BIONOMICS OF DACTYLOPIUS COCCUS COSTA (HEMIPTERA: COCCOIDEA) IN A GREENHOUSE IN SICILY. A study on the biology of Dactylopius coccus Costa was undertaken to evaluate the possibility of mass-rearing it commercially in Sicily. The colonies of D. coccus were maintained on 2-3 years old cladophylls of Opuntia ficus indica, rooted in plant pots, in a greenhouse near the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, the University of Catania. Almost daily observations were made between April 1995 and August 1996. Three reproductive cycles of the scale insect were observed; the duration of each instar, the length of each life cycle, female fecundity and the effects of the biotic factors have been studied. Key words: mass rearing, Opuntia, biology, Dactylopiidae, fecundity, environmental conditions, Canary Islands, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Sardinia, dye, Exochomus flavipes, mortality, phototaxis, temperature, humidity.


Amastigotes (non-flagellated tissue forms) of Leishmania sp. reside and multiply within the phagolysosomes in tissue macrophages of vertebrate hosts. They are true obligate, intracellular parasites and do not persist as viable entities outside of host cells. This absolute dependence on host cells raises interesting questions about the metabolic capabilities of the amastigote stage. It is assumed that in general, intracellular stages of parasitic protozoa, exhibit reduced metabolic capabilities when compared with insect or culture forms. This hypothesis is largely untested in Leishmania sp. although there is evidence to indicate that several enzymes in amastigotes are less active than their counterparts in promastigotes (Coombs et al., 1982, Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology 5: 199-211; Meade et al., 1984, Journal of Protozoology 31: 156-161). Both forms also differ in their ability to utilize various substrates (Hart et al., 1981, Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology 4: 39-51; Hart and Coombs, 1982, Experimental Parasitology 54: 397-409). The presence of several enzymes of intermediary metabolism in amastigotes of L. donovani (Looker et al., 1983, Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology 9: 15-28; Meade et al., loc. cit.) and L. mexicana (Coombs et al., 1982, loc. cit.) suggests that they are indeed capable of carrying out independent metabolic activities. Since in vitro demonstration of enzyme activity in cell free extracts in and of itself does not ensure functional activity in vivo, the capacity of L. donovani amastigotes to catabolize and incorporate substrates or precursors into macromolecules was tested. Amastigotes of L. donovani (Sudan strain 1S) were isolated and purified from infected hamster spleens as described before (Meade et al., 1984, loc. cit.). Parasites were washed twice and resuspended in basal salts solution (Mukkada et al., 1974, Journal of Protozoology 21: 393-397), pH 5.5 to a density of 0.35 mg protein/ml. Incorporation of glucose and proline into macromolecules was determined by measuring the incorporation of label into cold trichloroacetic acid (TCA) insoluble materials (Mukkada and Simon, 1977, Experimental Parasitology 42: 87-96). Amastigote suspensions (4.9 ml) were incubated on a shaking waterbath at 30 C for 20 min for temperature equilibration. [U-_4C]D-glucose and [U-_4C]-L-proline were added to a final concentration of 0.1 mM and a specific radioactivity of 0.4 A,Ci/umole. Samples of 0.5 ml were withdrawn at various intervals and immediately added to 0.5 ml cold 10% TCA. After 15 min of extraction, 0.5 ml of the suspension was filtered through a millipore filter (0.8 ,tm porosity), washed with 3 ml basal salts and the filter pads with the cells thereon were dropped into scintillation vials containing 10 ml Bray's solution (Bray, 1960, Analytical Biochemistry 1: 279-285); radioactivity was determined in a Packard scintillation spectrometer Model 3003. Radioactivity in amastigotes after extraction with cold TCA represents incorporation of label into macromolecules. Synthesis of nucleic acids was followed by determining the incorporation of [3H] thymidine and [3H] uridine into TCA insoluble materials. Amastigote suspensions were incubated with [3H] thymidine and [3H] uridine at a final concentration of 0.4 mM and specific radioactivity of 0.6 ACi/,umole. Samples of 0.5 ml were withdrawn at intervals, filtered rapidly through glass microfiber filters (1.2 ,um porosity; Whatman GF/C) and immediately washed with 3 ml cold 10% TCA. They were then rinsed with 1 ml ethanol (95%) and transferred to vials containing 10 ml Biofluor scintillation fluid (NEN) and the radioactivity determined. Protein was determined by the method of Oyama and Eagle (1956, Proceedings of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine 91: 305-307). Since amastigotes were found to carry out a variety of metabolic activities optimally at pH 5.0-5.5 (data not shown) these studies were conducted at pH 5.5. Label from glucose and proline were readily incorporated into TCA insoluble materials in a time dependent fashion (Fig. 1). Though details are not shown, trapping in methyl benzethonium hydroxide (Weiss et al., 1967, Nature 213: 1020-1022) showed the evolution of significant amounts of labelled CO2 from both substrates which clearly indicate that amasti-


Purpose: To develop a simple technique for testing display monitors for compliance with the DICOM Grayscale Standard Display Function (GSDF), in accordance with the recommendations of AAPM Task Group 18. Methods: We have developed a spreadsheet that can be used to compare both the luminance response and contrast response of a display to the GSDF, using luminance measurements of the SMPTE test pattern. The contrast response compares the slope of the GSDF j-index as a function of pixel value to that of the GSDF function, and should lie within the range 0.85 to 1.15. Results: We present the results of measurements both of primary diagnostic displays and of ultrasound and acquisition workstations, all at a tertiary care hospital. The Barco displays in the radiographic reading rooms are GSDF compliant or nearly so, while those in the ultrasound reading rooms and at the acquisition workstations generally show significantly higher contrast at low luminance levels than they would if GSDF compliant, and lower contrast at high luminance levels. Conclusion: The spreadsheet that we developed allows a simple comparison of measured display contrast response to the GSDF. Although we used the SMPTE pattern, the same technique could be used with other grayscale patterns,more » such as TG18-QC and TG18-PQC.« less


s by Parsons et al., Norman and Cotton, and Schall and Beitzel concern behavioral change strategies for adolescents and young adults and the continued problems they face in disclosing their HIV status to others, especially to potential sexual partners, as well as their attitudes about consistent condom use. Although none of the abstracts specifically deal with hepatitis, the overwhelming majority of persons with hemophilia who were treated with clotting factor concentrates prepared through the 1970s and much of the 1980s were infected with one or more hepatitis ~ i r u s e s . ~ By the late 1970s, donor screening and hepatitis B vaccination had significantly reduced the rate of new hepatitis B infections. However, the risk of becoming infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) remained quite high until the late 1980s, at which time the virus was identified and serologic tests were developed; blood and plasmapheresis donors could then be screened for HCV seropositivity, and more effective virus-attenuation methods were developed and used in the preparation of clotting factor concentrate^.^ Approximately 50 percent of older children, adolescents, and adults with severe hemophilia now have at least laboratory evidence of chronic HCV infection. Thus, physicians treating hemophiliacs have had to become knowledgeable in the appropriate follow-up and care of these individuals, and the NHF's Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC) has published a series of recommendations concerning the management of viral hepatitis and its sequelae in hemophiliac^.^ While the plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates now licensed for use in the United States are considerably safer than ever before (as a result of better donor screening methods and more effective virus-attenuation methods), recent reports of the transmission of human parvovirus B 19 by clotting factor concentrates, and reports of hepatitis A transmission by solvenddetergent-treated clotting factor concentrates in three European countries, are cause for some concern. It is apparent that we should never become totally complacent about the viral safety of clotting factor concentrates that are produced from the plasma collected from thousands of individuals. Fortunately, scientists have brought us new technologies, including recombinant (r) DNA-derived factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates. In a remarkably short time after the gene encoding human FVIII was identified and its product was expressed in mammalian cells transfected with the gene? prelicensure clinical trials with rFVIII began. Human clinical trials with the rFVIII of Baxter Healthcare Corporation (Deerfield, IL) began in 1987 and those with the rFVIII of Miles, Inc. (West Haven, CT) in 1988. Abstracts 5 through 7 describe studies aimed at documenting the safety and efficacy of the rFVIII products of each company. Both products (Miles's Kogenate and Baxter's Recombinate) are now licensed and appear to be quite effective and safe. Both rFVIII preparations are expressed by hamster cells, and a murine monoclonal antibody purification step is used to remove rFVIII from


Ethanol (EtOH) modifies the production and/or release of endogenous opioid peptides, including β-endorphin (Gianoulakis, 2004; Przewlocka et al., 1994; Schulz et al., 1980). Opioids subsequently influence the reinforcing properties of EtOH and the development of alcoholism (Terenius, 1996; Van Ree, 1996). In this study, β-endorphin deficient mutant mice were used to examine the effects of a specific opioid peptide on EtOH consumption. A two-bottle free choice EtOH oral self-administration paradigm was administered to homozygous mutant mice (void of all β-endorphin), heterozygous mice (50% β-endorphin expression), and sibling wildtype mice (C57BL/6J; B6). Subjects received increasing concentrations of EtOH (0%, 3%, 6%, 12%, and 15%) each given over an eight day span, and were evaluated for preference and consumption each day. Overall, females drank more than males. Homozygous mutant mice (KO) showed decreased preference for EtOH at all concentrations, and self-administered significantly less than heterozygous mice (HT) and wildtype mice (B6). The HTs had a tendency to drink the most followed by the B6s, and the KOs drank the least. These data support the hypothesis that βendorphin influences the reinforcing effects of EtOH.


