Nearly a century ago, in 1913, the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation in New York City almost single‐handedly created American tropical medicine research. Through a focused programme of philanthropic support for research on the treatment and prevention of infections such as malaria, yellow fever and hookworm, they initiated efforts to fight those diseases that affect the world's poorest nations. Simultaneous funding for The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, new institutions of public health at Johns Hopkins and Harvard University, and overseas research and educational institutions in Brazil and China further created an infrastructure by which American tropical disease research and development was supported and sustained.

> The dwindling resources for developing world health in the context of a booming stock market and economic growth and prosperity threatened to tarnish the 1990s as a decade of moral outrage

The development of the yellow fever vaccine and the eradication of malaria in many parts of the world are among the many achievements that resulted from the Rockefeller initiative. But the last two decades have witnessed a decrease in clinical and laboratory tropical disease research. During this period, the Rockefeller Foundation gradually moved away from funding biomedical research and left this task to organisations without experience in tropical disease research, such as the MacArthur Foundation. Unfortunately, these foundations were not prepared or committed to support work in this difficult field in the long term. Moreover, both the Tropical Disease Research programme of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the international programmes of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) suffered from chronic under‐funding. Thus, during the late 1980s and early 1990s, American scientists began leaving research on tropical diseases at an alarming rate. This scientific exodus occurred at a time when 2 million children were dying each year from malaria, when children's …


During the period of the global crisis, from the second half of 2008 to the first half of 2010, central banking policy was focused on the cutting of the key interest rates and increasing of the money supply. The monetary policy in the
euro area played very significant role in stabilization of the financial markets. European central bank implemented a very wide set of the unconventional non-standard measures and through them it succeeded to prevent credit crunch and fall of the financial markets, even a deeper one than it has actually occurred. However, monetary policy in euro area has a specific problem: it is burdened by fiscal heterogeneity of the euro area. Croatian national bank successfully preserved the liquidity in the system by operating through the banking capital channel, but impact on real sector was
also limited. The aim of the paper is to analyze the functioning of monetary transmission channels during the global crisis and to answer how effective in that period was monetary policy, especially in euro area and in Croatia. The
special accent is put on the similarity between the situation in which monetary policy was in USA during the Great Depression and situation in which monetary policy was in year 2008 and 2009, especially in euro area, but in Croatia too. According to Keynesian liquidity trap, it is possible to put the question: is the monetary policy in the liquidity trap again?


ASYMPTOMATIC inherited macrothrombocytopenia of Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) is characterised by a low platelet count (<100 × 109 platelets/l), increased mean platelet volume (MPV) and, as a consequence, a normal plateletcrit ([Bertazzolo and others 2007][1], [Tvedten and others 2008][2


Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is a gynecological cancer with the highest death incidence worldwide. It is treated with surgery and chemotherapeutic drugs: platinum or taxane. However, around 80% of patients have disease progression into more aggressive and chemoresistant cancer. Mitochondria are structures inside both normal and cancer cells which are central to the cell´s metabolism by supplying energy and metabolites for growth. Mitochondria are also known to be involved in motility and in chemoresistance, but it is not clear how they do that. The functions of mitochondria are regulated by certain proteins. The research group has a cell line that is highly chemoresistant and which lacks one protein, named PGC1α, crucial for regulation of mitochondrial function. These cells also had changes in the mitochondrial appearance and became more motile compared to a similar cell line that is less resistant. Here, these cell lines were used to study the role of PGC1a in cell motility and metabolism. We compared the cells with respect to levels of proteins known to be present in motile and aggressive cells. We examined cell metabolism by investigating cell growth in different nutrients like glucose, glutamine, galactose or in the absence of those compounds, and examined mitochondrial function when cells were starved of nutrients. Furthermore, the effect on motility of drugs that could potentially increase the level of PGC1α was investigated. Finally, we examined if shutting down PGC1a in chemosensitive cells would lead to a changed mitochondrial appearance and increased motility. The results showed differences in cell metabolism in the cell lines which might mean that the resistant cells have greater abilities to adjust to different stresses compared to chemo-sensitive cells. We found that cis-platin resistant cells expressed proteins known to be needed for the cells to be motile and to be able to spread to other organs. However, we could not affect cell motility by any drug treatment. Moreover, when we targeted gene coding for PGC1a we observed changes in mitochondrial appearance. However, this did not affect cell motility. The best way to fight your enemy is to know it better. This study helps to understand how cancer cells can move and spread to other organs, and why they are often very resistant to chemotherapy. Supervisor: Dr. Maria Shoshan, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet Master´s Degree Project in Molecular Biology 60 credits, 2016 Department of Biology, Lund University (Less)


Ethics is the written code of rules of right conduct for societies, professions, and all bodies of people having a common interest in the advancement of themselves in their individual relations to each other, and of the growth and advancement of the class to which they belong. Politics has for its main object the betterment of the forms of government; and political societies, professions and systems grow in importance as nations or states are made up of people willing to mold their personal conduct to a harmonious general standard in respect to each other's rights as defined by law. Ethics must be construed to mean the right conduct of people toward each other in their associate relations; and so the ethics of a professional class must define the right conduct of individual members of that class, in the growth and advancement of the whole body. The ethics of the medical


The paper gives a brief description of the variation of insulation-surface conductance under artificial rain from dry conditions until steady-state wetting is achieved. The effect of wetting on insulator voltage distribution is examined. Wet flashover tests with alternating voltage and switching impulses of both polarities on simple insulator models as well as long insulator chains and supporting columns are described with a view to clarifying the flashover mechanism. Comparison is made between conventional artificial rain and pulsating rain obtained from special wettest apparatus which permits longer spraying distances. An account is given of the variation of the dispersion of the flashover voltage under different test conditions.


This paper examines the rhetoric underlying policies for technological innovation in Australia over the past five or six years. The analysis is based on two approaches to policies for technological innovation which compete in the political arena: non-interventionism and economic nationalism. These approaches are completely general and aim to outline the scope of the rhetoric surrounding policies for technological innovation. Major policy statements and reports of the Liberal government prior to the federal election in March 1983 are analysed in terms of the two approaches, as is the Science and Technology Platform and pre-election statements of the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Recent policy initiatives taken by the Labor government are also reviewed. It is concluded that the rhetoric of the non-interventionist approach has dominated the development of policies for technological innovation up to March 1983. The ALP rhetoric is more in line with economic nationalism and this is seen to provide some challen...


The field of use of gas detectors has been considerably extended through the addition of a third electrode in a parallel plane geometry. Apart from the possibility of obtaining spectrometric performances, pictures of objects emitting an X radiation may be obtained. Detection efficiency can be important when the filling gas is xenon which has a high atomic number. A polyatomic vapour must be added to ensure great electronic amplification. The localization data is provided either by a spark or by an electron avalanche. In this study we were interested in the light accompanying the electron avalanche. In this proportional mode, two kinds of information are available (a) the energy information given by the number of electrons of the avalanche head and (b) the spatial information from the light emitted during the avalanche. A coincidence measurement was made between the electric information constituted by the electrons of the avalanche head and the light information coming from the output slit of a grating monochromator. Coincidence information, which varies numerically in proportion to the number of avalanches per second, is sent to a recorder whose speed is co-related with the rotation speed of the grating. Minute by minute automatic zero reset of the recording enables a picture to be obtained by means of wave length intervals whose width is governed by the rotation speed of the grating.


It analyzed the relationship between black box model and product design and built the black box model of the pencil sharpener in the design process.As basic method of black box,it created the function structure through based on the customers′ needs through process description,sub-function design,creation of function structure,verification and components identification.So that it built a clear relationship between product design and customers′ needs to transformed product design problem into a simple problem and improved design efficiency.


