The primary objective of this research was to validate the Afrikaans version of the Job Insecurity Scale (TIS) for employees (N = 286) in a co-operation in the North-West Province by conducting a cross-sectional survey design. Results demonstrated that the Afrikaans version of the JIS is reliable and valid with two items which need some refinement in future studies. Importance of job features and importance of changes to total job was higher for females. The cultural group 'other' indicated the higher levels of likelihood to lose a job feature compared to White participants. This was also experienced by participants with a qualification level of Grade 7 and lower compared to participants with a degree. Additionally these participants experienced higher levels in likelihood to changes in the total job in comparison to participants with a qualification level Grade 8-9, degree and post degree.


Anastasia Inda Nugraheni. 2016. Translation Analysis of Sentences in Sponsor Letters of Compass International Foundation (A Study of Translation Techniques, Methods, and Ideologies and The Impacts on Translation Qualities). Thesis. Supervisor I: Prof. Drs. M.R. Nababan, M.Ed, M.A, Ph.D. Supervisor II: Prof. Dr. Djatmika, M.A. Surakarta. Linguistics Department of Post Graduate Program. Sebelas Maret University. The aims of the study are to identify types of sentences in the CIF sponsor letters and the text function or translation purpose in target text; to describe the translation techniques, methods, and ideology in achieving the translation purpose; to identify the purpose. impact of the translation techniques, methods, and ideology applied to the translation quality in terms of the accuracy of the accuracy, acceptability and readability; and to assess the translation techniques, methods and ideology selected in achieving the translation This study is a descriptive, qualitative research and focused on a single case. Sources of the data were 10 pairs CIF sponsor letters and the informants who gave information about accuracy, acceptability and readability of translation. Techniques of collecting data were document analysis, questionnaires and FGD. Purposive sampling was applied in this research. The model of analysis as proposed by Spradley. Findings of this research show the followings. The types of sentenses are declaratives,interrogatives, imperatives and exclamatives. The result shows 15 functions of illocutionary act. There are 14 kinds of translation techniques to overcome the translation problems, 13,67% tends to the source text and 86,33% tents to the target text. The translation methods tends to communicative translation method and free translation method with domestication ideology. The impact of the the application of those translation techniques, methods and ideology toward the quality of translation is satisfactory with the average score of 2,84. This value indicates the accuracy, acceptance and readability of this translation is satisfactory. Related with the purpose of translation, the translation in this research successed in achieving text function or translation purpose. Keywords: Letters, Translation technique, Translation method, Translation ideology, Translation quality


We describe the use of child art psychotherapy (CAP) following the Vasarhelyi method in an 11-year-old female with a history of anxiety and depression which limited her capacity to attend school and in a 15-year-old male who had a history of depressive symptoms with suicidal thinking. In each case, the use of other therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy was not possible or unsuccessful. Through the creation of images, each young person revealed concerns which had not been previously verbalised, and recovery was linked in time to the revelation of these worries. We propose the use of the Vasarhelyi method of CAP as an adjunctive treatment of depression in young people.


Noting the position of photography as art, Lindberg describes Staiton's approach to photographing Japan in relation to the artist's experience of that country. Biographical notes. 14 bibl. ref.


Bespreking van: Oran R. Young,Global Governance: Drawing Insights from the Environmental Experience Cambridge, Mass.:MIT Press ,1997 0 262 24040 8


Value system,the code of ethics and the ideal belief are the important contents and guarantee of structuring of harmonious society. Carring on Socialism Honour or Disgrace is an arduous but complicated mission so ideological and ethical construction should be reinforced and the work can be done better.


The invention relates to a skin protection agent, in particular against hydrophobic (lipophilic) and against hydrophilic (lipophobic) pollutants, obtainable by a proportion of at least one barrier-forming component, in particular against hydrophobic (lipophilic) pollutants, the nephelometric turbidity value of the barrier-forming component being determined by means of turbidimetry and at least one barrier-forming component, whose 1% solution in water has a nephelometric turbidity value greater than 40 (NTU), is used to produce the agent, and a process for the preparation of skin protection agents, in particular against hydrophobic (lipophilic) and against hydrophilic (lipophobic) Pollutants, the barrier-forming component for producing the agent being selected such that the nephelometric turbidity value of the barrier-forming component of the skin protection agent is determined by means of turbidimetry and at least one barrier-forming component which en 1% solution in water has a nephelometric turbidity value greater than 40 (NTU), is used to manufacture the skin protection agent.


Our understanding of inter-personal violence, like our understandings of other social relations, changes over time. In the contemporary British popular press, among some social commentators and politicians assertions are commonly made about an increasing tide of violence sweeping across the country. This may be true, but proving it, as opposed to asserting it, is impossible. John Carter Wood's book makes a valuable contribution to the debate about violence in Britain, or more specifically Eng...


In this paper the preparation technology of high purity solanesol was discussed mainly from the discarded tobacco leaves. The discarded tobacco leaves were extracted with petroleum ether to get tobacco extract, the extracts were diluted with ethanol, and the solanesol was extracted from saponification resultants with the mixed solvents of alcohol/water and petroleum ether, and the solanesol was separated by methanol, then purified by column chromatography, the solanesol content of the products reached 93.3%, the total yield was 67.66%.


Intensive interbrand competition among SPA(Specially Store Retailer Private Label Apparel Brand) is significantly increasing along with the development of global network and the innovation of retail channel system in the industry of textile design. The main purpose of this study is to interpret and relate the nine elements of textile pattern design into four representative and well-established SPA, such as UNIQLO, ZARA, H&M and GAP. This can be done by applying one of the creative TRIZ principles called TIPS (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) that is widely used in used in Science and Technology area. The research in corporate and demonstrate nine principles of TRIZ into the elements of textile pattern design for SPA brands and #8 Anti-Weight Principle, # 15 Dynamization Principle and #14 Curvature Principle are used each three to four times for all brands. The rest of TRIZ principles are also used for interpreting the creative brand image for their SPA brands. The study resulted in the finding that each SPA brand has a unique and a creative image, such as fashionable, passion, functionality and casualty. Only few numbers of researches have used the classification of creative TRIZ patterns for Textile Pattern Design Practitioners.


The historical connotation of "Three Legal Revolutions" is that the Third Legal Revolution essentially means giving up the western tributary modernity pursued in the era of planned economy, which brings us a new tradition different from the classical tradition, i.e., the nationalistic new tradition of the planned economy, which fails to be compatible with modernity and the contradiction is the most notable characteristic of China law's modernity problem. The parry of the mainstream not only departs from reasonable spirit of modernity, but also in fact brings on the absence of "China". The contradiction between "tradition" and "modernity" in china incorporates four forms of conflicts: modernity and classical tradition, modernity and the new tradition of the planned economy, modernity and post-modernity, and the first modernity and the second modernity.


To support the development of a Radioisotope Power Source (RPS) for exploration missions into deep space based on 241 Am, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has recently launched an exploratory research project, scheduled for a period of two years. It aims at finding innovative solutions for higher performance, safety and reliability of such a device. In addition, it will serve as a start-up platform for this field of research and enable identification of research areas, where JRC can significantly complement and support the already existing activities in Europe. The project is divided into several subtasks and will investigate –safety related properties of americium (oxide) as a heat source, – compatibility of americium compounds with cladding and structural materials, –properties of alternative americium compounds, –properties of advanced thermoelectric materials.The new exploratory research project will be introduced together with an overview on the available facilities and capabilities of JRC in this domain. Alternative americium forms with potential improved stability versus the oxides are discussed and innovative thermoelectric materials based on actinides are introduced.


Database is the core of the computer aided production management system. The design of a database for computer aided production management system of Steel Making Plant in Xinjiang Bayi Iron and Steel Co Ltd is introduced in detail.The requirement model in data flow diagram (DFD) and the conceptual model in IDEF1X are presented. The application indicates that the designed database can meet the needs of system's data collection, data management and information inquiry efficiently.


In previous works we introduced optical encoders based on non-diffractive beams (NDB) and showed that they extend the mechanical tolerance limits beyond the marks of the optical encoders technologies currently in use. However, in order to make it suitable for commercial fabrication, the alignment of the light sensor with the NDB should be automatized. In this work we present a new design for the pixels and an algorithm implemented in an FPGA that finds the center of the beam. This algorithm is the first step to automatically align the sensor and is validated using commercial simulation tools.


Missionary activity in the captaincies of Ceara and Rio Grande, in the late 17 century and the beginning of the following one, was marked by a clash of interests involving missionaries as well as many local colonial authorities and the troops of Sao Paulo. It was at stake the suspicious prominence of each of the social actors involved in a conflict of generalized violence that marked the so-called War of Acu, when, dividing villages or flogging indigenous people in the hinterland, each of these actors, in their own way, sought favors from the Portuguese Crown and direct influence in the conflict region.


The present invention relates to a biodegradable polyester film, comprising: i) 80 to 95 weight percent of biodegradable polyester based on aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and on aliphatic dihydroxy compound may be a biological, based on components i to the total weight of ii; ii). 5 to 20% by weight of the polyhydroxy alkanoates, based on components i to ii, of the total weight; iii) 10 to 25 weight percent calcium carbonate, based on components i to vi total weight; iv) 3 to 15% by weight of talc, based on the total of components i to vi weight; v) 0 to 30% by weight of polylactic acid and / or starch, based on components i to vi total weight basis; vi) 0 to 2 wt% of 2- (4,6-bis-biphenyl-4-yl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) -5- (2-ethyl - n-hexyloxy ) phenol, based on the total weight of components i to vi the. The present invention further relates to the use of the polyester film, in particular for use in agricultural applications (e.g., the mulch film).