The object of this study was to statistically analyze the survival patterns in patients with metastatic cauda equina compression and to determine the factors that may be predictive of prognosis. Between 1980 and 1999, 76 patients were diagnosed and treated for metastatic tumors causing cauda equina compression. Pain was the presenting feature in 67% of patients. The most common site for the primary tumor was the lung (21%). All patients received external beam radiation with a dose range of 4 Gy to 38 Gy (mean = 25 Gy). Median length of patient survival was 4.0 ± 0.9 months (range: 1–152 months). The 12-month actuarial survival calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method was 17.52 ± 4.5% (95% confidence interval). Factor analysis of overall survival revealed that an increase in radiation dose (>20 Gy) correlated with longer survival (P < 0.001). Patients with lymphoma had the best prognosis, whereas those with lung and prostate primary cancer faired worst. Primary cancer is the most useful predictor of prognosis in patients with metastatic cauda equina compression. Although radiation remains the treatment of choice, the addition of surgery offers significant improvement in the symptoms and hence increases quality of life for long-term survivors.


Provided are: a barrier laminate that is obtained by laminating a sealant film and a substrate and that does not cause the migration of an adhesive component, which is a specific control subject, while keeping a sealing strength requisite for a common laminate packaging material; and a packaging material obtained using the same. A barrier laminate obtained by laminating a multilayer film, which is obtained by laminating a laminate layer (A) that comprises an olefinic resin as the main component, an intermediate layer (B) that comprises at least 70mass% of a cyclic -olefin-based resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 70 to 160oC as a resin component, and a sealing layer (C) that comprises an olefinic resin as the main component in the (A)/(B)/(C) order, with a substrate film through use of an adhesive so as to bond the surface of the laminate layer (A) to the substrate film, characterized in that the total thickness of the multilayer film is 15 to 150μm; the thickness percentage of the intermediate layer (B) is 0.5 to 10%; and the thickness of the sealing layer (C) is 3μm or more.


The advent of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for renal transplantation has focused minds to an even greater degree on the vascular anatomy of the donor kidney. The authors from Leicester determined the accuracy of spiral CT imaging for donor venous anatomy and comparing it to the operative findings, either at open or laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. They found the technique to be an excellent way of assessing potential renal donors in terms of the gonadal and adrenal veins, but less so for predicting lumbar veins.


Along with China entering into WTO,trade frictions between China and other main countries or regions take place frequently.It is very important to adopt measures,program and establish early-warning system of export trade friction as soon as possible.This paper summarizes current situation of export trade friction between China and its trade partners,and analyzes three subsystem of export trade friction early-warning system that include supervising,evaluating and forecasting.Based on above analysis,this paper puts forward key points in establishing early-warning system of export trade friction.


Introduction: Drug therapy has a profound influence on the health all over the word the effective and the rational use of drugs (herbal or modern) constitutes one of the most important parts of health care programmed. To document attitude of women about use of herbal product among women refer to health care center. Methods and Materials: In this descriptive and cross- sectional stady 1449 women referring to health care center and Hajar hospital in Shahrekord were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire. The cases were chosen by simple random sampling. For the data analysis, the T- test & c 2 were used. Results : In all, 68.1% of all women reported herbal use within the past 12 months, both women who had used herbal drugs and those not, had a positive attitude to ward the use of herbal drugs (80.3%) and 62.6% be lived herbal drug free from side effect and harmless. These women used 126 types of herbs for 101 problems. 43.4% of women used herbal drugs with modern drugs and 62% use mixture of several herbal drugs. 7.8% reported side effect with herbal product. The most commonly reported reasons for using herb were cold (29.47%). Yarrow was the most commonly used herb among 126 other species of herb. 52.8% of women had not reported the use of herbs to their physicians and the most common reason for nondisclosure was the belief that traditional herbal drugs were natural and safe (39.9%). Factors associated with the use of herbal drugs in pregnancy were low education, lower income and age between 29-20 years but non significant. There was a significant higher frequency of herbal drugs use in women with chronic diseases (P<0.0001). Conclusion : The widespread use and positive attitude to ward herbal drugs by women indicates increase need for efforts educate health care providers about common herbs used by women. Physicians should routinely question their patients regarding the use of herbal product, which may cause drugs interaction and adverse effects.


Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) datasets have been used to construct neighbor-joining trees from which monophyletic origins for crops such as einkorn wheat, barley, and emmer wheat have been inferred. We simulated several different multiple domestication scenarios for an imaginary cereal crop and examined the resulting domesticated populations. The simulations showed that the population biology aspects of the domestication process can result in independently domesticated populations merging in such a way that a monophyletic origin is erroneously in- ferred when the resulting population is examined by AFLP genotyping and neighbor-joining analysis. The results bring into question the use of this method to infer the origins of real crops. Resume : Les donnees sur le polymorphisme de longueur des fragments amplifies (AFLP) ont souvent ete employees pour construire des arbres phylogenetiques par analyse de type « neighbor-joining ». A partir de tels arbres, il a ete de - duit que l'engrain, l'orge et le ble amidonnier avaient une origine monophyletique. Les auteurs ont simule plusieurs scenarios differents de domestication pour une espece cerealiere imaginaire et ils ont examine les populations domesti - quees qui pourraient en resulter. Ces simulations montrent que certains aspects de la biologie des populations du pro - cessus de domestication peuvent faire penser que des populations domestiquees independamment ont une origine monophyletique. On pourrait arriver a une telle conclusion erronee en procedant au genotypage par AFLP et en analy- sant les donnees par l'approche « neighbor-joining ». Ces resultats soulevent un doute sur la justesse de l'emploi de cette approche pour deduire l'origine de vraies especes cultivees. Mots cles : AFLP, agriculture, 'neighbor-joining', domestication des plantes. (Traduit par la Redaction) Allaby and Brown 453


Michael Edwards, professor of English literature at the Collège de France in Paris, poet, critic, and the first British subject to be elected to the French Academy, has turned his attention in recent years to biblical literature. In 2016 he published Bible et poésie (Paris, Fallois). A translation of the sequel, Pour un christianisme intempestif (Paris, Fallois), was released in February of 2022 by Fortress Press under the title, Untimely Christianity. In the same year, the English translation of his 2016 volume, under the title The Bible and Poetry, will be published by New York Review Books. This study examines the poet-scholar's perspective on scripture, on theology, on the art of translation and his opinions of various modern translations of the Bible and highlights the most useful insights he contributes. The notion of Christianity's radical alterity is an important key to Edwards's work. Christianity is foreign to us, it is strange, so the scriptures that reveal it are also radically other. We Christians have been so desensitized to that otherness by our familiarity with the text that we seldom are challenged by it with the force that energized it originally. Its immense countercultural potential for transforming us and our world is blunted so that we don't truly hear the voice of God in it. Edwards's essential purpose is to help us reawaken our ability to hear the Bible in its untimely, countercultural power.


Vehicular Ad hoc Networks are an emerging technology. VANETs and MANETs (Mobile Ad hoc Networks) share the same principle. Hence most protocols such as AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector Routing) and DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) which are working on MANET can be also applicable on VANET. However VANET differs from MANET by its dynamic topology due to the vehicle's frequently fast movement. So we propose a new scheme for the V2V (vehicle to vehicle) communications with modified AODV protocol. We add the two metric to the existing AODV hello messages to determine whether neighbor is front of itself. At the link failure time, our protocol determines direction of destination node and broadcasts message to its neighbors with TTL set to 1. Nodes which are received broadcast message look at the direction flag and then forward if it has a path to the destination and previous node's direction relative to itself is equal to direction flag or drop if it has not path to the destination or direction flag is not equal to previous node's direction relative to itself.


Curriculum support materials, namely the policy documents and textbooks (teacher and learner books) have great influence on the content that is taught. They are important support tools for teachers, especially during times of curriculum change when everything changes for many teachers. A recent change in South Africa was the inclusion of evolution in the school curriculum. Extensive misconceptions about evolution make it difficult to teach this topic. This book provides findings from a study where I did a content analysis of the South African Natural Sciences policy document and six Grade 7-9 Natural Sciences textbooks from two different publishers. The aim was to establish the nature and extent of unscientific ideas about evolution, and how the authors dealt with potential misconceptions. Errors in the policy documents translated into errors in the textbooks. Although this book uses evolution as an example , lessons learned about curriculum materials as a possible influence on misconceptions are applicable to other subjects.


Boundary-layer-ingesting serpentine inlets produce distorted profiles that can cause aeromechanical, stability, and performance changes in embedded engines. Proper design of embedded engine systems requires understanding of the underlying fluid dynamics that occur within serpentine inlets. A serpentine inlet was tested in a wind tunnel that simulated wake ingestion. The measured total pressure profiles at the inlet and exit planes of the duct, and the static pressure distributions along the walls provided useful data related to serpentine inlet systems. Analysis of the wake shape entering the s-duct showed that the airframe and inlet duct are both important components of a wake-ingesting inlet/diffusion system. The ideal performance improvement associated with wake-ingestion is quantified. Shape-effects and static pressure distributions determined flow transport within the serpentine inlet. Flow separation within the s-duct increased distortion at the engine inlet plane. Discussion of airframe/inlet/engine compatibility demonstrates that embedded engine systems require multi-disciplinary collaborative design efforts. Included fundamental analysis provides performance estimates and design guidelines.


The Budget Account Classifier regulated by Regulatory Decrees Nos. 1068 of 2015 and 412 of 2018, have been a fundamental basis for the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, to issue guidelines by which entities that are part of the General Budget of the Nation, implement and apply in a standardized manner, the classification of expenditure through a code , which makes the type and nature of the expenditure identifiable in order to make the management of the entities measurable in terms of the budgetary execution of the resources allocated to them.