Addiction is a complex mental and behavioral disorder that changes the neurochemistry and physiology of the brain. Genetics also plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of addiction.1 Drug addiction, whether it is mono or poly drug addiction is a major problem in Pakistan, it is defined as a maladaptive form of drug or illicit use leading to clinically significant distress or impairment, while an individual may also suffer from withdrawal and tolerance. As we know that drug addiction or abuse is a common problem worldwide, including Pakistan.2 According to World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan is categorized as low income country of Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) region with a population of more than 20 million people among which, 97% of Pakistani population is predominantly Muslim, with highly conventional customs and traditions governing the lives of many people. These people showed to follow Islamic and cultural norms and values. All substances of abuse are publicly despised in Pakistani culture, also in their religion. Usage of drugs consider harmful and known to be prevalent among people. Government does warranting determinations to increase awareness about harmful effects of drugs and to change attitudes of people and prevention of the addiction.3In Pakistan, the prevalence of drug addiction is increasing at an alarming rate. According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) and the reports of United Nations (UN), Pakistan has 7.6 million drug addicts, where 78% are males and 22% are females.4,5 However, the risk factors, which are increasing vulnerability towards addiction, remain largely elusive. The ratio of the problem of substance has increased and not decreased by any effort of the government. Pakistan became a marked trafficking route for illicit drugs, especially heroin, due to increased opium production in Afghanistan, and 2670 kilometers land border of Afghanistan is shared with Pakistan. Most of the drugs come from Afghanistan, a country that is held responsible for 75% of the world's heroin. UNDOC estimates that 800,000 Pakistanis aged between 15 and 64 used heroin regularly. Drug use or abuse became a more divergent dilemma in Pakistan, that's why Government of Pakistan takes a very serious notice of this matter of use, or addiction of illicit drugs or substance.6 Substances categorized as stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens and opioids are being abused throughout the world including Pakistan. Addiction to opioids including other illicit substances is a chronic, relapsing multifactorial disorder of brain and, if left untreated, major medical, social, and economic problems arise. Substance addiction is among major health issues faced by the world including Pakistan. Its effect on physical and psychological health and become leading cause of other problems. Drug addiction can also be known as an initial chronic neurological problem, with hereditary, psychological, social, environmental and cognitive features that influence development and appearance of an individual or a person. Different behaviors as like the disturbed control or impulsivity for substance abuse and constant use of illicit substances deprived of harmful effects occurs due to addiction of drug.3 Substance use disorder such as opium, alcohol or other illicit substances is very serious community health problems now a days in Pakistan. Drug addiction is also associated with many risk factors like aggression, violence, isolation and emotion dysregulation. There are many established and significant psychosocial risk factors like parental relationship, lack of achievement and motivation, self-esteem, psychological stress and attention seeking behavior that are found positively correlated with substance abuse or addiction in Pakistan. A person who is stigmatized as addict has more negative social support from friends, family and others. The major reason behind this is that a person, who is dependent of drugs, has been rejected by the society due to substance addiction or his addictive behavior, but sometime a drug dependence has positive approach towards their friends and family because both support them in a good way, to take them away from the curse of addiction. While, those friends who never respond positively to drug dependence and they may be the cause for their substance usage, and may lead towards severe aggression and emotion dysregulation.6 Effects of substance addiction are always negative, it confirm that after substance addiction the addicts exhibit highly careless manners. Their income drop down and they reduce economic contribution in nourishment of their family. Mostly their earning is consumed on buying substance.7 The dependent members are liberated from dependence of addicts as they start economic activities of their own or the addicts are not capable of earning, hence deserted. The addicts lead miserable life as they remain under heavy debt as they take loan from friends and their poor health demand high expenditure with low economic performance. Drug abuse is hazardous and known to be prevalent among people, there is need to increase awareness about harmful effects and to change attitudes.7 There is need of educating our society specially students about the adverse effects and the moral and religious implications of substance abuse is more likely to have a positive impact than increased policing and prevention of drug use. There is lack student-counseling facilities, awareness programs, and rehabilitation centers in Pakistan. The health system need more progress for the prevention of drug addiction.Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, inaugurated the 13-bedded Centre for Drug Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre at Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan on 20th February, 2020 in order to make the genuine effort towards the alleviation of sufferings. The vision is to transform the newly established center into the model addicts treatment and rehabilitation center (MATRCs).


Earthquake resistant structures are capable of resisting lateral and vertical forces acting on the structures. But no structures can entirely survive during earthquake without any damages. According to codes, earthquake resistant structures are designed to withstand expected earthquake at least to occur once during the design life of the structure. Reinforced concrete buildings are analyzed and designed to meet the requirements of relevant codes of practice. Such buildings designed as per codal provision will survive during earthquake with minor damages of structural elements. Many of the countries have their own codes of practice for Earthquake Resistant structures. The buildings are designed and detailed as per codes. This paper gives the review on performance of buildings towards seismic load for various designs. The review explains the need of improvement in codes, thus improve the performance of structures better during earthquake. The framework was also tested for P-analysis and adjustments required from time to time have been made after the IBC code .When the steel resistance frame was developed in accordance with IS-800: 2007 based on these analytical methods. In the process of naming this stage it has been repeated many times until all the standards specified in IS 800 have been met. The developed framework was then analyzed and the results were compared according to the categories used. The costeffectiveness of both methods has been compared. Also the basic design that contains the base plate is made according to IS 800: 2007. Important statistics are calculated and statistics are created. The software used for analyze and design is STAAD Pro. Both at the time of design and analysis the calculations performed were performed and compared.


In this paper we propose a novel method to cluster categorical data while retaining their context. Typically, clustering is performed on numerical data. However it is often useful to cluster categorical data as well, especially when dealing with data in real-world contexts. Several methods exist which can cluster categorical data, but our approach is unique in that we use recent text-processing and machine learning advancements like GloVe and tSNE to develop a a context-aware clustering approach (using pre-trained word embeddings). We encode words or categorical data into numerical, context-aware, vectors that we use to cluster the data points using common clustering algorithms like K-means.


Additional list of seventy-one species of sawflies recorded from the Russian Far East in the last years is given. The genera Apethymus Benson, 1939, Endelomyia Ashmead, 1898, Masaakia Takeuchi, 1950, Parasiobla Ashmead, 1898, Parna Benson, 1936, Phymatocera Dahlbom, 1835, Pikonema Ross, 1937, Pseudodineura Konow, 1885, and Spinarge Wei, 1998 are newly recorded from the Russian Far East. Synonymized Propodea Malaise, 1945, Cladius (Priophorus) pallipes (Serville, 1823), and Konowia betulae (Enslin, 1911) are excluded from the list of symphytan fauna of the Russian Far East.


In order to capture the evader quickly, this paper proposes the pursuit system based on artificial immune networks model. In this system, we simulated the evader as an antigen, the evader's behavior as the antigen response, the pursuer as a B cell, the pursuer's behavior as the antibody. In order to capture the evader quickly, robots cooperate with each other to constitute a valid encirclement. In the algorithm this collaborative relationship is shown as stimulation and suppression effect between antibodies. Simulation experiment results verify multi-robot can pursuit the evader quickly by application of the algorithm.


Presumption of innocence is a generally recognized principle in most of the democratic countries, and its litigant value is free of any questioning. Despite the cry of many scholars for its recognition in China, it is not yet an accepted principle. This paper analyses the conception and value of the presumption of innocence, and the significance of introducing it into China so as to protect the human right.


Contents: Introduction. Self, Identity, Cultural Identity, and African American Cultural Identity. Communication Competence. African American Language and Communication Styles. African American Relationships and Cultural Identity Negotiation. Conclusions.


We extend theorems of Breuillard–Kalantar–Kennedy–Ozawa on unital reduced crossed products to the non-unital case under mild assumptions. As a result simplicity of C∗-algebras is stable under taking reduced crossed product over discrete C∗-simple groups, and a similar result for uniqueness of tracial weight. Interestingly, our analysis on tracial weights involves von Neumann algebra theory. Our generalizations have two applications. The first is to locally compact groups. We establish stability results of (non-discrete) C∗-simplicity and the unique trace property under discrete group extensions. The second is to the twisted crossed product. Thanks to the Packer–Raeburn theorem, our results lead to (generalizations of) the results of Bryder–Kennedy by a different method.


Currently, the levels of VHF and UHF man-made noise (MMN) in the electromagnetic environment are documented in the ITU-R recommendation (2001), based on research undertaken in the 1970s. In an effort to update this information, Mass Consultants Ltd. (MASS) conducted a measurement study on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency (now Ofcom). The programme of work included the building of a noise measurement facility (NMF) to collect and analyse MMN data between 100 MHz and 3 GHz with bandwidths up to 10 MHz. Analysis employed the Rayleigh and Weibull distributions to model white Gaussian noise (WGN) and impulsive noise (IN) components, respectively, through the generation of the amplitude probability distribution (APD). The results of this analysis suggest that the majority of MMN is comprised of WGN and that this level is higher than previous research would suggest. The IN component has also been modeled in a form that would be suitable for inclusion in the ITU-R standard on radio noise using just the mean and standard deviation of the Weibull distribution.


We present an algorithm that estimates the changing pose of a rigidly moving subject, based on tomographic projections of fiducial markers. The pose estimates can then be used as input data to motion-compensated image reconstruction methods. The proposed algorithm is in the family of so-called optimization transfer algorithms, which have been applied more frequently to tomographic image reconstruction (e.g., the ML-EM algorithm for PET). The algorithm is particularly relevant to the class of slowly-rotating, point-of-care cone beam CT systems, which have recently become prominent in otolaryngological and dental clinics for head and neck scanning. These systems are more compact and inexpensive than traditional CT systems, but because of their slower gantry rotation, are more susceptible to patient head motion over the course of the scan. A virtue of our algorithm is that it does not require a priori knowledge of the marker geometry. The relative positions of the markers are co-estimated together with their 6 degree of freedom position/orientation in each projection view. This means that the marker configuration can be deformably adjusted to fit different patients, giving considerably more flexibility in the design of the marker-to-head attachment gear than with conventional fiducial-based approaches. Our algorithm is also both fast and accurate. In a highly sub-optimal MATLAB implementation, we typically achieve motion estimates yielding sub-millimeter positioning error in 15–30 seconds. We also present motion-compensated reconstructions from real CT acquisitions as evidence of motion-estimation performance.


On the basis of Littlewood-Paley theory and Fourier transforms,this paper is devoted to study of a class of Marcinkiewicz integral operators associated with Surfaces of Revolution on Rn.Some rather weak size condi-tions,which imply the Lp-boundedness of these operators for some (2γ/((3-2α)γ-2))p(2γ/((2α-1)γ+2)) are given.


Thick GaN layers have been grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) on different GaN templates grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. Crack formation could be reduced by using a hydrogen/nitrogen carrier gas mixture. We found strongly different HVPE layer quality when templates grown by different groups have been used, although these templates showed very much the same basic properties. Over 100 µm thick crack-free HVPE layers with extremely flat surface could be grown on optimized templates. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)


The depth of cut changed periodically along the contour of the cutting surfaces. The diamond tool of sharp point tip was used in diamond cutting microstructured surfaces with Fast Tool Serve (FTS). All reported the cutting force model were not suitable for accurately predicting cutting force. A cutting forces model concerned with edge radius, spring back and dynamic shear angle was proposed for diamond cutting microstructured surfaces. The model was verified with a series of experimental results. The results showed that the proposed model was able to exactly predict the cutting force.


