Purpose: Patient‐specific IMRTtreatmentquality assurance procedure often consists of the measurement of 2‐dimensional intensity map and absolute dose. The data is compared with the computed results from TPS using a standard pass‐or‐fail criterion. However, the same dose discrepancy may not have the same clinical significance depending on its location. For instance, the consequence of a hot‐spot in PTV is different than in spinal cord. In this project, we intend to develop a method that considers the locations of the dose discrepancy into the IMRT QA pass‐or‐fail decision‐making. Method and Materials: Compensator‐based IMRTtreatments and PLUNC were used in this study. The 2‐dimensional dose distribution was acquired with the EDR2 film and Mapcheck. The measured point dose was back‐projected to compute the derived intensity map of the IMRT field. Using the measurement‐derived maps the patient dose is recomputed on the planning CTimage. The dose discrepancy points between the original and measured plan were visualized by subtracting two dose grids. The QA test was performed in the 3‐dimentional space with the exclusion of 5% hot‐spots in PTV and cold‐spots in the critical structure. Results: The method was applied on two simulated clinical cases:(1) a 5‐field HN(2) a 5‐field prostate IMRT plan with intentionally modified QA maps of three fields. In each case, the dose discrepancy points were computed and displayed in the patient CT. The QA passing rate is computed using both conventional 2D and revised 3D method. Conclusions: We reconstruct the 3D dose distribution in patient planning CT from the intensity maps obtained from the 2D IMRT QA measurement. A QA statistics method is proposed to include the location of dose discrepancy points. This approach promises a new IMRT QA pass‐or‐fail standard that considers the clinical significance of dose discrepancy measured in IMRT QA.


We present a versatile, large-scale fabrication method for nanostructured semiconducting junctions. Silicon substrates were processed by femtosecond laser pulses in methanol and a quasi-ordered distribution of columnar nanospikes was formed on the surface of the substrates. A thin (80 nm) layer of ZnO was deposited on the laser-processed silicon surface by pulsed laser deposition, forming a nanostructured p-Si/n-ZnO heterojunction. We characterized the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the heterojunction. Electrical I–V measurements on the nanostructured p-Si/n-ZnO device show non-linear electric characteristics with a diode-like behavior. Electrical I–V measurements on a flat p-Si/n-ZnO reference sample show similar characteristics, however the forward current and rectification ratio are improved by orders of magnitude in the nanostructured device owing to its increased surface area. The fabrication method employed in this work can be extended to other homojunctions or heterojunctions for electronic and optoelectronic devices with large surface area.


The response to low cold deformation and annealing of 99.99% purity aluminium and 99.92% copper with a wide range of initial grain sizes has been investigated. Particularly, variations in the values of the critical strain, subsequent selective abnormal (maximum) grain growth and the recrystallised grain size have been correlated with the initial grain size, the final annealing temperature and the deformation. An increase in the maximum grain sizes and lower values of critical strain were observed by decreasing the initial grain size and by increasing the annealing temperature. Decreasing initial grain size produces smaller recrystallised grain size at moderate strains which exceed the critical strain range. Also examined is the recrystallisation behaviour of the specimens taken from different parts of a commercially produced high purity copper cone


The Solani River in north India originates from the Himalayan foothills, near Dehradun. It runs about 145 km cutting across the Himalayan piedmont, consisting of boulders, pebbles and massive sandstones of Mio-Pliocene age and sandy to loamy Quaternary soils of the Ganga plain, before meeting the Ganga River. Frequent course change of this river leaves many paleochannels in the Ganga plain. This foothills-fed river covers a basin area of about 1750 km 2 . The Solani River records neotectonic activities and Holocene climate changes in the Ganga plain along its course. Unpaired tectonic terraces at Roorkee and Toda Kalyanpur at the right bank of the river are the evidence of neotectonism. At Roorkee, three terraces have been identified having riser of 1, 1.5 and 3m height and tread of 50, 40 and 70 m width, respectively. These E-W aligned terraces are 1.5 km away from the present river course. Generally, different generations of river terraces in the Ganga plain are distinguished by their respective degree of soil development. However, the presently studied terraces have no signature of soil development indicating very recent in nature and were developed in a very close time interval. These terraces were formed by upliftment of the Ganga plain due to compression along the Himalayan front and subsequent river shifting. distinguished by distinct Three distinct phases identified at The relatively balls of balls indicates well relatively dry-climate distinct tectonically active coupled River courses the plain continuously shifting in one reconstructing the Holocene evolution of the river valley the that the of the system.


We perform the first dipole picture fit to HERA inclusive cross section data using the full next-to-leading order (NLO) impact factor combined with an improved Balitsky-Kovchegov evolution including the dominant effects beyond leading logarithmic accuracy at low $x$. We find that three different formulations of the evolution equation that have been proposed in the recent literature result in a very similar description of HERA data, and robust predictions for future deep inelastic scattering experiments. We find evidence pointing towards a significant nonperturbative contribution to the structure function for light quarks, which stresses the need to extend the NLO impact factor calculation to massive quarks.


The article presents an algorithm for calculating the working chamber of a chain unit, which makes it possible to approximately determine the forces of interaction of the working bodies with the rocker arm of the drive mechanism and the fixed support. A static and dynamic analysis of the calculation model was carried out. The results of the work can be used to design chain units and study the processes of disintegration and classification of materials.


Efficacy of allergen immunotherapy is evaluated by means of clinical symptoms score, medication score, their combination and results of functional tests of respiratory tract. Value of immunological markers is not established and still remains useful for the research purposes. Evaluation of clinical outcomes of allergen immunotherapy focuses on target organ of allergic inflammation, allergy profile, patient's age, composition of allergen extract and its route of administration. Results of systematic reviews addressed to assessment of therapy outcomes of allergen immunotherapy confirm efficacy of allergen immunotherapy given both subcuta neously and sublingually in children and adults with atopic asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis sensitized to house dust mites, grass pollen or tree pollen.


We suggest a different practical scheme for the direct detection of pure spin current by using the two-color Faraday rotation of optical quantum interference process (QUIP) in a semiconductor system. We demonstrate theoretically that the Faraday rotation of QUIP depends sensitively on the spin orientation and wave vector of the carriers, and can be tuned by the relative phase and the polarization direction of the omega and 2 omega laser beams. By adjusting these parameters, the magnitude and direction of the spin current can be detected.


Summary: Post-modern and social construction views of identity creation applied to social work multiprofessional teams are exemplified by palliative care social work. They provide complex understandings that allow for ambiguities in identity creation. Findings: A personal and social self interacting create identity, emerging from social relations. Professional identity thus emerges from the interaction between personal identity and collective professional identities. Ascription of social and professional identities by powerful social groups is resisted, but identities emerge in identity politics among professional groups in social situations. In a client-worker-agency interaction cycle, multiprofessional interactions in communities of practice lead individual professionals to negotiate knowledge to form specialized roles such as palliative care social work. These then influence wider professional identities. Applications: Rather than seeking to maintain established professional identities, workers may more effectively develop their professional identity by negotiating knowledge and demonstrating practice in multiprofessional teams.


The objectives of the present work are to investigate experimentally the steady aerodynamic characteristics of two isolated turbine stators and the development of the wakes at transonic flow conditions in an annular turbine facility. The steady three-dimensional flow field was measured at several axial downstream positions and three radial positions using a three-dimensional Laser-Two-Focus anemometer and a total pressure probe. Steady vane surface pressure distributions were recorded on the vane surfaces. A trailing edge shock propagating in the stator downstream flow field was found to have a significant influence on the volocity and turbulence intensity distribution. In the wake strong radial velocity components were obtained. Close to the trailing edge they are directed towards the hub, further downstream the flow is directed towards the tip. At midspan the experimental vane surface data and wake flow data are compared with predictions from two different numerical models: Firstly a 2D/Q3D code solving the viscous terms only in the boundary layer region of the vanes (k-1 turbulence model) and elsewhere the Euler equations, secondly a fully viscous 3D code using a Baldwin-Lomax type turbulence model. Fairly good agreement between numerical results and experimental data were achieved. Differences, which are mainly observed in the wake flow predictions, are assumed to be due to turbulence modeling and a possible grid resolution influence. Furthermore, three dimensional flow contributions were observed in the 3D predictions, especially in the wake region, which could partly lead to the differences between VOLSOL and UNSFLO results. Different trends for the 3D effects have been found in the experiments and for VOLSOL. The data will serve as part of a database for further experimental and numerical investigations of stator-rotor interactions in a turbine configuration. It is assumed that the presented data describe key parameters determining the forced response of a downstream rotor blade row.


Hypertension, smoking, obesity, and abnormal lipid concentrations are all modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease. The modification can be achieved through cardiac rehabilitation (CR). The benefits of CR include improvements in functional abilities and reductions in symptoms, and reductions in cardiovascular mortality, morbidity, and coronary risk factors.1 These benefits are dependent on programme participation and long-term adherence to exercise, and behavioural changes. The low compliance rate and high dropout rate in traditional CR reflect the challenges to patients in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Motivational interviewing (MI) is effective in promoting behavioural changes in patients with substance abuse and smoking.2,3 It is effective in CR by increasing physical activity level of patients at 5 months,4 and reducing stress and dietary fat intake at 12 weeks.5


Objective To explore the relation of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage with the mode of surgery and exposure of the nerve in thyroidectomies.Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 2142 thyroidectomy patients.There were 540 unilateral and 1602 bilateral procedures with 3744 nerves at risk of injury.Among them,1986 nerves were explored and indentified,and 1758 nerves were not exposed.Results The overall incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was 0.93%(20/2142),and with an incidence of 0.37%(8/2142)for permanent damage.The injury incidence in the nerves exposure and non-exposure groups was 0.30% and 0.80%,respectively,the difference was significant between the two groups(P0.05).The injury rate of nerves at risk for partial lobectomy,subtotal lobectomy,lobectomy and lobectomy plus ipsolateral neck dissection was increased in that order,and the incidence was higher in non-exposure group than in exposure group,but with no statistical significance(P0.05).Conclusions The occurrence of recurrent laryngel nerve injury can be reduced or avoided by its careful exposure and identification during thyroid operation.