In order to study the thermal transport characteristics of the heterogeneous gallium nitride/graphene/silicon carbide interface, the effects of temperature, size and vacancy defects on the thermal conductance of the interface were investigated by non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method, and the changes of phonon state density and phonon participation rate on the thermal conductance of the interface were further analysed. The results show that the thermal conductance of the interface increases with increasing temperature. The analysis shows that with the increase of temperature, the lattice vibration intensities, the density of low frequency phonon states and the number of phonons involved in heat transport increase. The change of thermal conductance at the interface of single-layer graphene is higher than that of multi-layer graphene. When the structural size of the heat transport direction is changed, and the number of layers of gallium nitride and silicon carbide is changed at the same time, the thermal conductance at the interface does not change significantly, and the phonon scattering of the thermal transport at the interface is almost unaffected. However, as the number of graphene interlayers increases from the first layer to the fifth layer, the interface thermal conductance first decreases and then slowly increases. Because of the fourth layer, the participation rate of low frequency phonons decreases, more phonons are localised, and the number of phonons not involved in heat transfer increases, the interfacial thermal conductance reaches the minimum value of 0.024GW/m2K. As the vacancy defect concentration increases, the interfacial thermal conductance first increases gradually and then decreases.The difference is that when the concentration of single vacancy defects is 10%, the interface thermal conductance reaches the maximum value of 0.063GW/m2K. When the concentration of double vacancy defects is 12%, the interfacial thermal conductance reaches the maximum value of 0.065GW/m2K. The analysis shows that more phonons enter the delocalisation from the local region and more phonons participate in the heat transfer, leading to the increase of the interface thermal conductance. The results are useful for tuning the thermal transport performance of GaN devices and provide a theoretical basis for the design of devices with heterogeneous interfaces.


This experiment was performed to examine the efieets of Morphine on growth of foetuses tibia epiphyseal cartilage in pregnant mice at the organogenesispaiod. Thirty pregnant mice were divided randomly into 5 groups of 6. Morphine nus dissolved in aquabides and administrated intranamuscular on sixth to fifteenth days of gestation. Morphine was given at the dosage of 0. 02; 0.05 and 0. I3 mg/20g.body weight, respectively. The remaining aninmls were used as controls and placebo group. At eighteenth day of gestations, the pregnant na'ce were sacrificed and caesarian sectioned to remove the foetuses. The growth of tibia epiphyseal cartilages were observed histologically using Erlich 's Hematoxylin-Eosin stain. Result of these studies indicated that morphine given to the pregnant mice at the organogenesis period caused decreased thickness of the rest zone, proliferative zone, maturation zone, and calcfiication zone on the foetus tibial growth plate signicantly.


Two studies examined user engagement in two types of multimedia training systems-a more passive medium, videotape, and a less passive medium, interactive software. Each study compared engagement in three formats: the text format contained text and still images, the audio format contained audio and still images, and the video format contained audio and video images. In both studies, engagement was lower in the text condition than in the video condition. However, there were no differences in engagement between text and audio in the videotape-based training and no differences between audio and video in the computer-based training.


In this paper we propose a novel algorithm for multi-task learning with boosted decision trees. We learn several different learning tasks with a joint model, explicitly addressing the specifics of each learning task with task-specific parameters and the commonalities between them through shared parameters. This enables implicit data sharing and regularization. We evaluate our learning method on web-search ranking data sets from several countries. Here, multitask learning is particularly helpful as data sets from different countries vary largely in size because of the cost of editorial judgments. Our experiments validate that learning various tasks jointly can lead to significant improvements in performance with surprising reliability.


An experimental test is proposed to check the validity of the conventional theoretical model used to interpret deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) spectra. The test is based on the conventional DLTS technique with time points determined from a corresponding Diophantine equation. The test is simple, fast, and can be realized during each experimental DLTS measurement.


The invention provides a method for checking data consistency, comprising the following steps of: when a home location register (HLR) detects activity events, acquiring corresponding static service data according to a user identification associated with the activity events, and sending out the static service data, wherein the static service data includes user identifications; after a checking system receives the static service data, acquiring the corresponding static service data from a customer relationship management (CRM) system according to the user identifications, and comparing the static service data acquired from the CRM system with the static service data from the HLR; and when the static service data acquired from the CRM system and the static service data from the HLR are inconsistent, updating the static service data in the HLR according to the static service data acquired from the CRM system. The invention further provides a system for checking data consistency. Through the embodiment of the invention, the comparison range of the static service data is greatly shortened, and thus occupied resource and consumed time for the data consistency checking are reduced.


Preface The work presented in this report has been done during a one-year post-doctoral visit, from february 93 to february 94, to the Robotics laboratory of the Stanford University. Frederick Garcia was invited by Prof. Oussama Khatib to work on the ne motion assembly planning problem. Linda Tomasini, who was at this time visiting the Information System Laboratory in the team of Prof. Bernard Widrow, was concerned by the use of machine learning techniques for the design of the assembly plan execution controller. Lavoisier fellowships from the ministry of the foreign aaairs of the french governement.


A management system which has been used in Japan's Toyota Motor Company for many years is described. The system is applicable to the assembled goods industry and is widely used in such circumstances in that country. It extends well beyond production and inventory control and incorporates a number of features of a decidedly Japanese nature. Dominant among these is just‐in‐time production which is examined at some length. Also described is Kanban, and several of its elements, which is an essential aspect of just‐in‐time production.


We obtain a dichotomy for C1$C^1$ ‐generic symplectomorphisms: either all the Lyapunov exponents of almost every point vanish, or the map is partially hyperbolic and ergodic with respect to volume. This completes a program first put forth by Ricardo Mañé. A key ingredient is an analysis of partially hyperbolic sets of positive volume. We generalize to partially hyperbolic invariant sets the main result in Dolgopyat and Wilkinson (Astérisque 287 (2003), 33–60) that stable accessibility is C1$C^1$ ‐dense among partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms.


Abstract World Wide Views (WWViews) is an innovative participatory methodology that scales up formal public engagement in response to global environmental issues that transcend the boundaries of the nation-state. In September 2009, WWViews on Global Warming enrolled 4,400 lay participants from across 38 countries to discuss global climate policy. The most remarkable outcome was how consistently people from across different political regions and social groups called for a stringent global climate policy. Drawing on scientific citizenship as an analytic lens, this result is positioned, not as a straightforward input into global policy but as an output from a highly formalized process. What forms of citizenship are embodied, projected, and negotiated in WWViews? What are the implications of these tacit forms of citizenship for the types of epistemic agency that emerge as a result? WWViews participants were situated as consumers of scientific knowledge tasked with responding to a limited slate of policy options that they had no role in creating, vetting, or altering. WWViews also projected an image of the global citizen shorn of any meaningful geographical, cultural, or political particularity. Effectively tethering the epistemic capacities of its participants to dominant scientific meanings, WWViews offered limited opportunity for alternative issue-framings or perspectives to emerge. Organizers and researchers of formal public engagement should be attentive to the potential for these initiatives, once scaled up to the global, to impose scientistic issue-framings and correspondingly limited models of epistemic agency.


Objective To study the effect of telmisartan on platelet aggregation and investigate the platelet inhibition mechanism of telmisartan.Method The rabbits platelet aggregation induced by ADP、COLL、AA、EPI separately were determined by turbidimetry, The results were compared with Aspirin test sample. Result Telmisartan inhibite platelet aggregation which induced by ADP, COLL, AA and EPI separately in a dose-dependent. Inhibition rate(%) of telmisartan(10-5mol/L) on four inducers is 32.9,20.6,59.1,19.7,and Aspirin(3×10-4mol/L) is 36.2, 27.7, 61.9, 26.8. There were no significant differences between Telmisartan and Aspirin(P0.05).Conclusion Telmisartan can inhibite platelet aggregation which induced by ADP COLL AA and EPI separately.


The height of marine wave-cut benches and notches is an indicator of the sea level because they are formed by long-term wave action.Although ancient wave-cut benches on the Pearl River Delta plain have heights much higher than those of benches developed on the modern coasts,the heights of the old benches are still widely considered to be within the range of modern wave actions.They are therefore used as indicators of Holocene tectonic uplift or sea level changes in the Pearl River Delta area.In this study,we address the coastal geomorphological,hydrodynamic and rock mechanical factors affecting heights of wave-cut benches.Field surveys showed that the ancient benches on the Pearl River Delta plain are 1 m higher than modern ones developed on coasts within and beyond the current Pearl River estuary firth.We calculated that the difference between ancient and modern mean high tide levels in the Pearl River Delta was no more than 0.3 m.Both of the differences between wave-cut bench heights induced by different wave heights and by differential coastal rock hardness were also no more than 0.3 m.Therefore,these are not influential factors regarding the differences in heights between ancient and current wave-cut benches.Tidal statistics indicate that 3 m-high storm surges occur at least every 50 years,but these cannot explain the high-level benches.The levels of old marine benches have ascended beyond the range of modern wave actions,and are likely the result of structural uplift or sea level fall.


Sound source localization (SSL) is an essential technique in many applications, such as robot audition, human-robot interaction and speech capturing. However, SSL from a binaural input is still a challenging problem, particularly when multiple sources are active simultaneously. In this work, we propose a multi-sources localization framework based on the time-delay compensation (TDC) estimator and clustering analysis. The TDC estimator is a simultaneous operator to estimate binaural cues, which breaks the limitation of independent processors for binaural cues extraction. The multi-sources decision is realized by clustering analysis for the binaural cues of multiple signal frames. In experiments, we demonstrate that the localization performance is improved compared to the methods that assume the number of spatial stationary sources to be known. Results with both simulated and recorded impulse responses show that robust performance can be achieved with limited prior training, and our method is also adaptive to different sound activities.


