Evidence-based practices (EBP) are an international scientific movement. At present, it is recognized that they integrate the best evidence of available research, professional expertise as competence obtained through education, training and experience and, finally, consideration of preferences, culture and context of people receiving services. The integration of EBP into social work is important as it is an effort to improve professional practice, an opportunity to expand theoretical and practical models, offer credibility and support to the profession; recognize the importance of continuous learning, increase efficacy and the effectiveness of services and increase the knowledge to make decisions for the benefit of the people with whom you work. This article offers an introduction to the subject of the EBP, discusses some criticisms, challenges and opportunities, and presents proposals to the profession, looking forward to considering EBP as a tool for the defense of human rights. We propose the inclusion of EBP as an imperative element in the exercise of social work; in recognition and defense of ethics and human rights, and in opposing de-professionalization. We link the EBP with the Professional Project in social work and the working conditions. This article calls for a rethinking of EBP as a critical-reflexive, participatory, democratic process that has the potential to recognize the defense of human rights and dignity. We aim to promote dialogue by considering the importance of the topic in the current social situation.


Mobile cloud computing has been proposed as an effective solution to augment the capabilities of resource-poor mobile devices. In this paper, we investigate energy-efficient collaborative task execution to reduce the energy consumption on mobile devices. We model a mobile application as a general topology, consisting of a set of fine-grained tasks. Each task within the application can be either executed on the mobile device or on the cloud. We aim to find out the execution decision for each task to minimize the energy consumption on the mobile device while meeting a delay deadline. We formulate the collaborative task execution as a delay-constrained workflow scheduling problem. We leverage the partial critical path analysis for the workflow scheduling; for each path, we schedule the tasks using two algorithms based on different cases. For the special case without execution restriction, we adopt one-climb policy to obtain the solution. For the general case where there are some tasks that must be executed either on the mobile device or on the cloud, we adopt Lagrange Relaxation based Aggregated Cost (LARAC) algorithm to obtain the solution. We show by simulation that the collaborative task execution is more energy-efficient than local execution and remote execution.


The use of chaotic systems in communications approaches the threshold for industrial applicability. We shall give here an overview over a few techniques we think are promising. However, this overview does not pretend to be complete and it contains personal views on the subject. Also, the use of chaotic system for information encryption is not discussed at all. Only a choice of methods for coding and modulation for the transmission of digital information will be presented. An overview of a number of techniques to transmit information using chaotic systems is given. The difficulties in obtaining a good performance of such systems with respect to channel noise leads to fundamental question, to which we give a possible answer. Given the generally mediocre performance of such approaches, we have identified two fundamental questions which should help us pinpoint the main problems with the existing approaches with the help of information theory and communication theory. In particular it has been confirmed both in theory and by a constructive approach leading to a controlled variant of CSK, that indeed the information generated by free running chaotic systems (as captured by the Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy) is the problem, and the solution is a suitable control that makes this information part of the payload.


The possibilities to obtain some bioactive composites based on macromolecular structures and a protein, there are presented. The biocompatible materials have as macromolecular matrices a (homo)-polymer of methyl methacrylate and three (co)-polymers of methyl methacrylate with different percentage of 2, 3-epoxypropyl methacrylate, aspects concerning their syntheses and several of their characteristics being also mentioned. The used bioactive product was albumin. The procedure for protein immobilization as well as differences between macromolecular matrices composition are correlated with the coupling capacity of the bioactive product.


Apparently, this function of nomadic service is suitable for mobile services. But when nomadic service for computing task is realized among PC, laptop, or PDA, there are several difficult problems to be solved, such as how to supply the continuity and adaptability. In order to realize nomadic service, we design and improve relative approach. In this paper, firstly, formal description of task and its type have been given, then, classification of Agent and transferring granularity of task have been suggested, and then efficient mechanism of nomadic service based on agent for pervasive computing has been presented and designed, the description of suggested management platform supporting nomadic service.


ZnS crystals were grown by CVT technique using iodine as a transporting agent under different mass transport stability conditions. Theoretically predicted optimum growth temperature and lower undercooling ( T) were applied for getting better control on mass transport and nucleation inside the quartz ampoule. ZnS crystals were grown at both optimum and non-optimum temperatures under different undercooling conditions and their characteristics were compared with each other. For 2 mg/cm3 concentration of transporting agent ( C ) and T=15 °C growth at optimum temperature (1000 °C) yielded ZnS crystals with volume of 12x4x2 mm3 and proper quality. For C= 2 mg/cm3 and T=50 °C growth at non optimum temperature (1050 °C) resulted to the formation of ZnS polycrystallites with faulty structures.


Method of forming a semiconductor device may include forming a semiconductor structure on a substrate, the semiconductor structure defining a mesa having a mesa sidewalls of the mesa surface and the mesa surface and the substrate plates opposite to the substrate . The first passivation layer can be formed on the substrate adjacent to at least a portion and the mesa sidewalls on the mesa sidewalls, without first passivation layer on at least a portion of the mesa surface, said first passivation layer There comprising a first material. It is possible to form the second passivation layer on the first passivation layer, without the second passivation layer on at least a portion of the mesa surface includes a second material the second passivation layer is different from the first material . Related devices are also discussed.


DICOM(Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) imaging plays a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of the human body, and design modeling is a technology of planning shapes in three dimensions according to the purpose. In this study, we converge these two technologies to observe the relationships of the cross-section, volume, and surface area to the morphological changes of the external ear canal. The experiment applied medical imaging technologies to acquire sections of the human body to create and divide centerlines using 3D shapes extracted from 19 external ear canals by applying stereolithography and 3-matic program. The results showed that the cross-sectional structure of the external ear canal had various shapes, such as oval (38.5%), semicircular (28.2%), mixed (17.9%), square (10.2%), and wrinkled (5.1%). In addition, the cross-sectional area of each phase increased as the length of the external ear canal increased, and the volume and surface area decreased towards the direction of the eardrum. However, the surface area reduction rate was relatively low. This indicates that the structure becomes irregular towards the direction of the eardrum.


A tool for use as a mitre marker and set-back gauge for doorway trim and the like having body portion formed of a plurality of parallel leaf members releasably clamped in a compact bundle and having a relatively flat undersurface and a flat side face at right angles to the undersurface. A thin leaf-like guide fence is clamped between a pair of leaf members spaced from the flat side fence a distance equal to the desired trim set-back and a pair of projecting pointed marker members are clamped between a second pair of leaf members transversely spaced from the guide fence a distance equal to the desired trim set-back.


Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatible metal-semiconductor-metal polysilicon photodiodes fabricated in a commercial 0.35-mum technology offer estimated responsivities of up to 0.35 A/W at 654 nm. An effective absorption coefficient of 0.63 dB/mum was extracted from responsivities for 5- to 10-mum-long waveguide-coupled detectors. Increasing responsivity at smaller contact spacing indicated a two-part photocurrent response, with secondary photocurrent dominating at small contact spacings and high electric fields


The effect of malted grains at different levels of blends on the nutritional and flow properties of Ogi from white maize Zea mays was studies. Residual protein content of completely nonmalted Ogi. This protein content however decreases as the percentage malted grains in the samples decreases although the decreases is non significant (P<0.05) Blending malted and nonmalted maize for Ogi production resulted in a rise in the lysine and tryptophan level as indicated by a rise in the albumins plus globulins facrtion of the protein.
However, there is no significant difference for the (P<0.05) between the value obtained for the protein fraction at different levels of maize blend. Incorporation of 10%, 40%, 50% and 60% malted maize in the Ogi blend have some synergistic effect on the Ogi, i.e. maximum viscosity during heating, setback value, stability of starch and index of gelatinesation are increase well above above the value obtained for completely malted and nonmalted Ogi. Sensory properties i.e. texture, flovour, and colour are improved in the malted Ogi blends. All the Ogi's were acceptasble (P<0.05).


Excerpt Hypoglycemia observed following ingestion of ethanolic beverages has frequently been attributed to nonethanol ingredients. Study of one such patient and normal control subjects demonstrates...


Abstract We investigate the effects of assuming a fully permanent income shock in a standard buffer-stock consumption model, when the true income process is only highly persistent. This assumption is computationally very advantageous, and thus often used, but might be problematic due to the implied misspecification. Across most parameterizations, and using the method of simulated moments, we find a relatively large estimation bias in preference parameters. For example, assuming a unit root process when the true AR(1) coefficient is 0.97, leads to an estimation bias of up to 30 percent in the constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) coefficient. If used for calibration, misspecified preferences could, for example, lead to a serious misjudgment in the value of social insurance mechanisms. Economic behavior, such as the marginal propensity to consume (MPC), of households simulated from the estimated (misspecified) model is, on the other hand, rather close to that from the correctly specified model.


