INTRODUCTION THE TITLE of this essay correctly indicates that it is about Hippocrates. Yet the content is largely concerned with the writings of Friedrich Hoffmann (1660-1742), Professor of Medicine and Physics at Halle from 1693 to 1742, and the author of an influential system of medicine. This requires some explanation. It is about Hippocrates, or the Hippocratic writings, in the sense that it seeks to identify the presence of certain features in them. It approaches this question, however, through the work of Hoffmann, whom it also seeks to understand in certain features of his thought. Hoffmann looked for, and found, characteristics in the Hippocratic corpus which matched those of his own medicine, a medicine which he called "mechanical". This suggests the main question with which the essay is concerned: to what extent are mechanistic features present in the Hippocratic corpus, and in what sense or senses of the word "mechanism"? Hoffmann both prompts this enquiry and maintains it in focus because, just as he is sensitive to some features, so he disregards others, curiously to my mind. In this way, he acts as a useful control upon our prejudices. So Hoffmann also becomes a subject of the essay, since we need to understand what he meant by mechanism, and why he found Hippocratic medicine congenial to it. K. E. Rothschuh has recently pointed out that Hoffmann's position in the history of medical thought has always been difficult to locate.' Historians have described him equally as a mechanist, an animist, or even as a vitalist. Several nineteenth-century historians fastened upon his acquaintance and correspondence2 with G. W. Leibniz,


The selection of sites and the design and construction of large, modern, central electric generating stations present problems in which many interests are involved, particularly when these stations are situated in industrial or metropolitan areas. That the station must be highly reliable throughout and have high availability is axiomatic. The importance of the many civil engineering problems that must be solved to provide a station of low construction and operating costs is recognized. The solutions to these problems are a means to an end rather than the end results themselves. Also, these solutions must be found within the limitations imposed by both electrical and mechanical equipment and requirements. The purpose herein is to examine these features and some of the design practices of the Detroit Edison Company as encountered in coal-burning plants.


This paper shows the analysis results of time offsets using P1, P2 and P3 code in GPS time transfer. The r2cggtts program has been used in GNSS Time Transfer and use the P3 ionosphere free combination of P1 and P2 code measurements. We modified the r2cggtts program in order to calculate and write all kinds of time offsets P3 as well as P1 and P2. The result of the modified r2cggtts program shows that time offsets using P1 and P2 are of wide distribution comparing to time offsets using P3. In order to Figure out the error factors for wide distributions of P1 and P2, we analyze and present the relation between the elevation angle and time offsets in this paper.


Background: The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) exhibits a striking susceptibility to colonization and infection by Staphylococcus aureus. The exotoxins secreted by S. aureus can act as superantigens and classic allergens, inducing the production of functionally relevant specific IgE antibodies. The aim of this study was to compare the levels and positive rates of serum staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA)‐ and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)‐specific IgE between atopic children with and without AD.


Output power fluctuations are very important for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Where PV is connected into the grid, the rapid fluctuations would be detrimental to the performance of the power system to which the PV system is connected. Furthermore, rapid fluctuations of the output power of the PV systems make difficult prediction of their output power. As a result, planning for other generating units of the grid will encounter with trouble. In this paper, energy storage systems including batteries, which are the most common options for PV systems, have been analyzed to manage and to control output power rate of such systems. As power generation by PV systems is not a cost effective process, battery performance should be optimized as far as possible to prevent imposition of further costs caused by using batteries. In this paper, four common batteries have been compared in terms of cost and capability to decline their fluctuations and the most optimum option, which brings about the least costs, has been selected.


Dispersion is a key process controlling gas and solute transport in porous media. Performing dispersion tracer tests for solutes is generally much more time consuming than for gases. Ability to estimate solute dispersion based on gas dispersion data is therefore advantageous. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between solute and gas dispersion in selected porous media to develop a procedure for estimating solute dispersion from gas dispersion. Solute (NaCl) and gas (O2) breakthrough curves were measured at different fluid (water and gas) velocities (at identical Reynolds numbers for the two fluids). A commercial crushed granite, available in multiple particle sizes, was used as porous medium. NaCl and O2 dispersion coefficients were determined from measured breakthrough data and used to calculate solute and gas dispersivity as a function of particle size (Dm) and particle size range (R). Both solute and gas dispersivity increased with increasing R, and decreasing Dm. A simple relationship between dispersivities was found.


The standard white field instrument traceable to the national spectral radiometric,photometric and colorimetric primary standard was set up for characterizing the photometric and colorimetric parameters of displays.The instrument was calibrated and its spectrum,stability and photometric-colorimetric parameters were given.Using the instrument to study the viewing angle of prevail liquid crystal displays,the influence of the variation of the light-emitting surface during the measurement process was considered,which was usually ignored.The results indicate a difference of more than 8% for the absolute-luminance-based viewing-angle threshold method,which should be considered and avoided in the measurement.


A force field model for calculating local field factors, i.e. the linear response of the local electric field for example at a nucleus in a molecule with respect to an applied electric field, is discussed. It is based on a combined charge-transfer and point-dipole interaction model for the polarizability, and thereby it includes two physically distinct terms for describing electronic polarization: changes in atomic charges arising from transfer of charge between the atoms and atomic induced dipole moments. A time dependence is included both for the atomic charges and the atomic dipole moments and if they are assumed to oscillate with the same frequency as the applied electric field, a model for frequency-dependent properties are obtained. Furthermore, if a life-time of excited states are included, a model for the complex frequency-dependent polariability is obtained including also information about excited states and the absorption spectrum. We thus present a model for the frequency-dependent local field ...


