Current research in south-western Australia indicates that a predictive modelling technique used for the assessment of the biological quality of rivers in Australia (AusRivAS) and the United Kingdom (RIVPACS) may also be usefully applied to the monitoring and assessment of wetland ecosystems. The River In Vertebrate Prediction and Classification System (RIVPACS) was developed by the Institute of Freshwater Ecology to generate predictions of the macroinvertebrate fauna to be expected at a river site in the absence of disturbance by human impacts. Each prediction is based on a small number of environmental variables used to characterise the site. The fauna predicted can then be compared with the actual fauna present at the site. Differences between observed and expected values provide a measure of the biological quality of the site. A similar approach, AusRivAS, based on 1,500 Australian stream and river sites, has been implemented as part of the National River Health Program. This approach has value not only as a technique for assessing wetland quality as part of environmental monitoring programmes but also provides a means of assessing the effectiveness of wetland creation and restoration projects. Results from research in progress suggest that the AusRivAS methodology is applicable to wetlands, but the question remains as to whether the needs and the resources exist to adopt this approach on an Australia-wide basis.


Abstract Preservice teachers in science education courses do not generally experience informal, authentic science education practices in their fieldwork. This study used the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning to frame a study that integrated informal science teaching experiences with a university teacher education science methods course. The results showed improvement in participant preservice teachers' ability to teach science content, their self-confidence in teaching science, and their ability to connect what they learned in their methods course in a real-life setting.


The stratigraphy preserved in the lacustrine Eocene Green River Formation suggests a variety of depositional environments that were subject to pulses of sediment and lake level fluctuations in the Uinta Basin. This paper defines 13 facies within six facies associations observed in outcrop and core from the middle to upper Green River Formation in Gate Canyon, south-central Uinta Basin, and Willow Creek/Indian Canyon, western  Uinta Basin, along the margin of the ancient lake system. The facies associations are defined by dominant lithology, relative siliciclastic sediment supply, relative slope, and lake zonation, and encompass a suite of facies revealing distinct environments across a relatively small region (~35 km apart). In the lower interval, a shift  from a high energy, steeper ramp setting in the east, to a lower energy, shallower ramp setting to the west suggests a transition off the main depositional axis. Correlatable siliciclastic and carbonate dominated packages  reflect the impact of early Eocene hyperthermal events that followed the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maxi- mum, and the diverse facies present at the two study areas suggest variable responses to these climatic events.  In the overlying stratigraphy, the facies are consistent in both regions and consist of organic rich and poor carbonate mudstones and siltstones. The interval thickens slightly from east to west, and the overlying Horse  Bench Sandstone transitions from a wave-dominated shoreface sequence to a river-dominated deltaic sequence, indicating an overall shift in the lake depocenter towards the west. This study offers a unique glimpse  at the paleoenvironmental changes along the margin of a continental interior lake system during a time of climatic variability. It also highlights the need to use multiple depositional models to accurately characterize marginal deposits in different regions of large internally-drained lake systems which, unlike typical marine depositional models, are more sensitive to basin geometry, size, and sediment fairways.


Transport vehicle gas gush Smoke camouflage device, By use of its own power system and storage devices, Will be made in advance the size of the different, structure, function of polystyrene particles blown apart, Thus formed around the top of the vehicle and polystyrene particles as the main ingredients of camouflage a Smoke, To cover vehicles and interference against the infrared guidance, the purpose of the millimeter wave radar guidance weapon attacks.


A compact model for a cantilever beam microelectromechanical (MEM) contact switch is constructed. The beam deflection is modeled by discretizing the beam along its length. The distributed capacitance, electrostatic force and squeezed-film fluid force are also calculated at the same discrete points. The electromechanical contact tip is modeled as a lumped contact force and conductance. The model is implemented with a nonlinear equivalent circuit utilizing the components in the MEMS module of the circuit simulation and design tool Aplac. This enables nonlinear time and frequency domain simulations. This paper presents transient on/off characteristics simulations, and analyses and compares the S-parameters at the on- and off-positions.


This paper presents a novel heuristic method for solving a generalized Markowitz mean-variance portfolio selection model. The generalized model includes two types of constraints; bounds-on-holdings and cardinality constraints. The former guarantee that the amount invested (if any) in each asset is between its predetermined upper and lower bounds while the latter ensures that the total selected assets in the portfolio is equal to a predefined number. The generalized model is, thus, classified as a quadratic 0/1 integer programming model necessitating the use of efficient heuristics to find the solution. Some heuristic methods based on Genetic Algorithm, Simulated Annealing, Tabu Search and Neural Networks have been reported in the literatures. In this paper, we propose a novel heuristic based on an artificial immune system. The proposed approach is illustrated and compared with other methods using five sample set of data utilized by other researchers. The computational results show that the proposed approach can effectively solve large-scale problems.


Wolffia globosa is one of the smallest flowering plants on the Earth. We discovered Wolffia globosa in a vegetation season unusual for our latitudes - the winter of 2010. The species was discovered in a little pond near the town of Hisar - Plovdiv district, Bulgaria. The plant was together with two other species of Lemnaceae - Lemna gibba and L. minutа in a community with the following aquatic plants: Typha latifolia, Ranunculus aquatilis , Alisma plantago - aquati ca and algae - Spirogyra sp. ster., Tribonema sp.


A new concept of ecomaterialogy was put forward in terms of the current situation and the trends in materials industry. It is a branch of materials science dealing with the interaction between ecological environment and materials as well as material cyclic process. The aims of ecomaterialogy are to develop the science and technology so as to meet the demands of ecological materials and their process techniques based on the premise of necessary properties. Basic principles and research contents of ecomaterialogy were analyzed and discussed. Equation of environment load and new criterion of materials science and engineering were advanced. Ecological techniques of aluminum melt purification were considered as an example to point out the development direction of materials science and engineering.


Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) regulates feeding and energy homeostasis through interaction with its receptor, the melanin-concentrating receptor 1 (MCHR1), making it a target in the treatment of obesity.
Most of the published MCHR1 antagonists share a key pharmacophore that contains four common parts: an aromatic region attached to a carboxamide/urea core, which in turn is connected via a linker to a basic amine. Based on the pharmacophore, we have designed three novel series of MCHR1 antagonists. Thirty nine compounds were synthesized, characterized and then subjected to affinity assays to three receptors: the MCHR1, the histamine 3 receptor (HRH3) and the HERG (ether-a-go-go related gene) channel. Seventeen of them show an in vitro inhibitory constant (Ki) to the MCHR1 lower than 500nM. Biological assays to the second receptor where performed to study the selectivity of our compounds compared to other GPCR members, and biological assays to the third receptor were performed in order to study the toxicity of compounds concerning the HERG blockade.
The new MCHR1 antagonists and their affinity data have been used to develop two in silico models, one to the binding to the target receptor and another to the binding to the HERG channel, in order to understand the structure-activity relationships. Biological affinity data of the compounds against HRH3 were used to further validate the MCHR1 model. HRH3 shows high similarities to MCHR1 within the ligand binding pocket but it lacks three glutamine residues (Gln3.36, Gln5.42 and Gln6.55) that are predicted by our model to be potentially involved in the binding of antagonists to MCHR1.
Results show that the presence in the antagonists of polar groups able to interact with the aforementioned glutamines is important for their activity towards the MCHR1 and their selectivity against other GPCR members. In order to decrease the affinity of compounds to the HERG channel, the linkers between the basic amine and the hydrophobic scaffolds must be rigid, and must maintain the compound in an elongated conformation that hinders binding in the HERG binding cavity. However, those linkers must allow a good binding in the MCHR1 receptor. The introduction of a small apolar side chain in the methyl group between the urea and the biphenyl scaffolds, or those methyl groups between the urea and the piperidine, could improve the affinity for the MCHR1, whereas would not be tolerated for the HERG channel.


Objective To investigate the utility of soft copy reading in diagnosis of dense breast cancer with mammography.Methods With systematic review methods,318standard mammography digital images had been chosen.All cases were proved to be single dense breast cancer.Hard-copy reading and soft reading were carried out respectively for all cases.The number of cases,which can be distinguished or suspected small breast cancer,were recorded.Results 4small breast cancers were distinguished by hard copy reading and 33by soft copy reading.The sensitivities were 1.26% and 10.4%,respectively.Conclusion Soft copy reading has higher sensitivity than hard copy reading in detection of dense small breast cancer.


A mandate framework is proposed for delegating monetary policy to an instrument-independent, but goal-dependent central bank that emphasizes simplicity in both the objectives entering the welfare criterion and those in the instrument rule. It consists of: (i) a simple quadratic loss function penalizing deviations from target variables; (ii) a welfare-optimized, Taylor-type log-linear nominal interest-rate rule with targets that match those in the loss function; (iii) a zero-lower-bound (ZLB) constraint on the nominal interest rate imposing a low unconditional probability of ZLB episodes; and (iv) a long-run inflation target. In an estimated New Keynesian model with these features, we find that for a quarterly probability of 5%, an optimal annual inflation target is close to 2%, weights for real variables in the loss function are small compared with inflation except for the real wage growth mandate and the optimized rules mimic a price-level rule.