Objective: To assess the effects of low-dose acetazolamide treatment on volumetric MRI markers and clinical outcome in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Methods: We analyzed MRI and gait measures from 8 patients with iNPH with serial MRIs from an institutional review board–approved imaging protocol who had been treated off-label with low-dose acetazolamide (125–375 mg/day). MRI studies included fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and 3D T1-weighted high-resolution imaging. Automated analyses were employed to quantify each patient's ventricular, global white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and periventricular WMH (PVH) volumes prior to and throughout treatment. Clinical outcome was based on gait changes assessed quantitatively using the Boon scale. Results: Five of 8 patients responded positively to treatment, with median gait improvement of 4 points on the Boon scale. A significant decrease in PVH volume (−6.1 ± 1.9 mL, p = 0.002) was seen in these patients following treatment. One patient's gait was unchanged and 2 patients demonstrated worsened gait and were referred for shunt surgery. No reduction in PVH volume was detected in the latter 2 patients. Nonperiventricular WMH and lateral ventricle volumes remained largely unchanged in all patients. Conclusions: These preliminary findings provide new evidence that low-dose acetazolamide can reduce PVH and may improve gait in iNPH. PVH volume, reflecting transependymal CSF, is shown to be a potential MRI indicator of pharmacologic intervention effectiveness. Further studies of pharmacologic treatment of iNPH are needed and may be enhanced by incorporating quantitative MRI outcomes. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that low-dose acetazolamide reverses PVH volume and, in some cases, improves gait in iNPH.


I n Gerhard Klein and Wolfgang Kohlhaase's 1965 film Berlin um die Ecke (Berlin around the Corner) Horst, a young East Berliner, reminisces about his short stay in the West: 'I went to the movies every day', he says, 'sometimes twice. And not like the flicks we have here: Lovers doing self-critique' ('Liebespaar macht Selbstkritik'). Horst's sneering appraisal of the East German film studios' inferiority rests on their inability to produce a convincing love story. DEFA's couples, it seems, are interested more in principles than in passion. Indeed, Horst's statement captures a sense felt by many audiences of early East German movies: there is something de facto unromantic about these productions. This is not to say there were no love plots during this period. As a March 1953 editorial in Neues Deutschland pointed out: 'There is hardly a film made by DEFA in which love relationships do not play a thematic role'. Yet something feels amiss in these love stories: they seem uncomfortably suspended between genres, stranded halfway between realism and romance. The following investigation explores this intuition, examining the fraught ambivalence around the treatment of romantic plots in 1950s East German film culture. The changing fortunes of East German romance reveal the inconsistency of an uncharacteristically erratic party line. In the early part of the decade GDR cultural policy underwent an extensive revision, reversing the mandate of cultural producers overnight while insisting that the underlying principles remained the same. This drift – in fact a fairly precipitous slide – toward a romantic model associated more with Lubitsch than with Lenin did not just represent a capitulation to the West or a concession to the demands of GDR audiences, but rather it marked an internal rift in the ideological self-understanding of the socialist party (SED). If the cultural climate of the GDR's socialist construction phase (the late 1940s and early 1950s) was inherently inhospitable to the flowering of romance, this seems most readily attributable to a contradiction between the traditions of romantic narrative and the demands of doctrinal socialist realism. Whereas the former insists on narrative and ideological autonomy, on what Piotr Fast in a short but evocative chapter on romantic conventions in Soviet socialist realism calls the 'autotelicity' of love, the latter by definition 'evaluates the individual, particular experience of reality from the standpoint of the future [socialist] society'. In the early 1950s even love stories are subject to socialist realism's characteristic politicisation of any and all intimate interpersonal ties; here, desire is cut to the measure of politics. Roman einer jungen Ehe (Story of a Young Couple, 1952), directed by Kurt Maetzig and written by Maetzig and Bodo Uhse, exemplified this dynamic. The 'young couple' in the title are Jochen (Hans-Peter Thielen) and Agnes (Yvonne Merin), struggling actors in post-war Berlin. While Jochen drifts into the not-so-successfully denazified West German theatre scene, Agnes inclines toward the East, working on a highly political – and in Jochen's eyes shamelessly propagandistic – film project. Eventually the political divisions between Agnes and Film History, Volume 18, pp. 88–103, 2006. Copyright © John Libbey Publishing ISSN: 0892-2160. Printed in United States of America


Objective:To investigate possible mechanism of toxicarioside A in HS-5 bone stromal cells.Methods:HS-5 bone stromal cells were cultured in media supplemented with various concentrations of toxicarioside A or control DMSO(not treatment).Endoglin and TGF-βwere detected by Northern and Western blot analysis and quantified in a standard method. Downstream molecules of endoglin and TGF-β(Smad1,Smad2 and their active phosphorylated counterparts,pSmad1 and pSmad2) were also detected and quantified by Western blot analysis. In addition,cell proliferation assay and small interfering RNA(siRNA) against endoglin were used to certificate the function of endolgin in the HS-5 cells.Results:Compared with the not treated(0μg/mL) or DMSO treated control HS-5 cells,HS-5 cells treated with toxicarioside A were found significant attenuation of endolgin and TGF-βexpression.Significant inhibition of cell proliferation was also found in the HS-5 cells treated with toxicarioside A.ALK1-related Smad1 and ALK5-related Smad2 were decreased in HS-5 cells treated with toxicarioside A.In addition,phosphorylated Smad1(pSmad1) and Smad2(pSmad2) were also found attenuation in toxicarioside A-treated HS-5 cells.RNA interference showed that blockage of endoglin by siRNA also decreased Smad1 and Smad2 expression in HS-5 cells.Conclusions:Our results indicate that toxicarioside A can influence bone marrow stromal HS-5's function and inhibit HS-5 cell proliferation by alteration of endoglin-related ALK1(Smad1) and ALK5(Smad2) signaling.


Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with diabetes are at increased risk of cirrhosis and liver‐related death, and thus accurate fibrosis assessment in these patients is important. We examined the ability of non‐invasive fibrosis models to determine cirrhosis and outcomes in NAFLD patients with and without diabetes.


Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) offer a large number of new potential applications. One of the envisioned applications is of course Internet access, which can be provided with the help of some roadside basestations. Many of the applications benefit from multi-hop relaying of information, thus requiring a routing protocol. Characteristics unique to VANETs (such as high mobility and the need for geographical addressing) make many conventional ad hoc routing protocols unsuitable. In this paper we design and evaluate two different, so called, geocast protocols for VANETs. One protocol is designed for fast communication across a large area. The purpose of the other protocol is to provide a routing service for a future reliable transport protocol (enabling Internet applications). We evaluate the performance of the protocols using realistic network and traffic models. (Less)


BACKGROUND: Postnatal care for six weeks after giving birth is vital for the health of both mother and newborn. The postnatal period is dangerous for both mother and baby, where morbidity and mortality are highly prevalent if proper care is not done. PNC visits should be more noticed, creating a missing link towards safe motherhood. This research examines the social and cultural influences that affect postnatal care practices among mothers with infants under one.
METHOD: This study utilized a combination of methods, primarily emphasizing quantitative techniques. It was conducted in Madi, Rapti, and Ratnanagar municipalities in Chitwan, utilizing a cluster random sampling technique. Data was gathered through 527 face-to-face interviews utilizing a structured questionnaire for quantitative data, six focus group discussions and three key informant interviews for qualitative data. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using logistic regression and by the thematic content analysis method, respectively. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21.
RESULT: Based on the study's findings, it was revealed that most participants surveyed were between the ages of 20 and 24 and engaged in household and agricultural work. Of the 527 respondents, 79.1% were aware of partial postnatal visits, only 20.9% knew about complete postnatal visits, and 11.8% reported practicing PNC visits. Our analysis, which employed binary logistic regression, uncovered that social and cultural factors significantly impacted postnatal care visits and practices. The most influential factors for PNC visits and practices were occupation, antenatal care visits, mode of delivery, time to reach healthcare facilities and healthcare-seeking behavior. Qualitative data was also collected through FGD and IDIs to support our quantitative data, and both analyses indicated that social and cultural factors influence postnatal care visits among mothers.
CONCLUSION: Fewer mothers reported about aware and complete Postnatal care visit. The major confounding factors for PNC visits and practices were occupation, antenatal care visits, mode of delivery, time to reach health facilities, and healthcare-seeking behaviour. It is essential to involve both traditional and religious leaders to address these issues effectively. Local health organizations should conduct postnatal care visits by going door-to-door to identify and manage problems.

Key words: Postnatal Care, Visit, Mother, Social, Cultural, Factors, Nepal


The present paper deals with the sliding mode control of a three-phase shunt active filter SAPF. This one has to improve power quality by compensation for harmonics of non-linear load in power distribution systems. The sliding mode control is among the effective techniques in transient and steady-state regimes. Usually, the sliding mode control uses hysteresis a regulator resulting in variable switching frequency, however, in this paper, this frequency is kept constant by modulating the output control signal. The nonlinear load harmonics and reactive power are identified using the well-known p-q theory. To measure the performances of the proposed control, a comparative analysis is given using conventional PI control. As expected, the obtained results, using simulation tests, have confirmed the performances of the sliding mode control, and its superiority to the conventional PI control.