We report the complete genome sequences of a buffalo coronavirus (BufCoV HKU26) detected from the faecal samples of two domestic water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Bangladesh. They possessed 98–99% nucleotide identities to bovine coronavirus (BCoV) genomes, supporting BufCoV HKU26 as a member of Betacoronavirus 1. Nevertheless, BufCoV HKU26 possessed distinct accessory proteins between spike and envelope compared to BCoV. Sugar-binding residues in the N-terminal domain of S protein in BCoV are conserved in BufCoV HKU26. New Microbes and New Infections © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.


This paper is based on the concepts of lagrangian Reynolds transport equation (LRTE), momentum, and the generalized total kinetic power of a rocket. The wood rocket model is used as a vivid model to explain propulsive efficiency of a rocket. We prove that the novel U-turn launch mode can convert total kinetic power and gravitational potential energy into rocket propulsive power. Furthermore, we use the first stage rocket engine of the Saturn V as an example to simulate and analyze its propulsive efficiency computationally with Matlab software. In conclusion, this revolutionary launch mode has the potential to dramatically improve the propulsive efficiency of launch vehicles.


Lung cancer is the primary cause of mortality in the world. It is able to manipulate the host immune response system through many mechanisms, such as through alteration of cytokines structure, forming regulator T-cells, obstruction of cellular immunity function, and the interference of tumor antigen presenting process. The new therapy approachment is produced by stimulating anti-cancer immune response, therefore the growth of lung cancer is able to inhibit. Immune checkpoint inhibition is considered as therapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) after the unsuccesful treatment by platinum-based chemotherapy. Recent study shows that immune checkpoint inhibition monotherapy is more distinguished as first line therapy than platinum-based chemotherapy. Nonetheless, the effect of immunotherapy is only available for small population (30%) which has more than 50% PD-L1 programmed by the tumor. Therefore, some strategies are investigated to solve this issue. Nowadays, immunotherapy is expected to overcome lung cancer which is still being investigated in many studies.


For a group G, we say that x, y ∈ G are in the same z-class if their centralizers in G are conjugate. The notion of z-class has origin in a connection between geometry and groups. However, as the notion is purely group theoretic, in this paper, we focus our attention on the influence of the z-classes on the structure of the group. The number of z-classes is invariant for a family of isoclinic groups. We obtain bounds for the number of z-classes in certain families of groups. A non-abelian finite p-group contains at least p + 2z-classes. Moreover, we characterize the non-abelian p-groups with p + 2z-classes; these are precisely, up to isoclinism, the p-groups of maximal class with an abelian subgroup of index p.


The overcrowded airline hubs, an increase in time-conscious business travelers, and increase in fuel prices, have once again sparked the debate about the merits of current hub-and-spoke mode of airline routing versus direct point-to-point routing. In addition, there is now a need to consider two types of passengers---time conscious and cost conscious. In this paper, we present a detailed model for the passengers and the airlines. We propose a two-step heuristic approach to evaluate the viability of the choices, primarily keeping the passengers' interest in mind. In the first step, a genetic algorithm is employed to determine the hubs. The second step employs a deterministic algorithm to compare the costs under the two routing modes. We conclude that the passenger value of time and ticket cost, the waiting times at the intermediate hubs, and a discount cost factor for hub-to-hub and non-hub to hub travel are the critical factors for passengers to choose between hub-and-spoke and direct point-to-point flights.


Fuzzy fingerprint vault is a developed cryptographic construct to secure critical data with the fingerprint data. The geometric hashing technique is proposed to realize an important feature, pre-alignment, but it yields great vulnerabilities to the system. In this paper, we discuss the details of the implementation of the fuzzy fingerprint vault based on geometric hashing, and then illustrate the vulnerability along with a potential cracking algorithm. Finally we propose a modified fuzzy fingerprint vault scheme with enhanced security and provide the simulation results of our method.


This paper addresses the disturbances caused by voltage swells and in particular voltage dips that affect industrial customers' equipment. The main focus is what the distribution companies can do to these voltage disturbances. To find out how big a problem it is, an analysis is conducted based on practical measurement and a comparison with the generic immunity classes for industrial equipment. Furthermore all the voltage disturbances, which occurred in the distribution grid, are analysed in respect as to why they occurred. This information can help the distribution companies and the industrial customers to understand the nature of voltage disturbance in the distribution grid.


Dog-strangling vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum) is an exotic plant originating from Central and Eastern Europe that is becoming increasingly invasive in southern Ontario, Canada. Once established, it successfully displaces local native plant species but mechanisms behind this plant's high competitive ability are not fully understood. It is unknown whether cooler temperatures will limit the range expansion of V. rossicum, which has demonstrated high tolerance for other environmental variables such as light and soil moisture. Furthermore, if V. rossicum can establish outside its current climatic limit it is unknown whether competition with native species can significantly contribute to reduce fitness and slow down invasion. We conducted an experiment to test the potential of V. rossicum to spread into northern areas of Ontario using a set of growth chambers to simulate southern and northern Ontario climatic temperature regimes. We also tested plant-plant competition by growing V. rossicum in pots with a highly abundant native species, Solidago canadensis, and comparing growth responses to plants grown alone. We found that the fitness of V. rossicum was not affected by the cooler climate despite a delay in reproductive phenology. Growing V. rossicum with S. canadensis caused a significant reduction in seedpod biomass of V. rossicum. However, we did not detect a temperature x competition interaction in spite of evidence for adaptation of S. canadensis to cooler temperature conditions. We conclude that the spread of V. rossicum north within the tested range is unlikely to be limited by climatic temperature but competition with an abundant native species may contribute to slow it down.


The rapid pace of technological change is becoming a catalyst to a growing group of college students who are essentially "digital natives." Metropolitan universities need to become aware that these students have considerably different experiences, expectations, and even brains than past students. Universities must carefully adjust their programs and teaching methods if they are to retain these students and prepare them for a digital society. This article describes the basis for this call to action.


Sediments of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age, overlying a continental gneissic basement, were sampled in fifteen cores at Site 330, Falkland Plateau. Thin limestone bands occur at intervals throughout much of the succession represented by Cores 3 through 14. Many of the limestones, which vary in thickness from two or three centimeters to several tens of centimeters, are characterized by secondary recrystallization features commonly known as "cone-in-cone" and "beef-in-shale." These features are particularly well developed in some of the limestone bands of Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian age between Cores 5 and 10 where the intervening olive-black sapropelic claystones have a relativley high organic carbon content (ca 5%). We record some of the textural relationships observed and comment briefly on their origin. Samples for petrographic examination were prepared by smooth grinding the split core sections and etching them with dilute acid to accentuate the shale partings. Some of the more interesting features were later studied in thin section.


A practical strategy for the photoinduced defluorinative alkylation of α-trifluoromethyl styrenes with carbonyl derivatives via C–C bond cleavage was disclosed.


(57) Abstract: provide greater functionality to the product function, the method and apparatus for mediating upgraded resource, and collecting data that describes the user interaction with the product function (300), at least transmission and the one data pattern (302) to analyze the data to determine whether it can identify when a data pattern is identified, that the greater functionality (306) is available, the user of the product and in that to. The system upgrade functionality, previously presented, preferably it is adaptive to learn, and the system can be used in a system located in the central server system, or the user site. Greater functionality of presentation, characterized in that it is included in the interactive word of the message directed to the user, it is preferable use with an electronic assistant.


The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are the principal public agencies offering support for research and education projects in the area of science/technology/human values. The following guide is provided to acquaint readers with the opportunities in each agency and with the differences between the program structures in the two organizations.


Amorphous thin films of Se 75 Te 25-x Cu x (x = 0 & 10) have been deposited onto chemically cleaned glass substrate by thermal evaporation technique in the presence of vacuum. The optical parameters like refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k), absorption coefficient (α), real and imaginary dielectric constants (e & e") have been calculated in the wavelength range 400-2100 nm by Swanepoel method using optical transmission data. It is observed that extinction coefficient (k) and imaginary dielectric constants (e") decrease with increase in wavelength (λ). The absorption coefficient (α) increases with photon energy (hv). It is also found that refractive index (n) decreases and extinction coefficient (k), absorption coefficient (α), imaginary dielectric constants (e") increases with Cu content. The optical band gap (Eg) has also been calculated by Tauc's relation and found to decrease with Cu content in Se 75 Te 25-x Cu x system. The results are interpreted in terms of change in the density of localized states (DOS).


Public policy arguments about the appropriate valuation of life in public policy have generally moved on from accounting resource costs to recognizing and including revealed preference valuations. In medical and public health, the valuation of the "quality" life experience over time (a very different concept) has focused on equivalents to an unconstrained life experience. The user perspective on these valuations is largely missing and has substantial implications for both individuals and organizations. As these summary measures are fundamental to current triage and assessment processes, they have considerable importance for individuals. Recognizing this, requires consideration of the number of different channels that can bias the assessment of individuals in specific circumstances when AI support is used, as a wide range of inferences from diverse data are then brought to bear and amplifies health data security scope and importance. These intermediate aggregate channel security vulnerabilities have not previously been highlighted, in spite of the importance attached to these summary measures in public health. The collision of totally individualized assumed impacts and end-user consequences are amplified rapidly by AI methods in support of decisions, and the security and privacy-if any is left—of individual medical AND life data are thus jointly at cyber risk. This article is a preliminary—largely gedanken- exploration of the results of combining these very different technical views and perspectives, and is intended to stimulate work that takes all these aspects into account.


