Objective: To investigate the antagonistic effect of Yiguanjian Decoction on hepatic fibrosis in rats. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, colchicine group and Yiguanjian Decoction group. Except for the normal group, the other three groups were established as the model of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4). After modeling, Yiguanjian Decoction group and colchicine group were gavaged by corresponding drug, while the normal group and model group were treated with normal saline, once a day. After 4 weeks of treatment, the level of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) in liver tissue were detected, and the liver fibrosis degree was evaluated by pathological staining. Results: Compared with the normal group, the liver fibrosis degree in model group was increased, the level of MMP-1 was decreased, the level of TIMP-1 was increased and the ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 was decreased(P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the model group, the liver fibrosis degree in colchicine group and Yiguanjian Decoction group were both decreased, the level of TIMP-1 was decreased(P0.05), the level of MMP-1 in colchicine group was decreased and in Yiguanjian Decoction group was increased. The ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 were both increased. Conclusion: Yiguanjian Decoction can antagonize the liver fibrosis in rats induced by CCl4, which may be related to its regulating effect on MMP-1/TIMP-1 in liver tissue.


The non-linearity introduced due to large deflections in load-deflection characteristics is tackled in this note, by adopting the "Incremental Linearization" procedure. A finite element model of the tail-wheel structure is prepared and the load is applied in increments taking into account the changes in the geometry of the structure at the end of each loading step. The final deflections and geometry are obtained by a summation procedure.


The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of airline"s organizational communication types on organizational effectiveness under the circumstance of the rapid industrialization as well as analyze the relationship between organizational commitment and organizational effectiveness. The conclusions and implications of this study have been proposed as follows: First, it has shown that upward communication for flight attendants to freely share their ideas and opinions. Second, individual and ordinary communicative activity that happens informally among the co-workers, work gatherings, or senior-junior relationship. Third, emotional commitment is about pride, sense of belonging, loyalty and unity with oneself towards company. High commitment of employees on these factors can be a very important reason variable to produce output that their organization is aiming for.


To the Editor: Dr. Bruckmann and colleagues presented data on the effects of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy on osteoblastic activity measured by quantified F-labeled fluoride (F-fluoride) uptake on positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients (1). We read this article that addresses the therapy-monitoring potential of this innovative imaging technique with great interest. Their results confirm previously published data by our group describing the value of F-fluoride PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) for prediction of anti-TNF therapy outcomes in AS already at 12 weeks of treatment (2). However, there are several points to consider when interpreting the results. First, Bruckmann and colleagues reported maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax). The use of SUVmax might have affected the results since this uptake metric is known for its receptivity to noise, meaning that the measured therapeutic effects might only be the result of statistical variation. Peak SUV (SUVpeak) is generally preferred over SUVmax because SUVpeak is a more robust PET outcome measure, which is why SUVpeak was also applied in our previously reported F-fluoride PET/CT studies (3,4). Furthermore, unlike the SUV values reported by Bruckmann and colleagues, the SUV values we reported were adjusted using individual integrated whole-blood activity concentration (SUVAUC), since the influence of therapeutic treatments on F-fluoride kinetics has not yet been determined. Without this correction, changes in SUV values as a result of altered F-fluoride kinetics might be interpreted as therapeutic effects. Second, the bone-seeking properties of F-fluoride will always result in a certain level of background uptake in bone. In our F-fluoride uptake studies, we observed an average background SUVpeak of 8.9, and all background lesions had an uptake value >0. Therefore, it is debatable that Bruckmann and colleagues determined a mean SUVmax of 0 in some patients, which would imply a lack of inclusion of F-fluoride background uptake in their quantitative data. In our opinion, background uptake correction is indispensable to distinguish between active AS lesions and background uptake and to thereby adequately evaluate therapeutic effects. Third, our F-fluoride PET/CT data revealed a significant decrease in SUVAUC after 12 weeks of anti-TNF therapy in costovertebral joints in clinical responders, while no change in SUVAUC was observed when grouping all spinal lesions. Since Bruckmann and colleagues performed an analysis on all spinal lesions combined, their results might change after subanalysis of lesion type and localization (i.e., the costovertebral joints). Author disclosures are available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1002%2Fart.42400&file=art42400sup-0001-Disclosureform.pdf.


Empfohlene Zitierung / Suggested Citation: Chandler, David: Digital Governance in the Anthropocene: The Rise of the Correlational Machine. In: Dave Chandler, Christian Fuchs (Hg.): Digital Objects, Digital Subjects: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Capitalism, Labour and Politics in the Age of Big Data. London: University of Westminster Press 2019, S. 23– 42. DOI: https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.16997/book29.b.


Using the current zero-crossing breaking control technology can make the phase-controlled contactor break the load current under the condition of micro-electric arc or less electric arc, reduce the contact loss, improve the electrical life and Breaking capacity of the phase-controlled contactor. Through matlab simulation, paper studies the change law of current zero-crossing time interval when phase-controlled contactor breaks three-phase asynchronous motor under different load torque conditions. Under the same voltage and no-load condition, the zero-crossing time interval becomes longer with the increase of motor power. The larger the motor load torque, the longer the zero-crossing time interval. With the increase of motor load torque, the zero-crossing time interval finally tends to a fixed value. Under the condition of 10%-200% rated load torque change, the change range of zero-crossing time interval becomes smaller with the increase of motor power. Finally, the zero-crossing time interval of the motor under different loads is tested by the experimental platform, which is basically consistent with the simulation results.


Kesamben Kulon Village is one of the villages in Wringinanom District, Gresik Regency, East Java Province. The geographical condition of this village is dominated by rice fields, this causes most of the people to make a living as farmers. The community in this village is faced with several problems, namely the high economic level of the lower middle class and the low level of education. Until now, this village is still faced with problems in the field of education. One of them is the pattern of parents in educating their children which is done self-taught. That is, parents educate their children based on the experience they have gained, not based on educational knowledge. This will have an impact on the success of children in passing their developmental tasks. Educating with this pattern will make children not optimal in their growth and development. This community service program is to provide training to parents regarding how to recognize character and stimulate the development of early childhood learning (Parenting). The service method carried out is divided into three stages, namely, preparation, implementation and evaluation. The benefit generated by this program is that parents will gain knowledge and skills on how to help early childhood children grow and develop according to their potential through appropriate stimulation.


Capital in the cooperative is one of the important factors and can not be ignored.
Capital is expected to increase of net income, because cooperatives are always in need of
capital to fund their day-to-day. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the
level of capital changes with the rate of change of net income in the Primary Cooperative
Kartika Gunung Jati city of Cirebon. Formulation of the problem are taken are (1) Was there a
change in the level of capital on Primary Cooperative Kartika Gunung Jati Cirebon? (2) Was
there a change in the level of net income of the Primary Cooperative Kartika Gunung Jati
Cirebon? (3) Is there a relationship between the level of capital changes with the rate of change
of net income of the Primary Cooperative Kartika Gunung Jati Cirebon?. The hypothesis that
researchers ask is "There is a significant relationship between the level of capital changes with
the rate of change of net income of the Primary Cooperative Kartika Gunung Jati Cirebon
City". Capital comes from savings cooperatives principal, mandatory savings, reserve funds,
grants, and loan capital. The amount of savings-savings are not the same, depending on the
agreement of the meeting of the cooperative. The remaining net income is the income earned in
the cooperative financial year reduced costs, depreciation, and other obligations are included
in the tax year concerned. In analyzing the data, researchers used descriptive analysis method
explorative approach to quantitative analysis. Variable X or independent variable is the change
in the capital while the variable Y or dependent variable is the change of net income. The
research data were collected by observation, interviews, documentation and literature. To
determine whether there is any correlation between the level of capital changes with the rate of
change of net income of the Primary Cooperative Kartika Gunung Jati city of Cirebon, the data
were analyzed by using the formula Person product moment correlation analysis and
determination. For (predict) the dependent variable (Y) when the independent variable (X) is
known to use a simple regression analysis. While testing the hypothesis using the formula tcount.
Keywords: capital changes and changes of net income


The definition of headache syndromes in the past have lacked precision, not only because different terms have been used for the same condition, but also because there is no general agreement on the es


To provide the basis for improvement of plant type in wheat breeding,heterosis,combining ability and heritability of plant height and internode length were studied by a 7×7 complete diallel crosses with seven wheat parents during 2009-2010 growing season.The results showed the heterosis of plant height and internode length had extensive variation.The order of the average heterosis for each internode length was first internodesecond internodethird internodefourth internodefifth internode.The inheritance of the fifth internode was mainly controlled by additive genes.The inheritance of plant height,and the first,second,third and fourth internode length was controlled by both additive and non-additive genetic effects,but the additive effect was much greater than the non-additive effect.Ningmai 8 and Yangmai 9 held the best general combining ability of plant height and each internode length,which could significantly reduce plant height and each internode length in their crossing progenies,and they might be used as the best parents in dwarf wheat breeding.The relative values of specific combining ability of plant height and each internode length in the two crosses involving Ningmai 9×Yangmai 11 and Yangmai 9×Yangmai 11 were all negative,and they could be considered as the key crosses in the semi-dwarf wheat breeding.The narrow sense heritability of plant height and internode length was much higher,which indicated that selection for these traits would be effective in the early generation.