A wide range of environmental stimuli including heat, oxygen deprivation, teratogens, heavy metals, ethyl alcohol, amino acid analogues etc., is known t o induce the synthesis of a family of stress proteins in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (Ashbumer & Bonner, 1979). The functions of these inducible stress proteins are poorly understood. Schlesinger ef al. (1982) have hypothesized that the induction of these proteins could defend the cell exposed t o an environmental insult from further damage by modifying the nuclear and the cytoplasmic cytoskeleton so t o protect the metabolic apparatus from the stimulus persistance and t o adapt consequently. In addition, the process of cell adaptation t o adverse environmental factors is known t o involve the cell's ability to modify the chemical complexion of the membrane and to alter the activity of membrane-associated enzymes including transport processes (Quinn, 1983). We have recently shown that the exposure of chick embryo fibroblasts t o a hyperosmolar medium results in an increase of amino acid-transport activity. This change appears t o be restricted t o the A system of mediation for neutral amino acids, to be dependent on both active transcrip tion and translation, and t o require a continuous exposure of the cells t o the hyperosmolar stimulus (Tramacere et al., 1984a,h). I n pursuing a correlation between the probable increase in the number of transport molecules and the alteration of gene expression in cells exposed t o a hyperosmolar environment, we studied the pattern of polypeptides synthesized during the adaptation process t o a hyperosmolar stress. Secondary cultures of chick embryo fibroblasts were exposed t o 0.5 OSM in complete culture medium. Labelling was performed between 0.5 and 3 or 18.5 and 21 h of the hyperosmolar treatment. Cells were then solubilized in SDS/sariiple buffer and the labelled proteins were separated on 10% (w/v) SDS/polyacrylamide slab gel (Laemmli, 1970) and detected by fluorography as described by Bonner & Laskey ( 1 974). The effect of cell exposure for 3 or 21 h t o a 0.5 OSM medium on the pattern of protein synthesis was examined. When the pattern of polypeptides synthesized during the treatment was compared with those synthesized by untreated cells, the synthesis of certain proteins appeared reduced whereas for others there was a clear enhancement. As shown in Fig. 1 , after 3 h of hyperosmolar treatment four proteins with apparent M , of 76 000, 59 000, 5 1 000 and 38000 were synthesized in smaller amounts than in control cells, meanwhile others (Mr 63 000 and 36000) were synthesized in greater amounts. When cells were labelled between 18.5 and 21 h ofhyperosmolar treatment, the synthesis of those polypeptides that a t 3 h of hyperosmolar exposure appeared reduced or increased, returned


access to resources are more than adequate to ensure at least the basic requirements of life for all, especially all our children. Yet increasing numbers of our children struggle to grow up in the face of abuse, insecurity, malnourishment, lack of love, and vulnerability to emotional and physical illness. As a nation, we seem to be developing an awareness of this reality with our governments and health care organizations now speaking out about the needs of our children.


Evaluation of six insecticides viz., Azadiractin1% (1000ppm) Neem oil, Baeuveria bassiana 1% WP, Bacillus thuriengiensis var kurstaki 5% WP, Metarhizium anisopliae 1.0% WP, Verticillium lecanii 1.15% WP and Ha NPV 250 LE were evaluated against Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) larvae. The Gram Pod Borer (GPB) larval population was counted on 5 randomly selected plants at 24 hr. before spray and at 3, 7 and 10 days after spray. The two-years experiment was conducted during Rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 at the Rehti Farm of school of Agriculture, Mhow, experimental field of Department of Entomology, BRAUSS, (MP). All the biopesticides significantly reduced the GPB larval population. The Pooled GPB population varied from 2.30 to 2. 50 larvae/plant during Rabi season one day prior tothe first spray. The population was significantly lower with Bacillus thuriengiensis var kurstaki 5% WP, followed by Ha NPV 250 LE, Baeuveria bassiana 1% WP, Metarhizium anisopliae 1.0% WP and Azadiractina 1% (1000ppm) Neem oil, these five biopesticides are showing best management effects on the GPB larvae and pod damaging per cent and remain, and least effective treatment was Verticillium lecanii 1.15% WP. The maximum reduction of larval population and pod damaging per cent. In Rabi season, the highest chickpea grain yield was obtained with Bacillus thuriengiensis var kurstaki at 5% WP.


Current literature dealing with the bacteriological diagnosis of diphtheria has revealed a disquieting failure of methods which until recently had been accepted as allsufficient.1 2 The recent epidemic of diphtheria in Bristol, associated with the presence of the gravis, mitis, and intermediate types of the organism, has supplied an opportunity of testing and comparing various methods in the hope of finding one giving reliable results with speed and reasonable ease in technique. The methods investigated have involved the use of (a) Loeffler slopes, (b) Loeffler slopes modified by the addition of glycerin, and (c) blood-tellurite media inoculated either directly from the swabs or from the growths on the Loeffler slopes. The hope of finding one all-sufficing method has not been realized, but the evidence suggests that the combined use of a Loeffler slope containing glycerin and a blood-tellurite plate would result in a marked decrease in the number of otherwise " missed " cases without an unreasonable increase in the amount of routine work involved. Two thousand swabs have been examined by the different methods in parallel experiments. They were received from general practitioners, isolation hospitals, and other institutions, and therefore included primary swabs sent for the diagnosis of suspected fresh cases, or for the identification of cttrriers, and repeat swabs taken with a view to determining freedom from infectiveness in known cases and carriers. The majority were obtained from the throat and nose, but a few were from the ear and eye.


There is confusion in China's colleges commercial law curriculum materials preparing and commercial law courses teaching methods can not meet the needs of practice for the present.This has closely relation with the condition that our country's research on the construction of commercial law course start lately and less energy been put into.Commercial law in history has no recognized system also posed a great obstacle to the commercial law courses building.So we have to coordinate the relationship between the commercial law and other law course in the preparation of commercial law teaching materials and curricula,extracted from the red line in sub-rule of commercial law and to innovative teaching methods in commercial law courses practice.


Energy efficiency and computing flexibility are some of the primary design constraints of heterogeneous computing. In this paper, we present FlashAbacus, a data-processing accelerator that self-governs heterogeneous kernel executions and data storage accesses by integrating many flash modules in lightweight multiprocessors. The proposed accelerator can simultaneously process data from different applications with diverse types of operational functions, and it allows multiple kernels to directly access flash without the assistance of a host-level file system or an I/O runtime library. We prototype FlashAbacus on a multicore-based PCIe platform that connects to FPGA-based flash controllers with a 20 nm node process. The evaluation results show that FlashAbacus can improve the bandwidth of data processing by 127%, while reducing energy consumption by 78.4%, as compared to a conventional method of heterogeneous computing.


The proposed algorithm uses the wavelet transform (WT) to detect the QRS complex of an electrocardiogram (ECG). Compared to other algorithms, which only use WT zero-crossing points, this algorithm detects the ECG characteristic points by a combination of the maxima and the zero-crossings of the WT. This algorithm can easily distinguish the QRS complex by comparison with prior work. The detection method and results are presented.


Brushless dc motor drives have become increasingly
popular, following recent developments in rare-earth
permanent-magnet materials and the semiconductor devices used
to control the stator input power and to sense the rotor
position. They are now frequently used in applications such
as flight control systems and robot actuators, and for
drives which require high reliability, long life, little
maintenance and a high torque-to-weight ratio. In many motor
drives the presence of torque and speed ripples, especially
at low speed, is extremely undesirable. The mathematical
model developed in this thesis was used to investigate their
occurrence in a typical brushless dc drive system, with the
objective of establishing factors which effect their
magnitude and ways by which they may be reduced. The model
is based on the numerical solution of the differential
equations for the system, with those for the motor being
formulated in the phase reference frame. Tensor methods are
used to account for both the varying topology and the
discontinuous operation of the motor arising from changes in
the conduction pattern of the inverter supply switches.
The thesis describes the design, construction and testing
of an experimental voltage source PWM inverter, using MOSFET
switching devices, to drive a 1.3 kW 3-phase brushless dc
motor. A practical circuit is described which implements
current profiling to minimize torque ripple, and the optimum
phase current waveforms are established. The effect of
changes in the firing angle of the inverter switches on the torque ripple are also examined.
Throughout the thesis, theoretical predictions are
verified by comparison with experimental results.


"Electric scarcity " has produced huge influence on social and economic development in these years.This paper first presents the problems of "Electric scarcity ",and lists a series of causes,then discusses some tactics to avoid it.Accordingly,it suggests that we should solve the problems not only by increasing investment ,but also by deepening the reforms of power industries.


Through to the massive ancient times artware,like the literature,the literary work,the drawing and so on carried on the reference,retrieved and combs,explains our country ancient times the female sports goal,the characteristic and the prosperity and decline,let everybody while understand bright China ancient times sports culture,could take the history as the mirror,had a feeling to become aware,could promote our country modern female sport cause's development by the time.


Invasive plant species are major drivers of biodiversity losses, particularly on islands that are vulnerable to invasion and extinction. The objective of this study was to document the vegetation structure and changes over time in two Nile Islands due to invasion by Vossia cuspidata (Hippo grass). One-hundred and one stands were assigned in three sites along the River Nile in Cairo, Egypt. Fifty-one associated species were recorded, belonging to 28 families. Annuals (Thereophytes) were the main life form in the area (51%) followed by helophytes (29%). Twelve vegetation groups were identified, representing the main communities in the studied stands. V. cuspidata was the dominant species and its maximum cover was recorded during the summer season. The lowest values for species diversity were recorded in open water, while the highest values were recorded in water edges and slopes of the riverbanks. There was up to 70% reduction in the cover of native species in the study area due to the invasion by V. cuspidata. Many native species were either disappeared or poorly recorded in the studied sites. Stem height and the cover of V. cuspidata in aquatic and riparian habitats lead to severe negative impacts on the growth and the diversity of native flora in the River Nile. Consequently, conservation of the native flora through removing the invasive species should be a future priority along the River ecosystem.


