Introduction: Weekend admission has been related to worse outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the "weekend effect" in patients with nonvariceal uppergastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical and endoscopic data of patients admitted to Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, from January/2016 to December/2018 for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). The association between weekend admission and the timing of endoscopy; level of hospitalisation; surgery need; rebleeding and mortality was evaluated. Results: Atotal of 545 patients were included. No significant association between weekday and weekend admissions was observed in any of the outcomes. The majority of patients underwent upper endoscopy up to 12 hours afteradmission (62.0% vs. 57.2%, weekday vs. weekend admission, respectively), with similar timings of endoscopy between both groups (p=0.607). Hospitalization in intensive and/or intermediate care units (41.6% vs. 42.8%, p=0.869) was not related to the day of admission. Also, no differences were assessed in the following outcomes: surgery need (5.8% vs. 6.3%, p=0.843), rebleeding (9.3% vs. 6.2%, p=0.289) and mortality rates (6.2% vs. 2.4%, p=0.103). Discussion and Conclusion: In this sample of patients with NVUGIB, clinical management and results were independent of the day of admission. The absence of "weekend effect" seems to be related to the gastroenterology emergency model evaluated and its continuous access to endoscopic resources.


A key task in the elicitation of expert knowledge is to construct a distribution from the finite, and usually small, number of statements that have been elicited from the expert. These statements typically specify some quantiles or moments of the distribution. Such statements are not enough to identify the expert's probability distribution uniquely, and the usual approach is to fit some member of a convenient parametric family. There are two clear deficiencies in this solution. First, the expert's beliefs are forced to fit the parametric family. Secondly, no account is then taken of the many other possible distributions that might have fitted the elicited statements equally well. We present a nonparametric approach which tackles both of these deficiencies. We also consider the issue of the imprecision in the elicited probability judgements. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.


The present study implicit the observation that leaf extracts of Terminalia bellerica have promising anticancer ingredients with IC50 of 5.65µg/ml. Phytochemical studies have revealed that Terminalia bellerica contains a variety of bioactive ingredients with reported therapeutic activities. Methanolic Terminalia Leaf Extracts (MTLE) demonstrated a dose dependent growth inhibitory activity with a certain degree of selectivity against cell line Hep G2 cell line. MTLE supplementation down regulated expression of Bcl-2 a potent suppressor of apoptosis and induced expression of pro apoptotic proteins Bax, caspase- 9 and caspase-3 in a dose dependent manner. We also demonstrated that the pro apoptotic effect of MTLE was due to down regulation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Flow cytometry analysis showed an increase in the percentage of G2/M arrest phase in Hep G2 cell line compared to control cell line. In summary our findings demonstrate that MTLE treatment of the Hep G2 cells resulted in significant (a) cell growth inhibition, (b) G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, and (c) apoptosis in a dosedependent fashion by triggering caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. Overall, these findings suggest that leaves of Terminalia can provide a source of potential therapeutic compounds for the treatment of cancer.


[Objective] The research aimed to explore the effects of different concentrations of Gibberellin on production of Gluconic acid by fermentation using Aspergillus niger.[Method] Unconverted sugar was analyzed by di-nitrosalicyclic acid method and Aspergillus niger liquor was analyzed by ultraviolet spectrophotometer.[Result] Different disposed groups accelerated the growth of Aspergillus niger.Five disposed groups with quality density of 0.05,0.10,0.50,1.00,1.50 mg/L were higher by 25.12%,35.39%,32.16%,0.44%,1.38% than empty groups.And the best quality density was 1.00 mg/L.Gibberellin accelerated the translation of Gluconic acid from glucose.The best quality density was also 1.00 mg/L.[Conclusion] The effects of definite concentrations of Gibberellin on growth of Aspergillus niger and its fermentation were obvious.


In order to increase cotton productivity and optimize fiber quality on limited arable land, an integrated crop management system (ICMS), which combined with some optimal management practices, is projected to replace the conventional crop management system (CCMS) for cotton production in the Yangtze River valley. The seedcotton yield and fiber quality with respect to fruiting position under ICMS and CCMS were investigated in 2012 and 2013 in two fields differing in soil fertility. Reduced bolls on fruiting branches 1–10 (FB1−10) and at fruiting position 1–2 (FP1−2) on FB11−15 could not be fully compensated by increased bolls on FB16+ under CCMS, resulting in more seedcotton yield under ICMS relative to that under CCMS. Fiber at majority fruiting positions under CCMS were longer and stronger than those under ICMS, but CCMS increased the contribution of bolls on FB11+ to the cotton yield, which overall resulted in no significant change in fiber length and strength by management system at field level. The number of bolls at FP1−2 on FB1−5 under CCMS while the number of bolls on FB1−5 and at FP1−2 on FB1−5 were not significantly changed by soil fertility, resulting in diminished yield difference in soil fertility among ICMS relative to that of CCMS. The high soil fertility significantly increased seedcotton yield relative to low soil fertility, which was attributed to more number of bolls on FB11+ and higher seedcotton weight per boll at all fruiting positions. High soil fertility field not only recorded superior fiber quality on FB11+, but also increased the contribution of these bolls to the cotton yield relative to those in the low soil fertility field, resulting in no significant change in overall fiber quality among soil fertility. These findings demonstrate that by combining optimal management practices on infertile soils ICMS could minimize the yield differences due to soil fertility without sacrificing fiber quality.


We developed a new method of GaN growth using Radical-Enhanced Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (REMOCVD) technology by which Gallium Nitride (GaN) grows at low temperatures without ammonia gas. In this method, we investigated the effect of N2/H2 plasma on the GaN substrate surface cleaning prior to the growth of homoepitaxial GaN. In-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to investigate the surface morphology of the cleaned GaN substrates. The interface between GaN substrate and homoepitaxially grown GaN by REMOCVD was evaluated by transmission electron microscope and the crystal quality was evaluated by X-ray diffraction. The in-situ N2/H2 plasma cleaning at 600 °C shows a smooth surface morphology with streak diffraction lines observed by RHEED. Since the homoepitaxial growth of GaN was performed at 800 °C, the cleaned GaN substrate temperature was ramped up from 600 °C to 800 °C with and without plasma exposure to compare the effect of plasma. Homoepitaxially grown GaN on GaN substrates whose temperature was ramped up with plasma exposure showed good crystal quality with no threading dislocations at the interface. It was found that N2/H2 plasma plays a significant role in the GaN surface cleaning for good quality crystal growth.


Abstract : A recommendation is made that the State Department should consider using a management information system for developing and testing hypotheses on Israeli decision making. Using the Six Day War of 1967 as the scenario, 12 major Israeli decisions made prior to the war were examined by stages (time), information available, size and type decision unit, alternatives, values of the leaders, and reinforcement received for the decisions. Using a literature search, Zionism, government organization, and Israeli leaders were studied to determine how decisions are made, what influences exist, and what the values of the leaders were. Eight hypotheses were developed on future Israeli decision making based on these studies.


PURPOSE
Since NaOCl acts as a strong oxidizing agent and presents potential toxicity, this study was adressed to evaluate the in-vitro safety of NaOCl solutions at concentrations below the limit of patient tolerance, i.e. ≥ 0.5%.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
First, an in-silico evaluation was conducted to predict the potential toxicity of NaOCl in terms of mutagenic, tumorigenic, irritant, and reproductive risks, as well as some drug-like properties of the molecule. The in-vitro experiments were based on 2D and 3D models. For the 2D approach, two selected cell lines - HaCaT (human skin keratinocytes) and HGF (human gingival fibroblasts) - were exposed to NaOCl at five concentrations (0.05 - 0.5%) for 10, 30, and 60 s to simulate possible clinical administration. The irritative potential of NaOCl 0.05% and 0.25% was assessed in a 3D in-vitro model (EpiDerm, reconstructed human epidermis). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS
The main findings suggest that NaOCl exerts cytotoxicity towards HaCaT immortalised keratinocytes and HGF primary gingival fibroblasts in a cell type-, dose- and time-dependent manner, with the most prominent effect being recorded in HaCaT cells after 60 s of treatment with NaOCl 0.5%. However, NaOCl was computationally predicted as free of mutagenic, tumorigenic, irritant, and reproductive toxicity, and showed no irritative potential in 3D reconstructed epidermis at concentrations of 0.05% and 0.25%.

CONCLUSION
Further clinical and histological studies are required to confirm these results, as well as elucidate the potential cytotoxic mechanism induced by NaOCl in HaCaT and HGF cells at the tested concentrations.


. As technology competition between countries and companies becomes increasingly intense, various commercial and policy means are being used to hinder the technology development of competitors. The risk of technology development is thus much higher than before and must be accurately assessed so that timely preventive measures can be taken to ensure the safety of technology development. In this paper, a hybrid data-knowledge driven method is proposed for constructing a technology risk evaluation indicator system that can accurately identify the high-risk technologies. Expert knowledge is effectively leveraged through a data-driven model developed from a novel double-layer bagging machine learning method, which is able to learn the indicator aggregation rules in the indicator system automatically. A case study on the risk assessment of smart chip-related technologies for China is provided. As a result, the high-risk areas such as "field programmable gate array" and "central processing unit" are accurately identified, manifesting the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.