THE FUNCTIONAL approach in studying marketing is almost as old as marketing literature. Following its early introduction it received wide acceptance by writers in the field and it has continued to hold a very important place in marketing literature and teaching. Today it is the exception when any general work on marketing does not give some attention to marketing functions. Not only has the functional approach come to be common in marketing books but it is found frequently in texts used for courses in principles of economics and for introductory courses in the field of business organization and management. In spite of the length of time the functional concept has been in use and in spite of its wide currency at the present time, it appears that little has been accomplished since the early years toward any significant refining of the concept. It is apparent from any careful survey of the material in the field that there is no very clear-cut and generally accepted interpretation of, or method of handling, marketing functions. The writer believes the functional approach can be a very useful device but contends that a great deal must be done in further developing it before its real possibilities can be realized. The following pages aim to emphasize this need and to suggest the lines along which further development should proceed.


therapy that come too close to being stereotypical for actual application in work with real families in all their diversity and complexity within any cutural milieu. As example of this, in their section on the cultural implica tions of family therapy, the authors conclude that "the primary goal of family therapy under these circum stances —polygamous societies— is to help the wives avoid open conflict and rivalry among themselves. On the other hand, in a primarily mo nogamous society, the emphasis of marital therapy is on helping the couple involve themselves in a oneto-one relationship without seeking involvement with others beyond the monogamous system" (p. 208). First, one wonders about the appropriate ness of family therapy as we know it for polygamous societies and doubts whether this guideline is sufficient. Second, therapists in monogamous societies often need to have other goals than simply involving spouses in their exclusive relationship, yet the authors do not add this qualification. The authors have not addressed the tremendous diversity of needs within cultures, nor have they addressed the role of intervention in challenging culture and the larger societal sys tems which impinge on families.


Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is widely accepted as a treatment option for severe hallux valgus deformities. Although successful results of first MTP joint arthrodesis for hallux valgus have been reported in previous studies, the reported rates of fusion have been lower than for the general hallux rigidus population. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the failure rate of first MTP joint arthrodesis for severe hallux valgus deformities and to evaluate radiographic correction of hallux valgus parameters after the surgery. Methods: From January 2014 to June 2017, 34 patients underwent first MTP joint arthrodesis surgery for severe hallux valgus deformity and were included in this retrospective study. Severe hallux valgus was defined as having a hallux valgus angle (HVA) of greater than 40 degrees and an intermetatarsal angle (IMA) greater than 15 degrees. For radiographic evaluation, the patients were evaluated by measuring the IMA and HVA in preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing AP foot x-rays. We defined failure after first MTP joint arthrodesis as non-union, incomplete union, or implant breakage or migration leading to a symptomatic recurrence of hallux valgus deformity. Results: The mean preoperative IMA and HVA were 16.7 ± 4.2 degrees (range 8.4 to 26.5) and 45.2 ± 8.6 degrees (range 28.7 to 71.1) respectively, and the postoperative IMA and HVA were 11.3 ± 3.8 degrees (range 4.1 to 20.4) and 20.9 ± 11.8 degrees (range 0.4 to 51.1) respectively. The postoperative IMA and HVA were significantly improved after surgery (< 0.001). Among the 34 patients in this study, a 14.7% failure rate was reported (n=5). For fusion procedures performed without lag screw fixation, there was a 12.6-fold increase in failure risk when we used the small dorsal locking plate compared with the medium dorsal locking plate (Odds ratio = 12.571). Conclusion: First MTP joint arthrodesis is an effective and reliable option for severe hallux valgus correction. However, for this challenging cohort, the 14.7% failure rate in this study is consistent with other studies in the literature. For severe hallux valgus deformities, selection of implant may play a more significant role. The use of longer plates to gain additional purchase in the diaphyseal bone, lag screw augmentation, and utilizing flat cuts instead of cup and cone reaming to realign the joint may help mitigate the increased stresses placed on the fixation constructs for MTP arthrodesis.


The concept of positioning was first highlighted by Trout and Ries in an article published in 1971 and has since then been a well-studied subject. However, little study has been made regarding the ...


Convertible bonds poccess concurrently certain characteristics of bonds,stock and options,in additionto,owing to their callability and puttability,it is more complicated to price them.The pricing method of convertible bonds with consideration of callability and puttability was discussed by use of binomial model and the influence of callabity and puttability on convertible bonds was studied.


close association exists between the upper air passages and the lungs in the development of many respiratory diseases. Thereafter I shall draw your attention to certain anatomical considerations about the lymphatic supply to the neck, lungs, and pleura, and shall refer to the lung apices, passing later to consider certain aspects of the nerve supply of the pleura and diaphragm, and finally refer to certain clinical features of disease in the pleura and lungs. Outline of the Neck.?The late Dr J. S. Dickey,1 in a book published in 1911, which may still be regarded as a standard work on the applied anatomy of the lungs and pleural membranes, describes?from the surface-marking point of view?the triangles of the neck in a more practical way for the clinician than the old-fashioned purely anatomical descriptions. He divides the neck into an anterior and a


Identification of health objectives is one of the more visible strategies to direct the activities of the health sector. The government of India and its nodal ministry – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare undoubtedly has the central and primary role in the implementation of the health program. In this article, the authors have tried to review the available national programs for prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases; National Newborn Screening Programme including congenital hypothyroidism, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, National Guidelines for Screening of Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy, National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme and National Family Health Survey 3 and 4.


Outstanding Romanian man of culture in the second half of the XIXa€™th century, known as remarkable historian, A.D.Xenopol was also a genuine economist, preoccupied not only by the theory but also by the practice of economics. I have achieved an investig


There is no doubt that the proper functioning of a competition regime has become important in our modern society, and the noteworthy increase in the...


The unrelenting drive to providing organic solution to inorganically created problem prompted this research. Chlopyrifos, classic broad based spectrum pesticide and suppressant, ginger oil were used for the study with Wistar albino rats as experimental animals. Research was carried out to analyze the efficacy of ginger oil to reduce the effects of pesticides in the system of an organism. One hundred and eight (108) Wistar albino rats weighing (140g -165g) were used. Rats were acclimatized for two weeks and grouped into 4 rats in triplicates for each concentration. Group A served as the control, B in subgroups B , B and B 12 3 containing rats administered with 1.0ml/75mg/kg, 1.0ml/110mg/kg and 1.0/147mg/kg respectively.While C , C 12 and C represents 1.0ml/75mg/kg with 0.5/ginger oil, 1.0ml/110mg/kg with 0.5ml ginger oil and 1.0ml/147mg/kg 3 with 0.5ml/ginger oil respectively. Administration of Chlorpyrifos lasted 14 days and treatment with ginger oil lasted for 14 days post Chlorpyrifos administration at 3 days interval. Average weights were recorded. Rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected for liver function, lipid profile and renal function tests. Histopathology studies of the liver and kidney was conducted as well. Results revealed some decrease in ALT, ALP and ASP in B , B and B groups. Mild improvement in C , C and C groups were however recorded. There 12 3 12 3


Abstract A consistent semidiscrete model of the Boltzmann equation, constructed from the continuous scattering kernel formulation by discretizing the speed variable, is discussed in comparison with recent results on the subject.


The paper to sort out and introduce clinical evidence and treatment for the diabetes treated with Chinese medicine(TCM).Through to the 27 papers of cnki,from the etiology,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation and treatment,designed the treatment and treatment mechanism,realize of clinical practice about diabetes treated with TCM in recent years are summarized.Emphasis on long duration,more complications,the pathogenesis need to grasp the holism concept,the treatment need to based on syndrome differentiation,which can be used for reference to deepth learn diabetes and its complications treated with TCM.


Acute Myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs during the period when circulation to a region of the heart is obstructed and necrosis ensues. The objective of this study was to estimate the levels of serum Myoglobin and enzymes as cardiac marker for diagnosis of early Myocardial Infarction. Methodology: This was case control hospital based study involving 130 patients admitted to Elshaab Teaching Hospital and Sudan Heart Center, suffering chest pain, wherein all patients were taken immediately to Coronary Care Unit (CCU). 30 apparently healthy people were enrolled as control. This study was conducted between March and October 2010. The age ranged between ( 39-60 years ). Blood samples were collected for Myoglobin using fully automatic immunoanalyzer and cardiac enzymes were measured using Spectrophotometer. Results: The mean levels of myoglobin concentration in different patients at admission and after 24 hrs of admission to the hospital was 563 ng/ml and 34 ng/ml for patients and control respectively. The level remained higher even after 24 hrs of admission (414 ng/ml). Creatine kinase dramatically elevated within the first 24 hrs in all patients admitted to hospital during 6, 10, 20, 24 and 48 hrs following chest pain attack. CK-MB gradually elevated in patients admitted 6, 10, 20, 24 and 48 hrs from chest pain attack, reaching a peak after 24 hrs of chest pain attack, and then CK-MB levels declined to normal values after 48 hrs. The LDH level exhibited increase levels in patients admitted 6, 10, 20, 24 and 48 hrs from chest pain attack, and the levels persisted all through 24 hrs irrespective of the time admission to hospital following chest pain. AST level was not elevated after 6 hrs or 10 hrs following chest pain attack, but a dramatic elevation was seen after 24 hrs following hospital admission. Myocardial Infarction.