Background: The Acquired Immune – deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a terminal illness caused by a retrovirus known as the Human Immune-deficiency virus (HIV). HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death in sub-saharan Africa. Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa with 1.9 million people living HIV in 2018. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality, prolonged life expectancy and improved quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS infection (PLWHA). To be most effective ART requires a near perfect level of adherence. Poor adherence compromises treatment effectiveness, leading to treatment failure and development of drug resistance. Non-adherence is also characterized by increased morbidity, mortality and great economic loss.
This study assessed the effect of health education on factors influencing adherence to ART among PLWHAs in Enugu State.
Methodology: A health education intervention was carried out among 312 persons living with HIV/AIDS receiving ART in Enugu metropolis to improve their perception and adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 312 people living with HIV/AIDS (156 each in the study and control groups), who were selected by multistage sampling. Subsequently, health education was conducted among the study group. Three months after this intervention its effects were assessed through a survey using the same structured questionnaires employed in the baseline survey.
Results: Knowledge of supportive and limiting factors of adherence improved significantly among the study group than the controls post-intervention (P<0.001). The factors that facilitated adherence included follow-up visits, adequate information education/counseling and supportive relationships. The limiting factors were drug side-effects, forgetfulness, finance and travel time to clinic.
Conclusion: Health education improved knowledge of supportive factors of ART adherence among PLWHAs in Enugu State, and this should be promoted.


The Eastern Tropical South Pacific oxygen minimum zone (ETSP-OMZ) is a site of intense nitrous oxide (N2O) flux to the atmosphere. This flux results from production of N2O by nitrification and denitrification, but the contribution of the two processes is unknown. The rates of these pathways and their distributions were measured directly using N tracers. The highest N2O production rates occurred at the depth of peak N2O concentrations at the oxic-anoxic interface above the oxygen deficient zone (ODZ) because slightly oxygenated waters allowed (1) N2O production from both nitrification and denitrification and (2) higher nitrous oxide production yields from nitrification. Within the ODZ proper (i.e., anoxia), the only source of N2Owas denitrification (i.e., nitrite and nitrate reduction), the rates of which were reflected in the abundance of nirS genes (encoding nitrite reductase). Overall, denitrification was the dominant pathway contributing the N2O production in the ETSP-OMZ.


PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a therapeutic agent effective against various cancers, virus infection, inflammatory disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatic arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthrosis, dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, graft-versus-host disease, Alzheimer disease, cerebral blood vessel accident, atherosclerosis, diabetes, nephritis, and metabolic syndrome by inhibiting nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT).SOLUTION: There is provided a NAMPT inhibitor exemplified by, for example, the following formula.SELECTED DRAWING: None


The bond behavior is the basis of collaboration between GFRP/steel wire composite rebar and concrete,and the bond-slip constitutive model is the overall reflection of bond behavior of GFRP/steel wire composite rebar embedded in concrete.Thus,the research on the constitutive model of bond-slip relationship between GFRP/steel wire composite rebar and concrete has theoretical and practical value in the performance analysis,design theory and engineering application of concrete structures reinforced with GFRP/steel wire composite rebars.In this study,180 pull-out specimens were tested to investigate the effect of rebar rib spacing,rebar diameter,embedded length,concrete compressive strength,concrete cover thickness,and concrete cast depth on bond behavior,and the bond-slip curves were obtained for each specimen.Based on the existing bond-slip constitutive models worldwidely,one new bond-slip constitutive model was proposed according to the analysis of bond failure,bond-slip mechanism,and loading process of GFRP/steel wire composite rebar.The newly built bond-slip constitutive model was compared with the test results and existing bond-slip models.It is explicit in physical concept and simple in form,and fits the whole loading process of GFRP ribbed rebar and the test results well.


This article examines the political and legal barriers to introducing restorative justice (RJ) in Hong Kong. It argues that the processes involved in RJ may be in conflict with the rule of law, which is regarded by the citizens of Hong Kong as sacrosanct in their resistance to the "mainlandization" of criminal justice practices after China resumed sovereignty of Hong Kong. It is argued that, because it could admit such potentially harmful Chinese criminal justice concepts as "rule by the people," "absence of the presumption of innocence," "leniency for self-confession and severity for resistance," and "toeing the party line," RJ would be devoid of any restorative substance and could breach the principles of due process.


ABSTRACT Background and Objective: Orphan drugs have been a highlight of discussions due to their higher prices than non-orphan drugs. There is currently no European consensus on the method of value assessment for orphan drugs. This study assessed the relationship between the prevalence of rare diseases and the annual treatment cost of orphan drugs in France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and UK. Methods: Approved orphan drugs and prevalence data were extracted from the European Medicines Agency website. Annual treatment costs were calculated using ex-factory price. Simple regression was used to analyse the relationship between costs and prevalence. A specific bivariate analysis was performed for the rarest diseases (≤1 per 10,000). Results: 120 drugs were analysed. Prevalence ranged from 0.001 to 5 per 10,000 (mean 1.24, median 1). Annual treatment costs per patient ranged from €755 to €1,051,956 (mean €100,000, median €39,303). Results show a statistically significant inverse correlation between annual treatment cost and disease prevalence in all countries (France: r = −0.370, p = 0.002; Germany: r = −0.365, p = 0.002; Italy: r = −0.340, p = 0.002; Spain: r = −0.316, p = 0.041; UK: r = −0.358, p = 0.0004; Sweden: r = −0.414, p = 0.014; Norway: r = −0.367, p = 0.002). When analysis was focused on the rarest diseases, a stronger correlation exists in all countries (France: r = −0.525, Germany: r = −0.482, Italy: r = −0.497, Spain: r = −0.531, UK: r = −0.436, Sweden: r = −0.455, Norway: r = −0.466; all p < 0.05 except Sweden p = 0.077). Conclusions: This study shows an inverse correlation between annual treatment cost and prevalence with high statistical significance in the studied countries. Although pricing is a complex process where different attributes are assessed, this study supports the idea that payers value rarity in pricing decisions.


Argument about the lack of status of professional engineers occurs regularly in letters and articles in engineering journals and often surfaces when salary surveys are published comparing different professions and managerial jobs.


In this paper, we discuss the acquisition of /ʁ/ for two children acquiring French, for one of whom, /ʁ/ triggers within-cluster assimilation of coronal obstruents. This is conspicuous, as French has a placeless rhotic. Accordingly, the rhotic of the other child is the target of place assimilation. Rose (2000, 2003) attributes the difference to the fact that the French rhotic is phonetically fricative-like, whereas it behaves – phonotactically – like a liquid. Hence, two possible sources of information for the acquiring child contradict each other. We discuss cross-linguistic evidence for and against place-bearing rhotics, concluding that both possibilities exist. To see to what degree the /ʁ/ is the same in the two children, we present an acoustic study, after which we demonstrate a reconstruction of the possible path of acquisition of Théo. Finally, we discuss the relevance of phonetic measurement for phonological patterns.


A set of measured triple differential cross sections with symmetric kinematics is shown to converge for increasing incident energy to a finite limit identical to the first Born approximation. Experiments on helium for momentum transfer 0.5 au are compared with each other as a function of electron impact energies between 150 and 8000 eV. For all impact energies, for which deviations from the first Born approximation appear, the most prominent correction term is the post-collision interaction.


The present invention, LED unit module 11, to provide a light-emitting device 1 and a light source system, the LED unit module 11 includes a substrate 13, an LED chip groups 14 located on the substrate 13, the LED chip group 14 from each other wherein at least five of the LED chips are closely arranged, and, the LED chip groups are substantially regular hexagonal contour of the light-emitting surface, the LED chip groups 14, the red, at least 4 of the blue, green and amber with the type of color of the LED chip, the LED unit module 11, it can avoid etendue increase, and it is possible to equalize the mixed light. .Field


The study advances brand association research into participatory sports (i.e. fitness) by examining health club related dimensions and extending research into the United States (US). Data were collected from health club members (n=148) at a branded US fitness facility. Factor and regression analyses used specified brand association dimensions and revealed a predictive model of brand loyalty. Findings and discussions will assist fitness managers in brand-building, marketing strategies and member retention.