The author explains the reason of compounding fluorocarbon (FC) surfactant,hydrocarbon (CH) surfactant and silane coupling agent hydrolysate in the finishing process for electronic glass fabrics and compares the effects of compounds using different FC/CH surfactants on the dynamic surface tension by actual examples.Meanwhile,the author investigates how to select FC and how to compound FC/CH to make both dynamic and static surface tension satisfactory.It is thereby concluded that by compounding FC/CH surfactants,both dynamic and surface tension can be lowered so as to improve the quality of electronic fabric finishing.


Biochar,a kind of multifunctional materials,has drawn much attention in recent years.In this paper,the main organic waste as feedstock and the main process for biochar production were reviewed.The physicochemical properties of biochar such as the element content,alkalinity,surface characterization and the microscopic pore structure were introduced.Also,the potential application of biochar in the field of agriculture and environment was summarized,such as the utilization of soil conditioner for improving fertility,enhancing carbon fixation and reducing greenhouse gas emission,and as an effective adsorbent for removing heavy metals and organic pollutants from wastewater.Finally,the future research direction of biochar was forecasted,which indicated that more studies should be focused on large-scale,efficient and low-cost production of biochar as soon as possible.Also,the specific surface area of biochar as the alternative of activated carbon should be enhanced in the field of material and process.Moreover,further investigation on the mechanism of improvement and restoration of soil,the promotion of growth and production of crops as well as the greenhouse gas reduction by the biochar is highly desirable,so as to provide the data support from the large amount and long-term experiments.


Pregabalin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog used for the treatment of partial epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder. As a GABA analog, there has been some concern about its abuse liability. The number of case reports on the abuse potential of pregabalin has increased (1,2,3,4). To our knowledge, this is the third case report of pregabalin use disorder in Turkey.


The United States continues to pursue an expansive array of programmes for active defence against perceived emerging threats from ballistic missiles, including missiles potentially carrying nuclear warheads. This appendix surveys the main US ballistic missile defence (BMD) programmes. It focuses on the weapon and sensor technologies being developed for defence systems designed to counter short-, mediumand long-range ballistic missiles. Section II summarizes the evolving plans of the US Department of Defense (DOD) for building an integrated BMD architecture to protect US territory and allies from missile attack. It highlights concerns about the technological readiness of individual programme elements and the likely effectiveness of the proposed system in realistic missile engagement scenarios. Section III looks at the international dimension of US missile defence activities. It describes joint BMD development programmes under way with Israel and Japan, which involve significant defence-industrial cooperation, and cooperation in the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Section IV presents the conclusions.


In this research, the residue of defoliant-thidiazuron in cotton from six districts inland and abroad was analyzed.The residue of defoliant-thidiazuron in cotton samples was determined by combining HPLC and changing solvent system and the difference in the testing results of cotton samples from different districts were detailedly analyzed.The results showed that the residue of defoliant-thidiazuron in the samples obtained from Xinjiang of China and a certain district in USA were 0.47mg/kg and 0.51mg/kg, respectively.The residue of defoliant-thidiazuron in the cotton from Shaanxi, Hubei provinces of China and certain districts in Brazil and Egypt were lower than the limit of detection.We suggest that the standard limit of residue of defoliant-thidiazuron in cotton should be set as soon as possible in order to enhance the protection of environment and to reduce the poisonous and harmful matters in cotton.


On the BRUCKNER′s stenter heat setting range,the fan of oven was technically reformed on frequency converting and energy saving.The principles and solutions of the technology reform were described in details,and the cost was accounted.Based on practice,the results showed that the reformed equipment featured reliable running performance and good effect of energy saving.


This paper describes the methodology used for validating the results obtained in a study about acoustical modelling of emotional expression in Castilian Spanish. We have obtained a set of rules that describes the behaviour of the most significant parameters of speech related with the emotional expression. The validation of the results of the study has been achieved by the use of synthetic speech that has been generated following the different rules we have obtained for each emotion.


In 2012, Yang and Pu [Indian J. Pure Appl. Math., 43 (2) (2012), 129–144] proved an Browder type fixed point theorem on Hadamard manifolds with strongly geodesic convexity. In this paper, we show that their main results can be obtained from the one in the more general spaces. As applications, we claim that their maximal element theorems, section theorems, Ky Fan type minimax inequality, and equilibrium theorem about non-cooperative games on Hadamard manifold are already obtained in some sense.


Essential characteristics of the AGN-201 reactor facility are described. Information on personnel responsibilities and requirements is included along with an evaluation of reactor safety. (J.R.D.)


The present invention relates to a drive unit and a wiper driving device having a driving unit, the driving unit (10; 10a; 40) having a housing for the drive motor (11), which element through the output shaft of the drive motor (14) and the movement of the joint to be effect, wherein said housing (11) comprises at least two deep-drawing methods in particular made of a sheet housing part (12, 13). According to the present invention that the at least two housing parts (12, 13) at least in its circumferential housing edge (16; 16a) in the partial region by shapes or material fit connection sealingly connected to each other.


Objective: to describe how nurses in pre-hospital care perceived work-related burnout. Method: qualitative descriptive study, conducted through interviews with seven nurses of the emergency mobile service (SAMU) Mossoro, Brazil. The data collection period was from March to April 2010 and data were analyzed in the light of discourse analysis (DA). Results: the data were treated in the light of discourse analysis (DA) and classified in three clusters of meaning: wear related to the peculiarities of the pre-hospital care; wear and conditions of service and wear related to the physical body and mind. Conclusions: with the completion of this study perceive that nurses understand that work-related wear is exacerbated by working conditions and working hours of these professionals


Abstract Applying Donald Norman's (1998) human-centered design philosophy, three alternative technology perspectives (assertive technology, adaptive technology, and compelling technology) are proposed for educators. These perspectives are intended to support teachers' integration of current technologies into their classrooms and enable educators to confront the seemingly mesmerizing host of new technologies with confidence. Adoption of these perspectives could facilitate more positive beliefs among teachers toward technology integration into the classroom. As a result of these perspectives, a new set of technology guidelines and a future research agenda are proposed.


We develop a theory of quantum rational decision making in the tradition of Anscombe and Aumann's axiomatisation of preferences on horse lotteries. It is essentially the Bayesian decision theory generalised to the space of Hermitian matrices. Among other things, this leads us to give a representation theorem showing that quantum complete rational preferences are obtained by means of expected utility considerations.


Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of bronchoscopy on pulmonary disease.Methods We have collected and reviewed tatal 286 cases of pulmonary disease clinical data and bronchoscopy results.Results We have diagnosed lung cancer 116 cases,inflammation 111 cases,phthisis 52 cases,foreign matter 4 cases and sputum stopper 3 cases in 286 cases.The diagnosic positive rate on lung cancer was 56.9%、 40.5%、 13.7% respectively by biopsy material,brush biopsy or fluid lavage were taken,but cytology positive rate reached 84.5% by all three united,the positive rate improved significantly by all three than by biopsy material,brush biopsy or fluid lavage were taken respectively(P0.01) ;the detectable rate of pathogenic bacteria was 49.5%、42.3% respectively by protected-specimen brush(PSB) or bronchus lavage fluid(BALF) ,but the detectable rate of pathogenic bacteria reached 67.6% by both together,the positive rate improved significantly than by PSB or BALF(P0.01) .None has serious complication and dead during the operations and after operations.Conclusion Bronchoscopy is an important implement in diagnosis and treatment on pulmonary disease,it's also safe and reliable,and patients are ease to tolerate.So it has important clinical application value.


We study the thermal conductivity, at fixed positive temperature, of a disordered lattice of harmonic oscillators, weakly coupled to each other through anharmonic potentials. The interaction is controlled by a small parameter ϵ > 0. We rigorously show, in two slightly different setups, that the conductivity has a non-perturbative origin. This means that it decays to zero faster than any polynomial in ϵ as ϵ → 0. It is then argued that this result extends to a disordered chain studied by Dhar and Lebowitz (2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 100 134301), and to a classic spin chain recently investigated by Oganesyan, Pal and Huse (2009 Phys. Rev. B 80 115104).


We propose a ferromagnetic Heusler alloy that can switch between a metal and a half-metal. Thiseffect can provide tunable spintronics properties. Using the density functional theory (DFT) withreliable implementations of the electron correlation effects, we find Mn2ScSi total energy curvesconsisting of distinct branches with a very small energy difference. The phase at low lattice crystalvolume is a low magnetic half-metallic state while the phase at high lattice crystal volume is a highmagnetic metallic state. We suggest that the transition between half-metallic and metallic statescan be triggered by a triaxial contraction/expansion of the crystal lattice or by an external magneticfield if we assume that the lattice is cubic and remains cubic under expansion/contraction. However,the phase at high volume can also undergo an austenite-martensite phase transition because of thepresence of Jahn-Teller active3delectrons on the Mn atoms.


