I. INTRODUCTION Is it possible for the citizens of developing countries to bring a class action suit in American courts for the negligent actions of a U.S.-based transnational corporation? The experiences of plaintiffs from developing countries show that it is extremely difficult. Almost invariably, in mass transnational tort actions, transnational corporations (TNCs) invoke the common law doctrine of the inconvenient forum-forum non conveniens-as a first line of defense. The doctrine has proven time and again to be a significant obstacle for plaintiffs in developing countries who are seeking to sue a U.S.-based transnational corporation in the United States. However, in recent years there have been some guarded successes for such plaintiffs, and it is apparent that cracks may be beginning to form in the defense of the conveniently inconvenient forum. In this paper I discuss a series of landmark tort cases in which plaintiffs from some of the poorest countries of the world have attempted to bring class actions in the United States against some of the largest and wealthiest transnational corporate enterprises. The cases demonstrate clearly that many U.S. courts and legislatures are loathe to open the floodgates by allowing foreign nationals to sue U.S.based transnational corporations in U.S. courtrooms. Taken as part of an emerging judicial and legislative dialogue, these cases raise serious questions about the ethics of a legal system which permits TNCs to establish operations in developing countries, but at the same time restricts the victims of industrial and environmental hazards from seeking a remedy in the home country of the offending corporation. This paper also provides a glimpse of an emerging and lively debate over the doctrinal, ethical, and economic issues facing the courts in transnational torts in the new global economy. I shall focus on cases involving plaintiffs from India, Central America, and Ecuador. The first of these is the widely-known lawsuit against the Union Carbide Corporation launched in the wake of the tragedy in Bhopal, India in 1984. Thousands were killed and hundreds of thousands seriously injured when a chemical storage facility owned by the Union Carbide Corporation, and the Union Carbide of India Ltd,1 leaked deadly methyl isocyanate gas over a Bhopal suburb. Years later, the state district court of New York dismissed a massive consolidated action that had been brought against the Union Carbide Corporation in the United States on the grounds that the U.S. courts were an inconvenient forum. In Central America, thousands of banana workers became sterile during the 1970s and early 1980s because of exposure to the pesticide containing 1,2 dibromochloropropane (DBCP). DBCP was manufactured in the United States by the Shell Oil and Dow Chemical corporations. U.S.-based transnational enterprises operating in developing countries used DBCP in banana plantations for more than a decade after the chemical was banned in the United States. The chemical was also exported for use by local banana companies. In Dow Chemical Co. v. Alfaro,3 banana workers from Costa Rica met with some limited success in a class action against the Shell Oil and Dow Chemical corporations in Texas courts. The case brought widespread media attention to the plight of Central American banana workers; however, the final settlement was paltry and the legal results were disappointing. In Sequihua,4 the Ecuadorian plaintiffs alleged that widespread contamination of the environment and injury to human health were caused by the use of substandard technology in the disposal of toxic oil wastes. That case was quickly dismissed. Soon afterwards, a new case was launched to address the same issues: Aguinda v. Texaco, Inc.5 Aguinda has yet to be disposed. The plaintiffs allege that the decisions to use the substandard technology were made by U.S. nationals at the corporate headquarters in White Plains, New York. In this highly complex case, the wrangling is over forum non conveniens. …


Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially in elderly and children. Orally Disintegrating tablets constitute an innovative dosage form that overcomes the problems of swallowing and provides a quicksetof action. The purpose of this study was to formulate and evaluate an orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT) containing captopril while using croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone and two natural superdisintegrants: karaya gum and natural agar. For the preliminary study 12 batches were prepared. A 3 2 full factorial design was applied to optimize the formulation and 9 batches were prepared and evaluated. From the preliminary study it was found that ODTs containing karaya gum showed a better disintegration time and hence it was considered for further studies.


In this paper we examine data representing patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This is an important medical conditions that affects a proportion of the adult population and is very disabling. The data contains some demographics as well as follow up for up to 20 years where objective measures of 'joint involvement', e.g. counts of how many tender or swollen joints are present in a given follow up year, are recorded.To date the patterns of disease progression and joint involvement have not been investigated in detail for RA. We propose a clustering approach to extract patterns of joint involvement in disease progression for groups of patients. For this, we investigate how to measure distance for the type of data we analyse which consists of multiple attributes each corresponding to years of follow up measuring a particular objective measure. We settle for an aggregate Dynamic Time Warping measure of distance between patients and use it in combination with K-means clustering to cluster our patient trajectories. Our preliminary results, with some interpretation, show that it is possible to cluster such complex data to extract some meaningful patterns of joint involvement in disease progression.


ABSTRACT: Little is known about the actual repertoire music therapists use with geriatric clients during singing activities, particularly whether the repertoire choices represent the young adult years of persons categorized as seniors, as previous researchers have suggested. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to: 1) determine specific repertoire music therapists are using with geriatric clients during singing activities in the music styles of popular, patriotic, hymn, folk, and musicals and 2) determine what decades their repertoire choices represented. Surveys were sent to 455 music therapists who worked with geriatric persons. Of these, 151 music therapists returned a survey, creating a 33% return rate. A combined total of songs (N = 1688) were recommended within the five music styles. Results found popular music was the style category with the greatest number of song recommendations followed by folk songs, songs from musicals, hymns, and patriotic songs respectively. A complete list of the repertoire is included. In 2003 the American Music Therapy Association revised the professional competencies that music therapists must achieve during their undergraduate training in order to prepare for successful integration into the profession. These competencies, which include "performing a basic repertoire of traditional, folk, and popular songs" on keyboard, guitar, and with their voice (AMTA, 2004, p. 27) raise the question of whether students acquire adequate repertoire skills necessary to meet future music therapy practice (Prickett & Bridges, 2000). Because students learn and prepare to work with pediatrie, adult, and geriatric clients in a variety of clinical settings, the repertoire instruction music therapy students receive during their training must adequately prepare them to work with clients of all ages. This is particularly crucial when developing repertoire appropriate for working with the geriatric population since much of the music this population knows and enjoys is entirely new to students (Prickett & Bridges, 2000). To date, only one research study was found that investigated the repertoire knowledge of preservice music therapists and compared this knowledge with that of a geriatric population. Prickett and Bridges (2000) examined whether the music therapy students' recognition of folk songs overlapped that of a geriatric population's recognition. Undergraduate music therapy majors and senior citizens listened to a tape of 25 folk songs in which the participants were asked to "name the tune." Results found 80% of the students recognized 16 melodies and 80% of the senior adults recognized 10. All the melodies on the seniors' list were on the music therapy students' list as well. While the results were encouraging, the researchers stated: While deciding whether this level of song recognition demonstrates sufficient mastery of a broad enough repertoire for effective clinical use is an individual matter for each professor and clinical training director, we conclude that efforts to build a strong basic repertoire of simple, widely known songs which span age groups should continue and even increase, (p. 203) Research examining appropriate repertoire for geriatric clients is limited and has focused primarily on music and music activity preferences of seniors. Specifically, singing and listening activities have been found to be most preferred by older adults (Gilbert & Beal, 1982; Hylton, 1983). In regard to listening, older adults preferred popular music of their young adult years, defined as ages 18 to 25 years (Bartlett, 1980; Gibbons, 1977; Jonas, 1991; Lathom, Petersen, & Havelicek, 1982), as well as patriotic and religious music (Lathom et al., 1982). Similar results have been found when investigating senior preferences of repertoire used during singing activities as well. In a study conducted by Moore, Staum, and Brotons (1992), 135 participants between the ages of 60 and 110 were asked to indicate how much they preferred 118 songs, compiled from published songbooks for use with geriatric persons, in the musical styles of folk, patriotic, popular, and religious. …


The pharmacokinetic profile of cefotetan was studied in a group of hospitalized patients. The absorption of the molecule (after a single dose of 2 g/i.m.) was good and the drug was found to diffuse satisfactorily in the lungs, prostatic tissue, kidney and in the female genitalia.


Crack-free polycrystalline PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT(53/47) thick films (1~30μm) with peroviskite structure have been prepared from a dip-coating process. The influence of withdrawal speed and precursor solution concentration on the morphology of the films was examined. The effects of the substrate characteristics on the film phase structure and microstructure were investigated and evaluated. The ferroelectric and dielectric properties have been examined and discussed. PZT (53/47) thick films on Pt/Ti/SiO2 wafer and Pt/Ti foil substrates all exhibit excellent electric properties, Pr: 32~34 μmC/cm2; Ec: 32~35kV/cm, εr 900~940; tanδ: 0.02~0.04. These materials promise a good application in micro-devices including micro-pump, micro-actuator, etc.


Wireless network virtualization is widely used to solve the ossification problem of networks, such as 5G and the Internet of Things. The most crucial method of wireless network virtualization is virtual network embedding, which allows virtual networks to share the substrate network resources. However, in wireless networks, link interference is an inherent problem while mapping virtual networks because of the characteristics of wireless channels. To distribute resources efficiently and address the problem of interference, a dynamic embedding algorithm with deep reinforcement learning is proposed. During the training stage, we take resource use and interference from substrate networks as observations to train the agent, and then the agent generates a resource allocation strategy. Aiming at realizing load balance, we reshape the reward function considering the execution ratio and residual ratio of substrate network resources as well as the cost consumed by current virtual network request. Numerical tests show that our embedding approach increases the acceptance ratio and maintains better robustness. Moreover, the results also illustrate that our algorithm maintains a high acceptance ratio while producing less interference and lower cost.