A methodology and results from a comparative analysis of quantity assessment and evaluation of the interurban passenger transport modes environmental impact are presented in the article. The research is focused on the interurban road passenger trips (by busses and by personal vehicles) and the railway trips. Some main relations, origin and destination points of the Bulgarian transport network are examined. The research covers 30 year period – from 2011 to 2041. The assessments include some of the main indicators for the negative environmental impact of the transport. The comparative analysis results are derived using a specially developed assessment model. It estimates the pollutants quantities and social costs from the evaluated transport modes for two scenarios. The first scenario represents the real situation for the transport modes with no future improvements. The second one includes some target values from the European strategies and particularly the growth of the railway passenger trips share


Foreword by Stephen H. SumidaPrefaceSisters MatsumotoThe Wind Cries MaryBallad of YachiyoUnder the Rainbow, a Play of Two One Acts--Natalie Wood Is Dead--White Manifesto and Other Perfumed Tales of Self-Entitlement, or, Got Rice?


Rationale: Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. Is a tree belonging to Calophyllaceae family, recently separated from Clusiaceae (= Guttiferae). This species is widely distributed in the Tropical Rain Forests of the American continent, from Brazil to Mexico. It synthesizes a wide variety of secondary metabolites isolated from leaves, flowers, fruits, bark and roots, such as coumarins, chromanones, xanthones, terpenes, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which exhibit multiple biological properites. Objective: To provide a comprehensive view of the botanical, chemical and pharmacological characteristics of C. brasiliense, and to present chemical, anatomical and genetic evidences supporting the notion of chemotypes (chemical phenotypes) in this species. Methods: Information available in the databases NCBI and SciFinder® was reviewed, and relevant investigations were selected regarding to chemical compounds isolated and their biological activity. Results: Among compounds synthesized by C. brasiliense, calanolides and inophyllums stand out, specially (+)-calanolide A, since these can inhibit reverse transcriptase of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). (+)-Calanolide A, a tetracyclic dipyranocoumarin, could be the first drug of natural origin approved by the FDA (US) in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Other compounds, such as mammea type-coumarins, chromanones, xanthones, and triterpenes showed antitumor, antiparasitic, antibacterial and antispasmodic activity. Most important activity of mammea type-coumarins is against protozoa, such as Leishmania, and Trypanosoma. Regarding to L. amazonensis, (-)-mammea A/BB stands out, being highly potent and selective against amastigotes, and promastigotes, but poorly toxic to human macrophages. (-)-Mammea A/BA as well as prenylated xanthones showed high citotoxicity against human tumor cell lines and T. cruzi. The chemical, anatomical and genetical evidences supported the idea of chemotypes in C. brasiliense, suggesting a current process of speciation in this taxon. The ribosomal ITS sequences discriminate chemotype 1 (produces mammea type coumarins) from chemotypes 2 and 3 (synthesize calanolides and inophyllums) being useful like possible barcodes. Conclusions: The proper management of Calophyllum brasiliense with forestry and biotechnological methods, as well as scientific and technological knowledge, could provide solutions to developing countries, for instance through the production of phytomedicines against HIV/AIDS, and illnesses caused by protozoa such as Leshmaniasis and Chaga's Disease.


N. Steiger et al. set up a 1D flowline glacier model of Jakobshavn Isbræ (JI) and perform a sensitivity analysis on various climatic and geometric model input parameters for the glacier's evolution from the Little Ice Age (LIA) to today and into the future (until 2100). The authors conclude that the fjord and trough geometry are the main controls on the glacier's retreat history. The question of what controls the retreat of JI and other marine-terminating glaciers in Greenland for the last decades is of great interest for assessments of the present and future mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS). However, I find the present study has several shortcomings, which have to be addressed before the paper can be considered to be ready for publication. My main criticisms are: First, the 1D flowline model used for this study is inadequate to represent JI's complex flow dynamics, especially for inferring its grounding line position and for assessments of it's future evolution. Second, the results of the model study carry little to no novelty. Third, the manuscript would benefit of some shortening as well as a clearer structure. I will explain my criticism in more detail below.


Medical imaging classification is playing a vital role in identifying and diagnoses the diseases, which is very helpful to doctor. Conventional ways classify supported the form, color, and/or texture, most of tiny problematic areas haven't shown in medical images, which meant less efficient classification and that has poor ability to identify disease. Advanced deep learning algorithms provide an efficient way to construct a finished model that can compute final classification labels with the raw pixels of medical images. These conventional algorithms are not sufficient for high resolution images due to small dataset size, advanced deep learning models suffer from very high computational costs and limitations in the channels and multilayers in the channels. To overcome these limitations, we proposed a new algorithm Normalized Coding Network with Multi-scale Perceptron (NCNMP), which combines high-level features and traditional features. The Architecture of the proposed model includes three stages. Training, retrieve, fuse. We examined the proposed algorithm on medical image dataset NIH2626. We got an overall image classification accuracy of 91.35, which are greater than the present methods.


Auto insurance regulators are, and always will be, largely impotent to deal with many insurance related problems. Price regulation, viewed nationally, simply does not hold prices below the levels that are reached competitively in nonregulated markets. Oddly, while most states regulate automobile insurance rates, a market with robust competition, few supervise rates in insurance areas that are noncompetitive. The irony is that automobile insurance regulation may have its greatest success in what it does not do: regulation of personal classification. Its most expensive activity, rate regulation, is not effective. And regulators are powerless to deal with what concerns consumers the most - the factors driving up prices.


A major theme of the Book of Revelation is the woman-city,1 incorporating various women and cities in the unfolding story. The women are Jezebel, 2:20-23; the woman clothed with the sun, 12:1-6; the whore astride the monster, 17:1-6; and the bride, 19:6-9a, 21:9-10. The cities include seven Church-cities in Roman Asia, 2:1–3:22; Jerusalem, 11:1-13; Babylon, 14:8; 18:1-24; and New Jerusalem, 21– 22. Revelation integrates them all into an unprecedented orchestration of a binary motif borrowed from prophetic denunciations of ancient cities – Yahweh's marriage to his beloved people and that people's spiritual adultery. The result is both a complex blending of feminineurban imagery and a double metaphor whose fullest development is an elaborate literary contrast between two women-cities, Babylon-thewhore and New Jerusalem-the-bride. Sustained antithetical parallelism conditioning theme development2 makes the woman-city a fundamentally ambiguous reality and a powerful dramatisation of


Articular cartilage is an hydrated tissue that withstands and distributes mechanical stresses. The chondrocytes respond to mechanical signals by regulating their metabolic activity through complex biological and biophysical interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM). The objective of this work was to compare, under mechanical stress, the ECMs synthesized by rat chondrocytes seeded onto biosystems based on alginate (Alg), hyaluronic acid (HA) and a HA amphiphilic derivative. The mechanical stress simulates the traumatisms resulting from accidental shocks or intensive physical exercise by knocking the biosystems together. The investigation of ECMs neosynthesized by chondrocytes was carried out according to various criteria: proliferation, proteoglycans synthesis activity, expression of type I and type II collagens and the expression of α5/β1 integrin. The results obtained for the stress applied on neosynthesized matrixes of 3, 10, 17 and 24 days evidenced a high proliferation and proteoglycans synthesis activity for cells submitted to a knocking process. For all biosystems, the neosynthesized matrix contained an important level of collagen, which was in part of type II, whatever the biosystems. Finally, the chemical modification of HA by long hydrophobic alkyl chains, affords an amphiphilic derivative with viscoelastic properties perfectly mimicking those of matricial environment of chondrocytes. This study showed that the HA amphiphilic derivative induced biological effects similar to those of parent HA containing no hydrophobic modifications.


Coal-mining cities stem from the combination of industrialization and urbanization.The research about the developing history of coal-mining cities should first clarify its basic concepts.This is the only way to lay a good foundation for further study.What are the concepts and contents of coal-mining cities? When did coal-mining cities begin? How many coal-mining cities are there? What are the characteristics of China's coal-mining cities during China's industrialization and urbanization? It's the basic problem for every researcher to study the rise,development and transformation of coal-mining cities.The early coal-mining cities generally went through the process from coalpits to coal mines,and then to coal mining districts,and finally to coal-mining cities.The initial genes and natural endowments of coal-mining cities decide the sustainable developing direction of the cities.It's of an important significance for the development and transformation of the coal-mining cities to study the rise and evolution of coal-mining cities and to summarize its characteristics.


In order to solve the problem of dynamic clustering for wireless sensor networks(WSN) triggered by target event,a dynamic clustering protocol,focusing on cluster head selection,cluster member recruitment and cluster reorganization,is proposed.In cluster head selection mechanism,the proposed selection approach takes the node sensing information,node's power and distance between node and sink node into consideration.In cluster member recruitment,an adaptive method based on task requirement is proposed in terms of cluster range setting;through this method,the cluster size is constrained and the energy consumption of intra-cluster communication is reduced.The simulation results show that the proposed protocol can efficiently conserve energy and prolong the lifetime of WSN,especially when the sink node is located far from the network.


We study the process, within classical general relativity, in which an incident gravitational plane wave, of weak amplitude and long wavelength, scatters off a massive spinning compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star. The amplitude of the asymptotic scattered wave, considered here at linear order in Newton's constant G while at higher orders in the object's multipole expansion, is a valuable characterization of the response of the object to external gravitational fields. This amplitude coincides with a classical ( (cid:126) → 0) limit of a quantum 4-point (object and graviton in, object and graviton out) gravitational Compton amplitude, at the tree (linear-in- G ) level. Such tree-level Compton amplitudes are key building blocks in generalized-unitary-based approaches to the post-Minkowskian dynamics of binaries of spinning compact objects. In this paper, we compute the classical amplitude using an effective worldline theory to describe the compact object, determined by an action functional for translational and rotational degrees of freedom, including couplings of spin-induced higher multipole moments to spacetime curvature. We work here up to the levels of quadratic-in-spin quadrupole and cubic-in-spin octupole couplings, respectively involving Wilson coefficients C 2 and C 3 . For the special case C 2 = C 3 = 1 corresponding to a black hole, we find agreement through cubic-in-spin order between our classical amplitude and previous conjectures arising from considerations of quantum scattering amplitudes. We also present new results for general C 2 and C 3 , anticipating instructive comparisons with results from effective quantum theories.