Leaders talk about holding large-scale public conversations, but they won't succeed if the methods are unsatisfying for participants, if an authentic conversation occurs at all. In this paper, I present the World Cafe method, a viable way of involving large numbers of people in a meaningful, conversational exchange. I describe how a particular World Cafe event was designed, and then explore the value of the World Cafe method as a means to achieve social change. Introduction Increasingly, we hear political and economic leaders talk about having a 'conversation' with stakeholders, or shareholders and the large communities that they serve. In practice, the talk usually goes in one direction. Opinion polls, focus groups and stage-managed public consultations do not afford citizens much decisive influence. More and more government and non-government organisations (NGOs) with a genuine desire for democratic public engagement are convening public meetings. However, even with the best of intentions, the default 'town hall' forum usually degenerates into an angry tussle between polarised groups committed to winning their arguments at the expense of others. This occurs because most people are grouped with friends, family, colleagues or neighbours who are like-minded in their values and beliefs, which in their local conversations they reinforce and defend. The adversarial question-answer format is inevitably dominated by familiar participants, typically those who are incensed and articulate, with comperes raising the temperature with provocative rather than conciliatory comments. So how can we have a large-scale conversation that draws on the rich diversity of public opinion? If the public are to be engaged constructively, they too need to be exposed to that broad range of perspectives, and appreciate them with respect. This 'appreciative' approach lies at the heart of new thinking in the structured design of influential public conversations. World Cafe, an Exploration in Happiness This paper describes a dialogic method called The World Cafe (W/Cafe), first trialled experimentally in 1995 by Juanita Brown and Chris Isaacs. The 'cafe' metaphor describes the informal seating at multiple small tables to encourage conversation. 'The world' symbolises how the format is scaled up to include dozens, even hundreds of people at a time. There is also hope that W/Cafe will gain global popularity as an accepted method to publicly address social and political issues. I have designed and facilitated many W/Cafe events over the past decade around important issues like climate policy and regulatory frameworks. Rather than get caught up in the intricacies of such topics, in this paper I describe a light-hearted event that I was commissioned to design for the Sydney Festival in early 2010. The W/Cafe was designed to explore the meaning of happiness, which was the theme of the festival (hereafter called the Happiness Cafe). The originators of the W/Cafe format encourage us to 'explore questions that matter': the pursuit of happiness certainly satisfies that criterion. While there are features that are the same for all W/Cafes, there is flexibility to adapt the format to the occasion. Usually I design the process and then facilitate or cofacilitate it from the stage. Drawing from colleagues and associates, we assembled a small team of volunteers to help run the event. Larger events require event management and a detailed running sheet. During each event challenges arise that provide opportunities to learn and to modify and improve my skills. The originators of the W/Cafe format describe a sequence of seven design principles (used as headings below) that still guide my design process, although perhaps less prescriptively now that I have gained confidence and experience. 1. Set the context: clarify the purpose and broad parameters within which the dialogue will unfold For most W/Cafes, it is the designer/facilitator who directs all the initial work to create compelling invitations and promotion to gain a diversity of participants, often with little funding support. …


AIM: To screen the active fraction from Sanguisorba officinalis L.for their hematopoietic effect.METHOD:The hematopoietic cells isolated from murine bone marrow(BM) were cultured in vitro,and then were treated with three extracts.The proliferation of BM cells were measured by ATP bioluminescence assay.The hematopoietic effect of the active fraction found in vitro was reconfirmed in hematopoietic inhibition mice induced by cyclophosphamide.Oral administration was performed with gavage in 1、 0.5、(0.1 mg·kg~(-1)) doses of the fraction for 14 days.The BM mononuclear cells and peripheral blood cells including WBC,RBC,and PLT were counted,respectively.RESULTS:In vitro,the fraction containing saponins showed a significant increase in the proliferation of BM cells stimulated by cytokines,whereas tannins and flevones has no effect.In the animal experiment,oral administration of the saponins to cyclophosphamide-induced hematopoietic inhibition mice for 14 days results in increase of the number BM cells,leucocytes,erythrocytes,and platelets.CONCLUSION:The saponins are the active fraction in promoting the proliferation of hematopoietic cell in vitro.The saponins also increase the number of the BM and peripheral blood cells of the hematopoietic inhibition mice induced by cyclophosphamide,in which the increase of RBC and PLT counts is reported for the first time.


The power plant thermodynamic measurement system is an important means to reflect the process of operating parameters,as well as an important tool for safe and stable operation of units.Especially the high-parameter,large-capacity unit's operation,only through the CRT centralized monitoring,can achieve reliable operation of the unit.The realization of the concentration of CRT monitors,thermodynamic measurement plays a crucial role.Thermodynamic measurement is also during construction phase for commissioning staffs to judge the process of the system and the system conditions to determine an important basis for the entire set.Therefore,emphasis on thermodynamic measurement,is particularly important.


Through the study of the necessity for the construction of the chemical training base and the comprehensive analyses on the development course of the chemical engineering emulating training unit,the construction schemes of the comprehensive practice training industry for modern chemical,which was the second-stage project of the chemical training base of our college,were discussed.The evaluation of the expected effect for the training plant was also discussed.


With the implementation of public transport measures, governments often want to achieve several objectives: they aim to increase public transport usage, decrease car usage and increase cost recovery ratios. However, in practice, goals are not always achieved. Therefore the Transport Research Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Transport has undertaken research on how to reach those goals by studying examples of successful European applications of public transport. The research focussed on the following main questions: which European urban regions have successful public transport and which factors attributed to this success? The factors studied are integrated transport policy, administrative organisation, specific urban characteristics, policies, and developments in urban planning and economy. Several European cities have been visited and persons involved in the public transport planning have been interviewed. A set of hypotheses on how to achieve successful public transport has been formulated, based on experience in these cities. The paper discusses the conclusions drawn from the study. A finding is that successful public transport is the result of a number of factors; strategic vision, organization and quality. These factors are explained in the paper. For the covering abstract see IRRD E102382.


Barium ferrite is prepared by high-temperature solid reaction process in this paper.The structure and morphology of the products are characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD)and scanning electronic microscope (SEM).The electrochemical properties of the barium ferrite electrodes are studied by using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests.The results show that for the second alkaline battery with BaFe2O4 as the positive material and hydrogen absorbing alloy as the negative material,it has good electrochemical activities and a stable discharge platform at above 1.2V.The reactant ratio has a great effect on the structure and electrochemical properties of the products and the optimal process is as follows:ratio between Fe2O3 and Ba(OH)2 1∶1.5,temperature 900℃ and reaction time 10h.


PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the Brazilian managers' attitudes toward older workers, and how those attitudes explain HRM decisions in hypothetical scenarios.Design/methodology/approachBrazilian managers (n=201) reported their attitudes toward older workers and their decisions in scenarios involving an older vs a younger applicant/worker.FindingsIn spite of expressing positive attitudes toward older workers, a significant number of managers chose a younger one even when the older worker is described as more productive. To build a better understanding of how attitudes predict decisions, it is necessary to identify attitudinal profiles and the interplay between attitudinal dimensions, rather than simply studying each dimension separately. Attitudinal profiling also shows that some managers discriminate against younger workers, a finding, that is, ignored when (only) regressions are taken into account. The managers' attitudes and behavioral intentions relate with their age. Evidence does not support the double jeopardy effect against older women workers.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is small. The scenarios cover a reduced number of HRM decisions. The data about attitudes and decisions were collected simultaneously from a single source. The findings may be influenced by idiosyncrasies of the context. Future studies should also consider real situations, not hypothetical ones.Practical implicationsEfforts must be made (e.g. via training and development) to raise managers' awareness about the consequences of ageism in organizations.Originality/valueEmpirical studies about managers' perceptions/attitudes toward older workers are scarce. Studies in the Brazilian context are even scarcer.


The Internet of Things (IoT) is a key enabler technology that recently received significant attention from the scientific community across the globe. It helps transform everyone's life by connecting physical and virtual devices with each other to offer staggering benefits, such as automation and control, higher productivity, real-time information access, and improved efficiency. However, IoT devices and their accumulated data are susceptible to various security threats and vulnerabilities, such as data integrity, denial-of-service, interception, and information disclosure attacks. In recent years, the IoT with blockchain technology has seen rapid growth, where smart contracts play an essential role in validating IoT data. However, these smart contracts can be vulnerable and degrade the performance of IoT applications. Hence, besides offering indispensable features to ease human lives, there is also a need to confront IoT environment security attacks, especially data integrity attacks. Toward this aim, this paper proposed an artificial intelligence-based system model with a dual objective. It first detects the malicious user trying to compromise the IoT environment using a binary classification problem. Further, blockchain technology is utilized to offer tamper-proof storage to store non-malicious IoT data. However, a malicious user can exploit the blockchain-based smart contract to deteriorate the performance IoT environment. For that, this paper utilizes deep learning algorithms to classify malicious and non-malicious smart contracts. The proposed system model offers an end-to-end security pipeline through which the IoT data are disseminated to the recipient. Lastly, the proposed system model is evaluated by considering different assessment measures that comprise the training accuracy, training loss, classification measures (precision, recall, and F1 score), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.


Abstract:This article argues that the manuscript poem "On the Death of Love Rotch" recently recovered from a Quaker commonplace book kept in 1782 can be confidently attributed to Phillis Wheatley (Peters). The attribution of the poem provides crucial new evidence for Wheatley's early presence and influence in Nantucket, New Bedford, and Newport; supplies new evidence for how her poems first appear in these regions that map onto Quaker ministerial routes; and bares traces of her poetic and political influence on these hotbeds for early abolitionist efforts. In addition to placing Wheatley physically closer to Obour Tanner and others in the Newport community before the Revolution, the poem's presence points toward other communities of color Wheatley engaged with, including New Guinea and Philadelphia, and the possibility that she wrote an elegy for a Black woman named Rose. Combined the article not only makes a case for the expansion of the Wheatley canon but also demonstrates how attribution studies can inform knowledge of the author's life, location, activities, public contributions, and influence on the larger cultural climate.


