Fishing has an important socioeconomic and cultural role in the Amazon, being one of the region's most traditional extractive activity, but with incomplete information to support its management. The aim of this study was analyze the socioeconomic aspects and operational structure of fishing fleet in the Barcelos, region of the Middle Rio Negro. Information on the physical, operational and economic features was collected through structured questionnaires from February 2012 to January 2013, with the fishermen of fishing boats and motorized canoes. Overall, commercial fishing is the main economic activity, but they also participate in other activities, mainly related to sport and ornamental fishing. The physical characteristics of the vessels are similar to those of other regions studied in the Amazon. The fishing boats are the primary storage facilities for fish landings. Gillnets were the main gear used by fishermen. Fuel was the greatest operational cost associated with fishing.


Transformation invariance is known to be fundamental for excellent performances in pat- tern recognition. One of the most successful approach is tangent distance, originally propos ed for a nearest-neighbor algorithm (Simard, LeCun and Denker, 1993). The resulting classifier, how ever, has a very high computational complexity and, perhaps more important, lacks discrimination ca- pabilities. We present a discriminant learning algorithm for a modular classifier based on several autoassociative neural networks. Tangent distance as objective function guarantees efficie nt incor- poration of transformation invariance. The system achieved a raw error rate of 2.6 % and a rejection rate of 3.6 % on the NIST uppercase letters.


BACKGROUND:We investigated the actions of isoflurane and propofol on neuronal windup in the spinal cord of intact rats. We hypothesized that propofol would depress windup more than isoflurane. METHODS:In a cross-over design, rats received 0.8 and 1.2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane and 0.8 and 1.2 ED50 (effective dose50%) of propofol, as recordings were made from single units in the lumbar cord (n = 13). Electrical stimuli were applied (20 stimuli at 0.1, 1, and 3 Hz). Neuronal responses were analyzed for those occurring in the C-fiber range (100–400 ms after each stimulus), combined C-fiber and afterdischarge range (100–1000 ms) and the 100–333 ms range for the 3 Hz stimuli. Absolute windup was also calculated (the sum of action potentials for 20 stimuli − 20 × response to the first stimulus). RESULTS:At 1 Hz, total action potentials (mean, standard error) summed across the 20 stimuli (100–1000 ms range) were 571 ± 106 and 742 ± 214 for isoflurane (at 0.8 and 1.2 MAC) and 586 ± 148 and 641 ± 143 for propofol (at 0.8 and 1.2 ED50), respectively (P = NS); corresponding values for the 0.1 Hz stimuli were 345 ± 104, 370 ± 108, 430 ± 86, and 403 ± 106 (P = NS), and for the 3 Hz stimuli (100–333 ms range) were 266 ± 66, 333 ± 76, 343 ± 85, and 252 ± 72 (P = NS). Absolute windup in the 100–1000 ms range was greater for 1.2 MAC isoflurane at 1 Hz (445 ± 82, P < 0.01), when compared with absolute windup at 0.8 MAC isoflurane and 0.8 and 1.2 ED50 propofol (232 ± 31, 88 ± 65, and 210 ± 41, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:These data suggest that isoflurane and propofol have similar effects on neuronal windup in the spinal cord, although there was enhanced absolute windup at 1.2 MAC isoflurane for the 1 Hz stimulus.


Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a Machine Learning (ML) algorithm which learn by itself and organize its thinking to solve problems. Although the learning process involves many hidden layers (Deep Learning) this algorithm still has weaknesses when faced with high noise data. Concrete mixture design data has a high enough noise caused by many unidentified / measurable aspects such as planning, design, manufacture of test specimens, maintenance, testing, diversity of physical and chemical properties, mixed formulas, mixed design errors, environmental conditions, and testing process. Information needs about the compressive strength of early age concrete (under 28 days) are often needed while the construction process is still ongoing. ANN has been tried to predict the compressive strength of concrete, but the results are less than optimal. This study aims to improve the ANN prediction model using an H2O's Deep Learning based on a multi-layer feedforward artificial neural network that is trained with stochastic gradient descent using backpropagation. The H2O's Deep Learning best model is achieved by 2 hidden layers- 50 hidden neurons and ReLU activation function with a RMSE value of 6,801. This Machine Learning model can be used as an alternative/ substitute for conventional mix designs, which are environmentally friendly, economical, and accurate. Future work with regard to the concrete industry, this model can be applied to create an intelligent Batching and Mixing Plants.


Colorectal polyps are an important cause of colon cancer and can be effectively detected by colonoscopy or Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE). Up to now, many studies have applied Deep Learning (DL) to polyp detection and have obtained promising results, but all the algorithms are run on GPUs. They cannot be transferred to the fast-growing segment of mobile medical devices which require low power uptake. To bridge this gap, we designed a polyp detection algorithm for a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). We present the detailed procedure of Deep Neural Network (DNN) design and the FPGA implementation and show that the FPGA-based polyp detection outperforms the GPU-based one in terms of energy efficiency and lower latency. We thus demonstrate the feasibility of an application scenario for energy-efficient mobile medical devices without highly specialized FPGA skills.


We examine market entry choices of Mexican exporters, using a firm level data on merchandise trade over the period 2000-2009. We focus our enquiry not on the broad question of what determines a firm's ability to export, but on the subsequent question: given that a firm has the ability to export, what determines the choices they make about where to export? We find strong evidence that firms tend to enter new markets which are geographically close and culturally related to their prior export destinations. The contribution of the paper is to use a "revealed" measure of closeness between markets based on network analysis, which we argue to be superior to other gravity-type measures of geographic and cultural proximity. First, it captures all the extended gravity measures in one indicator. Second, it can be calculated at sector level so we can test whether path-dependence across destinations is sector-specific.


A device for laying flexible tubular conduits from a floating support comprises rigid accessories the outer dimension of which is greater than the outer diameter of the conduit. It comprises main, linear winch-type tensioning means (6) for normal lowering of the flexible conduit (3) to be laid. The linear winch has an essentially vertical axis and comprises the last means for guiding the flexible conduit at the level of the floating support (1) and auxiliary holding means (19) which hold the flexible conduit by measn of an accessory (21) mounted on the flexible conduit, such as an end fitting or an auxiliary accessory, and enable the main tensioning means (6) to clear a section of flexible conduit on which the accessory (21) is mounted.


A study by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute on housing pathways after out of home state care is discussed. The study identifies two major pathways from care, namely a smooth and a volatile transition. A majority of care leavers are found to have a 'volatile transition' into independent living, leading to poor housing outcomes. Three key areas for helping care leavers acquire and maintain accommodation in their transition from state care are identified.


Different kinds of nanocrystalline TiO2-based photocatalysts, including pristine TiO2, oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotube/TiO2 (ox-MWCNT/TiO2) composite and Eu3+-doped ox-MWCNT/TiO2 (Eu/ox-MWCNT/TiO2) composite, were synthesized by using tetrabutyl titanate as precursor by a sol–gel method. The colloidal solutions were heat treated at 450°C for 2 h to obtain the anatase TiO2 nanomaterials. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the TiO2-based catalysts for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solutions were investigated. To compare the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2-based catalysts, the degradation rates for the abovementioned dyes under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation were calculated. And the 1% Eu/ox-MWCNT/TiO2 composite showed higher photodegradation rate constant (K′ = 1.757 h–1) than those of pristine TiO2 (K′ = 1.028 h–1), ox-MWCNT/ TiO2 (K′ = 1.458 h–1) and 4% Eu/ox-MWCNT/TiO2 composite (K′ = 1.295 h–1) toward MB. Meanwhile, the 1% Eu/ox-MWCNT/TiO2 composite possessed high photodegradation percentage of 95.77%, 97.21% and 90.72% toward RhB, MB and MO, respectively, which were higher than those of other three TiO2-based photocatalysts. It is proposed that the higher photocatalytic activity of ox-MWCNT/Eu3+/ TiO2 composite might be due to the decreased band gap, the plentiful introduced hydroxyl groups and its high specific surface area.


Police are asking a woman car driver to come forward after she failed to stop following a minor collision in Harrogate. The collision occurred at ...


This paper introduces the present status and evolvement of thermal analysis. In this paper, the author expatiates upon multi-aspect of thermal analysis, such as instrument, basic studies, application and so on.


From 1976 to 1980, 482 consecutive patients with the clinical suspicion of an abdominal mass were evaluated with US, 119 (25%) had no mass or an anatomic variant felt as a mass; 363 with a mass are displayed below as to area and type of mass.Based on the data and results of other radiographic studies, an approach to the diagnosis was developed. Plain abdominal radiograph followed by intravenous urography (IVU) is appropriate when a mass is thought to be retroperitoneal in origin. If a tumor is diagnosed on the radiographs, US is used in its characterization and staging, A pelvic mass, if of gynecologic origin, is evaluated primarily with ultrasound. In young children and adolescent boys with a pelvic mass, US is coordinated with IVU. If the mass is anterior or associated with gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction, plain radiographs followed by US and studies with barium are appropriate. An hepatic mass is evaluated with plain radiographs, US and, if necessary, nuclear scans and angiography.


According to the empirical electron theory of solid and molecule,the valence electron structure and theoretical cohesive energy of MoSi2 were calculated by the BLD method.The results show that the theoretical cohesive energy of MoSi2 is 1 677.1 kJ/mol,which agrees well with the experimental data.Because of a shift in Si positions,the valence electrons between Si—Si atoms along 001 direction are the most(nD = 0.402 04).There are lattice electrons with higher densities in MoSi2,which accounts for the good conductivity of MoSi2.Also,it is speculated that the brittleness of MoSi2 can be explained primarily by a heterogeneity of bond distribution.