We present As2S3 microsphere optical resonators made out of high purity fiber. The quality factor is the highest reported to date for a nonlinear glass, nearly corresponding to the absorption attenuation value in the fiber.


A significant proportion of Europe's lithium endowment is hosted by unconventional lithium resources such as rare-metal granites (RMG) of which the Beauvoir granite in France is a prime example. In such hard-rock deposits, where lithium is mostly hosted in micas (lepidolite, zinnwaldite), the ability to assess whether lithium can be extracted economically from the ore is essential and requires a comprehensive understanding of mineralogical properties and lithium deportment. Using three exploratory drill cores distributed along the North–South axis, a preliminary geometallurgical assessment of the granite has been conducted based on a combination of techniques including Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) coupled with automated mineralogy software, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), optical microscope and sieving. Lithium distribution appears to be variable, reflecting the evolution of the granite, with higher mica content in the southern area and higher Li grade towards the center of the orebody. The size of micas in the assessed sample does not vary significantly. The grindability and liberation size of micas varies in the different zones investigated, PERC S being the most difficult to grind. There is always more than 50 wt% of the micas that are liberated in the samples when crushed to 1 mm. Indirect estimation of Li content based on EPMA and SEM analysis suggests that the content of lithium inside mica crystals could vary. If this estimation is confirmed by direct Li measurement, it for sure makes the calculations of the Li deportment more challenging.


Requirements on surface material are especially exigent in wooden floorings. In an effort to introduce a coating with a new level of use resistance, a new system based on inorganic nanoparticles and silanes is presented. Silane technology allows for the incorporation of up to 30% (w/w) fumed silica in an acrylic resin. This leads to solvent free, UV- or electron beam cured coatings with an increased scratch and abrasion resistance.


We describe our investigations towards creating a multi-user audiovisual painting canvas and its role in developing a more general-purpose infrastructure for multi-user orchestration of complex spatiotemporal patterns. The infrastructure consists of a device server for orchestrating multiple input controllers that send messages to a virtual interaction space.


Summary mtDNAstudies support anAfrican origin formodern Eurasians, butexpansion events within Africa havenot previously beeninvestigated. We havetherefore analyzed 407mtDNAcontrol-region sequences from13 African ethnic groups. A number ofsequences (13%) werehighly divergent andcoalesced onthe"mitochondrial Eve"inAfricans. Theremaining sequences also ultimately coalesced onthis sequence butfell into four major clusters whosestarlike phylogenies testify todemographic expansions. Theoldest ofthese African expansions dates to-60,000-80,000 years ago.Eurasian sequences arederived fromessentially onesequence within this ancient cluster, eventhough adiverse mitochondrial pool waspresent inAfrica atthetime.


There are 3 mechanisms that affect the life of a COPV are: a) The age life of the overwrap; b) Cyclic fatigue of the metallic liner; c) Stress Rupture life. The first two mechanisms are understood through test and analysis. A COPV Stress Rupture is a sudden and catastrophic failure of the overwrap while holding at a stress level below the ultimate strength for an extended time. Currently there is no simple, deterministic method of determining the stress rupture life of a COPV, nor a screening technique to determine if a particular COPV is close to the time of a stress rupture failure. Conclusions: Demonstrated a correlation between MWM response and pressure or strain. Demonstrated the ability to monitor stress in COPV at different orientations and depths. FA41 provides best correlation with bottle pressure or stress.


This paper explores the relationship between time congruity, job performance and work engagement. More precisely, we attempted to get a better understanding of time congruity as a concept and how time fit between an employee and the organization can influence job performance and work engagement. While work engagement and job performance are relatively well researched, we found that there is a lack of research in the area of time congruity in relation to work engagement and job performance which gave us an impulse to explore these three constructs further. Key aim of this paper was to examine employee's personal time preferences and how can a match (or mismatch) reflect on job performance and work engagement. The paper is based on empirical data collected among employees in Croatian hospitality firms.


As an intern at an academic medical center, I was commonly the first and last physician a patient saw in the course of the day. The process of waking the patient, performing a physical examination, and reviewing nighttime events provided the opportunity to hear the compliments and complaints of patients regarding the nature of the care they received from physicians as well as ancillary staff. Throughout my internship year, I had heard a veritable cornucopia of commentary from patients regarding their care, but the most common and persistent question that would be ready for me every morning was "Can I eat yet?" In the course of planning treatments, procedures, and surgical operations, we frequently prescribe the least desired of our medical interventions, the dreaded NPO. Nil per os is applied for procedures ranging from CT-guided biopsies to cardiopulmonary bypass operations. Frequently, it is selected with a simple checkbox or click on admission orders. In placing that checkmark, we think of being NPO as one more step in completing the patient's care, a small hurdle of inconvenience that allows us to reach the loftier goals of health. This mindset is frequently not shared by the patient, however. Initially, I was perplexed by the constant requests for food by patients awaiting medical and surgical treatments. In the course of receiving these lifechanging treatments, how important could a single meal be? Most of the patients recognized the gravity of their current condition and understood the importance of the procedures they were receiving. Among the most cognizant and medically aware patients, this question of food continued to come up. I would wonder: How can they worry about food at this time? Through the multiple debates and discussions I had with patients regarding their diets, I came to realize that asking for food was more than just about reaching satiety. I recognized how much a physician can dictate through a set of orders: He or she could decide whether patients can get out of bed, what they can eat, how they use the restroom, whether they can leave their hospital room, and with whom they can interact. A couple of signatures could determine who would poke them, wake them up at night, and invade their already minimal privacy on a frequent basis. Initially, this was a startling thought. As a recent trainee, I have been inculcated with the patientphysician team model of care. The process of working together was the epitome of a successful healing process. However, looking down at my orders, I realized that once a patient was admitted to the hospital, I had significant control over his or her physical and psychological environment. It dawned on me that patients abdicate much of their daily liberties in the process of admission to the hospital. Under these circumstances, a patient's implicit statement is "Create an environment that will heal me." While the patient at any time can refuse medical treatments and recommendations from physicians, he or she will defer to the physician's judgment in the often frightening and uncomfortable environment of the hospital. Even under these circumstances, however, the basic instincts of human beings remain strong. Of all the fundamental capacities we have as humans to determine the course of our own lives, it appears that the act of eating, the physical process of putting food in one's mouth, reigns supreme in the assertion of liberty. If you are unable to control what goes in your body, it would be reasonable to say that other liberties would be moot in comparison. By saying "I will eat this," an individual is fulfilling a primal representation of autonomy, stating that he can be an independent player in his own health. This observation manifested unconsciously in many of the patients I saw in the hospital. Stripped of their daily independence, patients and their families were keen to engage the physicians on topics of care. When patients requested food or removal of NPO, it served as a small but undeniable proof that they were attempting to establish a dialogue on their terms. For patients who were often intimidated by the medical jargon, multiple tests, and requests for signature, an agreement on a diet was an emotional and rational oasis of comfort. In the process of bargaining and compromising over an appropriate diet, many times we would get to know the medical wishes of our patients better than any "goals of care" meeting. It also highlighted breakdowns in the patientphysician relationship. When a patient would sneak a snack even under NPO orders prior to surgery, it highlighted a fundamental mistrust of physicians. Any sense of marginalization by the patient creates a powerful impetus to free oneself, including liberation through eating. I came to understand that only by meeting eye-to-eye with this patient's goals could I successfully continue well-kept diet orders and appropriate medical care in general. Now as a senior resident, I have the opportunity to dictate care more frequently. With the increasing responsibilities bestowed on me, I now must be more cognizant of the degree of influence I have over my patients. In this world of complicated medical decision making, I will need to recognize how to maximize my partnership with the patient. As a hospital-based physician, I will always hear requests for food, but now I realize that these words are not just a sign of hunger. They are an opportunity for me to build a strong and productive bond between me and the patient. In order to garner the respect and trust of our patients, we need to recognize how their requests for partnership in medical decision making can manifest. We must take with great gravitas our roles in controlling the freedom of our patients. We too will one day sit in a patient gown, look up to an intern, and ask longingly, "Can I eat yet?" A PIECE OF MY MIND


INTRODUCTION:Hyponatremia and hypernatremia are both possible outcomes.Changes in potassium, particularly Hypokalemia, as well as fluid content, are common in clinical practise. The most prevalent reasons are syndrome of inadequate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), cerebral salt wasting (CSW), and the use of diuretics such as Furosemide and Mannitol.Another key factor that influences morbidity and mortality is age. Getting older has a negative impact. In most parts of the world, isotonic fluid may be provided without major fluid disruptions in the body, making effective fluid management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) a difficulty.AIM:Study of RTA Patients with Serum Electrolytes and Serum Bilirubin LevelsMATERIAL AND METHOD:This study included total 40 patients comes in IPD and OPD department of medicine & psychiatrics with collaboration in Department of biochemistry Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College and Hospital Jalgaon, Maharashtra RESULT:In table 1 show that comparison between RTA and traumatic subjects' serum sodium level are elevated in RTA subjects compare to traumatic subjects. The P value are shows that statistically non-significant P >0.3546.Serum potassium levels are elevated in RTA subjects compare to traumatic subjects. The P value shows that non-significant P >0.8262.CONCLUSION:Our study shows that comparison of RTA and traumatic injury Electrolyte imbalances are particularly common in people who have suffered a brain injury. It is a significant and treatable cause of neurological decline. Serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus levels should also be checked since they play a role in preventing secondary brain injuries, RTA preservation, and traumatic injury.