In this paper, we build on the work of Graham Smith, who was developing a critical geopolitics of Russia in his posthumous paper of 1999, published in this journal. Like Smith, we link the evolving geopolitical orientations of Russia to the search for a post-Soviet identity amongst its citizens and its political leadership. While Smith saw a core concept in Russian geopolitics having Protean masks, it is the leadership of the Russian state, specifically President Putin, who has successfully adopted a Protean strategy to appeal to the disparate elements of the Russian geopolitical spectrum. Based on a nationwide survey in spring 2002, we identify six clusters in Russian public opinion by socio-demographic characteristics and we connect each cluster to the main geopolitical orientations competing in contemporary Russia, including democratic statism and the increasingly marginalized Eurasianism that formed the core subject of Smith's paper.


Student-centred education philosophy emphasized feedback to students during the process of learning. However, there is always the complaints from the students that the feedback on their work is not effective and most often than not they could not benefit from such feedback. There is always a time delay between a submitted work from and the returned work with feedback to the students. A time delay of one week is common, but it can be as long as one month; the situation is worse when the class size is big, say 200 students. This paper reports on an experimental technique by the author to address this issue so that feedback to student work could be done as immediately as possible. This technique employed some established technologies that are commonly used in the world of electronic communication and the power of computer, in terms of speed. This technique was tried by using short-answer questions that is normally practiced when trying to assess the progress, or the level of understanding on the learned subject content, of the students. The positive result obtained in this work proved that it is possible through the use of ICT for the teacher to provide immediate feedback to the students on the answers they submitted online although they were some cases that still need the attention of the teacher and hence a short delay in time. Further, the author believed that the success of this technique will aid the adoption of formative or action assessment in engineering education.


Abstract White root disease caused by Rigidoporus microporus is the most devastating disease in majority of the rubber growing countries, including Malaysia. This study aimed to screen and decipher the mechanisms involved in the biocontrol agents responsible for the inhibition of R. microporus. Among 16 fungal isolates, Trichoderma spp. showed promising results with the highest percent of inhibition shown by Trichoderma asperellum (80.54%). Scanning electron microscopy study revealed coiling of hyphae by Trichoderma species against R. microporus. T. asperellum has demonstrated a maximum inhibition in both volatile and non-volatile metabolite tests with its 75% culture filtrate on PDA plate was observed to cause abnormal morphological character in R. microporus. All Trichoderma species were shown to produce hydrolytic enzymes (chitinase, cellulase and β-1,3-glucanase) and they were active siderophore producers. Present study demonstrated the possible mechanisms involved and responsible for successful inhibition of R. microporus under in vitro condition especially by T. asperellum.


Abstract : This final technical report summarizes the research carried out by our group concerned with arcjet plasma propulsion. Section 1 describes the nonequilibrium plasma model and a detailed formulation for kinetic nonequilibrium. Section II describes experimental measurements in which measurements of electron number density, electron temperature, ion speed ratio and gas velocity are carried out by advanced Langmuir probes. Section III outlines our research with a modified 1-2 kW class arcjet, where surface mounted Langmuir probes are used to investigate the constrictor and nozzle current attachment regions.


Dynamics of quantity of the registered facts of the organization of illegal migration testifies to their constant increase. The transnational component of criminal activity practically isn't established that is connected with absence of practice of an establishment during preliminary investigation of system of interrelations in which organizers of illegal migration are included. Fastening in the Russian legislation of criminal and administrative responsibility practically for similar acts creates legal uncertainty. Adherence to substantive provisions of the international legislation in understanding of the organization of illegal migration as the transnational organized criminal activity assuming illegal crossing of Frontier of the Russian Federation, will allow to optimize activity of law enforcement bodies.


CO-ENROLLING STUDENTS IN MATH REMEDIATION AND COLLEGE-LEVEL MATH IN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM Peter Thomas Anderson Old Dominion University, 2017 Director: Dr. Mitchell R. Williams The purpose of this study was to conduct a rigorous examination of co-enrollment of students in math remediation and college-level math. A quasi-experimental, posthoc design examined the outcomes and the relationships of two groups of students who participated in a pilot project the goal of which was to assess the co-enrolled model that is designed to provide students with mathematics support. One group of students enrolled in a traditional model of developmental mathematics. The second group of students co-enrolled in developmental and college-level math. The sample for this study was students (N = 7616) from nine community colleges in a U. S. Southeastern state. Students were selected for this study who enrolled in co-enrolled in developmental math and college-level math simultaneously (n = 208) and a control group who enrolled in developmental and college-level math separately (n = 7408). All enrollments occurred during the fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters. Co-enrolled students completed developmental and college-level math at higher rates than their developmental only peers. The co-enrolled students accumulated fewer credits and attained higher grades in college-level math than the developmental only students.


This paper is a proposal for an application program interface (API) that would enable Ada applications to use application-defined scheduling algorithms in a way compatible with the scheduling model of the Ada 95 Real-Time Systems Annex. With this API, several application-defined schedulers, implemented by extending a tagged type, can coexist in the system in a predictable way together with their scheduled tasks, and with regular fixed priority tasks directly scheduled by the run-time system. Task synchronization through protected objects is also considered by adding the Stack Resource Policy, which can be used in a large variety of fixed and dynamic priority scheduling policies.


Aims & Objectives: (1) To know about various histopathological types of ovarian lesions presented and diagnosed at our institute. (2) To study the incidence of ovarian lesions with respect to patient's age. (3) To study the frequency of ovarian lesions in terms of non-neoplastic or neoplastic, benign or malignant, unilateral or bilateral, etc. Materials & Methods: The present study was performed at the Department of Pathology, GMERS Medical College & Hospital-Junagadh (Gujarat, India) from January 2015 to December 2018 and includes 100 cases of ovarian lesions diagnosed on both clinical & histopathological basis. We have received ovarian specimens and performed routine grossing and H& E staining procedure. We have included parameters like Age wise incidence, Nature of Lesion, Frequency & Laterality in this present study. Results: Out of100 cases, 89% are unilateral and 11% are bilateral. 52% lesions are Benign Neoplasms, 44% lesions are Non-neoplastic Cysts and 4% lesions are Borderline & Malignant Neoplasms. Majority of cases (58%) belong to age group of 20-39 years. Among Non-neoplastic Lesions, Follicular Cyst is common & frequently bilateral while among Benign Neoplasms, Serous Cystadenoma is common & frequently bilateral. Conclusion: Ovarian Lesions both non-neoplastic and neoplastic include a variety of morphological features and show a particular age wise incidence. Role of histopathological evaluation remains always important in both diagnosis & management of such cases, particularly in cases of Malignant Lesions in order to save the patient's life.


This study aimed to isolate Bacillus sp. with spore forming bacteria. The three samples, namely muddy soil, yellow sediment and springwater soil were collected from the Thasathon area in Surattthani. These samples were examined, according to the morphological and biochemical tests. The result showed that five isolates namely SSPS1, SSPS2, SSPS4, HHPS5 and MHPS1 had แก่นเกษตร 48 ฉบับพิเศษ 1: 227-236 (2563). 228


Botswana has developed a substantive amount of ICT frameworks to provide for the deployment of affordable and universal broadband services across the country. When successful, these frameworks could connect citizens to seamless online government services, affordable services and access regardless of geographic area. Ideally, broadband should provide equitable, affordable services and efficient network connectivity irrespective of geo-Locations, whereas policies and regulations provide fairness in the sector. Contrary, many people experience an overwhelming challenge to access broadband services. In Botswana, most people experience lack of online government service, lack of efficient network connectivity and high tariffs rates. Nevertheless, the country has an adequate amount and necessary telecommunication infrastructure to provide affordable universal broadband services and access for citizens. This study used quantitative-method, and inferential analysis to the general population. The data collected was processed through the following several software tools; Microsoft Excel, SPSS and R studio software. The results and findings presented by this study are to advance the deployment of broadband services. Amongst many shorting comings covered by this study; more than half of respondents feel access to the internet is not free; most people experience low internet speed. Another substantive number of respondents think the current regulatory laws do not adquently protect service end-users. Whereas BOFiNET fails to enforce price reduction initiatives. Although the government carried out consultations to inform communities about the expansion of telecommunication services, many people do not relate services with infrastructure development, and many people do not use available online government services. Generally, people in Botswana and elsewhere have diminished confidence levels on online services transactions, and in most instances feel not protected against online transgressions.