Tl2Mo6Se6 represents a model system for quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) superconductors. We investigate its superconducting transition in detail by means of electrical transport experiments on high-quality single crystalline samples with onset Tc = 6.8 K. Our measurements indicate a highly complex superconducting transition that occurs in different stages, with a characteristic bump in the resistivity and distinct plateau structures in the supercurrent gap imaged by V–I curves. We interpret these features as fingerprints of the gradual establishment of global phase coherence in an array of weakly coupled parallel 1D superconducting bundles. In this way, we demonstrate that superconducting Tl2Mo6Se6 behaves like an intrinsic array of proximity or Josephson junctions, undergoing a complex superconducting phase-ordering transition at 4.5 K that shows many similarities to the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless transition.


The ore which is the subject of this paper occurs in rather an uncommon manner; its existence, however, has been known for a very considerable period, and it is said to have been worked at least 250 years ago. I believe it is this that is referred to in Dr. Boate's quaint work,"Ireland's Naturell History," as being found "by the side of the rivulet Lishan, not far from Lough Neagh,"—although he classes it with the ordinary clay-ironstones, which it certainly does not resemble either in composition or appearance.


Lost baggage occured due to mishandled that leads to delayed, mismatch or misplace. This situation is getting worse when the baggage is mishandled and ends up at a location different from the owner's destination. Bag Tracking System (BagTrac) is developed due to the complaints made by customers about the mishandled bags. Based on the current situation, it is done by manual system which necessitating additional time and expense for the carrier in finding and returning the baggage to the owners. Not only does lost baggage create poor relations between the organization and the customer, but also additional personnel and equipment are required in order to find lost baggage and return it to the proper owner. Therefore, BagTrac has come out with the solution by using the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to prevent the mishandled bags, to provide for locating-lost or disoriented bags and to help perform quick re-location of bags. Therefore, BagTrac is a needed for coordinating the efforts to handle bags and match claims with lost baggage and reduce the time by which lost bags are returned to rightful owners. The software used in designing and developing this system are Visual Basic Version 9.0 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for the database. The BagTrac System is proved to be effective in avoiding mishandled baggage.


derived from dc data also decreases to about 50% of the value at pH 7, whereas parallel measurements of the ac dichroism show almost constant Œ ∞ values. The combined observations indicate reversal of the permanent dipole, changes of disk bending, and the existence of a fluctuating dipole moment, probably resulting from bending fluctuations. Reversal of the dipole moment at pH 4.9 is confirmed by combined pH and field jump experiments. The direction of the dipole is reverted in the same pH range as the direction of stationary pH changes upon illumination, indicating an important function of the dipole for vectorial proton transfer. Comparison of experimental data with simple calculations of the protein dipole from the crystal structure indicates the existence of a large dipole component, which is directed opposite to the protein dipole at pH 7 and is probably due to a nonsymmetric distribution of charges on lipid residues. The results indicate a high degree of compensation in the electric asymmetry, which seems to be necessary for stability of purple membranes.


A new pattern automatic temperature-control power comprises a filtering rectifier circuit 1, a DC/DC voltage converter module 2, a temperature sensor module 3, a power state display module 4, a temperature state display module 5, a fan speed control module 6, a NO.1 fan module 7, a NO.2 fan module 8, a NO.3 fan module 9 and a NO.4 fan module 10. The output end of the filtering rectifier circuit 1 connects with the input end of the DC/DC voltage converter module 2. The output end of the DC/DC voltage converter module 2 connects with the input end of the temperature sensor module 3. The output end of the temperature sensor module 3 connects with the input end of the temperature state display module 5. The output end of the temperature state display module 5 connects with the input end of the fan speed control module 6. The new device belongs to electronic equipment power supply source technology field and has the following advantages such as simple structure, reasonable design, stable working and easy extending. Besides, it can also save energy. Accordingly, The device can be used in the power supply of signal processing in embedded systems and microcomputer system.


Nowadays, "The Third Way"of Europe succeeds the pragmatism of democratic socialism. Its theory and practice have become a new pragmatism political performance.Although it has some advantage to strengthen the position of power in short term,it will erode the value of democratic socialism and lose the charm of it in the end.


Abstract In this work, the performances of solvent resistant nanofiltration (SRNF) membranes made of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) were evaluated with respect to alcohol solvent (methanol, ethanol and isopropanol) flux and dye rejection. The experimental results showed that the solvent flux decreased while dye rejection increased with increasing polymer concentration in the casting solution from 17 wt% to 25 wt%. Apart from molecular size of the solute and viscosity of the solvent, the affinity between the solvent and the membrane was also confirmed to play a significant role in affecting the transport rate of the solvent through the membrane. With respect to the effect of solvent properties and solute size on the dye rejection of solvent-dye mixtures, it was found that the variation of dye rejection is governed by solvent-solute-membrane interactions. The solvent-solute interaction causes the same solute to have different solute size in each tested solvents, whereas the solvent-membrane interaction would result in a change in membrane pore size, leading to different separation efficiency. However, it must pointed out that solvent-membrane interaction is more pronounced compared to solvent-solute interaction, as the dye rejection of ethanol solution is reportedly higher than that of methanol, even though the size of solute in ethanol is smaller compared to its size in methanol.