Since recommendation systems have been increasing gradually, it is difficult for decision makers to find the customers which interest them as well as representative lists. How to utilize meaningful information effectively to improve the service quality of recommendation system appears to be very important. The purpose of this paper is to provide recommendation system architecture to promote direct marketing services in electronic commerce. In the proposed architecture, a two-phase data mining process used by association rule and clustering methods is designed to generate a recommendation system. The process considers not only the relationship of a cluster of customers but also the associations among the information accessed. The recommendation supported by the proposed system architecture would be closely served to meet customers' needs. This paper not only constructs a recommendation system for decision makers to search customers but takes the initiative in finding the most suitable customers for them as well. Furthermore, managers are expected to contact with core customers from a limited budget to maintain and satisfy the requirements along with promoting direct marketing. KeywordsDirect Marketing; Data Mining; Framework.


Children are no doubt the future of humanity. There is hardly any tradition or culture that does not value children. Children are very vulnerable. They are impressionistic and therefore malleable in the hands of elders. It is therefore true that the advancement of any legal system can be measured by an examination of the protective guarantees provided to vulnerable groups in the society like children. Despite the premium placed on children, the grim reality is that human communities have in history always deployed children in wars and armed conflicts thereby putting them in harm's way. This was done without a whimper by way of objection or normative prohibition. However in modern times it has come to be perceived as one of the most heinous malady facing humanity. The problem is widespread and despite the convergence of opinion amongst scholars and global policy makers it has refused to disappear. In this work we hope to articulate the state of the malaise, the legal instruments prohibiting it and how international criminal law can help in solving this problem of humanity. This is very significant because unless this problem is solved, the future of humanity is in great jeopardy. This cannot be over emphasized in the face of rising extreme militia groups and belligerency around the world. Indeed the trend of terrorism and suicide bombing wherein these radical groups unconscionably deploy children in Africa, Asia, Middle East. Latin America and other parts of the world makes the work highly imperative. The work is of four parts. Part one will deal with general introduction, part two the basic legal instruments prohibiting child soldiering. Part three will discuss enforcement and remedial measures, while part four will conclude and make some recommendations as to solutions to this problem. It is our view that only a multi-level approach including but not limited to diplomatic interventions, public advocacy, international criminal prosecutions, education and rehabilitation can defeat this monster. We hope in the end that we would have contributed in addressing the problem and finding lasting solutions to the evil of use of children in armed conflicts.


The blackberry jam has a high potential for industrialization, in order that the fruit has a fragile structure, high perishability, and high respiratory activity. This study evaluated the stability of blackberry jams packed in glass and polypropylene at temperature (25 ± 2oC) in  light conditions and refrigerated  temperature (4oC ± 2oC) for 120 days. The physico and chemical characteristics were analyzed: water activity, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, total anthocyanins and the content of vitamin C. It was observed that the quality of jams was influenced by the type of packaging and the storage time, which committed the nutritional characteristics of the product. The results showed a decrease in water activity, the levels of anthocyanins and vitamin C with the time of storage, however, the glass packaging showed  better values for the maintenance of the physico-chemical characteristics jams been contribute to maintaining the shelf-life of the product.


With the gradual deepening of the new medical reform, the SPD system has been rapidly adopted by major hospitals with its advanced, scientific and efficient management concept, and pharmaceutical suppliers are a key part of the whole SPD system. Therefore, choosing a suitable and reliable pharmaceutical supplier is one of the important prerequisites for the SPD system to play its role. Aiming at the many problems existing in the traditional BP neural network-based pharmaceutical supplier evaluation model, a genetic algorithm was used to optimize the BP neural network, and a pharmaceutical supplier evaluation model based on the genetic algorithm BP neural network was established. The simulation results show that the stability and accuracy of the model are improved obviously, the generalization ability is better, and the model can evaluate pharmaceutical suppliers comprehensively and accurately.


Variable climatic factors, i.e. rainfall, relative humidity and temperatures across regions and altitudes resulted in a high genetic diversity in wheat species. The objective of the study was to evaluate the variation in  morphological traits of hexaploid wheat accessions across different regions and altitudes using frequency and Shannon-Weaver diversity index. Polymorphism was observed in all traits with the exception of glume  hairiness. More than 85% of the collections contained medium to large and plump seed types. Over all accessions diversity indices ranged from 0.03 for glume hairiness to 0.85 for beak length. Average regional diversity  indices for all traits ranged from 0.47 for Group II (accessions from Gojam and Gonder) to 0.57 for Group III (accessions from Shewa). Traits diversity in altitude ranged from 0.44 for altitudes > 2800 masl to 0.63 for altitudes . 2200 masl. Within regions and within altitudes diversity accounted for  89% and 93% of the total variation, respectively. Hence, emphasis should be given to have more samples within one and the same region and range of altitudes to capture more genetic diversity and use it as breeding  material for variety improvement programmes. Keywords : Ethiopia; Phenotypic Diversity; Triticum aestivum


This contribution is focused on supercritical solutions of many polar solutes in carbon dioxide (nonpolar solvent) when the molar polarization of the solute at infinite dilution is accurately known. A database containing experimental solubility measurements for many solutes is used in this study where isotherms are known between 308 and 343 K. A mathematical model is developed to compute the solubility of solids in supercritical fluids, particularly in carbon dioxide. As a result, a new correlation of the binary interaction (k ij ) is proposed. This new relationship considers the k ij term as a function of the dipole moment and the solute carbon number.


The interaction between a cylindrical inhomogeneity and a weak planar shock wave is investigated experimentally and numerically, and special attention is given to the wave patterns and vortex dynamics in this scenario. A soap-film technique is realized to generate a well-controlled discontinuous cylinder (SF6 surrounded by air) with no supports or wires in the shock-tube experiment. The symmetric evolving interfaces and few disturbance waves are observed in a high-speed schlieren photography. Numerical simulations are also carried out for a detailed analysis. The refracted shock wave inside the cylinder is perturbed by the diffracted shock waves and divided into three branches. When these shock branches collide, the shock focusing occurs. A nonlinear model is then proposed to elucidate effects of the wave patterns on the evolution of the cylinder. A distinct vortex pair is gradually developing during the shock-cylinder interaction. The numerical results show that a low pressure region appears at the vortex core. Subsequently, the ambient fluid is entrained into the vortices which are expanding at the same time. Based on the relation between the vortex motion and the circulation, several theoretical models of circulation in the literature are then checked by the experimental and numerical results. Most of these theoretical circulation models provide a reasonably good prediction of the vortex motion in the present configuration.


Summary

As a nesting species, the Waved Albatross Diomedea irrorata is restricted to Hood Island in the Galapagos archipelago where 12,000 pairs bred in 1971. Outside the islands the species occurs over the northern parts of the Humboldt Current.

Two colonies were studied in detail (1970–1971). At the start of a season, males returned first to the colonies and defended a small territory. Copulation occurred without any elaborate ceremony and the female spent little time on land before laying. There was no fixed nest-site, even within a season, and birds moved their eggs considerable distances. This resulted in heavy egg losses. Younger birds bred later than older birds and laid longer but narrower eggs. The average incubation spell varied from four to five days at the extremes of the incubation period to 19 days in the middle. The average incubation and fledging periods were 60 and 167 days respectively. Pairs which lost an egg sometimes adopted the abandoned egg of another bird and successfully reared the chick. Most pairs nested in both seasons.

Nesting success was extremely variable, both between years and between colonies. Between 1961 and 1971 at Punta Suarez, virtually no young were reared in four seasons. Even in 1970–71, where nesting success was good, some groups of birds deserted their eggs en masse whereas in neighbouring areas up to 80% of the pairs reared young.

The main foods of the young were squid and fish.

Birds did not moult wing and tail feathers at the breeding colonies, and about 50% retained some primaries for more than one season, suggesting that successful pairs had difficulty in fitting in a complete moult between breeding attempts. Old feathers were normally found among the inner primaries and at the next moult were preferentially replaced, though adjacent newer feathers were sometimes retained for another season.

Some birds bred in their fourth years, but most not until a year or two older. Immatures were present at the colonies late in the breeding cycle, the youngest returning latest and remaining until the last young fledged.

Survival of adults and young averaged at least 95% and 93% per annum over many years. Adults and young ringed in 1961 survived equally well.

The significance of the timing of the return of immatures and of the large-scale desertion of eggs, apparently not due to food shortage or disturbance, is discussed.


This paper presents the results of the assessment study of two small-sized innovative reactors for electricity generation in Brazil using the methodology developed under the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO), co-ordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). INPRO was initiated in 2001 and has the main objective of helping to ensure that nuclear energy is available to contribute in a sustainable manner to the energy needs of the 21 st century. Brazil joined the project since its beginning and in 2005 submitted a proposal for the assessment using INPRO methodology of two small-sized reactors (IRIS and FBNR) as potential components of an innovative nuclear energy system (INS) completed by a conventional open nuclear fuel cycle. The assessment study was restricted to the reactor component of the INS and to the methodology areas of economics, proliferation resistance and reactor safety. The results indicate that both IRIS and FBNR innovative designs comply mostly with the basic principles of the areas assessed and have potential to comply with the remaining ones.


A novel 24GHz microstrip array antenna with 168 rectangular resonators is presented. Compared with the traditional 18×14 microstrip elements array, 84 elements may be reduced with same performance. The feeding network with Dolph-Chebyshev distribution is used for low side lob, and the side lobe of microstrip array antenna is less than −17 dB. The proposal design is confirmed by both simulation and measured results.


