descriptions of the statistical analyses.


Objectives: Develop an electronic prototype that respects the environment, through the use of microcontroller cards such as Arduino, Nodemcu, IoT concept and cloud for the control and measurement of water consumption. Objectives specific: Process the data provided by sensors and meters distributed in the main water supplies of the university, as well as the public and private sectors and combine them with information, such as consumption patterns, to build a sophisticated image of how the water network is behaving . through the concept of IoT, data mining, big data and cloud. Measure and evaluate the impacts of the results obtained by the smart meter and that provide the applications for the correct decision making. Objectives Methodologycs: Strengthen the research line of the work team, which sets the standard for us as part of an academic body, of proposing projects based on Internet of Things, Big-Data and data mining technologies, using as a platform the potential of the microcontroller boards (Photon, Arduino, etc.), to enter the new industrial model 4.0 - environment. Create an academic body that carries out research activities through the use of different research methods for the solution to different problems within the institution. Contribution The water resource is essential for life, however, society rarely thinks about the different ways of use that is generally given, or the many activities of daily life in which it is present, and how our life It would change if its availability were near the end of its life cycle. The present project arises from the need to have a better control in the water consumption registers mainly in the Technological University of the North of Guanajuato which is the place where this research originates and from these registers allow an analysis of the data of consumption with greater accuracy and the best decision making.


logical and outcome descriptors. Surgeons can review and amend their data before lockdown and data cleansing. Analysis of 2016-18 data was performed for 5,288 patients undergoing RC in England. RESULTS: Using Hospital episode statistics (HES) as the comparator, the BAUS RC dataset for England (2016-18) was deemed to be 93% complete. Median patient age was 70 (IQR 62 e 75), and 75% were male. Charlson comorbidity index of 2 was reported in 66%. RCs were performed as primary treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in 44%, with 31% performed for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The commonest disease stages were T2N0 (30%) and T1N0 (21%). Table 1 summarises surgical and outcome descriptors. Conversion rate for RARC was 5%. High (>60) and low (<30) annual volume centres each accounted for 29% of RCs. Postoperative histology upstaged 22% of cases and downstaged 23%. NMIBC and MIBC were lymph node positive in 7% and 22% of cases respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of this comprehensive and highly complete dataset offers the first set of UK national RC standards against which surgeons can compare their practice. It allows procedure, patient and disease-specific comparison against national trends and outcomes. Adoption of technology and specific aspects of surgical practice can be observed, including operative modality, LND and reconstruction techniques. Public facing analysis of this dataset will enhance informed patient decision-making.


The Timeliness of financial reporting is part of the decision of the investor in judging and making decisions, where the more timeliness of the company is judged to have good performance and relevant information. The purposive of this research is to examine the influence of firm size, reputation of Public Accountant Office, leverage and liquidity that effect to timeliness of financial reporting. The population of this research is all manufacturing company listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange, year 2013-2016. The method of sampling is the use of purposive sampling using SPSS software 22 version.The results of this research described that firm size, leverage, and liquiditydoes not influence to timeliness of financial reporting. Meanwhile, reputation of Public Accountant Office is take effect to timeliness of financial reporting.
Keywords : Firm size, leverage, liquidity, reputation of KAP, timeliness of reporting.


The paper first classifies the congestion levels of intersections and links into 3 classes using a hierarchical clustering method,which can not only distinguish the importance of various intersections but can be helpful in planning their capacities.Then it formulates a state parameter,named maximum flow,which may contribute in estimating the congestion level of network as a whole.Finally,the modified cutting-set matrix algorithm,namely multiple-input-multiple-output maximum flow method,is designed and the feasibility is proved by experimental results.


A model for tropospheric odd nitrogen is presented. It is argued that the vertical profile of HNO3, a highly soluble gas, is similar to the vertical profile of water vapor, so that the volume mixing ratio of gaseous HNO3 to water vapor is constant with altitude. The value of this mixing ratio, deduced from the observed concentration of nitrates in rainwater, is found to be about 4×10−7. Because the photochemical interconversion times of the other odd nitrogen species are relatively short, the densities of NO, NO2, NO3, N2O5, and HNO2 are obtained from the HNO3 profile assuming local photochemical equilibrium. Sample calculations show reasonable agreement with observed tropospheric NO and NO2 concentrations, as well as the observed rainout rate of nitrates.


The electrical activity of silver as well as its annealing properties in 10 Ω cm p-type Fz silicon substrate are studied by means of the four-point probe and minority carrier lifetime measurements. Silver atom concentration in the range 10 14 to 10 15 cm -3 consistently showed a donor type behaviour in the material and its presence led to a reduction of up to two orders of magnitude in the lifetime of minority carriers by the formation of deep-level traps. Isochronal annealing of silver contaminated specimens showed some gettering of the Ag impurities with resulting temperature dependent changes in the resistivity as well as the minority carrier lifetime values. Analysis of our results shows that a large fraction of the silver impurity atoms present forms the deep level defects and both the deep- and donor-levels appear to originate from the same source.


For the past five years the big news for the American economy has been a noticeable productivity growth spurt. Coming out of World War II, U.S. productivity growth was at historically high levels and then, in the early 1970s, it dropped suddenly and mysteriously. Apart from cyclical movements, low productivity growth continued to the mid-1990s and was thought to be a more-or-less permanent fixture of the American economic landscape. But, just as suddenly, in 1995 productivity gains started to shoot back up to very robust heights.


Objective To evaluate the clinical value of MR imaging with multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced T1 high resolution isotropic volume examination(THRIVE) in the diagnosis of portal vein embolus.Materials and Meth-ods Firty-eight cases of portal vein embolus(39 cases of cancer emboli and 9 cases of thrombus) confirmed by pathology or clinical data were examined with conventional two-dimensional non-enhanced MR sequence and THRIVE sequence of multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced scans.The detection capability of portal vein emboli and its characterization were evaluated for THRIVE sequence of multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced scans.Results Combined with conventional non-enhanced MR scan sequence,39 cases of cancer emboli and 9 cases of thrombus were diagnosed correctly in THRIVE sequence of multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced scans.The qualitative accuracy of the portal vein emboli was up to 100% in THRIVE sequence of multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced scans.Multi-plane reconstructin and maximum intensity projection images of 48 cases could distinctly reveal the location,shape and extent of portal vein embolus,and the complications such as cavernous transformation and arteriovenous fistula.Conclusion THRIVE sequence of multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced scans has important clinical value in the evaluation of portal vein embolus.