Venous malformations are slow-flowlesions characterized by an abnormal venous network. Forty percent of these lesions occur in the head and neck, and they usually present in childhood or early adulthood.' They may present after expansion caused by trauma, incomplete surgical resection,' or a change in hormone levels. Often, the overlying skin takes on a bluish tinge that makes the diagnosis more apparent. However, a deeper malformation occasionally may simply distort the overlying tissues, giving the impression of a tumor or other growth . Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of venous malformations may show phleboliths, calcifications commonly found in venous malformations. However, parotid sialoliths may similarly appear on imaging as hyperdense structures in the facial region. Therefore, adjunctive diagnostic measures may be required. Presented here are two cases of venous malformations of the parotid gland, initially misdiagnosed on imaging. The first patient was a 3D-year-oldwoman who presented with a several-month history of a parotid mass. She was asymptomatic but noted a cosmetic deformity. Examination confirmed the presence of a posterior parotid mass. In preparation for surgery, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and MRI were ordered. The FNA returned with scant cellularity. The MRI confirmed the presence of a superficial parotid mass with a central hypointensity, thought to be a calcification or sialolith (figure 1). The decision was made to proceed with an operative excision. During operative exploration, no palpable mass was found . The radiology studies were reexamined, and the interpreting radiologist was called


The shortleaf pine/oak-hickory (Pinus echinata Mill, Quercus spp., Carya spp.) forest, once the dominant forest community across north Louisiana, has slowly disappeared from the landscape, and is being replaced by loblolly pine (P. taeda L.), mixed hardwood/loblolly, and loblolly/shortleaf forests. One of the reasons for the demise of this fire-dependent ecosystem has been effective fire suppression programs. A study was established in three stands of the Kisatchie National Forest in north Louisiana, comprising a loblolly/shortleaf pine overstory, that were prescribed burned. A regeneration survey two growing seasons following fire revealed that 52 percent to 86 percent of the post-fire pine regeneration was from sprouts, and that 92 percent to 100 percent of these sprouts were shortleaf pine. Loblolly pine accounted for 55 percent to 100 percent of the new seedling germinants after fire. Sprout size averaged 11.2 inches in total height and 0.116 inches in groundline diameter, compared to 4.8 inches total height and 0.060 inches groundline diameter for post-fire seedling germinants. No significant difference was found in sprout size between shortleaf and loblolly pines. Loblolly pine seedlings produced an average of 1.7 sprouts per seedling compared to 2.1 sprouts for shortleaf. The role of fire in the shortleaf pine/oak-hickory forest ecosystem and its potential use in ecosystem restoration is discussed. 1 Merritt Associate Professor, School of Forestry, P.O. Box 10138, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272. other cover maps prior to 1945 indicate that shortleaf pine was the dominant pine species across north Louisiana. What is noticeably lacking on these early maps is the presence of loblolly pine. The historical dominance of a shortleaf pine/oak-hickory forest across the uplands of north Louisiana, as documented by Lockett (1874), Hilgard (1873, 1884), and Mohr (1897) was undeniably a result not only of geology and soil conditions, but also of the dramatic influences of fire. It is axiomatic that plant species respond differently to fire; some are fire tolerant while others are fire sensitive, the degree of tolerance or sensitivity varying by species. It is well known that many pines and a number of hardwoods are tolerant of a certain amount of fire. In fact, it seems plausible that many of these species may actually require some level of fire for their perpetuation in particular settings. For example, without fire, fire-sensitive species may eventually come to dominate an upland site by out-competing fire-tolerant but less competitive species. Shortleaf pine and its natural upland hardwood associates, principally dry-site oaks and hickories, are adapted to and were perpetuated as a forest type by a particular fire regime. It is unclear what that exact regime entailed, but Martin and Smith (1993) have estimated a fire return interval of 5 to 15 years would perpetuate a mixed shortleaf pine/oak-hickory forest type as described in historical accounts. Chapman (1944) stated that shortleaf pine could tolerate fires more frequent than once every 10 years because of its resprouting ability. The pure shortleaf pine forests and pure hardwood forests reportedly present to some degree in presettlement uplands of north Louisiana (e.g., Lockett 1874, Hilgard 1873, Foster 1912) probably were a result, at least partially, of extremes in fire periodicity for the region, with the former maintained by frequent fire, and the latter by an essential absence of fire and other major disturbances. There is some difficulty, however, in postulating the origin of pure shortleaf forests based strictly on fire influences. While frequent fire (i.e., a fire every 5 years or less) would preclude the establishment and growth of dry-site hardwoods, such as post oak, blackjack oak, southern red oak, and black hickory (Q. stellata Wangenh., Q. marilandica Muenchh., Q. falcata Michx., and Carya texana Buckl.), it would do the same to shortleaf, all being roughly equivalent in their tolerance of fire. It is possible that certain ridgetops of the region possessed particular "extreme" edaphic conditions (possibly very dry, very nutrient-poor, or with a near-surface consolidated and impervious layer, or other factors) that permitted, at least occasionally, the growth of shortleaf to forest-resistant sizes before fire return, but restrained hardwood growth to the extent that it could not attain (even through resprouting) fire-immune size before fire revisited the site. It is also possible that certain circumstances (involving life history characteristics of component species, fire dynamics, etc.) conspired to foster the establishment of an essentially pure shortleaf forest on dry ridgetops, perhaps after severe, forest-leveling windstorms. Regardless, the conspiracy of natural processes that would totally preclude hardwoods from the forest is difficult to specify. Fires in the presettlement landscape originated from lightning strikes and the actions of aboriginal inhabitants. Lightning fires have been a primary factor in shaping the vegetational communities of the southeast for untold millennia (Komarek 1964), well before the arrival of aboriginal man. Observations of present-day climatic conditions indicate that the great majority of lightning firesin north Louisiana would have occurred between April and September, though also rarely at other times of the year. Spring and summer are characterized by a relatively large number of electrical storms, generated either through active frontal passage in the spring, or through summer heating and convection. Because vegetative litter such as oak leaves, pine needles, and dead grasses resists rapid decay (due to sclerophylly), litter produced in the previous season(s) remains available for fuel throughout the growing season and will readily burn if not too moist. When compared to the catastrophic fires of the Western United States, presettlement lightning fires in north Louisiana and throughout most of the Southeast (with few exceptions) were relatively frequent but low-intensity surface or ground-level fires. Because of climate, vegetative structure, and fuel characteristics, catastrophic crown fires were essentially nonexistent in the upland pine, pinehardwood, and hardwood forests of the South. Prior to settlement by Europeans in north Louisiana, this area was inhabited by tribal American Indians whose main occupations were sedentary hunting, farming, and fishing (Fisk 1938). North Louisiana was inhabited by Caddo Indians before the earliest permanent settlements by immigrants to the Louisiana Territory in 1803 (Soil Conservation Service 1989). Delcourt (1976) describes the 322 Figure 1—A vegetative cover map depicting forest cover types in Louisiana in 1945 (from Brown 1945). writings of early authors who indicated that the cultivation practice of slash-and-burn was common in upland areas of the Southeast by Indians. In fact, Delcourt quotes Dunbar (1804) in his writings that while traveling up the Ouachita River in Louisiana, a smokey appearance in the atmosphere was noted, and attributed the "smokey or misty appearance of the atmosphere which in our Country is common in the months of november and december...to a common practise [sic] of the Indians and Hunters, of firing the woods, planes [sic], or savannahs; the flames often extending themselves some hundreds of miles, before the fire is extinguished..." The impact native Indians had upon the early forest communities in north Louisiana is not fully known. There is reason to believe that setting fire to the woods was performed; however, the extent and frequency is not known. If it is assumed that the landscape of north Louisiana burned regularly, both by lightning and aboriginal American fires, then the forest communities that existed during the presettlement era and some of the changes in forest communities that have taken place since then can be better understood. Noticeably absent in presettlement upland forests, when compared to present-day forests, is loblolly pine. Early descriptions of early forest communities in this region display a clear picture of upland forests dominated by shortleaf pine and hardwoods, particularly on the drier sites. Loblolly pine is relegated to the wetter sites and bottoms in many of these descriptions, and often depicted as occurring in sparing groves or scattered throughout the bottomland hardwoods. In fact, many of the early forestcover-type maps do not include loblolly pine in their type designations. This lack of loblolly pine in presettlement upland forests of north Louisiana relative to its overwhelming dominance today may be partly explained by the fire ecology of the species. Loblolly pine is typically more sensitive to fire than shortleaf pine, both in seedling and more mature stages (Chapman 1944). However, fires of high intensity can easily kill both species. Fires of lower intensity probably favor shortleaf pine over loblolly pine. In addition, shortleaf pine saplings display better ability than loblolly pine to respond to top kill by producing sprouts. These sprouts exhibit faster initial growth rates over loblolly pine seedlings that may have established after fire, giving these shortleaf seedlings a competitive advantage over loblolly seedlings. Fire-free intervals of a few years allows these shortleaf seedlings to grow more rapidly to more fire-resistant sizes before the loblolly seedlings. Hence, areas where fire has been a major feature of the landscape tends to favor shortleaf pine over loblolly pine. Of the southern pines, longleaf and shortleaf pines are best adapted to fire, whereas loblolly and slash pines are less so. Thus, when fires were a dominant feature across the shortleaf pine region, loblolly pine was generally restricted to those moist or wet sites subjected to infrequent or no fire. METHODS Three stands that contained a shortleaf pine/loblolly pine/hardwood mixture that were p


Currently, most empirical evidence that is available to inform evidence-based medicine in multiple sclerosis (MS) is anatomical, biological, or clinical. However, patients' perception of their own health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) is increasingly being recognized as important to clinicians, researchers, and health care policy makers. The Multiple Sclerosis Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines has noted that the absence of data concerning patient perceptions about their disease and preferences about treatment options has effectively left patients out of systematic clinical decision making.1 Nonetheless, it is inconceivable that clinicians and researchers would pursue a course of care or experimentation without input from those who receive the intervention or would depend strictly on an imprecise imaging technique and the resulting data, which, in the case of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is operator-, machineand interpreter-dependent.