The province of Ontario, Canada, has developed innovative pay and employment equity legislation. The legal challenges over the pay equity legislation have established some important precedents, especially in the area of gender bias and job evaluation schemes. The Employment Equity legislation established important new principles but was repealed only a year after it was passed by a new Conservative government. The government and economic restructuring, however, are rapidly altering both the legislation and the context in which it operates. This paper considers not only the impact of such legislation in the long and short run, but also the possibilities for future legislative intervention in the new political and economic climate.

One of the authors has been centrally involved in developing the legislation, in mapping alternatives and in bringing legal challenges under the legislation. The other author has been researching and writing about women's work for more than twenty years and has served as an expert witness in numerous cases related to the issues of concern here.


Detection of neural action potentials is an essential phase in the analysis of extracellular recordings and it may contribute to the control of prosthetic systems. A fully automated algorithm for on-line detection or neural waveforms is presented and a hardware implementation for 8-channel, real-time operation is described.


THE AUTHOR OUTLINES A METHOD OF CALCULATING STRESSES AND DEFORMATIONS OF PANELS COMPOSED OF A METAL SHEET SUPPORTED BY LONGITUDINAL RIBS, TRANSVERSE CROSS BARS, AND MAIN GIRDERS. THE PRINICPLE CONSISTS OF USING THE FOURIER SERIES TO BREAK DOWN THE LOADS AND EXAMINING: (1) THE BEHAVIOUR OF A GIRDER RECTANGULAR LATTICE WORK, (2) THE BEHAVIOUR OF AN ISOLATED PANEL SIMPLY RESTING ON ITS FOUR EDGES, AND (3) THE EFFECT OF PANEL CONTINUITY. THEN GIVEN ANY LOAD, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CALCULATE (4) THE SHEAR MOMENTS AND STRESSES ON THE GIRDERS AND RIBS SUPPOSEDLY RIGID UNDER ANY LOAD AND (B) THE DEFORMATION OF THE SYSTEM SUBJECTED TO THE SHEAR MOMENTS AND STRESSES PREVIOUSLY DEFINED APPLIED ON THE RIBS AND CROSS BARS. IN GENERAL CASES IT IS ASSUMED THAT THERE IS FREE ROTATION BETWEEN METAL SHEETS AND RIBS, CROSS BARS AND GIRDERS, BUT EXAMPLES ARE ALSO GIVEN OF APPLICATION OF THE METHOD TO CASES WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE TORSIONAL RIGIDITY OF THE GIRDERS (TORSIONAL STRENGTH OF THE METAL SHEET, TORSION WITHOUT BUCKLING OF THE RIBS OR BRIDGE SEGMENTS, TORSION WITH BUCKLING). THE THEORY CAN ALSO BE APPLIED TO CASES WHERE THERE ARE MORE THAN 2 MAIN GIRDERS. THIS ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE AS A FRENCH TRANSLATION AT LCPC: TRANSLATION 72.T.3.


We have used Monte Carlo simulation techniques and published radial velocity surveys to constrain the frequency of very low-mass star (VLMS) and brown dwarf (BD) binary systems and their separation (a) distribution. Gaussian models for the separation distribution with a peak at a= 4 au and 0.6 ≤σlog(a/au)≤ 1.0, correctly predict the number of observed binaries, yielding a close (a 99 per cent confidence because they predict too few close binary VLMS/BDs. The large number of close binaries and high overall binary frequency are also very inconsistent with recent smoothed particle hydrodynamical modelling and argue against a dynamical origin for VLMS/BDs.


Summary The rate of degradation of total thyroidal proteins is mo dified in differently stimulated glands. It is slowed down in hypostimulated thyroids and accelerated in hyperstimulated ones. Comparative evaluation of the rates of degradation (either in absolute terms - DPM/mg of tissue or as specific aetivity) of different proteins shows that a modified hormonal state affects the degradation of thyroglo bulin mueh more signi fieantly than the degradation of non-thyroglobulin proteins. In the absence of thyrotropie hormone (TSH) the degrada tion of thyroglobulin is almost completely inhibited, while with exeess of hormone it is dramatically aecelerated. Comparing the TSH action on the synthesis with its effect on the degradation of thyroglo bulin, it appears that it has a mueh stronger effeet on the process of degradation than on the process of synthesis. This means that TSH significant ly modifies the turnover of thyroglobulin. This effeet of TSH leads, in chronically hypo-or hyperstimulated glands to the new levels of colloidal thyroglobulin which are highly increased in hypostimulated and significantly deereased in hyperstimulated glands. These results are in perfect agreement with the classical morphological description of hypo-and hyperstimulated glands.


With increased interest in smart driving technology, interest in understanding the current state of the vehicle using CAN data has also increased. Standardized CAN information such as vehicle speed and engine RPM information can be easily acquired and used. However, most of the CAN data related to the driving information such as the angle of the steering wheel is not standardized. To solve this problem, this paper proposes and implements a system for extracting nonstandard CAN IDs based on deep neural networks. The system can estimate the current state of the steering wheel and brake pedal by learning data collected from GPS and IMU. Then, the appropriate CAN ID and byte position are extracted based on the estimated current state information. Experimental results show that the estimation accuracy of the steering wheel and brake pedal are 87.63% and 94.81%, respectively. Also, it is confirmed that CAN data area is reduced by about 90% through the pre-filtering process. Finally, the proposed system extracts two desired CAN IDs.


This article compares the level of opinion-policy congruence in the U.S. House of Representatives before and during a period of party dealignment. Public opinion data on domestic and foreign policy issues from the late 1950s and the late 1970s are contrasted with House voting in the periods 1957-1960 and 1977-1980, respectively. Congruence within the Democratic party was lower in the latter period, although congruence within the Republican party improved. Institutional representation of public preferences declined over the period studied, largely as the product of an increasing discrepancy between Democratic identifiers and the Democratic party in the House.


The authors wish to express their sincere thanks to Dr Charles R. Farrar and Dr Scott W. Doebling
of the Los Alamos National Laboratory for providing the experimental data of the Alamosa Canyon
Bridge. This research was sponsored by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CMS-
95261-2 and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under Grant No. NAG2-1065.


Since the late 1970s wind power has played an increasing role in the Danish energy production and consumption and during the same period the Danish wind industry has obtained a leading world market position. The development of this "new" sector is in many ways an illustrating example of the systemic nature of innovation processes and its dependency on co-evolution and interaction between technological, economic, political, and institutional elements. It is also a clear example on the importance of long-term regulation and determined government energy policy if obtained industrial strongholds are to be maintained. When a liberal-conservative government in 2001 replaced a social democratic one, it put the renewable energy plans on stand by with negative consequences for both the environment and the renewable energy sector. The home market for new wind power installations nearly disappeared, and other emerging growth sectors as for instance solar energy and bio-fuel simply lost momentum after 2001. Only recently there are


Abstract Aims To investigate cases of suicide in which there was no healthcare contact, by looking at history of help-seeking and evidence of previous mental health vulnerability. To identify any life events associated with suicide for which individuals did not seek help. Background Previous research has suggested that non-consultation is the main barrier to suicide prevention among men. Estimates suggest approximately 22% of men who die by suicide have not consulted their GP in the year before their death. Little is known about the lifetime pattern of engagement with services among these individuals and whether or not this may influence their help-seeking behaviour before death. Methods Coroner records of suicide deaths in Northern Ireland over 2 years were linked to general practice (GP) records. This identified 63 individuals who had not attended health services in the 12 months before death. Coroner's data were used to categorise life events associated with the male deaths. Lifetime mental health help-seeking at the GP was assessed. Findings The vast majority of individuals who did not seek help were males (n=60, 15% of all suicide deaths). Lack of consultation in the year before suicide was consistent with behaviour over the lifespan; over two-thirds had no previous consultations for mental health. In Coroner's records, suicides with no prior consultation were primarily linked to relationship breakdown and job loss. These findings highlight the limitations of primary care in suicide prevention as most had never attended GP for mental health issues and there was a high rate of supported consultation among those who had previously sought help. Public health campaigns that promote service use among vulnerable groups at times of crisis might usefully be targeted at those likely to be experiencing financial and relationship issues.


Welding is an important and widely used process in the manufacturing and maintenance of various works involving metals and alloys. While welding has broad applications, the welding fume generated during the process has impacts on workers' health, which needs to be addressed. One of the major steps that can be undertaken to take care of this issue is the use of ventilation, which requires knowledge of characteristics and dispersion of the welding fume in the workers' breathing zone. It is difficult to assess welding fume dispersion from manual measurement due to numerous welding processes and sufficient data requirement. Numerical prediction of welding fume is dubious due to several errors. This paper considers the use of numerically predicted CO2 concentrations to indirectly predict welding fume distribution in workshops. This is based on the assumption that if the particles are sufficiently small size, they follow the diffusion pattern of gases. Experiments are carried out in a room with an opening and a welding fume generation system for measurement of CO2 and fume diffusion. The results show high possibility of predicting welding fume concentration based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulated CO2 concentration with a correlation coefficient of 0.74.


Focuses on the elite nature of the profession, with its emphasis on serving business interests and its attempt to exclude participation by minorities.