Sex determination in Drosophila depends on the ratio of X chromosomes to sets of autosomes (X:A). This chromosomal signal is used to regulate a few control genes whose state of activity selects either the male or the female sexual pathway. We have studied the structure and function of dsx (double sex) which appears to be the last regulatory gene on whose function the sexual pathway eventually depends. We have mutagenized the locus, varied the doses of dominant dsx -mutations and wildtype alleles, and combined different dsx -alleles with recessive mutations in other sex-determining genes, such as ix , tra-2 and tra . The locus dsx harbours two genetic functions, dsx m to implement the male program, dsx f to implement the female program. We found that dsx m and dsx f can mutate independently although most mutations abolish both functions. We conclude that dsx m and dsx f each have their specific domain, but also share a large region of DNA that is essential for both functions. We present evidence that the dominant mutations correspond to a constitutive expression of the male-determining function dsx m , with the simultaneous abolishment of the female-determining function dsx f . This effect can be counteracted by two doses of expressed dsx f so that a female phenotype results. The products of one dose of expressed dsx m and one dose of expressed dsx f in the same cell appear to neutralize each other which leads to a null phenotype. The mutant combinations suggest that the product of dsx f requires the products of ix + , tra -2 + and tra + to become functional.


Objective To compare the clinical outcomes in patients withⅢ-Ⅳ pelvic endometriosis after laparoscopic hysterectomy(LH) and abdominal hysterectomy(AH). Methods Clinical data about 256 patients who underwent hysterectomy for severe endometriosis in our department from October 1, 2005 to October 1, 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients who were 43.50±4.65 years old and 42.61±4.84 years old, respectively, were divided into LH group(n=161) and AH group(n=95).Their general information and clinical manifestations before operation, surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared. Results The operation time was 158.44±43.13 min and 210.56±31.48 min, respectively, for two groups(P 0.001). The estimated blood loss in two groups was 288.75±202.64 ml and 841.67±516.28 ml, respectively(P0.001). The postoperative hospital stay time of two groups was 6.15±2.02 d and 9.28±3.18 d, respectively(P0.001). The incidence of complications was 12.42% and 55.79%, respectively, in two groups(P0.001). Conclusion LH is a safe, effective and feasible procedure for Ⅲ-Ⅳ pelvic endometriosis due to its advantages of less trauma, fewer complications and rapid postoperative recovery.


The invention provides a method and a system for scanning redundancy files in a mobile device by using cloud computing. The method comprises following steps. A client terminal in a mobile terminal scans a file system in a local mobile terminal and generates a file information list. The client terminal in the mobile terminal submits the file information list to a server terminal. The server terminal compares the received file information list with a file information association list in the database of the server terminal and returns a compared result. The client terminal compares the compared result of the server terminal with an application program list in the mobile terminal and executes cleaning operation based on a compared result of the client terminal. The method has effects of cleaning the redundancy files in the mobile terminal timely and effectively, releasing more storage spaces, and not leaving useless files in the storage space of the mobile terminal, thereby enabling a user to effectively utilize and maintain the storage space resource of the mobile terminal so as to facilitate usage for users.


The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is among the six corridors envisaged in China's ambitious infrastructural development project called the Belt and Road Initiative. Officially launched in April 2015 during the visit of President Xi Jinping to Pakistan, the CPEC is viewed as an unprecedented example of the strong relationship between China and Pakistan. While the CPEC led to India's criticism of the corridor involving Gilgit-Baltistan, which is a part of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir, the CPEC also triggered differences at home based on historic inter-provincial dynamics in Pakistan. This paper aims to understand how social media, in particular Twitter, was used by individuals and organizations that tweeted the most about the CPEC. The study reveals that the most prominent Twitter accounts from the selected period, i.e. January to June 2015, were from Pakistan, therefore, the findings of this paper help in understanding the discourse that has been promoted in relation to not just the CPEC but also the relationship between China and Pakistan. Based on the findings of this research, it is reported that government officials and institutions in Pakistan were engaged in actively promoting the CPEC and China's goodwill in Pakistan.


The separation of electron–hole pairs has a significant influence on the photocatalytic process on semiconductors. In this work, BiOCl nanosheets with oxygen vacancies (BiOCl-OVs) have been prepare...


This article reports on a two-year research study on academic writing in pre-registration nursing and midwifery at a UK university. For the nursing section of the research, the study surveyed 68 undergraduate students on a BSc nursing programme to identify the most common genres they had to write for their academic assignments. The study also interviewed three content lecturers and analysed the marking criteria used for assessing the identified genres. Based on the results of the survey, the interviews and the examination of the marking criteria, the article presents a taxonomy of the most common genres in pre-registration nursing, examines typical marking criteria, and suggests some guidelines for the design of writing courses for nursing students. It also presents a possible outline for one such course.


In this paper we look at the performance of trigonometric integrators applied to highly oscillatory differential equations. It is widely known that some of the trigonometric integrators suffer from low-order resonances for particular step sizes. We show here that, in general, trigonometric integrators also suffer from higher-order resonances which can lead to loss of nonlinear stability. We illustrate this with the Fermi‐Pasta‐Ulam problem, a highly oscillatory Hamiltonian system. We also show that in some cases trigonometric integrators preserve invariant or adiabatic quantities but at the wrong values. We use statistical properties such as time averages to further evaluate the performance of the trigonometric methods and compare the performance with that of the mid-point rule.


Preface About the Author Introduction Harmful Algal Blooms and Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins Causes of HABs HABs and Drinking Water Overview References Occurrence and Ecology of Harmful Algal Blooms Introduction Types of Harmful Algal Blooms Occurrence of Freshwater HABs Ecology of Harmful Algal Blooms Toxin Release and Modes of Expression Models and Early Warning Tools References Toxin Properties, Toxicity, and Health Effects Introduction Nodularin Nodularin Properties Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Nodularin Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity of Nodularin Skin Irritation and Other Effects Induced by Nodularia and Nodularin Microcystins Microcystin Properties Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Microcystins Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity of Microcystins Skin Irritation and Other Effects Induced by Microcystis and Microcystins Anatoxin-a Anatoxin-a Properties Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Anatoxin-a Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity of Anatoxin-a Skin Irritation Induced by Anatoxin-a Cylindrospermopsin Cylindrospermopsin Properties Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Cylindrospermopsin Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity of Cylindrospermopsin Skin Irritation Induced by Cylindrospermopsis and Cylindrospermopsin Saxitoxins Saxitoxin Properties Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Saxitoxin Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity of Saxitoxin Skin Irritation Induced by Saxitoxin References Regulation of HABs and HAB Toxins in Surface and Drinking Water Introduction Funding for Research and Risk Assessment on HABs and HAB Toxins Drinking Water Regulations Recreational Water Regulations Nutrient Regulations Case Study: Grand Lake-St. Marys References Source Water Control of Harmful Algal Blooms and Toxins Introduction Natural Attenuation of HABs and Toxins Photolysis Adsorption Biodegradation In Situ Mitigation of HABs and HAB Toxins Artificial Destratification and Aeration Alum Coagulation Clay Flocculants Algicides Other Approaches References Conventional Treatment Processes for Removal of HAB Cells and Toxins from Drinking Water Introduction Coagulation, Flocculation, Sedimentation, and Dissolved Air Flotation Filtration Adsorption Modeling Powdered Activated Carbon Adsorption Modeling Granular Activated Carbon Adsorption Chemical Disinfection Other Disinfection Technologies References Advanced Treatment Processes for the Removal of HAB Cells and Toxins from Drinking Water Introduction Membrane Processes RO and NF for Removal of HABs and HAB Toxins Ultrafiltration and Microfiltration Ultrafiltration-Powdered Activated Carbon Advanced Oxidation Processes Ozone Potassium Permanganate Photolysis and UV/Hydrogen Peroxide UV/TiO2 Sulfate Radical Ultrasound Fenton Reaction Ferrate References Summary and Conclusions References Index


Driver assistance systems for rear-end collision avoidance support drivers in their response to specific events. However, reaction time can be affected by the way this information is conveyed. The impact of the location of the warning messages conveyed by two systems, one within the following vehicle and the second in the rear part of the leading vehicle is evaluated in a driving simulator study. Both rear-end collision avoidance systems positively affected the parameters that determine the reaction time for responding to a road incident between vehicles: headway, TTC and deceleration rate. Comparative quantitative results regarding the effectiveness of each proposed system are discussed.


Construal level theory (CLT) suggests that a person creates abstract mental representations, known as construals, in order to generate predictions, form counterfactuals, and guide behavior with respect to distal times, places, and actions [1]. This paper takes a step towards implementing CLT in agent reasoning; the impact of abstraction level on an ability to scavenge for needed items and ingredients is investigated. Our approach was parametrically tested in a Minecraft environment. Results show that planning with construals increased trial success rate by 14.8% as compared to planning without construals. Our work lays the foundation for a family of cognitively-plausible models that would allow computational agents to generate predictions about future events and valuations of future plans based on very limited prior training.


While the benefits and limitations of measuring service quality in telephone surveys have been studied, not much attention has been given to measuring data quality. The Coverage Followup (CFU) operation, a telephone survey that resolved coverage errors in the 2010 decennial census data, included two independent quality measures: one to evaluate service quality and one to evaluate data quality. Thus, CFU provided a valuable opportunity to assess the usefulness of monitoring both aspects. The Service Quality Assurance (SQA) program scored recorded interviews on interviewers' telephone courtesy and accuracy of data capture for question groups, while the Data Quality (DQ) program scored recorded interviews on interviewers' script fidelity and accuracy of data capture for certain selected survey questions. The subtle differences between SQA and DQ provide an interesting look at the close relationship between the effectiveness of an interviewer and the quality of the data collected in a telephone survey. This paper looks at the development and design of the two quality measures, compares the information collected from both, and details how real-time SQA and DQ results catalyzed operational changes.