The electronic and atomic structures of the La0.85Zr0.15MnO3 were investigated by measuring the Mn K-, O K-, and Mn L3-edge x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and Mn K-edge extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) at various temperatures. The Mn K- edge, O K-and Mn L3,2-edge XANES at room temperature indicated that Mn ions in the sample is between 3+ and 4+, thus the behavior of the sample is expected to be hole doped . The temperature-dependent O K-, and Mn L3,2-edge XANES spectra indicated that hybrization of the O 2p-Mn 3d unoccupied state has opposite tendency at the ferromagnetic metal and anti-ferromagnetic insulator region caused by charge transfer effect. EXAFS revealed both receptivity and magnetic susceptibility around the TMI (the transition temperature of metal to insulator) and TC (the transition temperature of anti-ferromagnet to ferromagnet) change significantly due to structural distortion.


We perform a first-principles semi-classical computation of the one-loop corrections to the dispersion relation and S-matrix of Giant Magnons in AdS5 × S5 string theory. The results agree exactly with expectations based on the strong coupling expansion of the exact Asymptotic Bethe Ansatz equations. In particular we reproduce the Hernandez-Lopez term in the dressing phase.


AN-171, a 4-page fact sheet by Jeffrey N. Carter and Matthew J. Hersom, suggests that deworming nursing calves at branding may be profitable and describes the results of a study conducted at three locations in Florida. Includes references and tables of performance results. Published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, August 2007.
AN171/AN183: Nursing Calf Deworming (ufl.edu)


South African public hospitals face communication barriers between medical staff (more specifically doctors) and patients as a result of cultural and linguistic diversity. Consequently, medical staff and patients experience frustrations, errors in diagnosis have been recorded and multiple tests need to be run to determine patients' conditions, all these at the expense of patients. The services of ad hoc untrained interpreters such as relatives (including children), other medical staff (including fellow doctors, nurses, cleaners and porters), and other patients are used to bridge communication barriers, since there is no statutory interpreting service. However, the use of ad hoc untrained interpreters has been shown to lead to more complications, including breach of patient confidentiality, distortion and/or omission of information, and patients turning to sangomas (traditional witchdoctors), only to return to the hospital when their conditions have worsened. In the first part of this study, conducted at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and medical staff members in order to obtain a clear picture of their linguistic profiles. Thereafter, in order to determine whether ad hoc interpreters such as nurses interpret better than trained interpreters, the interpreting performance of a professionally trained interpreter is contrasted with that of an ad hoc nurse interpreter, both interpreting in an oncology setting; and a thorough analysis of both performances is provided through the use of Conversation Analysis (CA). The present research report is therefore a first attempt to determine possible solutions to miscommunication in the South African health care setting in general and an oncology setting in particular, from the perspective of Interpreting Studies. TRANSCRIPTION SYMBOLS (Adapted  from  Dr  Koole's  hand-outs, 2013)


Letters, newspaper and magazine articles, excerpts from diaries and books, and critical reviews reveal what is derivative in American art, and describe past culture.


Xiangrui Meng, Wenya Gu, Pingqi Pan School of Binjiang, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China Department of Mathematics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210000, China (Received March 03 2018, accepted August 19 2018) Abstract. When the linear programming (LP) problem satisfies neither the primal feasibility nor the dual feasibility, the primal-dual simplex method can be used to solve the problem in order to avoid the defect of the increase of decision variables caused by the addition of artificial variables in the two-stage algorithm. In this paper, we use PPSM (primitive primitive simplex method) and DDSM(dual dual simplex method) to solve these problems. Compared with the simplex method of two-stages, a better result is obtained.


Compaction of glass batch is necessary for saving energy and reducing discharge and emission of pollutants during glass melting,in particular,melting borosilicate glasses,lead glasses and opaque glasses.The importance of compaction of glass batch is emphasized and the major compact methods are expounded.The development of compaction of glass batch in the world is reviewed and the main techniques for compaction are summarized.


Most CORPORATE AND MANY government bond issues contain call provisions. Since both buyer and seller are concerned with the effect that the terms of call provisions ought to have on yields, considerable effort has been devoted to developing models of the relationship between yields and callability. Also of interest are the benefits from optimal designl and exercise of the call. In addition, researchers concerned with the impact on yields of credit risk, issue size, and other bond characteristics have had to make some provision in empirical models for callability. Generally, empirical models of the effect of callability have not controlled for the other factors determining yields. Neither have studies of other yield determinants attempted to construct sophisticated measures to represent callability. In this paper we develop a theoretically sound model of the effect on yield spreads of callability and test that specification within the context of a comprehensive empirical model of yield spreads first estimated by Cook and Hendershott [3] (henceforth, C-H). C-H provide for the effects of taxes, default risk, relative security supply, and, through a simple proxy, for callability. Substituting our more sophisticated measure of the effect of call, we are able to test our model against the


In this paper, cognitive radio network is briefly introduced as well as routing parameters in cognitive radio networks. Due to lack of Spectrum, using not efficient methods of allocating static spectrum, in cognitive radio networks dynamic accessing spectrum is functional. Utilizing opportunistic a Spectrum requires recognition of routing parameters and metrics in cognition radio networks, which means considering fulfilling the minimum requirements of quality of service (QOS) secondary users need to use the allowed range of primary (main) users. Since primary users are prior to use the spectrum, when primary and secondary users coexist, they need to monitor the bandwidth of the authorized spectrum. One of the most important stages to excess the dynamic spectrum is to explore it. Detection of the presence of the authorized users by unauthorized users is one of the things done in this stage, which is called spectroscopy. In the next stage, we used the analyzed information I was spectroscopy, to decide on accessing the spectrum. cognition radio is defined as a smart wireless communication system, which is aware of the environment and changes its job variables like power forward, type of modulation, carrier frequency etc. using environment learning. For further explaining routing metrics, we try to compare routing metrics in cognitive radio networks and wireless network and analyze its challenges in one-way routing and in multi-route routing.


Purpose
Tourists often travel to different tourism destinations in advancing the knowledge of diverse cultures, environments, history and social aspects. The purpose of this study is to explore tourists' perception of halal tourism and its impact on word-of-mouth towards halal tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was applied in this study. Data were collected via 375 survey questionnaires and were analysed using partial least square method. Data were collected from Malaysia's capital city and tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur, the administrative capital city in Putrajaya, and several cities in Selangor, the richest state in the country.

Findings
The findings revealed that trip quality has a higher significant impact on satisfaction and trip value. The perception of a halal tourism destination is found to have a significant influence on satisfaction and trip value. Trip value is significantly related to satisfaction but not associated with word-of-mouth (WOM). Satisfaction of tourists has a significant impact on WOM towards travel destinations.

Research limitations/implications
This study comes up with a novel understanding of the theory of tourism practices by estimating non-Muslim tourists' perception and its significant influence of WOM towards tourism destinations. The results of this study are significant to industry practitioners, policymakers and marketers in promoting halal tourism. The results of this study provide useful insights for Malaysia's tourism industry, particularly for the tourism marketing in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya cities as tourist destinations.

Practical implications
This study comes up with a novel understanding of the theory of tourism practices by estimating non-Muslim tourists' perception and the influence of WOM towards tourism destinations. The results of this study are significant to industry practitioners, policymakers and marketers in promoting halal tourism.

Originality/value
This study examined the potential impact of non-Muslim tourists' perception of halal tourism destinations and their WOM for halal tourism destinations.


Building material e.g. for fire resistant cores of panels, consists of an expanded inorg. filler dispersed in a crosslinked synthetic resin foam, e.g. a urea resin, which has been mechanically foamed, contains a surfactant, and is free of vegetable or mineral oils. Does not agglomerate during mixing and is easily poured before curing. Pref. the filler is vermiculite, perlite or expanded clay.


This research has been done to know how STAD as a model of study could increase activity and achievement the students of natural science education department on 2010/2011 of ac a demic year and also to know the statement according to the model. This research was begun on observing class condition to identify problems. This was a class action research which had cycles to improve class condition. Each cycle was consist of planning, doing and observing, reflecting. Planning action used STAD model. The model included announcing model's aim, studying college's topics, grouping, tasking of groups, individual evaluating and rewarding the winner group. The winner was the most of points. Total points were equals of discuss point and average of total individual evaluating points in group. The instruments of this research were lecture-observing papers, students-observing papers, evaluating papers and statements papers.The research's result showed increasing of students' activity. At first discussion on first cycles, there were 38.7% students active, at last discussion on second cycles there were 90.3% students active. Average of students' achievement has increased 20.6 points, i.e. from 61.8 to 82.4. According to the students' statements of model showed that they liked STAD because they could get the topics easier and improve students' activity by making life-class in order to increase achievement.


George Sarton, often regarded as the founder of the discipline of the history of science, appears to have first seen Notes and Records of the Royal Society in 1942. His letter of acknowledgement to A. V. Hill conveys both his pleasure at the publication (which the Royal Society had launched in 1938) and his frustration in trying to persuade scientists and 'humanists' of the value of his work. The letter also records Sarton's sadness at the death of his Harvard colleague L. J. Henderson, a fellow-worker in his campaign to 'humanize science'.