: A new chalcone compound, methyl 5-cinnamoyl-2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate ( 1 ), and a new cinnamylphenol compound, methyl 3-cinnamyl-5-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate ( 2 ) together with four known compounds ( 3 - 6 ) were isolated from the CH 2 Cl 2 fraction of Dalbergia melanoxylon . Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectral measurements including NMR techniques, mass spectrometry, single crystal X-ray diffraction and, together with comparison of the literature data. According to the determination results of compound 1 and 2 on RAW 264.7 cell viability, the IC 50 values of compounds were found to be 3.2 and 383.8 μM, respectively. Compared with LPS model group, compounds 1 and 2 were found to be significantly reduce the release of NO in the concentration ranges of 1.2~9.6 and 33.7 μM ( P <0.01), and significantly inhibit the secretion of LDH in the range of 4.8~9.6 and 16.8~33.7 μM . melanoxylon cinnamylphenol; activity. © 2022 ACG


Labour-controlled investment is often touted as an alternative, pro-worker form of finance. Since 1983, the province of Quebec in Canada has experimented with workers' participation in the form of workers' funds controlled by the two major trade union federations. Drawing on research from secondary sources, archival material and semi-structured interviews, this article offers a comprehensive portrait of one of Quebec main workers' funds, the FTQ Solidarity Fund. To date very little has been said about the impact of workers' funds on firm governance, employment quality and labour relations. The article argues that any attempt to use investment to shape firm behaviour in the interests of workers and local unions is a limited and contradictory project. The argument is sustained through a discussion of the historical formation and institutional practices of the Solidarity Fund. The presence of large union-controlled investment funds offers local firms an alternative source of capital investment, protecting small and medium-sized firms from more aggressive financial actors. However, the main results show persistent tensions and contradictions between the Fund's social goals and financial logics, as well as unintended effects on workplace union practices and power.


This paper presents a real-time energy management algorithm for hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). The proposed approach features a practical structure and manageable computation complexity for real-time implementation. It adopts a Model Predictive Control framework and utilizes the information attainable from Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to establish a prediction based real-time controller structure. Simulations have been conducted with a Matlab/Simulink based vehicle model to assess the optimality of the algorithm, in comparison with existing control approaches. For real-time HEV control algorithms, ITS based driving prediction is an essential component. It is important to investigate the impact of the accuracy of ITS information on HEV energy consumption. In this work, we study the the effect of noises and errors in the velocity profile prediction under different control approaches. The sensitivity of the HEV energy use is investigated based on real driving data. The results provide better understanding of the need in driving profile prediction in real-time HEV control.


A total of 48 Pond reared common carp C. carpio ranged between 2.5-11.8 cm in total length were obtained from University of Basrah's fish farm during May-June 2011. It was investigated for parasites, and it was infested with four different groups of ectoparasites, including Ciliophora (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Trichodina sp.), Monogenoidea (Dactylogyrus spp. and Gyrodactylus sp.), Trematoda (Ascocotyle coleostoma metacercariae) and Crustacea (Dermoergasilus sp. and Lernaea sp. copepodid larval stage). Differential count of leucocytes, total protein level, albumin and globulin in blood serum were determined in healthy (non-infested) and infested fish. No significant differences (p>0.05) have been reported between infested and non-infested fish in all blood parameters except in monocyte counts of the third group (infested with two species of Ciliophora) and sixth group (double infestation between A. coleostoma and Dermoergasilus sp.). This study showed that common carp can withstand different light and mild infestation of ectoparasites. We can considered common carp among a fish category having very good resistibility towards ectoparasites.


Abstract : Anthropometric data comparing the length of the relaxed hand with the flat, straightened hand are presented. The correlation coefficient between the hand length in the two positions is not high. A forthcoming comprehensive research program on the anthropometry of the hand is revealed.


Non-antibiotic feed additives have been developed to be used as alternatives, but none of them is effective as antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Understanding other mechanisms related to growth promoter of AGPs may be beneficial to the search for effective feed additives for animal production. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the free radical scavenging activities of flavophospholipol and avilamycin. The in vitro study showed that flavophospholipol had a potent scavenging activity for DPPH, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals with the exception of superoxide anion radicals and their IC50 were 155.1, 62.6 and 105.6 mg/l, respectively. The scavenging capacity of one milligram flavophospholipol was about 197.5 nmoles of DPPH, 132.0 nmoles of hydroxyl and 5.8 nmoles of nitric oxide radicals. In contrast, avilamycin was able to scavenge only the hydroxyl radical with 150.6 mg/l as IC50 and one milligram of avilamycin scavenged approximately 52.6 nmoles. The in vivo study demonstrated that DPPH radical scavenging activity of broiler serum at 21 and 42 DOA was significantly higher in AGPs supplemented groups. In conclusion, the anti-oxidative property of AGPs may be one of the mechanisms to promote animal health and productivity.


Lovely Perspectives on music in animals, those by P. M. Gray et al. and M. J. Tramo (5 Jan., p. [52][1] and p. [54][2]), but neither mentioned the composer Olivier Messiaen, who recorded bird songs all over the world and transformed them into heavenly music. The "Sermon to the birds" in his


The article deals with unconstitutionality by omission within a generalist perspective, in the light of the most recent legal doctrines and analyses. Discussions that deal with the appropriateness of a writ of mandamus and the problematization with the lack of legal homogeneity in Brazil in these cases are observed here, especially about doctrinal conflicts. The actions and problems related to the ordinary effects in the ADO are debated within the recent doctrine, based on the understandings presented by the scholars, legislators, and the Superior Courts.


This article reviews Australia's experience with industrial relations reform since the late 1980s. The key conclusion is that claims made about both the costs and benefits of reform have been exaggerated.


Related U.S. Application Data (63) Continuation of application No. 09/237,194, filed on Jan. 26, 1999, which is a continuation of application No. 08/481,925, filed on Jun. 7, 1995, now Pat. No. 5,899,855, which is a continuation of application No. 08/233,397, filed on Apr. 26, 1994, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application No. 07/977.323, filed on Nov. 17, 1992, now Pat. No. 5,307,263.


TiO 2/glass films have been prepared by a sol gel method with titanium tetrabutoxide as precursor. XRD and XPS results indicate the film is composed of anatase phase and with TiO 2 size of about 15~25 nm. Triboloyical study indicates the TiO 2 film has a long antiwearing life. The TiO 2/glass film shows a high catalytic activity in photodegradation of rhodamine B in aqueous solution. The photodegradation follows first order kinetics and its reaction rate can be expressed by Langmuir Hinshewood equation.


Electric motor cooling affects the power capability of electric motors, which has direct impacts on power density and cost. In this paper we present a sensitivity study of factors associated with electric motor thermal management specific to electrified vehicle propulsion applications. Thermal models of two electric motor configurations were developed and validated against available test data. Once confidence was established in the thermal models, a sensitivity analysis was performed over a range of thermal management control factors. These factors included heat transfer coefficients, cooling locations, material orthotropic thermal conductivity properties, heat distributions, and interface contact resistances. The work helps prioritize future research efforts to improve motor thermal management.


The discrete logarithm problem(DLP) is a hard mathematical problem and a useful primitive in cryptography. Many DLP computation in prime fields are employed to test the safety of current used primes of 1024 or 2048 bits length. However, such computations are always carried out to a safe prime, which brings people the notion that the safe prime with long bit-length is always "safe". In this paper, we fully analyze the variants of the number field sieve algorithm and employ a special number field sieve attack to a DLP computation in a 653-bit safe prime field. We propose a new method to find the special number field sieve(SNFS) polynomial pair of a given prime, and recommend a simple ad-hoc detection of the trapdoor before doing the general number field sieve(GNFS) to a prime $p$. We also give an experiment to show the huge difference between the cost of SNFS and GNFS. We think this work could justify some wrong thoughts about the security of cryptographic protocols based on prime field DLP and inspire more advanced methods for larger-scale computation.


INTRODUCTION Although several reports of femoral neck stress fracture in young military recruits have been published, bilateral femoral neck stress fractures occurring simultaneously is extremely rare. Since misdiagnosis of this condition and resulting error in treatment may lead to significant handicap, we have to bear the possibility of this fracture in mind. Here, we report a case of simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures in a 24-year old male recruit to the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).


In the context of exploitation of urban wastes for recycling, valorification, or energy production, present study aimed at investigating the environmental impact and potential uses of ashes produced from co-combustion of such wastes with an olive byproduct in a fluidized bed unit. Bottom and fly ashes were characterized by physical, chemical and mineralogical analyses. Column leaching tests, simulating field conditions, were conducted and key parameters of soil/ash leachate solutions were measured. The results showed that fly and bottom ashes were alkaline, with low electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity and enriched in Ca, Si, P, K, Mn, Zn, Sr and Cr. The principal mineral phases identified were calcite, quartz, fairchildite, hydroxyapatite and whitlockite magnesian. The elements with higher mobility leached through a soil of quarzitic nature were Na, Mg, Cr and Sr. However, none of the measured values exceeded legislation limits for land disposal. All ashes could be used as secondary building materials, liming agents or soil ameliorants in blends with other byproducts.