One high performance rigid polyurethane foam material was prepared by compositing the structure combustion polyether and polyester polyols,with the trimerization catalyst F catalyzing isocyanate trimerization reaction.NK-YB02 polyurethane composite insulating board was prepared by cladding inorganic mat.Its performance can meet the national standard GB 50404—2007 "Technical Specification for Rigid Polyurethane Foam Insulation Waterproof Engineering",and its performance of system security was studied by comparison test with other products.The results indicate that the inorganic mat can reduce the saturated water absorption of rigid polyurethane foam and increase the combustion characteristics and dimensional stability.NK-YB02 polyurethane composite insulation board shrinks below 40 ℃,and the temperature decreases,the contraction increased;However,it shows expansion in more than 40 ℃,and the temperature increases,The expansion increases.the saturated absorbent ratio of NK-YB02 polyurethane composite plate of is 3 days,and its size is steady after 28 days.


This article explores the problems of Indian immigrant women who face cultural constraints in accessing the benefits of Canadian policies for domestically abused women. Findings from an exploratory study of abused immigrant Indian women and community social workers in Ontario, Canada, are presented. They expose the pressures of cultural, social, and family ties that prevent these women from getting necessary help for domestic violence. The limitations of Canadian policies and programs for these women and the means to improve their access to these policies and programs are discussed. The conclusion suggests how binational research is needed to improve the situation of abused Indian immigrant women in Canada and in India.


In the years from 1970 to 1985 the "Belgian Archaeological Expedition to Iraq" excavated the remains of the ancient cultural and commercial centers Sippar and Sippar Amnanum. In connexion with this work it was possible to remove twelve human skeletons from the Persian and Hellenistic Period which are described here.


This paper deals with the emergence of a new kind of music of the centre and music of the margins, by means of the deconstruction of the 'old', historically and professionally founded and economically-politically enabled establishment of a hierarchical relation between the centre and the margins in the world of music. This deconstruction is here interpreted as a phenomenon initiated by the actions of the music industry, and is an immediate result of the expansion of the Internet, its meta-media and market logic. The newly emergent type of seniority between the central and the peripheral is perceived as currently highly important for the affirmation of peripheral musical cultures and their overcoming the status of marginal. Because their belonging to the new type of centre mostly depends literally on themselves and their relevant initiatives, without the psychological, socio-economical or political burden which is otherwise implied by the implanted awareness of belonging both to the marginal and the mainstream cultures within the 'old' hierarchy.


Bone is a complex material with structural features varying over many different length scales. Lamellae in bone are discrete units of collagen fibril arrays that are the dominant structural feature at length scales of a few microns. The mechanical properties of bone are importantly dependent on the synergy between the lamellae and structural features at other length scales. However, the mechanical properties at this micron level will be indicative of the bone material itself and ignores the structural and geometric organizations prevalent at larger length scales. The isolation of volumes of bone at the lamellar level requires precision cutting methodology and this paper exploits Focused Ion Beam (FIB) methods to mill small cantilever beams from bulk bone material. Importantly, FIB milling can only be performed in a relatively high vacuum environment. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) mechanical tests are therefore performed in two environments, high vacuum and air in order to assess the effects of vacuum on bone beam mechanical behaviour. Our results indicate that little difference in the bone beam elastic modulus is found from bending experiments at deflections up to 100nm in different environments.


article reflects on the relationship between public theology and the state. It sug- gests that a state-centric paradigm plays a signifijicant role in the self-understanding and practice of public theology, and that transnationalism can serve as correction to state- centrism. It argues that these concepts complement the existing discourse on glocal- ization in public theology. The article investigates the role of churches in the struggle against apartheid as an early example of transnationalism in public theology. The con- cluding section shows that transnationalism may aid the practitioners of public theol- ogy to reflect critically on its relation to the state. Keywordstheology, transnationalism, apartheid, Global Compact, state-centrism


4-[(1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-indol-3-ylidene)amino]-N(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidiny)-benzene Sulphonamide and its derivatives were evaluated for antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, antiviral activity against ten pathogenic viruses in E6SM, Vero and HeLa cells and anticancer activity against CNS, breast and lung cancer. The N-acetyl and 5-methyl derivatives showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 48 I¼g/ml against herpes simplex virus type-2 and respiratory syncytial virus, without toxicity at a concentration upto 400 I¼g/ml. The test compounds showed comparable antibacterial activity to that of the parent sulphadimidine, except for the 5-bromo and N-acetyl derivatives.


Partitioned potential energy calculations, inclusive of hydrogen bond potential function, were performed on the molecular conformations of the endocrine- and extraendocrine-active tripeptide H-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2. A complete search for energetically stable structures revealed the presence of type Iβ and IIβ turn conformations, with the latter being the preferred conformation. Results of cndo/2 molecular orbital calculations were found to be in consonance with the partitioned potential energy calculations. These data are in agreement with earlier nuclear magnetic resonance and crystallographic studies.


Combining with site statistical data,various steps of cement cushion fabrication were introduced.The main reasons of the lower first-time qualification rate were analyzed.Relevant countermeasures were given,and the first-time qualification rate of cement cushion fabrication was increased.


Emerson, writing in Nature, describes his perceptive experience as though he were a "transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or parcel of God" (10). Emerson's immersion into complete spiritual realization of nature is interesting for, among other reasons, the visual metaphor he uses to express an unquantifiable experience. A "transparent eyeball" is, literally, a blind eye. The phrase "transparent eyeball" is a kind of paradox-what kind of eye cannot see? But we understand this usage of Emerson's as a metaphor, and its paradoxical nature is important. To make sense of it, we need to redefine in what terms "seeing" is meant. Emerson intends "seeing" as sense experience plus insight; hence the visual metaphor. But in this redefinition, Emerson also anticipates the material basis for the plastic art form that will best express the modem artists' ability to evoke the spiritual through the real world: the motion picture. Andre Bazin writes that the motion picture is "in itself a kind of miracle," and emphasizes that the cinema re-establishes the "ambiguity of reality" to the world ("Cinema and Theology" 393). The cinematic image is a factual one; it is materially real, which presents us, according to Stanley Cavell, with an ontological paradox: the mimetic quality of motion pictures makes a world present to us viewers as real, yet we are screened from this world at the same time. In other words, we participate in the viewing experience of a real world, but one that we know by the images and impressions it leaves behind. The fact that an analogy to religious experience can be seen here was not lost on Bazin. The cinema is the art form of modernity; that is, it not only presents a subject, but also imitates itself in the process. Bazin considers it this way: Only a photographic lens can give us the kind of image of the object that is capable of satisfying the deep need man has to substitute for it something more than a mere approximation, a kind of decal or transfer. The photographic image is the object itself, the object freed from the conditions of time and space that govern it. No matter how fuzzy, distorted, or discolored, no matter how lacking in documentary value the image may be, it shares, by virtue of the very process of its becoming, the being of the model of which it is the reproduction; it is the model. (What is Cinema? Vol. 1, 14) Given the popularity of religious subjects for films, this suggests that Emerson's "transparent eyeball" represents in modernity the position of the viewer, under the influence of the dual phenomena of suspension of disbelief and persistence of vision. The viewer becomes "nothing" in the confines of the theater (or the TV), taken into the presentation of the world on screen. And, the viewer "sees all," all that the camera allows; this is the necessary lynchpin of modernity that defines the transcendent experience of cinema. I have chosen for this paper to consider two films that very nearly bracket the history of cinema: Carl Dreyer's The Passion of Joan of Arc (France, 1928), and Luc Besson's The Messenger (France, 1999). Dreyer, a German Protestant with no real concern for religion or politics, and Besson, a French director with an eye toward the epic possibilities of contemporary cinema, worked two opposing angles of the Joan story. Their films, of course, reflect the time of their production, the commercial context, and budget constraints. But when these concerns (though valid) are dismissed, we can see that Dreyer worked well within a style Bazin would come to define as Neorcalism in bringing the human story of Joan to life, while Besson pursued a kind of nation-founding mythic tale of epic scope, one that necessarily sublimates the divine mission of Joan to the historical qualities of his spectacle. Dreyer's film opens with a shot of the actual text of the court proceedings of Joan's trial, attesting to the fact that he wished to make a film about the trial itself, and as close to the event as possible. …


Drivers and barriers of cold chain logistics in Chinese 3PL companies : A case study on two Chinese 3PL companies


Much emphasis is now being given to the rehabilitation of the chronic hospitalized mental patient. One of our efforts involves the use of a Vocational Rehabilitation Unit. Approximately half of the patients in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program have been in the hospital for 2 yr. or more. Perhaps one of their crucial problems is motivation. The present study explores whether certain tests can discriminate between patients of high motivation (HM) and those of low motivation (LM) in this program. Two Vocational Rehabilitation Instructors were asked to select independently 14 HM and 14 LM patients from 29 available male and female patients who had been in the program from 2 to 7 mo. HM patients were defined as chose who worked hardest, who displayed the most drive, who were steady and persistent in their work, and who would stick with tasks until completed. The mlo instructors agreed on 13 of 14 cases for each group (93% agreement). The 13 HM Ss had a mean age of 35 yr. (range was from 23 to 55 yr.) , while those in the LM group had a mean age of 33 (range was from 21 to 53 yr.). Also, each rater was asked to rank Ss in each group for motivation from 1 to 13. A rho of .59 was found between raters for the HM group and a rho of .56 for the LM group (p = .05). The Orientation Inventory (Bass, 1962) and the Sixteen Personality Factor Quesrionnaire (Cattell & Stice, 1957) were administered to the two groups. Three test variables were studied: task orientarion (orientation toward completing tasks and solving problems) from the Orientation Inventory, the "G" factor (persistence, conscientiousness) from the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 P.F.), and the second-order anxiety factor from the 16 P.F. It was hypothesized that HM patients would be appreciably higher in task orientation, persistence, and anxiety than the LM group. The results revealed that the HM group was significantly higher in task orientation than the LM groups (t = 2.09, df = 24, p =.05; rll~~rl = 32.1, IWL~I = 27.3). Differences in persistence and anxiety were not statistically significant, but they were in the expected direction. The present results suggest thac a follow-up study with an increased N would be profirable, particularly if more clearly distinct motivation levels were employecl and if predictive validity were the aim rather than concurrent validity.