Angiotensin II (AngII) induces the production of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) which causes reduction in renal blood flow (RBF) as well as natriuresis. To assess the contribution of TNF‐α in the renal actions of AngII, the responses to AngII infusion (1 ng/min/g for 30 min, iv) were evaluated in anesthetized knockout mice lacking TNF‐α receptor type 1 (R1KO, n=6) and type 2 (R2KO, n=6) and compared these responses with those in wild type (WT, n=6) mice. Arterial pressure (AP) was recorded from a cannula placed in the carotid artery. RBF and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured by PAH and inulin clearances respectively. Urine was collected from a catheter placed in the bladder. Basal mean AP was lower in R1KO (81±3 mmHg) but not in R2KO (90±4 mmHg) compared to WT (92±4 mmHg). AngII caused similar increases in AP (WT, 37±5%; R1KO, 38±4%; R2KO, 30±4%) in these mice. The AngII induced reductions in RBF (−39±5%) and GFR (−17±7%) in WT were also not significantly different in R1KO (−28±7% and −17±7%) and R2KO (−31±4% and −12±7%). However, despite similar increases in AP, AngII induced natriuresis was significantly attenuated in RIKO (Δ, 2.5±0.9 μmol/min/g) compared to that in WT (Δ, 6.0±0.9 μmol/min/g) and in R2KO (Δ, 4.1±0.4 μmol/min/g). These data indicate that the natriuresis induced by AngII infusion is, at least partly, mediated by concomitant production of TNF‐α acting mainly via the receptor type 1.


The invention relates to a sweet potato cultivation method using whole-course chemical control and belongs to the technical field of sweet potato cultivation. The method includes: soaking sweet potato seedlings in liquor of routing powder No.5 before planting, and using specific water quantity in hole watering; spraying uniconazole solution twice 35-60 days after planting; and spraying DA-6 solution twice 30-40 days before harvesting. Early root promotion, fast growth mid-control and later-period aging delaying embody the concept of chemical control for the whole growth course of sweet potato. The method has the advantages that the yield of sweet potato cultivated by the method is increased by 16%, and the quality (size and uniformity) is improved evidently; the cultivation method has few steps and requires little labor; the consumption of various plant grow regulators is low.


Yacon is an Andean origin crop, characterized by the storage of mainly fructooligosaccharides in its roots. In spite of advancements in yacon morphological characterizations, the genetic diversity of the crop in molecular terms is still unknown. In the present study 30 cultivated accessions from the northern, center and southern regions of Peru were characterized by RAPDs. With 34 decameric primers 166 bands were generated, of which 30.7% were polymorphic. An index of similarity of 0.58 was chosen and 7 well differentiated subgroups or clusters were formed. The first cluster groups 22 accessions from the northern and southern regions with some from the center. The remaining clusters contain exclusively center region accessions. Duplicated individuals were not found and the greatest diversity was found in the center region of Peru. AMOVA reported 21.14% of variation explained by the among regions component and higher variability was concentrated among the accessions of each region (78.86%).


Aiming at the problem of high cost-effectiveness ratio and redundant resource, a new multi-target coverage algorithm for UAV swarms communication coverage is proposed in this study. Firstly, the proposed algorithm takes each target point as the center and the distance of a single UAV communication coverage as the radius. Then, the number of target points in each circle is calculated and the circle with the maximum number is retained. Finally, using means centering and quadratic perturbation, the target points and circle center within this circle are redetermined. For the uncovered target points, the above operations are repeated until all target points are covered or the number of clusters are more than the UAVs. The experiment results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a coverage of nearly 90% random target points, which is 16% higher than conventional algorithms. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is well applied to cooperative communication support and target area coverage in the combat.


We developed Lu0.4Gd1.6SiO5 (LGSO) crystal as a new scintillator for medical applications. Physical and scintillation properties of LGSO crystals with various Ce concentrations and annealing effect were studied. Its absorption coefficient at 511 keV gamma ray is 0.70 cm-1 which is the same as GSO. Annealed crystal with 2.0 mol% of Ce shows better scintillation properties such as high light output (twice that of GSO), good energy resolution (more than GSO), fast decay constant (65ns) and fast rise part (similar to LSO)


Offshore oil and gas companies have been told for years that when it comes to delivering on megaprojects, they're not doing that great of a job.
 The experts have pilloried piecemeal approaches to contracting and scheduling, blaming them for cost inefficiencies and delays.
 Analysts have raised concerns that the various teams involved are too siloed, or not brought into the fold at the right time. And lamented on from many a conference podium are the rarely realized benefits of standardization.
 However, two recent case studies from different sides of the Atlantic suggest that large offshore producers have paid heed to these issues. At this year's Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Equinor and Murphy Oil Corp. shared details about their latest multibillion‑dollar projects.
 In separate conference papers the companies said they avoided overengineering new production systems by trying to borrow the blueprints from existing facilities. They also claim to have fully embraced the idea of integrated teamwork and proactive project execution.
 For Equinor, the result is known as the Johan Sverdrup field which stands in roughly 375 ft of water on the Norwegian continental shelf. Output from the project's phase one and two facilities topped out in May at 755,000 B/D with one of the industry's lowest breakeven prices of less than $20/bbl.
 Meanwhile, Murphy is celebrating the new King's Quay floating production system (FPS) which delivered first oil less than 3 years after sanctioning. The three‑reservoir deepwater Gulf of Mexico project also bested expectations as it ramped up to 100,000 B/D within its first year of operation.
 Highlights from these case studies and the strategies that led to successful outcomes are below.

 In May, Equinor's Johan Sverdrup field soared past its originally planned nameplate capacity of 720,000 B/D as it hit a plateau rate of 755,000 B/D. The peak figure represents about 7% of European crude demand.
 The milestone for the majority‑state‑owned oil company came a little over 6 months after it completed a $4.4‑billion phase two expansion project.
 In OTC 32552, authors from Equinor outline the key strategic decisions that enabled the company to deliver the 29‑well phase two project on time and under budget despite pandemic‑related barriers, equipment failures, and employee strikes.
 Keep Contractors Close. Equinor emphasized the role of its newest iteration of integrated teamwork—or what it calls the "one team" approach. Vibeke Lossius, a coauthor and project manager for Equinor, described the idea as the glue that held together the operator with its global network of contractors and suppliers.
 "Our philosophy was that if one fails, we all fail," she said. "So, it was important to us that the contractors succeeded."
 The one team approach grew out of phase one but only involved Equinor's team leaders. Then as the operator began phase two, it pushed harder to align its goals more closely with those of its contracting partners, which meant bringing them into the tent.


SIR, — I am surprised at the convoluted arguments that are being put forward in your columns to justify the various approaches to foot-and-mouth disease (fmd) control.

The epidemiology of fmd is quite straightforward. An animal contracts the infection and a few days later displays clinical signs


Review(s) of: Studies of Society and Environment: Exploring the Teaching Possibilities 5th Edition, Author: Colin Marsh, Publisher: Pearson Format: Paperback 494 p ISBN: 9780733986239.


The utility model relates to an enhanced easily-mounted-dismounted connecting bar crosshead component. The crosshead component comprises a crosshead, a bearing bush, a connecting bar pin and a connecting bar, wherein the crosshead is a crosshead with a through type pin hole, a centrically-through cylindrical integrated bearing bush is fixed in the crosshead, and an opening facing towards the rear of the crosshead is arranged in the circumferential side of the cylindrical integrated bearing bush; the cylindrical connecting bar pin is inserted into the cylindrical integrated bearing bush and can rotate around the bearing bush, and one end of the connecting bar is a semicircular arc-shaped face that can fit to the outer circumferential face of the cylindrical connecting bar pin, and is connected with the outer circumferential face of the cylindrical connecting bar pin by running through the opening on the cylindrical integrated bearing bush. The enhanced easily-mounted-dismounted connecting bar crosshead component solves the problems of many matching parts and large assembly difficult due to the push force and pull force of the connecting bar borne by two parts; and in addition, the crosshead and the connecting bar can be assembled and then arranged in a pump, so that the difficulty of sequentially mounting the connecting bar pins outside the pump is reduced.


Abstract
This chapter explores Christian wisdom in peacemaking, with particular reference to the experience of Christian International Peace Service (CHIPS). It expounds on the fundamentals of the Servant Leadership model and then draws these two strands together into the realm of business, with examples of how they are relevant in a commercial setting. This research can be aligned with principles of 'participatory action research', in so far as the author has been part of the community of practice generated by and informing the work of CHIPS in a range of peacemaking activities. Although CHIPS never makes claims to have made peace, it has proven beyond doubt that teams of Christians living humbly in the tension area, employing Biblical principles in peace-making and Servant Leadership, are incredibly effective in contributing to peace. Furthermore, the successful employment of servant leadership and peacemaking principles within commercial settings are illustrated through three business examples.


This paper proposes a variant of the ElGamal public key
encryption which is secure against chosen ciphertext attack. Our proof of security is based on the intractability of the Gap Hashed Diffie-Hellman assumption in the standard model. The proposed scheme is practical to send encrypted
short messages such as credit card information, PIN code, password etc. This scheme also preserves the computational performance of the hash ElGamal encryption scheme (i.e. its simplistic algebraic construction, less exponentiation cost).


In this paper, we present our strategies to use innovative photonic approaches to tackling the key challenges in transforming the nanophotonics solar cell concept to a viable high efficiency technology solution for the solar industry.


A.-The risk to the children of patients with Alzheimer's or Pick's disease is about 10%.1 However, there are rare families where these disorders are transmitted with clear-cut dominant inheritance. If this patient had an affected parent the risk to his children would be as high as 50%. The risk to grandchildren would depend on whether their parent was affected or not: if affected, the risk is 50%, if unaffected about 1-2%.