The erythropoietin (EPO) response to anemia was assessed for 244 subjects aged 1–64 years (mean 45.2 years) and 121 subjects aged 65–94 years (mean 68.3 years). Subjects included non‐anemic individuals as well as those with anemia of various etiologies, excluding renal disease and pregnancy. Significant inverse correlations between serum immunoreactive EPO and hematocrit were noted for both groups. Regression lines failed to show a significantly lower slope or y‐intercept for older compared to younger subjects. EPO levels were not significantly lower for older compared to younger subjects when controlled for hematocrit level. These results suggest that the EPO response to anemia in older subjects is similar to that of younger subjects.


Objective To compare the curative effect of the minimally invasive puncture drainage and small bone window craniotomy in treatment of hematomas in basal ganglia region. Methods We analyzed retrospectively the clinical data of the minimally invasive puncture drainage( invasive group,n = 40) or the small bone window craniotomy( small bone window group,n = 40) for treatment of 80 patients with hemorrhage in basal ganglia in tongcheng people 's hospital from March 2009 to March 2013. Results The operation time,peri-operative bleeding and time of hospitalization in invasive group were significantly lower than those in small bone window group. Moreover,the rate of complication in the invasive group was lower than that in small bone window group,but this difference was not statistically significant. Although there was no significantly difference in the curative effect between them,the long-term quality of life in small bone window group was significantly higher than that in invasive group. Conclusions The small bone window craniotomy in treatment of moderate amounts of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia had better curative effect compared with the invasive group. It can improve patients' long-term quality of life and is worthy of clinical promotion.


The invention provides a hot rolling device for magnesium alloy and a rolling heating method. The hot rolling device consists of a reversing rolling mill, a conveying roller table, a coiling machine, a roller heater, a roller table heater and a plate blank edge heater. When magnesium alloy plates are rolled, the conveying roller table on which the roller is contacted with a magnesium alloy plate blank is preheated, the plate blank is heated during rolling, and the temperature reduction in the rolling process is controlled, so that the plate blank is rolled into a coil. Compared with the traditional magnesium alloy rolling device, the device has the characteristics of high production efficiency, high yield, low cost and the like. In addition, the rolling temperature, particularly the finish rolling temperature can be accurately controlled, and the recrystallization grain size of the magnesium alloy can be controlled; therefore, magnesium alloy strips produced by the equipment have the characteristic of good mechanical properties.


This 2 star hotel is located in the city centre of Orlando and was established in 1989. It is a short drive away from the Seaworld. The Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre/gym. All 210 rooms are equipped with hairdryer, safe, ironing..


The crisis that the war against Iraq brought to the international law is the concentrated reflection of the contradiction between the international law in force and contemporary international society. The war against Iraq violated the international law and brought a blow to the international law. At the same time, it provides the necessity and the possibility to improve the current international law and will bring development of the international law to a new stage.


We show how to construct, for a Lagrangian of arbitrary order, a Lepage equivalent satisfying the closure property: that the Lepage equivalent vanishes precisely when the Lagrangian is null. The construction uses a homotopy operator for the horizontal differential of the variational bicomplex. A choice of symmetric linear connection on the manifold of independent variables, and a global homotopy operator constructed using that connection, may then be used to extend any global Lepage equivalent to one satisfying the closure property. In the second part of the paper we investigate the role of vertical endomorphisms in constructing such Lepage equivalents. These endomorphisms may be used directly to construct local homotopy operators. Together with a symmetric linear connection they may also be used to construct global vertical tensors, and these define infinitesimal nonholonomic projections which in turn may be used to construct Lepage equivalents. We conjecture that these global vertical tensors may also be used to define global homotopy operators.


The experimental study allowed us to learn about antibacterial activity in essential oils in Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Myrtle, Orange plants and their by-products used in the industry. Phase 1. Extraction of essential oils through steam distillation. Phase 2. Determination of antibacterial activity through diffusion of the agar disc. Phase 3. Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration through macrodilution in broth. Phase 4. Product effectiveness tests. The results showed antibacterial activity in eucalyptus and rosemary oils against Escherichia coli at concentrations of 100%, 75% and 50%, whereas for S. aureus only orange and eucalyptus oils were effective at concentrations of 75% and 100%, however, eucalyptus oil was the only one with inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 100% concentration. It is concluded that the antibacterial activity found in the EO of orange, eucalyptus, myrtle and their by-products such as myrtle gel opens the door for the development of subsequent studies in the search for its application in the cosmetic industry as a viable alternative to the treatment of skin and gastric system related conditions, given the ability to inhibit the growth of S. aureus and E. coli.


The purpose of this study was to determine whether: 1) the organizational level of protege, audit firm structure and protege gender influenced on the supervisory function; 2) the supervisory function affected turnover intention moderated by the job satisfaction; 3) supervision function partially influence the desire to move without job satisfaction moderated. The respondents included accountants working at 3 Jakarta Public Accounting Firms (PAFs) affiliated to the International Public Accounting Firms. A hundred and fifty-seven respondents participated in this study.
This applied structural equation modeling (structural equation modeling) of LISREL 8-SIMPLIS software for data analysis. The results shows that the organizational level of protege, audit firm structure and protege gender significantly influence on the supervisory function and supervisory function affects the turnover intention and job satisfaction.


The author considers the wide range of transport options which may be described as 'unconventional modes' or 'UCMs' and attempts to classify them. The need for a classification system is discussed and criteria listed which UCMs should satisfy. Data on UCMs was obtained from local authority transport planning and policy documents. Modes considered include D/R diversions, multiple service bus, contract bus, subscription bus, free shoppers' bus, post bus, community bus, PSV dial-a-bus, welfare dial-a-bus, social car, hospital car, lift-giving scheme, car- pooling, shared taxi, freight courier service, demountable vehicle and railbus. Also noted are urban PSV minibuses and PSV cars. A classification is carried out based on features including passenger eligibility, flexibility of routeing and timing, multipurpose operation, community operation, alternative finance and new technology. Suggestions are made for developing transport resources using unconventional modes. For the covering abstract of the book see IRRD 853027.