In conventional hot-mix asphalt recycling, the reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is mixed with the virgin binder, virgin aggregate and/or rejuvenating agent at the same time. During this process, all materials are mixed in a mixer for a short time period, the aged binder in the RAP is expected to be rejuvenated by the virgin binder and the rejuvenating agent, if used. To evaluate whether or not the RAP binder is rejuvenated well, gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) testing was performed for examination of the binders located on virgin and RAP aggregate particles separately in a recycled mixture. The large molecular size (LMS) of each binder was evaluated and absolute viscosity of the binder was estimated based on the LMS data. It was found that there was a significant difference between LMS levels of the binders coating RAP and virgin aggregates in the same recycled mixture. This discrepancy is a shortcoming of the conventional recycling method, which could be corrected by the suggested stage mixing technique for producing better quality recycled asphalt mixture. The mechanical and performance-related testing indicated that the mixture by the newly developed stage mixing technique had lower stiffness initially and maintained better quality after aging and freeze-thaw treatment than conventional recycled mixture.


Objective: To study the prognostic significance of the subtype of SYT-SSX fusion gene, E-cadherin, β-Catenin and clinicopathological parameters for the metastasis of synovial sarcomas. Methods: A total of 98 synovial sarcoma patients with complete clinical and follow-up data were reviewed. RT-PCR was used to detect the subtype of SYT-SSX fusion gene. The expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was detected by immunohistochemistry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the influence of the above factors and clinicopathological parameters on the metastasis free survival to explore the factors affecting the metastasis of synovial sarcoma. Results: Of all the patients, 69.4% (68/98) had metastasis during follow-up. The median metastasis free survival was 48 months. The metastasis free 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival rate after surgery was 97.5%, 75.5%, 63.5%, 54.0%, and 48.5%, respectively; 31.6% (31/98) patients were found with SYT-SSX1 and 68.4% (67/98) patients with SYT-SSX2. The positive rate of E-cadherin expression was 38.8% (38/98), the positive rate of β-catenin expression was 39.8% (39/98) on cellular membrane and 53.1% (52/98) in cellular nucleus/cytoplasm. Univariate analysis showed that age (P=0.003), mitotic figure (P=0.002), histological grade (P=0.001), the subtype fusion gene of SYT-SSX (P=0.014), E-cadherin expression (P=0.015) and β-catenin expression on cellular membrane (P=0.020) were significantly correlated with metastasis free survival of synovial sarcoma patients. Sex (P=0.190), tumor location (P=0.105), tumor size (P=0.180), histological type (P=0.354), necrosis (P=0.451), β-catenin expression in cell nucleus/cytoplasm (P=0.911), radiotherapy (P=0.193), and chemotherapy (P=0.249) had no significant correlation with metastasis free survival of synovial sarcoma patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that the subtype of SYT-SS×1 fusion gene (RR=2.505, P=0.003), negative expression of E-cadherin (RR=3.282, P=0.000), patient age (RR=2.157, P=0.004), and grade Ⅲ (RR=1.784, P=0.030) were independent risk factors for metastasis of synovial sarco- ma. Conclusion: The subtype of SYT-SSX, expression of E-cadherin, histological grade and the age of patients are important factors for evaluating the metastasis and prognosis of synovial sarcoma.


printing supported by . Visit Chiesi at Stand D.30 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH 2011 tion of corticosteroids and cold bronchial hyperresponsiveness (CBH) in patients with bronchial asthma (BA). Aim: To define the role of target-cells sensitivity to corticosteroids in cold bronchial hyperresponsiveness development in BA. Methods: 44 patients with BA were recruited. The mean level of asthma control was 16.8±0.1 points (Asthma Control Test). The absorption of cortisol by blood lymphocytes (ACL) in the standard test "in vitro" with hydrocortisone before 3-minute isocapnic cold air (-20°C) hyperventilation (ICAH) was studied. CBH was diagnosed by the drop of FEV1 after ICAH ( FEV1)≥10% from initial value. Results: All the patients were divided into two groups: the 1st (28 persons) was with constant values of hormone absorption by lymphocytes, the 2nd (16 persons) had lower values. ACL values were (0.701±0.054)×10-4 mkg/1000 cells and (0.527±0.038)×10-4 mkg/1000 cells, respectively (p<0.01). CBH was found out in 22 patients of the 1st group and in 6 patients of the 2nd one (χ2=7.42; p<0.01). In the 1st group there was the biggest part of patients (87%) with a high degree of CBH ( FEV1>18.5%) and a mean level of CBH ( FEV1 within the range of 14.2-18.4%). The 2nd group had only low values of CBH ( FEV1 within the range of 10.0-14.1%). The risk of high degree of CBH in patients of the 2nd group was three times higher than in the 1st group: chances ratio was 3.45; 95% confidence interval 1.50-7.64 (p=0.0005). Conclusion: CBH in BA patients is associated with the decrease of transmembrane penetration of glucocorticoids into target cells. P3265 LSC 2011 Abstract: Effect of inhaled apocynin on reactive oxygen species concentrations in exhaled breath condensate of asthmatics Joanna Stefanska, Agata Sarniak, Anna Wlodarczyk, Milena Sokolowska, Zbigniew Doniec, Dariusz Nowak, Rafal Pawliczak. Department of Immunopathology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, PL Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, PL Department of Pneumonology, National Institute for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Rabka, PL Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a strong impact on homeostasis and are thought to play an important role in inflammation in asthma. The sources of oxidative stress in patients with chronic inflammatory lung diseases derive mainly from increased amounts of ROS and reactive nitrogen species (NOS), generated by airway cells. Apocynin is and agent which blocks NADPH oxidase the enzyme, responsible for ROS production. The anti-inflammatory activity of apocynin has been demonstrated in a variety of cells and animal models of inflammation. Therefore, considering apocynin activities, we investigated the effect of nebulized apocynin in 14 nonsmoking asthmatics, in placebo-controlled, cross-over design study. Effects of apocynin have been checked 30, 60 and 120 minutes after nebulization by collecting exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples. Additionally, we investigated safety parameters. Apocynin significantly decreased H2O2 concentration in EBC in comparison to placebo after 60 and 120 min. (0.29 μM vs. 0.44 μM, and 0.27 μM vs. 0.4 μM, respectively). Moreover, apocynin significantly reduced NO2 concentration 30 and 60 min after nebulization (2.75 μM vs. 4.65 μM, and 2.5 μM vs. 4.05 μM, respectively) in comparison to placebo. Finally, apocynin caused a significant decrease of NO3 concentration in EBC after 60 and 120 min after administration, comparing to placebo (5.34 μM vs. 8.2 μM (60 min), and 5.3 μM vs. 8 μM, (120 min) respectively). No influence of apocynin on safety parameters, and no adverse effects has been observed. These data suggest that using apocynin might be a promising solution to alleviate inflammatory process, and probably, symptoms of inflammatory diseases. P3266 Quantitative proteomics on bronchial biopsies from asthma and COPD: Effects of budesonide treatment Serena O'Neil1, Brigita Sitkauskiene2, Agne Babusyte2, Algirda Krisiukeniene2, Kristina Stravinskaite-Bieksiene2, Raimundas Sakalauskas2, Carina Sihlbom3, Linda Ekerljung1, Elisabet Carlsohn3, Bo Lundbäck1, Jan Lötvall1. 1Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; 2Department of Pulmonology and Immunology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; 3Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden The global proteome of individual bronchial biopsy material from asthma and COPD patients has not been fully ascertained. The aim was to determine if mechanisms of disease and responses to treatment can be detected in biopsies from patients with asthma and COPD, using a quantitative proteomics technology. Endobronchial biopsies, pre and post treatment, were taken from patients with asthma (n=12) and COPD (n=11), as well as non-smoking (n=3) and smoking (n=2) healthy controls. Patients were randomised to double blind treatment with either placebo or budesonide (800 μg daily for 3 months). Quantitative proteomics technology was used to identify and quantify biopsy proteins. Pathways analysis was conducted to identify global proteome differences. A total of 1937 proteins were identified from all subjects. Proteome differences in asthma and COPD and changes in response to treatment could be observed. Analysis of the global proteome of COPD revealed that the top protein network contained the function of connective tissue disorder and that metabolic pathways were most relevant. In comparison, the top network in asthma contained dermatological functions, with the pathways being more actin-based. Changes in the proteome could also be observed in response to treatment. The increased relevance of cellular biological processes and decrease of oxidative stress can be seen for both asthma and COPD. Of particular interest, hepatic fibrosis was more associated with the COPD proteome and is altered with budesonide treatment. These results show that proteome differences can be detected using quantitative proteomics technology on clinically relevant biopsies from individual patients. P3267 The interplay of LXA4 and glucocorticoid receptor-based mechanisms in airway inflammation of childhood asthma Rosalia Gagliardo1, Stefania La Grutta3, Pascal Chanez2, Angelo Sala4, Liboria Siena1, Caterina Di Sano1, Loredana Riccobono1, Giovanni Viegi1, Mark Gjomarkaj1, Mirella Profita1. 1Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Italian National Research Council, Palermo, Italy; 2Département des Maladies Respiratoires, Université de la Méditerranée; INSERM-CNRS U600,UMR6212, Marseille, France; 3ARPA, Environmental Health Unit, Palermo, Italy; 4Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan,


PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to assess and compare the performance of an academic library, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on data collected from the library management system, usage reports of online databases, and monthly reports and archives to evaluate and assess library performance in managerial activities, collection development, collection treatment, collection circulation, usage of digital resources, quality control, reference services and information literacy activities. Frequency distributions and non-parametric tests were used in identifying differences and testing hypotheses.FindingsThe study found that library performance before the COVID-19 pandemic outperformed library performance during the pandemic in collection development, collection treatment, collection circulation, access and use of digital resources, quality control and information literacy. On the other hand, the library demonstrated higher performance in managerial activities and reference services during the COVID-19 pandemic than that of before the pandemic period. Interestingly, the analysis of the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test revealed statistically no significant difference in the library performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results supported all the eight hypotheses stated in this study.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a case study based on data collected from an academic library in the UAE before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings may not be generalized and may differ if more data are analyzed from many academic libraries.Practical implicationsCOVID-19 pandemic is a turning point for library managers to increase the number of digital resources and services, to ensure that library staff are equipped with essential and up-to-date information and communication technology (ICT) skills and knowledge, to ensure that library users are equipped with essential and up-to-date information literacy skills and knowledge. These will enable them to satisfy users' information needs and ensure library operation in disasters and crisis periods.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies conducted in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to evaluate library performance before and during COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study could be an important reference in understanding how libraries responded to COVID-19 pandemic in the Middle East. The results of the study may contribute to the provision of digital resources and services during the pandemic and disasters in the UAE and the Arab world.