Large randomized clinical trials have shown the efficacy of aspirin (ASA), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and statins (S) in secondary prevention. However, adherence to medication is low in patients suffering from a cardiovascular event and decreases with each additional tablet. Therefore, a single pill (SP) approach is considered to increase drug persistence and decrease cardiovascular events in this patient population.

 Data that show an advantage for a SP regimen containing ASA, ACEI, and S compared to the identical loose combination (LC) regarding persistence, and clinical outcomes under conditions of daily practise in one study are missing. We conducted the START study to answer these questions. A subset, in which we anlysed data from patients in secondary prevention is presented here.

 The START study was a retrospective, non-interventional analysis of an anonymised claims dataset covering patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases insured by the German AOK PLUS public health insurance in the years 2012–2017. Patients at age ≥18 years with an indication for the use of a combination treatment in cardiovascular disorders – including the use of ASA, ramipril, and atorvastatin - in a SP or identical LC were followed up to 1 year. After 1:1-Propensity Score Matching (PSM) persistence (defined as redemption of prescription with a lack >60 days) and clinical outcomes were compared using non-parametric tests.

 Before PSM, 564,941 patients had a cardiovascular event in the medical history, 427,046 suffered from coronary artery disease. 275 received the three substances described above as SP, 6,662 as LC. After PSM, data from 211 patients were suitable for further analysis in each group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between SP and LC groups. Persistence to treatment was significant lower in the LC group (Hazard Ratio, HR, 0.25 [95% CI 0.19–0.34], p<0.001). 8 clinical outcomes were analysed. Lower Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) was found in the SP group for myocardial infarction (IRR 0.46; 95% CI 0.07–2.36), stroke (IRR 0.51; 95% CI 0.04–4.46), transitory ischemic attac (IRR 0.77; 95% CI 0.01–60.12), coronary artery disease (IRR 0.60; 95% CI 0.25–1.43), and all cause mortality (IRR 0.38; 95% CI 0.06–1.79). All cause hospitalisation was significant lower in the SP group (IRR 0.58; 95% CI 0.47–0.72; p<0.001).

 The number of patients receiving a SP regimen in secondary prevention was relatively low. However, persistence to medication was significantly higher in the SP group. In addition, a tendency for a lower IRR was also observed for cardiovascular events and all cause mortality in the SP group. The results of our analysis support the use of a SP regimen in secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

 Type of funding source: None


Maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone) inhibited iron-mediated lipid peroxidation, determined as the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, but dimethylpyrone, an analogue of maltol showed no effect on the formation of lipid peroxides. NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase, a principal enzyme generating reduced NADP, was protected by maltol but not by dimethylpyrone from the ferrous ion-mediated inactivation. Protection of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase can enhance the supply of NADPH required for the regeneration of reduced glutathione for scavenging reactive oxygen species. Antioxidant properties of maltol were closely related to the enhanced oxidation of ferrous ion as a prooxidant, and can be explained by the electron-deficient nature of 3-hydroxypyrone ring.


Timely and effective forecasting and prevention are the important factors that ensure plant normal growth,development and high output.At the same time,forecasting and prevention of plants on pests are highly fuzzy,peasants have some difficulty in grasping the production and development conditions of the future pests by rule and line.Agricultural expert system typifies imprecise inference,knowledge base,separation of inference machine and self-study,Which make it different from other program designing methods and be able to tackle some imprecise or non -structural problems which are complex.So agricultural expert system is a effective tool for forecasting and prevention of plants on pests,And it attracts extensive attention around the world.The concept ,feature and development on agricultural expert system are described in the paper.the current application situation in pests of plants is surveyed.And the foreground of its application is previewed here.


The article is devoted to phonetic and non-verbal markers of English eccentricity viewed as a specific type of speech behavior. The author makes an attempt to discover phonetic characteristics which are an essential part of a generalized image of the representative of a certain culture. On the basis of the data received from auditory analyses and phonetic experiments the following deviations from the standard relevant for identifying «eccentric speech» were revealed: increase in length of some vowels and sonorants, frequent usage of the emphatic intonation models in the situations, which do not presuppose speakers emotional involvement, significant widening of pitch range


As LGBTQ Studies finds disciplinary space on a growing number of university and college campuses, questions about the cultural and intellectual effects of academic institutionalization have become progressively more urgent:
•Where is the broad field of LGBTQ Studies heading?
•Where has it been? How might we negotiate the relationship between intellectual inquiry and social movements?
•In what ways might the epistemological concerns of LGBTQ Studies affect the pedagogical imperatives of the classroom (and vice-versa)?

"The Coming of Age of LGBTQ Studies" is a two-day conference devoted to exploring these and related questions.


Objective:To investigate the characteristics and differences of biochemical markers of bone metabolism of Miao, Tujia and Han young male from Guizhou and to provide the data for the young growth and development. Methods: Using cluster random sampling method, 26 Miao, 42 Tujia and 60 Han nationality healthy males at the age of 18-20 years old from the Tongren area were selected. Their levels of OC, BAP, total calcium, phosphorus height and weight were tested. And questionnaires were used to survey their diet nutrition and exercises. Results: The indexes including OC, BAP, total calcium and phosphorus, height and weight of Miao and Tujia youth are lower than those of Han nationality. There is significant difference in height and weight (P 0.01), and in OC, BAP ( P 0.05 ) between Miao and Han. There is no significant difference except height and weight between Tujia and Han, and all indexes of Miao are lower than those of Tujia; Survey showed Miao, Tujia nutrient status is worse than Han. OC and BAP,height and weight were significantly positively related, but there is a weak negative correlation between the height and OC, BAP, as weight and total calcium. Conclusion: There is ethnic difference in OC, BAP, calcium and height and weight among nationalities. The difference between Miao and Han is larger than that between Miao and Tujia. The data show that Tujia is closer to the Han nationality. Nutrition condition has effect on the biochemical markers, height and weight.


The main purpose of the current research work was to study the importance of the clinical identification of persons with painless ischemia in diabetes mellitus and discuss potential treatment interventions. The current study was conducted on articles published during the previous 15 years. Furthermore, recent references to retrieved research articles were studied. Unfortunately, over the last decade or two, another trend has emerged: the prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus has increased. The world's population is aging, and older people are more likely to have trouble maintaining appropriate glucose levels during fasting or postprandial periods. These developments add to the world's population's ongoing burden of diabetes and heart disease. The research article reviews a study related to painless ischemia in diabetes mellitus This data covers obesity and other diabetes mellitus antecedents in middle-aged and elderly people all around the world. We resulted that painless ischemia in diabetes mellitus Preinfarct angina and classic myocardial infarction chest discomfort is usually absent. 3) They usually have congestive heart failure, which is frequently accompanied by painless myocardial ischemia during stress testing. Painless ischemia was more common in diabetics regardless of the severity of ischemia, but painless ischemia was less common in non-diabetics with severe ischemia. As a result, diabetic individuals with neuropathy and retinopathy should be managed with extra care.


The traditional target-dependent camera calibration method has been widely used in close-distance and small field of view scenes. However, in view of the field coordinate measurement in the large-scale monitoring area under the complex field environment, the standard target can hardly meet the requirements of covering most of the camera's field of view. In view of the above problem, a stereo camera calibration method is studied, using the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as feature points, combined with the high-precision position information measured by the real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning system it carries. The measured UAV coordinates are unified in World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84). Therefore, through several preset points, the measurement reference coordinate system which is the new world coordinate system we need can be established in any monitoring area, which greatly improves the flexibility of measurement. The experimental results show that the measurement accuracy of the proposed method can reach 0.5% in the monitoring area with a diameter of 100 m. The calibration method has a wide range of application and does not need the traditional standard target, and the measurement reference coordinate system can be established according to the actual needs. It is suitable for field spatial coordinate measurement in long-distance and complex terrain environment.


Confucius takes the methodology as a guide in his teaching of learning the specific knowledge for understanding of the universal truth.The paper describes the followers in their reinterpretations of the motto,in addition to exploring further over the relationship between learning the specific knowledge and understanding the universal truth.Moreover the paper is intended to study the influences of the Confucian methodology,and to pursue the efficiency of the current moral education.


We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectra of the QSO PG 1211+143 (zem = 0.081) and a galaxy survey of the surrounding field. This sight line shows two strong intergalactic absorption systems at cz ≃ 15,300 and 19,300 km s-1. This sight line addresses the nature and origin of the O VI absorbers and their connection to galaxies. We explore the relationship of these absorbers to the nearby galaxies and compare them to other O VI-bearing absorbers in diverse environments. At 15,300 km s-1, we find four distinct H I components and associated C II, C III, C IV, Si II, Si III, Si IV, N V, and O VI, lying near a spiral-dominated galaxy group with a bright member galaxy 137 h kpc from the sight line. The observed ions of C, Si, and N are likely to be photoionized, but the O VI is more consistent with collisional ionization. The ion ratios in this absorber resemble the highly ionized Galactic high-velocity clouds (HVCs); it may also trace the hot intragroup medium gas or the unbound wind of an undiscovered dwarf galaxy. At 19,300 km s-1, we find five H I components and associated C III, Si III, and collisionally ionized O VI lying 146 h kpc from an isolated galaxy. The properties of the O VI-bearing gas are consistent with an origin in strong shocks between low-metallicity gas (≥2%-6% solar) and one or more of the warm photoionized components. It is likely that these absorbers are related to the nearby galaxies, perhaps by outflows or gas stripped from unseen satellite galaxies by interactions. However, we cannot reject completely the hypothesis that they reside in the same large-scale structure in which the galaxies are embedded but are otherwise not directly related.