Frank O'Hara's works are known for presenting a vibrant visual image of urban life, but in this thesis I intend to focus on the audio aspect of his works. The poet's attachment to sound is apparent: firstly, O'Hara had once wished to become a concert pianist before becoming a poet; secondly, the poet often writes in an environment surrounded by noises such as radio music, people talking, and street traffic. While noises are normally regarded as intervening during one's writing process, O'Hara's high acceptance of them suggests that he sees noises as inspirational. I am curious how these noises influence the poet's creating process. In addition, I will analyze what these noises, by becoming the form and content of poetry, mean to the poet, and whether they suggest anything against the social values of 50s and 60s of New York.

Chapter One discusses how John Cage's experimental music inspires O'Hara to embrace noise as an essential element in the form and content of writing. Cage believes that music should be about everyday life, which means allowing unpredictable sounds to appear while breaking away from traditional notations. I illustrate Cage's influence on O'Hara with a comparison between the former's Williams Mix and the latter's "A Step Away From Them." In addition, I will analyze O'Hara's attitude toward music in his poems dedicated to Rachmaninoff, arguing that the poet emphasizes the instant feeling he gets from listening to music in his daily environment. Chapter Two focuses on the poet's writing sites, which interestingly, are often full of noises. I will investigate how noises from these sites, namely, noises of talk and technological mediums (the typewriter, the telephone, and the radio) allows O'Hara to write with a non-human-centered mindset, influencing the form and content of his poetry. Chapter Three will demonstrate that urban noises populate O'Hara's works, presenting an alternative urban space that is different from the norm. These noises are noises of the street, noises of speech-sounds, talk and gossip, noises of the urban body, noises from technological media and finally noises of the thought.


The threespine stickleback fish and its natural helminth parasite Schistocephalus solidus are an emerging model for studying host-parasite immune modulation. However, to serve as an effective immunological and host-pathogen interaction model in vitro protocols must be developed and optimized to assess immune function, including leukocyte viability, apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phagocytosis, and proliferation. Unique features of stickleback leukocytes make them incompatible with many commercially available reagents and their small size make them undetectable by some instruments, presenting challenges in the development of these assays. Flow cytometry has proven to be a successful tool for performing streamlined cell counts and we have succeeded in identifying live, apoptotic, and dead leukocytes in this species. We have also optimized flow cytometry assays to detect the production of multiple ROS species using DHR-1,2,3 as well as a superoxide-specific detection assay. The small size of stickleback leukocytes makes them incompatible with large phagocytosis particles, such as zymosan. However, using a combination of lipophilic cell membrane dye and fluorescently tagged E. coli particles, in conjunction with confocal microscopy, we successfully quantified the phagocytic activity of stickleback splenocytes and confirmed internalization of the particles. Lastly, identifying proliferating stickleback leukocytes has been difficult; both EdU and Ki67 assays have been unsuccessful. Although challenging, identifying and documenting successful techniques to use with non-model organisms is essential for expanding our immunologic tool box and furthering our knowledge of these organisms.
 Supported by grants from NIH (R01 AI146168)


Resonant Raman scattering experiments on GaAs(Si doped)-${\mathrm{Al}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{As}$ quantum-well structures show transitions involving the ground state of the donors and narrow resonant donor states derived from higher conduction subbands. These new impurity-related features, which occur at slightly higher energies than the associated conduction intersubband excitations, have been studied as a function of power density, temperature, and well width.


The current certification project search to announce the importance of the mushrooms that grow wild in the area of Mindo and its surroundings, trying to show the possible culinary applications allowing in this way to help the community to understand how to take advantage of the ecosystem for cultivation of mushroom. The market of mushroom producers in Mindo is null reason why no one has shown interest in their cultivation, through the present work is intended to show an alternative to generate earnings for the residents of Mindo who do not have the possibility or ability to dedicate themselves to predominant economic businesses such as tourism and animal breeding. Introducing this alternative search to create a gastronomic identity through the cultivation of mushrooms, which will allow the area to grow and attract attention not only as a tourist spot, but as a center for the production of fungal varieties with better characteristics thanks to its ecosystem.


This paper describes a new class of reaction, group-transfer alternating copolymerization (GTAC), between 2-phenyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane (1) and trimethylsilyl 2-(acryloyloxy)ethanesulfonate (2). The copolymerization took place without any added catalyst and proceeded via quantitative trimethylsilyl group-transfer process to give a 1 :1 alternating copolymer 3a having a ketene silyl acetal group in the main chain. Results of spectroscopy as well as alkaline hydrolysis and bromination of the copolymer confirmed the structure.


The phase behaviour and the structure of three poly(1,3-propylene adipate)s containing cyanoazobenzene side groups bonded to the backbone unit through flexible spacers with 6, 8 and 10 methylene groups have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The polyadipates behave as enantiotropic side group liquid crystalline polymers. XRD analysis has shown that the organized phase of these polyadipates possesses a crystalline or a tilted structure of the SmF or SmG type. The temperature of fusion of this phase (Tm= 45-48 C) is almost independent of the length of the side group spacers. The crystalline phase can be obtained only by prolonged annealing at room temperature because crystallization from kinetically hindered. The range of thermodynamic stability (Ti- Tm) of the mesophase formed on melting increases with the length of the side group flexible spacers. The structure of the mesophase, determined by XRD, is of the smec...