In a freight station in Japan, the number of forklifts is determined experientially based on the quantity of work, shape of a container platform and operating time. But, it is difficult to evaluate the appropriateness of the number of forklifts quantitatively. So, the author developed a simulator of cargo handling operations in freight stations, and studied influences of the fleet size on the works of loading and unloading. As a result, it was found that the waiting time of trucks for loading or unloading was correlated with operation rate of forklifts. The shortening of the waiting time of trucks is desirable from the point of view of customer satisfaction. In this paper, the author proposes a method to evaluate the appropriateness of the size of the forklift based on operation rate of forklifts. KeywordsFleet size of Folklifts; Freight Station; Cargo handling operation


Definitive data on the incidence rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in COVID-19 are still lacking, ranging from 29 to 58%. To date, most of the existing literature refers to patients who are not subjected to VAP prevention with selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD). We retrospectively collected data on all COVID-19 patients admitted to our ICU during the second phase of the pandemic with the aim of assessing the occurrence of VAP and the related mortality at 30 days and comparing our findings with the available literature. Of 213 patients, only 74 were eligible for the analysis. An incidence of 6.90 VAP per 1000 days of mechanical ventilation was detected. Apart from a smoking habit (0% vs. 10%, p < 0.005) and diabetes (14% vs. 54%, p = 0.026), patients who developed VAP did not differ significantly from those who did not regarding comorbidities, steroid use, and the severity of COVID-19. VAP were predominantly caused by mono-microbial Gram-negative or fungal infections. Mortality was significantly higher in those who developed VAP (86 vs. 33%, p = 0.002). Our evidence aligned with the available literature in assuming a possible role of SDD in reducing the incidence of VAP in COVID-19 patients, with a possible impact on related mortality and costs.


During present investigation, bacteria l strains were isolated from rhizosphere of healthy and infected fields of maize grown at Yousafwalla, Pakistan. Fourteen isolates were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Three isolates showed the antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosaand Bacillus subtilis. Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniaewere found to be resistant to all the rhizobacteria except YCH1 which inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureusby 47%. All the strains exhibited maximum inhibiti on against Fusarium moniliforme. The Yys and YiBa were found to be most potent antagonist against Fusarium moniliforme showing maximum inhibition by 74%. The bacterial isolates were not much effective in inhibition of the Aspergillus flavus and Helminthosporiumsativum used in this study. It was found that the bacterial isolates which showed siderophore pro duction also exhibited higher antifungal activity. All the isolates were catalase and oxidase positive solubilize phosphorus and produce bacteriocin. Bacterial strains were further evaluated as bioinoculant on maize ( Zea mays L). The four selected isolates showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in dry matter production, plant height and root length of maize. The present study suggests the implication of PGPR isolates YDYs, Yys, YiH and Yipe as bioinoculant for biofertilizers.


Using color photographs donated by burned and nonburned children as stimulus materials, the authors compared attitudes of 218 practice teachers, senior nursing students, and counselors-in-training toward children and adolescents described as typical, having emotional and psychological problems, or having been severely burned and scarred. With the Adjective Generation Technique and a researcher-designed Attitude Scale, the authors found that children with severe burns and facial scarring were regarded less favorably and were given fewer predictions of future success than the other 2 groups. Significantly fewer of the students expressed a willingness to work with them, and many had little confidence that they would be able to help burned clients. Questions generated by participants concerning things they wanted to know about the 3 groups before working with them revealed that burned children were most often asked about their injuries and scarring but were rarely asked about school, leisure activities, or friends.


History. —J. L., girl, aged 4 months, was brought to the clinic at the age of 3 weeks for bowing of the left thigh. The patient is the first child. The delivery was very difficult, by breech presentation and accompanied by considerable injury of both thighs. The left femur was fractured and healed with moderate deformity. For ten days following birth, the child did not move either lower limb. A few days before the child's first visit to us, the mother noticed, in addition to the bowing of the left thigh, that the back was very hollow, the abdomen very prominent and usually tense. The child nursed regularly, its bowels moved several times daily, the stools being normal in color and consistency, and excepting for being unusually quiet, seemed quite well. The family history was negative. Examination. —The child was well nourished, rather fat, with an extremely prominent abdomen and


Two Interprofessional teams addressed the issue of resident pain at St Gertrude's Health and Rehabilitation Center (SGHRC). The groups included members of Saint Catherine University Clinical Scholars Program and clinical staff from SGHRC. Both teams utilized evidence-based practice and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement method as a model for implementation, leading to valuable insight into how to approach change when working with interprofessional teams in the long-term care (LTC) and transitional care unit (TCU) settings. Exploration of the evidence resulted in the development of a quality improvement initiative to improve pain scores for LTC and TCU residents. The application of the plan-dostudy-act method allowed for the evaluation of staff education, pain assessment, and integrative pain reduction methods on pain management. The rapid-cycle approach permitted for and determined changes needed to improve procedures and an organized way of implementation (healthIT.gov, n. d.). An educational component on pain assessment in the TCU and integrational pain reduction methods in the LTC unit provided by nursing assistants, nurses, and therapy associates was developed to reduce moderate to severe pain. Key-words: Acute pain, chronic pain, pain assessment, pain management, quality improvement, PDSA, staff education, patient education, interprofessional teams, skilled nursing facility, long-term care and nursing homes. PAIN ASSESSMENT AND PROTOCOL 3 Pain assessment and protocol for Transitional Care and Long-Term Care Residents: Lessons learned from implementing change in a long-term care organization.


Aurum is a new media-streaming platform hosting user created channels having content authenticated through use of an innovative blockchain driven process. The media platform is fully decentralized, crypto token incentivized, and hosts verified content through application of trusted third party verification algorithms that fit the pre-defined characteristics of a particular content channel. Unlike other state-of-the art media curation platforms that use blockchain for transaction verification alone, Aurum mandates public content verification, making it a truly community driven model. The platform supports channel owners, creators, developers, authenticators, and subscribers through use of frictionless micro-payments, patronage, sponsorships and ad-revenue. By skipping intermediaries, returns get maximized. Aurum, as a decentralized platform, integrates peer-peer content sharing technology, eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure and associated costs while employing efficient support protocols for guaranteed QoS.


The shape of the modern sound of the word characters commonly used in the main body,shape sound teaching Chinese characters is the focus of teaching.This paper analyzes the characteristics of pictophonetic characters presented in the form of teaching foreign characters sound of the word of teaching a number of recommendations.


This study aimed at investigating the effect of cash and stock dividends taking into consideration the control variables on Tobin's Q in Jordanian commercial banks listed on Amman Stock Exchange. To achieve this objective, the study depended on financial reports published in stock exchange market for (16) Jordanian commercial banks during the period from 2009 to 2015, and used multiple and stepwise regression to test study hypotheses. The results of the study indicate that there is a significant and positive effect of cash and stock dividends on Tobin's Q, and this effect in the favor of cash dividends over stock dividends on Tobin's Q in Jordanian commercial banks. Keywords— dividends, stock dividends, Tobin's Q, Jordanian commercial banks)


Background: Arnold–Chiari malformation is defined as a congenital neuroanatomic deformity of the craniocervical junction, which is characterized by herniation of contents from the posterior cranial fossa through the foramen magnum into the cervical spinal canal. There is limited literature on audiological and vestibular evaluation on individuals with Arnold–Chiari malformation. Thus, the present study reports the results of a detailed audio-vestibular evaluation in an adult female diagnosed with Arnold–Chiari malformation. Case report: A detailed audio-vestibular evaluation was carried out in an adult female diagnosed with Arnold–Chiari malformation. Pure tone audiometry, immittance evaluation, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response (ABR), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP), and video head impulse test (vHIT) were recorded, and the results were analyzed. The results of the study showed an abnormal prolongation of inter-peak latencies in the ABR, which was seen in both ears. Also, cVEMP and oVEMP was absent in both ears. The results suggest possible compression of the cerebellar tonsils on the cochlear and vestibular nuclei. Conclusions: The study suggests that individuals with Arnold–Chiari malformation should undergo a detailed audio-vestibular evaluation to understand the pathophysiology of the disorder, which can guide further management.


An optical directional waveguide coupler with polymer cover has been studied with silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure consisting of a 1.5 micrometers thick silicon surface layer, a 0.4 micrometers buried-oxide layer, and a 1 micrometers polymer cover layer. The characteristics of rib waveguide, radial curvature of S- shaped waveguide, coupling length an gap distance of SOI directional waveguide coupler have been studied at wavelength 1.55 micrometers . Simulation with beam-propagation- method, we demonstrate that using polymer cover on SOI direcitonal waveguide coupler will reduce the coupling length, relax the gap distance constraint, even increase output optical field intensity efficiently. The optimal result of propagation loss of the straight waveguide and the S-shaped waveguide can be designed to be 0.1dB/cm, respectively. The maximum bending angle of S-shaped SOI waveguide with polymer cover can be designed up to 0.63 degrees. The simulation of optical SOI directional waveguide coupler with polymer cover shows promising result for achieving optical interconnections on Si optical electronic high speed devices.


This work is based on the hypothesis that implementation of virtual reality (VR) technology in the classroom helps to improve student's academic performance. The proposal involves new teaching methodologies that incorporate VR and gamification techniques in video games projects development. The methodological implementation takes place in the subjects of Modern Art, and Sound and Virtual Reality of Video Games degree. Both subjects are based in artistic content, so the study focuses on the contribution that technology provides as a medium for the development of video game content. Variables such as Difficulty, degree of satisfaction or usefulness (utility) from student's responses to questionnaires are evaluated. Results show high correlations between variables and explain in a way the latent variable, motivation. This research approach will initially be implemented in the academic courses of the School of New Interactive Technologies of the University of Barcelona.