Fufu is a traditional Nigerian fermented cassava food product. Due to the production of objectionable odor, fermentation was done in the Laboratory using improved techniques. Sweet white, Yellow, bitter cassava varieties were used. Since a wet fufu mash is a product of the activities of various microorganisms, this study was aimed at determining the contents of the cassava mash for several days. The microbial, chemical and sensory changes during the fermentation were determined. Microbial counts were higher as retting progressed, but reduced at completion. Heterotrophic bacterial counts decreased from 2.65-2.46Log10CFU/mL, for sweet variety, but increased from 1.95-2.27 Log10CFU/mL for bitter variety; 2.28-2.59 Log10CFU/mL for yellow variety on Nutrient agar. Coliform counts decreased from 2.56 to 2.28Log10CFU/mL for sweet variety, but increased from 2.32 - 2.55Log10 CFU/mL for bitter variety, from 2.30 - 2.49Log10 CFU/ mL, for yellow variety on MacConkey agar and from 1.91 - 2.41Log10CFU/mL, for sweet variety, from day 2; 1.91- 2.23 Log10CFU/Ml, for bitter variety, from day 3), and 2.10 – 2.32 Log10CFU/mL (for yellow variety from day 3) for Fungi on SDA. The dominant Starter organisms were a mixed population of heterotrophic bacteria, Bacillus spp, yeasts and mould. Protein content of the sweet variety increased from 0.3- 5.25% and the yellow variety from 0.2- 4.375%, their cyanide contents reduced from 2.7- 0.01 mg/kg and from 4.3 - 0.04 mg/kg respectively, showing loss of hydrogen cyanide. Cyanide content of bitter variety remained 10.6mg/kg at the end of fermentation, since there was neither retting nor loss of hydrogen cyanide. The pH of the product reduced as the fermentation progressed. Sensory evaluation of the fermented samples accepted all the samples, but liked most, the sweet white variety. The bitter variety was not assessed because it did not ferment even on day 5. These organisms can be used as starter cultures to improve the protein content of fufu, and reduce the cyanide content to minimal level which makes it safer for consumption.


This paper unveils a strong connection between two major constructions of LDPC codes, namely the algebraic-based and the protograph-based constructions. It is shown that, from a graph-theoretic point of view, an algebraic LDPC code whose parity-check matrix is an array of submatrices of the same size over a finite field is a protograph LDPC code. Conversely, from a matrix-theoretic point of view, since the parity-check matrix of a protograph code can be arranged as an array of submatrices of the same size over a finite field and its base graph (or base matrix) can be constructed algebraically, a protograph LDPC code is an algebraic LDPC code. These two major approaches have their advantages and disadvantages in code construction. Unification of these two approaches may lead to better designs and constructions of LDPC codes to achieve good overall performance in terms of error performance in waterfall region, error-floor location and rate of decoding convergence. This paper is the first part of a series of two parts, Part-I and Part-II. Part-I investigates only the binary LDPC codes constructed by the superposition and the protograph-based methods. Part-II explores nonbinary LDPC codes from both superposition and protograph points of view. Also included in Part II are specific superposition constructions of both binary and nonbinary quasi-cyclic LDPC codes.


Context. Complex investigations of stars are made by studying their atmospheres, evolutionary states and oscillation properties, but the opacities and equation of state are still uncertain. Aims. Compatibility of model atmospheres with internal structure of early-type stars are investigated at photospheric and subphotospheric regions. Methods. The problem was studied quantitatively by means of diagrams that involve the Rosseland-mean opacities, temperatures, densities, and gradients of radiation pressure as functions of depth using stellar atmosphere and envelope models. Results. Two new grids of radiative-equilibrium models of atmospheres were calculated assuming the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). The first one is based on Kurucz's ATLAS12 computer code implemented with the occupation probability formalism, which accounts for the destruction of loosely bound states of atoms by interactions with particles in the plasma. The second grid of models is based on monochromatic opacities and equations of state taken from the well-known international opacity project (OP). Non-LTE model atmospheres are also calculated and some aspects of the modeling are pointed out to improve agreement with ATLAS12, OP data, as well as with results of the Rogers & Iglesias OPAL opacity computing code (OPAL). The model atmospheres are also discussed by analyzing emerging fluxes of radiation. Conclusions. Commonly used LTE and non-LTE models of stellar atmospheres of early-type stars differ markedly from each other and do not fit OPAL or OP stellar envelope models at great optical depths. The results of the OP project distributed as the OPCD v 3.3 base are useful for calculating not only stellar envelopes but also fully line-blanketed LTE model atmospheres. These models have diagnostic values for studying the atomic physics used for modeling of photospheric and sub-photospheric regions of stars. The OPAL and OP opacities are markedly underestimated in comparison with the Rosseland-mean opacities taken from the Castelli & Kurucz (2003, IAU Symp., 210, 10) atmosphere models in which a new opacity bump appears at lgT ≈ 5.06. This additional opacity bump affects the OPAL- and OP-driving zone for stellar pulsations and therefore the new envelope models may markedly change predicted spectra of unstable oscillation modes. Differences between current non-LTE and LTE models based on the TLUSTY200 and ATLAS codes, respectively, cannot be assigned entirely to non-LTE effects, but for B stars they reflect mainly opacity effects.


Backgrounds: The bachelor thesis aims at interconnections between Johann Amos Comenius's works, claims and ideas in the context of social pedagogy. It points out his effort to systematize human knowledge, state of the world and the whole society. Besides this the thesis seeks for practicalapplication of his innovations in education and interperssonal relationships addressed many generations. Aims: The aim of the research was to find out whether pupils of 7th and 8th grades in lower secondary school know Comenius at required level and whether the information about him was presented adequately. The second part of the research was focused on the main hypothesis aimed aat those crucial aspects in Comenius's works that would prove his influence on development of social pedagogy. Methods and findings: The first, quantitative part was based on a questionnaire with closeended items. The research sample consisted of 7th and 8th graders of a lower secondary school in Klobouky u Brna. The findings, wich are in tables and graphs, showed a high level of the respondents' knowledge of Comenius. Moreover, the topic at the school was taught adequately. To confirm the hypothesis a historical comprative method was used in the second part of the research. Conclusion: Johann Amos Comenius undoubtedly influenced the development of social pedagogy through his fundamental ideas, publications, works and the organization of schools. Despite the fact that at his time the term social pedagogy was unknown he fully stated its essence.


The combined use of traditional vas cular bypass techniques and myocuta neous flap reconstruction was used in the salvage of an ischemic limb with a large pretibial ulcer.


Preface Introduction: A Word about Politics and Original Intent Part I: Theory 1. The Objects of Legal Privacy Analyzing Privacy Historical Antecedents Privacy in the Law Today How Courts Justify Decisions 2. The Concept of Legal Privacy Problems with the Current Definitions A Conceptual Methodology The Definition of Legal Privacy The Coverage-Protection Distinction 3. A Justification for Legal Privacy A Normative Methodology What a Privacy Justification Is Privacy and Autonomy Part II: Practice 4. Legal Epistemology and Privacy Dworkin's Interpretative Theory Mohr's Privacy Justification Hixon's Utilitarian Approach to Privacy 5. Applications Criteria for Dispute Resolutions The Openly Gay or Lesbian Teacher Gay and Lesbian Parenting and Marriage Surrogate Motherhood Privacy and AIDS Adult Consensual Sodomy Statutes The Justification of Abortion Computer Data Banks and Electronic Funds Transfer Services Pornography and Drugs in the Home Employer Drug and Polygraph Testing The Right to Die Epilogue: Autonomy: The Ultimate Question Conclusion Notes Selected Bibliography Index


Background: Local anesthesia injection for tooth extraction of primary molars is one among the causes of avoiding dental visits in children. Voice control and hand over mouth exercise are invasive and considered the least accepted techniques, a more accepted technique for children and their parents was needed. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) distraction on dental anxiety and pain perception to local anesthesia injection in pediatric dental patients during primary teeth extraction. Material and Methods: A prospective, parallel two arms randomized; clinical trial was performed on seventy-two children. Patients were (7-11) years old with unilateral carious nonrestorable mandibular primary first molars required local anesthesia (LA) for extraction. Group (A) received treatment wearing virtual reality (VR) device and Group (B) received treatment using tell, show and do behavior management technique. Anxiety levels were measured using heart rate (HR) measuring before and after the injection while pain perception was assessed immediately after the injection using the Face, Legs, Activity, Crying and CONSOL ability scale (FLACC) and Facial Image Scale (FIS). Results: There was a statistically significant difference in heart rate mean values between both groups. Virtual reality (VR) distraction group showed better results in lowering anxiety during dental treatment. Conclusion: Virtual reality (VR) device could be advocated for reducing anxiety to local anesthetic injection in children undergoing extraction of primary teeth.