The third plenary session of the Party's 14th central committee has clarified the objectives of the reform of public finance,thereafter a public fiscal income system characterized by the principle of "revenue sharing" has been gradually established.Presently it is determined theoretically and practically to install a managerial system of public fiscal expenditure,which complies with the general rules in this field and accords with China's situation;in doing so,it is inevitable to break conventional restraints and make innovation to traditional practices.Innovation to the managerial system of fiscal expenditure,which is an objective demand to perfect market economy and public fiscal system,is a key and fundamental step to eliminate the current problems with fiscal expenditure,regulate distribution of funds,and improve the effect of expenditures to meet the requirement of market economy.Hence,what lies in front of us is a major theoretical and practical task to carry these innovations out.


Studying the spatiotemporal variations of the urban heat island (UHI) effect and its cause is important towards understanding urban climate change, planning and green development, and disaster mitigation. In this paper, by using surface observations and reanalysis data with objective classification of synoptic weather patterns (SWPs), we analyze the associations between canopy UHI intensity (CUHI) and SWPs in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and their potential drivers during wintertime of the period 2012–2017. Six dominant types of SWP are identified as follows: In the case of Types 3, 4, and 6, weak high‐pressure systems exist to the south of Beijing, resulting in weak southerly winds with low PBL height, large cloud coverage and high relative humidity (RH). These conditions are generally conducive to a strengthening of the CUHII. In contrast, under Types 1, 2, and 5, high‐pressure systems are located to the northwest of Beijing, and the associated strong northwesterly flows of dry and cold air strengthen the boundary layer mixing process, resulting in large wind speed and low RH. This is conducive to a weakening of the CUHII. In general, our work reveals the impacts of SWPs on the strength of CUHII mainly via the modulation of local weather conditions at diurnal and interannual scales, while spatial pattern of CUHII is largely dominated by local climate zones. Our findings have implications for CUHII forecasts, as well as impact assessments and policymaking in the context of UHI‐related energy conservation in winter over high‐density urban areas on the synoptic scale.


A model for estimating the separation efficiency of the multi-entry cyclones, the modified Dietz model, was presented by Liesmaki et al.. In this work the model is verified with test results.


A method and apparatus for (a) generating a constant rate data stream from data, (b) a router via the terminal unit provides the constant rate data stream to, and (c) an address to specify the terminal unit. The method and apparatus allows the exchange of the data bypass network central office.


New conjugated oligomers were synthesized by reacting diphenylacetylene under high pressure of 0.13–0.76 GPa at 250 and 300°C for 1–10 h. The number-average molecular weight Mn, and the weight-average molecular weight Mw increased with pressure, but those values were independent of temperature and time (Mn, 320–490; Mw, 350–580). Elementary analysis, field desorption mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance experiments revealed that the oligomer above and including pentamer was a new compound having cyclic structure. Toluene solutions of the oligomer (400 Mn) contained within a quartz cell were irradiated with the pulse from a frequency-doubled Nd : Yag laser at 532 nm. The transmittance of the solution decreased with input fluence, and we observed an optical limiting property with saturated output fluence. As the concentration of the oligomer increased, the saturated output fluence decreased. The optical limiting property was analyzed according to the reverse saturable absorption mechanism. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68:129–135, 1998


This paper show that the comparison between impetus theory and Newton's view. At first we offer historical conceptions of projectile motion then we investigate one of the great philosophers, say that Mulla Sadra's view about motion. In fact we show that the impetus theory is a forgotten controversy in the classical mechanics and now it's rejected without any proper reasons. Our study indicates that in Ibn-Sina's view the range and the area of projectile obtained as complex statements.


Abstract Background COVID-19 has resulted in more than 670 million confirmed cases and more than 6.8 million deaths worldwide as of March 2023. This pandemic situation has put a significant strain on health care systems in each country, and the crises experienced by the USA, Britain and Italy have shown that even developed countries' systems can collapse. This this study aims to measure and evaluate the performance of OECD countries' health care systems against COVID-19 in terms of relative efficiency. Methods This study uses DEA to measure and compare the relative efficiency of national health care systems in response to COVID-19. We calculate technical, pure technical, scale, and super efficiency ranks based on the CCR, BCC, and Super-SBM models. The input variables are COVID-19-related health expenses, ICUs, facilities and equipment, and the number of examiners, and the output variable is the excess mortality rate due to COVID-19 of 2020, one year. Results According to the CCR model, two of the 20 analyzed countries, including Denmark and Iceland, are 100% efficient, and the remaining 18 countries are relatively inefficient. The average of technological efficiency is 0.26. According to the BCC model, a total of 10 countries are 100% efficient. The average of pure technical efficiency is 0.71. As a result of measuring the efficiency of scale, Denmark and Iceland are 100% efficient, and the remaining 18 countries are relatively inefficient. The average scale efficiency is 0.28. The super-efficiency ranking was followed by Denmark, Iceland, Korea and, etc. Conclusions When the analysis results were classified by health security system again, efficiency was high in the order of NHS, NHI, and SHI. When classified by financing sources and service provider, it was confirmed that tax-type countries were more efficient than insurance-type countries, and public supply-oriented countries were more efficient than private supply-oriented countries. Key messages • The efficiency of health care system of OECD countries against COVID-19 was measured, and the causes of performance were explored in terms of the structure of the system. • Through this, we intend to derive policy implications that can maintain the sustainability of the health care system in the face of health security crises such as the pandemic.


The Psalmist captures a poignant moment as Jewish exiles sit beside Babylonian rivers, lamenting a lost Jerusalem. They are alienated emotionally, physically, and spiritually from that home. Their captors command them to sing, but they cry out, "How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?" (Ps 137:1-4, KJV). This is a fundamental missiological question. How do we sing God's song in new and unfamiliar territories, among different cultural and religious groups, in large metropolises where we do not feel at home, where we have not yet found our voice? In the book of Jeremiah God gives specific instruction to the exiles on how to "sing" in their new alien urban environment. He throws cold water on any hopes they might have for a quick return to their homeland. Instead, he tells them to settle down, build houses, plant gardens, marry, and seek the shalom of the city: "But seek the welfare [shalom] of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for its welfare [shalom] and you will find your welfare [shalom]" (Jer 29:7, NIV). Shalom, a rich, multi-layered Hebrew word, means, among other things, peace, prosperity, welfare. And God is telling them to pray and work for the shalom of the city. In doing so, he says, they will find their own shalom. This is startling counsel. They are not to set up a separate Jewish enclave in the city of Babylon, which would perhaps be their natural inclination. After all, it would be so much easier if they kept together as a cultural and religious family. It would be easier to keep the Sabbath, to eat kosher food, to avoid idolatrous Babylonian practices, and to comfort each other with shared memories and hopes. But God tells them to do the exact opposite—to engage in their society, to bring shalom to the city. Some six centuries later, the long-awaited Messiah worked for the shalom of towns and villages where he ministered. He did teach in synagogues, but they were not the focus or center of his wholistic mission.