Trans‐sialidase (TS) superfamily of proteins comprises eight subgroups, being the proteins of Group‐I (TS‐GI) promising immunogens in vaccine approaches against Trypanosoma cruzi. Strikingly, TS‐GI antigenic variability among parasite lineages and their influence on vaccine development has not been previously analyzed. Here, a search in GenBank detects 49 TS‐GI indexed sequences, whereas the main infecting human different parasite discrete typing units (DTU) are represented. In silico comparison among these sequences indicate that they share an identity above 92%. Moreover, the antigenic regions (T‐cell and B‐cell epitopes) are conserved in most sequences or present amino acid substitutions that scarcely may alter the antigenicity. Additionally, since the generic term TS is usually used to refer to different immunogens of this broad family, a further in silico analysis of the TS‐GI‐derived fragments tested in preclinical vaccines was done to determine the coverage and identity among them, showing that overall amino acid identity of vaccine immunogens is high, but the segment coverage varies widely. Accordingly, strong H‐2K, H‐2I, and B‐cell epitopes are dissimilarly represented among vaccine TS‐derived fragments depending on the extension of the TG‐GI sequence used. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis detected a set of 150 T‐cell strong epitopes among the DTU‐indexed sequences that strongly bind human HLA‐I supertypes. In all currently reported experimental vaccines based on TS‐GI fragments, mapping these 150 epitopes showed that they are moderately represented. However, despite vaccine epitopes do not present all the substitutions observed in the DTUs, these regions of the proteins are equally recognized by the same HLAs. Interestingly, the predictions regarding global and South American population coverage estimated in these 150 epitopes are similar to the estimations in experimental vaccines when the complete sequence of TS‐GI is used as an antigen. In silico prediction also shows that a number of these MHC‐I restricted T‐cell strong epitopes could be also cross‐recognized by HLA‐I supertypes and H‐2Kb or H‐2Kd backgrounds, indicating that these mice may be used to improve and facilitate the development of new TS‐based vaccines and suggesting an immunogenic and protective potential in humans. Further molecular docking analyses were performed to strengthen these results. Taken together, different strategies that would cover more or eventually fully of these T‐cell and also B‐cell epitopes to reach a high level of coverage are considered.


Annual counts of migrating raptors are used as indices of population size. Heterogeneous detectability may cause the counted proportion of raptors to vary. This variation may reduce the precision of population trend estimates. I used a dependent double-observer method to estimate detectability at the annual fall raptor migration count at Lucky Peak, Idaho, in 2009 and 2010. I used Huggins closed-capture removal models and information-theoretic multi-model inference to determine factors affecting detectability. The most parsimonious model included effects of observer identity, distance, wingspan, genus, and day of the season. Competitive models also included wind-speed, cloud cover, and hour of the day. These results demonstrate the importance of controlling observer skill and effort and the potential utility of adjusting daily counts to account for differences in flight distance. By employing methods that address the factors that affect detectability, raptor-observatory organizations may be able to produce trend assessments with greater statistical power, thereby better informing timely management decisions. Introduction Population monitoring is essential to avian conservation (Finch and Martin 1995, Dunn 2002). The North American Breeding Bird Survey has proven to be an effective monitoring method for many species, but trend estimates for many raptors


Acknowledging and drawing from previous literature uncomfortable with mainstream and state-centric approaches to counter-terrorism (Horgan and Boyle 2008; Herman and O'Sullivan 1989; Chomsky 1988; ...


The paper first addresses the educational policies dictated at the international and national levels to deal with the health emergency caused by COVID-19. The main objective of these policies has been not to stop the teaching-learning processes, moving from face-to-face and blended modalities to an online modality, trying not to neglect aspects such as educational quality. Afterwards, those dictated and implemented by the University Network of the University of Guadalajara (U. de G.) are analyzed. Then, the reality faced by the professors of the Centro Universitario del Norte (CUNorte) to continue their teaching work is described. Finally, the challenges in the short, medium and long term, related to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), such as the lack of training in digital platforms and tools, computer equipment for work, obsolescence of the same and problems of Internet connectivity, among others.


In this paper, we present the concept of generalized locally convex spaces,
 by introducing the socalled family of vector-valued seminorms. Some
 extensions of classical fixed point theorems in Hausdorff complete
 generalized locally convex spaces are given. These results are formulated in
 terms of continuity and L-contractions. As applications, we study the
 existence and uniqueness of solutions for systems of first order
 differential equations with impulsive.


strengthened most effectively within a free-trade treaty approach rather than the European Community. Although Britain and other members of the European Free Trade Association will enter the Community by the end of 1972, the urgent need for freer world trade was made only too clear by the great international trade and financial crisis from August to December 1971. It remains for the European Community to prove it can move in this direction. Perhaps Britain can help with its Commonwealth ties and tradition.


There are many diverse algorithms for generating a first mesh, refining it and improving it. A tool that allows us to interchange these algorithms according to the requirements of the problem at hand and also to incorporate new algorithms, needs to be flexible. This paper presents an object-oriented design approach for a meshing tool that provides these flexibility features by encapsulating processes as objects. It also shows how some already published application examples can be easily generated by combining these encapsulated processes. This achieved flexibility is a typical case of software component reuse, so all the knowledge of this area can be applied.


PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a construction machine that can prevent the deterioration of operability and a controller. SOLUTION: A construction machine with an actuator driven by working fluid comprises a state value detection unit detecting a state value that indicates the operational state of the actuator, a mode determination unit determining the operation mode by comparing the state value with a determination condition value, and a condition value setting unit changing the determination condition value based on comparison results from the mode determination unit. The condition value setting unit sets the determination condition value to increase the determination condition value when the state value is lower than the determination condition value and decrease the determination condition value when the state value is higher than the determination condition value.