Soft clay soil can be categorized as problematic soil. It consists of low shear strength, low permeability and high compressibility characteristics affect the stability and settlement of the structures constructed on this type of soil. A careful design analysis could be taken for any structure built on it. However, those characteristics could be improved through many methods and the easiest method that is being used in the construction field was stone column. On the other hand, coal is one of the world's most important sources of energy. Disposal of bottom ash become environmental issues if it is not effectively reused or recycled for other application. This study is to present suitability in term of shear strength by using bottom ash to replace sand or granular material in column for ground improvement technique using laboratory scale model. Since sand is one of non-renewable material so by using by-product or waste material such bottom ash we can reduce the cost of construction as well as keep the non-renewable natural material in balance. Several experimental procedures are carried out to know the physical and mechanical properties of bottom ash and kaolin clay sample. Kaolin is being used as soil sample and bottom ash as the reinforced columns. The shear strength of the encapsulated bottom ash column measured by Unconfined Compression Test. A total 4 batches of kaolin sample had been tested and each batch consist of 5 specimens represent sample without bottom ash, partially penetration and fully penetration for singular bottom ash column. The specimen used were 50mm in diameter and 100mm in height. The diameter of bottom ash is 16mm and the height of the column are 60mm, 80mm and 100mm. The encapsulated bottom ash was installed at the centre of the specimen. The encapsulated bottom ash column with 10.24% area replacement ratio are 58.21%, 58.66% and 42.58% at sample penetration ratio, Hc/Hs of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 respectively. It can be concluded that the shear strength of soft clay could be improved by installation of encapsulated bottom ash column. However the value of shear strength of soft clay inserted with partially penetration column increased more significant compared to the fully penetration column.


The note shows that the following features of a consumption sector tends to enforce the "Law of Demand": The statistical Engelcurves "bend slowly" and there is sufficiently "dispersion" in the distribution of income.


Terrain simplification algorithms are widely applied to digital elevation model as important technology of compressive data.How well the effect will be acquired depends upon terrain simplification index,which is one of the core parts among these algorithms.This paper analyzes five indices,which are based on local error,curvature and normal vector and estimates their capability of preserving terrain characteristic.Firstly,the authors construct gauss mesh which is used to simulate real terrain by gauss curved surface and calculate total gauss curvature of each grid point,which is regarded as true value to terrain simplification index.Secondly,reliabilities to preserve terrain characteristics are obtained by comparing these indices with gauss curvature.Macro-estimate of the five terrain simplification indices are gained by analysing their reliabilities and so do when changing gauss mesh's shape and resolution.The macro-estimation includes:1)as to the potential of reflecting terrain characteristic,the index based on normal vector is better than the others;2)their reliabilities linearly ascend as terrain simplification ratio reduces;3)their sorts are liable to terrain and resolution;4)their reliabilities are steady at the same resolution.Finally,the authors testify research result based on a lot of real terrain and find that it is all right.


A review of seven years' experience with upper gastrointestinal bleeding at a large metropolitan hospital showed 36 cases of the Mallory-Weiss lesion (4.5% of all cases of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage during this period). Diagnosis was established with endoscopy or surgery. Nineteen percent of patients with the Mallory-Weiss syndrome required surgery, and only 61% required transfusion. These data suggest that the Mallory-Weiss syndrome has a wider and more benign clinical spectrum than has been reported previously. ( JAMA 230:1674-1675, 1974)


In the early 1940s, $10 bought a bus ticket from Appalachia to a better job and promise of prosperity in the flatlands of northeast Ohio. A mountaineer with a strong back and will to work could find a job within twenty-four hours of arrival. But the cost of a bus ticket was more than a week's wages in a lumber camp, and the mountaineer paid dearly in loss of kin, culture, homeplace, and freedom. Numerous scholarly works have addressed this migration that brought more than one million mountaineers to Ohio alone. But Mountain People in a Flat Land is the first popular history of Appalachian migration to one community - Ashtabula County, an industrial center in the fabled \u201cbest location in the nation.\u201d These migrants share their stories of life in Appalachia before coming north. There are tales of making moonshine, colorful family members, home remedies harvested from the wild, and life in coal company towns and lumber camps. The mountaineers explain why, despite the beauty of the mountains and the deep kinship roots, they had to leave Appalachia. Stories of their hardships, cultural clashes, assimilation, and ultimate successes in the flatland provide a moving look at an often stereotyped people.


An analysis of the leading sanitary-ecological factors of the environment affecting the incidence rates among the population of the Republic of Karakalpakstan in 2009-2018 found that between the indicators of the primary incidence of malignant neoplasms and water samples of open reservoirs that are not standard in chemical composition, strong direct correlations in the Northern (rxy = 0.89) zone, average direct correlations in the Western (rxy = 0.67) and Central (rxy = 0.57) zones were established. Similarly, strong connection was found in the Chimbay (rxy = 0.73) district, moderate correlation in Nukus (rxy = 0.44) and Ellikkala (rxy = 0.66) districts. The moderate correlation of the dynamics of malignant neoplasms with indicators of chemical pollution of tap water in the Chimbay (rxy = 0.33) district, well water in Kanlykul (rxy = 0.32) and atmospheric air in the city of Nukus (rxy = 0.41) was revealed and in the Republic of Karakalpakstan (rxy = 0.39). The solution to the problem lies in providing for the population of the selected districts with centralized drinking water that meets the state standard.


American city planners are deeply divided regarding both the root causes of and potential cures for our urban crisis. Among them, few issues generate more intense debate than the future of urban transportation. Nearly every urbanite is aware of how difficult and time consuming it is to move about in most American cities. Today the big question is whether urban transportation problems can best be solved by public or private means. Many persons urge cities to build new public transportation systems or refurbish old ones. Yet, some cities which have taken such steps have discovered that it is difficult to provide public transportation serving the needs of more than a fraction of metropolitan-area residents. Clearly, there are no quick and easy solutions to America's urban transportation needs. In recent years it has become fashionable to blame the automobile for America's urban transportation mess. Critics as disparate as John Keats, Ronald Buel, and Lewis Mumford have scored the automobile's shortcomings. Keats criticized the American male's penchant for conspicuous consumption, which made the "fake-jewelry" chromed, tail-finned gas-guzzler "demonstrably more important to us than our human wives,


In ship structural design, many structural analyses by the finite element method are carried out on models at several different scale levels; for example, a whole ship, cargo hold parts, and detailed structures. However, one serious problem with this design and analysis process is that the generation of the finite element models for a complex configuration is very difficult and laborious. To overcome this problem, an object oriented, finite element modeling system, MODIFY, has been developed by the authors. In this paper, the concept of the finite element modeling system and the techniques for the construction of the system are explained. First, the object oriented data structure of the system, based on the Part-Object concept, is proposed. In this concept, not only the geometry of the domain but also the analytical conditions, such as boundary conditions and material properties, and the finite element model, are represented by the object oriented data structure. By using this data structure, effective finite element model generation can be expected. Second, a mesh generation algorithm based on the frontal method is described. The original frontal method by S.H. Lo was improved for application to three-dimensional curved surfaces. A new inner node placement technique to make quadrilateral elements around stress concentrated areas is also proposed. These techniques are suitable for ship structures, and more accurate results from the finite element analysis can be expected. Moreover, the parallel mesh generation is implemented in MODIFY by using the client-server concept to accelerate mesh generation. Third, a prototype system for the automatic finite element model generation for different analysis levels is proposed. The system is based on the concept of the PD part, which is the part in the design and production stage, and automatic computing of the intersection between PD parts. The validity of this system is demonstrated by some examples.


The effect of X-ray radiation damage in P-N junction diode is discussed. Electrical characteristics of P-N junction diode can be analyzed by current-voltage (I-V) measurement. This paper investigates X-ray irradiation by its electrical characteristics of difference X-ray exposure time. The X-ray energy use to expose 40 keV various time in the range 5-125 second of exposure. Leakage current after irradiation at 5 and 15 second are increase, while increase irradiation time the leakage current are reduced back to close before irradiation. X-rays are induced defect at 5 and 15 second, while defects reduced after irradiation at 125 second. The result shows that the time of X-ray exposure at 75 and 125 second can reduced defect in P-N junction diode.


The level of public acknowledgement of global warming issues is still relatively low although there is quite a number of news reporting on global warming have been published by traditional media. A comparative study on coverage style of Sin Chew Daily and New Straits Times (NST) from January 2010 to May 2010 on global warming issues is conducted, in which the contexts such as lexicons, leads, headlines, placements, layouts and reporting style are analyzed to determine whether there is reasonable coverage on the issues. The researcher employed judgmental sampling where news articles which related to 全球暖化 (global warming) and 气候变化 (climate change) are collected for data. The researcher found out that Sin Chew Daily commonly used feature style of news reporting while New Straits Times mainly focused on hard news coverage. Sin Chew Daily had succeeded to increase the level of public acknowledgement of global warming issues by using narrative style of reporting in most of the news coverage, and it would be more efficient in provoking the public to act against global warming when coverage are based on human interest stories.


Bitcoin is the first successful decentralized global digital cash system. Usefulness of the mining process requiring a lot of computational resources to be wasted, though, remains disputable. One of possible alternatives for useful Proof-of-Work schemes, Permacoin, is using non-interactive proofs of a static dataset retrievability thus providing a mechanism to store a huge dataset being spread across miners collectively.
In this paper we present a new consensus protocol for Bitcoin-like peer-to-peer systems, where the right to generate a block is given to the party which provides non-interactive proofs of retrievability for the past state snapshots. This Proof-of-Work scheme has better resistance to specialized hardware than Bitcoin and Permacoin. Unlike blockchain systems being used today, a network using the protocol of ours is safe if majority of nodes are rational in terms of storing full blocks. By using that we also show that one useful application of our protocol is the construction of a prunable blockchain system without a security loss.