Objective To evaluate the impact of methotrexate (MTX) dosage on clinical, functional and quality of life outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from two previous etanercept (ETN) trials after 24 months of treatment. Methods Patients with active RA in the ETN+MTX combination treatment arms of the Trial of Etanercept and Methotrexate with Radiographic Patient Outcomes (TEMPO) and COmbination of Methotrexate and ETanercept in Active Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (COMET) studies were pooled in this post hoc analysis and stratified by MTX dosage at 24 months, having MTX monotherapy groups as control: low dose, <10.0 mg/week; medium dose, 10.0–17.5 mg/week; and high dose, >17.5 mg/week. Data from these patient subgroups were included in descriptive summaries of demographic and disease characteristics at baseline. The following outcomes at 24 months were also evaluated for each subgroup: Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) low disease activity (LDA) and remission; American College of Rheumatology 20%, 50% and 70% improvement criteria (ACR20, 50 and 70) responses; and changes from baseline in DAS28, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disease Index (HAQ-DI) and EuroQol 5-dimensions visual analogue scale (EQ-5D VAS). Results Baseline demographics were similar between the low, medium and high MTX dose groups in the ETN+MTX combination and MTX monotherapy arms, with the exception of disease duration (ETN+MTX low 5.5; medium 5.1; high 0.8 years vs MTX low 8.3; medium 4.7; high 0.8 years). Responses to ETN+MTX combination therapy at 24 months were consistently high across MTX dosage groups, with very similar rates of DAS28 LDA/remission and ACR20/50/70. Improvements in DAS28, HAQ-DI and EQ-5D VAS were also not dependent on MTX dosage in the combination treatment arm. Conclusions Patients with RA in the TEMPO and COMET trials who received ETN+MTX showed similar efficacy outcomes at 24 months, regardless of MTX dosage. Trial registration numbers NCT00195494 (COMET) and NCT00393471 (TEMPO).


This paper describes a general methodology for automated recognition of complex human activities. The methodology uses a context-free grammar (CFG) based representation scheme to represent composite actions and interactions. The CFG-based representation enables us to formally define complex human activities based on simple actions or movements. Human activities are classified into three categories: atomic action, composite action, and interaction. Our system is not only able to represent complex human activities formally, but also able to recognize represented actions and interactions with high accuracy. Image sequences are processed to extract poses and gestures. Based on gestures, the system detects actions and interactions occurring in a sequence of image frames. Our results show that the system is able to represent composite actions and interactions naturally. The system was tested to represent and recognize eight types of interactions: approach, depart, point, shake-hands, hug, punch, kick, and push. The experiments show that the system can recognize sequences of represented composite actions and interactions with a high recognition rate.


Mathematics aids the development of science and technology, but many secondary school students perform poorly in it in public examinations in Kaduna-Nigeria due to ineffective instructional strategies adopted by teachers. Hence the need to complement mathematics teaching with tools that could engage learners actively. Interactive e-note Mathematics Instructional Strategy (IMIS) and Problem-Solving Strategy (PSS) capability of enhancing students' achievement in mathematics in junior secondary schools were determined by this study with moderating effects of gender and school type. The pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design using 3x2x2 factorial matrix was adopted. Three private and public schools were purposively selected and randomly assigned to IMIS (134), PSS (134) and control (132) groups from two randomized Local Government Areas within Kaduna. Instrumentation are Mathematics Achievement Test (r = 0.87) and instructional guides. Data analysis was by Analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post-hoc test at 0.05 level of significance. Treatment, School type had significant main effect on students achievement in mathematics (F(2,385)=7.01; partial ƞ2=0.04), (F(1,385) =27.63; partial ƞ2=0.07) in private school respectively. Post achievement mean score are IMIS (21.48), control (20.42) and PSS (20.30). Treatment and school type had significant interaction effect on mathematics achievement (F(2,385)=12.23; partial ƞ2=0.06) from private school in control group. Mathematics aids the development of science and technology, but many secondary school students perform poorly in it in public examinations in Kaduna-Nigeria due to ineffective instructional strategies adopted by teachers. Hence the need to complement mathematics teaching with tools that could engage learners actively. Interactive e-note Mathematics Instructional Strategy (IMIS) and Problem-Solving Strategy (PSS) capability of enhancing students' achievement in mathematics in junior secondary schools were determined by this study with moderating effects of gender and school type. The pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design using 3x2x2 factorial matrix was adopted. Three private and public schools were purposively selected and randomly assigned to IMIS (134), PSS (134) and control (132) groups from two randomized Local Government Areas within Kaduna. Instrumentation are Mathematics Achievement Test (r = 0.87) and instructional guides. Data analysis was by Analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post-hoc test at 0.05 level of significance. Treatment, School type had significant main effect on students achievement in mathematics (F(2,385)=7.01; partial ƞ2=0.04), (F(1,385) =27.63; partial ƞ2=0.07) in private school respectively. Post achievement mean score are IMIS (21.48), control (20.42) and PSS (20.30). Treatment and school type had significant interaction effect on mathematics achievement (F(2,385)=12.23; partial ƞ2=0.06) from private school in control group.


Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in childhood can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia in adulthood, which is of increasing concern in transitional and advanced economies. The aim of the current study was to explore the prevalence of MetS among children from six cities of China. Methods: A total of 8,764 children (4,495 boys, 4,269 girls) aged 7-11 years were randomly selected from 6 cities of China. MetS was mainly defined by the criteria proposed by International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results: The overall prevalence of MetS for children older than 10 years was 0.8% by IDF definition. Obese children had significantly higher MetS prevalence compared with their counterparts with overweight (6.6% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.01) and normal weight (6.6% vs. 0.05%, p < 0.01). The prevalence of abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low high density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension and high glucose among obese children was 93.4%, 16.5%, 14.3%, 7.3% and 4.0%, respectively, which significantly higher than those among overweight children (37.0%, 6.1%, 10.0%, 4.2%, and 3.3%, respectively) and among normal weight children (1.2%, 3.3%, 4.0%, 1.7% and 2.5%, respectively). The proportion of children with at least one, two, and three items of the metabolic abnormalities were 25.0%, 5.4% and 0.9%, respectively. Metabolic abnormalities were also present in children under 10 years of age. Conclusions: The early onset of MetS among children and relatively high proportions of children with at least one or two metabolic abnormalities in cities of China can increase the risk of developing MetS. It implies the necessity to take effective actions to control and prevent the rapid development of obesity among children in developing countries, especial those undergoing transition to a Western lifestyle. Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) consists of abdominal obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations) [1]. It is a clustering of metabolic abnormalities associated with risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes [2-6]. Many studies have shown that along with the rising prevalence of obesity, MetS has been increasing as well [7]. Previous studies have revealed an association between obesity and the clustering of metabolic abnormalities in early life and their persistence during adulthood [8-15]. Children with MetS are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life [16,17]. In 2007, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) released its guidelines for defining and diagnosing MetS in children and adolescents with the goal of developing a diagnostic tool for early detection of MetS [18]. IDF's definition includes waist circumference as a prerequisite, but otherwise adheres to the adult values for hypertension, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. Many countries have reported the prevalence of MetS among children and adolescents. In China, the national data about MetS among adolescents can be found, however, the national data about MetS among young children are lacking. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence and distributions of MetS among children aged 7-11 years from six cities of China * Correspondence: firstname.lastname@example.com † Contributed equally National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 Nan Wei Road, Beijing, China Full list of author information is available at the end of the article Xu et al. BMC Public Health 2012, 12:13 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/13 © 2011 Xu et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. and provide information for decision makers for developing an effective intervention strategy and measurement.


Abstract : The first monograph is a montage of the total legal services available in the military services. Data were gathered through interviews with division chiefs and others in the Office of The Judge Advocate General of the Army, a literature search, and the author's experience. In the second monograph, it is concluded that vindictiveness has no redeeming qualities, that there is only limited applicability of the deterrence and protection theories in the military society, and that rehabilitation is practically nonexistent in installation confinement facilities.


A B S T R A C T Titanium and fluoride - containing hydroxyl apatite were synthesized through precipitation method following by a hydrothermal stage at 100oC for 6 hours. XRD analysis of the sample scalcinedat650oC for 1 hour revealed that all samples have pure apatite struc ture. The existence of Fluoride substitution in apatite structure was confirmed by FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analysis. Surfaces of the samples were studied by zeta potential measurements. Investigating cell parameter and also FWHM (Ful l Width at Half Maximum) of phosphate v1 peak in Raman spectra showed some different behaviour in samples with titanium and high fluoride concentration attributed to different position of titanium in these samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for investigating the morphology of samples. The Morphology of particles was not affected by adding titanium and fluoride .