A new technique, which transforms the DFT into cyclic convolutions and additions, is combined with fast algorithms for cyclic convolution and the Kronecker product to compute a specific category of prime factor DFTs of size N, where N has a power-of-2 factor and other relatively prime factors. The new algorithm uses a nested computation structure in which there is only one stage of multiplication and all multipliers are nested inside additions. The method is compared with other algorithms in terms of the number of multiplications and additions. With its new factorization techniques, the method requires fewer multiplications than the WFTA in some cases. Accordingly, the nested algorithm which includes the WFTA is extended as it is not limited any more to compute DFTs of size N, where N has a power-of-2 factor not greater than 16. (6 pages)


In this paper we present a new computational primitive for convolution using coupled oscillator arrays. It is based on a Degree of Match (DOM) operation for pairs of vectors of analog voltage encoded data. The convolution operation is synthesized from these DOM circuits and computes the precise mathematical convolution of the two vectors. We present an example circuit design for the DOM operator and SPICE simulations of the circuit behavior. A MATLAB model is curve fit to an inverted copy of this output and shown to be roughly equivalent to the square of the Euclidian distance between the vectors. Using a parameterized version of this model we conducted a MATLAB study to analyze the accuracy of the DOM and convolution operations under variations in oscillator array symmetry, locking range, and additive noise. We also show a small example of convolution with an edge enhancement filter.


well as our own, indicate considerable variability in response to plasmapheresis among patients with myasthenia gravis. A collaborative, controlled study of plasma exchange and pharmacological immunosuppression in myasthenia gravis is urgently needed. In this regard, the national collaborative study of acute idiopathic polyneuritis and plasma exchange that is now underway [ I ] has set a proper precedent.


Spanish Royal Decree 60/2011, which transposes to Spanish legislation the Directive 2008/105/CE, lays down environmental quality standards (i.e. maximum allowable concentrations) for priority substances and certain other pollutants in surface water. Some of these substances can be found in plant protection products (PPP). In this context, and in the framework of the activities of the Syngenta-UPC Chair, a training project for the improvement of agricultural practices has arisen. The assumption is that the improvement of these practices means a significant and perceivable reduction of PPP pollution in waters, especially in areas where high levels of these substances have been detected. The aim of this project was to demonstrate this hypothesis with a pilot test in the Ebro basin, specifically in the area of the rivers Flumen and Alcanadre. This is an agricultural area where some water pollution problems caused by PPP have been detected in recent years. The project started in 2013 with the cooperation of the Government of Aragon. The active substance concentrations detected in the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation station in Sarinena exceeded the Royal Decree 60/2011 limits. It should be pointed out that on many occasions when PPPs have been applied to summer crops, high PPP concentrations were detected. For this reason, it makes sense to relate pollution to agricultural practices. This situation is worsened by the environmental conditions in the area and especially by the strong northerly wind popularly known as the cierzo that can cause important PPP damage to surface waters. A survey among the farmers of three local cooperatives (Cooperativa de Barbastro, Secadero de Cereales Santiago and Cooperativa de Los Monegros) has been carried out to determine the current situation of phytosanitary practices in the area. The results show that it is necessary to undertake training activities in order to provide useful information and tools for farmers so that they may implement the best management practices, and to explain the legislation that concerns them. It is also necessary to inform about the benefits of keeping machinery in good condition and about pesticide application equipment in professional use that is subject to compulsory inspections (Directive 2009/128/CE).


Strengths and shortcomings in the application of interferometric techniques to transonic flow fields are examined and an improved method is elaborated. Such applications have demonstrated the value of interferometry in obtaining data for compressible flow research. With holographic techniques, interferometry may be applied in large scale facilities without the use of expensive optics or elaborate vibration isolation equipment. Results obtained using holographic interferometry and other methods demonstrate that reliable qualitative and quantitative data can be acquired. Nevertheless, the conventional method can be difficult to set up and apply, and it cannot produce real-time data. A new interferometry technique is investigated that promises to be easier to apply and can provide real-time information. This single-beam technique has the necessary insensitivity to vibration for large scale wind tunnel operations. Capabilities of the method and preliminary tests on some laboratory scale flow fluids are described.


Can Xue is recognized as an advance guard,and consciousness of an avant-courier has exerted important influence on her fiction.She has created a world that is full of dinginess and frightfulness through those discourse and collocations between words,which we couldn't accept.Can Xue found out that man had been alienated severely in modern society,on which her world came into being.In China,however alienation is not only attached to modern civilization,but also politics and culture.In view of the two factors,Can Xue represents the request of man's self-respect and humanism.


Tumor microenvironment mainly includes fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, and immune cells. The heterogeneity of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) affects the response of different patients to immunotherapy. Cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitiors (ICIs), which can be achieved by antibodies blocking the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) or the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) pathway alone or in combination, prompts a new paradigm shift in oncology. However, the response rates to the ICIs in cancerpatients are relatively low and the results of the reported biomarkers for predicting the treatment efficacy are conflicting. Therefore, novel and reliable biomarkers are urgently needed to monitor tumorspecific immune responses, avoid immune-related adverse events, and improve clinical efficacy.


Experimental high-resolution range imaging with the dual-use UWB-OFDM system. Left: Lab setup for single-target range profile extraction. R ight: Two-target resolution test ‐ each time sample between the peaks corresponds to 1 nanosecond interval, or 0.15 m distance, thus resulting in target separation estimation of 0.45 m (the actu al distance between the two targets was 0.43 m).


In this paper, we propose a control system based on an improved model auto‐fusion cerebellar perceptron using feedback error learning (FEL) which imitates the human cerebellum, and apply it to the consensus problem of a multiagent system (MAS). It is important to control multiple agents because each of them has its own scale and complexity. Therefore, coordinative control of the MAS for each autonomous decision‐making instance has been taken as the focus. To control MAS, we consider use of FEL related to biological movement control. We also propose an auto‐fusion mechanism for mitigation of neuronal fluctuation. We call the proposed system the "Auto‐Fusion Cerebellar Perceptron Improved Model‐Based Control System (AFCPCS)" here. Through a computer simulation of the MAS consensus problem, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.


An initial survey of junior doctors revealed a disparity between their desire to be involved in QI and awareness of opportunities. A project to establish a junior doctor forum was initiated, aiming to provide knowledge regarding the science of QI, awareness of ongoing projects, opportunities to present work and mentoring support.

All junior doctors were invited to attend after-work QI sessions. These comprised group activities, presentations of QI theory in context, projects by junior doctors and QI opportunities …


A two-dimensional simulation was developed for thin-film, mixed ionic-electronic conductor MIEC electrodes. The equations for the steady-state nonlinear dc case are derived and solved through a finite volume discretization that enables a linear solver while preserving the nonlinear characteristics of the problem. Using parametric data for La1xSrxMnO3± LSM collected from the literature, we found that the simulation is limited by electrochemically activated ionic transport at low cathodic overpotentials and co-limited by ionic and electronic resistance at high overpotentials. The current-voltage curves generated are similar in shape to most reported in the literature for thin LSM films. However, the simulation is much more resistive. While the cause for the discrepancy has yet to be validated, it seems clear that the sheet resistance of a thin-film electrode can critically influence its electrocatalytic behavior. This effect becomes more pronounced with the amplitude of polarization and the decrease in dimension, implying that it can be significant in patterned or nanostructured electrodes.


Patients suffering from inflammatory or dysimmunitary diseases may develop various clinical responses to corticotherapy. This brief article describes the various cellular and molecular mechanisms which underly the genetic, endocrine and immunitary factors involved in corticosensitivity, corticoresistance and corticodependence.


The 1H, 13C, 15N, and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of 11 2,5-diaryl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones have been acquired in DMSO-d6 solution and the 13C, 15N, and 19F NMR spectra have also been acquired in the solid state (solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance [SSNMR] and magic angle spinning [MAS]). The X-ray structures of Compounds 3, 5, and 6 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Theoretical calculations at the gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO)/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level have provided a set of 321 chemical shifts that were compared with 310 experimental values in DMSO-d6. To obtain good agreements, some effects need to be included. The SSNMR chemical shifts have been compared with gauge-including projector-augmented wave (GIPAW) calculations and with the heavy atom-light atom (HALA) effects.


1 To examine the possibility that angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors modulate the action of bradykinin at the receptor level, their effect on the dilator response to bradykinin was studied in the isolated saline‐perfused heart of the rabbit. 2 Continuous infusion of bradykinin (10 nM) elicited a transient decrease in coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) and increased prostacyclin (PGI2) release which returned to baseline values within 30 min. 3 Subsequent co‐infusion of ramiprilat (≥ 10 nM) or moexiprilat, but not of the less potent ACE inhibitor n‐octyl‐ramipril (RA‐octyl), caused another fall in CPP and an increase in PGI2 release, the magnitude and time course of which were almost identical to the first response to bradykinin. No change in CPP or PGI2 release was observed when the ACE inhibitors were administered in the absence of exogenous bradykinin. 4 Infusion of d‐Arg[Hyp3]‐bradykinin (10 nM), a specific B2‐receptor agonist which was significantly more resistant to degradation by ACE than bradykinin, produced virtually identical changes in CPP and PGI2 release when compared to bradykinin. Subsequent co‐infusion of ramiprilat was similarly effective in restoring the fall in CPP and increase in PGI2 release elicited by d‐Arg[Hyp3]‐bradykinin as in the presence of bradykinin. 5 In concentrations which should block the degradation of bradykinin by ACE in the coronary vascular bed, two ACE substrates, hippuryl‐l‐histidyl‐l‐leucine (0.2 mM) and angiotensin I (0.3 μm), were unable to elicit a significant change in CPP or PGI2 release while ramiprilat and another ACE inhibitor, quinaprilat, were still active in the presence of these substrates. 6 To reveal the potential B2‐receptor action of ramiprilat, its effect on the constrictor response to bradykinin was studied in the rabbit isolated jugular vein. Ramiprilat (0.1 μm), but not RA‐octyl (1 μm), potentiated the endothelium‐independent, B2‐receptor‐mediated constrictor response to bradykinin, but not that to the thromboxane‐mimetic U46619 (9,11‐dideoxy‐11α,9α‐epoxymethano‐prostaglandin F2α). Moreover, ramiprilat but not RA‐octyl caused a concentration‐dependent, B2‐receptor antagonist‐sensitive increase in tone when administered alone. 7 These findings suggest that an interaction of ACE inhibitors with the B2‐receptor or its signal transduction pathway rather than an accumulation of bradykinin within the vascular wall is responsible for the restoration of the endothelial response to bradykinin (dilatation, PGI2 release) in the coronary vascular bed of the rabbit.