Among existing interpolation methods, convolution-based methods are able to perform arbitrary factor interpolation but the results are usually blurry or jaggy, adaptive interpolation methods usually can reduce the blurry and jaggy artifacts but cannot handle arbitrary factor interpolation. In this paper we propose an arbitrary factor adaptive interpolation algorithm by combining 2-D piecewise autoregressive (PAR) modeling and convolution kernel constraint. PAR model ensures local geometries are well preserved thus the resultant image is not blurry or jaggy. Convolution kernel constraint ensures the recovered high resolution image consistent with the low resolution image, and also provides the flexibility to handle arbitrary interpolation factor. Experiment results show that our algorithm achieves state-of-the-art performance for any interpolation factor.


Cabling technicians, in contrast to electricians, have occasion to work with somewhat more specialised materials. And the underlying theoretical basis also differs.


The invention Carbide relates to a method for generating a surface hardened layer on a suitable substrate using the method of producing an iron-containing alloy welding consumable and the consumable. A method of producing a welding consumable according to the present invention comprises the steps of preparing a homogeneous melt containing the major elements, such as the necessary carbon, chromium and manganese in welding consumables to the required concentration; And a step for producing a welding consumable solid from the melt. Metal coating, surface hardening, chromium carbide, welding consumable, ferroalloys


As stated in a slip inserted opposite the first portrait-plate of this series, the collection herein presented is issued without regard to chronological order, moreover, the portraits are confined to those men of science who, in various ways, have advanced the subject of parasitology.


LOURENCO MARQUES is one of southern Africa's most important cities. The capital of the Portuguese province of Mocambique, it has a population of well over 100,000,1 of which over 30,000 are non-Africans. The harbor is linked by rail to several of the major industrial and mining regions of the subcontinent, including the Witwatersrand and Southern Rhodesia. The city has been a leading port for the Transvaal hinterland since the railroad to Johannesburg was completed in 1895. At present, it is growing spectacularly, and the 1975 population is expected to be about 200,000. A leading holiday resort for South Africans, Lourenco Marques annually draws thousands of visitors, who contribute significantly to the city's wealth. The Bay of Lourenco Marques (Delagoa Bay) affords opportunities for almost unlimited port development, and has been described as one of the world's best natural harbors.2 Lourenco Marques is likely to take an increasingly significant place among the cities and ports of the subcontinent (Fig. 1). The purpose of this paper is to trace briefly, and in its broadest outlines, the development of Lourenco Marques, and to examine in some detail the component parts of the Central Business District. HISTORY OF SETTLEMENT ON DELAGOA BAY


A series of single and multichannel seismic reflection profiles combined with well data from the adjacent shelves and deep sea and published geophysical profiles permit the reconstruction of the geologic development of the Laurentian Cone. The cone's sediments can be divided into two megasequences, a lower one of Early Jurassic to Eocene age, which extends from a transitional and oceanic basement to horizon AT, and an upper sequence of early-middle Miocene to Holocene age extending from horizon AT to the sea floor. Plastic flow of Early Jurassic salt at the base of the lower megasequence has resulted in the deformation of the strata above, and the formation of a ridge that extends along the continental rise from Georges Bank to the Grand Banks. Horizon AT, separating the two sequences, is the surface of a fan deposited by turbidity currents during a latest Cretaceous and a late Eocene–Oligocene regression; these regressions may be due to the onset of continental glaciation. Deposition of this regressive w...


Abstract This article examines Hunton and Johnson's Two Colored Women with the American Expeditionary Forces, which recounts their WWI YMCA service in France supporting Black troops. TCW exemplifies a long tradition of Black civic pedagogy, drawing on prophetic and empirical strategies to teach audiences that Black experience and racial justice are foundational to American democracy. Deploying the Black jeremiad, it exposes racial inequities and envisions a racially just future; deploying testifying, it combines narrative, reportage, and documentary evidence to empirically support its findings of white racism, Black heroism, and French egalitarianism. These strategies suggest possibilities and limitations for future practice.


The purpose of this paper is to look at a few of the ways that the globalisation process has affected the institution of the nation-state, in particular its ability to autonomously manage its own social and economic policies. Although the nationstate as an institution will not die out in the near future because of globalisation process but its control of power has been greatly undermined, and its hold on populations has been significantly minimized.The nation-state has become just one of several world organisational structures.Sovereignty - presuming such a thing ever really existed in the past.I shall attempt to place globalisational impacts upon the nation-state, national sovereignty, and culture, and the
implications of these impacts upon the nation-state of the future.


The solar receiver is a critical component of concentrated solar power technology; it works as a heat exchanger, transforming the concentrated solar radiation into high-temperature heat. Volumetric receiver technologies, using air as a heat transfer fluid, are designed to reach higher temperatures than the current receiver technology, which is limited by material resistance and fluid instability. The higher temperature, up to 1200 K, could be used in high-temperature industrial processes or a high-temperature thermodynamic cycle. A correct radiation propagation is essential to develop their performances, reducing reflection and emission losses and promote the heat transfer to the fluid. In this study, the optical behaviour of a hierarchical volumetric receiver (HVR) developed in Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK) has been studied using Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) simulations. The simulations have been validated in an experimental setup that evaluates the light transmissivity of the HVR porous structure. Two different HVR structures are evaluated with MCRT simulations that use a real solar dish geometry to configure a complete concentrated solar power (CSP) plant. Results show that frontal and rear losses are, respectively, 12% and 3% of the incoming concentrated radiation. Inside the HVR, 15% of the incoming power is propagated trough the lateral void spaces. Therefore, the power spreading avoids the overconcentration of the centre of the focalized area. The HVR optical behaviour has been investigated, showing an optical efficiency of 85%.


Theory of Mind (ToM) is not only a key capability for cognitive development but also for successful social interaction. In order for a robot to interact successfully with a human both interaction partners need to have an adequate representation of the other's actions. In this paper we address the question of how a robot's actions are perceived and represented in a human subject interacting with the robot and how this perception is influenced by the appearance of the robot. We present the preliminary results of an fMRI-study in which participants had to play a version of the classical Prisoners' Dilemma Game (PDG) against four opponents: a human partner (HP), an anthropomorphic robot (AR), a functional robot (FR), and a computer (CP). The PDG scenario enables to implicitly measure mentalizing or Theory of Mind (ToM) abilities, a technique commonly applied in functional imaging. As the responses of each game partner were randomized unknowingly to the participants, the attribution of intention or will to an opponent (i.e. HP, AR, FR or CP) was based purely on differences in the perception of shape and embodiment. The present study is the first to apply functional neuroimaging methods to study human-robot interaction on a higher cognitive level such as ToM. We hypothesize that the degree of anthropomorphism and embodiment of the game partner will modulate cortical activity in previously detected ToM networks as the medial pre-frontal lobe and anterior cingulate cortex.


The training content, volume and intensity are determinants on the training load understand, since it can lead to a chronic fatigue status that affect biochemical, immunological and performance variables. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the creatine kinase (CK) activity, white blood cells subpopulations and lower-limb power performance of U19 soccer players in accordance of the training content during pre-season period.


The logistics industry is the industry that can promote development of the third industry as the new industry in the society.This paper analyzed the talent cultivating mode,curriculum setting and development tendency.Meanwhile,it put forward some suggestions:to keep up with the times,pay attention to talent needs,scientific research,construction on teachers,curriculum,laboratories and modern technology medium.


The study was carried out in Darra district of Abera Gelede village in Abera sheep type improvement substation with the aims of investigating the effects of supplementing concentrate and urea molasses feed block /UMB/ on intake and body weight gain of grazing Abera sheep. Thirty two yearling male Abera sheep with mean initial body weight of 21.93 ± 0.23 kg (mean ±SE) were taken from six Abera sheep improvement member co-operatives. The experiment was conducted using a complete randomized block design with four treatment diets and eight replications. The sheep were blocked based on their initial body weight into eight blocks and each of the four treatment diets were randomly assigned to each animal in each block. Dietary treatments comprised of  T(1)= grazing  control; T(2), wheat bran 66 %: noug seed cake 33 % and 1% salt; T(3),wheat bran 66 %: cotton seed cake 33 % and 1% salt, and (T4), urea molasses feed - block (wheat bran 25%, molasses 36%, cement 10%, noug seed cake 13%, urea 10%, salt 3%  and limestone 3%) .  A basal diet was natural grass grazing for 7hr. Three hundred gram concentrates mixture supplement and 100 gm UMB was given once a day at 8:00 AM at (0 %) and (25%) refusal for concentrate and UMB correspondingly. A 90-day growth experiments were conducted. There was significant difference (P<0.05) on body weight gain in T1, 19.25± 7.32 g/day, T2,73.75 ± 7.32 g/day and, T3 43.75± 7.32, and T4, 27.63 ± 7.32.  The total DM intake and Nutrient Intake was higher in T2 and T3 than UMB intake in T4groups.  269.46 gm/day for T 2 and 288.5gm/ day for T3 and 73.11gm /day for T4 respectively. As disclosed in partial budget analysis the marginal revenue was 1.55, 1.52, 1.40 and 1.44 ETB for all respective treatments.  It was concluded that 66% noug seed cake mixed with 33% wheat bran and 1% salt have  significant  short term weight gain and economically feasible for the areas where community based sheep improvements practicing and  small holder farmers. Keywords :  Abera sheep, supplementation, weight gain; Urea molasses feed- block