This report describes the construction of and applications for two research facilities located at the Pennsylvania Transportation Research Facilities: the Pavement Roughness Research Facility and the Skid Resistance Research Facility. These facilities werer developed as a part of a larger project, Research Project 82-11, "Fourth Cycle of Research at the Pennsylvania Transportation Research Facility." The Pavement Roughness Research Facility consists of an 800-ft-long sinusoidal surface, which can be used to calibrate profilometers and response-type road roughness measurement systems. The Skid Resistance Research Facility includes eight test surfaces (skid pads), 6 ft wide by 200 ft long, which can be used to correlate the measurements of a road friction tester (skid tester) with a reference system. In addition, the facilities include a system for calibrating water nozzle flow and distribution.


Objectives: To analyze the effectiveness of a Bundled Payment for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative for patients who would be included in a future potential Surgical Hip and Femur Fracture Treatment bundle. Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting: Single Academic Institution. Patients/Participants: Patients discharged with operative fixation of a hip or femur fracture (Diagnosis-Related Group codes 480–482) between January 2015 and October 2016 were included. A BPCI initiative based on an established program for BPCI total joint arthroplasty was initiated for patients with hip and femur fractures in January 2016. Patients were divided into nonbundle (care before initiative) and bundle (care with initiative) cohorts. Intervention: Application of BPCI principles. Main Outcome Measures: Length of stay, location of discharge, and readmissions. Results: One hundred sixteen patients participated in the "institutional bundle," and 126 received care before the initiative. There was a trend toward decreased mean length of stay (7.3 ± 6.3 days vs. 6.8 ± 4.0 days, P = 0.457) and decreased readmission within 90 days (22.2% vs. 18.1%, P = 0.426). The number of patients discharged home doubled (30.2% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.008). There was no difference in readmission rates in bundle versus nonbundle patients based on discharged home status; however, bundle patients discharged to a skilled nursing facility trended toward less readmissions than nonbundle patients discharged to a skilled nursing facility (37.3% vs. 50.6%, P = 0.402). Mean episode cost reduction due to initiative was estimated to be $6450 using Medicare reimbursement data. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential success of a BPCI initiative at 1 institution in decreasing postacute care facility utilization and cost of care when used for a hip and femur fracture population. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.


Direct water splitting in pure water relying on photocatalysis is an effective way to realize an efficient solar to chemical fuel conversion toward solving the global energy crisis and environmental problems. Here, via a "high-valence metal single-atom confinement" strategy, we effectively modify the valence band structure of the semiconductor photocatalyst toward a spontaneous photocatalytic water splitting in pure water. This as-prepared PtII–C3N4 could achieve an efficient photocatalytic water splitting activity with the H2 production rate up to ∼140 μmol g–1 h–1, about 10 times that of Pt nanoparticle–C3N4 (15 μmol g–1 h–1). Moreover, the unique PtII–C3N4 suspension in pure water exhibits an impressive quantum efficiency of 1.5% at 420 nm under visible light irradiation. Electronic structure characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the hybridization of PtII 5d and N 2p obviously downward shifts the valence band maximum level of PtII–C3N4 by 0.26 V relative to g-C3N4, which could sign...


The fluctuation of essential oil, flavonoid and tannin content in Achillea collina Rchb. Alba (flos and herba millefolii) during ontogenesis was studied in this paper. Ten developmental stages of plants – from the beginning of flower differentiation to ripe seed stage – were tested for 3 years. The essential oil content was found to range between 0.4 and 1.6% of dry material and it was statistically significantly (one-factor analysis of variance; α = 0.05) influenced by developmental stage, harvested part of the plant and also by seasonal climatic conditions. The flavonoid content was influenced only by developmental stage and not by the type of yarrow drug or season. Its values ranged from 0.7 to 6.0% of dry material and it had a clear decreasing tendency during the plant ripening. Compared to flavonoids tannin production showed a reverse trend in yarrow. Their content was 0.3–1.0% and it increased during seed maturing. However differences between tannin contents during yarrow ontogenesis are not so dramatic and the influence of harvested part and season is also disputable. Comparison of the content of active substances in the drug from oneand six-years old yarrow plants did not indicate any differences due to age. Developmental stage V, beginning of flowering, can be recommended to producers as an optimum harvest stage because in this period the drug has the highest essential oil content in relation to plant mass yield and also to flavonoid and tannin contents.


In-Mould Pressing. A new special injection-compression moulding process could revolutionise automotive glazing. So the duel between plastics and glass goes into the next round.


Objective
To analyze the causes of failed transcatheter closure for ventricular septal defects(VSD) in children.

Methods
One thousand two hundred and eighty children aged 13 to 141 months who underwent transcatheter closure from June 2009 to September 2013 in Guangdong General Hospital were selected.There were 43 failures (3.36%). The clinical data including transthoracic echocardiograph (TTE), radiography, interventional approach and surgical findings were analyzed.

Results
Forty-three patients included 25 male and 18 female.The patients' ages ranged from 13 to 141 (43.0±31.9) months and their weight ranged from 10 to 35 (16.3±5.59) kg.The causes of failure including doubly committed subarterial VSD misdiagnosed as perimembranous VSD (PMVSD) or intracristal VSD were in 6 patients.The size of occluder was too small in 13 cases, and there were statistical differences between three measurements of size of VSD(F=19.134, P=0.001). The size of VSD measured by left ventricular angiography was significantly smaller than that measured by TTE, and there was statistical difference [(4.78±1.11) mm vs (6.48±1.43) mm, t=4.50, P=0.001]. The dimension of VSD measured by left ventricular angiography was significantly smaller than that measured by surgical findings, and there was statistical difference [(4.78±1.11) mm vs (7.02±1.08)mm, t=5.92, P=0.001]. But, the size of VSD measured by TTE had no significant difference compared with that measured by surgical findings(t=1.42, P=0.168). Aortic regurgitation occurred in 14 cases; atrioventricular block or left bundle branch block in 3 patients; tricuspid stenosis in 2 cases and residual shunt in 5 patients.

Conclusions
Doubly committed subarterial VSD may be misdiagnosed as PMVSD or intracristal VSD.In the cases of VSD concomitant with aortic valve prolapse, size of the occluders should be referred to VSD dimensions measured by TTE.In the cases of VSD adjacent to aortic valve, suitable occluders should be selected and operation technique should be improved to avoid aortic regurgitation.

Key words:
Ventricular septal defects; Catheterization; Echocardiography; Left ventriculography


The test tasks are compiled in accordance with the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard in the direction of "Psychological and pedagogical education" and are designed to control the formation of the following universal general professional and professional competencies: OPK-1 (Able to carry out professional activities in accordance with regulatory legal acts in the field of education and professional ethics) and PC-6 (Capable of ensuring the protection of the life and health of students). Indicators of competence achievement are knowledge of the priority directions of the development of the education system of the Russian Federation, laws and other regulatory legal acts regulating activities in the field of education in the Russian Federation, legislative documents on the rights of the child, the Convention on the Rights of the Child; knowledge of methods and methods of ensuring the safety of students in dangerous situations; ability to apply basic regulatory legal acts in the field of education and professional ethics; the ability to analyze and assess the degree of danger in various situations, the ability to provide conditions for a safe and comfortable educational environment that contributes to the preservation of life and health of students.


ABSTRACT The enantioseparation of a weakly basic pharmaceutical drug substance is investigated using sulfated-β-CD as a chiral selector. The enantiomers are separated at acidic pHs in an anodic flow due to complexation with sulfated-β-CD, while under an electroosmotic flow (EOF) counter-current. At basic pHs, the EOF prevails and the analytes migrate toward the cathode, where improved separations can be obtained along with an apparent reversal of migration order. The optimal enantioseparation of the test compound is systematically explored by varying important factors, such as pH, concentration of sulfated-β-CD, temperature, and addition of organic modifier. The implications of the results on general enantioseparation of weakly basic pharmaceutical compounds are discussed.


The purpose of this research is to produce conglak media on mathematics subject of multiplication counting operation and class division III SDN 7 Winner of West. This research is a development research. The subjects of the study were the third grade students of SDN 7 West Winner, amounting to 13 people. This research and development is done by using Borg and Gall development which consists of 10 (stages). However, based on the development needs that researchers will do then the stages are simplified into 5 stages are: needs analysis, design, prototype, field trials, and revisions. The results of this development research shows that the product developed in the form of congklak media can be said to be suitable for use in learning. Based on the results of validation experts note that congklak media products on learning mathematics are categorized "good" with the following criteria: from media experts categorized well with the average score of 4 while from the material experts are also in good category with the acquisition score 3.6. In addition, the results of development research obtained average data on the percentage of student responses in response to congklak media reached 92%. So that learning by using cogklak media is said to be effective, because students are very responsive to learning media congklak. While the results of student learning obtained data average score of students is 80 with the percentage of completeness reached 85%. Based on the results of this study can be concluded that the product development congklak media feasible used in school learning.