Objective To investigate the effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide(CCK-8) on inflammatory response and lung injury in rats with endotoxemia(ETM).Methods Male SD rats were randomized into four groups(n = 6) : control group,model group,lipopolysaccharide(LPS) + CCK-8 group and CCK-8 group.A rat model of endotoxemia-induced lung injury was reproduced by injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS,1 mg·kg-1) via tail veins.The CCK-8(20 μg·kg-1,iv) was administered in one shot after endotoxemia(ETM,30 min after LPS injection).Blood endotoxin was detected between control group and model group.The levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in lung homogenates were measured by ELISA kits.And the lung injury was assessed by lung histology(light and electron microscopy).Rresults Thirty min after LPS injection,the level of blood endotoxin(EU · mL-1) in model group were significantly higher than the control group.Compared with model group,CCK-8 significantly inhibited the LPS-induced increases in TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6.Also the condition of lung injuries were improved significantly over other times among CCK-8-treated animals.Conclusion CCK-8 could significantly reduce the inflammation and the condition of lung injury after endotoxemia.


Child obesity is prevalent in our society and people are not aware of its consequences and health hazards. Not much work has been done in Pakistan to counter the problem. The objective of this study was to determine the people's awareness about the consequences and health hazards of child obesity. We undertook a comprehensive cross sectional study to assess parents awareness about short  term and long term health, psychological and social consequences of  child  obesity. A  child  obesity  awareness  questionnaire (COAQ)  was given  to  parents to assess the level of awareness and their belie fs about causes and consequences of child obesity. The demographic details shows that out of 300 subjects bulk of subjects were female (57%), parents and (43%) male parents. The mean age of female subjects was 37.2 years and that of male subjects was 39.2 years and for both female and male subjects the mean age was 38.2 years with an age range 29–54 years; and the education level indicates that out of 300 subjects 9%completed primary school education, 18% completed high school education, while 67% were graduates and 6% of subjects were postgraduates. The majority of subjects (63%) had three or more children where as 37% of subjects have less than three children. Survey data also reveals that the parents where (n=300) were aware of common health consequences of obesity like heart disease (94%), less physical activity (92%) but they were less aware about behavioral consequences like socially isolated (10%), body image disturbance (25%), learning difficulties (0%). They were least informed about less known health hazards such as diabetes mellitus (0%) arthritis (12%) fertility problems (0%) and cancer (1%). Finally it was observed that people are less aware of health, social and mental issues of child obesity and it corresponds to the fact that people saw obesity as sign of health and child obesity problem as a family rather than social issue.


Based on the formal solutions of the buckling eigen equation,the probability density evolution equation for the random buckling eigenvalue is derived considering the random wind loading.Taking the averaged wind speed at 10m height and roughness length as the random factors,the random buckling bearing capacity for a super-high cooling tower is then analyzed.Furthermore,both the mean and the standard deviations of the capacity are calculated.It is indicated that there exhibits a general shape for the probability density function of the random buckling capacity.And the mean of the random buckling bearing capacity is close to that one computed by the averaged parameter.However,the variation of the random buckling bearing capacity is between the corresponding values of averaged wind speed at 10m height and roughness length.


We introduce the Neural Spline, that is a mathematical model built by combining a neural network and an associated Obreshkov polynomial. The neural spline has finite support and can be used as the basic element in constructing continuous modular neural-based models. These models are suitable for function approximation in partitioned domains and are also amenable to efficient parallel or distributed implementation. Experimental results are presented for test problems in one and two dimensions which illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed function approximation scheme.


Digital control is a new technology. The main part of experiment CNC system by digital control. So summarized the application and research of present digital control technology in education. By imitation experiment of digital control, Students thinking was leaded to new processing field. This made students active imagine to develop creative ability.


Abstract In this article I adopt a family language policy approach and a diachronic perspective to explore how the dialect-Italian dynamics unfolds differently within different cohorts of Italian migrants due to the hierarchical position of the two heritage languages. I highlight three main issues that emerge across time in the language policies in the home; the relevance of linguistic stratification in the migrants' repertoires, especially with regard to the interplay between language ideologies, beliefs and practices; the extent to which we can talk of agency of choice vis-à-vis linguistic stratification; and the role of education. The tension between the two languages generally plays out in favour of Italian, in spite of the emotional attachment to dialect that persists across generations. The language policies of Italo-Australian families call attention to the challenges that migrants, and dialect speakers in particular, have to face regarding language maintenance, while the diachronic perspective highlights the dynamic and contextual nature of such policies.


This guide will help you access the University of Calgary Library's eBook collections. Reference books links you to background information on a topic. These collections include dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, bibliographies and more.


An experiment was carried out to examine the effect of presentation rate on recall, as a function of the kind of input-processing carried out by the subject during a running memory task. Subjects listened to long sequences of digits (16–35 items in length), and attempted to recall as many as possible of the last 10 items presented during a 15 s break between successive sequences. Digits were presented at rates of 1, 2 or 3/s in different sequences, distributed randomly throughout a 60-sequence test. Separate groups of 16 subjects were instructed to use one of the following strategies in listening to the digits: Active—rehearsing and grouping digits by threes; Passive—avoiding all forms of organization of the input. The results demonstrate clear and reliable differences between strategies in the effect of rate. Active is best at 1/s and deteriorates monotonically with increases in rate, while Passive shows the opposite trend, improving from 1 to 3/s. The operation of an important input-processing factor is evident in these findings, and is probably at least partly responsible for the previous lack of agreement in studies of the effect of presentation rate in immediate recall.


According to actual road network in the west region of China,the authors developed a probit assignment method to forecast the road network traffic based on section traffic growth.Multiple regression model was used to forecast the general traffic volume based on traffic investigation and historical economy data and the probit assignment method was used to forecast the diverted traffic volume and the induced traffic volume of a new or rebuilded road.


The detection of near infrared picosecond luminous events is of the highest interest in the laser fusion research. The temporal profile of the 1.06 μm laser pulse, has to be carefully measured with SI streak cameras which present limitations in the picosecond range. We have undertaken measurement on Si photodiodes to situate their fatigue threshold and try to understand the limitations of image converter tubes.we also present the work undertaken at R.T.C./L.E.P. to produce stable and highly sensitive image converter tubes in the micron range with the "transfer sensitization method".


Introduction:
Skin cancer is ranked the ninth commonest cancer among males and tenth among females in
Malaysia.

Objectives:
To review the pattern of skin cancers at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

Methods:
This is a retrospective review of all histo-pathological confirmed skin cancers at UMMC from
2004 till 2010.

Results:
Among the 155 patients reviewed, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the commonest skin cancer
(44.5%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (27.1%) and malignant melanoma (MM)
(11.6%). The nodulo-ulcerative subtype made up 46% of all BCC while 50% of MM was of acral
lentiginous subtype. Patients with BCC were significantly older (>60 years old), (p=0.003). A
majority of skin cancers were found on the head and neck.

Conclusion:
BCC was the commonest skin cancer, with significantly older patients and located mainly
on head and neck. MM was the least common skin cancer but associated with the highest
mortality.


As a window to know the plate mutual movement,deep process and geological evolution,Red River Fault Zone has being devoted much attention.Where the fault extends after going into sea area is a hotspot question to discuss and study.On the basis of gravity and magnetic research and refers to the seismic tomography result in Ailao Shan/ Red River area,the extending of this fault zone in sea area was discussed in this paper.The density structure at two profiles was rebuilt according to gravity data.The inversion result shows that the shallow and deep structure are not in line.There is a low-density layer at middle crust in Yinggehai region.Perhaps the strike-slip of Red River Fault Zone in Yinggehai region was taken place along the layer.


This Paper analyses strategic bargaining between two agents each of whom negotiates on behalf of a principal. The principals face uncertainty about the bargaining skills of their agents as measured by the agents' abilities to assess the opponent's preferences. Agents then have an incentive to promote their reputation as skilled bargainers through their bargaining behaviour. We compare two different scenarios: open-door bargaining, where the principals observe the entire bargaining process, and closed-door bargaining, where they observe only the final outcome. We show that with open doors, the higher visibility of agents' actions induces low-skill agents to negotiate more aggressively than behind closed doors in order to distort their principals' inferences. Since this 'posturing' increases the probability of delay or disagreement, closed-door bargaining is more efficient.


Solar irradiance is considered one of the main natural factors affecting terrestrial climate, and its variations are included in most numerical models estimating the effects of natural versus anthropogenic factors for climate change. Solar wind causing geomagnetic disturbances is another solar activity agent whose role in climate change is not yet fully estimated but is a subject of intense research. For the purposes of climate modeling, it is essential to evaluate both the past and the future variations of solar irradiance and geomagnetic activity which are ultimately due to the variations of solar magnetic fields. Direct measurements of solar magnetic fields are available for a limited period, but can be reconstructed from geomagnetic activity records. Here we present a reconstruction of total solar irradiance based on geomagnetic data, and a forecast of the future irradiance and geomagnetic activity relevant for the expected climate change.