Children with special needs require a different educational environment for learning at home and school than normal peers. Educational environment for CWSNs cannot be same as some need physical adjustment, some listening or communication and some observation or experiential adjustment. Due to these educational limitations, CWSNs are unable to achieve learning skills and knowledge effectively and become easy victim of teasing at public places. It is now realized that a disabled child is not a different kind of person. CWSNs are children with special educational needs like all other members of society. The disabled children must have the same right to education, work and participation. Those with mild disability can be educated along with the non-disabled peers in general schools with provision for extra help and support. Moreover education of children with special need (CWSN) has been found to be economical in terms of expense and coverage with non-disabled children in general schools. Children with special needs should be given priority. They have much in common with other children of their age. They have many common aspects of child's development like: personality, the ability to communicate, resilience and strength, the ability to appreciate and enjoy life and the desire to learn. Such children's academic achievement increases with parental educational concern and wish. Each child has individual strengths, personality and experiences so particular disabilities will impact differently to individual children. They have all right to be the whole child, develop physically, socially, spiritually and mentally. They have right to education and dignified life. Their involvement in schools also prove with family's educational awareness. They have educational need, which sometimes may differ from non-disabled peers, that's why academic performance of such children remain unaffected by family's educational values. It is needed to educate such family in methods they may support such children in education. Special educational   needs may arise from primary four different types of disability: Physical, Sensory, Mental health, and Learning disability


Semantic interoperability of distributed electronic health record (EHR) systems is a crucial problem for querying EHR and machine learning projects. The main contribution of this paper is to propose and implement a fuzzy ontology-based semantic interoperability framework for distributed EHR systems. First, a separate standard ontology is created for each input source. Second, a unified ontology is created that merges the previously created ontologies. However, this crisp ontology is not able to answer vague or uncertain queries. We thirdly extend the integrated crisp ontology into a fuzzy ontology by using a standard methodology and fuzzy logic to handle this limitation. The used dataset includes identified data of 100 patients. The resulting fuzzy ontology includes 27 class, 58 properties, 43 fuzzy data types, 451 instances, 8376 axioms, 5232 logical axioms, 1216 declarative axioms, 113 annotation axioms, and 3204 data property assertions. The resulting ontology is tested using real data from the MIMIC-III intensive care unit dataset and real archetypes from openEHR. This fuzzy ontology-based system helps physicians accurately query any required data about patients from distributed locations using near-natural language queries. Domain specialists validated the accuracy and correctness of the obtained results.


Three ways of data\|collecting on ethernet bus, router and proxy server as solutions to the data\|collecting problem in the network accounting system are offered. And it gives a detailed analysis of their demands of network surroundings, functions and limitations.


Objective: The following text shows the potential contributions offered by critical realism when it comes to generating an educational research structure that allows bringing to light knowledge that traditional educational research fails to show. Methodology: To do this, the following text reflects theoretically on how the study and analysis of social inclusion and anti-poverty programs existing in advanced Western societies could be approached through the analytical prism of critical realism. Results: Thus, from the analytical tools of critical realism, the limitations of these programs will be shown, both in their basic foundations and in their educational proposals fortraining for employability. Conclusions: Based on such limitations, alternative paths can be indicated in order to achieve a fairer society, among others the proposal for a universal basic income.


The LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) is one of the world's leading radio telescopes, operating across the frequency band 10-250 MHz. As radio waves from astronomical sources pass through the ionosphere, they can undergo refraction and/or diffraction. The variations in the intensity of the received signal are caused by irregularities with a spatial scale size ranging from the Fresnel dimension to an order of magnitude below this value. The received signal can therefore be used to infer information on plasma structures in the ionosphere. As the frequencies used are significantly lower than the 1.4 GHz typically associated with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), the plasma structures that affect the signals received by LOFAR are significantly larger, typically of the order of kilometres.


The occurrence of two alleles in a human individual comes from the fact that one of them was inherited from the mother and the other from the father. Through molecular PCR technology, both alleles inherited by an individual can be amplified and identified. When three alleles of a genetic marker are detected this is named tri-allelic pattern. There are two types of tri-allelic pattern: type1, which are more common, where there is an imbalance in the size of the peaks and the type 2, where the peaks are of similar magnitude. The locus TH01 seems particularly stable in any type of rearrangement considered; however, during the routine forensic cases in our laboratory, we detected a type 1 tri-allelic pattern, in a genetic profile of a fragment of a femur received for the identification of an individual. The occurrence of the specific TH01 tri-allelic pattern had not been reported in the literature of forensic science prior to the time that this article was written. *Correspondence to: Rosana CF Silva, Pericia Oficial de Alagoas, Instituto de Criminalistica – Rua do Sol, 290, Maceió, AL – Brazil, Tel: + 55 82 99917 8942, E-mail: email@example.com


...........................................................................................................................I ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................... II TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... III LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................... V LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................. VII CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 1 1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Literature review .............................................................................................................. 6 1.3 Main solvers in OpenFOAM .......................................................................................... 10 1.4 Different models in simulation ....................................................................................... 15 1.4.1 Two-dimensional model .......................................................................................... 15 1.4.2 Three-dimensional model ........................................................................................ 16 CHAPTER 2: COMPARISON OF PREDICTION EQUATIONS ......................................... 19 2.1 Prediction equations around culverts ............................................................................. 19 2.2 Methodology .................................................................................................................. 31 2.3 Results and Discussion ................................................................................................... 41 CHAPTER 3: NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF CULVERT FLOW ................................... 59 3.1 Model Validation............................................................................................................ 59 IV 3.1.1 Model setup ........................................................................................................... 63 3.1.2 Velocity validation .................................................................................................. 70 3.1.3 Turbulent kinetic energy validation ......................................................................... 72 3.2 Case studies in culvert flow with different blockages.................................................... 75 3.2.1 Results and Discussion ............................................................................................ 79 3.2.2 Case comparisons .................................................................................................... 86 CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION ................................................................................................ 91 References ................................................................................................................................ 93 Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 103


A method for determination of amylose content in rice was established by flow injection analysis.The results indicated that the method can be used to determine amylose content in rice under the conditions of measuring wavelengh 720nm,reference wavelengh 880nmm,injection time 15s,Fill time 45s and measuring time 60s.Amylose content in rice measured by FIA is feasible and the operations are more convenient and vapid than conventional methods.


Objective:To investigate the efficacy of risperidone combining with paroxetine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD). Method:40 patients with OCD were randomly treated with risperidone combining with paroxetine(n=20) and paroxetine only(n=20).The efficacy was measured with Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale (Y-BOCS),Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD). Results:There were significant differences between two groups in overall response showed by the reduction rate of Y-BOCS,HAMA and HAMD total scores. Conclusion:It is suggested that risperidone combining with paroxetine have a superior effectiveness in the treatment of OCD.


This study investigates corporate takeovers by "white knights," a friendly bidding firm actively sought by a target firm in order to avoid being taken over by a hostile bidding firm. White knights are particularly vulnerable to overbidding for their targets, i.e., bidding more than the aggregate market value of the target's common stock, since they are, by definition, involved in a competitive bidding contest. Since previous studies have shown: (i) that acquisitions do not, on average, confer substantial benefits on bidding firm shareholders, and (ii) that shareholders of bidding firms entering a merger competition subsequent to the first bidder suffer significant losses in stock value, the white knight's motivation for attempting to outbid its hostile rival is not well-understood. One of the hypotheses investigated in this study, that white knights systematically overbid for their targets, presumes that becoming a white knight does not serve the interests of the bidder's shareholders. Rather, the beneficiaries of a white knight acquisition would be target shareholders, who receive a higher price for their shares, and target managers, who would risk losing their jobs if the firm was taken over by a hostile bidder. Overbidding leads to a wealth transfer from shareholders of the white knight to target shareholders. Under the "overbidding hypothesis," white knight acquisitions are expected to generate greater share price losses to bidding firm shareholders and greater share price gains to target shareholders than non-white-knight acquisitions.


Carbonate reservoir in Ordovician is the most important target of oil-gas exploration in Tahe Oilfield. Because of the extreme heterogeneity and anisotropy of the carbonate reservoirs, the exploration and development are extremely difficult. The very important part of our research work, therefore, focused on the analysis and prediction of the effectiveness of the reservoirs. Our work suggested that FMI and DSI log and general log data are useful in the analysis of the effectiveness of reservoirs in Yingshan formation and Yijianfang formation in Tahe Oilfield. Recent testing data has confirmed that this this is a effective way to assess the reservoirs in Ordovician Strata in Tahe Oilfield.


The taxonomic position of the genus Yunnaniata Lopatin, 2009 is discussed based on material from Yunnan. In our opinion, the genus Yunnaniata should be classified in the section Capulites Ogloblin, 1936, and is very close to the genus Capula Jacobson, 1925. The description of Yunnaniata konstantinovi Lopatin, 2009 is extended including the description of the sexual dimorphism. The spermatheca is illustrated. A list of species classified in Capulites and an identification key to genera of Capulites are given.


The prime purpose of tolerance testing is to elicit an exaggerated response to a particular stimulus, as when glucose loading is used to determine the glucose tolerance pattern. Examples are presented to show the relationship of age to alveolar bone loss in terms of glucose tolerance tests (glucose stress), and of age to blood glucose concentration (no glucose stress). The amplitudes of fluctuation in clinical and biochemical signs are compared in healthy versus sick subjects. In a predictive medicine system, the aim is to ascertain a predisposition to, or early evidence of pathosis. Therefore, data obtained under ordinary circumstances (no stress) serve adequately if it is recognized that physiologic values and normal values are not synonymous and that subtle changes may be predictive.


Six Sigma is a proven way of removing defect cost in manufacturing and services. However, using Six Sigma for Software is not straightforward. Many metrics that are collected during software development are not following standard distributions and thus statistical methods won't apply easily. However, estimations for software development projects follow statistical patterns. This is less surprising that it sounds. When developers estimate their future work, their mood and their most recent experiences have impact on their estimations. These factors follow random pattern but most people are not inclined towards admitting such influence. Thus statistical methods based on comparisons between effort predictions, or effort measured, and other measurable cost drivers can detect and reduce variations in estimations and avoid wrong predictions.