Lyme arthritis in dogs can be induced under experimental and natural conditions. However, the veterinary relevance of canine borreliosis is still under extensive investigation. The prevalence of symptoms is clearly low, although the risk of tick exposure is high. Current research focuses on case definitions, methods for diagnosing clinical disease in dogs, and discrimination between an immune response to a natural infection and an immune response to vaccination. In this experimental study, 23 dogs raised under tick-free conditions were allocated to two groups. The 11 dogs in the first group were vaccinated with a commercial borrelia vaccine and subsequently developed detectable antibody titers. The 12 dogs in the second group were walked on two consecutive days in an area where ticks were endemic. On day 5 after exposure, engorged ticks were removed from the 12 dogs and were analyzed for Borrelia DNA by a real-time PCR assay. Blood samples were taken before exposure/vaccination and at defined time points thereafter. Antibody responses were evaluated using an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and Western blotting. Seven dogs from which Borrelia- positive ticks


Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Highlights We have developed simple and low-cost fabrication method of metal stamps. The stamps are intended for fast and cheap replication of microfluidic structu...


Examine prediction of functional ability with neuropsychological tests using latent item response theory.

 The sample included 3155 individuals (Mage = 69.72, SD = 9.41; Median education =13.15, SD = 4.40; white = 92.81%; female = 62.03%; MCI = 25.13%; Dementia = 28.87%) from the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium who completed functional and cognitive assessments [Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Logical Memory (LM), Visual Reproduction (VR), Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), Trail Making Test (TMT), Boston Naming Test, and Digit Span]. Functional measures [Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, Physical Self Maintenance Scale, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)] were combined into a single outcome variable using confirmatory factor analysis. Item response theory (IRT) was used to fit the data, and latent regression to predict the latent trait score using neuropsychological data.

 All three functional scales loaded onto a single factor and demonstrated good construct coverage and measurement reliability (Supporting Figure). A graded response IRT model best fit the functional ability composite measure. MMSE (b = −1.08, p < .001), LM II (b = −0.58, p < .001), VR I and II (b = −0.09, p = .02 and b = −0.43, p < .001, respectively), COWAT (b = −0.10, p = .003), and TMT-B (b = −0.30, p < .001) all significantly predicted functional abilities, as did age (b = 0.61, p < .001) and education (b = 0.31, p < .001).

 Global cognition, memory and executive function tests predicted functional abilities while attention and language tasks did not. These results suggest that certain neuropsychological tests meaningfully predict functional abilities in elderly cognitively normal and cognitively impaired individuals. Further research is needed to determine whether these cognitive domains are predictive of functional abilities in other clinical disorders.


The purpose of the present invention is to increase the certainty of completion of a delivery by an unmanned aircraft. In the distribution system (1) according to the present invention, a standby location information acquisition means (61) acquires standby location information relating to the location at which each unmanned aircraft of a plurality of unmanned aircraft is waiting. A remaining power capacity information acquisition means (62) acquires remaining power capacity information relating to the remaining battery charge or the remaining amount of fuel in each unmanned aircraft. A package information acquisition means (63) acquires package information relating to a pickup location and a delivery location for a package. A search means (66) searches for an unmanned aircraft having a remaining battery charge, or a remaining amount of fuel, that is great enough to pick up the package at the pickup location and then deliver the package to the delivery location, on the basis of the standby location information and the remaining power capacity information of each unmanned aircraft, and the package information. An instruction means (69) instructs the unmanned aircraft (if any) found by the search means (66) to pick up and deliver the package.


In the article, the author focuses on showing the rich, yet little-known and disappearing, Polish cultural heritage in Latvia as a unique potential for cultural tourism. He presents some chosen buildings and places together with the evaluation of their availability and tourist attractiveness. The end of the article introduces an example tourist route which can be created in Latvia to attract Polish cultural tourist as well as to help to enliven and protect the facilities and places included in the route.


The motion of charged particles in combined betatron and azimuthal magnetic fields is investigated for the case when the radial betatron focusing force vanishes.


A major challenge in the design of next generation wireless communication systems is to achieve both reliable and spectral efficient communication with large coverage range. To tackle this problem, advanced diversity techniques combinedwith adaptive mechanisms have to be designed in order to combat or even exploit the variability of the radio propagation medium across time, frequency and space. Diversity techniques create signal redundancy, by repeating the information across multiple, independent channel realizations. This is accomplished by allowing the receiver to experience the average channel effect rather than an instantaneous fade. As a consequence diversity techniques improve the link reliability at the expense of the system spectral efficiency. By adjusting the transmission parameters to the momentary link quality, adaptive mechanisms aim at improving both spectral efficiency and link reliability. Nevertheless, in order to guarantee the Quality of Service (QoS) constraints from the upper layers, adaptive mechanisms implement a sub-optimal trade-off between link robustness and bandwidth efficiency (Calvanese Strinati E., 2006). Therefore in this chapter we propose and analyze a novel cooperation protocol, the hybrid cooperation protocol and we combine it with link adaptation techniques such as Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) and power allocation. Our task is to minimize the outage probability and maximize the spectral efficiency of transmission, while limiting the cooperation cost in terms of MAC signalling overhead. The scientific content of this chapter is based on some innovative results presented in three conference papers (E. Calvanese Strinati and S. Yang and J-C. Belfiore, 2007) (E. Calvanese Strinati and Luc Maret, 2008) (M. Baydar and E. Calvanese Strinati and J. C. Belfiore, 2008) presented in 2007 and 2008. The goals of this chapter are for the reader to have an understanding of cooperative communication issues and challenges and, to be well informed of the state-of-the-art research development. Eventually, the chapter will present what we have done to improve the performance of currently proposed cooperation techniques, comparing performance of our proposed approaches with state-of-the-art one. A critical discussion on advantages and weakness of the proposed approaches, including future research axes, will conclude the chapter. The innovative contribution in this chapter is threefold. First, in this chapter we introduce and details challenges and possible solutions for the so-called cooperative diversity (E. Erkip A. Sendonaris and B. Aazhang: Part I, 2003; E. Erkip A. Sendonaris and B. Aazhang: Part II, 2003) techniques where a source terminal cooperates with several relays to exploited the spatial diversity in a distributed manner. From a physical 9


In this paper, a velocity adaptive shuffled frog leaping bat algorithm (VASFLBA) is proposed to solve the problem that the bat algorithm (BA) is easy to fall into local optimum and a lack of deep local search ability. Firstly, the influence of the current stochastic local optimal solution on the search of the algorithm is considered. Two adaptive proportional regulation factors are introduced to balance global and local search. Then, the locally deep search ability is enhanced by using the meme transfer mechanism of shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA). In addition, stochastic population competition is introduced to improve the global search ability and when the algorithm trapped in the local optimum, differential mutation operation is performed on the current global optimal bat so that the algorithm can jump out of the local optimum. The superiority of VASFLBA is verified by benchmark test functions. On this basis, VASFLBA is used to optimize the parameters of support vector machine (SVM) in intrusion detection of industrial control system (ICS), and the standard dataset for ICS intrusion detection is used for simulation. The results show that, compared with BA, SFLA and other algorithms, VASFLBA can better solve the problem of SVM parameters selection.


Poliblend edible coating of suweg starch-chitosan (SSC) was prepared as a package with the addition of essential oil from sweet orange peel as antibacterial because of the high limonene content (95%) to increase the shelf life of malang's apples. There are 6 variations formulation of the suweg starch: chitosan, namely 10: 0, 9: 1, 8: 2, 7: 3, 6: 4 and 5: 5 in total volume 60 mL. Essential oil of sweet orange peel was added with variations in the concentration of essential oil is 0%; 2%; 4%, and 6%.). Furthermore, characterization was carried out by mechanical testing, Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR), solubility, and swelling of the SSC polyblend edible film and the antibacterial activity test of the SSCO polyblend edible coating on Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria before it was applied on malang's apples. Organoleptic tests and physical observations of malang's apples were carried out after the application of edible coating SSCO. The result characterization of the functional groups of polyblend edible film SSCO showed the absorption of the wave number 3373.64 cm−1; 1646.32 cm−1; 1570.12 cm−1; 1416.78 cm−1 and 1337.69 cm−1; and 1040.64 cm−1 with functional groups-OH, N-H, C=C, CH3, and C-O. The variation composition affects on the physical properties of edible film SSC in the mechanical test, WVTR, and WVP with the optimum concentration edible film SSC 7: 3, while the solubility and swelling reach the optimum concentration edible film SSC of 5: 5. The addition of sweet orange peel as essential oil had an effect on the antibacterial activity of polyblend edible film SSCO with a maximum inhibition zone 16.55 mm on concentration 6% for S. aureus bacteria. Based on organoleptic test, consumers prefer edible coating SSC with the lowest essential oil content and malang's apples can last 22 days on physical performance observations.


s / 11 Iranian Journal of Epidemiology 2012; 8(1): 82-92. Original Article To Explore Identifying the Influencing Factors of Divorce in Tehran Bolhari J1, Ramezanzadeh F2, Abedinia N3, Naghizadeh MM4, Pahlavani H5, Saberi SM6 1Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Tehran Psychiatric Institute and Mental Health Research Center, School of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2Professor of gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vali Asr Reproductive Health Research Center , Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 3MSc in Clinical Psychology, Maternal, FetalNeonatal Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran 4MSc in Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology, University Medical sciences Fasa, Iran 5MSc of Clinical Psychology, Tehran Psychiatric Institute and Mental Health Research Center, School of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 6Psychiatrist, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran Corresponding author: Abedinia N., firstname.lastname@example.com Background & Objectives: The aim of this explorative study was to identify influencing factors as main causes of divorce among couples in Tehran Methods: Three hundred persons from family court of Justice participated from March 2006 to March 2007 in this study. Structured interviews in addition a standard questionnaire were employed. Results: The results indicated that the most causes were psychological factors (96.3%), socio-cultural factors (87.3%), sex problems (88%), economic factors (80.3%) and violence (84.3%) in participatnts. Conclusion: Premarital counseling suggested for couples to prevent divorce in Iranian community.