Defects in traditional electronic teaching are pointed out in this paper,and the teaching functions of chaos in electronic teaching are discussed detailedly.Then,the teaching contents and the teaching modes are summarized.This teaching reform can help to enhance the activity of students in their study,to inspire their passion to learn,and to cultivate their creativity and consciousness of scientific research.


The Internet represents a powerful tool for racist groups to achieve their collective goals – i.e., disseminating racist ideologies, increasing their support base, and enhancing their transnational influence. Their online presence is carefully and strategically crafted as it often constitutes their first point of contact with potential supporters. To identify linguistic markers or racist (online) communication and key presentational strategies of racist groups, we examine the language they use when describing their self-defining beliefs on their websites. A dataset of group online statements of racist self-defining beliefs ( N = 102) was analysed using a computerised linguistic analysis software; we compared this dataset with a baseline of neutral texts ( N = 12,173). We found that online self-defining statements of racist groups were characterised by greater use of divisive language and a stronger focus on collective identity. We identified an increased use of religion and anger words, and reduced use of sadness and cognitive complexity words. We conclude by discussing implications of these findings for designing policies aiming to counteract the harmful societal effects of racist groups.


Automatic data collection from utility energy meters (HT, LT and consumer) is the first step towards making the power grid smarter. A complex network of these meters all the way to the substation is called Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and the last mile of this network is called the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) network.


This paper examines compliance theories of the origin of evil as well as explanations which grow out of biology, evolution, culture, family systems, and psychoanalysis. In placing evil outside the person rather than inside, Freud and later thinkers through Sartre approached anarchy in their insistence that any social interference with individual development would lead to an evil outcome. For a time psychoanalytic theory presented the free unsocialized individual as healthy, which may well have contributed to the drift toward a culture of narcissism. Looking back to Biblical sources might produce a more complex and profound view of evil which can then include the soul of man as breeding ground, war zone, and even magnetic field for the struggle between good and evil. Among analytic thinkers, Melanie Klein moved object relations theory in the direction of a developmental paradigm which could explain the origins and further development of evil in the human psyche. According to Klein, the child projects the d...


Combining timber and glass in the wall elements of the building envelope with the proper orientation of such transparent façade elements enables the utilization of solar energy for heating and internal illumination of the building. However, the asymmetrical layout of timber‐glass wall elements in such buildings can result in problems with the horizontal stability of the structure, so their participation to load‐bearing capacity of the structure is usually ne‐ glected. The study deals with solutions for such elements as horizontal load‐ bearing members with proper connection details. First, specifically developed timber‐glass wall elements were experimentally tested under monotonic and cyclic horizontal point load, and further in combination with classical timber‐ framed wall elements implemented into special single and two‐storey box‐ house models, which were further experimentally tested on the shaking table. In the second part as the main goal of the study, a quite simple mathematical model of the box‐house prototypes is developed using a fictive diagonal ele‐ ment for simulating the racking stiffness of the bracing timber‐glass wall element. The calculated results for the 1st vibration period are compared with the previously measured experimental results to prove an  accuracy of the developed model. Finally, a linear time‐history calculation is done as a sample presentation of the developed mathematical model using Landers accelera‐ tion spectrum. The developed mathematical model enables a simple and effec‐ tive seismic response calculation of timber buildings considering the devel‐ oped timber‐glass wall elements as load‐bearing bracing elements against horizontal load actions. The model can also be recommended for using in further parametric numerical academic studies analysing the influence of various parameters.


Being very active at the Université catholique de Louvain (UCL, Belgium) in the field of multibody dynamics, we are now focusing on an important aspect of this modeling activity: the statement and formulation of "reasonable and relevant modeling hypotheses". Of course, this problematic concerns all fields of engineering but in the particular case of modeling, we think that the focus must be reinforced at both research and educational levels. In the field of mechanical design, the starting point is a client request to build a new machine (or process) or to enhance the performances of an existing one. The "translation" of this request into the well-known project specification represents the first step of the design process. In the field of modeling – multibody applications in the present case – we want to adopt a similar methodology for our own research and industrial collaborations: the "translation" of the client request (being in this case the modeling of a new system or the improvement, by simulation, of an existing one) into a so-called modeling specification. Among other things, the latter will contain an unambiguous formulation of the modeling hypotheses, which are needed to simplify the original system for obvious reasons: a reasonable number of parameters to be identified, reasonable time for model establishment and of course reasonable computational time. Our motivation comes from the following observation: facing a modeling R&D project, engineers working with commercial software have a tendency to build models (often including impressive 3D virtual representation) which are sometimes "a bit monstrous" with respect to the real original client problem. As an example, the understanding of the dynamic behavior of pneumatic suspension systems of railway vehicles does not necessarily require the introduction of complex wheel/rail contact models "just because it is a railway vehicle". On these observations, we have thus decided to focus on this important step — hypotheses formulation — for both students in mechanical engineering and researchers in multibody dynamics. Let us briefly illustrate this problematic via the modeling of a mountain bike equipped with modern suspension systems (see Fig. 1). The precise question is: what is the influence of the pedaling forces on the bike bounce motion and suspension power dissipation? Let us restrict the bike Figure 1. Mountain bike with closed-loop suspension mechanisms (+driver) to a planar motion, by focusing on vertical and pitch motions of the various bodies. Fig. 2 gives an illustrative result which shows the power dissipated in dampers for different values of damping and stiffness coefficients, when the drivers is pedaling at constant velocity. As regards a posteriori hypotheses, an interesting validation concerns the kinematics and dynamics of the roller chain transmission. With respect to bicycle bounce performances (which is the Bicycle and Motorcycle Dynamics 2010 Symposium on the Dynamics and Control of Single Track Vehicles, 20–22 October 2010, Delft, The Netherlands 100


Three mutants of Drosophila melanogaster have been isolated in which the free-running period of the circadian eclosion rhythm and the adult locomotor activity rhythm is affected. One mutant is arrhythmic, another has a short period of 19 hours, and the third has a long period of 28 hours. The mutants retain their phenotypes over the temperature range 18° to 25° C. All three mutants map near the tip of the X chromosome (distal to the centromere). By deficiency mapping, the short-period mutation has been localized to the 3B1-2 region. Complementation tests show that all three mutations affect the same functional gene. Analysis of activity rhythms of individual mosaic flies indicates that the site of action of the short-period mutation is probably located in the head of the fly. A few activity patterns of split-head and mixed-head mosaics appear to possess both mutant and heterozygous components, suggesting that the fly head may contain
two complete clocks capable of maintaining their periodicities independently. The short-period mutation affects both the duration of the light-insensitive part of the oscillation and the degree to which the clock can be reset during the light-sensitive part of the oscillation. Both the short-period and long-period mutant eclosion rhythms can be entrained to a period of 24 hours by a 12:12 light-dark cycle having a light intensity at least two orders of magnitude greater than that required to entrain the normal rhythm. The arrhythmic mutant does not entrain under these conditions. In the presence of a temperature cycle, however, the arrhythmic mutant does entrain, but its rhythm damps out when the temperature cycle is removed. Evidence is presented that Pittendrigh's two-oscillator model for the clock in D. pseudoobscura applies to D. melanogaster as well. The three clock mutations primarily affect the light- sensitive driving oscillator. The arrhythmic mutation appears to have eliminated the driving oscillator while leaving the temperature-sensitive driven oscillator relatively intact.


The carrier-mediated, electroneutral exchange of Na 1 for H 1 across the plasma membrane does not directly consume metabolic energy. Nevertheless, acute depletion of cellular ATP markedly decreases transport. We analyzed the possible involvement of polyphosphoinositides in the metabolic regulation of NHE1, the ubiquitous isoform of the Na 1 /H 1 exchanger. Depletion of ATP was accompanied by a marked reduction of plasmalemmal phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ) content. Moreover, sequestration or hydrolysis of plasmalemmal PIP 2 , in the absence of ATP depletion, was associated with profound inhibition of NHE1 activity. Examination of the primary structure of the COOH-terminal domain of NHE1 revealed two potential PIP 2 -binding motifs. Fusion proteins encoding these motifs bound PIP 2 in vitro. When transfected into antiport-deficient cells, mutant forms of NHE1 lacking the putative PIP 2 binding domains had greatly reduced transport capability, implying that association with PIP 2 is required for optimal activity. These findings suggest that NHE1 activity is modulated by phosphoinositides and that the inhibitory effect of ATP depletion may be attributable, at least in part, to the accompanying net dephosphory-


A neutron generator, consisting of a duoplasmatron, a ''Pierce-type'' accelerating structure, and a windowless gas target was constructed. The device is designed to provide a relatively inexpensive intense source of fast neutrons for cancer treatment. The neutrons (15 MeV) are produced by the $sup 3$H(d,n)$sup 4$He reaction. Among the characteristics of the system discussed are ion source and gas target performance, beam emittance, and neutron production. (auth)


Using linear elastic and non linear elastic (Duncan Chang model) constitutive model and plane problem finite element method in the study of properties for embankment composite foundation,we will analyze how pile and soil modular ratio,replacing ratio, pile length and embankment modular influence setting of ground,lateral deformation and stress ratio. Furthermore,behavior of embankment composite foundation is simulated and reference material for its design has been supported.