This study focuses on the firm's strategy process and especially on the firm's strategic management competence. Strategic management competence is defined as a firm's ability to involve different actors in the strategy process, characterised by the formalisation and use of different strategic tools. This study focuses on the small and medium-sized growth firms. With respect to the main findings, we believe that several important conclusions can be drawn. First, the results seem to suggest that while managerial experience is not important for strategic management competence, the CEO's relationship with a firm does. Second, the results also seem to suggest that a CEO's educational level is important for strategic management competence. Third, the results seem to suggest that the entrepreneurial orientation of a firm is important for strategic management competence.


Conventional 2D boolean operations are only suitable for closed profiles, not for arbitary curves. By means of the analysis of 2D boolean operations for closed profiles, this paper introduces a new curve classification method based on the local neighborhood of the curve intersection point, and then presents the boolean operations for arbitrary curves to generate profiles automatically. This new method can also be extended to 3D surface design.


What has been the impact of China's rapid rise? Referring to findings of current research on China as well as theories of political economy, this paper analyzes the People's Republic of China as a variety of a (state-led) capitalist catch-up development process that is focused on economic and geopolitical upgrading. Despite efforts by China's political leadership to act as a responsible superpower, the international and transnational embedding of the new Chinese capitalism is fraught with tension. The Chinese economy remains dependent on the old centers of global capitalism, but this has not paved the way for smooth cooperation. On the contrary, the latest currency disputes between China and the US during the global economic slump are indicative of politically charged conflicts between the world's relevant economic regions. Thus, the prospect of China being integrated harmoniously seems to be overly optimistic - as is also demonstrated by China's efforts to play a leading role in the East Asian regionalization process. At the same time, one has to be careful not to draw (the wrong) conclusions about the inevitability of military conflict and a transition towards a new global Chinese hegemony. The paper aims to highlight the advantages of a political economy approach in answering a question that has primarily been addressed from International Relations perspectives, i.e. focused on relations between states.


also sheds light on the real questions and challenges of using them effectively. As with so much of early British intelligence history, the surviving archival record for codebreaking operations in this period is very limited and the narrative has been pieced together from a wide range of different sources. Larsen should be congratulated for this work, although some of his conclusions, particularly the extent of British reading of American messages and the degree to which it was used to impact policy, will likely be challenged. The revisionist nature of this book, and the tone in which it is written, will make it a contentious work among historians of the First World War. It is, however, an important study on a comparatively underexplored subject, and Larsen's weaving of economic and intelligence threads into the broader political and diplomatic history adds real value. It is hoped that the book will spark further debate and scholarship on both peacemaking and Anglo-American relations during the First World War.


For dual three-phase interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (DT-IPMSMs), open-phase fault (OPF) can result in significant average torque reduction and harmonics in the output torque and speed, which prevent the machines from a reliable and safe operation. Indeed, these adverse effects are mainly due to significant harmonics in the stator currents caused by OPF. This article investigates fault-tolerant control (FTC) of DT-IPMSM under OPF and proposes a computation-efficient FTC solution to maximize the average torque and minimize the fault-induced torque and speed ripples. In the proposed FTC, the open-phase model is first derived, and optimal stator currents are then derived to achieve maximized average torque and minimized fault-induced torque harmonics. The computation efficiency enables the proposed solution, the capability of FTC, under both the steady-state and transient conditions. Moreover, the proposed FTC can eliminate the harmonic current components in the torque contributing frame and, thus, reduce the harmonic losses, and nonlinear inductance maps are employed to consider magnetic saturation. The proposed FTC is compared with existing methods and evaluated with experiments on a laboratory DT-IPMSM under various operating conditions.


This paper expatiates on applying EXCEL in cultivating initial force of plane beam and drawing,the way of cultivating the initial force of plane beam under three familiar loads and drawing relative shear force diagram and bending moment diagram,which is of practical value in teaching,research and engineering practice.


The article is devoted to study change of cytomorphometric indicators of gum's mucous membrane of a dabs prints before and in various terms after treatment hypertrophic gingivitis, edematous form, ortofen and dioksidin ointments.


*Power system reliability is critical to the performance of modern aircraft. Reliability issues must be considered from the beginning of the power system design process. Addressing these issues can complicate a design flow. To manage this complexity, design teams must use an organized approach based on proven design principles. A Robust Design methodology provides this organized approach. This paper investigates the Robust Design process as it pertains to system design. General Robust Design principles are introduced and related to the development of aircraft power systems. Design tasks are outlined as they apply to the Robust Design process. These tasks are then related to the capabilities that design tools must have to help design teams improve system reliability. A basic 3-phase, 230VACto-28VDC converter is analyzed using the Saber® simulator from Synopsys, Inc. The analysis follows the steps of a Robust Design-based flow and includes a nominal analysis to establish a performance baseline for the system, a sensitivity analysis to investigate which design parameters have the most affect on system performance, a parametric analysis to evaluate system performance while key design parameters are swept through selected values, a statistical analysis to analyze the system's performance as parameter values are allowed to randomly change within their tolerance range, a stress analysis to evaluate stresses placed on system components, and a failure modes analysis to examine system performance as individual components fail. Establishing simulation techniques for implementing a Robust Design flow is the primary focus of this paper. Understanding detailed converter design is left as an exercise for the reader.


Contamination of soils with pesticides and their metabolites is a global environmental threat. Deciphering the complex process chains involved in pesticide degradation is a prerequisite for finding effective solution strategies. This study applies prospective optimal design (OD) of experiments to identify laboratory sampling strategies that allow model‐based discrimination of atrazine (AT) degradation pathways. We simulated virtual AT degradation experiments with a first‐order model that reflects a simple reaction chain of complete AT degradation. We added a set of Monod‐based model variants that consider more complex AT degradation pathways. Then, we applied an extended constraint‐based parameter search algorithm that produces Monte‐Carlo ensembles of realistic model outputs, in line with published experimental data. Differences between‐model ensembles were quantified with Bayesian model analysis using an energy distance metric. AT degradation pathways following first‐order reaction chains could be clearly distinguished from those predicted with Monod‐based models. As expected, including measurements of specific bacterial guilds improved model discrimination further. However, experimental designs considering measurements of AT metabolites were most informative, highlighting that environmental fate studies should prioritise measuring metabolites for elucidating active AT degradation pathways in soils. Our results suggest that applying model‐based prospective OD will maximise knowledge gains on soil systems from laboratory and field experiments.


Abstract:This essay concentrates on the relation between song and history in the lives of the enslaved and the afterlives of slavery, particularly by tracing the history of the song "Take Him to the Gulley," which became known as "the famous slave song of Jamaica." Thinking alongside Katherine McKittrick's and Sylvia Wynter's work on plantation geographies, the author argues that the gulley, a site of mass burial in the center of the song, was also a site of Black cultural expression and futurity—a place where death and life, torture and escape, enslavement and freedom collided and shaped each other. The essay traces the song as both a mode and a performance of history, in which, through the workings of reclamation, remembrance, and redress, an enslaver's perverse punishment became a people's history.


Objective To evaluate the effect of mice placenta stem cell transplantation on mice ozone aging model.Methods A murine oxidative stress model was established via ozone inhalation.Mice placentae were obtained via cesarean section delivery.Placenta stem cells were isolated by gradient centrifugation and transplated into recipients by peritoneal injection.In situ Y chromosomal hybridization was constructed for detection of the transplanted cells.Histological scoring and senility degree of organs were assessed for comparison.Results There was no significantly statistical difference in the senile index of heart,kidney,lung and skin between the treatment group and the control group 30 days after transplantation.Conclusion Transplantation of mice placenta stem cells alone dose not have anti-aging effect in mice.


PURPOSE
Achieving accurate optical-CT 3D dosimetry without the use of viscous refractive index (RI) matching fluids would greatly increase convenience. This work evaluates various potential 'dry-scan' optical-CT configurations (including parallel, point, and converging light-ray geometries) through computer simulations.

METHODS
Three surrounding refractive media were investigated: air, water, and a fluid closely matched to PRESAGE™ (n=1.00,1.33,1.49). Reconstructions performed using both filtered-back-projection (FBP) and algebraic-reconstruction-technique (ART). For each media, the efficacy of the three configurations and the two algorithms was evaluated by calculating usable radius (i.e. the outermost radius where data was accurate to within 2%), and gamma analysis. This definition recognizes that, for optical-CT imaging, errors are greatest near the edge of the dosimeter where refraction can be most pronounced. Simulations were performed on three types of dose distribution: uniform, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and brachytherapy (Cs-137).