On the basis of the exergy cost theory, a procedure has been developed for carrying out an in-depth thermodynamic analysis of air-compression refrigerating machines and thermal pumps taking into consideration nonequivalence of exergy losses in various links of thermotransformation process and their effect on consumption of exergy supplied to the system. A thermoeconomic model of a single-stage air-compression refrigerating machine was proposed which takes into consideration structural and topological features of the process scheme and interrelation between its elements. For an equivalent mapping of structural and topological features of the refrigerating machine scheme, a parametric flow graph was developed. The procedure uses a matrix form of recording exergy balances which is the most convenient for representation of the thermoeconomic models. In order to obtain reference operating mode of the refrigerating machine, the principle of thermodynamic process idealizing was used. Application of the structural theory of thermoeconomics has made it possible to establish the portion of endogenous and exogenous destruction of exergy in the elements of the refrigerating machine. Numerical implementation of the proposed procedure has made it possible to reveal influence of internal irreversibility in the cycle determined by non-isentropic compression processes in the compressor and expansion in the expander. A significant effect of efficiency of the expansion process in the expander on the exergy efficiency of the air-compression refrigerating machine was established. Influence of the change of ambient temperature on the character of consumption of exergy by each element of the refrigeration machine was estimated. It has been revealed that even a slight change of the ambient temperature significantly affects consumption of "fuel" by each element of the system, while the dependence is linear. Generalized dependences of exergy indicators on variable factors have been obtained which enabled finding of unfavorable operating conditions for equipment with increased energy consumption. It was established that the efficiency factor of the turboexpander has the greatest influence on the change of consumption of exergy of "fuel" in the system.


Computerized games have proved to be a great tool to help students learn independently of their application, either in foreign language teaching or to arouse interest in learning from other disciplines or even to help them learn specific functions in certain professions, due to its popularity and motivational capacity. Nowadays, with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) available, it is possible to create new teaching methodologies that use Game-Based Learning (GBL) to facilitate learning. This work aims to develop a Serious Game to aid in the acquisition of knowledge about a historical event occurred in the sixteenth century: The Black Death. The game provides teachers and students with a new kind of teaching that can be used in the classroom, motivating and facilitating the acquisition of students' knowledge. The game was developed using the RPG Maker VX Ace tool, that allows create attractive, versatile and accessible RPG games. Other advantage isn't internet connection is required to use the game. To create scripts, RPG Maker uses the Ruby programming language, an open source language that is easy to understand and use, and is focused on productivity. After completing, the game proved to be a good tool to help the teacher, addressing the Black Death theme and the Mongol attack on the city of Caffa. The game gave an insight on the theme, introducing the subject and as waiting, presented the theme form more dynamic, in order to arouse the students' interest.


Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are fluids used during machining and grinding to prolong the lift of the tool, carry away debris, and protect the surfaces of work pieces. These fluids reduce friction between the cutting tool and the work surface. reduce wear and galling, protect surface characteristics, ...


Apparatus for transferring fluent material such as a liquid or gas from a chamber in which it is contained into a receiving chamber, at least one of said chambers having rigid metallic walls and being inaccessible for the use of conventional transfer means, said two chambers being connected by means such as a hose extending between one of said chambers and a hollow body sealedly attached onto the wall of the other chamber, and means for creating an orifice in the wall of said other chamber to permit the passage of a liquid or gas therethrough; pumping means to activate such transfer; and other means for the retrieval of said apparatus.


BACKGROUND
The present study analysed the effects of different occlusal loading on premolars displaying various non-carious cervical lesions morphologies, restored (or not) with composites, by 3D finite element analysis.

METHODS
A three-dimensional digital model of a maxillary premolar was generated using CAD software. Three non-carious cervical lesions morphological types were simulated: wedged-shaped, saucer and mixed. All virtual models underwent three loading types (100 N): vertical, buccal and palatal loading. The simulated non-carious cervical lesions morphologies were analysed with and without restorations to consider specific regions, such as the occlusal and gingival walls as well as the depth of the lesions. Data summarizing the stress distribution were obtained in MPa using Maximum Principal Stress.

RESULTS
Palatal loads were responsible for providing the highest values of accumulated tensile stress on the buccal wall; 27.66 MPa and 25.76 MPa for mixed and wedged-shaped morphologies, respectively. The highest tensile values found on non-carious cervical lesions morphologies restored with composite resin were 5.9 MPa in the mixed morphology, similar to those found on sound models despite their morphologies and occlusal loading.

CONCLUSIONS
The various non-carious cervical lesions morphologies had little effect on stress distribution patterns, whereas the loading type and presence of composite restorations influenced the biomechanical behaviour of the maxillary premolars.


Abstract Since the last OSEA Conference in February 1978, at least 68 new exploration contracts and 25 farmout agreements have been identified in Southeast Asia. Although high finding rales for commercial hydrocarbons appear to continue (1 in 5), proven oil fields remain characteristically small (less than 20 million barrels recoverable). Available statistics indicate that a significant expansion of exploration activities in Southeast Asia has occurred within the last two years. This should continue if political influences outside the region will allow. Also host governments in Southeast Asia must clearly recognise the particular exploration problems that exist within the region, so that realistic contract terms can be negotiated and agreed. Availability of seismic crews and drilling units from other areas outside the region will provide the main constraint on continued exploration growth.