This paper analyzes the formalism proposed by Yager to represent default knowledge in the framework of possibility theory.Three different application schemes are examined.The results produced by these application schemes are compared with those by Reiter's default logic.It is shown that for a restricted class of default theories,there is some kind of correspondence between Yager's formalism and Reiter's default logic.We point out that there are many mismatches between them for general default theories.Finally,we propose the fixed point mechanism as an improved scheme to eliminate such mismatches.


AbstractIn 1950, Alan Turing's paper about 'computing machinery and intelligence' appeared in which he used the term 'learning machine' proposing to develop a 'child machine' filled with hereditary material, on which training is employed and 'natural selection' is simulated by the experimenters' choices. Two years later, first compilers were built and first programming languages began to shape, such as FORTRAN and COBOL. Although Turing's help to break German military code during the Second World War may well be decisive for the defense of the United Kingdom, he was arrested for homosexuality. Turing was unable to see the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and programming languages, because he committed suicide two years after his arrest (Wardrip-Fruin & Montfort, 2003)…


The spherulitic structure of films of fractionated bisphenol-A-polycarbonate having a range of different average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution has been studied using the polarization microscope. Spherulitic crystallization was induced in specimens by the action of solvent or solvent vapor at room temperature or by isothermal heat treatment at 180°C. These phenomena were all shown to be a function of the average molecular weight and polydispersity of the material. The glassy amorphous and spherulite polymer phases were investigated using a microscopic etching technique and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Results of this investigation have established that considerable segregation by molecular weight occurs during the crystallization process. Spherulites produced have been shown to exhibit variation in morphologic texture depending on conditions of induction and polydispersity of the polymer. Examples of unusual and previously unreported spherulites have been observed.


Companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Oyo and Uber which we refer to as Digital Marketplaces are globally emerging across different business sectors. These marketplaces connect buyers and sellers and the marketplace owners act as central trustworthy authority to provide trade assurances. However, such a trust model could be problematic. Without any alternatives, rapidly growing users of the marketplace, both buyers and sellers are forced to trust the marketplace owner to satisfy their needs. Regulating users, control over digital transactions, exercising autonomy are other issues to name (but) a few indicating that marketplace owners are transparently replacing governments. In our view, Digital Marketplaces should be democratic as the markets in the real-world and control must be given back to the users since they are the contributors in the growth of these marketplaces. This paper presents a new way of Open Digital Marketplaces that model real-world buyer and seller interactions. Proposed solution involves users of marketplace as partakers in a digital transaction for connecting buyers and seller with trade assurances by leveraging their personal connections. Trust is made localized and the supply chain becomes subjective to the user as in the real-world. Switching the role of marketplace owner with the users, eliminates the need for trusting the marketplace owner as a central authority as well as diminishes autonomy and authority of the marketplace owner over the digital transactions. Users, with whose efforts trade is made digitally successful, are rewarded with an incentive, a type of shareholding in the digital transaction, as per the electronic contracts digitally signed by participants before executing the transaction. Disputes or violations of contract are resolved by an automated system, can also be escalated to an independent body or to a local court for a decision. Feedback received from the experiment based on the implementation of the proposed solution suggested ease of doing business by small businesses as well as increase in revenue. It also creates new opportunities for users to earn revenue share in digital transactions, instead of only the marketplace owners, in the emerging gig economy.


Is there any future for endoscopy in environmental visualization? We all are astounded by the rapid development of computer graphics and its' various applications in environmental visualization. The issue is, can computer graphics live up to all expectations in realtime visualization and can present endoscopy technology be developed to meet the challenge? What are the possibilities to combine the two techniques? The above in mind we started a project at the Faculty of Architecture in the Helsinki University of Technology. First we took a critical look at the current state of computer graphics concerning realtime environmental visualization. Second we studied the current use of endoscopes in association with The Department of Architecture in the University of Tampere and formed a concept for a "second generation" endoscope. The spreadsheet in the following page is an abbreviation of our studies. As you may notice the endoscopes currently in use couldn't get some of the +-answers I have marked down here. The endoscope technology referred here is from the coming endoscope of the Helsinki University of Technology.


The purpose of this study was to examine and explain the effect of COVID-19 Perception, subjective norms, and Perceived Benefits on attitudes and Behavior continuous use of medical mask. The population of this study is people in Indonesia who have used medical masks for at least a year. The size of the sample used is 146 people with purposive sampling method. The analytical technique used is Path Analysis using SEM-PLS. The results showed that the COVID-19 perception, subjective norm, and perceived benefits had a positive and significant effect on attitudes and behavior in using medical masks continuously, and attitudes about using medical masks also had a positive and significant effect on the intention to continue using them continuously. Therefore, it is important for regional leaders to continue to disseminate and educate about the importance of continuous use of medical masks in order to prevent the spread of disease due to COVID-19 and maintain public health by providing information about COVID-19 disease and the benefits of using this medical mask.


We have constructed lead scintillator sandwich calorimeters with 1/4 [chi][sub o] sampling frequency and total thickness [approximately]16[chi][sub o]. The 4 mm thick scintillator plates are read out by wavelength shifter fibers 1 mm in diameter which pass through holes penetrating the plates on a .95 cm [times] .95 cm grid (Shish-Kebab geometry). We tested these modules in the A2 test beam at Brookhaven using low energy electrons and hadrons. Results are here presented on electron energy and time-of-flight resolution obtained with various combinations of scintillators and wavelength shifters. We also describe results on e/[pi] separation obtained with a new technique for the longitudinal segmentation.