Since CAD data is used as master data throughout the lifecycle of a product, it is important to provide a means for efficiently sharing CAD data among systems used for collaborative product development. Web Services, a type of distributed object technology, is adequate for this purpose; in a previous study [7], the authors proposed the architecture of Web Services for CAD (WSC) for the retrieval of CAD data. CAD data are classified into CAD assembly and part data. Since product design is typically modeled in the form of CAD assembly data, it is worth to consider this application when implementing a service for CAD data retrieval. In this study, the authors first propose a concept of parallel Web Service, which is an extension of WSC and whose goal is the rapid retrieval of CAD assembly data. They then discuss the technical details that can lead to its realization. Finally, experimental results regarding the performance of assembly data retrieval by the parallel Web Service are presented and compared with analogous performance by a single Web Service.


The invention discloses a method and a system for fast mapping an IO address to an IO object, wherein the method comprises the following steps: 1) collecting base addresses, sizes and intervals of all IO blocks and arranging the base addresses, the sizes and the intervals according to an address sequence; 2) selecting a minimum interval value to obtain a gap value, wherein the gap value is not more than the minimum interval value; 3) using an initial address of an IO address space as an initial position t and re-splitting the IO address space by using the gap value; 4) structuring a gap and an array so as to record an interval sum corresponding to the IO address in each gap value space from the initial position; 5) structuring an IO object array, mapping each IO address to the IO object located at a corresponding array index in the IO object array; 6) finishing calculation from the IO address to the corresponding array index according to the structured gap and array, as well as IO object array so as to finish the fast mapping from the IO address to the IO object. Through re-splitting the IO address space, the method and the system of the invention can be used for transforming the search as lookup to finish the fast mapping from the IO address to the IO object.


Objective To investigate the effect of treatment with felodipine on endothelial function and atherosclerosis progression of large arteries and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients.Methods The patients with essential hypertension were randomly divided into group A treated with felodipine(n=40) and group B treated with indapamide(n=40),and another 40 healthy subjects as group C(control group) with matched age and sex .The humeral arterial endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and carotid arterial mean intimal-medial thickness and carotid plaques and left ventricular structure were measured with high resolution ultrasonography for each group.For groups A and B all above indices and blood pressure were measured again after 3 month,1 year of treatment respectively.Results Compared with group C,group A and B had lower humeral arterial endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and thicker carotid mean intimal medial thickness (P0.01).There was no difference in reduction of blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy and improvement of humeral arterial endothelium-dependent vasodilatation between group A and B(P0.05).Compared with group B,group A had a significantly better effect on normalizing carotid mean intimal medial thickness and decreasing the incidence of new plaques(P0.01).Conclusion In addition to reduction of blood pressure,felodipine has an effect on regression of abnormal function and structure of large arteries,which may delay the progression of atheroclerosis,remoding the left ventricular hypertrophy.


Research Goal: To know (1) the teaching material effectivenessthat is developed to the social arithmetic material through RME to improve students' mathematical problem solving ability (2) The students' respond to the teaching material that's developed. The research is done in Muhammadiyah 2 Junior High School Medan. The kind of research is device development through 4-D model ((Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate) which is stated by Thiagarajan, Semmel and Semmel. The teaching material test is done twice in VII Grade students. Research result: (1) Effective teaching material based on the achievement: classical completeness; TPK; students' learning and activities respond; (2) Students' ability in solving the mathematic problem is increased; and (3) Students positive respond.


Several (lescriptions have been published duriing the last few years of affections of the nmetatarsus. These affections have been given various names, such as " marching fractures," " acute metatarsal overstrain " and " chronic cedema of the feet." Thev are alike in that apparently healthy people have been affected withouit anv definite cause, and the descriptions give the impression that in spite of different titles they all apply to one and the same condition in different stages. It is thought that the following notes of three cases may be of interest, because they record the whole course of the disease from the beginning of the first symptoms to their complete disappearance. All the patients were schoolboys and the trouble began without any history of injury or other obvious cause, although, of course, life at school naturally lends itself to minor injuries at football and other games. In all three cases the first complaint was of pain in the dorsum of the foot, accompanied by a little swelling an(d teniderness over the middle of the metatarsal region. At this stage skiagrams showed nothing abnormal but a faint shadow round the miiddle of the shaft of a metatarsal bone, so faint that it was completely over-looked in one instance at any rate. The shadow became more marked as time went on, and after a month or so films showed a fracture with considerable callus. After another two or three months nothing more than a slight thickening of the bone was visible. In one case the disease affected two metatarsals one after the other, the second bone being affected while the foot mas being rested on accounit of the first. In the case of this bone at any rate there was no possibility of injury.


In this paper, a novel multiple kernel learning (MKL) algorithm is proposed for the classification of hyperspectral images. The proposed MKL algorithm adopts a two-step strategy to learn a multiple kernel machine. In the first step, unsupervised learning is carried out to learn a combined kernel from the predefined base kernels. In our algorithms, low-rank nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) is used to carry out the unsupervised learning and learn an optimal combined kernel. Furthermore, the kernel NMF (KNMF) is introduced to substitute NMF for enhancing the ability of the unsupervised learning with the predefined base kernels. In the second step, the optimal kernel is embedded into the standard optimization routine of support vector machine (SVM). In addition, we address a major challenge in hyperspectral data classification, i.e., using very few labeled samples in a high-dimensional space. Experiments are conducted on three real hyperspectral datasets, and the experimental results show that the proposed algorithms, especially for KNMF-based MKL, achieve the outstanding performance for hyperspectral image classification with few labeled samples when compared with several state-of-the-art algorithms.


Three types of voltage-controlled current-regulated pulse-width modulation (PWM) inverters are proffered as alternatives to the traditional open-loop inverter. Analytical and experimental results that demonstrate the equivalency between the two types of inverter-fed AC motor drives during normal operation, and the superior performance of the voltage-controlled current-regulated PWM controller during overload conditions, are presented. >


Under the impact of digitization, many schools in Taiwan have started to actively operate social media. Using social media to release important school information can reduce the educational information asymmetry between schools and students. Educational information asymmetry may cause problems of adverse selection and moral hazard, and damage the rights and interests of students. The main purpose of this study is to explore the intentions of high school students to use school social media as a channel to obtain important information about their schools. A questionnaire survey was administered to the students of a high school in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, and the collected data were statistically analyzed. The research results of this study show that perceived usefulness, subjective norm, and trust had positively significant effects on the intention to use school social media; however, perceived ease-of-use, and perceived behavioral control did not have significant effects on the intention to use school social media. Through the operation of social media, schools can not only eliminate the adverse selection and moral hazard caused by information asymmetry but also improve their brand images and reduce their marketing costs.


This panel will discuss the interplay between key emerging security trends centered around big data analytics and security. With the explosion of big data and advent of cloud computing, data analytics has not only become prevalent but also a critical business need. Internet applications today consume vast amounts of data collected from heterogeneous big data repositories and provide meaningful insights from it. These include applications for business forecasting, investment and finance, healthcare and well-being, science and hi-tech, to name a few. Security and operational intelligence is one of the critical areas where big data analytics is expected to play a crucial role. Security analytics in a big data environment presents a unique set of challenges, not properly addressed by the existing security incident and event monitoring (or SIEM) systems that typically work with a limited set of traditional data sources (firewall, IDS, etc.) in an enterprise network. A big data environment presents both a great opportunity and a challenge due to the explosion and heterogeneity of the potential data sources that extend the boundary of analytics to social networks, real time streams and other forms of highly contextual data that is characterized by high volume and speed. In addition to meeting infrastructure challenges, there remain additional unaddressed issues, including but not limited to development of self-evolving threat ontologies, integrated network and application layer analytics, and detection of "low and slow" attacks. At the same time, security analytics requires a high degree of data assurance, where assurance implies that the data be trustworthy as well as managed in a privacy preserving manner. Our panelists represent individuals from industry, academia, and government who are at the forefront of big data security analytics. They will provide insights into these unique challenges, survey the emerging trends, and lay out a vision for future.


The authors describe a new type of reconfigurable reflector antenna for spacecraft applications in which both the reflector shape and the excitation of a small array feed combine to offer maximum coverage flexibility. To create a reconfigurable continental coverage the array is excited to produce a suitably tapered circularly symmetric pattern and the shape of the mesh reflector adjusted to yield the appropriate secondary radiation pattern. When spot beams are required within the coverage region, the mesh reflector is configured as a paraboloid and individual elements or local clusters excited within the array.


Gabor filters and K-means algorithm are two commonly used texture analysis methods. However, the texture feature vector has a high dimension by using Gabor filters, which will influence the operating efficiency. Meanwhile, K-means algorithm is affected by the initial clustering centers, and it may lead to the decrease of classification accuracy. Hence, Relief algorithm is applied to make a feature selection for Gabor texture feature, and obtain a suitable texture feature sunset. Furthermore, cuckoo search is used to optimize the clustering center of K-means algorithm, and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of texture recognition. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.