Corporate citizenship means understanding and managing a company's influence on society and all its stakeholders. Good corporate citizenship integrates social, ethical, environmental, economic and philanthropic values in the core decision-making processes of a business. Until recently, the focus of the corporate citizenship debate has been on the business case—on why being good is good for business. Today, however, the focus is on the relationship between public policy and corporate citizenship, and the increasing pressure on governments to regulate corporate social behaviour. This Research Paper, which has an accompanying Research Note summarising the main arguments, explores the various potential policy options. It argues that, while there is a role for public policy in the area of corporate citizenship, that role is not necessarily a regulatory one.


Goal: The main objective of this research is to identify the causes of difficulity that pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds face in technical subjects at primary school.
Methods: The research group consisted of 65 respondents, of whom 59 were women teachers and 6 were man teachers. The research method was a questionnaire of our own production.
Results: The biggest barrier that pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds face is the insufficient conditions for education (97%). From our research results we also perceive the parents' lack of cooperation with teachers (68%). As many as 63% of respondents do not use any form of intervention for disadvantaged pupils. 37% of respondents use methods such as: experiential methods, motivational methods, reward and punishment methods, demonstration and observation methods, brainstorming, repetition methods, practical demonstrations, competitions and games, individual approaches, information - communication technologies and teaching aids.
Conclusions: The biggest problem is the lack of cooperation between the socially disadvantaged pupil's family and the school. In the future, it would be appropriate to measure the issue with a higher number of respondents as well as focus on the teaching process with the intent to determine the different methods which are used to prevent the difficulty that pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds face.


We present a parametric analysis of 2D elastic frequency-domain full-waveform inversion of passive teleseismic data for lithospheric imaging. In the framework of teleseismic experiments, the sources are few compressional plane waves, which impinges the base of the lithospheric target located below the receiver arrays. To overcome the narrow aperture illumination provided by such source-receiver configuration, P and SV converted waves at the free-surface, acting as secondary sources, are crucial for increasing the illumination of the target zone. The P and S wavespeeds are jointly updated during the inversion. The resolution of the P and S wave-velocity models is dramatically improved when free-surface effects are involved in the inversion. A hierarchical inversion procedure of finely sampled frequency groups prevents spatial aliasing in depth, while the inversion is less sensitive to the sampling of the incidence angles of the plane-wave sources. The receiver interval must be lower than half the shear wavelengths in the near surface to prevent horizontal aliasing artifacts in the S-wave velocity model. A key feature of teleseismic experiments is the low frequency content of the source (0.05 - 1 Hz), which should allow one to use simple initial models without cycle skipping artifacts.


J Hausdorf † & M Maier †Author for correspondence Ludwig–MaximiliansUniversity, Orthopedic Department, (Head: Prof. Dr. med. Dipl.-Ing. V Jansson), Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany Tel.: +49 897 095 2817; Fax: +49 897 095 5814; firstname.lastname@example.com 'This (shock waves) causes the expression of bone growth factors...in an amount that is able to activate seemingly 'sleeping' pathways, as with a non-union.'


The shortest path problem (SPP) is one of the most important combinatorial optimization problems in graph theory due to its various applications. The uncertainty existing in the real world problems makes it difficult to determine the arc lengths exactly. The fuzzy set is one of the popular tools to represent and handle uncertainty in information due to incompleteness or inexactness. In most cases, the SPP in fuzzy graph, called the fuzzy shortest path problem (FSPP) uses type-1 fuzzy set (T1FS) as arc length. Uncertainty in the evaluation of membership degrees due to inexactness of human perception is not considered in T1FS. An interval type-2 fuzzy set (IT2FS) is able to tackle this uncertainty. In this paper, we use IT2FSs to represent the arc lengths of a fuzzy graph for FSPP. We call this problem an interval type-2 fuzzy shortest path problem (IT2FSPP). We describe the utility of IT2FSs as arc lengths and its application in different real world shortest path problems. Here, we propose an algorithm for IT2FSPP. In the proposed algorithm, we incorporate the uncertainty in Dijkstra's algorithm for SPP using IT2FS as arc length. The path algebra corresponding to the proposed algorithm and the generalized algorithm based on the path algebra are also presented here. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.


─ A new and accurate closed-form expression is introduced using least squares method (LSM) to calculate propagation constant of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) at its fundamental mode of operation. The derived equation is a function of geometrical parameters of the structure and accurately estimates cutoff frequency of the dominant mode. The LSM is used to determine the effective width of the SIW structure. A review and comparisons with recently published simulation and measurement results are also provided, which verify the accuracy of the proposed method. Index Terms ─ Dispersion, least squares method (LSM), substrate integrated waveguide (SIW).


An examination of the Cold War from the creation and structure of the postwar settlement to the eventual coming apart of the post war order in the 1980s and early 1990s. James Cronin explores the creation and structure of the postwar settlement and the eventual coming apart of the postwar order in the 1980s and early 1990s. Cronin argues that the current state of the world must be understood against the backdrop of the postwar order that until recently governed, prevented or distorted political and economic change.


Volume 1: Preface Appendix to the preface Gesta Regis Henrici Secundi. Volume 2: Preface Appendices to preface Gesta Regis Henrici Secundi Gesta Regis Richardi Glossary Geographical index and glossary General index Collation of the pagination of this edition with that of Hearne and Bouquet.


The phase diagram of the system ZrO2-CeO2 was reinvestigated using hydrothermal techniques. Cubic, tetragonal, and monoclinic solid solutions are present in this system. The tetragonal solid solution decomposes to monoclinic and cubic solid solutions by a eutectoid reaction at 1050°±50°C. The solubility limits of the tetragonal and cubic solid solutions are about 18 and 70 mol% CeO2, respectively, at 1400°C, and about 16 and 80 mol% CeO2, respectively, at 1200°C. Solubility limits of the monoclinic and cubic solid solutions are about 1.5 and 88 mol% CeO2 at 1000°C, and 1.5 and 98 mol% CeO2 at 800°C, respectively. The compound Ce2Zr3O10 is not found in this system.


To the Editor.— Hydrocarbon ingestion is commonly observed in domestic accidents or attempted suicides. Only a few cases, however, of hydrocarbon injection have been reported. Petroleum distillates injected intravenously may induce severe accidents. Subcutaneous or intramuscular injections essentially cause necrosis of subcutaneous tissues. We report two cases, one of febrile panniculitis and one of sterile abscesses. Report of Cases.—Case 1.— A 24-year-old man attempted suicide by subcutaneous injection of 10 mL of lighter fluid in both hands, the elbow folds, and the neck. On admission, he was febrile and presented with large erythematous painful swellings at the sites of injections (Fig 1). Significant laboratory test results were as follows: leukocytes, 18× 10 9 /L, with 0.8 neutrophils; and blood cultures and cultures of subcutaneous aspirate, negative. He was treated by parenteral oxacillin. Diabetes insipidus without hydroelectrolytic disorders appeared a few days later. The cutaneous and subcutaneous necrosis spread to adjacent tissues with abscess formation. Direct examination of the pus revealed numerous altered neutrophils


The role of information technology is especially great in strategic sectors of the economy, one of which is energy. After all, the more complex the product, the more acutely it needs more automation of the processes taking place in it. The main informational tasks of power generation are the automation of technological process systems and control over the installed equipment. The main factor that influences the development of information technologies in the energy sector in Kazakhstan is the need for high-tech reforms in this sector of the economy. Thus, the development of IT technologies in the energy sector, like any other industry, will lead to the automation of the entire complex, which will entail its more efficient operation in every sense. The article provides an overview of works devoted to the problem of access to the electricity transmission network in Africa, India, Turkey, etc.


The utility model relates to a multi-group permanent magnet speed regulation system, characterized by comprising an input shaft, an output shaft, permanent magnets and a regulating device. An inner supporting ring and an outer supporting ring are arranged on the input shaft coaxially, the outer circumference of the inner supporting ring and the inner circumference of the outer supporting ring are equipped with a permanent magnet 1 and a permanent magnet 2 respectively, and the end part of the output shaft is equipped with a tubular rotor of which the inner circumference and outer circumference are equipped with a permanent magnet 3 and a permanent magnet 4 correspondingly; the input shaft and the output shaft are arranged coaxially, clearances are respectively formed between the permanent magnet 1 and the permanent magnet 2, and between the permanent magnet 3 and the permanent magnet 4; the regulating device is arranged on the output shaft, and comprises a rolling bearing 1, a rack, a gear and a swing rod, the outer ring of the rolling bearing 1 is connected with the rack, and the rack is meshed with the gear. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the utility model is that by employing four sets of permanent magnets to couple and by controlling the relative area change of the permanent magnets on the input shaft and the output shaft, the torque and rotating speed are changed to thereby achieve the speed regulation purpose.