Frameworks have become increasingly popular, through them reuse of design as well as code is achieved for object oriented systems. One relatively new framework is the .NET framework from Microsoft. The .NET framework is part of the larger .NET space. It includes the Common Language Runtime, a large number of partially interfaced, partially class-based frameworks packed into assemblies, and a number of tools. .NET is an open platform for enterpriseand web development and its is not bound to a particular programming language. This paper starts with a description of the concept of frameworks. Next we try to cover some of the pieces of .NET framework but due to the extensive size of the .NET not all parts can be covered. The framework perspective of .NET is analysed and we try to focus on the Object Oriented aspects while still covering enough technical parts to let the reader learn about .NET features. We are not trying to paint the .NET features as unique and the only choice on the market, nor do we try to compare .NET as a whole with its competitors. However we can conclude that the .NET framework has advantages over many other frameworks we encountered in the past.


Currently, the use of value engineering has been done in various business fields. Not only large companies, but SMEs in the region have also started to recognize the method of business management with value engineering. This research attempts to solve the problem of how SMEs can improve their performance based on Value Engineering approach. This research is a qualitative research. From the research activities, obtained the following conclusions. (1) Application of Value Engineering method on SMEs can complete better solution in order to improve company performance. (2) Based on the alternative combination of work methods created then, alternative application of value engineering selected. Because the application of value engineering has advantages such as: (a) Rapid production process, (b) Neat workmanship, (c) Selling price is higher. While the technical specifications owned by Value Engineering alternatives that will be run are as follows: (a) The process does not work long time to manufacture 1 unit of minimalist metal fence. For the size of 8m2 it only takes 2 days. (b) The quality and quality required have a perfect shape and are not defective. (c) The welding joints are not easily broken by impact / blow. (3) Cost reduction can be done on Value Engineering method, because the change of new method in production process of minimizing iron fence affecting the reduction of labor cost. The reduction of these costs will affect the increase in the higher performance of the product, so the value of the product to rise, then affect the selling price to be high.


The invention relates to multi-grain nutrition and health hot drink. The hot drink comprises a proper amount of soybean meal, black bean meal, black rice flour, red bean flour, corn flour, semen coicis flour, coarse rice powder, small yellow rice (millet) flour, buckwheat, aromatic glutinous rice flour, oat powder, black sesame seed powder, walnut powder, peanut powder, purple sweet potato powder, yam flour, jujube powder, wolfberry powder, longan powder, black fungus powder, oligosaccharides, vegetable fat powder and iodine-free salt. The multi-grain nutrition and health hot drink disclosed by the invention contains twenty natural grains, natural vegetable fat crops and functional health plants which are taken as raw materials, has three effects of comprehensive nutrition, natural fragrance and functional health and is a safe, healthy and functional health food with the advantages of natural fragrance, natural nutrition, comprehensive health and pleasant diet.


A fluid–solid interaction model has been implemented by coupling two numerical methods — computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) — that capture the mesoscale behaviors ...


.......................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................... iii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ vii List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. viii Glossary of Terms and Definitions ................................................................................................ xi 1.0 General introduction and thesis overview ................................................................................. 1 1.1 Water in Alberta .................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Phytoremediation .................................................................................................................. 2 1.3 Acorus calamus ..................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 Thesis objectives ....................................................................................................................... 5 Part One: Plant propagation ............................................................................................................ 6 3.0 Acorus calamus propagation potential ...................................................................................... 6 3.


The observation and data analysis of mining blasting seismic effect were carried out by using IDTS2850 blasting vibration recorder.The seismic attenuation empirical formula of blasting seismic wave has been obtained.And according to the building protection requirement,the allowable decked explosive charge is also provided for mining blasting.


The proper discharge of state functions depends on reforms in public administration to amend the laws, and often the Constitution. In the tables of the administrative organization, a state-owned enterprise is an instrument for the achievement of governmental purposes, including the provision of public utilities. This article examines how the ruling of the Brazil´s Federal Supreme Court has strained the use of state-owned enterprises for the provision of public utilities. KEYWORDS State-owned enterprise, public utilities, administrative organization, Brazil´s Federal Supreme Court.


Introduction: Increased lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sodium has been reported during migraine. We used ultra-high field MRI to investigate cranial sodium in a rat migraine model, and simulated the effects of extracellular sodium on neuronal excitability. Methods: Behavioral changes in the nitroglycerin (NTG) rat migraine model were determined from von Frey hair withdrawal response and photography. Central sensitization was measured by counting cFos-immunoreactive cells in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). Sodium was quantified in vivo by ultra-high field sodium MRI at 21 Tesla. Effects of extracellular sodium on neuronal excitability were modeled using NEURON software. Results: NTG decreased von Frey withdrawal threshold (p = 0.0003), decreased eyelid vertical height:width ratio (p < 0.0001), increased TNC cFos stain (p < 0.0001), and increased sodium between 7.5 and 17% in brain, intracranial CSF, and vitreous humor (p < 0.05). Simulated neurons exposed to higher sodium have more frequent and earlier spontaneous action potentials, and corresponding earlier sodium and potassium currents. Conclusions: In the rat migraine model, sodium rises to levels that increase neuronal excitability. We propose that rising sodium in CSF surrounding trigeminal nociceptors increases their excitability and causes pain and that rising sodium in vitreous humor increases retinal neuronal excitability and causes photosensitivity.


The very high processing speed of its Linear Array Processor has enabled British Robotic Systems Ltd to win a contract for six character reading systems in a major automation project involving reading of postcodes of poor print quality on DHSS pension books


Introduction. Starting Word 6.0. Important Word 6.0 Features. Expanded Help. Wizards and Letters. Templates. Autocorrect. Autotext. Autoformat. Table Wizard. Automatic Multilevel Bullets and Numbers. Autocaption. Cross Reference. Formatting and Style. Page Layout. Mail Merge. User Interface. Customize. Workgroup. Creating Your First Document. Printing Documents or Envelopes. Searching for Data. Using Tables. Using Columns. Using and Creating Styles. The Word CD.


Abstract Research on hazing in higher education has primarily focused on Greek-letter organizations and athletes, with little research beyond these two subsets of college students. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the attitudes of students from the general student population at a Canadian university with regard to hazing and identify how students justify and legitimate hazing activities. The theories of groupthink and cognitive dissonance are used to interpret the results which are presented in three themes: (a) It isn't hazing or it doesn't count as hazing, (b) It is hazing, but it's okay, and (c) It happens, just not to me.


A comprehensive testing program on production heats of ferritic nuclear pressure vessel steel has recently been completed and the results from this program are documented in this report. Mechanical tests performed include tensile, drop weight NDTT, Charpy V-notch, instrumented precracked Charpy, static and dynamic compact fracture, and dynamic three-point bend; the temperature range of -150 to 550/sup 0/F was investigated for nine heats of A533B-1 steel, two shielded metal arc weldments (weld metal and heat-affected-zone), and an older A302B steel (ASTM correlation heat). The fracture mechanics tests were performed on specimens up to four inches thick and loading rates ranged from quasi-static to dynamic rates of 500,000 ksi-in 1/2/s. This report also presents the complete history for each heat of material, i.e., mill test reports and welding history, metallography, chemistry, archive lists, and specimen cutting diagrams. (GRA)


THE MAIN RESULTS ARE PRESENTED OF A STUDY OF CONCRETE CONTAINING EXPANDED CLAY AND AN AIR-ENTRAINING WATER- REPELLANT PLASTICIZER DERIVED FROM COLOPHONIUM SOAP. /TRRL/


Traditional medicine is widely used in the treatment and management of various ailments due to its low toxicity, low number of side effects and low cost. Many components of common fruits and vegetables play crucial roles as chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of Launaea mucronata's methanolic stems and leaves extract. In this screening study, Launaea mucronata's methanolic extracts showed remarkably antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The maximum zone of inhibition of the methanolic extract of Launaea mucronata leaves was detected against Proteus vulgaris with inhibition zones of 17.8 mm and 14.6 mm, respectively. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay results showed high antioxidant activity for the extract almost comparable to that of ascorbic acid at 30 µg/ml, which indicates that it might potentially be developed into a successful antioxidant agent. Meanwhile, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed by screening the extract against HepG2 (Hepatocellular), A549 (Lung), HCT116 (Colon) and MCF7 (Breast) cancer cells and it was found that the extract exerted its highest activity against A549 cells with an IC50 value of 14.9 µg/ml. The extracts also shown lower cytotoxic activity against normal, healthy MRC-5 cells, with IC50 values of 204.83 g/ml for the stem extract and 412.4 g/ml for the leaves extract, respectively. This suggests that the extract is safe for normal, healthy cells, which is an important characteristic of any possible anticancer treatment. The antiproliferative and apoptosis activities of our selected plant showed that the extracts induced S-phase arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells. This high cytotoxic activity of the extract indicates that highly bioactive pure compounds could potentially be isolated from the extract in future studies and further developed into an anticancer agent specifically against lung cancer. Therefore, the current study has proven the potential of Launaea mucronata's methanolic extract as a source of potent antioxidant and anticancer agent.


Localisation of testosterone(T)and androgen receptors(AR)was investigated in different stages of the spermatogenetic cycle of Rana chensinensis,using immunocytochemistry.The results showed that both T and AR are distributed in spermatogonia,spermatocytes,spermatids,spermatozoa,Sertoli and Leydig cells from stage Ⅰ to stage Ⅴ of spermatogenesis.A strong positive distribution of T and AR was observed in spermatids in stage Ⅱ.Expression of T in Sertoli cells no significantly changes in intensity from stage Ⅰ to stage Ⅴ of spermatogenesis.In stage Ⅴ,expression of AR in Sertoli cells was higher than that in other stages.Nevertheless,expression of AR in Leydig cells was lower in stage Ⅲ than that in other stages.The results suggested that the roles of T in the differentiation and development of the spermatic cells were highly diverse.There is a T regulation of the function and development of the frog testis.