Mobility of colloids depends in part on the release from aggregates and the stability in suspension. This study determined the soil dispersibility of the different horizons in a Typic Agrudalf. Water-dispersible colloids (WDC) from bulk horizons and macropore deposits were characterized for mineralogy and physical chemical properties. The effect of solution pH and ionic strength on ζ-potential and flocculation behavior was evaluated using dynamic light scattering, and the role of colloid associated organic C (OC) and sesquioxides were elucidated. The soil dispersibility did not reflect the contrasting physicochemical conditions, but was directly correlated with total clay content. Generally, WDC were enriched in OC and sesquioxides. Water-dispersible colloids from the Ap-horizon and from macropore deposits differed markedly from the remaining WDC-fractions due to a significantly higher content of OC (14-35 g kg -1 ), Al CBD (9.3-10.6 g kg -1 ) and a much smaller N 2 -adsorption surface area (14-25 m 2 g -1 ). Treatment with Na 2 S 2 O 8 for removal of OC increased the surface area by 171-225%, indicating surface coatings of OC. The contribution of OC to the colloidal stability was inferred from: (i) a more negative (-potential and larger suspension stability of WDC with larger content of OC, and (ii) reduced negative ζ-potential as well as suspension stability after OC removal. Large variations were observed in the flocculation behavior for WDC with rather similar mineralogical composition. A two-fold increase of the initial particle diameter occurred at an electric conductivity of 91 μS cm -1 for the least stable colloids and at 1023 μS cm -1 for the most stable and OC-rich colloids. The effect of solution pH on flocculation was significant only at pH below 4.5.


A list of Sphingidae in Jiangsu province is given.32 species and 18 subspecies belonging to 27 genera of 5 subfamilies are listed.The hosts,alias, and distributions of each species are described.


In view of the nonlinearity of distribution information of plantar pressure,the robustness that uses features of pressure to describe gait information is not high and it is difficult to obtain a better application effect.This paper proposed a method of static tactile gait recognition,which combined spectral feature and features of plantar edge distance.This method firstly preprocessed the image of barefoot plantar pressure,which came from test board,including extracting key frames,dividing area and so on.Secondly,it regarded three parts as the final recognition characteristics,which were the Euclidean distance of the part of the heel,the forefoot edge contour to the geometric center of the foot and the coordinates of geometric center of the whole foot.Finally,this paper used a one-to-one training support vector machine(SVM)respectively to train 30 people and regarded the ultimate recognition of the left and right foot as a result.In fact,the experiments showed that this method had higher identification accuracy.


Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a semiconducting 2D material, which has evoked wide interest due to its unique properties. However, the lack of controlled and scalable methods for the production of MoS2 films at low temperatures remains a major hindrance on its way to applications. In this work, atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to deposit crystalline MoS2 thin films at a relatively low temperature of 300 °C. A new molybdenum precursor, Mo(thd)3 (thd = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylheptane‐3,5‐dionato), is synthesized, characterized, and used for film deposition with H2S as the sulfur precursor. Self‐limiting growth with a low growth rate of ≈0.025 Å cycle−1, straightforward thickness control, and large‐area uniformity are demonstrated. Film crystallinity is found to be relatively good considering the low deposition temperature, but the films have significant surface roughness. Additionally, chemical composition as well as optical and wetting properties are evaluated. MoS2 films are deposited on a variety of substrates, which reveal notable differences in growth rate, surface morphology, and crystallinity. The growth of crystalline MoS2 films at comparably low temperatures by ALD contributes toward the use of MoS2 for applications with a limited thermal budget.


Invariant manifolds in the restricted three-body problem are a powerful tool for the design of spacecraft trajectories. This work presents an approach to compute families of quasi-periodic orbits and their linear stability via a stroboscopic map. The approach includes the generation of stable and unstable manifolds from hyperbolic quasi-periodic orbits. Including quasi-periodic orbits along with periodic orbits in the design space offers additional lowenergy transfer options. Both the circular and elliptic restricted three-body problems are considered.


Abstract During CO2 flooding, extraction of lighter hydrocarbons from crude oil makes the remaining oil hard to be recovered. In this work, we design a new experimental method to characterize the effect of CO2 extraction on crude oil. The experimental results show that, the volume of extracted hydrocarbons increases as system pressure increases. The hydrocarbons with wider carbon number can be extracted from crude oil at high pressures. Moreover, the wax precipitation and viscosity of the remaining oil increase with increasing pressure. This study is expected to provide the basic understanding of the mechanisms of CO2 flooding for enhanced oil recovery.


Composition and diversity of aquatic insects as influenced by anthropogenic activities in River Chanchaga, Niger State, Nigeria was investigated for a period of six months spanning from April through September, 2014 in three stations. Habitat and water quality were done using qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI) and America public health association (APHA) method of water analysis respectively. Aquatic insects were sampled with a kick net of about 250 μm mesh size. QHEI values in the three stations showed that the stations were moderately impaired with station 1 having the highest value (64.3%), while canopy cover of the three sampled stations were relatively poor. Physicochemical parameters values were within the maximum permissible limit of water quality variables by Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), Nigeria and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) except dissolved oxygen and pH. A total of 6 orders, 16 families, 19 taxa and 101 individuals of aquatic insects were recorded during the study. The overall abundance, distribution and composition of aquatic insects were poor. Station 1 had the highest number of species composition (55) while station 3 had only 6 individuals of aquatic insects. Simpson dominance (D) and Shannon-weiner index were highest in station 1. Station 3 was more even in aquatic insect distribution (0.8965) while station 1 had the highest margalef richness index (d) of 4.969. The pollution sensitive species in the group of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) were poorly represented or even absent in some case probably owing to the deteriorating state of the sampled stations as a result of various human activities. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed a very weak relationship between the insects' abundance and distribution and environmental variables measured. Coelhydrus sp., Chlorostidae, Chironomus sp., Philodytes sp., Cordulidae and Neoperla sp. were strongly associated with axis 1 and this association was explained by dissolved oxygen, phosphate and water depth. Bray-curtis similarity index performed revealed that samples were more clustered by months than by stations. The research was able to provide a baseline study as a biomonitoring tool for the assessment of the integrity of water bodies in Niger State and Nigeria in general. Citation: Edegbene AO, Arimoro FO, Odoh O and Ogidiaka E (2015). Effect of anthropogenicity on the composition and diversity of aquatic insects of a municipal river in North Central Nigeria. Biosciences Research in Today's World 1(1): 55-66. Received May 31, 2015; Accepted July 2, 2015; Published July 19, 2015. Copyright: © 2015 Edegbene et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. BRTW is the official journal publication of BRSF. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. * E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com This research work was presented at the Biosciences Research Support Foundation (BRSF)'s 1st International Conference on Biosciences Research (ICBR), Awka, Nigeria, 25-27 May 2015.


Caring for patients with chronic diseases is a challenging issue in the health care system. There is a need for a new paradigm in case management which pays attention to not only pathology of illness but also a long-term care process requiring close collaboration between multidisciplinary team and local medical service facilities with an aim to improve quality of life of both patients and family members. Patients and family should also play essential roles as members of the care team. To address to such challenge, Uthai-thani Provincial Health Office has included the continuum of care as one of the strategies in the provincial health plan for 2011. A pilot project was established to develop a patient care guideline (PCG) for diabetes and hypertension which linked all levels of health care facilities to jointly take care of the patients. The process included (1) the review of clinical practice guidelines for different levels of care; (2) a survey on patient needs; (3) strenthening medical care capacity of nurses in the general hospital, community hospitals and sub-district health promotion hospitals; and (4) organizing workshops to develop PCG and patient care handbook. Two documents were developed: (1) PCG-1 – the clinical pathway or care map for diabetes and hypertension and (2) PCG-2 – a practical patient handbook for self care. The PCG-2 also served as a communication tool for patients and care providers at all levels. This development of PCG was the first step in an overall process to develop a patient-centered health service system. If successful, the patient handbook could be further developed to become an information package embedded in individual smart cards which would be useful for all health facilities nationwide to utilize information for the joint care of patients. Key words: patient care guideline, diabetes, hypertension


Quantum photonic devices are candidates for realizing practical quantum computers and networks. The development of integrated quantum photonic devices can greatly benefit from the ability to incorporate different types of materials with complementary, superior optical or electrical properties on a single chip. Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) serve as a core element in the emerging modern photonic quantum technologies by allowing on‐demand generation of single‐photons and entangled photon pairs. During each excitation cycle, there is one and only one emitted photon or photon pair. QD photonic devices are on the verge of unfolding for advanced quantum technology applications. This review is focused on the latest significant progress of QD photonic devices. First, advanced technologies in QD growth are discussed, with special attention to droplet epitaxy and site‐controlled QDs. Then, the wavelength engineering of QDs via strain tuning and quantum frequency conversion techniques is overviewed. The discussion is extended to advanced optical excitation techniques recently developed for achieving the desired emission properties of QDs. Finally, the advances in heterogeneous integration of active quantum light‐emitting devices and passive integrated photonic circuits are reviewed, in the context of realizing scalable quantum information processing chips.