Four methods are described for making data on Dutch municipalities comparable when one or more changes have occurred in municipal boundaries. Consideration is given to the timing of such changes German border changes and situations in which a community has been dissolved as a result of annexation by a neighboring community. This report is part of the ORSMIN project which is designed to investigate the structure of inter-regional migration patterns in the Netherlands. (ANNOTATION)


Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in tumour angiogenesis, an important process for the growth and metastatic potential of solid tumours. Numerous studies have demonstrated up‐regulation of VEGF at both mRNA and protein level in various tumours and a correlation with advanced stage and prognosis has been demonstrated in some cases. Limited information exists about its role in lymphoid malignancies and in particular, Hodgkin's disease. The present study examined the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF using the monoclonal antibody VG1 in a series of 61 cases of Hodgkin's disease, including both classical Hodgkin's disease and the nodular lymphocyte predominance variant, and correlated these results with microvessel density, using an anti‐CD31 monoclonal antibody. In 41 cases (70.6%) of classical Hodgkin's disease and one of the three cases of nodular lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's disease, the neoplastic Reed–Sternberg and Hodgkin cells expressed VEGF. The staining observed was cytoplasmic, either diffuse or with a focal paranuclear distribution. Macrophages were always positive, while reactive lymphocytes showed occasional positivity. A variable amount of strong extracellular staining was also observed in the tissue stroma and intravascular plasma staining was prominent. There was no statistically significant relationship between VEGF expression and the subtype of Hodgkin's disease or microvessel density. In vitro studies using the Reed–Sternberg cell lines L428 and KM‐H2 were also performed in both normoxia and hypoxia and VEGF protein production was assessed by flow cytometry (FACS), immunoassay of cell culture supernatant, and RT‐PCR. Analysis by FACS demonstrated a subset of cells in both cell lines reacting with VG1 and analysis of secreted VEGF (pg/ml per 1×106 cells) in cell culture supernatant confirmed the normoxic production in both cell lines and significant hypoxic induction (p<0.005). Additionally, both cell lines expressed VEGF mRNA, as demonstrated using the RT‐PCR method. In conclusion, neoplastic cells express VEGF in Hodgkin's disease, as is the case in solid tumours, and this expression may be induced by hypoxia. The presence of VEGF in reactive macrophages and in the extracellular matrix might facilitate tumour progression. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The Mellin transform (MT) is a form of a signal representation similar to Fourier transform (FT) which has been widely used in signal processing owing to its distinct properties like scale invariance. In this work, a 2D form of MT which is termed as 2D discrete Mellin transform (DMT) is introduced. The paper also proposes an area efficient, power aware and multiplier less VLSI architecture for 2D DMT for real time applications and discusses 2D DMT implementation to identify scaled images and the amount of scaling involved. Previous implementations involve operations which are error prone and hard to realize on silicon. The proposed architecture overcome these limitations and has pipeline design to address the computational complexity. The critical path in the architecture is an adder and a multiplexer equivalent. The latency depends on the number and depth of CORDIC blocks and the image size. The validity of the algorithm is supported by Matlab simulations and FPGA synthesis results.


A excellent in hydrophilicity provides novel fluoropolymer having excellent mechanical strength. The invention relates to vinylidene fluoride units, tetrafluoroethylene units, and to a fluoropolymer characterized by having a unit represented by the following formula (1). (Wherein, X .BACKGROUND


This article shows that social norms are better explained as correlating devices for a correlated equilibrium of the underlying stage game, rather than Nash equilibria. Whereas the epistemological requirements for rational agents playing Nash equilibria are very stringent and usually implausible, the requirements for a correlated equilibrium amount to the existence of common priors, which we interpret as induced by the cultural system of the society in question. When the correlating device has perfect information, we need in addition only to posit that individuals obey the social norm when it is costless to do so. When the correlating device has incomplete information, the operation of the social norm requires that individuals have a predisposition to follow the norm even when this is costly. The latter case explains why social norms are associated with other-regarding preferences and provides a basis for analyzing honesty and corruption.


Purpose:To present a vertical ridge augmentation with a composite synthetic bone graft by the mixed bone-filling materials and autogenous bone chips retrieved from the implant osteotomy site for a case for esthetic implant prosthesis on the atrophied alveolar bone. Materials:Nonresorbable and resorbable hydroxyapatite and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft particles were used at ratio of 1:2:2 (volume ratio). Titanium micromesh was used for alveolar ridge configuration and retention. After 8 months, implant placement and interimplant bone augmentation were performed. Results:15-mm vertical and 10-mm horizontal bone augmentation has been achieved. Marginal bone heights and periimplant mucosa remained stable in cases of loading after >4 years of follow-up. Conclusion:These results suggest that this method has the potential for use in esthetic implant rehabilitation on the highly atrophied alveolar bone.


Objective To explore the technique of establishing the orthotopic autologous liver transplantation model of rats.Methods The process of studying and establishing 216 orthotopic autologous liver transplantation models of rats of an operator was analyzed retrospectively,the technique and improvement of the operation were summarize.According to the time of study,the rats were divided into 3 groups:pre-experimental group(Group Y,n=30),improved model group(Group G,n=36),and stable model group(Group W,n=150).The success rate,operating time,anhepatic phase,livability(8h after operation),and postoperative complications were observed.20 rats in Group W were randomly chosen and sacrificed 8 h later;the lung and kidney tissues were taken,and the injury was observed.Results The success rate of the operation of Group Y,G,and W were 73.3%(23/36),83.3%(30/36),and 98%(147/150),respectively;and the livability(8 h after operation) of the three groups were 20%(6/30),63.9%(23/36),and 83.3%(7/20),respectively.The main causes of death were bleeding,stenosis of portal vein,hypothermia and so on.The incidence of lung injury and renal injury in Group W(20 picked rats) were 35%(7/20) and 45%(9/20).Conclusion Skilled surgical techniques,less anhepatic phase,limited injury or bleeding,and keeping warm were the key to establishing the model;the improved model can meet the need of the research of organ protection during the basic research of anesthesia.


Writing about the art of the Indians of the Pacific North-West Coast, an area extending from Alaska to British Columbia, Levi-Strauss sayi: "This unceasing renewal, this inventive assuredness that guarantees success wherever it is applied, this scorn for the beaten track, bring about ever new improvisations which infallibly lead to dazzling results—to get any idea of them, our times had to await the exceptional destiny of a Picasso."1 Les Demoiselles d'Avignon2 was completed in 1907. Picasso had seen tribal art objects in the studios of his friends, in the flea market and had indeed visited the Musee d'Ethnographie du Trocadero before the completion of Demoiselles. After visiting the Museum Picasso is said to have remarked: "I realised what painting was all about."3 In another statement he asserted: "Primitive sculpture has never been surpassed."4 "All art," said Henry Moore, "has its roots in the primitive."5 And Andre Malraux wrote: "Europe's dominance of the world would have served no purpose if it had not called forth the painting which removed the cataract from our Western eyes and revealed for the first time 'formal dynamism' of works of art whose distortion had formerly been put down to ignorance or clumsiness."6 Sir Herbert Read, in a symposium on "Artist in Tribal Societies" raised the question: "What constitutes artistic quality in primitive art?" and answered, "I wish to avoid the word Ijeauty', because as I have often pointed out the appeal of a work of art is complex, and an element of expressionistic vitality is always present in effective works of art and may even predominate over the element of beauty, which is impersonal and universal. Tribal art in general is vital rather


Electric variable speed drives (VSD) have been replacing mechanic and hydraulic systems in many sectors of industry and transportation because of their better performance and reduced cost. However, the electric systems still face the issue of being considered less reliable than the mechanical ones. For this reason, researchers have been actively investigating effective ways to increase the reliability of such systems. This paper is focused on the analysis of the common-mode voltage (CMV) generated by the operation of the VSDs which directly affects to the lifetime and reliability of the complete system. The method is based on the mathematical description of the harmonic spectrum of the CMV depending on the PWM method implementation. A generalized PWM method where the carriers present a variable phase-displacement is developed. As a result of the presented analysis, the CMV reduction is achieved by applying the PWM method with optimal carrier phase-displacement angles without any external component and/or passive filtering technique. The optimal values of the carrier phase-displacement angles are obtained considering the minimization of the CMV total harmonic distortion. The resulting method is easily implementable on mostly off-the-shelf mid-range micro-controller control platforms. The strategy has been evaluated in a scaled-down experimental setup proving its good performance.


Introduction
Despite liver transplantation (LT) being the standard treatment for pediatric end-stage liver disease, complications often persist and can adversely affect the post-transplant outcomes. This study aimed to identify the risk factors affecting the outcomes in pediatric LT patients.

Methods
Data from pediatric patients who underwent primary LT from March 1988 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Chronic liver disease was defined as an explanted liver showing fibrosis regardless of grade, cirrhosis, or any other underlying disease that may cause progressive liver injury leading to fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Results
A total of 255 pediatric patients underwent LT during the study period. Their 1-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates were 90.5%, 88.4%, and 87.8%. According to multivariate analysis, while liver disease without underlying chronic liver disease (p = 0.024) and a pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score ≥ 30 (p = 0.036) were the only factors associated with worse survival, body weight < 6 kg (p = 0.050), whole-liver DDLT compared to LDLT (p = 0.001), fulminant liver failure (p = 0.008), and postoperative hepatic artery complications (p < 0.001) were associated with worse graft survival. Liver disease without underlying chronic liver disease was the only factor independently associated with hepatic artery complications (p = 0.003).