This dissertation addresses the topic of effectiveness in global virtual teams. Nowadays, many organizations use global virtual teams in which employees from all over the world work together by means of interaction media. Examples of these media are email, chat, and audio conference. Although global virtual teams bring many benefits to the organizations, such as a reduction of travel expenses and the possibility to use talents from all over the world, organizations also complain about problems such as not meeting deadlines and reduced satisfaction of the team members. In the introduction of this dissertation we have provided an overview of the state of the current literature regarding the effects of input variables and process variables on outcome variables in virtual teams (Martins, Gilson, & Maynard, 2004; Hackman, & Morris, 1975). According to various researchers (e.g. Martins et al., 2004; Kozlowski, & Ilgen, 2006; Schiller, & Mandviwalla, 2007) there is limited research and theory on the effectiveness of virtual teams, creating many research challenges. To get a better understanding of virtual teams, we have presented four chapters in which we have addressed and investigated input variables (isolation and national cultures), process variables and interaction behaviors (social presence, trust, and effective virtual team behaviors (EVTB)), and the effects of these variables on outcome variables (satisfaction and performance). We were interested to know what behaviors are critical for the effectiveness (outcome variable) in global virtual teams. It is important to know these behaviors among team members because they transform inputs into outcomes in global virtual teams (Powell, Piccoli, & Ives, 2004; Rousseau, Aube, & Savoie, 2006). An overview of these behaviors, however, was lacking in the virtual team literature (Martins, Gilson, & Maynard, 2004). In the study presented in Chapter 2, interviews by means of the critical incident technique (Flanagan, 1952) were held among 30 professional global virtual team workers in the Netherlands. The interviews focused on experiences with critical interaction behaviors of virtual team workers in their team. We clustered the 413 critical behaviors that had been derived from the interviews into 13 categories of effective virtual team behaviors (EVTB). The categories of critical interaction behaviors are: ??Media use ??Handling diversity ??Interaction volume ??In-role behavior ??Structuring of meeting ??Reliable interaction ??Active participation ??Including team members ??Task progress communication ??Extra-role behavior ??Sharing by leader ??Attendance ??Social-emotional communication These categories are perceived as critical for the effectiveness of global virtual teams. Furthermore, to broaden the knowledge of behaviors in global virtual teams, we were interested whether the perceived importance of these EVTB behaviors is culture specific. The study presented in the third chapter concerns national cultures (input variable) and EVTB. The framework in Chapter 2 was based on interviews with professional global virtual team workers in the Netherlands. In Chapter 3, we investigated whether members of professional global virtual teams who were located in the U.S., India, and Belgium perceive the same interaction behaviors to be critical as the Dutch members. We thus investigated whether we could generalize the findings that were presented in Chapter 2 to other national cultures. Thirteen virtual team workers in the U.S., 11 in India, and 11 in Belgium were interviewed by means of the critical incident technique (Flanagan, 1954). The results show that EVTB are culture specific. Most of the behaviors mentioned by the American, Indian, and Belgian respondents could be grouped into the same 13 categories, however, the distributions differed significantly from each other and from those of the Dutch. This means that other national cultures emphasize or put greater value on other behaviors. Indian and Belgian interviewees also mentioned behaviors that could not be grouped into the existing framework. This seemed to imply that, after investigating these national cultures, we needed to add a fourteenth category to the original framework: Respectfulness. In this dissertation we also investigated how EVTB can be measured in a valid and reliable way. On the basis of the critical incidents that were derived from the critical incident technique interviews (Flanagan, 1954) in Chapter 2, we developed an instrument to measure EVTB. We did this by means of an online survey among 310 professionals that work in global virtual teams. We entered items that had originally been grouped into 13 categories into an exploratory factor analysis. After we conducted this analysis, we found 8 theoretically sound scales of at least three items: ??Information sharing ??Interaction volume ??Interaction frequency ??Active involvement ??Handling diversity ??Extra-role behavior ??Reliable interaction ??Including team members Each scale had a high Cronbach's alpha, meaning that the scales are reliable. The studies presented in Chapter 2 and 3 based the relation between EVTB and effectiveness on interviews with professional global virtual team workers. In Chapter 4, we provide empirical evidence that EVTB are indeed positively related to team performance and team satisfaction in global virtual teams. This means that the instrument has concurrent validity with regard to effectiveness (Hough, 1998). The correlations were significant but not too strong, indicating divergent validity. Hence, we provide an instrument to measure EVTB in global virtual teams that can be used to investigate and understand EVTB behaviors and to develop more profound theories regarding virtual teams. Furthermore, our research concerned whether trust (process variables) can explain the relation between EVTB and effectiveness (outcome variable). This research question regarding team trust has been addressed in Chapter 4. From all the professionals that completed the online survey, we selected 168 individuals from 47 global virtual teams of which at least three people completed the EVTB instrument, as well as questionnaires measuring team trust, team performance, and team satisfaction. The results of Chapter 4 show a positive relation between EVTB and outcomes. Moreover, our findings show that team trust mediated the relations between EVTB and team satisfaction and team performance, respectively. The study described in Chapter 4 has provided more evidence of the role of trust in global virtual teams. Following Martins et al.'s (2004) suggestion, we conclude that researchers should focus on mediating effects in global virtual teams, team trust is an important mediator between EVTB and effectiveness in global virtual teams. Finally, using the data from the online survey among 47 professional virtual teams, our research in Chapter 5 shows that isolation (input variable) and social presence (process variable) influence outcomes in global virtual teams. Isolated team members are members with no other team members at their sites (O'Leary, & Cummings, 2007). Social presence is the subjective feeling that other team members are perceived as physically present and with whom one feels psychologically involved ( Bente, Ruggenberg, Kramer, & Eschenburg, 2008). Previous researchers (e.g. O'Leary, & Mortensen, in press) had already found that isolation has a positive influence on outcome variables, but, the mechanisms through which this occurred were not clear. In our investigation, we established similar positive relations between isolation and outcomes. However, we also found that social presence mediates the positive relation between isolation and effectiveness in global virtual teams. Therefore we conclude that isolation is positively related to outcome variables through the process of social presence. In the final chapter, Chapter 6, we reflect on the results of each of the studies. Based on this theoretical and practical reflection, we present four main lessons that we have learned for global virtual teams in practice and organizations that have "gone virtual." The first lesson concerns the importance of EVTB for the effectiveness of global virtual teams and provides specific recommendations for each of the categories. The second lesson that we have learned is that we have to take into account cultural differences in global virtual teams for them to be effective. The third lesson learned for global virtual teams in practice concerns the important role of trust in the relation between EVTB and effectiveness. This dissertation has provided specific behaviors for trust to be improved in global virtual teams. The fourth lesson we have learned is that organizations should pay attention to the geographical configuration of global virtual teams. More specifically, our results suggest more than one geographically defined subgroup should be avoided.


In the industrial sectors, the ways of release pollutants into the atmosphere can vary significantly. We can find various combinations of primary conveyed emissions, secondary conveyed releases, diffused emissions, depending on the characteristics of the industrial plant. When an environmental impact assessment is performed, discussion concerns mainly the impact on the public health, whilst the occupational impact of these releases is moved to other contexts. The present paper zooms on selected case studies in order to understand the consequences of different way of pollutant release on the outdoor and indoor air quality at the site of the plant (within the fence). Two kinds of pollutants were selected: particulate matter and odoriferous substances. Results demonstrate that the industrial sector is unbalanced: the regulations in force in EU give different attention to the impact of the releases to the atmosphere depending on the industrial sector. In particular, in some sectors the impact of diffused emissions is underestimated because of a raw management of their control. Some preliminary proposals are put forwards for a better management of the emissions to the atmosphere in potentially critical cases. These proposals are based on the concept that conveyed solutions for pollutant release must be preferred, with the care of designing the related stacks with an optimised combination of stack height, conveyed gas velocity, temperature at the exit. The opposition to this approach is basically related to the additional costs. This article demonstrate that these extra-costs are due in many cases. Their economic sustainability is discussed too.


The acoustic emission signal occurs in vibration environment when the contact-rubbing phenomenon happens in bolted joint structure.By using ring count rate and energy characteristics of the parameters make time-domain analysis of testing AE signals,the results show that frequency and acceleration can be caused by ringing the changes in count rate and energy,ring count rate and energy both to improve and increase with the acceleration and frequency,and that a certain degree of regularity appears between the energy generated by contact-rubbing of bolted joint structure and the selection of pre-tightening torque on the bolt.When the preload is less than 10 Nm of torque,the energy increases with the pre-tightening torque reduced;pretension torque is equal to 10 Nm,the energy generated by the minimum;pretension is greater than 10 Nm torque,the energy generated by the contrary,after the high.