An amperometric glucose biosensor has been developed using viologen derivatives as a charge transfer mediator between a glucose oxidase (GOD) and a gold electrode. A highly stable selfassembled monolayer (SAM) of thiol-based viologen was immobilized onto the gold electrode of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and GOD was immobilized onto the viologen modified electrode. This biosensor response to glucose was evaluated amperometrically in the potential of -300 ㎷. Upon immobilization of the glucose oxidase onto the viologen modified electrode, the biosensor showed rapid response towards glucose. Experimental conditions influencing the biosensor performance, such as pH potential, were optimized and assessed. This biosensor offered excellent electrochemical responses for glucose concentration below μ mol level with high sensitivity and selectivity and short response time. The levels of the RSDs (< 5 %) for the entire analyses reflected the highly reproducible sensor performance. A linear calibration range between the current and the glucose concentration was obtained up to 4.5 × 10 -4 M. The detection limit was determined to be 3.0 ×10 -6 M.


Budi-Islam is a core value that dominates the actions and mind-set of a Malay. It is revealed whenever a Malay starts to interact either with fellow ethnic members or individuals from different ethnic groups. The emergence of budi in the mind of a Malay is natural, and its presence is strengthened by their customs and surroundings, which are very much influenced by observing the traits of water and paddy. As a result of those interactions, another set of values such as tolerance, respecting others, cooperation, patience, modesty and forgiveness were developed. In order to identify the influence of these values in the Malay society, this study was carried out based on textual analysis among the Malay students at Public Higher Learning Institution. The findings show that the Malay students possess a relatively high level of tolerance based on their activities involving members of society from different religions, ethnicities and cultures.

Received: 2 November 2022 / Accepted: 26 December 2022 / Published: 5 January 2023


In present study, a new blend polymer consisting of a pyrazole-derived polymer poly(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl methacrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate) was prepared solution mixing method. The blend polymer was spectrally characterized with FTIR and 1H-NMR techniques. TGA analysis showed that the blend polymer was stable up to 275.4 °C. A thin film of blend polymer was prepared by using spin coating technique. The UV measurements were obtained as a function of wavelength (300 – 700 nm). The optical and dispersion parameters were reported in detail. Transmittance was increased depending on the increasing wavelength whereas the reflectance decreased. The Transmittance value at 700 nm was measured as 97.55%, meaning the blend polymer was transparent. The refractive index at 700 nm was 1.37. The Urbach energy (Eu) and the optical band gap constant (Eg) were calculated to be 0.831 eV and 3.737 eV, respectively. The type of electronic transitions for polymer was determined as indirect allowed transition.


The proliferation of computers has brought about transformative changes in nearly every aspect of society, with profound implications for the global economy. This research paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of how computers have influenced economic growth on a global scale. Drawing upon an extensive review of the literature, empirical evidence, and in-depth case studies, this paper delves into the multifaceted relationship between computers and economic growth, illuminating their pivotal role as drivers of prosperity, innovation, and inclusive growth.


The invention discloses a recovery mechanism for a small-scale unmanned aerial vehicle. Buffer and speed reduction damping is provided for the recovering process of the unmanned aerial vehicle by a hydraulic damping brake disc. Satisfied speed reduction damping forces can be provided for unmanned aerial vehicles with different recovery overload requirements by regulating the braking pressure of the brake disc. By a hydraulic actuating cylinder, a recovery net bracket can complete automatic folding so as to be conveniently transported. The mechanism comprises a net body, a net body bracket, a hydraulic system, a braking device and the like. The recovery mechanism for the small-scale unmanned aerial vehicle is suitable for narrow spaces such as mountain lands, islands and ships and has the characteristics of low cost, simplicity for operation, convenience for use and maintenance and the like.


This investigation examined two potential mechanisms, altered skin blood flow (SBF) and sweating rate (SR) responses, that may be responsible for an elevated core temperature during exercise after bed rest (BR) and space flight. Seven healthy men (29 +/- 5 yr, 179.6 +/- 7.1 cm, 77.2 +/- 17.0kg; mean +/- SD) underwent 13 days of 6 deg head-down BR. Pre- and post-BR, subjects completed supine submaximal cycle ergometry (20 min at 40% and 20 min at 65% of pre-BR supine VO2pk) in a thermoneutral room (23.4 +/- 0.5 C, 56 +/- 8 %RH) during, heat production (VO2 ; indirect calorimetry), intestinal temperature (T(sub in) ; ingestible pill), SBF (laser Doppler velocimetry), local SR (dew point hygrometry), and total sweat loss (TSL; Delta body weight) were measured. Pre- and post- BR plasma volume (PV) was measured using I-125 dilution. After BR, T(sub in) was elevated at rest (36.99 +/- 0.14 vs. 37.30 +/- 0.06 C; p<_0.05) and at the end of exercise (37.57 +/- 0.13 vs. 37.90 +/- 0.09 C; P less than or equal to 0.05). However, the increase in T(sub in) from rest to the end of exercise was not different after BR (0.59 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.60 +/- 0.07 C). There was no difference in VO2 pre- to post-BR during rest (0.28 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.03 1 multiplied by min(exp -1) ) or 40% VO2pk (0.95 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.96 +/- 0.05 1 multiplied by min(exp -1)), but VO2 was significantly less at the end of the 65% VO2pk stage (1.53 +/- 0.09 vs. 1.42 +/- 0.11 1 multiplies by min(exp - 1); p less than or equal to 0.05). The percent change in SBF from rest to end of exercise was less after BR (211 +/- 53 vs. 96 +/- 31%; p less than or equal to 0.05), the threshold for the onset of SBF was greater (37.17 +/- 0.18vs. 37.51 +/- 0.17 C; p less than or equal to 0.05), and the slope of the response tended to be reduced (536 +/- 184 vs. 201 +/- 46 %A PC; p=0.08). TSL was not different after BR (0.42+0.06 vs. 0.44 +/- 0.08 kg), but the T in threshold at the onset of sweating was delayed significantly (37.06 +/- 0.1 1 vs. 37.34 +/- 0.06 C; p less than or equal to 0.05). However, the slope of SR was not changed after BR (3.45 +/- 1.22 vs. 2.58 +/- 0.71 mg multiplied by min(exp -1) multiplied by cm sq). PV was decreased by 11% after BR (3,259 +/- 177 vs. 2,894 +/- 138 ml; p less than or equal to 0.05). These results suggest that exercise SBF and SR responses after BR are altered, and heat production is unchanged or reduced, consistent with observations following space flight. The higher resting T(sub in) with a proportional increase in T(sub in) during exercise and delayed onset of SBF and SR suggest a centrally-mediated elevation in the thermoregulatory set point during microgravity exposure.


Many reptiles, particularly diving species, display characteristic cardiovascular changes associated with lung ventilation (cardiorespiratory synchrony). Previous studies on freshwater turtles show that heart rate and pulmonary blood flow rate (Q . pul) increase twoto fourfold during ventilation compared with breath-holding, and some studies report concomitant decreases in systemic blood flow rate (Q . sys). The primary aim of this study was to provide a detailed description of cardiorespiratory synchrony in freediving and fully recovered turtles (Trachemys scripta). During breath-holds lasting longer than 5 min, Q . pul averaged 15 ml min−1 kg−1 and increased more than threefold to a maximum value of 50 ml min−1 kg−1 during ventilation. Q . sys also increased during ventilation compared with during breath-holds lasting longer than 5 min (from 44 to 73 ml min−1 kg−1 during ventilation). Neither Q . pul nor Q . sys was affected by the number of breaths in the ventilatory periods. Changes in Q . pul and Q . sys were accomplished entirely through a significant increase in heart rate during ventilation, while total stroke volume (systemic + pulmonary) remained constant. Irrespective of the ventilatory state, Q . sys exceeded Q . pul by 20–30 ml min−1 kg−1. Nevertheless, because Q . pul increased relatively more than Q . sys during ventilation, Q . pul/Q . sys increased from 0.29 during apnoea to 0.80 during lung ventilation. This study confirms cardiorespiratory synchrony in the turtle Trachemys scripta but, in contrast to earlier studies, a net right-to-left cardiac shunt prevailed regardless of ventilatory state.


In this paper we propose a meta-learning inspired framework for analysing the performance of meta-heuristics for optimization problems, and developing insights into the relationships between search space characteristics of the problem instances and algorithm performance. Preliminary results based on several meta-heuristics for well-known instances of the Quadratic Assignment Problem are presented to illustrate the approach using both supervised and unsupervised learning methods.


suggesting that the generated PDX tumors were genetically stable. Moreover, WES results showed that the clonal architecture in primary tumor was also well preserved in the PDX tumors. We observed the PDX model by chance bearded the most frequent MEITL related driver mutations, including STAT5B, SETD2, CERBBP and which are all targetable with inhibitors, i.e., pimozide, AZD1775 and romidepsin. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated a wide range of sensitivities to these three inhibitors. The most effective inhibitor is romidepsin (In vitro IC50: 13nM; In vivo, 1mg/kg once per week), which has been approved by FDA for the CTCL treatment. The QPOP analysis results further showed that romidepsin had great synergistic effect with pimozide (CI: 0.45). Conclusions: These results showed that the key driver mutations in METIL are targetable and the combined targeted therapy might achieve a higher efficacy for MEITL treatment.