FePt nanoparticles (NPs) are a diverse class of magnetic NPs, which exhibit attractive properties for potential applications, from high density data storage devices to biomedical applications. The physical properties of FePt NPs are also of specific interest for these applications, as they have an order of one magnitude larger magneto-crystalline anisotropy (Ku= Ca. 7x10 7erg/cm3) compared to competitor magnetic NP candidates of FeO, and CoCr [Rong et al., 2010]. FePt NPs have been reported to have a size range of 1.5 35 nm (15 -350 Å) depending on the parameters of the synthesis method. The experimental top-down method,wet chemical synthesis of spherical equiatomic FePt NPs, of diameter < 50 Å(5 nm), has been successfully synthesised at the Davy-Faraday Research Laboratory at the Royal Institution. This standard synthesis procedure involves an alleo-catalytic thermal decomposition reaction of the dual-source metal precursors of Fe and Pt in the presence of stabilising surfactants, oleic acid and hexadecylamine, and a high temperature reaction solvent. The as-synthesized FePt NPs have a chemically disordered fcc structure and are super-paramagnetic at room temperature. The synthesis and chemical properties of these fcc NPs have been extensively reported, however very few experimental investigations of this kind have been reported to date. Therefore, the investigation herein, aims to determine the internal structure and morphology of these binary alloy NPs and to determine the structural parameters, speciation and properties of the surfactant layer, surrounding these NPs. The advanced analysis technique of Pair Distribution Function (PDF) is applied to both x-ray and neutron total scattering diffraction data of the NP systems providing quantitative real space information about both the inter-atomic bonding in the NP and intra-atomic bonding of the NP with the surfactant layer. The Internal Structure of the FePt Alloy NP is of fundamental interest. The competing ordering of the bulk phases and surface segregation, not to mention magnetic ordering, is expected to lead to a complex variety of structures for such particles, which are entirely unknown. The FePt phase diagram is rich in ordered phases and considered a classic example of a binary alloy, with a large literature. Nanoscale binary alloys are expected to be very different from bulk because surface segregation effects are large and can dominate the structure. Segregation can also lead to core-shell structures with interesting compositional modulations strongly coupled to the morphology. There have been few investigations that have fully determined the relationship between size, segregation, magnetic ordering, composition of these NP alloys. The surrounding Acid and Amine Capping Surfactants facilitate the formation of the NP, and stabilises the NPs in their solvent dispersion, preventing aggregation. It has been hypothesised, but not yet demonstrated, that the Fe atoms on the surface of the NP are specifically associated with the carbonyl group of the surfactant through Fe-O bonds, while the Pt atoms are associated with the amine group of the other surfactant via Pt−NH2 bonds. The interaction of the NP with the functional group of the ligand often critically affects its properties and, in turn the performance, yet there is little known about the way surfactants bind and interact with particle surfaces. The outcome of the investigation, is to not only advance this field of research, but also enable the NPs physical properties to be enhanced and their ligand exchange ratios to be defined allowing for the function of the NP and surfactant to be utilised effectively. The Pair Distribution Function is measured experimentally by applying a reverse Fourier viii Transform to high energy x-ray/neutron diffraction patterns and provides a complete structural fingerprint of a system in real space. This PDF analysis technique, traditionally has been used to overcome the difficulties in characterising the atomic scale structure of disordered crystalline materials, liquids and amorphous systems [Egami and Billinge, 2003]. Only recently, over the past decade have the tools emerged for the application of this technique to be extended in order to analyse powder NP systems. The results of the experimental synthesis and analysis of FePt NPs with hydrogenated surfactants for x-ray and neutron PDF analysis are presented herein. The XRD-PDF Results acquired from ISIS Ag Kalpha laboratory source x-ray diffractometer validate the sensitivity of the PDF technique. Data processing of the normalised diffraction data was carried out using the GudRunX program to give the corresponding pair distribution function (PDF) of the data. The size of the NP, and interatomic bond lengths correlated with the results from TEM size analysis and the theoretical bond length values. Quantitative analysis of the PDF revealed interatomic bond lengths of fcc FePt which correlated well the theoretical bond length values. Also, the PDF yields a NP size of 40 Å(4 nm), in good agreement with the size obtained from the TEM images. The results obtained from the XRD-PDF confirms that the PDF technique applied to powder diffraction patterns of FePt NPs is effective and allows for the continuation of the application of this technique to diffraction patterns obtained from neutron diffraction measurements. The Neutron Diffraction-PDF Measurements, were carried out utilising the Near Intermediate Range Order Diffraction beamline, (Nimrod) at ISIS. The Near Intermediate Range Order beamline, Nimrod consists of a wide range of detectors with continuous Q range from 0.01 Å−1 to 50 Å−1, that bridges the gap between small angle and wide-angle neutron scattering [Bowron et al., 2010]. It is intended to take advantage of this, for effective analysis of the whole NP system, from the surrounding atom-atom surfactant to the shortest internal correlations. Two samples of FePt NPs were analysed; one of which was synthesised with the standard hydrogenated surfactant and the other that was synthesised with deuterated surfactant. The differences in the PDF acquired from the FePt NPs with hydrogenated surfactant, and the FePt NPs with par-deuterated surfactant, demonstrated the pronounced benefit of probing the structure of the surfactant using isotopic substitutions. Also, in this resultant PDF of the NPsurfactant system, structural information from the surfactant was identifiable before the first nearest neighbour peak of the NP which is a step forward in proving the bonding hypothesis. Close inspection of the central r-range, 2-6 Å, of the PDFs enabled the 1st, 2nd and 3rd nearest neighbour bonds in the FePt NP to be asigned to the peaks with the closest match to those obtained from the model FePt NP . An advanced PDF nanostructure Modelling Package, DIFFUSE, was used to model a NP of a range of sizes and internal arrangements. The resultant calculated PDFs of these models were then compared to the PDF of the observed data set, and refined to create a model NP with an internal structure with the closest representative to the NP analysed. The 3D NP models were created with the instrumental parameters defined within the PDF macros in order to obtain a model that was the closest representation of the NPs that were analysed in the neutron diffraction measurements. The results from the calculated PDFs of the 3D models of 20Åand 40Åspherical NPs demonstrated the size effects of the NP on the PDF. Randomly ix disordered structures of FePt NPs were successfully modelled and NN distances and surface sites for future ligand attachment were identified. Core-shell structures (FePt@Pt) of FePt NPs were also successfully modelled. At the time of print NPs of SRO were in the process of being modelled. Determining the effect that the atomic structural arrangement in a NP have on the PDF model is part of this ongoing investigation. Complementary high energy XRD data was obtained from Sample AM01, 20ÅFePt NPs in collaboration with Valeri Petkov, and a 3D model and calculated PDF was created on the basis of the experimental data acquired. On completion of the data analysis and ongoing work outlined within, the results are expected to shed new light on the fundamental properties of NPs, notably the compositional variations within nanoscale alloys, and enable key applications in medicine and information technologies.


This paper presents a large, modular X-band rectenna array developed for the planned demonstration of a space-to-Earth power beaming link operating at 10 GHz. The array is composed of 16 tiles assembled into a panel greater than 1 m <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times 1$ </tex-math></inline-formula> m in size. To accommodate tests during the early development and construction of the space-based transmitter, the rectenna cells are designed to maximize performance at low power densities using commercial-off-the-shelf Schottky diodes. To increase efficiency at the expense of some field-of-view, each rectenna cell employs a 4-antenna subarray to feed a single diode. Array performance is validated over a 30-dB range of power densities from 1 mW/m2 to 1 W/m2, reaching a total rectenna efficiency in excess of 39% at 1 W/m2. The rectenna array's field of view, defined by the 3-dB beamwidth of its antenna subarray, is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$36^{\circ } \times 36^{\circ }$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The DC power collected by each tile is combined in a reconfigurable manner to control the output voltage level for the protection of electrical loads. These results are expected to directly influence the first demonstrations of space-to-Earth power transfer.


Based on data of field investigation and control experiment for many years,the mowing succession,grazing succession,restoration succession of degraded community was compared with PCA ordination,the substitute orderliness of functional groups was analyzed under the effect of mowing and grazing.The results showed PCA indicated commendably the direction of grazing and mowing succession,the common ground of the both is rhizome grass decreasing,the difference is that mowing results in short grass increasing,but grazing results in both short grass and small semi-bush increasing.PCA validated the result about mowing in August had the maximal influence on Leymus chinensis steppe community,and also showed that the special gradient along grazing degradation succession is a reverse procession of temporal gradient along restoration succession of degraded community,which indicated the method of space-time substitute on study of degradation succession is feasible.


The purpose of this article is to show how elementary properties of the cubic curve can give rise to an abstract structure with interesting properties and to investigate some of the simpler of these.


Accounting is a kind of science with unique research objects and research contents.It is an important part of management science in social science system.The development and innovation for theory of accounting depends on scientific methodology,so accounting methodology should be studied as a specific theory problem in accounting system.This article evaluates current research status in China.Based on these analysis,this paper proposes that the application of achievements on accounting methodology research should focus on the construction of academic criterion on accounting methodology.


The controversies surrounding the German-born American scholar Leo Strauss and his political philosophy have always been fierce. In this study, I intend to offer my understanding of Strauss's political philosophy by showing that how Strauss's thought responds to his time, with the problem that it is pointing to, is the key to his political philosophy. And this understanding has to be based upon the awareness that his "political philosophy" is idiosyncratic in the way that we should refrain from simply judging and criticizing it from the present and modern point of view.

I argue that Strauss's "political philosophy" is to be examined with the thought that Strauss is holding a unique view of philosophy, and it is to be assessed as one whose insight and value is no less enlightening than other philosophical developments of the time. Going over the genesis and development of Strauss's "political philosophy" would finally lead us to the realization that the idea of nature constitutes the core of his political philosophy. This process also justifies our early point that Strauss's thought can only be fully comprehended when we take his early works into account. I argue that this is how we obtain the most comprehensive interpretation of his "political philosophy."


A Korean nationwide surveillance on circulating rotavirus strains was conducted from September 2000 to August 2007 aiming to obtain prevaccine data for predicting vaccine effectiveness. The predominant strains among the 2779 strains analyzed varied annually and only approximately 50% had either a G or a P antigen present in both RotaTeq (Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA) and Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK).


This paper investigates the d = 4, N = 4 Abelian, global Super-Yang Mills system (SUSY-YM). It is shown how the N = 2 Fayet Hypermultiplet (FH) and N = 2 vector multiplet (VM) are embedded within. The central charges and internal symmetries provide a plethora of information as to further symmetries of the Lagrangian. Several of these symmetries are calculated to second order. It is hoped that investigations such as these may yield avenues to help solve the auxiliary field closure problem for d = 4, N = 4, SUSY-YM and the d = 4, N = 2 Fayet-Hypermultiplet, without using an infinite number of auxiliary fields.