The sensitivity metric in differential privacy, which is informally defined as the largest marginal change in output between neighboring databases, is of substantial significance in determining the accuracy of private data analyses. Techniques for improving accuracy when the average sensitivity is much smaller than the worst-case sensitivity have been developed within the differential privacy literature, including tools such as smooth sensitivity, Sample-and-Aggregate, Propose-Test-Release, and Lipschitz extensions. In this work, we provide a new Sensitivity-Preprocessing framework for this problem that overcomes some of the limitations of the previous techniques and works in a highly generalized setting. Similar to Lipschitz extensions, our framework also approximates a function over databases with another function of smaller sensitivity. However, we exploit the specific metric space structure of neighboring databases to give a more localized exponential-time general construction, compared to Lipschitz extensions which can often be uncomputable. We constructively define a Sensitivity-Preprocessing Function in our framework for which we give approximate optimality and NP-hardness results, and further complement it with the following: (1) For important statistical metrics such as mean, α-trimmed mean, median, maximum, minimum, and variance, we show that our Sensitivity-Preprocessing Function can be implemented in O(n) time. We also give strong instance-specific accuracy guarantees for mean and variance. Note that these two metrics have unbounded local sensitivity for all databases, which makes most of the previous techniques infeasible. (2) We introduce a new notion of individual sensitivity and show that it is an important metric in the variant definition of personalized differential privacy. We show that our algorithm can extend to this context and serve as a useful tool for this variant definition and its applications in markets for privacy. (3) For the known difficult problem of achieving Lipschitz extensions in higher dimensions, we consider f : D → R and show that our Sensitivity-Preprocessing Function can be easily applied if we bound the sensitivity of each dimension independently. A natural extension of our algorithm can also bound the l1 sensitivity for f : D → R, but, interestingly, we show that it cannot be applied to higher dimensions. School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. Email: email@example.com. Supported in part by a Mozilla Research Grant. School of Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology. Email: email@example.com. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. 1718533.


Critical infrastructure protection is presently seen as an important aspect of society's maintenance of functional continuity from an economic and social perspective. This fact is seen as a motivation for the development of relevant approaches and methodologies, which have significant impact to the critical infrastructure protection and resilience level. The interactions of various critical infrastructure subsystems have a major relation to the domino and synergy effect assessment and on the overall critical infrastructure protection resilience level. The domino and synergy effect impact to critical infrastructure resilience will therefore be described in the article by a selected mathematical model. The model will present the assessment approach of inter-connections modeling between critical infrastructure subsectors, allowing the evaluation of the potential domino effect in the context of Czech Republic critical infrastructure. Keywordscritical infrastructure; model; domino effect; resilience; protection; leontief's economy model;


Cosmic neutrinos above a PeV are produced either within astrophysical sources or when ultra-high energy cosmic rays interact in transit through the cosmic background radiation. Detection of these neutrinos will be essential for understanding cosmic ray acceleration, composition and source evolution. By using the Earth as a tau neutrino converter for upward-going extensive air showers from tau decays, balloon-borne and space-based instruments can take advantage of a large volume and mass of the terrestrial neutrino target. The theoretical inputs and uncertainties in determining the tau lepton exit probabilities and their translation to detection acceptance will be discussed in the context of a new calculation we have performed. We quantify the experimental detection capability based on our calculation, including using the Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA) concept study response parameters for optical air Cherenkov detection. These case studies are used to illustrate the features and uncertainties in upward tau air shower detection.


In this paper the effects of the condenser design parameters(such as turbine inlet condition.turbine power and condenser pressure) on heat transfer area,cooling water flow-rate.condenser cost and specific energy generation cost are studied for surface type condenser.The results are given in the text and also shown as diagrams.


Aflatoxins are fungal metabolites that commonly contaminate staple crops in tropical regions. Aflatoxin is a carcinogen and consumption at high-levels can lead to acute liver failure and aflatoxicosis. Multiple epidemiologic studies have shown an association between aflatoxin exposure in infants and young children and growth failure, but strong experimental evidence is lacking. The Trial to Establish a Causal Linkage Between Mycotoxin Exposure and Child Stunting being conducted in Tanzania is a cluster-randomized trial to assess the effect of reduced aflatoxin exposure on linear growth.

 Prior to its design and launch, the multi-disciplinary research team conducted a critical review to determine the most salient ethical questions and dilemmas in the potential conduct of such a study and debated if and how this study could be designed to meet human subject ethical criteria. This critical review included trial protocols, methodologies and historical controversies in the areas of bio-medical, public health and environmental health research.

 This critical review identified three major questions: 1) Given what is already known about aflatoxin, should a question about the effect of this toxin on child growth be studied further in human subjects? 2) If the relationship between aflatoxin and stunting can be studied in humans, what is the most ethical study design to employ? 3)What is the most ethical intervention to randomly allocate?

 Based on the critical review and in alignment with human subject principles and guidelines, we concluded that it was possible to conduct such a study. The trial and intervention were designed to advance scientific knowledge, maintain a favorable risk/benefit ratio, and respect participants, among other ethical principles.

 The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.


Structural computing has evolved from work on open hypermedia to aid in the construction of domain-specific software infrastructure and tools. Part of the premise of structural computing has been that by focusing on the abstraction of structure rather than on a concrete data layer, it should make it easier for developers to use appropriate levels of abstraction to build applications. By using the appropriate level of abstraction, the resulting systems can represent components in ways that closely reflect the problem space, instead of forcing the problem into an implementation-centric paradigm. Our previous work has concentrated on how to accomplish these ends through the abstraction of data—this paper concentrates on the benefits of abstraction of type. As our concern is primarily with modelling the problem space in an application domain, we approach 'type' initially from a problem-space viewpoint, not from a theoretic model. 'Type' is not a monolithic concept: a type may be an interface definition, a set of properties, or a classification. The meaning of a type depends on the individual entity to which the type is being applied, as well as the context in which the typing occurs. The meaning of 'type' in a problem domain may differ greatly from 'type' in an application addressing that domain, and the distinction must be kept clear. Types, like the entities to which they are applied, are not necessarily static. This observation is especially important in applications addressing domains that involve complex activities. This paper proposes a framework for distinguishing among the varieties of 'type' and describes uses for each. In the context of structural programming, we discuss techniques for building context-dependent extensions to existing types (whether interface definitions or classifications) that support applications where both the definitions of types and the classification of items are subject to change. We contextualize this work with respect to related research, and with more general software development concerns.


Introduction. The formation of toxic liver damage is carried out with the participation of various mechanisms of pathological processes. Chemicals, drugs and alcohol play a significant role. Timely and correct selection of correction drugs will help reduce the risk of toxic organ damage. The aim of the study is a comparative assessment of the hepatoprotective activity of oxymethyluracil in the early stages of exposure to various toxic agents. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out on male outbred white rats with a single injection of hepatotoxicants (carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol, ethanol) and a correction drug - oxymethyl uracil - followed by the study of biochemical parameters 1 and 3 days after the introduction of the chemical agent. Results. As a result of the studies carried out, it was found that specific metabolic changes are noted already one day after exposure to toxicants in the body of animals. Correction of tetrachloromethane and paracetamol intoxication with oxymethyl uracil leads to the normalization of the functional state of hepatocytes. Conclusion. Oxymethyl uracil exhibits hepatoprotective properties already in the early stages of acute toxic liver damage (1-3 days), being most effective in tetrachloromethane and paracetamol intoxication.


According to different driving behavioral characteristics of bus drivers, a cellular automata traffic model considering the bus lane changing behavior with scheduling parameters is proposed in this paper. Traffic bottleneck problems caused by bus stops are simulated in multiple lanes roads with no-bay bus stations. With the mixed traffic flow composed of different bus arrival rate, flow-density graph, density distribution graph, and temporal-spatial graph are presented. Furthermore, the mixed traffic flow characteristics are analyzed. Numerical experiment results show that the proposed model can generate a variety of complicated realistic phenomena in the traffic system with bus stops and provide theoretical basis for better using of traffic flow model.


Empirical evidence shows that longer spells of unemployment are associated with fewer job offer arrivals, lower job-finding rates and wage offers. Further, workers with longer unemployment duration are discriminated against. This paper sets up a directed search model based on informational stigma to replicate these facts. Firms imperfectly test for the applicantsâ productivity. Unemployment duration is informative about the applicantsâ expected productivity: if skilled workers perform better at the recruiting processes, then longer unemployment durations signal lower expected productivity. As a result, candidates with shorter unemployment spells are ranked ahead. The intertemporal link leads to constrained inefficiency and makes information sensitive to business cycle fluctuations. Consistent with the empirical evidence from CPS, simulated wages decline faster during economic boom periods.