Earlier studies [1,2] suggested exponentially decaying memory trace with significantly higher lifetimes for the association cortex than the primary cortex, and little or no inter-hemispheric differences. In these studies only the peak MEG signal (where signal to noise ratio is largest) or peak strength of the equivalent current dipole was used to model the decay of the echoic memory and quantify its dependence on the inter-stimulus interval (ISI). A unitary cortical response to a stimulus was implied since the shape of the neuromagnetic waveforms was assumed to be insensitive to the ISI. Under this model, the physiological memory trace once established decays passively and uniformly in each cortical area with time thereafter, justifying the use of separate but latency independent lifetimes for the echoic memory in the primary and association auditory cortices. A more general approach was recently proposed [3], which computes the fit to the exponentially saturating function over the wider latency domain. This allows assessing latency-dependent effects that may involve different neuronal pools with different onset latencies and/or memory trace lifetimes. The present study refines the earlier analysis revealing new insights about the latency and especially interhemispheric dependence. The auditory stimuli sequence was modified so that the average response following each ISI comes out from the same number of single trials and mixes together the different past ISIs histories with equal contributions. Our new protocol provides a more objective evaluation of the evoked responses and better dissociates the echoic memory trace decay from refractory effects, which may easily dominate runs with constant ISI. As in one of our previous work [4], the present study makes use of a virtual sensor computation, which maintains the analysis tractable while saving computational effort. 2 Methods


General practice is experiencing the biggest workforce crisis "since its inception," the BMA has warned.

Delegates at the BMA's conference of local medical committees (LMCs) in London voted in favour of a motion calling on the government to ensure that GP funding, recruitment, and retention were tackled as its first priority for the NHS.

The motion also called on the government to ensure that "GPs who are leaving the profession early are supported to stay in practice" and that "all those wishing to …


Abstract Computer simulation is applied to fracture toughness research of the transparent, cubic, noncubic and ferroelectric ceramics. The processes occurring in the materials under sintering, cooling and further fracture by a macrocrack propagation are investigated. Influence of the grain size on the ceramic fracture toughness is evaluated.


Electronic transport properties namely the electrical resistivity and thermoelectric power of liquid less simple metals, Zn, Cd, Hg, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Sb, and Bi are calculated by using the widely used Ziman theory. The effective electron-ion and ion-ion interactions are described by the Bretonnet-Silbert model. The liquid state theory, to evaluate the static structure factors, is described by the thermodynamically self-consistent variational modified hypernetted chain (VMHNC) integral equation of liquids. The results of calculations for the electrical resistivity are found to be fairly good when compared to the experimental data, but the agreement improves significantly when the blurring of the Fermi surface due to finite mean free path of electron is accounted for. The values of the calculated thermoelectric power, for most of the systems, are found to be of the same sign and of the same order of magnitude as predicted by the experiment. The results of the thermopower also exhibit that the contribution of the k dependent term of the electron-ion potential is significant for the systems concerned.


 This is a very interesting paper about the fitness of animal health plans considering the farmers' and farm veterinarians ́ perception of disease awareness and disease prevention needs. Under a farm-centric approach, the authors used a mixture of methods matching the farmers' and vet ́s opinions with the follow-up results. The aim of this work is relevant, and it is suitable for scientific publication. AU: Thank you for your review and your positive comments and questions


Radicalism is one of the things that develops in society, one of which is marked by
the existence of acts of terrorism. Since 2001, there have been around 85 people
suspected of terrorism in the country. The wife of a radical actor also became a
victim because of the arrest process and the case that befell her husband made his
wife struggle to continue his life. This study aims to understand the reason for the
toughness of the wives of radical actors in living life in terms of religiosity. The
research method used is a qualitative research method with the type of descriptive
phenomenology approach and data collection using interview techniques.
Informants in this study were selected by purposive sampling, totaling 3 people who
were the wives of radical perpetrators, had children and worked to fulfill their daily
lives. The results of the study found that the wife's resilience began when they took
over family responsibilities, continued to carry out their roles as mothers and they
had to become more independent individuals. Wives are also able to survive in
difficult situations with the experience, enthusiasm and patience they have. The
wives also bring up the side of religiosity which is when they get a problem they
are patient, keep trying and trust God. They also maintain closeness to God through
worship, dhikr and doing good things they can do. Wives complain only to God.
They also prayed and prayed for a way out. In this study, it was found that the
support of the living environment and experience also influenced someone to be
tough. Besides that, it was also found in every dimension of informant resilience
also involving religiosity, such as when a wife gets a problem and performs her
role, it also involves the values of religiosity.


The structure and chain conformation of the form β sample newly crystallized from the liquid crystalline (LC) glassy phase have been investigated for a main-chain thermotropic LC polyether, which was polymerized from 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-hydroxyl-biphenyl and 1,10-dibromodecane, by solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy. The 13C spin–lattice relaxation analyses reveal that there exist two components with different T1C values, which correspond to the crystalline and noncrystalline (supercooled liquid crystalline) components. By employing such differences in T1C, the spectra of the respective components are separately recorded, and the conformations of their CH2 sequences are evaluated by considering the γ-gauche effect on the 13C chemical shifts. As a result, the crystalline component is found to adopt the t′xxxtxxxt′ conformation whereas another conformation of t′xxxxxxxt′ is preferably induced in the noncrystalline region, where t, t′, and x indicate trans, trans-rich and trans–gauche exchange conformations, respectively. These conformations are markedly different from txtxtxtxt and xxxxxxxxx in the corresponding components for the form α sample previously reported, probably reflecting the difference in crystallization from different nematic phases Nα and Nβ. Moreover, molecular motion for the mesogen units and the spacer CH2 sequences has been examined by the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) analysis based on the magic angle turning (MAT) method. The mesogenic phenylene carbons are found to undergo rather restricted flip motion with amplitudes less than 30° around the bond axis in both crystalline and noncrystalline regions, while the flip rates associated with the 13C spin–lattice relaxation may be greatly different in the two regions. The CSA spectrum of the spacer CH2 carbons significantly narrows possibly as a result of the specific change in chain conformation in the crystalline and noncrystalline regions.


University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. July 2013. Major: Chemical Engineering. Advisors: Satish Kumar and Marcio S. Carvalho. 1 computer file (PDF); xi, 239 pages, appendices A-D.


The variation of the thermal conductivity of uranium‐impregnated graphite is measured continuously while under neutron irradiation. The temperature is continuously monitored and results are reported which show the effects of the uranium oxide particle size as well as the effect of the neutron bombardment as separated from the fission recoil bombardment.


A 1.0 mu m CMOS reduced voltage swing driver and receiver capable of driving 30 pF at minimum frequency of 200 MHz, while cutting power consumption by a factor of 14 compared with standard CMOS circuits is described. The drivers do not require extra power supply and external resistors and are suitable for broadband ASIC multi-chip set design.<<ETX>>


In the era of modernization and globalization the electronic dependency and utilization has been emerging as one of the driving force towards economic growth and development. Specifically, this scenario may not be much significant in the developed economies but it is an important area of concern in education, governance, commerce and so on. Since, India has been emerging as one of the ICT giant in the world, it is imperative to consider the e-governance and the related issues for analysis. Hence, this paper highlights the importance of IT in implementation of SMART government in the State of Punjab; it is one of the leading states of India in all te rms of advancement. It discusses various e -governance initiatives undertaken by the state of Punjab and suggests various measures for their better implementation.


Different techniques have been proposed for optical biopsy purposes, such as fluorescence spectroscopy1, elastic scattering spectroscopy2 or optical coherence tomography1.


Hospital attempt to collect feedback from patients to study their sentiment towards facilitates provided by the hospital to improve the hospital environment. In present scenario, grading technique is used for feedback. This grading technique does not reveal the true sentiment of patients, but the textual feedback provides a chance to the patients to highlight certain aspects. In this paper, a method has been proposed for sentimental analysis of patient's feedback using machine learning algorithms such as Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Multinomial Naïve Bayes Classifier, and Random Forest. A comparative analysis is also conducted between these machine learning techniques. To improve accuracy Ensembling Learning method are used. The experimental results suggest that Ensemble Classifier is more accurate than other methods.


Internal interfaces between solids play a decisive role in modern materials sciences and their technological applications. Semiconductor devices, to name a prominent example, have been miniaturized to a degree that their properties are largely determined by interfaces. The development of new hybrid materials is expected to provide further stimulus to this field. Such materials combine specific properties of metals or inorganic semiconductors with those of organic or bio-materials. Another important type of composite materials is created by the stacking of different 2D solids, such as graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides. In all cases, the interaction of different solids across interfaces and the specific interface properties are crucial for the resulting functionality. Despite their enormous importance, the microscopic understanding of internal interfaces has lagged behind that of volume or surface properties. This has changed in recent years, owing to the development of new experimental techniques, which are able to discriminate the weak interface signature from the usually dominant bulk signals. As a result, research on internal interfaces has intensified. A visible manifestation is the emergence of large collaborative research units in this field, such as the CRC 1083 'Structure and Dynamics of Internal Interfaces' in Germany, which contributed substantially to this special issue.


Dean Burris, of the University of Cincinnati, contributes the following discussion and suggestions with regard to the method of securing federal participation in education: My conviction is that we should not only separate the discussion of all questions which relate to subsidies from those which relate to the form of establishment for administration of education, in so far as it is a concern of the federal government, but also bear in mind two very practical considerations. They are these: First, In harmony with the President's wishes a Joint Committee on the Reorganization of the Administrative Branch of the Federal Government has been appointed by Congress and is considering the allocation of education in connection with many other problems. The chairman of this committee is not a member of Congress but represents the President. It is entirely proper that this should be the case, for it is that branch of the federal government for which the President is responsible, whose reorganization is under consideration. The President should have more to say than anyone else with regard to the organization of his work-a prerogative which any university president, school superintendent, or even college dean, would be unwilling to surrender. Second, The President, during the campaign, in his inaugural address, and in his message to the Sixty-seventh Congress, committed himself to the establishment of a department of public welfare.