Iron-nickel composite oxides were prepared with oxalic acid,malonic acid,succinic acid and tartaric acid by a carboxylate coordination precursor method.These composite oxides were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,respectively.The phase formation of iron-nickel composite oxides was affected by the molecular structure of dicarboxylic acids.The adsorption property of Cr(Ⅵ) onto iron-nickel composite oxides was investigated.The results show that the phase of as-prepared iron-nickel composite oxides prepared with different dicarboxylic acids as a precipitator is different,giving the various adsorption properties of Cr(Ⅵ).The iron-nickel composite oxides prepared with tartrate precursor have a better adsorption performance,compared to the composite oxides prepared with other carboxylate coordination precursors.The Cr(Ⅵ) can be effectively removed from aqueous solution at pH 2.0.The adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-secondorder model and the adsorption rate is greater.


of paper prepared for the conference "Culture Archives and the State: Between Nationalism, Socialism, and the Global Market," May 3-5, 2007, Mershon Center, Ohio State University, USA. Besides the archives of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU), the Ethnographic Museum and the Dept. of Ethnology at the Faculty of Humanities in Zagreb, the Documentation of the Institute of the Ethnology and Folklore Research is the most important archive of folk heritage and popular culture in Croatia from 1947 until present day. My contribution examines the changes of its content, organizational scheme and utilization according to the changes of theoretical approaches, fieldwork methodology, research topics and the notion of fieldwork per se, having in mind the postsocialist, democratic transformation of Croatian society burdened with the aggression, the war induced nationalism and the destructions of material and cultural heritage during the 1990s. The communist's censorship in the former Yugoslavia does not mean the direct interfering of the ideological apparatus into the research policy of a marginal scientific institution. More important for cultural advocacy was the epistemological confinement and "cognitive control" over the ethnographic documents following the discipline's immanent shifts and changing priorities – from national, folk or autochthonous to popular, quotidian and mass culture, from ethnographic objects in situ to communicational phenomena in context. As a matter of fact, during 1940s and 1950s, the institute was the state-sponsored 'shelter' for nationalist and clerical intellectuals, writers Renata Jambresic Kirin, Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Research Archives and the Burden of Interpretation ABSTRACT Page 2 and musicologists, and for a long time it did not even have the three Communist party members to meet that minimum demand for making a party cell. Having broad, humanistic education, Croatian folklorists and ethnologists accepted the Marxist critique of new mythical beliefs, religion and ethnocentrism, but they rejected the notion of specific "proletarian" culture and continued to record all kinds of oral genres, costumes and performances within "the drama of quotidian" with their capacity to signify ethnic, religious or local identities. Just like their colleagues in the Eastern Bloc they remained dead to political rituals, ceremonies, commemorations, entertainment industry and propaganda activities that built up the coherent symbolic universe of the fragmented social body of the federal Yugoslav state. The fact that the IEF Documentation – besides its abundant resources of 2,000 manuscripts, 3,466 audio-recordings, 1,316 video-recordings and 60,000 photographs – offers next to nothing to those interested in popular subjects of the cultural history of socialism – the development of tourism and consumerism in socialist Croatia, its educational policy, its public/private religious practices, its internal migrations and emigration, gender roles in everyday practices, ethnonationak identifications, political symbolism and rituals – does not reflect some Croatian ethnographic curiosity. It rather bears witness to the fact that the cultural archive produces as much as it records cultural artefacts and that researchers' self-censorship as well as their "disciplinary blindness" determines the structure of the archivable content in its relation to the past and future. The structure of the IEF archive demonstrates that the socialist period was not the era of big revolutionary changes and social shifts, but a short, disturbing episode in a centuries long life of the small (rural more than urban) communities in constant search for their Renata Jambresic Kirin, Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Research Archives and the Burden of Interpretation ABSTRACT Page 3 imagined collective identities, integrity and heritage that can be displayed, performed or celebrated in the new global market of cultural products, often under the roof of the ruined but protected "industrial heritage".


Conventional submarines (SSKs) are regularly required to operate near the surface to run diesel engines to recharge batteries, for surveillance, and for deployment and recovery of special forces. When operating close to the surface, submarines generate waves which cause added resistance, resulting in a reduction in speed and/or an increase in power required. This can have an adverse effect on the submarine's range and endurance, which may need to be taken into account when assessing the operability of a proposed SSK design.

Studies are being conducted by the Australian Defence, Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) in conjunction with the Australian Maritime College (AMC) to identify and quantify the effects of submarine depth and speed on the increase in straight line resistance caused by operating close to the surface. In the study to date, two model configurations: a bare hull with and without the sail; were tested over a range of depths and speeds. The results show increased resistance for both configurations at shallow depths when compared to the deep water value.


Host-driven execution of applications on modern GPU-accelerated systems suffer from frequent host-device synchronizations, data movement and limited flexibility in scheduling user tasks. We present CharminG, a runtime system designed to run entirely on the GPU without any interaction with the host. CharminG takes inspiration from the Charm++ parallel programming system and implements processor virtualization and message-driven execution on the GPU. We evaluate the composability and preliminary performance of CharminG with a proxy application that performs the Jacobi iterative method in a two-dimensional grid, using the Lassen supercomputer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.