RESULTS
Uniformly irradiated dosimeter useable radius recovered using FBP was 68% for water-matching, and 31% for air-matching (dry-scanning). ART gave useable radii of 99% for both water and dry-scanning, indicating greater recovery of useful data for the uniform distribution. FBP and ART performed equally well for a VMAT dose distribution where less dose is delivered near the edge of the dosimeter (useable radius of 86% and 53% for water and dry-scanning respectively). Brachytherapy useable radius recovered using FBP was 99% and 98% for water and dry-scanning respectively, and a major decrease was seen with ART. Point-source geometry provided 1-2% larger usable radii than parallel. Converging geometry recovered up to 10% reduced useable radii than point and parallel.

CONCLUSION
For applications where dose information is not required in the periphery of the dosimeter, some dry and low-viscous matching configurations may be feasible. When dosimetry is required on the periphery, best results were obtained using close refractive matching and ART.


The movement of animals on roads often causes a collision with vehicles. This not only results in the loss of animal population, but also in social losses - consequences of road accidents. This issue can be dealt with by restricting the movement of animals across roads - most commonly by fencing along roads in combination with construction of overpasses for safe crossing over roads. However, these measures also have their drawbacks - fragmentation of landscape, costs on construction and maintenance. These measures should be designed on the basis of an analysis of migration routes of animals, migration potential of an area (and thus increased movement of animals over a road), and on the basis of characteristics of the traffic flow on a given road. In 2011-2014, EDIP co. together with HBH Projekt have been working on a research project focused on the methodology for optimization of designing measures which should guide/regulate the movement of animals across the road. EVERNIA co. also participates in the project. The project is financially supported by the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic. The outcome will come in the form of a methodology which becomes a part of the regulations for designing roads.


Objective:To determine the effect of albumin administration on morbidity in acutely ill hospitalized patients. Data Source:Computer searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library; hand searches of journals and Index Medicus; inquiries with investigators and fluid product suppliers; and examination of reference lists. No language or time period restrictions were adopted. Study Selection:Randomized, controlled trials comparing the administration of albumin with that of crystalloid, no albumin, or lower-dose albumin. Data Extraction:Two investigators independently extracted data. The primary endpoint for the meta-analysis was morbidity, defined as the incidence of complications, including death. Trial quality was evaluated by blinding, allocation concealment, presence of morbidity as a study endpoint, and individual patient crossover. Data Synthesis:Seventy-one trials were included in the categories of surgery or trauma, burns, hypoalbuminemia, high-risk neonates, ascites, and other indications. The 3,782 randomized patients in the included trials experienced a total of 3,287 complications, including 515 deaths and 2,772 cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic, infectious, renal, respiratory, and other complications. Albumin significantly reduced overall morbidity, with a risk ratio of 0.92 (confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.98). Control group albumin dose significantly affected the incidence of complications (p = .002). In 32 trials with no albumin administered to the control group, the risk ratio was 0.77 (CI, 0.67–0.88) compared with 0.89 (CI, 0.80–1.00) in 20 trials with control patients receiving low-dose albumin and 1.07 (CI, 0.96–1.20) in 19 trials with moderate-dose control group albumin. Conclusions:Albumin reduces morbidity in acutely ill hospitalized patients. Concomitant administration of albumin in the control group can obscure the effects of albumin on clinical outcome in randomized trials.


The inelastic cyclic response of hybrid connections consisting of RC columns and steel beams (RCS) is studied in this paper. Experimental results from the lateral load testing of nine exterior RCS connections are presented. The primary joint details investigated are two-part U-shaped stirrups passing through holes in the web of the steel beams, steel band plates or cover plates surrounding the joint region, steel fiber concrete or engineered cementitious composite material in the connection, and bearing bars attached to the steel beam. Experimental results indicate that RCS frames are suitable for use in high seismic risk zones. All of the specimens maintained their strength at large levels of story drift without significant loss of stiffness. A joint hoop volumetric ratio of 0.9% was found to be adequate for confinement in RCS joints. However, the amount of joint stirrups can be reduced or even eliminated if steel band plates, engineered cementitious composite material, or fiber reinforced concrete are u...


Background : Pathology-related term-frequency was studied in Chinese medical classics to trace the base of the development and growth of Pathology in China. Methods : Internet and Microsoft vocabulary extraction function and MyZiCiFreq word frequency statistics tool were uses as the research methods. The data is to be used for the further study of the history of pathology in China as a whole. Results : With reference to several vernacular Chinese versions, 11 pathology-related entries and 23 word frequencies were selected. Conclusion : the research on the mechanism of disease's occurrence, development and changes in Chinese traditional medicine failed to be integrated into pathology like modern western medicine. The lack of accurate expression and clear analysis for medical terms has seriously influenced the structure and systematization of Chinese traditional medicine.


The shift in responsibility for income security from the government to individuals makes the accumulation of net worth a vital issue. We investigated the rate of net worth accumulation for people aged 51 to 61 in 1991 (N=7,544) and 61 to 71 in 2001 (N=5,711) using the RAND Health and Retirement Study. We found that the rate of net worth accumulation by the fifth (top) quintile was extremely high in 1991, and the distribution of net worth became more skewed in favor of the wealthy in 2001. Older adults in the first and second quintiles are unable to face the challenge of the shift in responsibility for income security from the government to individuals.


INTRODUCTION Today's organizational landscape is laden with small groups and teams. Organizations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors are utilizing work groups, task forces, blue ribbon commissions and panels, and various types of teams and support groups to accomplish their missions and objectives. In addition, groups are being implemented at all hierarchical levels and have assumed many roles and responsibilities central to the functioning of these organizations. Team and group work has become so prevalent that Hackman (1990) has stated that "Virtually everyone who has worked in an organization has been a member of a task-performing group at one time or another" (p. 2). Despite the presence of groups in today's organizations, there are still questions that need to be addressed and dealt with. Central to such an examination is an understanding and evaluation of the existing group development literature. An understanding of this literature is important since one critical concern that has been raised by Bettenhausen (1991) and Nahavandi and Aranda (1994) is whether our current knowledge and understanding is sufficient to warrant the use of these organizational types and more specifically what are our limits in understanding group and team development. Therefore, it is important that we understand what we purport to "know" about this phenomenon prior to any speculation about what should be done to improve the field. This paper attempts to address this issue and others by reviewing and categorizing many of the existing group development models. In addition, the paper focuses on the commonalities across the models (especially within categories) and provides a discussion that raises issues for future research. If this paper serves no other purpose, its primary intention is to act as a stimulus to reopen investigation into group development and to inject some additional doubt into the models, ideas and theories that are currently being implemented on the job, taught in the classroom and used in related research endeavors. GROUP DEVELOPMENT DEFINED As a point of entry into this work it is necessary to define the phrase "group development." Finding an acceptable definition of this phrase is difficult because it has been defined in many ways and with varying degrees of depth and complexity. Berkowitz (1974), for example, has stated that group development "refers to the fact that group process undergoes modification which enables the group to have more alternative ways to solve problems" (p. 311), while Ridgeway's (1983) and Bennis and Shepard's (1956) definitions of group development focus on the group's need for improved communication patterns. The definition that best fits the models discussed in this paper was provided by Sarri and Galinsky (1974). In this definition these two authors have defined group development as "changes through time in the internal structures, processes, and culture of the group" (Sam and Galinsky, 1974, p. 72). As outlined in this definition group development entails changes within three different dimensions. The first dimension, the social dimension, is concerned with the organization of the group's structure and the patterns of the participants' roles and structures. The second dimension focuses on the group's activities, tasks and the operative processes of the group and is labeled the activity dimension. The final dimension, group culture, includes properties such as group norms, values and a shared group purpose. The definition is important to the present discussion as it outlines the types of activities and events that groups may deal with during their development. More specifically, the definition is significant in that it serves as a representation of the types of changes that occur in the various developmental models. As previously noted, the primary reason for including this definition is to establish an understanding of what is meant by the phrase "group development. …


The aggregation of non‐serotypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) by whole saliva from patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) was investigated. Significant differences were observed between salivary aggregating activity of a control and COLD population (P < 0·001). Saliva from patients less prone to acute exacerbations had a greater capacity to aggregate bacteria compared with saliva from patients with a predilection to infection. The mechanism of saliva‐mediated aggregation of NTHI was investigated and shown to be related to lysozyme content. Lysozyme activity in saliva was measured by the turbidimetric technique and results showed that patients with chronic bronchitis had increased levels of salivary lysozyme, with a subpopulation within the non‐infection‐prone group having greater amounts. A significant difference was observed in salivary lysozyme between controls and non‐infection‐prone (P < 0·005) and infection‐prone (P < 0·05) patients, respectively: the non‐infection‐prone patients having significantly (P < 0·005) more than the infection‐prone patients. There was significant correlation (r= 0·742, P < 0·001) between salivary aggregation of NTHI and lysozyme activity. Chromatographically purified human lysozyme had a similar aggregation profile to that of saliva. There was no difference in serum and saliva lactoferrin concentrations between groups, but there was a significant increase (P < 0·05) in serum lysozyme concentration in the non‐infection‐prone group. This study suggests that the level of salivary lysozyme derived from macrophages may play an important role in determining resistance or susceptibility to acute bronchitis.


and developments in Europe from the late 17 th through the 20 th century. We will engage with such crucial events as the French Revolution and the two World Wars. We will also examine longer-term trends such as the relationship between Europe and the rest of the world, and more elusive concepts such as the Zeitgeist or spirit of the age as it evolves over the course of the modern era. This course is intended as an introduction to a variety of historical methodologies and will combine approaches drawn from cultural, political, social, and intellectual history. As such, our readings will range from philosophical treatises to popular novels, and from scholarly articles to manifestos.