Histamine infusion studies were performed in 54 healthy persons, in 58 patients with duodenal ulcers and in 29 patients with gastric ulcers. The acid load entering the duodenum was estimated by measuring the loss of an intragastric marker, phenol red. The volume of duodenal juice that had refluxed into the stomach and which was aspirated with the gastric juice was estimated by the sodium content of the aspirate. The bicarbonate concentration of the refluxed duodenal juice was calculated from the relationship between neutralisation and total electrolyte concentration, since the reaction of one bicarbonate ion removes two ions from the resultant mixture. The mean bicarbonate concentration of the refluxed duodenal juice in the control group was 116,4 (+/- 9) mEq/1, and the individual bicarbonate concentrations showed the expected dependence on the magnitude of the intraduodenal acid load. The mean bicarbonate concentration in patients with duodenal ulcers was 84,6 (+/- 9) mEq/1, which was significantly lower than in healthy persons. In patients with duodenal ulcers and in those with gastric ulcers, the reflux bicarbonate concentrations were independent of acid load. These results confirm previous reports of an impaired pancreatic bicarbonate secretion in response to duodenal acid load in patients with duodenal ulcers, and indicate a similar response in patients with gastric ulcers.


Video synthetic aperture radar (VideoSAR) presents significant potential for improving the performance of information interpretation. Key frames represent the aspect-dependent electromagnetic energy, which frequently obscures other scattering physics dominated by specular returns. In this paper, we propose a vision-based background subtraction approach for capturing VideoSAR scattering key-frame information in simultaneously single-channel and single-pass configurations. The spatiotemporal key-frame extractor combines subaperture energy gradient with modified statistical and knowledge-based object tracker. It can robustly discriminate the scattering features of the alternation between transient persistence and disappearance. We evaluate the proposed method using several measured airborne data. Experimental results and performance comparison have demonstrated that the scattering key-frame extractor can achieve a high accuracy for VideoSAR summarization.


Background: Phthalates are widely used chemicals in consumer products. Prior studies suggest that exposures to certain phthalates may affect child respiratory health, but no studies have evaluated ...


The concentration of ethylene accumulating in the outer portion of sapwood in stems was measured in normal spruce and snake spruce from March to July in 1997. During growth, the endogenous levels of ethylene were higher in stem sapwood in the common spruce than in the snake spruce. Dormant cuttings of both varieties were treated with various concentrations of ethylene gas or Ethrel and maintained for up to 5 weeks under environmental conditions favourable for growth. After harvest, cambial activity, measured as the number of tracheids formed, was measured both at, above and below the application point of ethylene gas or Ethrel. Both treatments stimulated cambial activity at the point of application with the effect being more pronounced in the snake spruce cuttings. The role of ethylene in the regulation of cambial growth rate in normal and snake spruce cuttings is evaluated.


Abstract Objectives: Focal cerebral ischemia is responsible for alterations of vascular permeability, and the loss of microvascular integrity is a primary source of subsequent hemorrhages. We evaluated the influence of different durations of ischemia and reperfusion on infarction size and microvascular damage after focal cerebral ischemia in the mouse. Methods: C57BL/6 mice (n = 39) were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia (I) and reperfusion (R). Consecutive brain sections were analysed for infarction volumes (Nissl-staining) and for collagen type IV (immunohistochemistry and western blot). Results: Infarction size (percentage of the infarction volume versus ipsilateral hemisphere) increased with total time of ischemia and reperfusion: 19 ± 2% (I3R0), 30 ± 2% (I3R3), 36 ± 4% (I3R12), 41 ± 4% (I1R24), 45 ± 6% (I2R24) and 58 ± 2% (I3R24). The ischemic hemispheres showed a significant progressive reduction of collagen type IV positive vessels (ischemic versus non-ischemic contralateral area): 90 ± 3% (I3R0), 88 ± 1% (I3R3), 82 ± 3% (I3R12), 85 ± 3% (I1R24), 79 ± 3% (I2R24), 72 ± 2% (I3R24). Conclusions: Both prolonged ischemia and reperfusion lead to an increased infarction volume, as well as progressive microvascular damage.


The article deals with the peculiarities of training officers in Austro-Hungarian army since 70's of the XIX century till the beginning of World War I. The information has been presented in chronological order. The author considers the peculiarities of the structure of Austrian army, the history of the establishment of a system of educational institutions for the professional training of officers in the army, in particular, academies, schools of cadets, and officer specialized courses.


A sugya just a few lines long in the Babylonian Talmud, Gittin 88b, had enormous influence on the development of Jewish law in the area of the authority to pass judgment given to rabbinical courts in our day. According to the simple, commonly accepted understanding of this sugya, the Tannaim ruled that the Torah forbade men who had not received ordination to act as judges, and as a result, the judges in Babylonia were permitted to adjudicate, of necessity, only as agents of the judges of Palestine (שליחותייהו קא עבדינן, we act as their agents). The article reexamines these positions. The first part suggests two new ways to understand the essence of the agency of which R. Joseph spoke in the sugya. The second part of the article reexamines the source of the prohibition, to the extent that it exists, against adjudication by laymen.


A wideband fiber‐optic system for the measurement of ac high voltages is presented. The system is based on a capacitively coupled Pockels cell which works as a passive voltage sensor. The lower frequency limit is a few Hz and the upper is 150–230 MHz depending on the application. Other system characteristics are excellent electrical noise suppression, large voltage range, high input impedance, and ability to perform differential measurements separated from ground potential. Furthermore, the low cost, rugged design, and ease of operation make it suitable for measurements in a variety of high‐voltage applications.


In our previous work [1], we formulated the fundamental limits of image denoising. In this paper, we propose a practical algorithm where the motivation is to realize a locally optimal denoising filter that achieves the lower bound. The proposed method is a patch-based Wiener filter that takes advantage of both geometrically and photometrically similar patches. The resultant approach has a nice statistical foundation while producing denoising results that are comparable to or exceeding the current state-of-the-art, both visually and quantitatively.


The observation of the enhanced absorption of an InGaN/GaN quantum well through the coupling with localized surface plasmons (LSPs) and the dependence of LSP resonance energy on the geometry of a metal layer are reported.


It is shown theoretically and experimentally that the hologram recorded in a quadratically nonlinear medium is capable of forming the image in the case when the wavelengths of the object and reference beams are essentially different. Hologram was recorded in KTP crystal. Wavelengths were changed with Ba(NO3)2 crystal.