The accuracy of the phase envelope calculated for a black oil sample strongly depends upon the quality and type of information used to optimize the equation of state (EOS). Possible inputs for EOS tuning include (but is not limited to) composition from a chromatogram or optical absorbance, density, saturation pressure (bubble or dew point pressure), and the relative volumes of liquid and gas. In this manuscript, we describe a workflow using a system of microsensors that our group has previously published that accurately measures fluid properties from which the phase envelopes of several black oil samples are calculated and refined.


In this work, polypropylene (PP) fiber waste was modified by the reaction with concentrated H2SO4. IR, TG, Raman, CHN, acid titration, SEM, and XRD suggested that sulfuric acid at about 105°C reacts with PP to produce mainly surface sulfonic groups. The kinetic experiments showed that these SO3H groups decompose to form SO2 gas leading to an aromatization of the polymer to form amorphous and graphitic carbon. Adsorption isotherms of the cationic model molecule methylene blue showed that the modified PP fibers have a great potential as ion-exchange adsorbent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010


Magnetic nanomaterials, especially nanoparticles and nanotubes, are among the most widely used nanomaterials for biomedical applications, and they are also the most promising nanomaterials for clinical treatments. This paper starts with the fundamentals for nanomedicine and magnetic nanomedicine. After discussing the basic requirements for the biomedical applications, the properties and the biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles and nanotubes are discussed. Our results indicate that, with suitable functionalization, iron oxide nanomaterials are non-toxic to biological systems, and they are ideal drug carriers which can be remotely controlled by external magnetic fields. At the final part of this paper, the challenges and our approach for targeted drug delivery with controlled release are discussed.


All aluminum alloys in a liquid state are characterised by easy oxidation and absorption of hydrogen from the surroundings (which are the main reasons for casting defects). The amount of hydrogen adsorbed by a liquid alloy depends mainly on temperature and melting time. The performed investigations were aimed at comparing two known methods of measuring a metal gassing degree; the first bubble method and sample solidification under decreased pressure. Liquid metal melting and holding processes were performed under different conditions that caused variability of its gassing degree, resulting in a variability of purity and quality of the liquid metal. The investigations were carried out with using the hypoeutectic aluminum-silica AK7 alloy.


This publication addresses two bottlenecks in the construction of minimal coverability sets of Petri nets: the detection of situations where the marking of a place can be converted to ω, and the manipulation of the set A of maximal ω-markings that have been found so far. For the former, a technique is presented that consumes very little time in addition to what maintaining A consumes. It is based on Tarjan's algorithm for detecting maximal strongly connected components of a directed graph. For the latter, a data structure is introduced that resembles BDDs and Covering Sharing Trees, but has additional heuristics designed for the present use. Results from initial experiments are shown. They demonstrate significant savings in running time and varying savings in memory consumption compared to an earlier state-of-the-art technique.


Keratosis lichenoides chronica is characterized by violaceous, papular and nodular lesions typically arranged in a linear and reticulate pattern, most marked on the hands and feet, and accompanied by a seborrhoeic dermatitis‐like eruption of the face. This rare condition is very refractory to treatment but we report a patient whose eruption responded to photochemo‐therapy.


Long-term history of alcohol drinking is associated with shifts in basal levels of glucagon, gastrin, cortisol and insulin. The longer history of alcohol abuse, the more pronounced the shifts were. Besides hormonal unbalance, the animals had defective gastrointestinal motility and evacuation. Drinking of mineral water can correct the above disturbances only in short-term alcoholic intoxication.


In the circuits of scaling and addition and abstraction based on integrated operational amplifier,students are often confused by the complicated derivation and too many calculation formulas.It has been found that complicated problems will be simplified in a certain circumstance,through appropriate analysis and summary together with the full use of symmetry and uniformity,which can promote the efficiency and accuracy of problem handling.


Model embankments made of colliery spoil and fuel ash were investigated in a hydraulic channel. Seven models of colliery spoil with or without additional sealing elements from the ash, as well as one of ash itself, were constructed. The effect of granulometric composition, compaction, different types of sealings, and the silting-up process on embankment perme ability was ascertained. Embankment slope stability was also analysed with respect to seepage pressure and strength param eters of the slope material. The effect of granulometric com position, thickness of sealing elements, and silting-up on water seepage through the embankments was significant. On the other hand, compaction had less influence than the above mentioned factors. The effect of seepage pressure on slope stability of the embankment made from fuel ash was failure. General recommendations for building hydraulic earth structures using the materials investigated are pre sented.


Summary form only given. Tether electron current collection in the Orbital Motion Limited regime is the key mechanism allowing for power and/or thrust generation applications of space electrodynamic tethers. This paper presents a new approach, based on a kinetic model, for the accurate analysis of the electron collection problem to a bare tether moving in a collisionless plasma. The drift velocity associated with the translational speed of the tether is incompatible with 1-D, cylindrically symmetric models and is thought to be a contributing factor in the observed enhancement of the collected current in the Tethered Satellite System 1 Re-flight (TSS-1R) results. A kinetic model is developed for the two-dimensional plasma surrounding the tether. It consists in solving, self-consistently, the Vlasov and Poisson equations through a semi-analytical, semi-numerical process. A Maxwellian velocity distribution is assumed for the plasma species (electrons and ions) at the outer boundary of the solution space; no assumption is made regarding the velocity distributions in the vicinity of the tether. Results are compared with published Particle-In-Cell data and experimental measurements.


With the development of the distributed power system,the paralleled current sharing method of switching mode power supply is becoming more and more important.It is endless to demand for a high-power,high performance power supply.This paper introduces the advantages of the power supply modules in parallel,discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of every paralleled current sharing method.Moreover,it presents a new economical paralleled current sharing method based on UC3875 system.


Over the past years, Human Activity Recognition (HAR) has shown its great value and has been further developed with the help of deep learning. However, existing HAR systems that use deep learning methods to achieve the ideal accuracy of recognition heavily rely on massive amounts of labeled training samples. Unfortunately, it requires considerable human effort and is unrealistic for real-life applications. In this paper, we propose a novel system, which combines active learning with WiFi-based HAR. The system is capable of building a good activities recognizer in HAR with a limited amount of labeled training samples. We thus call the system ALSensing. To the best of our knowledge, ALSensing is the first system to apply active learning to WiFi-based HAR. We implement ALSensing using commercial WiFi devices and evaluated it with realistic data in several different environments. Our experimental results show that ALSensing achieves 52.83% recognition accuracy using 3.7% training samples, 58.97% recognition accuracy using 15% training samples and the baseline predicted with the existing method achieves 62.19% recognition accuracy using 100% training samples. When the performance of ALSensing is similar to that of the baseline, the required labeled samples are much less than that of the baseline.


Background: There are several studies about the correlation of blood glucose level and prognosis in traumatic patients. Objective: To determine the relationship between the on-admission plasma glucose (G) level with the type and severity of trauma. Methods: In this analytical study, 270 patients who were admitted to the trauma center of Alzahra general hospital in 2006, evaluated for plasma G level, GCS, TS, and the type of trauma upon admission. In cases with plasma G (BS1) grater than 140 mg/dl on admission, the plasma G (BS2) was re-checked the next 24 hours. Data were analyzed using t-test and correlation ratio. Findings: The incidence of different types of trauma and their mean BS1 were as follows: head and neck trauma (45%, BS1=238±104 mg/dl), multiple trauma (28%, BS1=193±82 mg/dl), extremities trauma (16.1%, BS1=140±12 mg/dl), abdominal and chest trauma (7.4%, BS1=200±89 mg/dl), and pelvis trauma (2%, BS1= 152±10 mg/dl). The Mean plasma G level in patients with TS=11-16, TS=6-10, and TS=1-5 was 130.74, 273.78, and 340 mg/dl, respectively. Conclusion: In the emergency stage of trauma, hyperglycemia is common. In addition, an increase in plasma G level has a direct correlation with severity of trauma and head injury.


Material write-off is an important link of handling of goods and materials.In this paper materials verification difficulties in the Xiluodu,Xiangjiaba hydropower project construction are analyzed.The control of the crisis is explored and countermeasures for reference of construction of large and medium hydropower projects are put forward.


This work draws attention to juvenile delinquency, which has recently been seen as social problems. The theoretical part is processed in a total of four chapters containing basic information on this issue. The first chapter is focused on the underlying causes and conditions of young people committing crime, the essential characteristics of this crime and most crime youth. The second chapter highlights the personality of youth in relation to crime. The third chapter is focused on education, education in families of complete, incomplete, and styles of parental education. Effect of environment on juvenile delinquency records chapter quar-ter. The practical part of this work is analysis of statistical data from the years 2002 - 2007, provided by the Police of the Czech Republic, District Court and the Czech Statistical Of-fice Czech Republic. It provides visual comparison of unemployment, juvenile delinquency, divorce, and population density in the two compared regions of the Czech Republic.


Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare form of primary or secondary intraepithelial adenocarcinoma typically presenting within the fifth through seventh decades of life. Though cases of EMPD localized to the scrotum are typically not associated with underlying malignancy, evaluation of dermal and angiolymphatic invasion in conjunction with pertinent laboratory investigations, e.g., serum CEA, is essential to rule out malignancy and metastatic disease. We present a case of EMPD in an elderly male that presented with a history of a longstanding asymptomatic scrotal lesion that was ultimately managed with excision and skin grafting.