Conclusions
Greater caution is recommended in pediatric patients with liver disease unaccompanied by underlying chronic liver disease, high PELD score, or low body weight to improve survival after LT. Hepatic artery complication was the only surgical complication affecting the graft survival outcome, especially in patients having liver disease without underlying chronic liver disease.


The vibrational and rotational correlation functions are obtained by Fourier inversion of the infra-red and Raman ν3 band spectra of N2O, in very dilute CCl4 and liquid SF6 solutions, care being taken to eliminate the hot bands and the spectral slit effect. The vibrational correlation function becomes exponential from 1 to 2 ps on; it is separated from the total correlation functions to obtain the rotational correlation functions ф1R and ф2R; its influence is not negligible in the case of the CCl4 solution, especially for the infra-red. The functions ф1R and ф2R have the characteristic shape of an inertial motion at short times and show an exponential decay at long times, even for the SF6 solution where rotation proves easier than in CCl4. The relationship between ф1R and ф2R proposed by Berne and Harp checks well in CCl4, less well at long times in SF6. The easy rotation of the N2O molecule in SF6 cannot be interpreted from Gordon's m and j models, nor does a friction model accounting for the inertial ef...


As a warmup for studying dynamics and gravitons in loop quantum gravity, Varadajan showed that Wilson loops give operators on the Fock space for electromagnetism in Minkowski spacetime - but only after regularizing the loops by smearing them with a Gaussian. Unregularized Wilson loops are too singular to give densely defined operators. Here we present a rigorous treatment of unsmeared Wilson loops for vacuum electromagnetism on an arbitrary globally hyperbolic static spacetime. Our Wilson loops are not operators, but "quasioperators": sesquilinear forms on the dense subspace of Fock space spanned by coherent states corresponding to smooth classical solutions. To obtain this result we begin by carefully treating electromagnetism on globally hyperbolic static spacetimes, addressing various issues that are usually ignored, such as the definition of Aharonov-Bohm modes when space is noncompact. We then use a new construction of Fock space based on coherent states to define Wilson loop quasioperators. Our results also cover "Wilson surfaces" in p-form electromagnetism.


Within the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulates nuclear activities by issuing a nuclear site license to nuclear plant operators. The requirements laid out in the license are not prescriptive but rather stipulate objectives that the site operator must meet in order to satisfy the regulator. It is the responsibility of each licensee to develop and implement detailed arrangements to demonstrate compliance with its site license. As a consequence of this approach, the mechanics of compliance with the site license varies throughout the U.K. nuclear industry. It is therefore essential to have a means of discussing, defining, and disseminating {open_quotes}good practice{close_quotes} throughout the industry. The principal way that such discussion is achieved is through the Working Party on Criticality (WPC), the terms of reference of which include `a body for producing industrywide standards and guidance` and `a focal point for determining the U.K. input into international undertakings, e.g., standards of the American Nuclear Society and the International Organization for Standardization.` The latter is achieved by appointing individuals to various bodies, and the WPC is the means to distribute draft documents, discuss comments, and press for desirable changes. This enables both the regulator and industry to keep abreastmore » of international developments.« less


Taxa relegated to synonymy with other superficially similar taxa based on herbarium-based taxonomy may be distinct species that are only 'rediscovered' on the collection of new, multi-disciplinary evidence. Here we investigate the case of Satyrium jacottetiae that has been included in the concept of S. membranaceum (Orchidaceae). The two taxa share similarities in some conspicuous traits, such as the dry and membranous floral bracts, light pink labellum and laceration of the petals, but a quantitative morphometric analysis based on 23 floral traits showed that the two taxa differentiate in ordination space. We found that the taxa can be distinguished by features of the rostellum (short and broad in S. jacottetiae and elongate and notched in S. membranaceum), which are not readily apparent from examination of herbarium specimens. A phylogenetic analysis of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences further revealed that accessions of S. jacottetiae belong to a clade that contains two other Satyrium spp. but not S. membranaceum. The two taxa have largely non-overlapping distributions on slightly different soil types, but they also maintain their integrity in the few zones of overlap despite evidence indicating that both are primarily pollinated by nocturnal moths. Coexistence in these cases of sympatry appears to be facilitated by a sequential difference in flowering times. We conclude that S. jacottetiae and S. membranaceum are morphologically, phylogenetically, geographically and ecologically distinct and should therefore be recognized as separate species. This study highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary taxonomic effort to avoid under-assessment of biodiversity.


Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder in children and adolescents accounting for a significant healthcare burden. Clinical spectrum ranges from mild constipation that resolves spontaneously to chronic treatment resistant constipation with devastating physical and psychosocial consequences. This article provides clinicians with a current concise review of diagnostic and management strategies of constipation.


A fuzzy variable structure controller has been designed which combines fuzzy control and variable structure control for nonlinear,multi-variable,unmatched disturbance rotational inverted pendulum system,the controller not only keeps sensibility and robustness of VSC but also can efficiently reduce chattering which is generated by VSC.The result of simulation shows that it can realize the blancing control and chattering phenomenon has reduced essentially and has good robusness.


In this investigation, force-frequency effect in a square AT-Cut quartz resonator is studied. Based on the force-frequency effect, by insertion of diametrical forces, the natural frequency of thickness shear vibration mode in AT-Cut quartz resonators is changed. This criterion is of importance in designing quartz resonators and force sensors. In this paper, the frequency change of a square AT-Cut quartz crystal subjected to a pair of opposing forces on different points of its edge is studied experimentally. Also, the force-frequency effect in the square crystal is modeled by a previously developed mathematical-FEM model. The accuracy of the model is verified by the experimental results. Then, the model is applied for evaluating the force frequency effect in the AT-Cut crystal, and the frequency shifts in different loading configurations are obtained. The new loading configurations are produced by moving the loading points along the edges, and by rotating the edges of the crystal around its thickness axis. Also the distributed loading tests are performed on the crystal. Based on this, the loading configurations with maximum and minimum frequency shifts are obtained. Moreover, the design of quartz crystal force sensors having high sensitivity and also the crystal oscillator with high-frequency stability are discussed.


Online apparel consumption is becoming an indispensable consumer apparel buying patterns. Based on consumer purchase decision style theory and the technology acceptance model theory, using cluster analysis, structural equation model and other quantitative analysis tools, this paper try to find out how different decision-making styles making consumers behave different when they are shopping apparel online. The results show that there are three major purchasing decision style consumers, each type behave obviously different from the other two type of consumers. Finally, marketing strategies for online apparel are suggested.


We present time- and frequency-resolved measurements of self-focusing and self-defocusing of 4.3–4.8 μm Fe:ZnSe laser pulses tuned near rovibrational transitions of CO2 And CO. We estimate the resonant nonlinearity of the air at 4.3 μm and discuss the novel nonlinear optics of simple molecules.


Since 1997, following the twin transformations of economic meltdown and comprehensive constitutional changes, practically every area of Thailand's public sphere has undergone significant reordering. New checks and balances have been created, new institutions established, old institutions abolished and merged, and new rules of the electoral game put into place. A major new political party has emerged that currently dominates the parliament, civil society is flourishing, and dozens of mass protests are thriving all over the country. Yet beneath this veneer of change, the old Thailand is recognizably intact. Politicians of doubtful integrity still flourish; social cleavages are as evident as before; corruption is endemic and accountability weak; election results are contested and contentious; and the military, though lying low, retains an inordinate number of privileges. Despite the reform process, the Thai political system remains in a feeble state; new institutions designed to improve the functioning of the parliamentary and party political orders have thus far failed to change the rules of the game.


Several metasurface diffraction-free beam generators are designed by using a set of resonant V-shaped nanoholes. Cosine beams, Bessel beams and cosine Bessel beams are generated through the corresponding metasurface structures with V-shaped nanoholes arranged in different ways. Theoretical analysis provides the design mechanism for these diffraction-free beam generators, numerical simulations and experiment measurement give the powerful verification for the generation of diffraction-free beams. The proposed diffraction-free beam generators have advantages of ultra-thin thickness, compact structure, ease to manufacture and flexibility to operate. The generated diffraction-free beams show high efficiency, polarization independence and validity for any visible wavelength. The compact design is benefit to the applications of diffraction-free beams in nanometer fabrication, optical integrated imaging and optical micromanipulation.