Questions

Environmental factors have been identified as strong modulators of plant community distribution and diversity, especially in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Despite recent advances in the ecology of biological soil crusts (BSC) from a community perspective, much remains unknown at the species level. Do environmental factors at different scales influence species richness, diversity and composition of BSC communities? At the species level, what are the main predictors for species occurrence and frequency?

Location

A geographic gradient from southeast to central Spain.

Methods

In a geographic gradient, we characterized BSC communities based on species richness and diversity, species composition and species frequency. Using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and multivariate analyses we evaluated the effect of precipitation, type of soil substrate, presence of shrubs and presence of Stipa tenacissima on community attributes.

Results

Precipitation positively influenced species richness and diversity, but had little effect on BSC occurrence at the species level. Type of substrate was a strong predictor for species composition, occurrence and frequency, gypsiferous soils being those with higher species richness and diversity. At the local scale, S. tenacissima had more effect on species occurrence and frequency, while shrub presence was a poor predictor of community attributes.

Conclusions

Environmental factors influence BSC diversity predominantly at a large scale, while local-scale factors influence both community diversity and species distribution.


This experiment continued from Report I was conducted to examine the breakdown of cysteine and methionine by the resting cells of some strains of Sh. flexneri, and the following results were obtained. 1. When cysteine or methionine is added independently to the suspension of these resting cells, the breakdown of these amino acids does not occur, but when added with glucose it is analyzed: in the case of cysteine desulfydration occurs, H(2)S is formed and deamination can be observed, and in the case of methionine dethiomethylation occurs, CH(3)S-SCH(3) or relating compound is formed and deamination can be also observed. 2. Such breakdown of cysteine and methionine is accelerated by VB(6). 3. Compared with the ability of analysis of these S-containing amino acids of each strain, cysteine is more analyzed than methionine by the suitable cells as S source and methionine is more analyzed by the suitable cells as S source.


ABSTRACT In recent years, the presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in wastewater discharges from agricultural and industrial sources,[1] fresh- and estuarine-waters, as well as soils, has been reported in the literature.[2] Studies of adverse changes in wildlife, linked to environmental exposure to these substances, and the suggestion that humans could also be at similar risk of adverse health effects,[3–5] have raised concern for urgent action to understand and reduce such risks. 3,4-Dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) has been recognized as an EDC, with regards to endocrine disruption data for both wildlife populations and human health.[5] 3,4-DCA is present in the environment as a product of the biodegradation of phenylurea and phenylcarbamate pesticides[6,7]; furthermore, it can be introduced from industrial and municipal wastewater that is insufficiently purified, or via accidental spills.[8–10] Increasing concentrations of 3,4-DCA in soil and water are the result of its high persistence and accumulation, as well as its low biodegradability.[11,12] Hence, remediation techniques require in-depth study, especially when considering the low removal achieved by traditional activated sludge treatments, and the generation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes as a consequence of the chlorine oxidation methods frequently used in drinking water plants.[13] Fe0/H2O2 systems, photodegradation using doped TiO2, and the use of dielectric barrier discharge reactors, seem to be the most promising techniques for the removal of 3,4-DCA from water.


This paper examines a collaborative approach to researching learning in work contexts. This approach is based on a methodology adapted from Learning Histories (Roth 1996). The concepts of learning and work are both explored. Both terms are located with a context called Communities of Practice. A project is used to explain the development and use of reflective infrastructure. Particular attention is paid to the way interests and values affect responses within the context of the project. The authors conclude that researching work and learning from this perspective can make a valuable contribution towards making learning work.


Background: The allosteric interaction between agonists and guanylyl nucleotides reports on the interaction between G protein-coupled receptors and G proteins. Results: Such allostery differs in kind between reconstituted monomers and tetramers of the M2 muscarinic receptor. Conclusion: Monomers and tetramers mediate allostery via different mechanisms. Significance: Only tetramers resemble muscarinic receptors in myocardial membranes in the nature of their sensitivity to guanylyl nucleotides. G protein-coupled receptors can be reconstituted as monomers in nanodiscs and as tetramers in liposomes. When reconstituted with G proteins, both forms enable an allosteric interaction between agonists and guanylyl nucleotides. Both forms, therefore, are candidates for the complex that controls signaling at the level of the receptor. To identify the biologically relevant form, reconstituted monomers and tetramers of the purified M2 muscarinic receptor were compared with muscarinic receptors in sarcolemmal membranes for the effect of guanosine 5′-[β,γ-imido]triphosphate (GMP-PNP) on the inhibition of N-[3H]methylscopolamine by the agonist oxotremorine-M. With monomers, a stepwise increase in the concentration of GMP-PNP effected a lateral, rightward shift in the semilogarithmic binding profile (i.e. a progressive decrease in the apparent affinity of oxotremorine-M). With tetramers and receptors in sarcolemmal membranes, GMP-PNP effected a vertical, upward shift (i.e. an apparent redistribution of sites from a state of high affinity to one of low affinity with no change in affinity per se). The data were analyzed in terms of a mechanistic scheme based on a ligand-regulated equilibrium between uncoupled and G protein-coupled receptors (the "ternary complex model"). The model predicts a rightward shift in the presence of GMP-PNP and could not account for the effects at tetramers in vesicles or receptors in sarcolemmal membranes. Monomers present a special case of the model in which agonists and guanylyl nucleotides interact within a complex that is both constitutive and stable. The results favor oligomers of the M2 receptor over monomers as the biologically relevant state for coupling to G proteins.


In this manuscript, the flavonoid of Moringa oleifera leaves was extracted with ethanol refluxing method, then the crude total flavonoid was chormatographed by AB-8 microporous absorbent resins to obtain the total flavones of Moringa oleifera leaf (TFM), With alloxan-induced diabetic mice as animal model, and Xiaoke pill as the control to estimated the effect of TFM on hypoglycemic. The results showed that TFM could remarkably decrease the serum glucose,improve activity of serum SOD and decreased their MDA in alloxan-induced diabetic mice,On the other hand, it was found that TFM had no influence on the serum glucose level in nomal mice.