This paper shows that so-called circumstantial predicates have PRO as their subjects. More specifically, we point out that circumstantial predicates and PRO form a small clause (SC), arguing that three types of secondary predicates, namely circumstantial, depictive, and resultative predicates, are affiliated to different positions in VP. We claim, from a theoretical viewpoint, that the SC formed by a circumstantial predicate and PRO is adjoined to VP at D-Structure. Furthermore, we argue that the segment of VP which inherits barrierhood from the SC blocks whextraction of circumstantial predicates.*


The ultrastructure of ventricular cardiac muscles from representatives of all the vertebrate phyla is examined with the electron microscope using thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. Contrary to the mammalian heart in which the width of the muscle fiber is usually over 10μm, and T-tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are well developed, non-mammalian cardiac muscles in general show small fiber diameter of less than 5μm, lack T-tubules, and reveal a wide variety in the degree of SR development. The rainbow trout and the lamprey, as well as the sparrow, reveal well-developed SR and numerous subsurface cisternae (SC) in proximity to Z line level. On the other hand, lizard and frog ventricles show poor development of SR and infrequent SC at A band level.Nexus (gap junction) can be identified in all the vertebrate hearts examined by freeze-fracture technique. However, it is much smaller and more sparsely distributed in non-mammalian hearts than in mammals.These morphological differences may imply different electrophysiological properties correlated with the small fiber diameter of the lower vertebrate cardiac muscles.


In this study, a novel saliency detection algorithm based on linear neighbourhood propagation is proposed. The proposed algorithm is divided into three steps. First, the authors segment an input image into superpixels which are represented as the nodes in a graph. The weight matrix of the graph, which indicates the similarities between the nodes, is calculated by linear neighbourhood reconstruction. Second, the nodes, which are located at top, bottom, left and right of image boundary, are labelled as boundary priors. Then, based on weight matrix, label propagation is used to propagate the labels to unlabelled nodes. They rank the nodes according to the label information and select the nodes with minor information as saliency priors. Last, based on saliency priors, saliency detection is carried out by label propagation again. The nodes with more information are considered as saliency regions. Experimental results on three benchmark databases demonstrate the proposed method performs well when it is against the state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy and robustness.


Using computer technology to carry out assessment is getting common among education institutions nowadays. This is because computer-based assessment system brings lots of benefits compared to the conventional assessment
system that uses paper and pen. In this project, the problem faced by the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) students in Malaysia, who will attempt the computer-based assessment offered by The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a professional accountancy body in the United Kingdom, is identified. Their main problem is that they do not have the experience using any computer-based assessment system. A computer-based assessment system is developed to overcome this problem.
The computer-based assessment system is only focus on multiple choice question type of assessment and only for the subject of "Office Practice and Procedures". The whole process of developing the computer-based assessment
system is carried out according to the methodology of developing a multimedia title. The final product of this computer-based assessment system is distributed in a CD. The constraints of developing this computer-based
system includes time, resources, experience and knowledge. In future, this computer-based assessment system is recommended to include text-entry type of questions and extra features like providing feedback to user after the
assessment.


In this paper we are trying to coprehend the phenomenon of bilingualism translingual methods of the bilingual poet Eduard Mizhit in modern Tuvan poetry. The research is carried out on the basis of the works of the national writer of Tuva E.B. Mizhit (born in 1961), created by him in his native Tuvan and Russian languages, as well as his self-translation into Russian. E.B. Mizhit has started writing since the rebuilding Soviet period, his creative imagination is connected with the new era of Tuvan literature. His works have become a phenomenon in modern literature of Tuva: publications in the Anthology of Russian vers libre (1991), Collections of vers libre in Tuvan and Russian (Buzundular (Oskolki, 1992; Split Moment, 2011), Collection of verses in prose Kazyrgylig kuduktuӊ kyigyzy (Call of a Whirling Well, 2002), publications of his Russian-language texts in various magazines and on literary sites, creative comprehension of eternal images and plots of world artistic culture in the context of Tuvan aesthetics allow us to speak about the innovative line of creativity of the bilingual writer E.B. Mizhit.


We report on light-emitting devices based on a green-phosphor compound (Mn-doped zinc silicate, Zn2SiO4:Mn) dispersed in a conductive polymeric blend (poly-o-methoxyaniline/polyvinylene fluoride, POMA/PVDF-TrFE). The devices exhibited high luminance in the green, good stability and homogeneous brilliance over effective areas up to 5 cm2. The electroluminescence (EL) spectrum presented essentially the same characteristics as the photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence spectra, indicating that the light emission originates from decay of the same excited species, regardless of the excitation source. Operating characteristics were analyzed with current density–voltage (J–V ) and luminance–voltage (L–V ) curves to investigate the nature of the electroluminescence of the active material, which is still not completely understood.


Ammonia toxicity has become a universal problem for aquatic animals, especially fish. The purpose of the present study was to assess the chronic toxicity of ammonia to the juvenile bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis). The authors measured the responses of growth performance (specific growth rate, condition factor, body weight, and body length), oxidative stress, and related gene transcription of juvenile bighead carp exposed to solutions with different concentrations of un‐ionized ammonia (UIA; 0 mg L−1, 0.053 mg L−1, 0.106 mg L−1, 0.159 mg L−1, and 0.212 mg L−1). The results showed that UIA had no effect on growth performance, glutathione content, or glutathione S‐transferase gene transcription, but superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly elevated. In addition, different concentrations of UIA produced different degrees of damage to juvenile bighead carp: compared with control, lower UIA levels significantly decreased gene transcription of catalase (CAT) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; higher UIA concentration (0.212 mg L−1) significantly increased gene transcription of the antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD and reduced MDA levels. The data clearly demonstrate that chronic exposure of UIA at lower concentrations can result in some degree of impairment of antioxidative function, and chronic exposure at higher concentrations can enhance damage to juvenile bighead carp by modulating antioxidant enzyme activities and gene transcription. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1726–1731. © 2014 SETAC


When sapphire crystal is prepared with Kyropoulos method, the necking-down growth process is a key stage. Sapphire growth defect is a big problem in this stage. However, diagnosing growth defects is subject to the interference of workers subjectivity and accuracy always goes down. To address the problem, a novel defect diagnosis method is proposed for necking-down growth process in this paper. Industrial CCD sensors replace eyes of skilled workers to observe in this method. A new Defect-Diagnosing Siamese network (DDSN) is used in this method. We use Siamese architecture to learn similarity through pairs of images. We use the deep separable convolution (DSC) into the DDSN to optimize running speed and model size. In experiment, dataset is acquired by industrial CCD sensors in the necking-down growth process. The accuracy of defect diagnosis can reach up to 94.5%. The method significantly improves the traditional way.


Previously, the problem of expressing rational numbers as finite sums of rational numbers of a given type has been concerned with the Egyptian, or unit, fractions. It has long been known that any rational number is the sum of distinct unit fractions. In response to a problem proposed by E. P. Starke (4), R. Breusch (1) and B. M. Stewart (5) showed that every rational number with an odd denominator is a sum of distinct odd unit fractions. P. J. Van Albada and J. H. Van Lint (6) extended this result to show that any integer is a sum of unit fractions with denominators from an arithmetic progression.


The aim of the article is to define and substantiate a vision of a comprehensive renewal of the system of social dialogue in Ukraine as an important prerequisite for its acquisition of a qualitatively new level of efficiency, which corresponds to the scale and complexity of the challenges facing Ukraine in the current conditions. The vision includes the content of the general conception of renewal (the essential logic of the process), the definition of the spectrum of the novel challenges and threats to the labor sphere, the system of social and labor relations (SLR) and social dialogue (these are four groups of factors: digitalization, the accelerated European integration, the devastating consequences of large-scale armed russian aggression and chronically unresolved problems accumulated in the pre-war period in the SLR system, and in the field of labor); the content and logic of the process of network-digital renewal of the system of social dialogue, its structural segments; the practical component is to identify the key actors involved in updating the system of social dialogue, the main areas of activity, measures for their implementation, the formation of a new technological basis for the updated system of social dialogue, which allows to ensure effective communication of the subjects of the SLR, to expand the composition of the parties to the social dialogue, to create conditions for a gradual transition to the model of «tripartism+». The authors of the article, on the basis of a generalization of the results of the research by previous authors and other studies, substantiate the need for a significant update of the system of social dialogue in Ukraine as an important instrument for consolidation of subjects of the social and labor sphere for the adoption and implementation of effective mutually agreed decisions to ensure the sustainability of the labor sphere and the national economy, to meet the needs of Ukraine's recovery. The main idea of updating the system of social dialogue in Ukraine in the context of the needs to ensure the sustainability of the labor sphere is to create a qualitatively new environment for the productive interaction of the parties to the social dialogue through the use of modern network-digital and information-communication technologies. The expediency of such involvement is substantiated, the content of three key segments for the implementation of the platformization of the national system of social dialogue is disclosed. A list of the main participants in this process has been determined, the content of the main activities and measures for their implementation has been covered for each segment. Further research on updating the system of social dialogue in Ukraine should be aimed at forming a strategic basis, taking into account the further course of hostilities, European integration, digitalization of the economy and other processes that are decisive for Ukraine.