Water is our major natural concern both because of the depletion of available supplies and the pollution of surface and ground water sources. More than 450 billion gallons of water are consumed every day by the 210 million people in the United States. The importance of water in food processing is well‐represented by the expression that water is the lifeblood of the canning industry. The product quality, therefore, greatly depends upon the quality of water used for canning, which is affected by inorganic compounds, organic impurities, and microbial content. Improvement of processed product quality by the use of sequestrants, detinning of the can by the presence of nitrate in water, the effects of nitrate on infant health, water quality, and health consideration, microbiological contamination, toxicological effects of waterborne organic compounds, odor, taste, color, and natural radioactivities are covered in this review.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the key demographics and social characteristics of Vice‐Chancellors of Australian universities so that an accurate profile of Vice‐Chancellors can be established. At present, there is no contemporary profile of incumbents despite the high level of responsibility associated with these roles.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach was used in the research that required the collation and analysis of public domain material regarding vice‐chancellors. Multiple sources were used in order to ensure depth, breadth and accuracy of data collected. A questionnaire that was used as part of the PhD research allowed new data to be accessed and existing data verified. Finally, interviews with various incumbents allowed pertinent information to be discussed where applicable.Findings – The research outlines the changes in the roles of Vice‐Chancellors that have occurred since 1960. The changes in the role reflect changes in government policy and social trends...


A fast extraction system for disaster risk information based on ArcGIS Engine is introduced.The system realizes unified management of multi-source disaster information,rapid extraction and thematic map output,and reveals the feasibility and broad prospects of GIS technology in this field.


This paper introduces the application of GNC61 CNC system in small vertical machining center ZK600 H produced by Dalian KEDE numerical control Co.,Ltd.. Discusses the design scheme of machine tool,gives the concrete method of system commissioning,such as PLC commissioning,NC commissioning,etc.,provides the beneficial reference for the application of GNC61 numerical control system in this type of machine tools.


The features of simulating a constant magnetic field in the zone of contact of the wheel with the rail are considered. Magnetization modes are calculated for different positions of the wheel relative to the rail. The web-ampere characteristics of the contact zone of the wheel with the rail are obtained. The effect of the air gap on the degree of the contact zone saturation is evaluated. The results obtained make it possible to assert about the differences in the saturation of the individual elements of the wheel and rail with the magnetic field. For the saturation mode and two-point contact, the value of the magnetic field induction on the wheel rolling surface is up to two times higher than the induction on the wheel flange. The greatest effect is manifested in the case of interaction of worn out wheels with rails and is mainly due to the contact area.


Let (S, *) be a ring with involution *. The involution is positive definite if, for all finite subsets {r,-} of S, £ w * = 0 implies all the r{ are zero. Then the set of self-adjoint elements of S, denoted S, possesses a natural partial ordering, with positive cone consisting of elements of the form Z l w * ; with this ordering, S is a directed partially ordered abelian group. Let Sb denote the set of bounded elements, that is, the set of elements s such that ss* is less than an integral multiple of 1 in this ordering. Then Sb is a *-subalgebra of S whenever S is an algebra over the rationals. We will be studying the objects Sb9 S , and (Sb) , from the point of view of their ordered structures. For instance, suppose S is a field, and * is the identity. Then S is formally real, and Sb must be Prufer domain, all of whose residue fields are themselves formally real (and in fact, are embeddable in the reals). Viewing Sb as a partially ordered abelian group with order unit 1 (indeed, Sb is the convex subgroup of S generated by 1), Sb has the Riesz decomposition property, and its normalized extremal states are precisely the ring homomorphisms into the reals. There is a natural mapping from the collection of total orderings of S to the set of extremal states of Sb9 and this in turn maps to Spec Sb (the prime ideal space of Sb); when S is even a real algebra much more can be said. If either S is a field and * is not the identity, or S is a quaternionic division algebra with the natural involution, essentially the same properties hold, with the appropriate modifications. A useful tool here is an involutory version of the Artin Schreier Theorem, about the existence of sufficiently many total orderings finer than the natural ordering. Studies are made of several specific bounded subrings. For instance, if S is the rational function field in one variable over the reals, then Sb is a Dedekind domain with class group of order 2, with spectrum the unit circle (in the point-open topology), and all of its maximal ideals are not principal. Expanding the scope of S somewhat, we next allow S to be a division


8047 Background: Elderly pts receiving chemotherapy are more likely to have febrile neutropenia and infection than younger pts. Prophylactic fluoroquinolone during chemotherapy reduces the rate of infection and hospitalization vs placebo. The effect of prophylactic treatment with the fluoroquinolone, levofloxacin, on infection rates and survival during docetaxel plus carboplatin therapy was assessed in elderly pts with advanced NSCLC.

METHODS
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study, eligible pts were aged ≥65 years with previously untreated, histologically/cytologically proven stage IIIB/IV NSCLC, and normal cardiac, renal, hepatic, and hematologic function. Active infection or antibiotics 72 hours before inclusion was not permitted. A planned sample size of 192 pts was considered sufficient for analysis. Pts were randomized to docetaxel (75 mg/m2 IV, Day 1) plus carboplatin (AUC 6 IV, Day 1) q3w, plus placebo or levofloxacin (500 mg po, once daily) on Days 5-11. Primary endpoint was grade 3/4 infection rate or systemic antibiotic therapy of grade 1/2 infection rate. Secondary endpoints were progression free-survival and overall survival. Between-group comparisons were performed using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS
192 pts (median age 70 years; ECOG PS 0/1/2 in 36%/55%/9%) were randomized to docetaxel plus carboplatin and levofloxacin (n=99) or placebo (n=93); 5 pts received no treatment and were excluded from the ITT population. Rate of grade 3/4 infection was 27.5% (95% CI: 19.3-39.0%) with levofloxacin vs 36.7% (95% CI: 27.1-48.0%) with placebo. Median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients in the levofloxacin arm was 165 days compared with 121 days in the placebo arm (p=0.22). Median overall survival was comparable between groups (307 vs 314 days, respectively; p=0.28).

CONCLUSIONS
Levofloxacin prophylaxis reduces the rate of grade 3/4 infection compared with placebo. [Table: see text].


The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) is one of the most devastating insect pests in rice planting region of China's Shanghai. The incidence and distribution of this pest in both tropical and temperate regions are significantly influenced by climate conditions. The BPH feeds mainly on the stems, sucks assimilates from the phloem and results in drying of the leaves and wilting of the tillers. As a result, it is important to develop decision aids that help evaluate the disasters of this pest to Shanghai rice planting regions. Expert systems are a type of decision aid that could be applied to the domain of disaster evaluation and disaster early-warning. An interactive WebGIS expert system for BPH disaster early-warning in this context was developed from rice varieties' susceptibility, pest density and climatic factors in Shanghai rice planting region. The system used a straightforward set of if-then rules to classify disaster. The parameters, related to BPH outbreak, of Shanghai rice planting region from Client were selected to the interactive WebGIS, and the early-warning results and control measures of the disaster were shown in Client-end WebGIS browser from Server to Client. The development of WebGIS expert system for BPH disaster early-warning in China's Shanghai presented significant challenges to maintaining Client-user processing convenience and applying advantage.


Nowadays, the development of vehicle system has brought the industry to the
next level. The manufacturing of the vehicle has open up the market for the components
in the vehicle itself. One of the components of the vehicle is braking system. The
braking system has developed through times and following the needs of the vehicle
itself. In this project, evaluation study on dynamic analysis of automotive brake system
was carried out using numerical approach. The purpose of this particular project is to
study the properties of the braking system and to improve it. The braking system need to
be designed and analyzed both theoretical and by using software. The analysis is based
on existing braking system in the market. Using the type of material, possible force
acting and assuming the value of variables, the theoretical value was achieved. The
theoretical values was used to fill the software requirement of force.


We have measured the power spectrum of the earth strain fluctuations over 10 decades in frequency from 10−8 to 102 Hz using data from three strain observatories. Although the strain meters were widely separated and of different design, they produced records whose power spectra are in close agreement with each other. We find that the composite power spectrum shows an approximate inverse square dependence on frequency over the entire band investigated.


Genetic improvement programs are continuously evolving to assure highly efficient production of quality pork in order to maximize the economic return to all investors in the pork chain. Examples of this evolution include: ‰ Specialized sire and dam lines are now developed to improve breeding objectives that include traits relevant not only to producers but also to processors, retailers and consumers. ‰ New measurement technologies allow the incorporation of more accurate selection criteria. ‰ Improvement programs have also adopted more robust methods of genetic evaluation in order to increase the accuracy of their trait estimated breeding values. ‰ The use of genomics offers more rapid improvement especially in traits that are difficult or costly to measure in the prospect breeding animal. The continuing challenge ahead lies in assuring that predicted genetic potential is expressed under commercial rearing conditions. It is well understood that a specific difference in an environment (climate, nutrition, health, management, etc.) does not have necessarily the same effect on different genotypes or the progeny of different individuals (of the same genotype) due to varying degrees of sensitivity to the environment. Genotype by environment interactions are very relevant to genetic improvement programs as the progeny of individuals raised and tested under test conditions have to perform under a range of varying environments. Genetic correlations between purebred and crossbred performance (r pc) for economically important traits deviate significantly from unity indicating, not all the improvement predicted (based on measures in a genetic nucleus environment) will be realized when progeny of individual genotypes are to perform in a different environment. Brandt and Täubert (1998) summarized r pc estimates for a number of traits in pigs. Daily gain estimates summarized from the literature ranged from 0.19 to 0.73 (estimates from their study ranged from 0.47 to 0.99), while estimates for back fat ranged from 0.21 to 0.88 (0.54 to 1.00). Lutaaya et al (2001) estimated r pc for lifetime daily gain (0.62 to 0.99) and back fat (0.32 to 0.70). Differences in gene frequencies of parent lines and the role of dominance (heterosis) can make the genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performance less than 1. The use of commercial crossbred information with the objective to select genotypes that have good average performance under commercial conditions has been a subject of review. Examples include: ‰ Bijama and Van Arendonk (1998) showed that a combined crossbred and pure line selection method was …