In recent avionics systems, AFDX (Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet) is the network used to replace the previously deployed point-to-point networks. In AFDX networks, nodes are not synchronized and therefore data contention repeatedly occurs at the switches output ports. AFDX switches implement output buffers on each output port to address the data contention issue. Considering the safety critical application of AFDX networks, overflow of these buffers must be avoided at all cost to prevent data loss. In this paper we consider AFDX networks that allow for the classification of traffic into more than two priority levels. We present a novel method to compute an upper bound for the backlog of each priority buffer of each output port on a AFDX network with multiple priority traffic.


perspective which addresses the ambiguous position of any paid employee (notably ministers) in an associational context. She also understands that religious principles are relatively fixed, thus not allowing members to influence goals as much as they might in other associations. Congregations also depend on members' resources. It is possible to think of congregations as uniquely combining three elements: associational features, ministerial roles, and ultimate goals (that is goals which are not negotiable) which are pitched at a low ceiling. Using an open systems approach Harris recognizes that organizations cannot be considered apart from their environment. Her final chapter, therefore, is a 'public policy perspective on congregations'. Congregations operate '[...] at the boundary of the private and public spheres of activity; though religion moves from the private sphere of individual and household practices into the public arena of collective worship and social activities, and back again' (p. 196). She affirms the contribution that religious bodies make to civil society. This book could be read with profit by church leaders. It would be useful to have had a discussion of the function of congregations in the context of the churches' or synagogue's organizational context. What effect do the diocese and national structures have on local units? The earlier sections show their academic origins: this book is best read from the back. But the final discussion of congregations in perspective affirms the significance of religion in its specific form (that is, congregations). The argument of the rest of the book explains why change is often difficult and why it is wrong to expect religious groups to change too rapidly. Churches (I do not know about reformed Judaism) are facing organizational challenges throughout their organization. This forceful reminder that the basic working unit is local is timely. The congregation's form will depend upon the denomination's theological assumptions and church polity. Yet all share common problems, face similar difficulties and still retain opportunities for service and the gospel.


As the largest natural source of methane to the atmosphere,wetlands play an important role in global carbon cycles.Since methane flux data were not available in numerous wetland types over the world,there were still some uncertainties in global wetland methane budgets.In China,methane flux measurements in wetlands were mostly conducted in cold regions,such as the Sanjiang Plain and the Tibetan Plateau.However,few were conducted in southern wetlands for accurate methane budgets estimation in Chinese wetlands.Poyang Lake is the largest fresh lake in China,where the typical lake wetland covered approximately 3130 km2 area.In this study,the marshland dominated by Carex cinerascens was selected for methane flux measurements,which is located in the national nature reserve,Nanji wetlands of Poyang Lake.To monitor methane flux from this type of wetlands,two treatments were designed: maintaining aboveground parts(TC) and removing aboveground parts(TJ),with three replicates for each treatment.Methane flux was measured between 9:00 and 11:00 at local time using a closed chamber-gas chromatograph method from May 2009 to April 2010,twice or three times per month.We aimed to clarify the characteristics of methane flux from the Carex-dominated wetland and their control factors,and thus provide basic data for further carbon budgets in the Poyang Lake wetland.Methane fluxes of the two treatments showed a clear seasonal variation pattern.It varied from-0.094 to 17.75 mg CH4·m-2·h-1 for the TC treatment,and ranged from-0.122 to 19.16 mg CH4·m-2·h-1 for the TJ treatment,respectively.Methane emission occurred in most time,while its uptake only occurred in the winter.Methane emission rate increased dramatically when the soil surface was covered by substantial water,the maximum in the flooded period was nearly 100 times higher than in the non-flooded period.In contrast to wetlands in other regions,the mean value of methane flux(13.05 mg·m-2·h-1) from the one dominated by Carex cinerascens in the Poyang Lake under the standing water regime was higher than those in the Zoige Plateau,where they are dominated by Carex muliensis and Carex meyeriana,but lower than those in the Sanjiang Plain dominated by Carex lasiocarpa.Before flooding,methane flux from the TJ treatment was significantly higher than from the TC treatment(t=2.69,P0.05).However,methane flux from the TJ treatment was much lower than from the TC treatment when the standing water table reached 15 cm depth.When Carex cinerascens was completed submerged,methane emission rate decreased by 75% in contrast to the condition that Carex cinerascens was partly submerged,as methane transmission was suppressed by the deep standing water.This confirmed that the aboveground plants in wetlands act as an additional methane transmission pathway.Soil moisture and soil temperature at 5 cm depth were positively correlated to methane flux of both treatments before soil surface was submerged.The two factors mainly controlled the methane flux variation before flooding,which could explain 65% to 74% variability of methane flux.During the experiment,methane emission from the Carex cinerascens dominated wetland was 12.77gC/m2,which accounted for approximately 4% of soil microbial respiration,but less than 1% net primary productivity.Given the global warming potential of methane is 25 times higher than carbon dioxide,our result suggested that methane emission is as equally important as carbon dioxide despite its lower emission rates.


We describe a noncontact optical microtopographer designed to map the relief of rough surfaces with resolutions in the submicron order. The principle of operation is based on the horizontal shift of a bright light spot on an horizontal surface illuminated by an oblique light beam when that surface suffers a vertical displacement. In this system the optical mecanical and electrooptical hardware contraints are more important than the software ones in oposition to what happens in other systems namely those using fringe projection.


resolves by 3-4 months of age, generally supportive care; drug-induced neutropenia: normal bone marrow reserve, but has been associated with a late maturational arrest, antibody or complement mediated neutrophil destruction, treatment consists of stopping unnecessary medications; infection related neutropenia: normal bone marrow reserve, virus induced anti-neutrophil antibody; parvovirus B19 and HIV can be screened, no treatment generally necessary; hypersplenism: normal bone marrow reserve, sequestration/possible destruction of neutrophils in the spleen, associated with malaria, TB, neoplasm, collagen-vascular diseases, hemolytic anemia, spherocytes and tailed RBC on blood smear, treat underlying disorder; pseudo-neutropenia (severe infection): normal bone marrow reserve; generally associated with increases in marginated and tissue pools, mild and spontaneously resolves; Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome: primary decrease in bone marrow reserve, AR, S, extremely rare, steatorrhea from exocrine pancreatic deficiency, metaphyseal dysplasia, 50% survival; 1/3 progress to myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia, normal sweat chloride; chemotherapy: direct toxicity to neutrophil precursors results in a severe reduction in bone marrow reserve (severity dependent on the intensity of chemotherapy agents used), generally a high risk of infection with poor marrow reserve and generalized suppression of the immune system.


The electoral process is understood as a continuous process often divided into three periods: the pre-election, Election and post-election period. The harmonies run of this course of action can support the democratic system. Currently, it has become an essential component of democratic development too. Due to this, countries in the world have started to look critically about election management for supporting the electoral process, Ethiopia is no exception. Since the adoption of multiparty politics in 1991 the electoral process and its practice become challenge in Ethiopia. So this paper aimed at assessing the challenges and prospects of institutionalizing the electoral process of Ethiopia since 1991. To this end, a descriptive case study design and qualitative approach were employed to gather data from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected using in-depth interviews, key-informants, and FGD methods from purposively selected individuals. Again secondary data such as Books, a chapter in a book, a journal article, other research works, and webpages were used. It also employed the grounded theory analysis method, the data obtained from data collection was followed by creating themes, identification of topics, and sub-topics that are organized and rearranged logically by the investigator to make the analysis more convenient. The finding of the study shows that the Electoral process faces a continuous challenge from both the side of NEBE which exhibited sluggish institutional development with influenced and unprofessional electoral official made trouble on the issue of integrality in the conduct election. Outside of the board insecurity, Electoral conflict, and inactive Media and NGOs, inequitable representation and incompetent parties were the challenges of the electoral process. Conversely, there were practical attempts on the quality of conducting a free and fair election. However, it was not sufficient for institutionalizing the electoral process. The study revealed that the government could play a role as advocator, initiator, and implementer of reform agendas in cooperation with opposition political parties. Medias and NGOs can undertake civic and voter educations, both are 'Watchdogs' and can monitor the election process. Finally, the technical or material support given as a form of Electoral assistance is significant to the electoral process. Accordingly, the prospects were the opening of political space, reforms, and experience of the board, reforms on other mutual democratic institutions, and the flourishing of various independent Media. Further, the confidence of the board can initiate external electoral support and assistance, including Diasporas.


Based on the career construction therapy, this paper explores the relationship between personality, calling, career engagement(CE) and self-defeating job search behavior(procrastination and impulsiveness) among university students, as well as the intermediary role of career adaptability(CA) in this relationship. 337 students were randomly selected from 2 universities to complete the big five personality scale, the brief calling scale, career engagement scale and the job search procrastination and impulsive behavior scale for statistical analysis including correlation analysis and regression analysis. The study results confirmed the significant positive impact of calling on career engagement, and career adaptability partial mediated the relationship between calling and career engagement. Among the personality dimensions, conscientiousness and openness to experience had significant influence on career engagement, and the study confirmed career adaptability mediated the relationship in this relationship. Conscientiousness, openness to experience and neuroticism had significant influence on job search procrastination (JSP); and career adaptability mediated the relationship between conscientiousness, openness and job search procrastination.


Through in-depth interviews with 10 mothers from diverse ethnocultural and socioeconomic groups the authors explore issues of parent roles, access to power, and practices of inclusion and exclusion at an urban elementary school that is undergoing comprehensive school reform. They apply a theory of social and cultural reproduction to assess the potential for school reformstrategies to disrupt traditional patterns of parent marginalization within public schools. The analysis suggests that school interventions seeking to change established practices and ideologies concerning parent involvement can become contested terrain, mediating power relations between parent groups and exposing competing needs and concerns about children's education.