Hereditary angioedema type III is a type of angioedema, affecting mainly females, without alteration of the level or function of C1 inhibitor, and is associated with exposure to increased levels of oestrogens. The authors present the case of a previously healthy 14-year-old girl observed with lip and face oedema with four days of evolution.She had started an oral contraceptive about one week before. She had no new episodes of angioedema after stopping the oral contraceptive. In the family history, both the grandmother and great-grandmother had episodes of recurrent angioedema until menopause.The authors intend to discuss a rare form of angioedema with an important impact on the patient's quality of life.The early diagnosis is important and should be based on clinical findings and a detailed family history.


This study aims to determine the factors that affect risk manajemen disclosure. The method
used in this research is quantitative research methods. The method used in this study is a
quantitative research method. The data used are secondary data obtained from the financial
statements and annual reports of consumer goods sector companies. The population in this study
are the companies ofconsumer goods sectors listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange for year of 2012-
2015. The sampling technique used purposive sampling method. Data analysis technique used are
multiple linear regression analysis. The results using multiple linear regression analysis showed
that the variable managerial ownership and public shareholding portion have aaffect of risk
management disclosure, while variable profitability and leverage do not affect risk management
disclosure.
Keywords: profitability, leverage, management ownership, public shareholding portion, and risk
management disclosure.


Ofloxacin (15 µg/mL) and acridine orange (5 µg/mL) induce mutagenicity by different mechanisms in the photosynthetic flagellate Euglena gracilis. The present study examined whether Pycnogenol® (PYC; 5–100 µg/mL) or Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761; 5–100 µg/mL) could protect against the mutagenic effects of each of the mutagens and the potential mechanisms underlying such protection. The highest concentration of PYC and EGb 761 effectively reduced the mutagenic activity of both ofloxacin and acridine orange by more than 99% (p < 0.001). Using luminol‐dependent photochemical methodology it was demonstrated that EGb 761 and PYC were effective antioxidants. In addition, as determined by spectrophotometry, PYC and EGb 761 bound acridine orange. Both PYC and EGb 761 have been shown to produce dual antimutagenic effects, as evidenced by both antioxidant and physicochemical properties. The findings suggest that EGb 761 and PYC would thus be suitable for future study, not only as antioxidants, but also as antimutagenic agents. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


We try our best to initiate in order to reduce the total load of inter wiring system of our campus by replacing the LED bulbs & LED tube light in place of CFL & Filament bulbs. Our aim is to provide a permanent solution of tripping problem as well as to reduce the power consumption. Here we are comparing the load estimation of overall internal wiring system before & after replacement by this investigation. We also present a comparative practical approach to improve the energy efficiency by using new technology.


The curriculum system for primary-school education speciality of five-year students is the nucleus part to realize the training target and standards. Following the principle of opening and flexibility, the curriculum system reflects the characteristics of subjective quality, comprehensive quality, normal quality, times quality and persistent development. Specific curriculum structure follows the pattern with obligatory courses, selective courses and exercising courses combining together organically.


This paper explores various literacy techniques that can be used to motivate and engage students to read. The literacy techniques examined were student choice, student interest, rereading with a purpose, and book discussions. A case study was conducted to determine whether or not these techniques increased reading engagement and motivation. The case study revealed that these literacy techniques did indeed promote reading motivation, particularly when the subject was given a choice in what they would be


Thirty cases of CNS Tuberculomas were studied as suggested by the CT Scan Brain (Plain and Contrast) from 2007 to 2009, at Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, India. It was most common in second and third decade of life. The most common clinical presentation was convulsions. Routine investigations did not yield the diagnosis of tuberculosis. All patients were treated with Anti Tuberculous Treatment (ATT), for 6 months and oral steroids. ATT consisted of 2 months of intensive phase of HRZE and 4 months of continuation phase of HR. No surgical intervention was done. After completion of chemotherapy, they were followed up for 6 months. Repeat CT Scans were done, which showed clearance of all tuberculomas.


Spirituality has increasingly featured in writings about religion. This article explores the diverse and often contradictory ways in which this term is now being employed, it questions the reasons for its present popularity, and asks to what extent it can serve the purposes to which it is being put. Finally, by using the insights of contemporary anthropology and especially the work of Michael Carrithers, it suggests a more satisfactory way in which the ideas associated with spirituality might be investigated.


The syntheses of 1, 2-annelated 1, 4-benzodiazepines (IV, Y = N) and 4, 1-benzoxazepines (IV, Y = 0) are described (Scheme 1). The key step is a nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 2-substituted piperazines (II, Z = NCH3), piperidines (II, Z = CH2) or pyrrolidines (II, Z= (CH2)0) with activated aryl halides (I).


The study seeks to understand whether to expect 5G in Aktobe soon. To do this, the author studies how important this technology is for residents using the example of students. Therefore, the author conducted interviews among schoolchildren and people associated with telecommunications equipment. As a result, the results show that the transition to 5G is urgently needed and that the technology can only be expected by the end of this decade. The author concluded that the problem with the Internet in the city is the reluctance to invest unnecessarily.


At the sea, the ship is subjected to the action of weather and oceanographic factors. These can generate dangerous phenomena (hurricanes, storms, moving ice, low visibility, huge waves - tsunamis, etc.) that makes maritime navigation extremely difficult, worsening the storage conditions of the goods on board, can lengthen the voyage, increase fuel consumption, ship's aging, and its instability, can create stressful living conditions for the crew, and in some negative cases, can become real threats to ships and navigation safety


Recent research in social cognition and discourse has led to a reexamina tion of how young children interpret instructions in language compre hension tests. This paper reviews some of the ways in which test presenta tion can influence children's understanding of what is being talked about and what they are being asked to do.


Description of the technique, the cases, the results. Discussion of the advantages of the T.L. approach versus the sub-occipital approach.


Fffects of 8 photosensitizing dyes added to bone marrow tissue culture in cover slips on the wandering velocity and vital staining of intramedullary pseudoeosinophils were studied in comparison with those in culture without the addition of dyes; and the following results were obtained: 1. When photosensitizing dyes such as NK 15, 2, 19, 9, 325, 91, and 243 are added in the solution of low concentration either at 1×10(-5) mole or at 1×10(-6) mole, the wandering velocity of pseudoeosinophils is accelerated, particularly marked are the effects of NK 2, 19, and 243. On the other hand, NK 79 markedly diminishes the wandering veloity; and when it is added in a form of highly concentrated solution, pseudoeosinophils stop the movement in a short time. 2. When NK. 15, 79, 19, 9 and 325 are added in a highly concentrated form of slution in the determination of neutral-red, cells are found highly stained and again fading in color early. This fact in dicates the lowering of cell activity. When NK. 243, 19, 2, 9 and 15 are added in the form of a low concentration, the stainability to vital staining is lowered, suggesting the greater activity of cell function than that in the culture without addition of dye. 3. The fact that NK. 2 and 243 promote the function of pseudoeosinophils coincides well with the acceleration of the growth of bone marrow tissue by dyes.