This paper is devoted to the derivation of a macroscopic fractional diffusion equation describing heat transport in an anharmonic chain. More precisely, we study here the so-called FPU- β chain, which is a very simple model for a one-dimensional crystal in which atoms are coupled to their nearest neighbors by a harmonic potential, weakly perturbed by a quartic potential. The starting point of our mathematical analysis is a kinetic equation: Lattice vibrations, responsible for heat transport, are modeled by an interacting gas of phonons whose evolution is described by the Boltzmann phonon equation. Our main result is the rigorous derivation of an anomalous diffusion equation starting from the linearized Boltzmann phonon equation.


Disperse method is used to synthesis half generation and 1.0~4.0 generation PAMAM, and use of column to pure them. Their structures were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, and we research the influence of pH on their fluorescence. The result indicates that when pH=2 the fluorescence intensity of PAMAM is the highest. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity is line-relation with their concentation.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical patterns regarding trans people's self-esteem-oriented evaluations during observations of positive workplace actions. The case of a 2015 UK workplace guide is utilized to fulfil the aims. The guide provides suggestions to employers for recruiting and retaining trans people.

Design/methodology/approach
A new questionnaire is created which forms a 20-item scale capturing a variety of self-evaluations. Trans people provided their responses in a 2018–2019 survey and the study's patterns were captured.

Findings
The outcomes suggest that trans people's self-esteem and self-respect are enhanced by policy makers' positive actions to promote inclusivity in the workplace. In addition, due to these actions trans people feel more accepted, valued and trusted by the government. The authors suggest that a lack of positive workplace actions may be detrimental to trans people's self-esteem. However, if a workplace policy is perceived to be a recognition of trans people's worth this may be internalized, resulting in positive self-evaluations. The authors suggest that the 2015 workplace guide aims to ensure that trans people's self-expressions are not constrained in ways that could cause them self-esteem difficulties.

Practical implications
The study also finds that firms which have implemented the workplace guide have informed human resources strategies, affected corporate profiles and staff organizational behaviours, created a more inclusive workplace culture, and addressed LGBT business and trans staff members' needs. The authors suggest that when employers utilize policy makers' positive workplace policies they may be able to realize positive organizational outcomes in their firms.

Social implications
The World Health Organization perceives self-esteem as a public matter and this study suggests that inclusive workplace strategies can positively affect the psychological states of a highly marginalized population group.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first attempt to quantify how a workplace guide impacts on self-esteem-oriented evaluations among trans people. Each one of the 20 items in the scale brings new insights into the subject matter.


AbstractIn the aftermath of an earthquake, the electric power supply system may have a reduced ability to maintain its intended function, leading to service disruptions of other interdependent faci...


There is significant interest in exploiting the hitherto unused synergies by coupling different energy-carrier networks, such as district heating and electrical distribution networks. This paper addresses the ongoing effort in modeling and simulation of the physical and cyber-physical domains of these so-called hybrid thermal-electric networks. The focus thereby is to use tools and semantics that are natural to each of the involved domains. A hierarchical control approach for power-to-heat appliances, taking into account the different involved actors in such a multi-energy network, is presented. At the application level we show how this approach enables the control of electrically heated storage tanks to couple an electrical distribution network with a district heating network. Co-simulation based on the Functional Mock-up Interface is used as it provides a flexible industry-grade standard for coupling simulators and tools and facilitates implementation of advanced control designs. This work contributes in establishing a framework to derive and test complex control strategies for power-to-heat appliances used to couple the different domains and the inherent time scales of hybrid thermal-electrical networks.


Platelets are essential elements of human blood. In addition to their normal role, platelets are involved in causing myocardial infarction, stroke and other thrombotic disorders. Platelet activation in vivo, probably involves a combination of agonists. Garlic has beneficial effects due to its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and thromboxane formation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of garlic extracts to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by different agonists and their mixtures in different donors. Significant differences were found in platelet aggregation in response to each agonist (P ≤ 0.05). The highest antiaggregatory effect was observed with arachidonic acid and the lowest effect with collagen-arachidonic acid mixture. Interaction effects between donor and agonist (or mixtures) were detected. The study showed the potential of aqueous garlic extracts to prevent platelet aggregation induced by different agonist.


This paper uses the internal rights framework of transaction organizations to compare and analyze two kinds of unified governance structures—commercial mutual non-profit governance structure and for-profit governance structure,with which idiosyncratic investments are matched,then explains the evolution of unified governance structures with idiosyncratic investments.The authors conclude that any given governance structure is always adapted to a given technological level of transactional services,and the governance structure adapted to the tra- ditional technology will inevitably evolve into the governance structure adapted to the new technology if without any constraints from the regulation authority.


Language teaching can be enhanced by effective uses of technology; nonetheless, there are teachers who are reluctant to integrate technology in their practice. The debated issue has resulted in a number of Ministries of Education worldwide, including the Greek Ministry, to support a transition through the introduction of Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs). This initiative was not wellreceived in either the public or private sector, due to the fact that teachers were not provided with any training in how to use IWBs and include them in their teaching. IWBs became intimidating to the language teacher and did not serve their intended purpose in most cases. Nonetheless, there were teachers who were intrigued by IWBs and made an effort to apply them. The present paper focuses on the development of interactive language learning and the effect the teachers' risktaking has on pedagogy from the teachers' and students' perspectives. The outcomes of the study were that language teachers have taken charge of their own professional growth and take risks in order to help learners benefit from IWBs. However, due to lack of training, teachers and students have not reached the zenith of using IWBs.


explicamos partir dos trabalhos de dois influentes filósofos da ciência, Wright Cummins. Discutimos, fim, importância apropriado das explicações teleológicas no Abstract. In this paper, we advocate the legitimacy of explaining in teleological terms in biology, provided that this explanation is limited to the understanding of phenomena in living beings that are directed towards goals, such as physiological processes and behaviors. It is inadequate to explain teleologically other biological phenomena, such as evolution. Within the domain of validity of teleological explanations, functional explanations have particular importance in biology. We discuss here two approaches that can be followed to account for functional explanations, the etiological and the systemic, which we explain here based on the works of two influential philosophers of science, Wright and Cummins. We finally discuss the importance of an appropriate use of teleological explanations in biological education, both in higher education and in high school.


Push-pull molecules are key components for doped low glass transition temperature photorefractive polymers. In this paper we report on the optimization of the factor of merit of photorefractive polymers doped by molecules belonging two different classes of push-pull molecules, on one hand molecules with a dominant neutral resonance form and, on the other hand, zwitterionic or charge separated molecules. The theoretical analysis is illustrated by experimental result obtained both on a molecular level and on polymeric materials of the interest of the analysis developed.


Abstract : Recent trends in small-scale satellites motivate the further development of the propulsion subsystem. Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) micronozzles provide sufficient geometries to produce impulse bits suitable for this scale of satellite. An area of concern with MEMS micronozzles is the inefficiency associated with viscous losses of the developing boundary layer. The University of Washington recently commenced research on a high- temperature propulsion system. An advantage of increased temperature levels is an increase in specific impulse. A disadvantage is an increase in Viscous effects. The present research focuses on using numerical methods to determine an area of diminishing return for increased chamber temperature conditions. initial focus is on the development of an optimum geometry which can be applied to these high-temperature gases. Using past research efforts, an expansion half angle of 30 degrees and expansion ratio of 10 are chosen. An interesting trend of the Reynolds number is observed for small to large aspect ratios. To determine optimum thrust and specific impulse efficiency, the aspect ratio is varied from 1, 5, 10, to 15. It is found that aspect ratios of 5, 10, and 15 for the same thrust level produce better results than an aspect ratio of 1. Using an aspect ratio of 10, a temperature analysis of Reynolds numbers is analyzed for chamber temperatures of 1000 to 3000 K. Although the viscous effects increase with the increase in temperature, the author proves that up to 3000 K, there is not an area of diminishing return for any of the aspect ratios in question. These results are applied to various missions for both the main and attitude- control propulsion subsystems.


As a special subject in the research on information diffusion mechanism in knowledge discovery field, the author presents a new method on deciding to reserve or abandon and understanding the Exception Rule, which is to analyze the changing trend of three parameters ( the support, confidence and LS), combining with the analysis of the historical changing trend of the support of the former and latter part of the Rule, in order to receive the acceptable rule and help users to fully understand them, and use them appropriately. This research has a significant effect on the post-disposal of knowledge discovery and its realizability and practicability.


Australian workplace witnessed major changes in terms of standards of living, culture and low unemployment which forced the employers to find new and innovative ways to retain their people. In such a completely new HR market place Australian Defence Force (ADF) managers need to learn different strategies when dealing with generation Y.


Josephine Ahikire is Associate Professor and Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. Has over eighteen (18) years of teaching Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University in the field of feminist theory, gender and politics, livelihood and cultural studies. Has extensive experience in feminist research and has published widely in the fields of gender and politics, labour and cultural studies. Recent publications include a book entitled: Localised or Localising Democracy: Gender and the Politics of Decentralisation in Contemporary Uganda and another co-edited book entitled: Gender Poverty and Social Transformation: Reflections on Fractures and Continuities in Contemporary Uganda.


logically and simply, by the entirely different diet in the two groups of negroes. In the first group the carbohydrates in the diet are unrefined, consisting of the coarsest maize, with very little sugar; whereas in the second group the carbohydrates are now those of the white man, consisting mainly of white flour and sugar. The first diet results in two soft stools a day,3 whereas the second diet, through the massive removal of fibre, results in the marked slowing of the passage of the colonic contents so characteristic of the Westernized nations. This colonic stasis incidentally affords a natural explanation of the muscular hypertrophy in the colonic wall to which you refer. It should be added to the above that the diet in the United States negro once also consisted of unrefined maize (hominy), but the consumption of maize in the United States shows the following decline over the years4:


ABSTRACT Although the world has abundant resources of brown coal, its moisture content is often high. Thus, a fluidized bed drying system using superheated steam for fluidizing gas has been developed as large-capacity and low-energy-consumption drying technology. Since brown coal particles have wide particle size distribution and cohesiveness due to high moisture content, it is important to know their fluidization characteristics as well as handling characteristics in storage and transportation facilities. However, their drying characteristics are complicated because brown coal contains water in various forms, namely, free water on a surface, bound water in small pores, and non-freezable water chemically bound to hydrophilic functional groups. In this work, basic experiments were carried out to evaluate drying characteristics of brown coal particles. Drying rate, critical, and equilibrium moisture content were formulated and their relevance to the forms of water was discussed. Also the influence of moisture content on flow properties of pulverized coal was evaluated in relation with forms of water.