With health care reform initiatives sweeping America, nurses must now more than ever strive to create environments to enhance positive patient outcomes. In this interview, Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing at North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC, describes nurses' roles in today's managed care climate. Dr. Malone, who will deliver the keynote address at ANNA's 26th National Symposium on June 10 in Philadelphia, discusses future recruitment of students, minority issues, transforming the nursing work force, validating nursing's worth, and the future of nursing.


After 1989, as a result of structural and political upheavals, and major economic transformations, a process of capitalist restoration had severe social repercussions on a global scale. In Europe, anticapitalist forces found their influence being irresistibly squeezed: it became more and more difficult for them to organize and lead social struggles, and ideologically the left as a whole lost the hegemonic positions it had won after 1968 in key areas of many national cultures. This defeat was also apparent at an electoral level. From the 1980s on, the parties that were united around the idea of Eurocommunism, as well as those still strongly tied to Moscow, suffered a sharp decline in support, which turned into a veritable crash after the implosion of the Soviet Union. The same fate also affected the various New Left groups and Trotskyist parties. A phase of reconstruction then began, in which new political formations often emerged through the regrouping of anti-capitalist elements still in existence. This organizational diversity enabled the traditional forces of the left to open up to the ecological, feminist, and peace movements that had developed in the previous decades. United Left in Spain, created in 1986, was the pioneer in this respect. Similar initiatives then took shape in Portugal (where the Unitary Democratic Coalition was formed in 1987); Denmark (the Unity List/Red-Greens, in 1989); Finland (the Left Alliance, in 1990); and Italy and Greece in 1991, when the Communist Refoundation Party and Synaspismos (Coalition of the Left Movements and Ecology) came into being. In other countries, however, there were attempts (some only cosmetic) to renew the parties that had existed before the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1989, following the foundation of the Czech Republic, the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia was proclaimed; and in 1990, the Party of Democratic Socialism appeared in Germany, taking over from the Socialist Unity Party that had ruled the German Democratic Republic since 1949. Also in 1990, in Sweden, the Left Socialism and Democracy, 2015 Vol. 29, No. 3, 1–6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08854300.2015.1103968


This paper deals with modeling and simulation technique of a Dynamic Voltage Restore (DVR). The DVR is a dynamic solution for protection of critical loads from voltage sags / swells. The DVR restores constant load voltage and voltage wave form by injecting an appropriate voltage. Present novel structure improves power quality by compensating voltage sag and voltage swells. This paper discussed abc to dq0 base new control algorithm to generate the pulse. The proposed control scheme is simple to design and has excellent voltage compensation capabilities. Effectiveness of proposed technique is investigated through computer simulation by using MATLAB/SIMULNK software. The simulation results have shown validation of the control system.


Abstract A novel preparation of 4a-methyl-4,4a,9,10-tetrahydro-2(3H)-phenanthrone by a three step procedure beginning with phenanthrene is described. The overall isolated yield is routinely > 70%.


The purpose of this paper is to develop a discrete-time model for optimal corporate business strategy that incorporates both endogenous and exogenous factors and is consistent with the value-based criterion for maximizing the shareholders wealth. The model is feasible for practical implementation.


Isoxazoline derivatives of the natural products eugenol, 1'-S-acetoxychavicol acetate and sclareol are prepared through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions in an aqueous buffered system. The compounds are evaluated for their antitubercular and antibacterial activities. Compounds 2, 2a and 3f display strong antitubercular activity with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 26.68, 17.89 and 14.58 µM, respectively. Furthermore, derivative 3f exhibits antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus (minimum inhibitory concentration value of 29.16 µM). Isoxazoline derivatives of 1'-S-acetoxychavicol acetate demonstrate improvements in cytotoxicity, and derivative 3f of sclareol demonstrates improved antitubercular and antibacterial activities. Isoxazolines derived from natural products exhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) inhibitory activity, and molecular modelling predicts that they form hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with NADH and with the key residues of the InhA binding site.


The present invention provides a CNT- mesoporous carbon composite, CNT- the mesoporous carbon composite impregnated with a carrier carrying the catalyst in the catalyst employing a supported catalyst wherein the fuel cell. The present invention is first to prepare a CNT- mesoporous silica composite material relates to a process for the preparation of CNT- mesoporous carbon composite and the CNT- mesoporous carbon composite prepared from the CNT- mesoporous silica composite. CNT- mesoporous carbon composite according to the present invention, when the improvement of the electrical conductivity due to the CNTs contained herein employed in electrodes of the fuel cell results in significantly better performance compared to the conventional catalyst support. Nanotubes, a mesoporous carbon composite and silica, a supported catalyst, a fuel cell


TO THE EDITOR: In a recent editorial [1], Cross noted that several trials of antiendotoxin therapies have shown trends toward increased mortality in patients who do not have documented gram-negative bacteremia. He proceeded to speculate, as have others, that strategies directed at modulating host defenses in sepsis may be two-edged swords that actually may accelerate the infectious process in some patients. Given these legitimate concerns, it is surprising that he also speculated that all-cause mortality may not be the appropriate end point for determining the efficacy of a potential therapeutic agent and that reversal in a relevant endotoxin-induced physiologic variable may be appropriate. The physiologic response of the sepsis syndrome is complex, and it is plausible that the two-edged swords aimed at interfering with this process may indeed succeed in reversal of relevant physiologic variables while increasing mortality by interfering with important defense mechanisms. Although mortality typically exceeds 30%, physiologic variables and associated illnesses ultimately resolve in survivors. It would not be reasonable to recommend therapies that shorten the duration of illness at the price of higher mortality. Because such effects are biologically plausible, we must test for them clinically and statistically. To exclude the possibility of increased mortality, the confidence interval around the effect of a therapy must lie completely on the side of improved mortality, thereby showing significantly improved mortality. Mortality is common and of over-riding clinical importance in sepsis. Newer agents may increase mortality, and the only way to be confident that an agent does not increase mortality is to show that it reduces it. Thus, mortality is the appropriate primary end point. The plausibility of an antiendotoxin antibody adversely affecting persons who do not have gram-negative bacteremia is not addressed in the editorial [1] or the article [2]. It is worth noting that the possibility of antiendotoxin antibodies affecting persons without gram-negative bacteremia is real, given that such patients may have focal gram-negative infection or undocumented gram-negative bacteremia. In additional, endotoxin transported across ischemic bowel walls can play an important role in animal models of shock from various causes.


The purpose of the study is to examine the influence of children's familiarity with a task and teachers' feedback on their problem solving performances. It was assumed that children's' problem solving performance would be different depending on the children's familiarity with a task and the feedback from teachers. The study also examined whether children's' problem solving competence would be different depending on their gender and age. The experiment was conducted with two experimental tools. The subjects were 58 children who were 5 to 6-year-old, enrolled in kindergartens in Koyang city in Kyunggi province. The collected data were processed with SPSS 11.0 program to get the average and the standard deviations, and with one-way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. The results of the experiment are as follows; First, children's' problem solving competence was different depending on their age. Older children showed higher performance than younger children, while there's no difference in children's performance depending on their gender. Second, the teachers' feedback didn't influence children's problem solving performance. Third, children showed higher performance when familiar tasks were provided, compared to when typical tasks were provided. Finally, this study found that children's task familiarity has an influence on their problem solving performance.


We show that, in drifting systems, noise is responsible for inducing permanent traveling phase singularities by generating specific initial conditions Experimentally, these defects are evidenced in a Kerr medium submitted to a tilted optical feedback


The development of a communication dispatching tandem exchange with higher price/performance ratio for the demands from the 220 kV/110 kV substations and small-medium sized hydropower stations is introduced,which is developed with the module structure and MCU(Mono-Chip Computer) technique.It is simple,practical,agile and reliable.The hardware structure and the software design are described in detail herein.


This paper describes a high-performance low VMIN SRAM with a disturb-free 8T cell. The SRAM utilizes single-ended buffer Read, and cross-point data-aware Write Word-Line structure with adaptive VVSS control to eliminate Read disturb and Half-Select disturb, thus facilitating bit-interleaving architecture and achieving low VMIN. A 512Kb test chip is implemented in UMC 55nm Standard Performance (SP) CMOS technology. The measurement results demonstrate operating frequency of 943MHz at 1.2V VDD and 209MHz at 0.6V VDD.


The aim of present study was to analyse selected aspects of the mechanism of protection of the photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant activity in response to excessive copper concentrations in wall-less strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii not adapted and adapted for growth in the presence of elevated copper level. The measured parameters were photosynthetic pigment content, prenyllipid antioxidant ( α -tocopherol, plastoquinone pool) content, peroxidase activity, and nonphotochemical quenching e�ciency. The results obtained suggest that the increased content of tocopherol and plastoquinone, as well as the increased e�ciency of nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll �uorescence, play a role in the acquisition of tolerance to copper. The role of light in the enhancement of copper toxicity and the role of POX in response to elevated copper have also been shown.


Far too many pneumonia patients are now being treated at home who need the diagnostic and treatment resources available only in the hospital setting. Dr. Hoeprich calls for the admission of all patients with bacterial pneumonias and of many of those with other types as well. The necessity for accurate etiologic diagnosis as gram-negative pathogens become more prevalent and the possibility of bacteremic shock are prime considerations.