The diffusion coefficient of a dye in fibres is critical to understanding the dyeing process and coloration quality of products. In this paper, the diffusion kinetics of solvent dyes in the thermosol dyeing of polyester fibres was studied by measuring K/S of the dyed polyester fabrics based on the Kubelka-Munk equation. The diffusion coefficients of two model solvent dyes were estimated with Hill's equation using the experimentally measured K/S values and were found to be in good agreement with those calculated from the traditional extraction method. Such a measurement method was applied to several other solvent dyes and pigments that have different molecular sizes and a good correlation between the measured diffusion coefficients and sizes of these dyes and pigments was found. The results indicate that it is feasible to use K/S measurement of dyed fabrics and Hill's equation to evaluate the kinetics of the thermosol dyeing process under certain conditions.


that priority be given to developing additional information as to which technical barriers are die most important to major trading nations. Existing international standards-setting bodies might undertake such studies. He stresses the importance of active participation by senior national representatives in any harmonization efforts, to ensure that resulting recommendations are taken seriously. He believes diat nations may be able to reach agreement on certain highlevel regulatory principles and proposes that national standards setters be given flexibility to work within diese framework principles. Finally, he recommends rationalization of the international conformity assessment process, perhaps following die "global approach" being developed by the European Union. Sykes's recommendations appear to reflect die reality of international standards setting. He makes a convincing case diat the absence of data supporting the creation of stronger centralized standardssetting systems argues against a substantial break from present structures at this time.


get the idea that much public policy was transdisciplinary in nature-that policies affecting blind individuals, for example, also affected those with mental retardation. The authors also have a tendency to bring up substantive issues and then leave the reader hanging. For example, they raise the issue of race in asylum admission and then summarily drop it, leaving the reader to wonder where this important line of inquiry could have gone (p. 239). These points aside, the book fills an important need in the literature. It provides an initial basis for a true history of persons with disabilities.


Diarrhoea disease is one of the main reasons for ab senteeism at work and school in developed and developing countries, thereby contributing to econo mic losses. The explosion in the number of street f ood vendors hawking ready-to-eat food is reported in every loca l government in Nigeria including Osun. Street food s are frequently contaminated, thereby contributing to the number of food borne diseases. Individuals who presented to the clinics with travelers' disease symptoms (diarrhoea and vomiting) in the randomly selected clinics in Iwo, Osogbo, Ile-Ife and Ilesha townships in Osun State were invited to participate in the survey. In the period of July-October 2015 , 57 completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed. Overall , 42.1% were males and 57.9% were females. About 22.8% of the participants were 6 number of stools/24 h. The most frequently consumed foods identified were moin-moin, amala/iyan, rice and satchet water. A st rong correlation was found between having symptoms of travelers disease and consumption of street vended foods ( ρ (57) =0.357**, p<0.06). This study concludes that travelers' disease (diarrhea and vomiting) is persistent and has high prevalence in Osun State, Nigeria.


Concentrated solar energy is a system to generate power by concentrating solar energy to produce enough heat to run heat engines. It is basically combinations of different types of mirrors and lenses for concentrating light. There are different types of Solar concentrators used in it based on costs and requirements. It can be used as dispatchable source of energy which makes it different from rest. It can store its thermal energy in different materials in an adiabatic container or environment. Due to its different advantages, it has huge future scope.


The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of six different strains of broilers on age and immobilization methods of slaughter as it affect meat quality. Two hundred and eighty eight (288) day old chicks (40 each for Abor-acre, Mashall, Cobbs, Anark, Ross and Hubbard) were raised for 6 and 8weeks. They were randomly divided into 12 birds per replicate to have 4 replicates per treatment. Eight birds per strain were immobilized (4 for each lateral and cone methods of immobilization), slaughtered, dressed, weighed and cut into primal cuts at 6 and 8 weeks respectively. Physico-chemical properties of meat and organoleptic properties were carried out. The results revealed that Abor-acre strains had the highest (P<0.01) live weight (2.31kg), dressing percentage (70.82%) and breast meat (23.21%). The birds slaughtered after 8 weeks showed better (P<0.001) live weight (2.22kg), Dressing % (71.81%), back (14.25%) and breast muscle (20.14%). The immobilization methods have no influence (P>0.05) on the carcass yield and the various cuts. Live weight, dressing %, back and breast were all significant (P>0.05) due to the interaction of strain, age and immobilization methods of slaughter. The least (P<0.01) values were reported in Arbor-acre for cooking loss (15.65%) while Ross strain had 4.67% for chilling loss. Higher losses (P<0.001) were noted during cooking and chilling of samples but improved (P<0.001) crude protein and ether extract were found with the increase in age of slaughter. Killing cone positively influenced (P<0.01) the physical parameters (pH, WHC, Cooking and chilling losses) but no significant differences were observed for the chemical composition. Significance (P<0.05) was also observed only in the physical properties for interaction between strains and immobilization methods and age at slaughter and immobilization methods. Immobilization of birds with cone and 6 weeks birds enhanced (P<0.01) the various sensory parameters examined while the panelists rated meat from Anark strains highest (P<0.05) for flavour, Tenderness, Juiciness and the Overall acceptability. The interaction due to all the factors were reported significant (P<0.05) for the sensory evaluation. In conclusion, strain, age and immobilization methods of slaughter are critical tools to be considered in assessing the quality of meat.


ABSTRACT Properties changes of an X52 microalloyed steel processed by a full-scale industrial electric resistant welding (ERW) equipment was studied. Lack of proper toughness level in the weld zone was investigated. Results show that the low toughness value could only be satisfactorily addressed after a two-stage annealing process. {100} pole figures for each processing step revealed a completely random texture for the initial plate. However, after the ERW process, a textured structure with the main components of brass, S and copper was obtained. Texture components were substantially weakened after the second stage of annealing and instead a cube texture was developed which could explain satisfactory level of toughness for the ERW pipe after conducting the two-step annealing process.


This paper attempts to define an approach to the topic of urban design from the representation of the city.The representation of the urban landscape is made from zenithal views of the city. In particular, using as a basis the database of Google maps. we can define the "figures" which have the role of introduction to the project. These representations that tend to define a new aesthetic context and signs giving priority to urban complexity and hierarchies. Concretely, we work here on some areas of Paris, by executing a densification of the built and re-design of the empty urban spaces. The work is done with a technique that hybrid traditional and digital drawing which we have called " hot-digital."


A Passive/Active L/S-band (PALS) microwave aircraft instrument to measure ocean salinity has been built and tested. Because the L-band brightness temperatures associated with salinity changes are expected to be small, it was necessary to build a very sensitive and stable system. This new instrument has dual-frequency, dual polarization radiometer and radar sensors. The antenna is a high beam efficiency conical horn. The PALS instrument was installed on the NCAR C-130 aircraft and salinity measurement missions were flown on July 17-19, 1999, southeast of Norfolk, Virginia over the Gulf Stream. The measurements indicated a clear and repeatable salinity signal during these three days, which was in good agreement with the R/V Cape Hatteras salinity data. Data was also taken in the open ocean and a small decrease of 0.2 K was measured in the brightness temperature, which corresponded to the salinity increase of 0.4 psu measured by the M/V Oleander vessel.


Varicose veins Endolaser Minimally invasive VNUS Closure Ablation Quality of life Palabras clave: Radiofrecuencia endovenosa Varices Endolá ser Mínimamente invasivo VNUS Closure Ablació n Calidad de vida a b s t r a c t Lower limb varicose veins are often secondary to greater saphenous vein (GSV) insufficien-cy. Technological development has led to the appearance of new minimally invasive treatments, such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation (ERFA). This almost completely eliminates the disadvantages associated with conventional surgery (haematomas, scars, inguinal neovascularisation, and a prolonged time off work). Furthermore, it gives a better quality of life, less pain and inflammation than the endolaser. We review ERFA and present our results as a pioneering group in Spain. Between January 2006 and 2011 we have treated 153 limbs with a mean GSV diameter of 6.8 mm (range 4.5–19). Tumescent anaesthesia was exclusively used in 71% of the procedures, and 98.5% without an inguinal surgical approach. Clinical and ultrasound follow-up with a prospective register was performed at 1 week, 3, 6, 12 months, and then annually. Results: The occlusion rate of the treated vein was 97%, and there was a reflux rate of 6.6%. Inguinal neovascularisation was present on 0.7%. There was no neuritis, skin burns or deep vein thrombosis. § Please cite this article as: García-Madrid C, et al. Nuevos avances en el tratamiento de las varices: radiofrecuencia endovenosa VNUS Closure 1. Any transmission of this document by any media or format is strictly prohibited.


The irradiation of CBA mice with gamma quanta in a dose of 700 C/kg resulted in the development of postradiation intestinal dysbacteriosis in the animals. The dysbacteriosis was characterized by a considerable increase in the number of Escherichia and Proteus mirabilis in the large intestine and by the insemination of the small intestine with these microbial associations. Pr. vulgaris, Pr. morganii, Ent. aerogenes, Ent. cloacae, Citrobacter appeared in great numbers in the intestinal tract of the irradiated mice, while none of these organisms were found in the intact mice.


The present work develops a numerical method for solving the unsteady incompressible Navier- Stokes equations with primitive variables in three dimensions. It uses integral transforms to obtain an analytical and continuous solution for pressure from the Poisson equation, whose source term is still obtained from discrete velocity data. Pressure gradients in the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are then replaced by this analytical expression relating them to the discrete velocity field. The resulting fully parabolic system of equations for the discrete velocity field is simulated using standard finite-differences schemes. Error and order analysis are presented to verify the accuracy of the present methodology and computational time comparisons with well known projection methods are discussed to analyze its efficiency.