Child car seat (1) comprising a body (2) having a backrest (3) and a base (4), side arms (5) which rise from the base (4), and means for cooperating with a seat belt usual vehicle allowing such cooperation secure the child seat (1) to a vehicle seat (11) on which it can place the vehicle seat (11) provided with elements fixed anchorage being ( 14) for the child seat in both arms (5), stabilizers means slide (20) supporting an element (46) at its ends for engaging a corresponding element fixed anchor (14) of the vehicle seat (11 being arranged ) and can be tensioned and locked said sliding means (20) in a tense position preventing any transverse movement of the child seat on said vehicle seat (11), characterized in that said lateral stabilizers (20) comprise, for each arm (5), a belt (25) slidably coupled to the latter, but lockable on the same when it is stressed, said belt (25) a first free end (40) and a second end (41) having the element (46) for coupling to the fixed anchor (14) of the vehicle seat (11), the latter element (14) an anchoring element ISOFIX being disposed said first and second end (40, 41) in opposite positions relative to the arm (5), slidably associated belt (25) with the latter in a lockable manner and out of grooves (224A, 24P) thereof, each belt being slidably positioned through the slots (24A, 24P) and projecting arm.


The invention discloses a method for driving a magnet and a method and a system for driving a capsule endoscope. The method for driving the capsule endoscope comprises the following steps: S1. obtaining the magnetic induction intensity of the inner magnet of the capsule endoscope, and calculating the current position and the motion trace of the capsule endoscope on the basis of the magnetizing direction of the magnet; S2. according to the difference value of the magnetizing direction of the magnet, the motion trace and the current position and the preset expectation position of the inner magnet, calculating the magnitude and the direction of the required external driving magnetic field; and S3. according to the magnitude and the direction of the required external driving magnetic field, calculating the current intensity and the direction of a drive coil, and outputting current to the drive coil. The method for driving the capsule endoscope utilizes the preset expectation position and the motion trace of the capsule endoscope, the magnetizing direction of the magnet and positioning information to adjust the capsule endoscope to reach the expectation position so as to control the capsule endoscope.


This study analyses persuasive strategies on Donald Trump's political speeches. This study uses qualitative research as the design and Content Analysis as the approach. The researcher explores persuasive strategies used by Donald Trump using Aristotle's Theory to see what persuasive strategies are used and how Trump's political speech could affect audiences to vote for him. The researcher selected three speeches such as campaign speech (2015),victory speech (2016) and inauguration speech (2017) as the object of study. These speeches are selected based on some considerations, such as lexical density, political concepts described by Trump, academic scrutiny and also to make this research more manageable. Furthermore, the researcher found that Trump has used persuasive strategies in order to convince Americans to vote him as President. According to Aristotle , there are three types of Persuasive Strategies such as Logos, Ethos and Pathos. The researcher found thirty one statements indicated of containing pathos, thirteen statements of Logos and fifteen statements as Ethos.  Pathos encompasses the emotional influence on the audience. Based on the analysis, the researcher concludes that persuasive strategies played crucial part to evoke audience's emotions and feelings.


Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in blood donors could represent a risk for transmission in blood recipients. There is scarce information about the epidemiology of T. gondii infection in blood donors in Mexico. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics in a population of healthy blood donors of Durango City, Mexico. Methods: Four hundred and thirty two blood donors in two public blood banks of Durango City, Mexico were examined for T. gondii infection between August to September 2006. Blood donors were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by using enzyme-linked immunoassays (Diagnostic Automation Inc., Calabasas, CA, USA). Socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics from each participant were also obtained. Results: Thirty two (7.4%) of 432 blood donors had IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies. Eight (1.9%) of them had also IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies. Multivariate analysis using logic regression showed that T. gondii infection was associated with the presence of cats at home (adjusted OR = 3.81; 95% CI: 1.45–10.01). The age group of 45–60 years showed a significantly higher frequency of T. gondii infection than the group of 25–34 years (p = 0.02). Blood donors without education had a significantly higher frequency of infection (15.8%) than those with 13–19 years of education (4.5%) (p = 0.04). Other characteristics of blood donors including male gender, consumption of undercooked meat or blood transfusion did not show an association with infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of T. gondii infection in healthy blood donors of Durango City, Mexico is lower than those reported in blood donors of south and central Mexico, and is one of the lowest reported in blood donors worldwide. T. gondii infection in our blood donors was most likely acquired by contact with cats. Prevalence of infection increased with age and decreased with educational level. Published: 13 July 2007 BMC Infectious Diseases 2007, 7:75 doi:10.1186/1471-2334-7-75 Received: 15 February 2007 Accepted: 13 July 2007 This article is available from: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/7/75 © 2007 Alvarado-Esquivel et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


Asian communities have a distinctive concept in perceiving the value of information privacy, which is completely unique from the description set by western countries. This paper gathers the definition and the theory of information privacy culture. Based on the culture dimension theory of Hofstede, it attempts to reveal the perception and concern of Asian countries towards the privacy of its personal information. A survey was conducted in one of the public universities in Malaysia in order to gauge the 'power distance' and 'collectivistic' culture characteristic in the public perception towards their personal medical information privacy. The result unveils its support for both theories, despite the increasing trend in privacy appreciation among the post-graduate and professionals in Malaysia. In addition, the result also shows a notable increase in the public privacy concern especially over the management of their personal medical information (PMI) in the hospital information system (HIS). The findings should be considered as valuable in designing the patient's electronic medical record (EMR) system in HIS with the incorporation of privacy preservation elements.


Broccoli is an edible green plant in the cabbage family whose large flowering head is eaten as a vegetable. The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural of broccolo, which means "the flowering crest of a cabbage", and is the diminutive form of brocco, meaning "small nail" or "sprout". Broccoli is often boiled or steamed but may be eaten raw. Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that does poorly in hot summer weather. The ingestion of appropriate amounts of vegetables is known to reduce the risk of certain diseases due to the presence of beneficial biological molecules. For example, it has been shown that broccoli has anti‐ obesity, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, gastro protective, antiinflamatory, anti-amnesic and immunomodulatory properties (Yang and Zhang, 2011; Mahn and Reyes, 2012; Owis, 2015; Vinha et al., 2015; Park et al., 2016). These activities are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, glucosinolates, sulforaphane and enzymes (e.g. peroxidases, cystine lyases), among others (Fahey et al., 2002). In particular, the concentration of these chemicals in broccoli depends on cultivation parameters, processing methods and variety of the vegetable (Fraire‐ Cordero et al., 2010). However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen. The bacterium takes International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 12 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com


The invention discloses a face recognition device (100), comprising an image obtaining unit (2), a recognition unit, a positioning unit (3) and light sources (6), wherein the image obtaining unit (2) is used for obtaining a face image; the recognition unit is used for receiving the face image and recognizing the received face image; the positioning unit (3) is provided with a reflecting surface, so that the user can adjust the face position according to the mirror image of the user in the reflecting surface, and the face can be located at a best obtaining area of the face image; and the light sources (6) are arranged linearly. According to the face recognition device, due to the positioning unit, the user can adjust the face position according to the mirror image of the user in the reflecting surface, and the face can be located in the best obtaining area of the face image, thereby reducing the time of the face recognition device for shooting and recognizing the face and improving the working efficiency and the user experience. As the light sources of the face recognition device are arranged linearly, the lights can be prevented from concentrating excessively to cause glare, thereby further improving the face image quality and the recognition rate of the face recognition device.


Significance Microscopic invaginations of the surface membrane, called t-tubules, carry electrical and chemical signals into cardiomyocytes. Previous studies have found slow rates of solute exchange inside t-tubules and have suggested that diffusion may be highly restricted. By combining fluorescent tracer measurements and detailed computational modeling, we show that small solutes (≤1 kDa) appear to move almost freely within t-tubules and most of the ∼5–16× slowing in exchange rate, compared with free diffusion, arises from t-tubule geometry effects. Larger solutes (>4 kDa) show restricted access into t-tubules, and species-dependent entry may also be impeded by differences in t-tubule mouth configuration. Our data and analyses provide a new pathway to understanding how disease-induced t-tubule derangement may contribute to altered cellular function. Cardiac transverse (t-) tubules carry both electrical excitation and solutes toward the cell center but their ability to transport small molecules is unclear. While fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) can provide an approach to measure local solute movement, extraction of diffusion coefficients is confounded by cell and illumination beam geometries. In this study, we use measured cellular geometry and detailed computer modeling to derive the apparent diffusion coefficient of a 1-kDa solute inside the t-tubular system of rabbit and mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes. This approach shows that diffusion within individual t-tubules is more rapid than previously reported. T-tubule tortuosity, varicosities, and the presence of longitudinal elements combine to substantially reduce the apparent rate of solute movement. In steady state, large (>4 kDa) solutes did not freely fill the t-tubule lumen of both species and <50% of the t-tubule volume was available to solutes >70 kDa. Detailed model fitting of FRAP data suggests that solute diffusion is additionally restricted at the t-tubular entrance and this effect was larger in mouse than in rabbit. The possible structural basis of this effect was investigated using electron microscopy and tomography. Near the cell surface, mouse t-tubules are more tortuous and filled with an electron-dense ground substance, previously identified as glycocalyx and a polyanionic mesh. Solute movement in the t-tubule network of rabbit and mouse appears to be explained by their different geometric properties, which impacts the use of these species for understanding t-tubule function and the consequences of changes associated with t-tubule disease.