Abstract The crystal structure of Na 3 ScF 6 was investigated by high-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques in the range from ambient conditions to 68.2 kbar. Pressure was measured by the ruby fluorescence method. The single-crystal structure determination at 27.9 kbar resulted in the cell parameters a =5.484(1) A, b =5.732(1) A, c =7.948(2) A, and β =90.96(3)° and the same space group symmetry, P 2 1 / n (Z=2), as at ambient conditions. The 19 structural parameters needed to describe a model with isotropic displacement parameters were refined by least-squares techniques. For the 143 most significant observed unique reflection amplitudes, the R value became 0.047. When the pressure was increased from ambient to 27.9 kbar, the change in the geometry and the relative change in the volume of the coordination polyhedron around the six-coordinated Sc 3+ ion were negligible. Significant changes of the coordination volumes around the Na + ions were observed. The volume decreases for the six-coordinated and the eight-coordinated Na + ions were similar, viz., 7 and 8%. The layered stacking of the larger, low-charged F − and Na + ions along [103] offers an explanation for the pattern which determines the changes of the unit cell parameters with pressure. The relative change in unit cell volume versus pressure in the range from ambient to 68.2 kbar was fit to the Birch type equation of state. The isothermal bulk modulus at ambient pressure and its pressure derivative were determined to be B 0 =46.0(7) GPa and B ′ 0 =3.3(2), respectively.


This thesis deals with the establishment of the detached pharmaceutical and medical devic-es dispensing unit in the township village Osvětimany. In the theoretical part is collected general information related with the company establishment and specifics of the establish-ment of the pharmaceutical units. The analytical part investigates local surroundings, com-petitive environment and attitude of the population. Results of the analysis are used for a formulation of the specific proposal of establishment of the detached pharmaceutical unit. Proposal includes basics information about the project, the timetable of its creation, finan-cial, personnel and marketing plan, risk assessment and overall evaluation.


Conventional street lighting control systems is manual control, light sensitive control, and simple timing control while energy consumption and operators are unable to monitor street lights, that significantly disrupts management and maintenance. This work is based on the idea of maximize the maintaining and minimize an energy loss. Much of the energy produced daytime is saved in a solar cell and then will use to glow street lights throughout the night. The system also provides an energy-efficient operation mode by adapting the automated method. The lights switch on/off automatically according to vehicle movement or day/night sensor as well as to reduce management cost and monitor status information for each street lighting unit. In this paper two sensors are utilized that are Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor to signalize a day/night time and Infrared Obstacle (IR) sensors to discover the movement on the street. Arduino microcontroller is utilized as a brain to control the street lighting system. In the other hand sensors data are analyzed and stored in Thingspeak cloud after are sent by Arduino UNO. Experimental results show that the system is stable and reliable as it can be applied as a model system.


The aim of this research was to investigate the combination of glycerol with urea as the ruminal parameters, digestibility and quality of microbial mass. The work was conducted at the Animal Unit of Digestive and Metabolic Studies belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinarias-FCAV/Unesp campus Jaboticabal. Six animals fitted with rumen cannulas Nellore were used to verify the parameters pH, ammonia nitrogen, digestibility, and microbial mass distributed in a 6x6 Latin square. Six diets with similar metabolizable energy and crude protein were formulated using the forage:concentrate ratio of 30:70. The roughage used was corn silage. The concentrates used were composed of corn, soybean hulls, sunflower meal, glycerin and urea. The treatments were: C = control, U = 1 % urea, G10 = 10 % glycerin, GU10 = 1 % urea and 10 % glycerol, G20 = 20 % glycerin and GU20 = 20 % glycerin and 1 % urea. Diets with glycerin had lower digestibility of NDF and hemicellulose. There was no influence of diets on the growth of rumen microorganisms, pH and ammonia nitrogen. Diets with 20 % glycerin in the diet dry matter decrease the population of rumen protozoa. The addition of glycerol decreases the digestibility of fibrous components of the diet.


The damage caused by floods is increasing worldwide, and if floods can be predicted, the economic and human losses from floods can be reduced. A key parameter of flooding is water level data, and this paper proposes a water level prediction model using long short-term memory (LSTM) and a gated recurrent unit (GRU). As variables used as input data, meteorological data, including upstream and downstream water level, temperature, humidity, and precipitation, were used. The best results were obtained when the LSTM–GRU-based model and the Automated Synoptic Observing System (ASOS) meteorological data were included in the input data when experiments were performed with various model structures and different input data formats. As a result of the experiment, the mean squared error (MSE) value was 3.92, the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (NSE) value was 0.942, and the mean absolute error (MAE) value was 2.22, the highest result in all cases. In addition, the test data included the historical maximum water level of 3552.38 cm in the study area, and the maximum water level error was also recorded as 55.49, the lowest result. Through this paper, it was possible to confirm the performance difference according to the composition of the input data and the time series prediction model. In a future study, we plan to implement a flood risk management system that can use the predicted water level to determine the risk of flooding, and evacuate in advance.


The CO2 emissions, due to the circulation of automobile vehicles, imposes a huge pressure on car companies. One of the measures is to minimize these by decreasing the total weight of the vehicles by replacing some of its steel parts by aluminium. With this, a problem arises. When resistance spot welding aluminium, the wear of the copper electrodes is higher than when welding steel, which means that the number of the electrodes used for the same amount of spot welds is higher. As the number of electrodes increase, so does the costs involved, and nowadays, even more, due to the continuous increasing of the copper price. An attempt of solution for this problem is to create a protective layer on the electrodes surface, wearing only the layer, keeping the electrodes body in good condition for a longer period. The proposed materials to coat the electrodes are: zinc, silver based conducted adhesive, graphite and tin, and the coating process is different for the different materials. Zinc and tin are welded to the electrodes surface, while the silver based coated conducted adhesive (SBCA) and graphite are painted onto the electrodes surface. The main conclusions are that zinc, SBCA and graphite do not create good protective layers for a wide range of parameters and for electrodes with different geometries and sizes. However, the tin layer has demonstrated a better behaviour when performing welds on aluminium.


This paper presents a mathematical formalization of n-phase investment expertise model and its validation on a numerical example. Investment project implementation processes under uncertainty are investigated. Project profitability is presented by the NPV parameter with a random value that lies within the range of NPV Є[NPV 1;NPV 2]. Decision-making process becomes complicated when the segment [NPV 1;NPV 2] includes the zero value. The NPV 1;NPV 2 values can be defined more accurately by an investor providing the n-phase expertise research. In this paper, the n-phase expertise is supposed to be performed a priori. The decision-making process in this kind of situation is examined thoroughly for further successful model elaboration. The decision utilities before and after performing the n-phase expertise are evaluated and proved to be necessary for the estimation of the n-phase expertise effect. Functions of expected utility depend on b≥0 fear of financial losses and γ>0 regret of profit loss. The proposed model is verified on the numerical example. All computations are performed in the MS Excel spreadsheet application.


Improving software in semiconductor manufacturing equipment was targeted by SEMATECH in the early '90s due to numerous reports of problems, failures, complexities and growing needs. The SEMATECH SPI (Software Process Improvement) project has been working with equipment supplier companies on focused software improvement initiatives. This report describes the key accomplishments and lessons learned from the software process and quality improvement initiative that has been going on in the Applied Materials company for the last two years. Conclusions and recommendations for companies preparing to embark on such an improvement program are described, as well as the plans and challenges for Applied Materials in 1995 and beyond.


The liver secretes GSH into plasma and bile, which determines a key interorgan homeostasis of GSH and cysteine. The canalicular transport is mediated by MRP2. MRP1 and 3 do not transport GSH. Although rodent oatp1 can transport GSH on the sinusoidal pole, the identity of the sinusoidal transporter in human liver has remained elusive. Ruis et al. have now identified a strong candidate, MRP4. They show that MRP4 localizes to the basolateral side of hepatocytes. Using membrane vesicles from V79-MRP 4 versus control cells (V79-Co), they show that S-methyl GSH (Me-SG) or GSH stimulates ATP-dependent transport of taurocholate (c-tau); in the absence of Me-SG no transport was seen. Since Me-SG or ophthalmic acid were as effective as GSH, a thiol effect could be excluded. GSH was cotransported along with ATPdependent transport of c-tau. Thus, a novel cotransport mechanism for sinusoidal efflux of GSH has been identified. Aside from the need to clarify the stoichiometry and regulation of the cotransport, the physiological contribution of this exciting finding in sinusoidal GSH efflux and the purpose of c-tau efflux by this mechanism remain to be determined. One obvious possibility is that this is a mechanism for spreading the recruitment of hepatocytes along the sinusoid for bile secretion by percolating bile acid in and out of hepatocytes on the sinusoidal side. (See HEPATOLOGY 2003;38:374-384.)