Objective: This study aims to identify the post-operative complications of cardiac and non-cardiac and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in surgeries-correction aneurysm of aorta. Methodology: This study was descriptive and retrospective documentary, with quantitative analysis of the data. Data collection took place in the Hospital reference in city of Fortaleza/CE. The sample was composed of the medical records of patients who had surgery to fix aneurysm of aorta in that Hospital between 2007 and 2009, and from the patient that did not contain the information necessary to complete this study data were recorded in own form prepared by the researcher. Results: BMI was within normal limits. Cigarette smoking was 43% among men and 71.4% women. Hypertension in 93.75% of men and 57.1% in women. The cardiac complications were 35.7% and 64.2% non-cardiac. The most incidents complications among noncardiac are hypothermia (21.73%) and related to the surgical incision (21.73%). Conclusion: Postoperative complications that stood out were the noncardiac mainly hypothermia and related to surgical incision. Descriptors: Aneurysm of Aorta; Morbi-mortality; Post-operative Complications.


Introduction: In order to reform in health system and downsizing and compensate employment in nursing, the 8th government outsourced the nursing services to private companies; but it wasn't a successful policy in practice. Though study of obstacles could be useful for further activities of nurses. Aim: Method &Material : This study took place in 2013, which through it the cases was consisted whole nurses of two hospitals from total of three (n=71). Questioner was made of 40 items, (0/9) and validity assessed by faculty members and reliability computed by Alpha Cronbach (0.90). The data was analyzed by SPSS and descriptive statistics and "Manwithney" test. Results: Nurse's concern about job safety had the top score (%93). Lack of rules for improvision privatization (%90). prejudice between private session nurses and employees. Lack of planing (%37). Lack of supervision (%32) and execution (%31). Mentioned above, are the main factors for prevention of improvision in privatization. Conclusion: with the obstacles ahead, to get matched with the main plicies of country, by providing logical concepts, must compensate the lack of compensation or it's abscence for nurses, through the process of outsourcement; Specially job safety and ease of cooperation without discrimination of nurses


The intifada began its fourth year in the midst of changed political and economic realities. Politically, the failure of the peace process and the crisis in the Gulf dramatically altered Palestinian attitudes, popular psychology, and strategic thinking. Economically, loss of revenue from the Gulf states and the steady erosion of other economic and political options bode unmitigated disaster for the Palestinians; conditions have deteriorated to such a degree that hunger is now a growing problem in the occupied territories. With reference to the Gaza Strip in particular, the effect of the new political and economic realities represents not simply the continuation of negative trends, but a critical turning point in the uprising and in the nature of the Palestinian struggle for independence.


This paper documents major predictions made by economists during the debate over the potential economic effects of NAFTA. We focus our attention on employment, trade, and investment. The consensus concluded that the effects of NAFTA would be positive but small for the U.S. and Canada economies, and positive and large for Mexico. From the post-NAFTA evidences, we evaluated the ex-ante predictions. The result shows that the forecasts are basically correct; expansion of trade and investment through the agreement has created more stable, better-paying jobs in the region. The facts indicate that all three countries have been winners. Valuable lessons from the NAFTA experience are drawn.


3 Rooms Rooms With 2 Bathrooms Bathrooms Office For sale N 2nd St In 424 N 2nd St, Alhambra, Los Angeles, California 91801


This paper argues that Locke has a representative theory of sensitive knowledge. Perceivers are immediately aware of nothing but sensory ideas in the mind; yet perceivers think of real external substances that correspond to and cause those ideas, and they are warranted in believing that those substances exist (at that time). The theory poses two questions: what warrants the truth of such beliefs? What is it in virtue of which sensory ideas represent external objects and how do they make perceivers think of those objects? Both the epistemic and semantic issues need to be addressed. This paper urges that Locke's basic account of warrant is roughly reliabilist. The causal origin of sensory ideas assures that, in general, sense based beliefs are true. Locke defines the limit of this warrant by the theoretical point that we cannot discuss skeptical doubt without assuming the truthfulness of our perceptual faculty. Turning to the semantic question, the paper argues that ideas are mental modifications or entities. They are not intrinsically representative (satisfiable), but rather represent only by virtue of their causal origin. They merely "track" the presence of substances and their qualities. Ideas nevertheless prompt perceivers to think of their causes. This is roughly because sensory ideas have a specific mental role, namely, to serve as marks for distinguishing substances and their respective qualities for purposes of action. The paper suggests that, for Locke, the challenge posed by the semantic veil of ideas is to explain this externally directed marking function within bounds of his anti-innatism. But it concludes that his answers to the twin questions fit together reasonably well.


Demofraсtal model allows us to obtain a complete picture of the demographic behavior of the population of Tambov region (one of the typical Chernozem regions of Russia in XIX XX centuries). Through Demofraсtal were investigated demographic strategies of rural societies in the three chronological segments: 1862 1917 years., 1917 1920 years., 1920 1926 years. Since the mid 1920's migratory movement in the Russian countryside takes significant size and should be taken into consideration in the analysis of demographic processes. Therefore there is a need to significantly adjust of the phase space of Demofractal. The model is built around study of the relations (and dynamics) of the two key binary properties of the system. Unable to ignore the birth rate and mortality rate (two key binary properties of the system in preceding stage). But we will consider them in terms of an integral index the tendency of natural increase (decline). A second key properte in the modified model is a migration gain (loss).


During the last decade, the Internet plays a vital role in our day to day life. The quality of online services such as e-banking, e-rail, e-health has been enhanced due to modern communication technology. Telecare Medical Information System(TMIS) one such online service provides facilities to the patient in which both telecare server and patient communicate with each other over existing public network connections. Unlike the traditional medical system, TMIS ensures that the patient can get health care services via the Internet at home. In this paper, we have designed a privacy authentication scheme for TMIS based on the cloud. Further, the formal verification of the proposed scheme using Real-Or-Random model shows the efficiency of the proposed approach against passive and active attacks. The low computational and communicational cost shows that the scheme can be deployed for computing application and mobile communication.


Some of the problems that multi-cultural virtual teams experience include: time delays in replies, lack of synergy among cross-cultural team members, communications breakdowns, unresolved conflicts among members, limited hours allowed to be worked and different holidays. This paper reviews major challenges faced by multi-cultural virtual teams and describes some managerial implications. Although many previous studies have focused in various factors such as telecommuting issues, there are few studies that investigate the issues in multi-cultural virtual teams. The main objective of this research-in-progress paper is to empirically investigate multi-cultural challenges in virtual teams and outline the proposed research.


Log-linear models are a well-established method for describing statistical dependencies among a set of n random variables. The observed frequencies of the n-tuples are explained by a joint probability such that its logarithm is a sum of functions, where each function depends on as few variables as possible. We obtain for this class a new model selection criterion using nonasymptotic concepts of statistical learning theory. We calculate the VC dimension for the class of k-factor log-linear models. In this way we are not only able to select the model with the appropriate complexity, but obtain also statements on the reliability of the estimated probability distribution. Furthermore we show that the selection of the best model among a set of models with the same complexity can be written as a convex optimization problem.


1. Three cases are reported of avascular necrosis of the head of the femur after undisplaced fractures of the neck of the femur in childhood. 2. It is suggested that the diaphysial vessels play a more important part in the supply of the epiphysis than has previously been recognised. 3. The prognosis for any fracture of the neck of the femur in a child given at the time of the injury should be guarded.


In this paper,the author consider that the research on High Strength Recycled Aggregate(HSRA) will be more and more important.The conception of Recycled High Performance Concrete(RHPC)has been introduced,the influence of HSRA on the basic properties of concrete has been studied by test and the RHPC with slump of 245mm?compressive strength of 549MPa for 28 days had been prepared successfully.Especially,the strength of the concrete prepared with entirely HSRA was up to 961MPa at 3 years.The author consider that the exploitage for RHPC is helpful in expanding the use of recyeled concrete.


Studies were undertaken at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore using different seed lots of blackgram cv. CO 6 with a view to elicit information on seed invigouration for maintenance of seed quality during storage period. Seeds soaking followed by drying for different durations ranging from 1h, 2h and 3h with different inorganic chemicals viz., Vitamin E (a- tocopherol), Para Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) and Salicylic Acid at concentrations of 2.5 mM, 5.0 mM and 7.5 mM in 1:1 seed to solution ratio was attempted. The results shows that soaking of varying seed lots of freshly harvested, aged treated and treated aged seeds of blackgram (3 days of accelerated ageing) in low concentrations viz., 2.5 mM, 5.0 mM of salicylic acid followed by drying was effective in controlling seed deterioration and improving seed vigour and viability in all the seed lots.


Abdullah is here displaying an attitude which is "quite un-Asian", is based on A. Hill's mistranslation. (See The Hikayat Abdullah, trans. A.H. Hill, OUP, 1970, p. 284 and compare with the Malay text: MPH ed., p. 314; Djambatan ed., p. 382). One effective way to deal with the sterilizing effect of "received opinion" is more careful attention to the original texts. The other is to subject terms and concepts and their underlying philosophies, which "received opinion" tends to accept uncritically from other traditions, to rigorous scrutiny, not to add to them. Individualism or individuality, for instance, is a central concept in modern Malay/Indonesian literary study, but nowhere has it been clearly defined. It is also central to Johns' thinking to the extent that he is willing to view Kartini's letters and the exchange between Takdir Alisjahbana and Sutomo in newspapers and journals (ch. 2; see also ch. 11), as literature and to consider Sitti Nurbaya (1922) as the first Indonesian novel. This is a more extreme position than "received opinion", which accords the honour to Azab dan Sengsara (1921). Individuality in fact occurs as a sort of leitmotiv, an obsessive idea throughout the whole collection of essays, and is the basis on which judgments on Malay/ Indonesian authors are passed. But Johns refuses to define it or the other labels used: e.g., "true individuality" with reference to Abdullah (p. 215), "thoroughgoing intellectuality" (p. 195), "universal humanist" (p. 228), and "individualist" and "internationalist" (p. 233) with reference to Chairil Anwar. As these are linked ultimately with the West and Western influence, unless they are defined and refined, one arrives at the position similar to that taken by Winstedt in relation to classical Malay literature.