The high speed and high precision track control system adopted complex input compensate control that added velocity and acceleration signal in the former feedback channel for improving indiscrimination degree. The Matlab was used in system Matlab simulation charter with or without acceleration former feedback, for validating error analysis. Its steady state analysis for complex control mode showed that the system stability was only correlated with system character equation. Namely, added feedback could improve the system precision and not effect on system stability. So, the complex input compensation control could not only keep stability but also improve the system precision.


A pulse transmission ultrasonic method was applied to evaluate the quality of cortical bone with experimentally induced osteoporosis. Velocity of ultrasound (1MHz) was measured along femoral shafts in rats with disuse osteopenia. Ultrasonic data were compared with results of mechanical testing (three-point bending). Density and mineralization of bone tissue was also analyzed. Ultrasound velocity in immobilized femora was reduced with respect to controls, both in immature bone in growing rats and in fully mineralized bones of adult animals. Immobilization induced unloading resulted in a decrease of bone strength in all groups, though in adult individuals any changes in mechanical parameters were preceded by velocity changes. On the basis of quantitative analysis it was stated that subtle changes in cortical bone tissue influenced significantly velocity of ultrasonic pulses along bone shaft. This result justifies application of ultrasound measurements for detection of bone tissue deterioration in early stages of bone diseases. Introduction One of the factors essential for normal functioning of bone tissue is cyclic mechanical loading with the intensity depending on the bone function. Reduced loading results in imbalance of bone metabolism followed by rapid bone loss and impairment of bone mechanical function [1]. Mechanical testing of long bones is usually applied in order to quantify the quality of cortical bone in different animal models of bone diseases [2-4]. Mechanical properties in three-point bending, a standard test of long bones, depend on mechanical properties of bone tissue, but also on the size and shape of the bone. In particular, variations of crosssectional geometrical properties are mainly responsible for the differences in bending behavior of femur [5]. Therefore, three-point bending is a convenient tool in determining the mechanical properties of whole bone as a structure, but it has low sensitivity on estimating properties of cortical bone tissue, especially in small bones in rodent experiments. It is well documented that ultrasound provides quantitative information on bone quality and, in particular, the velocity of ultrasound in bone is strongly affected by the elasticity of the bone tissue [6-8]. In particular, ultrasonic measurements in the MHz-range characterize well the stiffness properties of the bulk ultrastructure. Since ultrasound is reported to be a good predictor of mechanical properties of bone, in the present study an ultrasonic method was applied to evaluate the quality of cortical bone tissue in a rat model of disuse osteoporosis. The main question addressed in this paper was whether measurement of ultrasound velocity in femoral shaft is able to detect early changes in cortical tissue. Material and Methods Three age groups of male Wistar rats were used in the study: G – intensively growing, Y – young adult, and A – adult. The rats in each age group were randomly divided into control and experimental. The right hindlimb of the experimental animals was immobilized against the abdomen using bandages and padded tape as previously described [9]. The hip joint was in flexion and the knee and ankle joints in extension. After two weeks of immobilization all the experimental rats were released from tapes and bandages. In each age group (G, Y, and A) rats from one experimental group, together with age-matched controls were killed (2+0). The rats from the other groups were allowed to move freely for the next two or four weeks (2+2 or 2+4). Femora were removed and outer surfaces of the bones were cleaned mechanically from soft tissues. Femora were tested mechanically in three-point bending using a Lloyd LRX Testing Machine. The span of supports was 15 mm and deformation rate 2 mm/min (Fig.1a). The load-deformation curve was analyzed. The maximum bending force and structural stiffness (the slope of the linear part of the curve) were calculated from the curve.


Hunan is an important tobacco production base,and tobacco agriculture holds an important position in this agricultural province.Hunan expands investment of tobacco production facility to strengthen basic construction and improve synthesis productivity in recent years,the tobacco production has maintained a steady growth,but traditional factors' proportion is still big,the traditional organizations still exist,the contradiction between tobacco production and latent question of traditional tobacco agriculture is obvious.The modern tobacco agriculture should base on the"3-D" fundamental mode which consist of tobacco plant,farmer work and tobacco production facility.Therefore,people should plan the development of tobacco agriculture,farmer work and new rural construction in a new way,namely,according to economic regionalization of province tobacco,the related department use "four areas five kinds" development model and "people tobacco" work method to speed up the development of tobacco agriculture.


Objective To study the changes of ADM and ET-1 in patients with different risk factors, different coronary artery stenosis, different endothelial stability and after PTCA, and to discuss the relationship between the clinical significance of the vasoactive peptides levels and endothelial injury. Methods Seventy-two CHD patients were divided into different groups as follows: Group A(0-1 factor), Group B(2 factors), and Group C (3 factors) according to the presence of risk factors; SAP group and UAP group by the clinical pictures of the patients; low-degree, moderate- degree and high-degree stenosis groups by the degree of coronary artery stenosis. Twenty-eight patients who received PTCA were compared with those who only received CAG. The plasma ADM and ET-1 were determined by radioimmunoassay before and after PTCA and CAG. Results The levels of plasma ADM and ET-1 increased significantly in groups A, B, and C (t=4.287-13.945,P0.01) compared to the control group(D). There were significant differences of ADM and ET-1 among the A, B, C groups (t=2.813-11.649,P0.01). There were positive correlations between the levels of ADM and ET-1 and the degree of coronary artery stenosis. ADM and ET-1 were significantly higher in the moderate-degree and high-degree groups compared to the control group (t=2.627-10.098,P0.01). In stenosis subjects there were significant differences among the three groups (t=3.150-11.708,P0.01). The levels of ADM and ET-1 in UAP group were significantly higher than SAP group and control group (t=2.932-12.175,P0.01). But there were no differences between SAP and control group (t=0.297-1.983,P0.05). The levels of ADM and ET-1 increased significantly after receiving PTCA (t=3.48,11.17;P0.01). Conclusion The risk factors of chronic injury to the endothelia can be accumulated. The levels of ADM and ET-1 are correlated with the degree of vessel diseases. They could be used as markers for severity of coronary artery injuries. The levels of ADM and ET-1 could be used as the criteria to differentiate angina pectoris. PTCA stimulates the release of vasoactive peptide. Effective control of the risk factors and correction of the dysfunction of endothelium are important therapeutic steps and methods in preventing the restenosis and chronic injuries of coronary endothelium. The levels of ADM and ET-1, which are the markers for endothelial injury, are correlated.


The general methods of diagnosing and analyzing network trouble were introduced in this paper.Based on the typical network trouble of meteorological operation,how to analyze,diagnose and shoot the network trouble was discussed.The network interruption resulted from the router,exchange set and viruses was the main diagnosed object of network trouble shooting.Understanding the network structures became the premise to handle the network breakdown,and the diagnosis commands were the tool to seek the network breakdown.Network troubles would be solved quickly based on the network trouble shooting step.


The analysis of the possibility of using distributed networks, in particular, the blockchain network, smart contracts, as a control mechanism for controlling messaging and ensuring the digital security of the network is carried out in the work. The paper describes the concept of priority passage and its provision using distributed network mechanisms. Two priority passage scenarios are considered, as well as a messaging scheme for general cases of priority passage and the case of overlapping priority routes. Also, the paper presents mathematical studies of evaluating the possibility of a blockchain network depending on its performance, as well as approbation of calculations on model stands on networks with PoW and LPoS consensus algorithms.


In this paper, we present a physically-based analytical model for n-channel nanocrystalline and microcrystalline thin-film transistors suitable for implementation in circuit simulators such as SPICE. The model is based on existing models for amorphous silicon thin film transistors, which have been extended to account for observed physical phenomena in nanocrystalline and microcrystalline thin film transistors. The proposed model has been verified for the most important regions of operation of the devices and has shown good agreement with experimental data.


The paper explores the cultural construction of classification by identifying fundamental characteristics of classification and examining how these fit with other cultures. Foucault's method of discourse analysis is applied to selected texts on classification in two areas. The first area is classification, originated in the dominant western culture. The second area is classifications from indigenous cultures. It is concluded that classification research needs to have an increasing awareness of the cultural construction of classification schemes, and to work with alternatives to approaches of fundamental universal principles of classification.


With the increasing dependence on wireless LANs (WLANs), businesses and educational institutions are becoming more concerned about network security. The latest WLAN security protocol, the IEEE 802.11i assures rigid security for wireless networks with the support of IEEE 802.1X protocol for authentication, authorization and key distribution. However, users will remain sceptical unless they are confident and possess some form of assurance that the security mechanism is actually effective. In this view our Early Warning System (EWS) effectively confirms the legitimacy of the 802.11i security mechanism building confidence among the users. In this paper we outline our proposed WiFi-EWS for 802.11i wireless networks. Our system can effectively be used for anomaly detection and intrusion prevention. It has several levels of defence to protect the wireless networks from a range of possible threats. False alarms are raised only when all validations prove negative thus significantly reducing the number of false positives.