Discussion the eye location algorithm of captureing the human face in photo by cameras on natural, which is based on the color information segmentation. Implementation is divided into the following three steps: First,for skin detection under the rbg space,the possible face images obtained,by morphological processing exclude noise interference; Then,based on the luminance component of the human face region segmentation,facial figure obtained; Finally,circular mark method,the area within the white empty into equal area and centroid as the center of the circle,through the geometric characteristics of filters eliminate interference circle got two round eyes. The algorithm in Matlab platform for simulation results show that the algorithm especially for complex background interference exists when skin color eye location is good,high accuracy.


There are two causes or cogging force in linear permanent magnet motors,resulting from the slotting and the finite length of the iron-cored.This paper is concerned on studying the logging force and opmizing the sleeve length of the iron-cored to reduce the cogging force.


Source of material: A mixture of КЬгСОз and SmCls · 6H2O (molar ratio 2.5:1, about 1 g in total) was added to 6 ml of frozen water in a steel autoclave with an inner volume of 13.5 cm^. The rest of the volume of the autoclave was filled with dry ice (solid CO2; approximately 7 g). Single crystals were obtained after 4 weeks at 648 K. As they are insensitive to moisture, the basic mother liquor may be removed with water from the crystals (see ref. 1). RbSm(C03)2 crystallizes in the same structure type as, for example, КОу(СОз)2 (see ref. 2). The polyhedra [ЯЬ-Ц1-(СОз)4-Ц2(СОз)2] and [Sm-μι-(COз)4-μ2-(COз)2] with average R b O and S m O distances of 299.8(8) pm and 238.7(8) pm, respectively, are each connected to zig-zag chains and by further 0l igator atoms of the carbonate ligands in a way that each chain is surrounded by four unlike chains.


In order to ensure the safety and reliability of power and energy systems, including wind turbines, gas/steam turbines, power plants, etc., failure mechanism, reliability assessment, prognostics, and health management (PHM) have becoming recent developments in integrity analysis of these systems. Moreover, due to unexpected ageing related degradations, mechanical properties, microstructures and structural resistance of systems/components o en require stochastic considerations related to failure mechanism modeling and analysis. Accordingly, continued improvements on PHM have been possible through advanced signal analysis, degradation assessment, as well as accurate modeling of failure mechanisms by introducing advanced mathematical approaches/tools.


Lithium metal batteries are one of the more promising replacements for lithium-ion batteries owing to their ability to reach high energy densities. The main problem limiting their commercial application is the formation of dendrites, which significantly reduces their durability and renders the batteries unsafe. In the present work, we used a single-ion conducting gel polymer electrolyte based on a poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SEBS) block copolymer, which was functionalized with benzenesulfonylimide anions and plasticized by a mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethylacetamide (SSEBS-Ph-EC-DMA), with a solvent uptake of 160% (~12 solvent molecules per one functional group of the membrane). The SSEBS-Ph-EC-DMA electrolyte exhibits an ionic conductivity of 0.6 mSm∙cm−1 at 25 °C and appears to be a cationic conductor (TLi+ = 0.72). SSEBS-Ph-EC-DMA is electrochemically stable up to 4.1 V. Symmetrical Li|Li cells; further, with regard to SSEBS-Ph-EC-DMA membrane electrolytes, it showed a good performance (~0.10 V at first cycles and <0.23 V after 700 h of cycling at ±0.1 mA∙cm−2 and ±0.05 mAh∙cm−2). The LiFePO4|SSEBS-Ph-EC-DMA|Li battery showed discharge capacity values of 100 mAh∙g−1 and a 100% Coulomb efficiency, at a cycling rate of 0.1C.


This paper focuses on macro prediction of corporate equipment maintenance expenditure, adopts ARMA to establish the model for historical data of corporate equipment maintenance expenditure and makes demand analysis and prediction so as to provide a scientific basis for decision makers in equipment maintenance expenditure prediction, and they can control the overall budget for equipment maintenance. Based on analysis and compassion of actual model calculation results, the paper reaches the conclusion that ARMA model enjoys an advantage over traditional predicting models in corporate equipment maintenance prediction.


We present the first measurements of minority carrier lifetimes, using time resolved photoluminescence, in polycrystalline CuInSe2 (CISe) films, grown with a gradient in the Cu-In ratio. The gradient enables a continuous evaluation of lifetime dependence on film composition. Luminescence at two distinct spectral positions is observed: The first, high energy emission, which is attributed to free carrier or free exciton recombination (depending on composition), decays extremely fast with a lifetime of tens of picoseand CISe films in which the Cu-In ratio is continuously varied from 1.47 to 0.46. The dependence of recombination dynamics on this ratio is discussed. Minority carrier lifetimes, especially in direct band gap semiconductors, are generally determined by the decay of the transient photoluminescence. We report on temperature, excitation intensity and composition dependent, time resolved photoluminescence measurements using a streak camera with a temporal resolution better than 2ps.


In this document the results of the studies performed to determine the initial estimate of the field quality of the inner triplet quadrupoles of the HL-LHC are presented and discussed. These estimates are based on the computation of the dynamic aperture and its dependence on the field quality of the inner triplet quadrupoles. The outcome in terms of error table will be given as well. The preliminary results concerning the impact on the dynamic aperture of the expected field quality of the separation dipoles and the matching section quadrupoles will be discussed, too. Copyright © HiLumi LHC Consortium, 2013 Grant Agreement 284404 PUBLIC 1 / 18 INITIAL ESTIMATES OF DYNAMIC APERTURE AND FIELD QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS Doc. Identifier: HILUMILHC-Mil-M27_final


The article proposes a variant of mathematical modeling of processes that occur with oil that has fallen into the sea. Equations are given that describe the advective-diffusion propagation of an oil slick, as well as models that take into account evaporation, dissolution and biodegradation of oil. All models are integrated into the Cardinal and ADIOS2 software systems used in the research. The study uses the example of an oil spill in Saudi Arabia, given an instantaneous spill of 10 tons. With the assignment of hydrometeorological parameters, a one-day forecast is made for the spread of an oil slick in the Red Sea.


In order to build the innovation-oriented country,it is quite necessary to strengthen the construction of innovative culture.Therefore,in the process of building innovation-oriented country,the university not only is responsible for talent cultivation,innovation of science and technology and providing the service for the society,but also takes on the task of building innovation-oriented culture.


Prior to starting gold treatment 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis had an elevated mean level of circulating immune complexes measured by Clq binding activity. Gold treatment led to an improvement in disease reflected by significant falls in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p<O000l), C-reactive protein (p<001), Ritchie articular index (p<0001), and duration of morning stiffness (p<0 05). Concurrently immune complex levels fell, and this change first reached significance after 3 months' treatment (p<005). Serum Clq binding activity was not related to clinical and laboratory measurements of joint inflammation. This suggested to us that there is no direct immunopathological relationship between circulating immune complexes and joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Serum Clq binding activity was strongly related to IgM-RF levels measured as latex titre (r = 0 7, p<0 001). Removal of immune complexes from serum with Sepharose 4B-staph A (staphylococcal protein A) led to a fall in IgM-RF from 2 mg/ml (2 gll) to 0 4 mg/ml (0.4 g/l). This suggests that the reasonfor the relationship between Clq BA and IgM-RF is that, on average, 80% of serum IgM-RF exists as part of immune complexes containing IgG.


Social media is the media through which people share their thoughts and opinions. This has both its pros and cons which depends on the type of information being conveyed. If any information conveyed over social media hurts or affects a person, such information can be removed as it may disturb their mental health and may decrease their self confidence. During the last decade, hateful and sexist content towards women in being increasingly spread on social networks. The exposure to sexist speech has serious consequences to women's life and limits their freedom of speech. Sexism is expressed in very different forms: it includes subtle stereotypes and attitudes that, although frequently unnoticed, are extremely harmful for both women and society. Sexist comments have a major impact on women being subjected to it. We as a team participated in the shared task Explainable Detection of Online Sexism (EDOS) at SemEval 2023 and have proposed a model which identifies the sexist comments and its type from English social media posts using the data set shared for the task. Different transformer model like BERT , DistilBERT and RoBERT are used by the proposed model for implementing all the three tasks shared by EDOS. On using the BERT model, macro F1 score of 0.8073, 0.5876 and 0.3729 are achieved for Task A, Task B and Task C respectively.


goals of the principals can be in conflict with the primary goals of the agents. The principals, for example, may desire a higher stock price, while the agents may seek increased personal wealth through higher management compensation. Thus, although the managers of a corpo ration have an obligation to the stockholders, agency theory says man agement self-interest will prevail, if left unchecked, and this will not necessarily be in the best interests of the stockholders. Similar to agency theory, the economic theory of regulation pre sumes the rational pursuit of self-interests in explaining government intervention in the marketplace. Beginning with Stigler (1971), this theory emphasizes that politicians (like any other agents) are self interested maximizers of personal wealth. More specifically, politicians seek to maintain and increase political power by supplying regulations in such a way as to meet the demands of their most influential constitu ents. Peltzman (1976) generalizes Stigler's theory and suggests that this self-interested regulatory behavior varies over business cycles. In short, Peltzman predicts that regulators tend to be more consumer-protecting in expansions and producer-protecting in recessions. While constituent pressures constrain the self-interested behavior of politicians, incentive plans and various controls are used to help align management's goals and stockholders' interests. Management's compensation, for example, might be determined at least in part by a formula tied to the corporation's reported earnings. But earnings


In the present work the actual problem of determining the optimal settings of fuzzy parallel proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is considered to control nonlinear plants that is not always possible to perform with classical linear PID controllers. In contrast to the linear fuzzy PID controllers there are no analytical methods of settings calculation. In this paper, we develop a numerical optimization approach to determining the coefficients of a fuzzy PID controller. Decomposition method of optimization is proposed, the essence of which was as follows. All homogeneous coefficients were distributed to the relevant groups, for example, three error coefficients, the three coefficients of the changes of errors and the three coefficients of the outputs P, I and D components. Consistently in each of such groups the search algorithm was selected that has determined the coefficients under which we receive the schedule of the transition process satisfying all the applicable constraints. Thus, with the help of Matlab and Simulink in a reasonable time were found the factors of a fuzzy PID controller, which meet the accepted limitations on the transition process.