INTRODUCTION Iceland has a complex history of volcanism, plume interaction, and ridge migration. The movement of the mid-Atlantic ridge relative to a mantle plume is commonly invoked to explain the repeated eastward repositioning of the spreading axis in Iceland. Helgason (1984) proposed that frequent shifts in the volcanic zone are common. Aeromagnetic surveys (Kristjansson & Jonsson, 1998) suggest the presence of a former rift zone in western Iceland older than 7 Ma. Schilling et al. (1978) propose a transient stage of rifting for the Skagi Peninsula 0.5-2.5 Ma that was only ephemeral and never reached thermal maturity.


We report on the optical saturable absorption of graphene and demonstrate its application for the generation of conventional soliton (CS) and dissipative soliton (DS) in an erbium-doped fiber laser. By precisely adjusting the polarization controller, soliton propagation exhibits two optional directions with different cavity lengths and dispersion. The fiber laser is capable of generating 800 fs CS with clear spectral sidebands and 18.2 ps DS with steep spectral edges, respectively. Our results show that the fiber laser emitting two different ultrashort pulse sources is quite attractive for potential applications requiring different pulse profiles.


In the current work, the Li2TiO3 powder was synthesized through the novel auto-combustion method using cheaper precursor of titanium i.e. TiO2. The nitrate solution was prepared by using the sulphate route and citric acid was used as the fuel. Citrate- nitrate combustion reaction was carried out to produce fine Li2TiO3 powder. It was seen that the pellets can be effectively sintered at 900OC obtaining densities of around 90% of the theoretical density. Different amount of PVA binder was added viz. 3%, 5%, 7% to fabricate pellets which were then sintered at different temperatures i.e. 900OC for 6 hours, 1000OC for 4 hours and 1100OC for 2 hours to produce pellets. The densification behavior of these pellets was studied and it was concluded that the 3% PVA pellets had the highest density among the different samples. Thermal expansion and electrical conductivity was measured on the highly dense pellets.


Anchor stays play an important role in stiffness of masts. Their computation depends on a set of nuances, because of geometrical and physical nonlinearity of constructions. The existing calculation procedures have many simplifications and imperfections, which carry to an error of results are considered. There are computations in the two software systems: SCAD and ANSYS. Need for enhancement of methods of calculation of cable-stayed constructions is revealed.


The characteristics of three types of power distribution systems for a drop segment of a hybrid optical fiber/coaxial cable telecommunication architecture are compared: DC; low frequency AC; and high frequency AC. It is shown in the paper that the high frequency distribution system has potential advantages in terms of high efficiency, small size of power converters, and low cost of powering. A prototype system which distributes 30 V (RMS) at 128 kHz over coaxial cable is built and experimental results are given which support the high frequency distribution as an attractive and viable option.<<ETX>>


Protein coding sequences are characterized by specific nucleotide composition in three codon positions as a result of mutational and selection pressures. To analyse the impact of mutations and different transition/transversion ratio on three codon position in protein coding sequences, we elaborated a model of genome evolution based Monte Carlo simulation. Selection was applied against stop translation codons and modified Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to maintain typical nucleotide composition of particular codon positions. The simulations were performed on genomes consisting of bacterial gene sequences. We used a series of nucleotide substitution matrices assuming different transition/transversion ratio and nucleotide stationary distribution characteristic of the real mutational pressure. The simulations showed exponential decrease in the number of eliminated genomes with the growth of the transition/transversion ratio. The same trend was also observed both for accepted and to lesser extent for rejected mutations. The third codon positions much more

mutations accepted than rejected because of very similar composition to the mutational stationary distribution, whereas the first positions accumulated the smallest number of mutations and rejected the most as a result of strong selection on its nucleotide composition. The obtained results showed different response of three codon positions on mutational pressure related with their characteristic nucleotide composition.


As result of research it is established that crop selection depending on land groups with various agromeliorative soil and locality characteristics should be distributed expediently taking into account agrocoenoses alcalinity and salt sustainability, this being supported from the viewpoint of economic efficiency.


For a hybrid system composed of a cable with masses at both ends, we prove the existence of solutions for a class of nonlinear and nonmonotone feedback laws by means of a priori estimates. Assuming some local monotonicity, strong stabilization is obtained thanks to some Riemann's invariants technique and La Salle's principle.


In this paper we come up with a division method of station operating period, and describe a distributed energy saving mechanism based on X2AP which stepwise turns off stations. We also propose a method to evaluate energy efficiency. To verify our proposed mechanism, we used data collected from practical network of four regions in simulation. The result shows that our mechanism can achieve better energy-saving gains than most energy-saving mechanisms with one-time execution. As far as SINR and RSRP is concerned, our mechanism also performed better than multi-stage contrast mechanism.


This chapter highlights some of the problems and possibilities for research into the landscape contexts of castles, and stresses the importance of a multifaceted and integrated approach. It also determines the contribution of combined fieldwork, excavation and documentary research to the understanding of two different medieval castles in contrasting landscape settings.


Abstract High crystallinity Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films were deposited on LaAlO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition. A conductive metallic oxide, SrRuO3, provided not only a good bottom electrode for Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 but also an excellent seed layer for epitaxial growth of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 on it. The epitaxial nature of the Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films on the LaAlO3 substrate was confirmed by x-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The quite good dielectric and electrical properties of crystalline Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films suggest that Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3/SrRuO3 is a good combination in terms of structural, electrical, and dielectric properties of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films.