Abstract Language serves as a primary means of human adaptation. This paper critically examines attempts to identify certain phonological aspects of language systems as particularly adaptive. These postulate that the CV (consonant plus vowel) syllable is an optimum in speech adaptation to warm climates that encourage "distal communication." These attempts are shown to be over-simplistic, motivated by a model that stresses transmission but disregards speech differentiation. An alternative analysis is proposed that recognizes that speech adaptation must negotiate between transmission and differentiation factors. "What is decisive, in language, is achieving communication, and this is secured if, at every point in the utterance, the unit chosen is kept distinct from the ones that could have been used, in the very same context, in order to make a different message.--Andre Martinet (1962:8) Introduction Language represents a most important contribution to human adaptability, and the capability to use an open and productive communication system provides a significant advantage for humans over all other life forms. This paper will examine whether and how the concept of adaptation is relevant to the structural properties of speech communication. More specifically, is it possible for a particular type of language structure to serve as an optimum in speech adaptation cross-linguistically? A series of papers by Robert Munroe et al. (1996, 1999, 2000) and Melvin and Carol Ember (1999, 2000) have addressed this question by attempting to demonstrate the adaptive value of a consonant-vowel (CV) syllable structure. The latest in this series, by John Fought et al (2004), refines this approach by calculating a mean sonority score (MSS) instead of CV Score (proportion of CV syllables) for an utterance. In fact, this is not much of a change since utterances with a high MSS must also necessarily be utterances with high proportions of CV syllables (Fought et al: 34)[1]. In this paper we will simply refer to these approaches as CV studies and their dependent variable as the CV syllable. This syllable type is found to carry the maximal sonority and sound contrast at the minimal cost of vocal effort. Based on their findings that it attains greater frequency of use at the expense of other syllable types in warmer climates, the CV syllable structure is assigned the significance of an optimal strategy in speech adaptation to "distal communication." This line of investigation exhibits both promises and problems. On the one hand it may stimulate research on patterns of speech adaptation. On the other hand, however, it employs an overly simplistic interpretation of optimality. We intend to show that assigning adaptive value to CV syllabic structures indiscriminately can be misleading and, contrary to what is concluded by Munroe st al and others, is especially problematic in distal communication. Our argument derives primarily from the functionality of speech. The locus of speech is in communication. Its effectiveness cannot be evaluated solely in terms of speech production; consideration must also be given to its ability to ensure effective speech reception and comprehension. We will argue that the complex challenges for speech recognition and sound differentiation render the "optimality" of CV syllables situational. What is adaptive or optimal in one situation may not be adaptive or optimal in others. More importantly, the adaptive value that may appear operative for some speech component can be negated by the maladaptive results of this same component. Borrowing a term from psychology, one may say that in speech adaptation, humans show considerable "choice behavior." If this is true, then a single measure such as speech production will not necessarily pinpoint the "best" language property (Aitchison 2001:252). Nor, in this case, will it reveal the true impact of CV syllabic structures. This paper will argue that other factors must be taken into account. …


Modern computing with wide range of applications in different areas such as Internet, biology, and social science, involves large scale of data analysis. The relations of data can be modeled as graphs and graph partitioning problem can be effectively approximated by spectral approaches. A critically important problem in graph partition is determination of the cluster number k. Although eigengap heuristic is a principle for this problem and is supported by theory, it is difficult to be applied for the real-world data and complex graphs. In this paper, by considering the general data analysis scenario, we present an algorithm to determine the cluster number k and perform clustering task simultaneously. The experimental result shows that our algorithm works successfully even for the real world data, which is therefore a promising tool for future data analysis.


The aim of this study is to examine meaning in life, satisfaction with life, self-concept and locus of control among teachers by several variables. The research group was composed of 363 teachers (114 [40%] women, 219 [60%] men) working in several districts of Istanbul. The data were collected with Meaning in Life Scale (MLS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Social Comparison Scale (SCS), and Rotter's Locus of Control Scale (RLCS). Pearson's Correlation Analysis, Independent Samples T-Test and Mann Whitney-U and Kruskal-Wallis H test were utilized. A positive relationship was found between experienced meaning in life and satisfaction with life and self-concept while a negative relationship was found between experienced meaning in life and locus of control. Expected meaning in life, satisfaction with life and locus of control were found to differ by gender. It was also determined that expected meaning in life and self-concept differed by marital status.


Cultural awareness, along with the capacity to effectively develop and apply cultural knowledge, has become critical for military leaders. Based on a multi-dimensional model of cultural intelligence and a review of selected aspects of the Canadian Forces' (CF) experience with gender integration, this paper highlights implications for the development of culturally intelligent military leaders and teams. The gendered evolution of the CF in recent decades has been critical in preparing the CF for the complexity of challenges that it faces today. In spite of progress, significant resistance to expanded roles for women has been based upon the assumption that gender is a dichotomous biologically determined construct. On the other hand, the institutional discourse that has developed in the face of legal imperatives permitting women to join the combat arms since 1989 claims that the CF is gender neutral. The analysis presented in this paper suggests that such limited constructs of gender act to reduce the capacity of the CF to develop cultural intelligence, a critical contributor to mission success, among male and female members.


Osteosarcoma is a life-threatening bone cancer that usually attacks young adults and children, independent of age. It habitually starts in quick-growing bone areas close to the ends of the arm or leg bones, such as the distal femur, proximal tibia, and proximal humerus. However, it can still be revealed in any bone, including the pelvis, jaw, and shoulder. The starting and the preeminent conclusion of any cancer are to identify the tumor as before long as conceivable, and it's moreover pertinent for Osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma has a few arrange in its life cycle. The need of categorizing cancer patients into tall or short risk categories has prompted several research organizations in the biomedical and bioinformatics fields to consider using Profound Learning (Deep Learning) methodologies. Fast.ai, a Deep Learning Framework for enhancing the efficiency and accu-racy of osteosarcoma tumor categorization into tumor classes, is presented in this study (tumor vs non-tumor). At the conclusion of the study, we found that employing neural networks may provide excellent precision and capability in osteosarcoma classification and model comparison.


Background: Coronary artery anomalies are infrequent findings during coronary angiography and may result in longer radiation time and increase the risk of complications. Insufficient knowledge of coronary anomaly may lead to accidental damage of vessels during cardiac surgery. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of coronary artery anomalies among the patients underwent coronary angiography at our center.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Chitwan Medical College. Coronary angiography records of all patients from 1st April 2020 to 30th April 2022 were analyzed by two interventional cardiologists. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical package for social survey, Version 20.0 for windows. The categorical variables were presented as numbers or percentages (%) and continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation.
Results: A total of 1015 patients who underwent coronary angiography for various indication were included. Coronary artery anomalies were observed in 21 (2.1%) patients. Among anomalies most common was anomalies of origin 16 (76.2%) followed by anomalies of intrinsic coronary artery 5 (23.8%). Separate origin of the conus branch was the most common coronary artery variation 103 (10.1%).
Conclusions: The prevalence of coronary artery anomalies in present study was similar to many large sample size previous studies from different geographical area. However present study reflects scenario of our population, which may be helpful for interventional cardiologist and cardiac surgeon during coronary angioplasty and cardiac surgery.


In this paper I examine Judith Butler's ethic of cohabitation as a means of thinking intimacy-geopolitics. Butler's ethic of cohabitation begins with an inability to choose in advance who we inhabit the earth with. Conceptually this idea is linked with the precariousness of life: a subject's life is always in the hands of others, both known and unknown. As such, cohabitation is always an intimate affair that is at the same time global. However, I argue cohabitation as ethical relation fails to map neatly onto cohabitation as spatial practice, and thus it is an ambivalent resource.


This paper aims to analyze the measurement equivalence aspects (internal consistency and interrater reliability) of a Brazilian version of Martin-Bayarre-Grau (MBG) adherence questionnaire as part of its cross-cultural adaptation. Item-total correlation and Cronbach's alpha coefficients were used as internal consistency estimates. Stability was evaluated through test and retest comparison and expressed through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and kappa with quadratic weighting. ICC for the overall scale was 0.81, indicating an "almost perfect" agreement. However, some cases of "poor" and "slight" agreements were found while analyzing individual items. The translated version of the MBG questionnaire showed good homogeneity (alpha 0.78), higher than cutoff points suggested in the literature. The scale has proved capable of measuring the level of adherence to treatment in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients in a reliable way.


This study deals with a paradigm shift on business in the digital business world. The study focuses on the information technology and information system management. The study explores the current business environment in order to identify the new trend of management and economic paradigm, specifically the spirit era, care economy, service science, ubiquitous environment, and green business and environment management. The business entities can be strong competitors or winners in the digital business world by tailoring the changing of current business and technology environment, and by leading the changes and transformation. The study analysis can be applied to any other decision making situation in manufacturing and service operations. A practical approach of establishing the business solution is applicable to a new business expansion and transformation. This study supports policy-maker and decision-maker by providing strategic business insights.


Some Bulgarian winemakers insist that their unique terroir (taste of place) and native grapes can deliver a "distinctive" product in the global market. Such beliefs are the driving force for marginal producers to continue with their wine production in a fiercely competitive global wine market despite the lack of brand equity and cultural capital compared to the world's elite wines. How can the global consumer sense this unique "taste of place" which is itself an elusive culturally cultivated concept? What does gastronomic connoisseurship entail in a highly globalized world where knowledge of local products and taste are exchanged and experienced in a standardized way as a global foodway? Understanding these questions from the viewpoints of the Bulgarian wine sector, this article discusses the intersection of the sensory experience and the implicit global hierarchy of value that wine producers and consumers employ to objectify and communicate the subjective taste knowledge and identity of place.


In September 2000, the United States and the Russian Federation entered into an agreement which stipulates each country will irreversibly transform 34 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium into material which could not be used for weapon purposes. Supporting the Department of Energy's (DOE) program to dispose of excess nuclear materials, the Pit Disassembly and Conversion Facility (PDCF) is being designed and constructed to disassemble the weapon ''pits'' and convert the nuclear material to an oxide form for fabrication into reactor fuel at the separate Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility. The PDCF design incorporates automation to the maximum extent possible to facilitate material safeguards, reduce worker dose, and improve processing efficiency. This includes provisions for automated guided vehicle movements for shipping containers, material transport via automated conveyor between processes, remote process control monitoring, and automated Nondestructive Assay product systems.