Crystallisation fouling from aqueous solutions of 10 - 40 wt% tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and trimethyloethane (TME) was studied using a two-fingered deposition cell. The clathrates formed semi-solid layers of crystals on the heat transfer surfaces of the cell upon cooling and they reached significant thickness over timescales of one hour. A quantitative model to describe the rate of crystal layer growth was developed based on combined heat transfer and mass transfer control. The model gave a good description of the experimental trends and comparison with the experimental data allowed the estimation of the volume fraction of crystals in the matrix, which approached 40%.


This paper represents automatic facial expression analysis method named Local Directional Stigma Mean Patterns (LDSMP) for automatic facial expression analysis and image retrieval using content based facial expression image retrieval and CNN. The traditional local patterns such as Local Binary Patterns (LBP) and Local Ternary Patterns (LTP) are applied for face recognition and expression analysis, calculated using relationship between the center pixel and neighboring pixels. The proposed method calculates the eight directional difference values then divided into the three ranges based on threshold values. Thus, the values are substituted with basic three positive values (+3, +2, +1) and three negative values (-3, -2, -1) to get more sensitive information from an image rather than aforementioned methods. The threshold can be select either static which is selected by user or dynamic is evaluated from image itself and supports to improve the efficiency. The performance of the proposed method is further improved by giving this patterns as input to the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and compared with the existing methods LBP, LTP, and Directional Binary Code (DBC) in terms of Average Precision (AP), Average Recall (AR), and Average Retrieval Rate (ARR) using standard databases COREL 10K (DB1) and JAFFE (The Japanese Female Facial Expression) (DB2) and Extended Cohn-Kanade (CK +) (DB3) dataset.


The sustainability of the global economy hinges upon the health of the earth's environment. Effective environmental risk assessment and management have become increasingly important. With the ever-growing global population and expanding demands of economic development, we consume more natural resources, produce more waste, and develop more extensively into the regions that are prone to environmental hazards. Although humans have interacted with the environment for thousands of years, environmental risk assessment and management are only recent research undertakings. As industrialization has made the humanenvironment interactions more dynamic and complex, the increased environmental risks have propelled and compelled people to use technologies for mapping, monitoring and mitigating environmental problems. The earliest environmental applications of major remote sensing and GIS technologies began in the 1960s, particularly marked by the successful launch of the TIROS-1, the first meteorological satellite, and the development of computer-based geographic information systems (GIS). The story Silent Spring (Carson, 1962) awoke the public's environmental consciousness and promoted public demands for governments to set up environmental protection policies and research priorities. The birth of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 set the stage for modern environmental risk assessment. The launch of the LANDSAT program in 1972 created a new way for monitoring global land use and land cover changes (Foley, 1999; Goward et al., 2001; Aighewi et al., 2013; Hensen et al., 2013). Remote sensing and GIS technologies have been applied in almost all of the major aspects of environmental studies, from natural hazards to human induced disasters, such as monitoring storms (hurricanes, tornados), land instabilities (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides), and water problems (tsunamis, inland floods, oil spills, water pollution), forest fires, land use and land cover changes and other ecosystem problems.


Trajectory data analysis is an essential component for highly automated driving. Complex models developed with these data predict other road users' movement and behavior patterns. Based on these predictions - and additional contextual information such as the course of the road, (traffic) rules, and interaction with other road users - the highly automated vehicle (HAV) must be able to reliably and safely perform the task assigned to it, e.g., moving from point A to B. Ideally, the HAV moves safely through its environment, just as we would expect a human driver to do. However, if unusual trajectories occur, so-called trajectory corner cases, a human driver can usually cope well, but an HAV can quickly get into trouble. In the definition of trajectory corner cases, which we provide in this work, we will consider the relevance of unusual trajectories with respect to the task at hand. Based on this, we will also present a taxonomy of different trajectory corner cases. The categorization of corner cases into the taxonomy will be shown with examples and is done by cause and required data sources. To illustrate the complexity between the machine learning (ML) model and the corner case cause, we present a general processing chain underlying the taxonomy.


The paper considers the problem of controlling systems with time delay. Two examples from engine powertrain control are selected to illustrate different effects of time delay on the performance of the closed loop system. In the first example, the air-to-fuel ratio is measured with delay. A plot of an envelope for parameters of a PI controller shows the gain reduction imposed by the time delay. In the second example, the delayed term satisfies the matching condition in a nonlinear model of a turbocharged diesel engine. Input-output linearization and the Razumikhin Theorem are used to claim stability of the feedback system. In this case, gain reduction is not needed to preserve stability.


At the present stage of development of the railway transport infrastructure, the construction of double-track inserts can be considered as the first stage of strengthening the throughput and carrying capacity before the construction of the second continuous main tracks. In this study, the regulatory documentation that establishes the procedure for calculating and analyzing the capacity of double-track crossings is analyzed, dependent, conditionally independent and unaccounted factors affecting the capacity are classified. As part of the implementation of the project for the development of the Eastern Polygon, a static analysis of the linear parameters of the spans on which double-track inserts are designed is presented. In case of a conditional railway stage with characteristics close to the existing ones, the influence of the average speed of trains on the stage on the available capacity was studied. Graphs of the dependence of these parameters are plotted, and the most probable loss of throughput is determined for different lengths of runs and a given length of a two-track insert. It is established that with decrease in the average speed of trains on the single-track part of the stage, for example, due to the current long-term speed restrictions, there is a sudden decrease in the available capacity, which ultimately leads to the need to design a double-track insert of a longer length and the increase in investment to the development of the stage throughput capacity.


We convoy toward a village located a few miles from the gate. Each Army pediatrician, nurse, and medic shoulders a weapon and wears a Kevlar helmet and body armor. Trucks with 50-caliber machine guns provide additional protection. "Did we advertise the humanitarian exercise?" "No," replies the Civil Affairs commander, "We can't, because of the terrorists. Besides, everyone will invite 10 relatives from Baghdad." As we arrive at the village, curious children surround the vehicles. Militar y police guard against insurgents and petty theft. Relying solely on word of mouth, a queue of patients rapidly forms and snakes around the building. Patients stream in seeking medical care. Children are numerous, possibly due to the fact that men have multiple wives. Some of the children have easily treated pediatric disorders: ringworm, eczema, and coughs, for which we dispense medication. Others are more problematic (Figure 1). A mother implores us to correct her child's amblyopia. Worried parents ask why their 3month-old infant weighs only 3⁄2 pounds. While we wait patiently for our sole interpreter to explain that we lack surgical and diagnostic capabilities, a smile must suffice. The medic calls me. A 13-yearold is depressed, but there are no mental health resources. An Iraqi soldier lifts up his gown disclosing a suppurating wound in his hip where shrapnel has produced osteomyelitis. We are limited to providing him with a month's worth of oral cephalexin. "Let's roll out of here," calls the commander. It is unsafe to stay in 1 location for more than 2 hours. With a resignation that we have done all that our aid bags allow us to do, we protest, "There are still more patients waiting."


An algorithm is developed for calculating complex eigenvalues and eigenvectors associated with the fluid resonances and is used to analyze the perturbed flow in the leakage path between a shrouded-pump impeller and its housing. The eigenvalues obtained are consistent with the forced-response curves. First- and second-natural-frequency eigensolutions are presented for mode shapes corresponding to lateral excitations, and first-natural-frequency eigensolutions are presented for mode shapes corresponding to axial excitation.


On the isolated quinea pig ileum and in the intact animal the acid succinate and acid oxalate of β-dimethylaminoethyl benzhydryl ether have an order of histaminolytic action similar to the hydrochloride9s, but the acid succinate may be less toxic (molecular comparisons). This suggestion of an anionic influence should be studied further. Quaternary ammonium derivatives of the base, while entering the class of choline derivatives, retain potent histaminolytic properties and at the same time exhibit considerably more potent atropine-like action than salts of the tertiary type (in contrast with the known activating action of lower alkyl choline ethers). The added atropine-like action appears to increase their efficacy in protecting intact guinea pigs against death from inspired histamine mist. It is accompanied by diminished "myotropic" action and increased toxicity. The importance of 2-carbon alkylamines in the histaminic and cholinergic as well as adrenergic systems, and the breaking down of classical boundaries of specificity in these systems concurrently with interactions between changing molecular groups are illustrated. Parallels in the relation of structure to action are drawn between the present alkamine ethers and known analogous esters.