1. Three Roles for Associated Properties Let us say that a speaker associates property P with word T iff the speaker believes that the referent of T (if it exists) has P. 1 Here are three roles that associated properties might fill. First, a speaker might be able to know that the referent of word T has certain properties (if it exists), armed only with her understanding of T and a bit of a priori reflection. If so, then let us say that those properties fill the a priori role (for word T). For instance, perhaps anyone who understands the word water is able to know, without appeal to any further a posteriori information, that water refers to the clear, drinkable natural kind whose instances are predominant in our oceans and lakes (if water refers at all—we will suppress this qualification from here on). Or, less controversially, perhaps anyone who understands w ter is able to know that water refers to a natural kind, or at least that it doesn't refer to an abstract object like a number. Or, almost uncontroversially, perhaps anyone who understands water is able to know


One kind Knapsack power sprayer (10) having a reservoir tank (11) and the power-driven pump (15). The liquid in the liquid storage tank by means of the pump is delivered to the dispensing tube (19) via a hose (12), and through which the dispensing tube and spread. The backpack power sprayer having a holding portion (40). The holding portion comprises a recess for receiving a hose receiving portion (42) of a portion of the hose, tube housing recess for receiving (48) a portion of the dispensing tube, and a tube for accommodating recessed portion of the hose and the housing recessed portion for opening and closing with (45).


This paper is concerned with open quantum systems whose dynamic variables have an algebraic structure, similar to that of the Pauli matrices for finite-level systems. The Hamiltonian and the operators of coupling of the system to the external bosonic fields depend linearly on the system variables. The fields are represented by quantum Wiener processes which drive the system dynamics according to a quasilinear Hudson-Parthasarathy quantum stochastic differential equation whose drift vector and dispersion matrix are affine and linear functions of the system variables. This setting includes the zero-Hamiltonian isolated system dynamics as a particular case, where the system variables are constant in time, which makes them potentially applicable as a quantum memory. In a more realistic case of nonvanishing system-field coupling, we define a memory decoherence time when a mean-square deviation of the system variables from their initial values becomes relatively significant as specified by a weighting matrix and a fidelity parameter. We consider the decoherence time maximization over the energy parameters of the system and obtain a condition under which the zero Hamiltonian provides a suboptimal solution. This optimization problem is also discussed for a direct energy coupling interconnection of such systems.


Reinforced concrete structures consists of two main components and the behavior of these structures influenced by gender and material properties, in order to investigate the behavior of concrete reinforced beam that most important flexural element in reinforced concrete structures, we chosen High Strength Concrete (HSC) for concrete and GFRP and steel bars for reinforcement. For compare the new beam element(high strength concrete and GFRP bars) ,with general beam (general concrete and steel bars) finite element software ABAQUS used, therefore flexural beam models in this software after simulation and analysis, the results shows that the stress in this elements are reduced. Keyword — Flexural element, High Strength Concrete, GFRP bars, ABAQUS


Laplacean determinism remains a popular theory among philosophers and scientists alike, in spite of the fact that the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics, with which it is inconsistent, has been around for more than fifty years. There are a number of reasons for its continuing popularity. One, recently articulated by Honderich, is that there are too many possible interpretations of quantum mechanics, and the subject is too controversial even among physicists to be an adequate basis for overturning determinism. Nevertheless, quantum mechanics is an enormously successful theory, considering the quantity and variety of its predictions which have been verified under conditions never dreamt of by its originators; and the Copenhagen Interpretation is the only widely accepted interpretation of it. Although a hidden variable theory consistent with the results of quantum mechanics is not impossible, one of its major advocates admits that it is highly speculative, and far from adequately developed. Yet such a theory would be needed to reconcile Laplacean determinism with quantum mechanics; most of the controversies alluded to by Honderich are irrelevant.


For a number of years now scholars, often in this journal, have called for historical analyses of the structural bases of Southern Africa's pre-capitalist societies. 2 It must be admitted however that although frequent reference is made to 'the importance of understanding the dynamics of pre-colonial economies' such an understanding has tended to be what Chanock described as a 'customary genuflection'. 3 Even in those cases where the subject is treated directly the result has been less than satisfactory. Anthropological studies are still limited by ahistorical approaches, and while feminist analyses have made some advances, scholars, in the name of marxism, using such concepts as reproduction and mode of production (in its domestic, lineage and tributary form), have not been particularly effective. Consequently a fuller understanding of the dynamics of Southern Africa's pre-capitalist societies continues to elude us. The major shortcomings in most attempts to analyse Southern Africa's precapitalist societies are the result of an inability to escape the strictures imposed by ways of thought derived from capitalism or analyses of capitalism. While this might be expected from those working in opposition to, or in ignorance of, historical materialism, it also applies to most attempts at materialist analyses of pre-capitalist societies, which ultimately fail to formulate and utilise concepts applicable to pre-capitalist societies.


Microcapsules of a waterborne core material were prepared using a waterborne primer. The microcapsules of the waterborne core material were added to the waterborne primer to explore the effects of different core–shell ratios and mass fractions of the microcapsules on the property of the waterborne primer coating on the wooden surface. The results show that as the mass fraction of the microcapsules increased, the chromatic aberration increased by degrees, the glossiness decreased gradually, and the hardness increased by degrees, whilst—except for the coating with 0.50:1 microcapsules—the adhesion decreased gradually. When the mass fraction of the microcapsules increased, the impact resistance increased first and decreased later, or remained unchanged after reaching a certain value. When the mass fraction of the microcapsules increased, the elongation at the break increased first and decreased later. When the core–shell ratio was small and the mass fraction was between 5.0% and 15.0%, the coating had better liquid resistance. When the core–shell ratio was 0.67:1 and the mass fraction was 10.0%, the overall property of the coating on the Basswood was the best. The technology of microencapsulation provides a technical reference for the waterborne primer with self-repair qualities on the surface of wooden products.


The invention provides a device and method that allow to adapt the charging current in an electronic circuit dynamically with respect to a predetermined threshold. This allows for example the use of known diagnostic devices using preset threshold values, with devices having charging current profiles which do not necessarily correspond to the predefined thresholds. The invention finds application for example in the field of lighting devices for motor vehicles, whose operation is controlled by a management system onboard network, BCM.


Abstract 3625

Introduction: Tumour cells in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) are derived from germinal center B-cells and may or may not harbour the EBV genome. In both, EBV-negative and EBV-associated HL, the 3D nuclear organization of telomeres marks the transition from mononuclear Hodgkin (H-cell) to diagnostic multinuclear Reed-Sternberg (RS-cell) cells. Moreover, transient expression of the EBV-encoded oncoprotein LMP1 in the HL cell lines L-428 and HD-MyZ significantly increases the percentage of RS cells. However, the molecular mechanisms through which this selective LMP1 oncoprotein expression promotes the transition from H- to RS-cells is still unknown. In order to answer this question we analyzed the 3D telomere dynamics and the expression of key shelterin proteins at the transcriptional, translational and topographical localization level in the EBV-negative Burkitt cell line BJAB, stably transfected with an inducible LMP1 system (tetracycline on/off system). To mimic the permanent LMP1 expression as observed in tumour cells of EBV-associated Hodgkin's lymphoma, we extended the period of LMP1 expression up to 21 days and examined key proteins of the shelterin complex, 3D telomere dynamics and formation of multinuclear cells in interphase nuclei of BJAB Burkitt's lymphoma cells at day 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21. Statistical analysis was performed using nested or two-way analysis of variance.

Results: Already at day 3 LMP1 induced substantial down regulation of the shelterin key-components TRF1, TRF2 and POT1 at the transcriptional and protein level. This down regulation was reversible after LMP1 suppression; in particular, suppression of LMP1 induction at day 7 returned shelterin-key components to the initial level of expression at day 14. Massive LMP1 mediated down regulation of shelterin proteins was also confirmed by immunofluorescence. At day 7, stable LMP1 expression led to a significant increase of 3D telomere aggregates, nuclear volume and polyploid cells, most of them multinucleated, when compared to non-LMP1 expressing BJAB controls (p < 0.02). These changes progressed over time and at day 21 LMP1 expressing BJAB cells were characterized by highly significant increase of 3D telomere aggregates (p = 0.0005) and increased nuclear volume (p < 0.0001), compared to the LMP1-suppressed control. Discussion: In an experimental setting mimicking the in vivo conditions of EBV-associated HL, i.e. a permanent LMP1 expression in the H-cells, the LMP1 oncoprotein deregulates shelterin-expression, leads to telomere aggregates and mediates multinuclearity. Our findings point to a shelterin/telomere related key function of LMP1 in Reed-Sternberg cell formation in EBV-associated Hodgkin's lymphoma and may explain the four fold increased risk to develop HL within a median incubation time of four years after symptomatic EBV infection. The LMP1-dependent mechanisms involved are probably unprotected telomeres (shelterin down regulation) favouring chromosomal rearrangements as a result of telomeric aggregate formation and ongoing bridge-fusion- bridge cycles which lead to disturbed cytokinesis and finally multinuclearity.

Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Thermoacoustic cooling systems are drawing attention as next-generation eco-systems that can reuse and transform unused energy such as exhaust energy and solar energy. For the practical use of such systems, improvement of heat-sound energy conversion efficiency remains as an important challenge. We proposed a Phase Adjuster as a device for improving energy conversion efficiency However, the mechanism for that improvement remains unclear. Herein, to ascertain the reason, a parameter prediction method for determining the acoustic field was investigated by dividing the system into two parts: a Prime Mover (PM) part and a Phase Adjuster (PA) part. Consequently, the acoustic impedance cross-point of the PM part and the PA part on a complex plane is expected to represent a resonance frequency and a steady-state temperature ratio of the self-excited oscillation system.


The photo-structural changes in a 2 μm thick amorphous selenium (a-Se) thin film, thermally evaporated on Si substrate, have been studied by micro-Raman spectrometer with 532 nm laser at different laser power densities (1 to 64 W/mm^2) and exposure times (15 – 60 s). In addition, the nanoscale photo-structural changes/photo-thermodynamic phase changes are examined on 90 nm a-Se film coated on SiO_2 cladding of the optical Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor on prolonged exposure to a low power (1 mW/mm^2, 10 mW/mm^2) 532 nm laser, which is measured by means of photo-striction (light induced strain) in the material.


No routine method of anesthesia applies to all obstetric patients, and the choice of anesthesia must depend on the available facilities and the situation at the moment. In all cases premedication must be minimal, since all hypnotic and narcotic medications given to the mother will cross the placenta and affect the fetus. Institution of anesthesia before definite cervical dilatation has been established may retard the progress of labor. The inhalation method is most commonly used for vaginal delivery, and induction of thiopental sodium is the safest and most effective method for cesarean section in the majority of cases, but many alternative methods of obstetric anesthesia are also satisfactory.


X-ray diffraction is used to characterize a sintered specimen of Ba-Y-Cu oxide which has zero resistance below 91 K and a diamagnetic susceptibility, χ, as large as 43% of the perfect diamagnetism at 84 K. About 90% of the specimen volume is found to be Ba2YCu3Ox. The critical current densities under zero applied magnetic field are measured to be 105 A/cm2 at 77 K and 300 A/cm2 at 4.2 K. The influence of machining of the specimen on χ is investigated. Pulverization of the sintered bulk reduces χ/(-1/4π) from 43% to 14% at 84 K. This reduction is recovered by a subsequent thermal annealing.


Under the New Curricula,the activities of students have achieved an unprecedented height both on the conception and practice in moral education course.But in the teaching practice,some activities concentrating on forms,lacking of reason and deviating objectives cause the disjointing between the outside state and immanency,and also the efficiency in teaching.During the teaching practice,teachers can probe into the aspects of orientation of the New Curricula,the design of the activities and selection of implementation tactics and so forth,so as to enhance the efficincy of teaching in moral education course.


The dynamic response of a Dual-Throat Nozzle in open and closed-loop control is investigate numerically. Thrust vectoring in fixed, symmetric nozzles is obtained by secondary flow injections that cause local flow separations, asymmetric pressure distributions and the vectoring of primary jet flow. The computational technique is based on a model for the compressible URANS equations. A minimal control system governs the unsteady blowing. Nozzle performances and thrust vector angles have been computed for a wide range of nozzle pressure ratios and secondary flow injection rates. The numerical results are compared with the experimental data available in the open literature. Several computations of the open-loop dynamics of the nozzle under different forcing have been performed in order to investigate the system response in terms of thrust vectoring effectiveness and controllability. These computations have been used to extract ARX models of the nozzle dynamics. The effects of including the actuator dynamics are also discussed. Simple strategies of closed-loop control of the nozzle system by PID regulators are investigated numerically. The closed-loop Model Predictive Control of the system, based on the ARX models, is addressed


Abstract The use of sand fixing equipment to lay straw checkerboard barrier has become the main means of desert control, while the design of laying system for sand fixing equipment lacks relevant theoretical guidance. The factors that influence the cutting resistance are complex in the process of laying straw checkerboard barrier. A sand trough test-bed was designed to study the factors affecting the cutting resistance in the blade cutting process. The structure of the test platform was composed of disc knife, sand tank, bracket, lifting slide rail device, force measuring device, driving device, etc. By establishing the mathematical model of the working force of the cutter, the diameter of the cutter was determined as 720 mm and the thickness of the cutter was 6 mm. The water content of the tested sand was 6.3%, the wet density was 1.141%, and the dry density was 1.140%. The sand barrier material was selected from the natural dry rice straw, the diameter of the single straw was about 4 ∼ 5mm, the length of the straw was about 700 mm, and the quality of the single rice straw evenly laid 1000 mm was 160 g. The driving device chose the stepping motor as power source, which can drive the lifting slide rail device moving in horizontal direction. The tension pressure sensor of the force measuring device was installed by articulated form, which can obtain test data. The parameters of the speed control system were calculated and the schematic diagram of the drive was designed, and the laying speed could be adjusted by adjusting the frequency of the stepping motor. The influence of the change of inserting depth, laying speed and laying thickness on the insertion resistance of the cutter disc were tested. Inserting depth and laying thickness had significant influence on insertion resistance and traction force. When the thickness of the thickness was 160 g/m and the insertion depth was 150 ∼ 210mm, the insertion resistance was around 1700 ∼ 2450 N, and the traction value was between the 550 ∼ 1200 N. When laying thickness reached 480 g/m, the insertion resistance reached about 3200 N, traction was up to 1600 N. According to the orthogonal test results, the best combination was insertion depth of 210 mm, laying speed of 0.056 ∼ 0.112m/s, and laying thickness of 480 g/m. The order of the main and secondary factors affecting the test results was the maximum insertion depth, the laying thickness and the minimum laying speed. A regression model between insertion resistance, traction force and insertion depth and thickness was established, and relevant experiments are carried out to verify the rationality of the model. It was found that the laying speed had little effect on the test results. The laying thickness had a more significant impact on insertion resistance, while insertion depth had a more significant impact on traction force according to the surface of double parameters. The experimental results provided a theoretical basis for the design of the laying and the traction power system of sand fixing equipment.


Dynamic storage allocation using fixed blocks is usually inefficient in its use of store. The amount of store needed depends on the allocation strategy used. It is proved that for any strategy the amount of store needed is bounded below by a function which rises logarithmically with the size of blocks used. A certain strategy is shown to exceed this bound by a factor of at most 13/4. The exact amount of store needed is found for the case when blocks have sizes 1 and 2 only.


Simplified curve fits for the thermodynamic properties of equilibrium air were devised for use in either the time-dependent or shock-capturing computational methods. For the time-dependent method, curve fits were developed for p = p(e, rho), a = a(e, rho), and T = T(e, rho). For the shock-capturing method, curve fits were developed for h = h(p, rho) and T = T(p, rho). The ranges of validity for these curves fits were for temperatures up to 25,000 K and densities from 10 to the minus 7th power to 10 to the 3d power amagats. These approximate curve fits are considered particularly useful when employed on advanced computers such as the Burroughs ILLIAC 4 or the CDC STAR.


This Estate Planning article discusses how cohabitation agreements can be used by unmarried couples, and couples in marriages not legally recognized, to eliminate most factual disputes and ambiguities about what the couple intends and what will be done upon the dissolution of the relationship.


A system including a wired or wireless automation device of an automation system that detects threats within a secured geographic area, a processor of the automation device that measures performance parameters of the automation device and reports the measured performance parameters to a control panel of the automation system and a processor of the control panel that compares the measured performance parameters of the automation device with one or more criteria, detects a potential failure of the automation device and presents recommendations for ameliorating the potential failure to an authorized human user of the automation system.


The article argues that, as private cars cause congestion, pollution, and other problems, perhaps the way out of these problems is a new, 'personal' kind of public transportation that will help restore balance to urban transportation. This system would consist of a finely woven network of personal rapid transit (PRT) stations and track that would offer an appealing and economical service for nondrivers. As the PRT network expanded, a growing number of automobile drivers would opt to use it. The article describes the essential features of PRT systems; the advances in technology that have created more-favorable prospects for PRT today than in earlier years; and the safety and security of the system.


While digital environments can offer convenient, viable options for preservice and inservice teachers to engage in or continue their studies, little is known about teachers' experiences with and perceptions of various existing online learning spaces. This paper describes an initial investigation using data from a group of preservice and in-service mathematics teachers who interacted by posting their reflections regarding online learning spaces to an asynchronous, electronic discussion board. Inductive qualitative techniques were incorporated to determine which online learning spaces study participants had experienced as well as their perceptions of each. Results are reported in light of possible implications for teacher education, including specific suggestions for additional study of online learning spaces. The growth of online learning and the use of online learning spaces have rapidly increased over the last decade. The Pew Research Center stated that roughly one in four college graduates (23%) reported enrolling in a class online (Parker, Lenhart, & Moore, 2011). When narrowing the focus to those who graduated within the last 10 years, the share doubled to 46%. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 15(3) 284 Due to the increased use of online learning spaces, not only in online courses but also in hybrid and face-to-face courses, examining student perceptions of such online learning spaces is necessary. This paper describes a review of future and current mathematics teachers' educational experiences with and perceptions of various online learning spaces through the lens of the Transactional Distance Theory (TDT; Moore, 1993). More specifically, this study, conducted with a sample of mathematics education preservice and in-service teachers, addressed the following research questions: 1. What digital resources had participants experienced in online learning spaces? 2. When talking about online learning spaces, which types of class formats were mentioned: online, hybrid, or face-to-face classes? 3. What was the nature of the digital experience that participants discussed? 4. What were the participants' perceptions of the online learning spaces they had experienced?