One of the most popular methods of the machine learning prediction explanation is the SHapley Additive exPlanations method (SHAP). An imprecise SHAP as a modification of the original SHAP is proposed for cases when the class probability distributions are imprecise and represented by sets of distributions. The first idea behind the imprecise SHAP is a new approach for computing the marginal contribution of a feature, which fulfils the important efficiency property of Shapley values. The second idea is an attempt to consider a general approach to calculating and reducing interval-valued Shapley values, which is similar to the idea of reachable probability intervals in the imprecise probability theory. A simple special implementation of the general approach in the form of linear optimization problems is proposed, which is based on using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance and imprecise contamination models. Numerical examples with synthetic and real data illustrate the imprecise SHAP.


We perform an experimental investigation on tunneling ionization of CH3X (X=I, Br, Cl) molecules in intense femtosecond laser fields (1013 to 1015 W/cm2). The angular distribution of the parent and fragment ions from the well aligned molecular targets has been measured. Compared with theoretical calculation, the results show some new insights into the ionization mechanism of these molecules in intense laser fields.


Surface structure of the glassy carbon surface modified with cobalt tetraphenyl-porphyrin (CoTPP) by thermal-treatment has been studied by XPS, DTA and TG. During the thermal treatment a bond can be formed between the glassy carbon surface and TPP. Therefore the stability of electrode for the catalysis of dioxygen reduction is improved. Upon thermal treatment at 600 degrees C, FWHM of Co(2p(2/2)) is broadened, the reason is due to overlapping of peaks of multiple states, the spin orbit separation between Co (2p(1/2)) and Co (2p(3/2)) increases to 15.5-16.3eV, which indicated a change from low spin divalent states, the kinetic energy of Co L3VV Auger line and Auger parameter also increase. These changes of central cobalt ion provide a suitable redox potential for Co(III)/Co(II) which is related to the activity for catalysis of dioxygen reduction.


This paper looks at the distinctive ways in which critical studies of men and masculinity and critical feminist scholarship have sought to bring the concept of 'globalisation' into their research. A key concern of the paper is to outline these two inter-related, yet competing perspectives employ understandings of globalisation as a gendered process. In discussing the critical masculinities studies literature associated with writers such as Michael Kimmel and R. W. Connell, we argue that this research often approaches the process of globalisation in macro-structural terms; stressing the reification of hegemonically masculine values and identities in modern capitalist society. In this sense globalisation is viewed in terms of the entrenchment of masculinised processes of 'business-globalisation' that corresponds with the interests of elite men—what Connell has labelled 'transnational business masculinity'. Although the idea of hegemonic masculinity is often presented as a context within which competing and alternative gendered identities emerge – in this sense, gender identities are tied to notions of a 'global gender order' in which certain types of masculinity are dominant. By contrast a feminist body of literature that has emerged within studies of political economy, social anthropology and sociology has engaged more critically with notions of gendered identities in international politics—highlighting how gendered forms of inequality are cross cut with other forms of inequality (in particular those based upon race and ethnicity). More recently, this literature has started to problematise the very category of gender highlighting how the gendered impacts of globalisation manifest themselves in terms of the re-shaping of and challenging of established gender identities. Our analysis therefore raises concerns about the use of fixed categories such as 'hegemonic masculinity'. In this sense, whilst there is some importance in dealing with concepts of elite or hegemonic masculine identities in thinking about globalisation – this should not be at the expense of a more theoretically nuanced understanding of the gendered impacts of globalisation. Essentially we wish to demonstrate that whilst there is a clear analytical usefulness in dealing with ideas of hegemonic masculinity; at the same time, this should not be at the expense of developments within feminist theory. Introduction Masculinity Studies writers can be credited with bringing to attention not just how gender is part and parcel of social life and social organisation, but in addition how masculinity in particular is implicated in all aspects of sociality. As Kimmel points out, masculinity is almost invariably invisible in shaping social relations, its everpresent specificity and significance shrouded in its constitution as the universal, the axiomatic, the neutral. Masculinity, he notes, assumes the banality of the unstated norm—not requiring comment, let alone explanation. Its invisibility bespeaks its privilege. 'One of the principal ingredients of men's power and privilege' then becomes men's indiscernible status as men: The very processes that confer privilege to one group and not to another are often invisible to those upon whom that privilege is conferred...men have come to think of themselves as genderless, in part because they can afford the luxury of ignoring the centrality of gender ... And the invisibility of gender to those privileged by it reproduces the inequalities that are circumscribed by gender. Thus rendering gender and masculinity visible offers a challenge to existing power relations and their continuing reiteration. In similar fashion, Masculinity Studies writers—like Kimmel and Connell amongst others—have drawn attention to how globalisation and global politics are not gender-free and largely privilege forms of masculinity in an emerging world gender order. It is at this point that we want to acknowledge both the considerable contribution of Masculinity Studies writers to gender analysis at a local, national level, and the opportunities their work enables at the level of the global in highlighting the ways in which supposedly gender-neutral global processes are linked to the politics of masculinity. While 'most theories of globalization have little or nothing to say about gender', Masculinity Studies writers make visible the gendered character, for example, of the rhetorically gender-neutral neo-liberal market agenda in global politics, diplomacy, institutions and economics. However, as Connell points out, existing analyses of masculinities in many regions and countries cannot be simply be added together to produce a 'global understanding of masculinities'. In an ever more globalised world local analyses are no longer sufficient. Rather, a grasp of large-scale social processes and global relationships is necessary to understand 'masculinities on a world scale'. Given the increasing interactions between the global and local, this scale of analysis also becomes relevant to gender issues at the local level. 1 Michael Kimmel, 'Integrating men into the curriculum', Duke Journal of Gender, Law and Policy 4, (1997), http://www.law.duke.edu/journals/djglp/articles/gen4p181.htm (20 March 2006); see also Judith K. Gardiner, 'Men, Masculinities, and Feminist Theory', in Michael Kimmel, Jeff Hearn and R. W. Connell, eds, Handbook of Studies on Men & Masculinities (Thousand Oaks & London: Sage, 2005). 2 Jim McKay et al., ' "Gentlemen, The Lunchbox has landed" ', in Kimmel et al., Handbook, p.270. 3 Michael Kimmel, 'Invisible Masculinity', Society Sept/October 1993, p. 30; see also Michael Kimmel, 'Foreword', in F. Cleaver ed., Masculinities Matter!: Men, Gender and Development (London & N. Y.: Zed Books, 2003) p. xi. 4 Michael Kimmel, 'Globalization and its Mal(e)contents: The Gendered Moral and Political Economy of Terrorism', in Kimmel et al., Handbook, p.414-5; R. W. Connell, Masculinities, 2 edition (Sydney: Allen & Unwin, [1995] 2005), pp. xxii-xxiii; R. W. Connell and Julian Wood, 'Globalization and Business Masculinities', Men and Masculinities 7 (4) (April 2005); R. W. Connell, 'Masculinities and Globalization', Men and Masculinities 1 (1) (1998), R. W. Connell, Gender (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2002), pp. 98-9, 134-9. 5 Connell, Masculinities, 2 edition , p. xxi. 6 ibid, pp. 254-5. 7 ibid, pp. xx-xxi. 8 Bob Pease and Keith Pringle, 'Introduction', in Bob Pease and Keith Pringle, eds, A Man's World?: Changing Men's Practices in a Globalized World (London & N. Y. : Zed Books, 2001), p. 9. Nevertheless, Masculinity Studies writings on global matters are as yet in their infancy. According to Connell, 'there are still only a handful of studies of masculinity formation in transnational arenas', despite the critical importance of this work. Similarly, in the 'Introduction' to the Handbook of Studies on Men & Masculinities, Kimmel et al. state that research in this field on a world scale is very uneven and 'still mainly a First World enterprise'. We acknowledge that at this point that such writings can scarcely be subjected to an overly nitpicking interrogation. All the same, precisely because we agree that the investigation of gender and masculinities in global politics is indeed of great significance, we suggest that perhaps this is the moment to pause and look somewhat more closely at the theoretical and terminological tools presently employed by Masculinity Studies writers. We are encouraged in this endeavour by Connell's own view that it is timely to reassess these tools, given that the most commonly used emerged well over twenty years ago, and both theoretical and empirical materials on masculinities have developed since that time. Moreover, it is even more likely that tools originally generated in response to local agendas may require some rethinking to deal with the growing body of literature on the global gender order. We suggest that by focussing upon the term 'hegemonic masculinity'—a term almost ubiquitously used in Masculinity Studies in writings about both local and global arenas—we can offer some useful directions for situating the as yet relatively undeveloped analysis of gender and masculinities in global politics. Existing Problems in the term 'hegemonic masculinity' Hearn has drawn attention to Connell's early development and ongoing usage of the term 'hegemonic masculinity' (first proposed in Connell [1979] 1983)—a term which is now virtually omnipresent in Masculinity Studies literature, as well as being very widely employed in Feminist and Sexuality writings attending to masculinity. Because this terminology has unparalleled usage and occupies a uniquely privileged positioning in the study of men and masculinities within local gender orders, it is clearly a crucial term for situating masculinities per se. In addition, it is viewed by Connell and the vast majority of Masculinity Studies writers as framing analysis of masculinities in a global context. The term 'hegemonic masculinity' was most importantly a means to recognizing that 'all masculinities are not created equal' and was intended to counter sharply oppositional conceptions of binary gender power and unitary categorical notions of gender identity. The term invoked a framing that drew attention to the diversity within masculinities, to multiple masculinities. Masculinity in this reading is not all of a piece, nor about power externalised. Rather masculinity is de-massified as masculinities and these are not equal. Hegemonic masculinity holds an authoritative positioning over other masculinities and will 'dominate other Connell, Masculinities, 2 edition, p.xxiv. R. W. Connell, Jeff Hearn and Michael Kimmel, 'Introduction', in Kimmel et al., Handbook, p. 9. 11 Connell, Masculinities, 2 edition, p.xviii. 12 Jeff Hearn, 'From hegemonic masculinity to the hegemony of men', Feminist Theory 5 (1) (April 2004); R. W. Connell, 'Men's Bodies', in R. W. Connell, Which Way is Up? (


Disclosed is a stereo storing or parking method and a stereo storehouse or garage built with the method, a container stereo storing system and a port container loading-unloading method. The stereo storing or parking method comprises: setting two up and down stall layers in each storage layer, setting a horizontal transportation passage operated by a transportation machine between the two up and down stall layers, so that the two up and down stall layers respectively locate above and below the transportation passage, transporting cargos or vehicles on pallets along the transportation passage by using the transportation machine to cross the down stall layer, storing or taking the cargos or vehicles by using a lifting device attached to the transportation machine at the up or down stall layer, setting an elevator among multiple storage layers to exchange or transport with the stalls in each storage layer or the transportation machine. The invented container stereo storing system can compose a logistic center of sea transportation, railway transportation or highway transportation.