A retractable in-row tiller device is adapted for mounting on a movable vehicle and for tilling the ground around and between objects in a row. An outrigger arm with a rotary tiller mounted on its distal end is retracted inwardly and extended outwardly by a trapeze-type control arm which amplifies the velocity and magnitude of reciprocal motion produced by a hydraulic ram to move around and avoid objects encountered in the row. Both manually and automatically operable controls are included respectively to allow an operator to retract and extend the tiller out of and into the row as desired and to cause the tiller to be retracted and extended out of and into the row automatically upon encountering an object in the row. Manual control is also provided for the operator to override the automatic retraction control. A lift mechanism for lifting the tiller out of the ground and a rotary drive for rotating the tiller are interrelated such that the vertical lift force is variable in relation to the force required to rotate the tiller. The ratio between the lifting force and the rotary drive is adjustably variable to effect automatic depth control for ground penetration.


We have developed a cobalt-based amorphous core as a new magnetic-alloy (MA) core for the loaded RF cavity. Because of its permeability found to be approximately twice as high as that of FINEMET, this MA core is an excellent candidate for constructing a compact broadband RF cavity with less power consumption. In this report, we present our recent studies of the Co-based amorphous core's physical properties, performance, and development.


The use of infrared or electroluminescence(EL) images of solar cell modules for defect detection is a very important method in non-destructive testing. Traditionally, this work is done by skilled technicians, which is time-consuming and susceptible to subjective factors. The surface defect detection method of solar cells based on machine learning has become one of the main research directions because of its high efficiency and convenience. For this reason, this paper proposes an improved fusion model based on VGGNet and U-Net++, which is used for defect detection and segmentation of EL images of solar cells. In the defect detection stage, the input image is processed pertinently, and by modifying the convolutional layer and the fully connected layer of the network, while improving the performance of the algorithm, it accelerates the convergence and avoids the phenomenon of over-fitting. In the defect segmentation stage, the defect location is marked based on the public data set, which is used for the training of each segmentation model, and the effect of different segmentation networks is compared to select a reasonable model. The experimental results show that the defect detection accuracy of the improved VGG16 network on the elpv-dataset is 95.2%, and the U-Net++ defect segmentation model has an average MIoU value of 0.955, which is better than other existing methods.


Here we discuss collective processes and plasma effects that can be found in ultra‐cold matter. First, we consider the ultra‐cold atomic gas that can be produced in a magneto‐optical trap. Due to the existence of long‐range repulsive forces, new collective oscillation can take place, resembling sound waves but with a cut‐off frequency. We also examine new phenomena in Rydberg plasmas, resulting from laser ionization of the ultra‐cold gas. In these very low temperature plasmas a large amount of excited Rydberg states can exist, leading to a new dispersion relation for the electromagnetic waves. Enhanced magnetic field generation will also be considered. Finally, we discuss the collective properties of Bose Einstein condensates, showing a strong analogy with collective plasma processes. Two related examples are given as an illustration: Bogoliubov oscillations in the condensate, and two‐stream instabilities of counter‐streaming BECs.


In seeking to achieve Australian workplaces free from injury and disease NOHSC works to lead and coordinate national efforts to prevent workplace death, injury and disease. We seek to achieve our mission through the quality and relevance of information we provide and to influence the activities of all parties with roles in improving Australia's OHS performance.
NOHSC has five strategic objectives:
• improving national data systems and analysis,
• improving national access to OHS information,
• improving national components of the OHS and related regulatory framework,
• facilitating and coordinating national OHS research efforts,
• monitoring progress against the National OHS Improvement Framework.
This publication is a contribution to achieving those objectives


Health is one the most important aspects that can be considered by most of the human beings. Nowadays, Diseases keep on increasing day by day and people keep on taking tablets and certain medications to control those diseases. Missing to take tablet on time causes severe health problems to some of sugar patients etc., but people now a days keep on missing to take tablet on their regular life that causes health problems. Some people alter the tablet by mistake when tablets are mixed in the cover. Many uneducated people as well as visually and hearing impaired patients are not even know which tablet have to take. According to many medical surveys many heart patients are died because of forgetting to take essential tablets. To avoid such ill effects, we have developed a smart device which can act as automated medical assistant to the patient. An alarm with visual indication will be given using buzzers with LED at tablet taking time and the single button will be used for open or close the tablet rack on at that time of the alarm. A rack will be pushed, and that contains tablets to be taken at that time to avoid confusions on altering of the tablets. The medicine kit configuration also done using eight buttons with multiple options like morning, afternoon, evening, night, snooze, emergency open etc., and an immediate action will be taken by sending SMS to guardian with the help GSM module when the patient missed to take tablet. For further clarification how many times patient missed the tablet with date and time will be updated to hospital through IoT for the corresponding patient ID. These details can able to view by the doctor which helps to diagnose the patient. Process of this medicine kit was controlled by using 8-bit Microcontroller.


Natural killer (NK) cells play a central role as innate immune effector cells to virus infected cells and tumor cells. The standard assay to evaluate NK activity is 51Cr release assay using radio-labeled K562 cells, however, new methods using fluorescence-labeled targets or flow cytometry to examine degranulation markers have been developed recently. In addition to cytotoxicity, NK cells enable to produce various cytokines to regulate the adaptive immune responses in infection, inflammation and cancer. Here we generated nanoparticles conjugated with various antibody for NK receptors and examined to stimulate human whole blood with these nanoparticles instead of K562 target cells. We found that various cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β and CCL2 were produced by NK cells in whole blood by anti-NKp30-conjugated nanoparticles in dose-dependent manner more than by anti-NKp46 or anti-NKG2D nanoparticles. Production of IFN-γ was detected within 4 hours and reached maximum level at 24 hours after stimulation. IFN-γ production was relatively high at incubation temperature of 37°C, but that was significantly decreased over 39°C. Importantly, we could evaluate the reproducible cytokine production in same donors at another blood collection date because of the stable stimulus of nanoparticles and less variation data by human manipulation for lymphocyte separation. Additionally, cytokine secretion did not correlate with NK cell-mediated lysis of K562 target cells and NK cell numbers in whole blood. These data indicated that this method using NKp30 nanoparticles might be useful for measurement of individual differences of NK function especially correlated in adaptive immune response and inflammation.


reflected on a time when university presses heavily subsidized monographs. With decreasing library budgets and declining sales, academic presses and universities were often underwriting such losses. Bulliet presented electronic publishing as a viable option, particularly for publishing doctoral dissertations which might be presented in the form of linked essays. Nevertheless, in order for professors to better guide doctoral students and assess the publication potential and parameters of theses, they must be more sensitive to the ever-changing nature of the publishing climate. Conrad explored electronic publishing trends and the problem of existing and emerging technologies. Reflecting on his experience as an editor of two monograph series, he highlighted several issues concerning obsolete software and retro-compatibility and problems in transcription. He advocated the development of more stable hardware and software technologies and formats which do not change constantly. Donner discussed the 'b-book,' or the traditional scholarly monograph, and argued that the needs of academic publishers and individual research agendas are not irreconcilable. He contrasted younger scholars doing research on what they think is important with senior scholars being commissioned to produce works which publishers deem desirable. Commissioning works often fills needs as in reference works and attracts non-specialists to the field. Nevertheless, it also creates a situation whereby senior scholars cannot pursue their own research and leads to a distortion of the field through reinforcing existing categories and periodizations. He asked why publishers are not encouraging filling the need for basic research tools, such as an Arabic lexicon. Humphreys echoed the views shared by Bulliet and Conrad concerning the lack of permanence in the development of electronic resources. He further expressed that new and emerging technologies will eventually enhance the old, not replace them. The printed book will always remain reliable. He stressed that time and labor costs are often much greater in electronic than in print publications. Such costs are mainly passed along to authors and consumers. Funding bodies do not possess the resources to underwrite publications on a large scale and governmental bodies do not have any imperative to contribute. It is anticipated that a follow-up workshop will be organized at some point in the future. ***


This paper presents a characteristic modes approach to optimize the low band directivity of a Double Exponentially Tapered Slot Antenna (DETSA). By integrating discrete loads at specific positions inside the antenna structure, the radiated characteristic fields can be manipulated to improve its directivity. The study examines the influence of the loading position on the optimization results. With the proposed loading configuration, the directivity of the DETSA reaches 6.5 dBi in the lower part of the band ~150 MHz rather than 2.5 dBi for the classical unloaded case. Geometrical modifications and additional loads are then introduced to enhance the radiation performance of the proposed DETSA over a wideband.