A novel frame-level rate control (RC) algorithm is presented in this paper for temporal scalability of scalable video coding. First, by introducing a linear quality dependency model, the quality dependency between a coding frame and its references is investigated for the hierarchical B-picture prediction structure. Second, linear rate-quantization (R-Q) and distortion-quantization (D-Q) models are introduced based on different characteristics of temporal layers. Third, according to the proposed quality dependency model and R-Q and D-Q models for each temporal layer, adaptive weighting factors are derived to allocate bits efficiently among temporal layers. Experimental results on not only traditional quarter common intermediate format/common intermediate format but also standard definition and high definition sequences demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves excellent coding efficiency as compared to other benchmark RC schemes.


Abstract. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) has been recently used for mapping marine litter on beach-dune environment. Machine learning algorithms have been applied on UAS-derived images and orthophotos for automated marine litter items detection. As sand and vegetation are much predominant on the orthophoto, marine litter items constitute a small set of data, thus a class much less represented on the image scene. This communication aims to analyse the class imbalance issue on orthophotos for automated marine litter items detection. In the used dataset, the percentage of patches containing marine litter is close to 1% of the total amount of patches, hence representing a clear class imbalance issue. This problem has been previously indicated as detrimental for machine learning frameworks. Three different approaches were tested to address this imbalance, namely class weighting, oversampling and classifier thresholding. Oversampling had the best performance with a f1-score of 0.68, while the other methods had f1-score value of 0.56 on average. The results indicate that future works devoted to UAS-based automated marine litter detection should take in consideration the use of the oversampling method, which helped to improve the results of about 7% in the specific case shown in this paper.


Objective:To discuss the efficiency of phacoemulsification with implanting posterior chamber intraocular lens(PC-IOL)in the management of chronic angle-closure glaucoma with cataract. Phacoemulsification surgery plus PMMA PC-IOL implantation with scleral tunnel incision performed on 38 eyes(26 cases) with chronic angle-closure glaucoma and cataract was retrospectively studied.All patients (57 to 76 years old,mean 63.5±6.1) had had anti-glaucomatous surgeries,the postoperative time were from 6 to 27 years,mean (11.3±5.8)years.The postoperative follow-up was from 3 to 12 months,mean (6.2±2.7) months. Results:The mean postoperative IOP (14.38±4.73 mmHg) was significantly decreased compared to preoperative IOP (17.62±5.39mmHg,t=2.79,P0.01).The central anterior chamber depth improved from preoperative 1.72±0.36 mm to postoperative 2.87±0.29 mm (t=15.34,P0.001).The peripheral anterior chamber depth (PACD) was≤1/4 CT (corneal thickness) in all 38 eyes,the postoperative iris bulge,however, disappeared in all eyes with PACD≥1CT (P0.001,Ridit analysis).The postoperative best corrected visual acuities were improved significantly in 35 eyes (92.1%) (P0.001). Conclusions:Phacoemulsification with PC-IOL implantation can be a good alternative in treating chronic angle-closure glaucoma with cataract.


The little cobalt-winged parakeet (Brotogeris cyanoptera cyanoptera) being native to South America is readily abundant and commonly seen in large flocks in parts of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. In the past this bird had not been commonly found in private avian collections in the United States until just a few years ago when some were imported. In September of 1981, we were told of a newly released quarantine shipment of imported orange-chinned parakeets which differed in coloring and shape from those normally brought in under this name. A few bird dealers had noticed that these charming lircle birds resembled the common orangechinned parakeets, but were in fact not the same species. Their coloring was different, having a yellow forehead and bright cobalt blue wings, which were just two of many differences. At that time these extraordinary birds were being sold quite inexpensively straight from the quarantine station as orange-chinned parakeets to bird jobbers and pet stores. We were told that a local pet shop had some of these newly released odd parakeets. We immediate! y "flew" down to the shop to see these birds. As Fred and I gazed upon these feathered creatures we knew that these birds were not orange-chinned parakeets that many people mistook them for, but were in fact cobaltwinged parakeets. There were about twenty of them in a cage of which we bought four. Fred very carefully went through all these birds in the cage, checking them by the pelvic bone sexing technique, till he picked out four healthy birds which he felt would be two actual pairs. Two birds were just slightly larger in the head and beak, and the other two had slightly more delicate faces. These birds are somewhat similar to the orange-chinned parakeet (Brotogeris juguiaris), after all they are both Brotogeris. When comparing the cobalt-winged parakeet to the orangechinned parakeet, one finds many different characteristics. The cobaltwinged parakeets appear to be slightly larger, while also having their protruding notched beak a little longer in appearance. These birds are not quite that bright apple-green color like the orange-chinned parakeet. Other color differences are a dull yellow coloring on the forehead just above the cere going between the eyes, and bright cobalt blue on the flight feathers (which gives them their common name). The orangec hi nned parakeets have a distinct bronze colored shoulder patch on each wing, where the cobalt-winged parakeets do not. The day after we purchased the four birds I took them to our veterinarian, Dr. Max E. Weiss, so he could surgically sex them for us. This way not only do we find out the sex but their physical status, also. The four birds were, indeed, two healthy pairs, with the slightly larger ones being the males. The birds were tatooed on the underside of the wing and marked in black ink on their feet, males right wing and foot, hens left wing and foot, for easy identification of sexes. I was so excited with our new birds that I went right home and set up each pair in their own breeding cage. Fred went outside to check up on our new birds. He quickly came back inside the house to find out what new breeding technique I was trying. He said the birds had been set up in nice breeding cages but we may have much better luck in producing chicks if I were to pair up a male to a female instead of two males in one cage and two hens in the other. I immediately swapped the birds around in hopes ofbetter breeding results. The pairs were set up in these cages for well over a year with no sign of any attempts to breed. They had been on what we believe to be an excellent diet, as all our birds receive this diet and are in good feather as well as excellent health, with most producing chicks. The dry seed they were furnished with was sunflower seed, safflower seed and a high grade parakeet mix. Along with this seed diet they are provided with an assortment of fresh and well washed fruits and vegetables daily; apple, oranges, peas, corn, beets, carrots, spinach and various others which are in season at the time. We have found that the Brotogeris are large fruit and vegetable eaters. They also get a large assortment of fresh sprouted seeds daily which they seem to relish. The pairs had been set up in a split cage (a long cage being divided in half by mesh wire). I noticed that during the day the four birds would hang on the middle dividing wire trying to preen each others mate right through this wire. As evening would come the pairs would retreat to their nest box for the night. We decided to try to house the two pairs together in a larger cage. Two parakeet nest boxes (being eight inches deep, six inches wide, and eight inches long), were hung on the outside of the large cage, one box per pair. I had read and talked to many people about these birds, and found that most nested in their native habitat in termite mounds. We decided to try something different with their nest boxes, so I lined the entire inside of the box with dark colored wall paneling cork, using a non-toxic white glue to adhere it to the inside walls. A small amount of pine shavings was added to the bottom inside box. As soon as the two pairs were placed together in the same cage they instantly swapped mates. It was now evident that they had not been happy in the way we had previously paired them. Both pairs investigated the two nest boxes, but decided to set up housekeeping in the same nest box. Every evening, all four birds would climb together into the nest box. I peeked in there one day just as it was getting dark to see how they all did it. It was crowded, but they all seemed happy and content. Within two weeks from the time we put all four birds together in the same cage, I noticed one of the hens starting to swell in the vent area. Soon the first egg was laid, with this being in the early spring season. Most of the cork had been left intact in the nest box; just a little had been chewed off and mixed in with the pine shavings. The hen had made a concave in one corner of the nest box in the shavings for the egg she had laid.


Chemical industry is an important pillar industry in China,rapid economic development;it has occupied good position in international economy.Therefore,the chemical industrial association needs further development urgently.The development of the third area affects the traditional model of "government and market" seriously in China.Under this background,the chemical industrial association is playing a more and more important role in the management of chemical industry.However,the improvement of the relationship between the association and the powerful government should take the reality of China into account.This paper tries to improve that relationship in order to make full use of the chemical association in the chemical industry management.


Purpose

While a lot is known about organizational growth, little is understood about how to manage volatility that comes along with growth. This paper, using existing research in this area and the empirical findings of a study by Moreno et al. (2014), offers crucial insights about managing volatility for firms trying to grow at the pace of technological changes. An attempt is made to highlight the differences of growth and volatility in a language that is easily comprehensible to practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on existing literature in the area of growth and on author's personal interactions with the founders of small firms.

Findings

In this paper, it is argued that firm's strategic orientations can be used as a contingency of growth–volatility relationship. In other words, firms with a strong entrepreneurial and market orientation are positioned to benefit from the pursuit of growth while still keeping the issues of volatility in control.

Practical implications

By clearly elucidating the concept of volatility and growth, the paper helps practitioners in finding ways of benefiting from growth and controlling unnecessary volatility.

Originality/value

This paper is among the limited research attempts addressing the concept of volatility. The finding that growth and volatility are inter-linked but different can be used effectively by practitioners.