In a longitudinal study including 200 Turkish male adolescents from two regions in Germany and 100 in Turkey, power attributions and power discrepancies in decision-making influence between positio...


perceived figures through a new phenomenon that has never been used. With the brief presentation of a small light point (test-point) around a figure, the test-point appears to move swiftly away from the figure and back to it. To measure the amount of this apparent movement, the scale-point was presented on the opposite side to the figure, and its luminous intensity to counteract the movement was measured. Results indicate that, (1) the amount of movement decreases with the distance from the figure to the test-point, (2) it increases according as the luminous intensity of the figure increases, and (3) these results are noticed commonly both in solid and contour figures. These tendencies are exceedingly akin to those obtained by the light-threshold method. The method used seems as one of the most promising in constructing the field of figures, since the movement includes both the direction and the amount as its phenomenal properties.


Forecasting crime is complex since several complicated aspects contribute to a crime. Predicting crime becomes more challenging because of the enormous number of everyday crime episodes in varied places. Though there are many established machine learning and deep learning techniques, law enforcement officers face challenges preventing crime from occurring promptly. An efficient way of law enforcement is required to lower the crime rates. This paper proposed an effective multi-module method for predicting crime using deep learning techniques. Our proposed method has two modules: Feature Level Fusion and Decision Level Fusion. The first module employs temporal-based Attention LSTM, Spatio-Temporal based Stacked Bidirectional LSTM, and Fusion model. The Fusion model leverages the prior two model's training data. The temporal-based model is the source model for the transfer learning technique on the dataset of different cities. By applying this technique, the training time of the model is reduced. In the second module, the Spatio-Temporal based Attention-LSTM, Stacked Bidirectional LSTM, and the result of feature-level fusion module are used to get the final prediction. The proposed architecture predicts the next hour based on the data from the past twenty-four hours. The estimated number of crimes in any category for a particular location can be obtained as the output of our suggested model. It also enables law enforcement to get insight into future crime occurrences based on category, time, and location. This work concentrated mainly on the USA's San Francisco and Chicago cities for the experimental analysis. For the San Francisco and Chicago datasets, our model has the Mean Absolute Error of 0.008, 0.02, the Coefficient of Determination of 0.95 and 0.94, and the Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error of 1.03% and 0.6%, respectively. The proposed model outperforms numerous other well-known models.


This article expounds that in the study of bilingualism and bilingual education we should attach the importance to the works introducing new theories and methods abroad. Meanwhile it puts forward some issues that need further study such as the qualitative orientation, how to put a definite objective view in bilingual study, how to deepen linguistic contrastive study and so on.


In this article, Lorraine Hansberry's magnum opus book about structural racism in 1950s America, "A Raisin in the Sun", is discussed in detail, and how the book itself is a rebuke to those Americans who insist that our country is a meritocracy for all races and ethnicities. The lived experiences of the Younger Family, the African-American protagonists of the book, are filled with not only elements of structural racism, but the reactions of their neighbors and acquaintances to this racism as well. This editorial is available in Res Publica Journal of Undergraduate Research: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/ respublica/vol25/iss1/8 Damn All the Eggs That Ever Was: Meritocracy and its Failures on the Younger Family Graham Dano Meritocracy is: "a political philosophy which holds that certain things, such as economic goods or power, should be vested in individuals on the basis of talent, effort, and achievement, rather than factors such as sexuality, race, gender, or wealth". This has officially been the defining policy of how jobs and the economy work from the very start, if not fully implemented until the 1960s after the Civil Rights Movement righted some of the wrongs that faced black Americans after Reconstruction ended, and some forty years after the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, along with loosening of racist immigration policies. However, slightly before the Civil and Voting Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965, much was still rotten in the state of Denmark, or at least in the United States of America. In A Raisin in the Sun, a play by Lorraine Hansberry that was introduced in 1959 a few years after the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Younger family doesn't feel as if it is living in a meritocracy at all, or anything close to one. This can be seen even from the appearance of their apartment itself. Worn out, yet well-loved sums up the look of the furniture in the Younger's house. It has experienced the trials and tribulations of the family through the years, through sadness, through despair, happiness at family gatherings, and the wide spectrum of emotions. The furniture symbolizes strength through adversity, because even in its dilapidated state, it is held together by the family's love (demonstrated by the doilies and couch covers). This symbol is introduced in the first scene as described by the narrator, in which the general weariness of the house is delineated. The text even states that the furniture has to fight to be noticed in the house, much like African-Americans had to fight for justice and equality in the 1950's and 60's in the United


Abstract The important part of cassava root is starch which is probably controlled by starch synthase type IV (SSIV) gene. The information of micro nutrient and harvest age related to the activity starch synthase type IV (SSIV) gene is still very rare. The objectives of this study were to evaluate root fresh weight of cassava, to compare yield of storage root, and to evaluate the activity of starch synthase type IV (SSIV) gene by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) applied by micro nutrient fertilizer. Treatments were arranged by factorial (3 × 3) in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications used as block. The first factor was three different dosages of micro nutrient fertilizer as 0, 20, and 40 kg/ha. The second factor was harvest ages as 7, 8, and 10 months after planting (MAP). The micro nutrient fertilizer mainly contents of 5,888 ppm Fe and 1,368 ppm Zn. Variables were leaf number (LN), leaf fresh weight (LFW), leaf dry weight (LDW), stem fresh weight (SFW), stem dry weight (SDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), skin root fresh weight (SRFW), skin root dry weight (SRDW), starch content, and activity of SSIV gene. The result showed that RDW of cassava applied by 40 kg micro nutrient/ha was significantly increased at 10 MAP. The increase in RDW was due to mainly high SSIV gene activity. Additionally, the SSIV gene activity caused by 20 kg micro nutrient/ha treatment showed almost as twice as those by 40 kg micro nutrient/ha. Keywords: Real-time PCR, Root dry weight, Root yield, Starch, Stem dry weight


The combination of satellite network and IP network has become a hot topic,since the further development of Internet service needs increased bandwidth and mobility.TCP is the major transmission protocol of TCP/IP protocol stack,and its transmission efficiency in the network is one of the key factors that influence the transmission performance of IP network.The paper describes the features of satellite IP,analyzes the transmission performance of TCP in satellite network based on issues such as the high channel error rate,long transmission delay and asymmetric channels of satellite network,and introduces some research results of this field in recent years.


The initial motion of stretched spring, plucked in the middle, was captured with a high speed video camera. The motion is surprising, but the behaviour is similar to that when a guitar string is plucked or when a slinky is held vertically and the top end is released.


In this paper a preliminary study of modelling and simulation of water distribution networks (WDN) within a discrete event system specification (DEVS) formalism framework is presented. Elements of WDN could exhibit both discrete and continuous dynamics simultaneously e.g. a discrete pump control based on the water level in the tank. Systems where discrete and continuous dynamics are present are called hybrid systems. Modelling and simulation of hybrid systems introduce difficulty of handling discontinuities during the simulation. Most water network simulators uses time slicing approach typical for simulation of continuous systems, here quantization of the states is proposed leading to an asynchronous discrete-event simulation model. Such approach in which hybrid systems modelled within DEVS framework are simulated using quantisation-based integration methods has not been applied to WDNs. This paper presents a feasibility study of modelling and simulation of WDNs within the DEVS framework. The outcome is compared with results obtained from the EPANET simulator.


The need for a relatively high-speed analogue multiplier is discussed and the types of multiplier likely to meet this need at reasonable cost are investigated. It is concluded that the modulated square-wave type of multiplier using transistor modulators will be most suitable. The extension of the scope of the multiplier to operate with inputs of either sign is discussed. The causes of the various errors in the multiplier are examined and an overall accuracy of within ±2% is quoted. An explanation of the method used to ensure a good frequency response is given, and the transfer function of various parts of the circuit analysed. The experimental results are quoted as being similar in amplitude to a transfer of 1/(1 + 5 × 10?4j?), although the phase shift is considerably better than this. A number of circuits used to protect the transistors against damaging conditions are discussed. Special attention is given to a separate transistor circuit which disconnects all the power supplies in the event of an irregularity in any one of them.


The coupling of multiple plasmonic resonators that sustain bright or dark modes provide intriguing spectral signatures. However, probing the onset of coupling effects while engaging the resonators with an increasing proximity has not yet been studied experimentally in detail. Nevertheless, this is of utmost importance to bridge the phenomenological understanding with the peculiarities of real-world-samples. Here, we take advantage of the ability to control spatial dimensions of THz metasurfaces deep in the sub-wavelength domain to study different regimes that occur while coupling split-ring-resonators that sustain a bright and a dark mode with increasing strength. We identify the length scales at which the resonators are uncoupled and then enter the regimes of weak, moderate, and strong coupling. It is shown that a strong coupling takes place only at distances smaller than one hundredth of the resonance wavelength. Understanding the features that emerge from such hybridization is important to take advantage of fundamental effects in metamaterials such as classical analogs of electromagnetically induced transparency, lasing spaser, near-field manipulation, and sensing with dark mode resonances.