In this paper, a novel algorithm for incorporating morphological knowledge into statistical machine translation (SMT) systems is proposed. First, word stems are acquired automatically for the source and target languages using an unsupervised morphological acquisition algorithm. Then a word-stem based SMT system is built and combined with a phrase-based word level SMT system using a general statistical framework. The combined lexical and morphological SMT system is implemented using late integration and lattice re-scoring. The system is then evaluated on the Europarl corpus, using automatic evaluation methods for various training corpus sizes. It is shown, that both the BLEU and NIST scores of the lexical-morphological system improve by about 14% over the baseline English to Greek translation system when using a 1M word training corpus


Recently, a number of works have been published on implementing assignment decision diagram models combined with SAT methods to address register-transfer level test pattern generation. Those methods have proven efficient. However, all of them target modules inside the datapath of the circuit. In this paper, we show by experiments that the fault coverage achieved by full datapath tests is often lower than what can be achieved if faults in the control part FSM were additionally considered. We also propose a new type of fault model for targeting faults in FSMs embedded to RTL descriptions. In addition, we present an alternative for traditional assignment decision diagrams, which provides for a more general representation of RTL circuits. We show that our model, called high-level decision diagrams, allows efficient high-level test path activation. According to experiments the proposed approach outperforms state-of-the-art test pattern generation tools


In this work, we consider the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) in 2+1 dimensions with arbitrary nonlinearity exponent κ in the presence of an external confining potential. Exact solutions to the system are constructed, and their stability as we increase the 'mass' (i.e., the L 2 norm) and the nonlinearity parameter κ is explored. We observe both theoretically and numerically that the presence of the confining potential leads to wider domains of stability over the parameter space compared to the unconfined case. Our analysis suggests the existence of a stable regime of solutions for all κ as long as their mass is less than a critical value M*(κ). Furthermore, we find that there are two different critical masses, one corresponding to width perturbations and the other one to translational perturbations. The results of Derrick's theorem are also obtained by studying the small amplitude regime of a four-parameter collective coordinate (4CC) approximation. A numerical stability analysis of the NLSE shows that the instability curve M*(κ) versus κ lies below the two curves found by Derrick's theorem and the 4CC approximation. In the absence of the external potential, κ = 1 demarcates the separation between the blowup regime and the stable regime. In this 4CC approximation, for κ < 1, when the mass is above the critical mass for the translational instability, quite complicated motions of the collective coordinates are possible. Energy conservation prevents the blowup of the solution as well as confines the center of the solution to a finite spatial domain. We call this regime the 'frustrated' blowup regime and give some illustrations. In an appendix, we show how to extend these results to arbitrary initial ground state solution data and arbitrary spatial dimension d.


Metal jewelry has always occupied an important position in the development of bag decoration, which is also the most direct manifestation of the decorative effect of bags. Through the proper collocation of metal jewelry, the unique "quality" and "connotation" of the bags themselves can be reflected completely


SUMMARY One hundred and twenty Hubbard broiler chicks at one day old of age were randomized and fed one of four dietary treatment diets differing in dietary acetyl choline (AC) levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 mg/ kg feed), broilers within each dietary treatment were randomized into 3 replicates of 10 chickens each for the whole experimental period (6 weeks) from 0 to 6 weeks of age. Response criteria included production parameters, measures of blood physiological and immunological measurements. Acetyl choline supplementation at 15 mg/kg diet significantly increased BW at 3 weeks of age by 9.56%, and numerically improved FCR by 8.0% as compared to those of control group. However, no significant effect of AC supplementation at 5 or 10 mg/kg feed on BWG, FI and FCR during all experimental periods. There were no statistical significant influences of the dietary choline level on serum glucose, cholesterol, and liver functions as judged by liver enzymes e.g. AST and ALT. On the other hand, choline dietary supplementation significantly increased serum total protein and was statistically similar to the un-supplemented controls (6.67, 6.79 and 6.70 g./ dl), respectively. Acetyl choline as at 10 or 15 mg/kg feed significantly increased serum globulin and were statistically similar, but different to the un-supplemented controls (4.80 and 4.85 vs. 3.51 g./ dl), respectively. Similarly, albumin to globulin ratio was found to be statistically similar between the control and 5 mg/ kg feed of acetyl choline, but differ significantly as compared to higher acetyl choline dietary levels of 10 and 15 mg/ kg feed, respectively. In conclusion, growing broiler chicks responded positively to acetyl choline supplementation of 10 mg/kg feed. Similar finding were noted with the same dietary acetyl choline inclusion with immunity parameters and blood physiological parameters within the study period from 0 to 6 weeks of age.


Objective To assess the effectiveness of centrum combined with interbody bone graft fusion in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures and its influence on neurological function. Methods Eighty-five patients of thoracolumbar burst fractures were randomly divided into observation and control groups. All patients in the both groups were treated with the first-stage posterior internal fixation. The control group( n = 40) were further treated with bone graft fusion while the observation group( n = 45) were further treated with centrum combined with interbody bone graft fusion. The changes of Cobb angle,vertebral height of front edge and vertebral height of the back edge,bone fusion rate,internal fixation failure rate and Frankel grade of fracture vertebral were compared between the two groups after following-up for 2 ~ 3 years. Results All 85 patients were followed up for( 24. 28 ± 5. 12) months. The Cobb angle in the observation group was significantly lower while the vertebral height of front edge and vertebral height of back edge were significantly higher than that in the control group. The bone fusion time,fusion rate and internal fixation failure rate in the observation group were better than that in the control group. All differences were statistically significant( P 0. 05). The postoperative Frankel grade of the observation group was also better than that of the control group( P 0. 05). Conclusion The centrum combined with interbody bone graft fusion after the first-stage posterior internal fixation has an obviously effect that can induce optimum bone fusion with good prognosis.


A fast, two‐coil, pseudo‐continuous labeling scheme is presented. This new scheme permits the collection of a multislice subtraction pair in <3 s, depending on the subject's arterial transit times. The method consists of acquiring both control and tag images immediately after a labeling period that matches the arterial transit time. The theoretical basis of the technique, and simulations of the signal during changes in both transit time and perfusion are presented. Experimental data from functional imaging experiments were collected to demonstrate the technique and its characteristics. Magn Reson Med 51:577–585, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


December,' Mr. Walker-Smith said the board had agreed to his suggestion and had accepted this moral obligation. Nevertheless the fact remains that Mr. Barber has still not been reinstated. No wonder The Times,3 in a first leader last week on Lord Winterton's request, headed its blistering attack on the Government "Injustice." But the "moral obligation" clause goes much further than just one hard case-however hard and however unjust. The clause is written into the terms and conditions of service to which every consultant and S.H.M.O. binds himself when he signs his contract with his regional board. It is his one safeguard against unfair dismissal. Just what is it worth-and is it really Workable ? The first paragraph of the clause entitles any consultant or S.H.M.O. who thinks his appointment is being unfairly terminated to be heard before a professional committee under the chairmanship of the Ministry's Chief Medical Officer, and obliges the Minister to review the case in the light of this committee's advice. The Minister may then confirm the dismissal, direct reinstatement, or arrange some other solution agreeable to the parties concerned. But in no instance may a board proceed finally to dismiss a consultant or S.H.M.O. unless and until it has received the Minister's agreement. As a last resort there remains, as in the Barber case, appeal to the courts. But, even here, as Mr. Walker-Smith pointed out in Parliament2 when referring to that case, the court has no power to order reinstatement if the action is successful. The second paragraph of this vital clause states the conditions where a -" moral obligation" exists and defines the nature of this obligation. The paragraph reads: " It is understood that where a local change of organization in the hospital and specialist services involves displacement or serious disturbance of a consultant's (or S.H.M.O.'s) services, the board recognizes that it has a moral obligation to render the greatest possible assistance to the consultant (or S.H.M.O.) with a view to his obtaining comparable work in another hospital." This is not some impossibly rare situation which will never occur. Contraction and expansion as between one specialty and another are bound to happen. The discovery of new remedies can totally alter the deployment of medical effort. The effect of chemotherapy on the tuberculosis service is an obvious example. Again, to-day the cry is for more psychiatrists; perhaps to-morrow many of them will be redundant. And apart from the local effects of such general trends there may also be local maldistributions which in the best interest of the public served should be adjusted. Cases of redundancy are occurring now, though as yet only in small numbers. What can such people expect ? It is not so easy for them to switch in mid-career, to compete with younger men trained perhaps more appropriately for the post offered-even with the benefit of special consideration. The Minister says he has no powers to compel their appointment: it is a matter for the boards. But are the boards themselves, given the best will in the world, much better placed to honour their moral obligation ? There may be no suitable vacancy in the region. And, if there is, it must be advertised, and a board can even then appoint only from among those candidates recommended to it by a properly constituted appointments advisory committee. It could happen that such a committee would not choose to recommend a particular redundant consultant or S.H.M.O. Lord Onslow's statement (p. 728) that the advertising rule may now be changed is therefore welcome. It is surely high time to overhaul the machinery and make it more certain. It is to no one's interest to freeze the establishment for each specialty at its present level: Medicine marches on. Equally there must be justice-and reasonable security-for the man who has given years of good service and is then, through no fault of his own, found to be redundant. What comfort to him is a " moral obligation" if there is no ob ?


The equilibrium of a finite-beta cylindrical RFP plasma in the presence of saturated-amplitude tearing modes is investigated. The singularities arising from the perturbative analysis of the MHD force balance equation JxB=grad(p) are resolved through a proper regularization of the cylindrical symmetric component of the pressure and parallel current density profiles, by setting to zero their gradient at the modes rational surfaces. An equilibrium model, which satisfies the regularization rule at the various rational surfaces, is developed. The comparison with the experimental data from the Reversed Field eXperiment (RFX) gives encouraging results. The model provides an easy tool to extrapolate the magnetic data, ordinarily measured only at the plasma edge, inside the plasma. As an application, we present the computation of the particle and heat stochastic diffusion coefficient from the reconstructed magnetic field profile.