In this artide, certain key issues in the Foucault-inspired research on gender, power and sexuality are discussed. One such theme is the relation between Foucault and the established "classics" of gender research. The awareness of gender and sexuality as social constructions is not new, it belongs to the history of feministic research. Another main thente is Foucault's concept of power. What implications does a multiple theory of power like Foucaults have for the understanding of gender related power? Does his relational power-concept lead us to analyses where the "objects" of the wielding of power are the only visible actors, causing them to appear as guilty of their own oppression? The "dUltlor maintains that Foucault has more than one concept of power, in fact several. Just to state, as many researchers do, that an analysis of power is inspired by Foucault, may give rise to more questions than answers. The third main theme deals with sexuality, marginality and hegemony. Foucaults analyses of marginalized groups, of "the others", those disregarded and silenced by the prevailing power/knowledge struetures, have often been regarded as a clear source of inspiration within gender research. The problem is just that Foucault s "others" often become anonymous shadows in the margins of society, shadows without an identity, a face, a voice. It is difficult to imagine how these "nodes in the network of power" could be able to generate alternative discourses, how they could represent a "counter-power" capable to break the discourse hierarchies.


AIM: To investigate the effects of different doses of pioglitazone on the proliferation, apoptosis and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from bone marrow. METHODS: Twenty-four SD rats were devided into 4 groups randomly. The rats in group A (control group) received normal saline by intragastric administration, the rats in group B, C and D received pioglitazone 10, 20, 40 mg/(kg·d) respectively for 10 d. Mononuclear cells were collected from rats' bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation, cultured with Medium 199, and were identified by UEA-I and ac-LDL staining, and the double positive ones were identified as EPCs. Once being harvested, EPCs of each group were calculated and cultured. After 24 h of incubation, NO secretion of EPCs was measured by the Griess assay with spectrophotometer. Being incubated for 3 d, apoptosis rate was detected by FCM. After 7 d of incubation, proliferation capacity was measured by MTT assay. RESULTS: Compared with group A, proliferation of EPCs increased[A490 nm: (0.423±0.004), (0.680±0.008), (0.443±0.005) vs control (0.143±0.006), P0.05], the apoptosis rate decreased [(32.8±0.8)%, (30.9±2.3)%, (33.0±3.9)% vs control (40.1±1.1)%, P0.05] and the production of NO enhanced [μmol/L, (29.2±3.7), (41.0±7.7), (28.7±6.4) vs control (18.9±1.4), P0.05] in the group B, C and D. Group C showed the strongest effects among the 3 pioglitazone groups. CONCLUSION: Pioglitazone can improve the proliferation and the function of EPCs. The medium dose of 20 mg/(kg·d) of pioglitazone has better effects.


Objective To evaluate the effect on patients compliance with anti-hypertension therapy under community attendance intervention. Methods One hundred and four patients discharged from our hospital during 2001.1-2003.6 were randomly divided into two groups: attendance intervention (AI group, n=58) and control group (n=46). All of them received education on knowledge concerning the systemic therapy and health when leaving hospital. Nursing intervention was carried out for six months for those in AI group, nothing was done for the control. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire after six months. Results The rate of compliance with drug-taking was 73.76% for AI group, while 45.65% for the control. The difference was marked ( χ 2=7.693,P0.01). Conclusion Community nursing intervention may greatly enhance the patients compliance with therapy, improve the control of blood pressure and reduce complications.


We have investigated the electronic structure and optical properties of zinc molybdenum oxide (Zn2Mo3O8) by using both first-principle calculations and experiments. Optical properties of this material is very similar to other ternary oxides of tetravalent molybdenum (A2Mo3O8: A = Mg, Fe, Cd); therefore, this study provides meaningful insight into optical properties and possible phtotovoltaic applicability of these class of metal oxide cluster compounds. We use state-of-the-art methods, based on density functional theory and the GW approximation to the self-energy, to obtain the quasiparticle band structure and absorption spectra of the material. Our calculations shows that Zn2Mo3O8 is a near indirect gap semiconductor with an indirect gap of 3.14 eV. The direct gap of the material is 3.16 eV. We also calculate the optical absorption in the material. Calculated results compare well with UV–visible spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements done on polycrystalline thin films of Zn2Mo3O8. We sh...


The induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential feature of tumor angiogenesis, and the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) transcription factor is known to be a key mediator of this process. In colon cancer, the frequently mutated K-ras oncogene also can regulate VEGF expression, but the role that K-ras may play in hypoxia is unknown. Hypoxia induced VEGF promoter activity, mRNA, and protein levels in colon cancer cells. Although HIF-1α was induced by hypoxia, VEGF reporter constructs with selectively mutated hypoxia-response elements remained responsive to hypoxia. In addition, "knockdown" of HIF-1α by RNA interference only minimally inhibited the hypoxic induction of VEGF. A region of the VEGF promoter between −420 and −90 bp mediated this HIF-independent induction by hypoxia. The introduction of K-rasVal12 augmented the hypoxic induction of VEGF, and this was observed in wild-type and HIF-1α knockdown colon cancer cells. Thus, VEGF may be induced by hypoxia through HIF-dependent and HIF-independent pathways, and K-ras also can induce VEGF in hypoxia independent of HIF-1. These findings suggest the existence of multiple mechanisms regulating the hypoxic induction of VEGF in colon cancer.


Introduction: Religion on Display Knut A. Jacobsen Part 1: Processions in South Asia 1. The Re-Invention of Tamil Funeral Processions Isabelle Clark-Deces 2. Getting in Line: The Kumbha Mela Festival Processions James Lochtefeld 3. Mapping the Management of Threatening Gods and Social Conflict: A Territorial Approach to Processions in a South Indian Village (Tamil Nadu) Pierre-Yves Trouillet 4. Space, Sound, Auspiciousness, and Performance in North Indian Wedding Processions Gregory D. Booth 5. Public Display, Communal Devotion: Procession at a South Indian Catholic Festival Selva J. Raj 6. The Virgin and her 'Relations': Reflections on Processions at a Catholic Shrine in Southern India Matthias Frenz 7. 'Yeh Matam Kayse Ruk Jae' (How Could this Matam Ever Cease): Muharram Processions in Pakistani Punjab Mariam Abou Zahab 8. A Note on the Modernization of Muharram Stig Toft Madsen and Muhammad Hassan 9. Muharram Processions and the Ethisation of Hero Cults in the Pre-Modern Deccan Hugh van Skyhawk 10. Personalizing the Sikh Scripture: Processions of the Guru Granth Sahib in India Kristina Myrvold Part 2: Processions in the South Asian Diaspora 11. Gods on the Move: Chariot Processions in Urban Singapore Vineeta Sinha 12. Parading Hindu Gods in Public: New Festival Traditions of Tamil Hindus in Germany Brigitte Luchesi 13. Processions, Public Space and Sacred Space in the South Asian Diaspora in Norway Knut A Jacobsen 14. Rathayatra of the Hare Krishnas in Durban: Inventing Strategies to Transmit Religious Ideas in Modern Society P. Pratap Kumar. 'Conclusion and Future Prospects' Knut A. Jacobsen


In this paper we present an overview of the main problems involved in the teaching/learning of English rhythm to/by Spanish speakers, and propose solutions founded on both contrastive and error analysis. We think that it is pedagogically convenient to visualise rhythm as a necessary stratum in the structuring of English Intonation. On the basis of the analysis of rhythmic contrasts between the two languages and the typification of rhythmic errors, various guidelines for dealing with English rhythm are put forward. We argue over the advantages of integrating the teaching of strong/weak forms of English as ancillary to the teaching of rhythm and intonation.


Two anomalous areas composed of seven airborne radioactive anomalies were discovered in Wudaoliang and north Huobuxun lake, eastern Chaidamu basin in 1997.Based on basic geological conditions, and using the theory of groundwater system, this paper presents dynamic conditions of regional groundwater in eas tern Chaidamu basin. Meanwhile, radioactive hydrogeochemical characteristics in airborne radioactive anomalous areas are analyzed, and airborne radioactive anomalies in Wudaoliang area are emphatically discussed. From the aspect of hydrogeology the genesis of airborne radioactive anomalies is suggested and those anomalies can be considered as the information of deep uranium mineralization. Furthermore, the author suggests that the eastern Chaidamu area is favorable for the formation of interlayer oxidation zone sandstone type uranium mineralization, and is worth further prospecting.