Morphological events during encystment (resting cyst formation) of Colpoda cucullus were studied. Some of the mitochondria were fragmented within 1 hr after onset of encystment induction. In 1~2 hr, a number of net-like globules (a kind of mucus) were synthesized in the vacuoles (mucocyst) in the cytoplasm and were expelled into extracellular space, and thereby the cell was covered with a thin mucus layer. Thereafter (2~3 hr), the cells were rounded up, and then began to be surrounded by the outermost layer (ectocyst) of the cyst wall, which is possibly derived from pellicle membranes. In this stage, many chromatin granules extruded from the macronucleus and fragmented mitochondria were surrounded by membranes to form autophagosomes, which are probably fused with lysosomes. Ectocyst formation was followed by the formation of a second layer called the endocyst by the excretion of toluidine blue-stained substance between the ectocyst and the plasma membrane. The endocyst layers were formed periodically for several days, and finally the cell was surrounded by several layers of endocysts. A large mass of chromatin was often extruded from the macronucleus more than 7 hr after the onset of encystment induction, and was gradually digested over a few days. The membrane potential of mitochondria disappeared in 7~15 hr after the onset of encystment induction. In the final step (7 days), the organelles were surrounded by amorphous electron-lucent materials, and all ciliary and kinetosomal structures disappeared.


The Er:YAG laser has been shown to be a effective and safe tool for middle ear surgery, due to its wavelength of 2.94 μm matching a peak in the absorption spectrum of tissue. The development of a compact laser provides similar optical properties with the additional advantage of being a smaller and more flexible system. The laser-tissue interaction of the laser with porcine otic capsule bone, including photoacoustic effects and ablation characteristics are presented here and compared to those of an Er:YAG laser, to show its suitable for middle ear surgery. Photoacoustic effects were recorded using a piezo-electric film. Ablation rates were determined by mass loss per pulse and etch depth per pulse.


People can easily evoke previously encountered concepts, compose them, and apply the result to novel contexts in a zero-shot manner. What computational mechanisms underpin this ability? To study this question, we propose an extension to the structured multi-armed bandit paradigm, which has been used to probe human function learning in previous works. This new paradigm involves a learning curriculum where agents first perform two sub-tasks in which rewards were sampled from differently structured reward functions, followed by a third sub-task in which rewards were set to a composition of the previously encountered reward functions. This setup allows us to investigate how people reason compositionally over learned functions, while still being simple enough to be tractable. Human behavior in such tasks has been predominantly modeled by computational models with hard-coded structures such as Bayesian grammars. We indeed find that such a model performs well on our task. However, they do not explain how people learn to compose reward functions via trial and error but have, instead, been hand-designed to generalize compositionally by expert researchers. How could the ability to compose ever emerge through trial and error? We propose a model based on the principle of meta-learning to tackle this challenge and find that – upon training on the previously described curriculum – meta-learned agents exhibit characteristics comparable to those of a Bayesian agent with compositional priors. Model simulations suggest that both models can compose earlier learned functions to generalize in a zero-shot manner. We complemented these model simulations results with a behavioral study, in which we investigated how human participants approach our task. We find that they are indeed able to perform zero-shot compositional reasoning as predicted by our models. Taken together, our study paves a way for studying compositional reinforcement learning in humans, symbolic, and sub-symbolic agents.


Phrase chunk annotated data for the NCHLT Text Resource Development: Phase II Project. The phrase chunk annotated data is a subset of the 50,000 tokens annotated during the NCHLT text resource development project and consists of a minimum of 15,000 tokens annotated as one of the six phrase types described in the protocol.


An understanding of the properties of resistance materials and of the effects on resistor characteristics of construction practice is necessary to assure optimum application. Reviewed are some of the characteristics of moderate-precision film resistors, the nature of the principal high performance resistance alloys and the design and construction of high-precision resistors. The effects of resistor termination and terminals are also reviewed with emphasis on the requirements necessary to produce four-terminal and series-parallel connections.


We address the stochastic traveling salesperson problem (TSP) with distances measured by travel time. As a by-product, we obtain comparable results for the shortest route problem. We study how to select the best path and due date to minimise fundamental safe scheduling objectives. Model 1 requires minimising the due date subject to a service level constraint. Model 2 addresses a weighted trade-off between the due date and the expected tardiness. In alternate formulations, the due date is given and we maximise the service level for Model 1, or minimise the expected tardiness for Model 2. We show that Alternate 1 is equivalent to Model 1, but Alternate 2 is different to Model 2. For normal and lognormal travel times, we proceed by solving few deterministic TSP derived instances. This approach provides optimal solutions for some models. For all other models, it becomes an effective heuristic with tight performance guarantee certificates.


In the theory of cooperative games so called dividends of a coalition $S$ are considered, which are defined as $\frac{c_S}{|S|}$. The costs $c_S$ form a c-diagram. On these c-diagrams several types of shifts are defined and analysed. Different solution concepts and their properties are related to shifts. We introduce reward games and fine games as components of a cooperative game. Some solution concepts for applications are analysed in terms of c-diagrams, as well as the solidarity concept.


An essential skill in security involves categorizing events based on observed event attributes. That is, determining threat level and priority of the event when choosing an appropriate response action. To explore the basic mechanisms of learning and decision making, we conducted two experiments wherein participants were asked to categorize security events into four categories on the basis of the cues that define each event. Participants had no prior knowledge about the relationship between events and categories and through 128 categorization trials they had to learn the relationship between them using feedback received per trial in terms of rewards (higher reward for appropriate categorization). Results from the experiments demonstrate the significant role of task abstraction and experiment context in the categorization success. The effect of heuristics and knowledge on categorization performance was measured and compared. We conclude with recommendation for future experiments on learning and decision making in security event categorization.