ABSTRACT Effect of relative humidity (RH) and temperatures on formaldehyde emission (FE) from medium density fibreboard (MDF) subjected to load was investigated. For this purpose, flexural creep tests at 15 and 30% of ultimate bending loads were performed by using flexural creep equipment. The samples were exposed to loads at RH of 45, 65 and 85% and temperatures of 15°C, 23°C and 30°C for 72 hours. Subsequently, FEs of samples were measured by the flask method. The results indicated that FE in loaded samples is greater than unloaded samples. FE in all samples (unloaded and loaded) increased with increasing RH and temperature. The highest FE was observed in higher load level, higher RH and at higher temperature. Temperature was more effective than RH on FE from MDF.


This paper investigates the issue of automatic segmentation of speech recordings for Broadcast News (BN) and Broadcast Conversation (BC) speech recognition. Our previous segmentation algorithm often exhibited high deletion errors, where some speech segments were misclassified as noises and thus were never passed on to the recognizer. In contrast with our previous segmentation models, which only differentiated between speech and non-speech segments, phonetic knowledge is applied to elaborate speech segments by using multiple models for different types of speech segments. Moreover, the "pronunciation" of the speech segment has been modified to loosen the minimum duration constraint of 540ms long. This method makes use of language specific knowledge, while keeping the number of models low to achieve fast segmentation. Experimental results show that the new segmenter outperforms our previous segmenter significantly, particularly in reducing deletion errors.


Evaluates a two day professional time management course, and examines the possible influence of personal and work factors on training outcomes. A multiple measures pre‐and post‐course design was used to monitor 32 delegates attending two courses presented by the same trainer. (Delegates also completed motivation and commitment questionnaires.) Course outcome measures included diary logs, time management skills, the number of changes made to working practices, and use of a time management aid. Post‐course interviews and diary logs provided information on delegates′ self‐reported success in implementing changes, supplemented by their perceptions of the work environment. Results indicated improvements in self‐perceptions of time‐use, but this was not reflected in delegates′ diary log measures. Contrary to expectations, commitment scores were not related to training outcomes. As expected a number of work related factors were found to influence training outcomes.


The article on the basis of archival documents, collections of decisions of state bodies, memoirs of famous military leaders — participants of the Battle of Kursk, materials of the newspaper Pravda and the magazine "Red Army", selected works of state and political figures examines the organizing activities of party and Soviet bodies: GKO, Stavka VGK, SNK of the USSR, People's Commissars of the USSR, the Military Councils of the fronts and armies, aimed at consolidating and mobilizing the entire Soviet people and the national-economic complex to defeat the German cofascist troops on the Kursk Bulge. During the analysis of archival sources and memories of military leaders, the author comes to the conclusion that rear workers, sacrificing time, straining their strength and capabilities, worked for the front with renewed energy in order to provide the Army in good time and in sufficient quantities with guns, tanks, self-propelled artillery, airplanes, machine guns, assault rifles, mortars, ammunition, equipment, food, etc.


The effect of an application of gibberellic acids (GA 4+7 ) on cauliflower was studied in a number of crops of the cultivars Delira and Elgon, grown in spring and summer of the years 1984, 1985 and 1986. Crops varied in timing of the end of the juvenile phase and of curd inita-tion and differed in final number of leaves and length of the growing period. In most crops the period between transplanting and harvest was shortened, when GA 4+7 was applied twice after the end of juvenility at a concentration of 80 mg 1~'. The shortening of the growing period varied from crop to crop and increased when the difference between the number of leaves initiated at the time of application and the final number of leaves of the untreated crop increased. GA 4+7 reduced the final number of leaves. Quality of the curds was hardly af fected in most crops, but when crops were treated which displayed bracting, the bracting inci dence was reduced. In crops of cv. Delira with a low final number of leaves, size and quality of the curds was reduced. The results are discussed in relation to the harvest planning of cauliflower.


Currently, ventilators are contraindicated for use around magnetic imaging devices [1 , 2]. The strong magnetic field could interfere with both mechanical switches and microprocessors used to control most ventilators. Ventilators that contain ferromagnetic components cannot be placed close to the magnet [1 , 2]. Finally, concerns have been raised that the ventilator might prevent proper function of the imaging system, leading to suboptimal performance [i ]. Recently, we have successfully performed MR imaging studies of ventilatordependent patients by using a 1 .5-1 imaging system and a Siemens-Elema 900C (SV-900C) ventilator placed adjacent to the magnet bore.


Following our previous work [18], we introduce the notions of partial seed homomorphisms and partial ideal rooted cluster morphisms. Related to the theory of Green's equivalences, the isomorphism classes of sub-rooted cluster algebras of a rooted cluster algebra are corresponded one-by-one to the regular $\mathcal D$-classes of the semigroup consisting of partial seed endomorphisms of the initial seed. Moreover, for a rooted cluster algebra from a Riemannian surface, they are also corresponded to the isomorphism classes of the so-called paunched surfaces.


In a previous paper, basic limitations on the switch current and voltage waveforms in single-ended switching-mode tuned power amplifiers have been discussed for perfect filtering of harmonics at the output. This paper expands on the previous idea by providing more general conditions for both nonzero output power and 100-percent efficiency at any number of harmonics in the output power. The load network and load are assumed to be passive and linear. It is shown that it is not possible to achieve both nonzero output power and 100-percent efficiency. In switching-mode circuits, it is not possible to eliminate both the transistor turnon switching loss and the transistor turnoff switching loss while obtaining nonzero output power; at least one of the switching losses must be nonzero at nonzero output power. The results presented here are useful in synthesis and analysis of high-efficiency power amplifiers and frequency multipliers.


Measurement of high voltage AC, DC and Impulses on a laboratory scale using expensive measuring instruments. In addition, the measurements taken are at a voltage level of 15 KV. Integrated measurement of high voltage AC, DC and Impulses for 15 KV voltage levels using sign transformers has never been done. Whereas high voltage generation using a sign transformer is only able to generate voltage up to 15 KV voltage only. For that we need a voltage measuring device that is able to measure up to a voltage of 15 KV, and does not require expensive costs. In this Final Project, a high voltage monitoring module for impulse high voltage generator module will be designed using visual studio c #. The results of monitoring the high voltage generator module on the C # visual studio form successfully went well. The voltage test performed produces a value close to the actual value with an average error of 0.01 volts. Unfortunately this test is still not perfect because it is still susceptible to noise so that the measurement process is often interrupted.


The paper presents the first results of research carried out by the authors in the research centre of an important Italian industrial group. The management of the centre is strongly interested in new methodological approaches to identify and to represent individual competences. To satisfy this specific need, the authors suggest a method based on the matrix of competences that is the set of relationships between capabilities and situations. The situations and the capabilities are identified by analysing the judgements that other subjects, internal or external to the organization, express on an individual's behaviour.

A sample of fifteen individuals has been investigated in order to identify their individual competences and the most significant situations within the centre. For each individual a network of subjects, the supervisor and some clients and collaborators, has been considered. On the basis of the results, the implications for management are discussed, with particular regard to the design of new procedures for personnel evaluation.


The nature of agrodiversity,its influencing factors and the role of agrodiversity in agro-ecosystem health are stated,indicating that agrobiodiversity protection needs not only the preservation of biological integrity and diversity,but also agroecosystem health and managements.Finally,the agroecosystem management countermeasures that enhance agrodiversity are described.


Some optical phenomena in three dimensional photoelastic media are analysed. Suggestions made in Ref. 1 relative to the experimental technique of integrated photoelasticity are analysed and some misleading statements of the latter paper are indicated.


This paper presents a communication setup based on discrete-time delayed dynamical systems. The communication consists in encoding the information as a time-varying delay that is injected into the dynamics. The main point is the design of a suitable receiver achieving the deciphering because it cannot be performed as in the continuous-time case. As a clue to tackle the problem, the deciphering is reformulated as a modes detection problem for hybrid systems. The setup falls into the class of self-synchronizing stream ciphers and appears as a new architecture with potential benefits.


Galloping oscillations of long prismatic bodies with aerodynamically unstable cross sections in the direction normal to that of the acting steady wind are analyzed. Principally, the steady vibrations are described under different conditions on the basis of the quasi-steady approach which leads to the nonlinear differential equation of self-excited oscillations. The first approximation of the Bogoliubov and Krylov method is used with one degree of freedom systems and energy considerations are applied with continuous systems. It is found that the steady amplitudes are determined by an algebraic equation which is formally identical for all systems both simple and with many degrees of freedom. It is proved that for all structures having a certain type of cross section and the same modes of free vibrations, but arbitrary mass and damping, the steady amplitudes are described by the solely universal response curve. This universal response curve can be either calculated or derived from amplitude measurements on an arbitrary model. Experiments on a cantilevered square prism are described herein.


The article analyzes the results of observations near the North Pole in 2007-2015 for species composition of the ice flora and fauna to assess the current


This chapter focuses on children's films that depict 'bookishness,' both in adaptation and otherwise, to develop a 'grammar' of film techniques for doing so (as shown in mise en scène, editing, cinematography). This chapter uses many examples to illustrate that children's film effectively employs a wide range of techniques for showing 'bookish' plots, characters, setting, themes, and symbols. These techniques are fruitfully employed in film adaptations of metafictions at the story level. Techniques discussed include title cards, intertitles, and subtitles; opening (with) the book; voicing the narrator; thematised readers and writers; embedding the book's story; the lap dissolve; shifts from still to moving image; and metaphors for metalepsis (windows and mirrors). The chapter further discusses ekphrasis and shows how the interpretant functions.
The chapter presents a case study on Harry Potter books 2 and 6, and their film adaptations: The Chamber of Secrets, and The Half-Blood Prince.