This article expands on previous studies of repetition in mayoral shows by examining the manner by which the genre regularly brings London sites to life. As forms of environmental theatre that fashion civic sites into dramatic participants, the shows repeatedly represent London and its places as recurring characters, or actants, in the civic dramatic events. London locations take on a protean quality by addressing changing and topical circumstances in relation to their functions and topography, despite their seemingly fixed nature. The later shows of Thomas Middleton in particular are explored for the ways in which they blend person and place by merging space and speech through an anonymous speaker in a specific locale. In these instances, place — and by extension the city of London fully — becomes a living part of the drama that speaks and participates in the environmental theatre of the day and year ahead.


Aim: The present study had the purpose for the evaluation of the health related quality of life (HRQoL) and self esteem (SE) of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 1, analyzing the relation between these constructs in this population and comparing these results with those of non diabetic ones, and finding if there is association between metabolic control (Hb A1c) and these psychosocial correlates (HRQoL & SE). Materials & Methods: Generic Core Scales (GCS) were designed to measure the core health dimensions in both healthy and patient populations. PedsQL 3.0 diabetic module (DM) was developed to measure diabetes-specific HRQoL, for youths with T1DM. Hare Area-Specific Self-Esteem Scale, measures adolescents' feelings about their worth and importance among peers, as students, and as family members. Results: The mean total HRQoL scale scores (child self report and parent-proxy reports) were 75.42, 72.37 for diabetics and 94.80, 96.83 for healthy ones, with significant difference (<0.001). Also, diabetics showed lower self esteem (2.31) than healthy ones (2.05), as higher scores indicate lower self esteem. Conclusion: Children with diabetes had lower quality of life than healthy ones in the physical, emotional and social domains. The SE and QoL concepts were correlated, i.e. the better the quality of life of diabetic children the higher the self-esteem.


This symposium focuses on a collaborative research project, launched last year at the Academy meetings, that is a qualitative, first-person study of "moments of waking up" in connection with work. ...


Sea-ice concentration as determined from the brightness temperatures of passive microwave sensors is affected frequently by high values of atmospheric water vapour, cloud liquid water, rain and sea surface roughening by surface winds. A correction scheme for SSM/I taking these influences into account is presented. Over open water, water vapour, liquid water and wind determined from the SSM/I signal serve to reduce the brightness temperatures to clear sky conditions using a radiative transfer model. When applied to a sample scene, the procedure results in reduced mean value for sea-ice extent, sea-ice area and open water, but increased ice concentration.


In this study, the mechanical models of a multilayer combined extrusion cylinder and a steel-wire-winding extrusion cylinder were established and compared using a finite element simulation and existing experimental cases. This work provides theoretical support for the selection of an ultrahigh-pressure extrusion cylinder. Comparative analysis of an ultrahigh-pressure extrusion structure was carried out. The mathematical optimization model is established based on the mechanical model, and the ultimate bearing capacities of the schemes are compared. Additionally, the winding mode and the number of core layers of the extrusion cylinder are compared and analyzed, which provides a theoretical basis for the parameter design of the steel-wire-winding ultrahigh-pressure extrusion cylinder. This work holds good theoretical significance and practical value for the promotion and application of ultrahigh-pressure hydrostatic extrusion technology.


Abstract : Two nude subjects were immersed shoulder deep in ice water for about one hour until the toes became numb, then the exposure was terminated. The average water temperature varied from about 42F. in the winter to as high as 50F. in the summer. Following this drastic chilling the subjects were rewarmed by exposure to air at 73 to 100F. or to water at 100 to 102F. A third subject dressed in outdoor winter clothing was chilled in a cold chamber at -20F. for about three hours, until his toes became numb. He was then rewarmed in air at 100F. without changing clothes. Rectal, gastric and oral temperatures following initial rise fell linearly during the cold exposure period. The conclusive finding in these tests was the abrupt fall of deep body temperatures in a comparatively warm environment (air temperature 73 to 100F.) following immersion in the iced water or exposure to cold air. The need for rapid rewarming of the chilled body, to prevent the precipitous 'after drop' of deep temperatures under the conditions of chilling in these experiments, is emphasized. (Author)


We report a rapid and simple epigenetic analysis based on microfluidic single DNA molecular methylation detection. We developed a microfluidic device to stretch a single DNA molecule and subsequent detection of a methylated DNA base by quantum dot (QD)-immobilized methyl binding domain (MBD) protein. A QD-MBD complex specifically bound to a methylated base of stretched DNA and was detected by a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope (TIRFM). Our method enables us to detect a number of methylation site and identify the methylated positions simultaneously in the simple and rapid manner compared with the conventional methods.


Studies at the University of Notre Dame on methane-containing hydrocarbon systems provide data useful in solution modeling and in predicting solubility in multicomponent systems containing other combinations of hydrocarbons. Vapor-liquid isotherms at temperatures near the freezing point of the highest-molecular-weight component in each system are presented for the ternary systems methane-trans-decalin-phenanthrene, methane-n-butylbenzene-n-dotriacontane, and methane-n-butylbenzene-phenanthrene. Binary vapor-liquid isotherms were run for methane-n-butylbenzene at 158/sup 0/ and 212/sup 0/F (70/sup 0/ and 100/sup 0/C). Vapor-liquid-solid three-phase behavior was also studied for the same ternary systems. Cryoscopic solid-liquid two-phase data are presented for the binary systems trans-decalin-phenanthrene, n-butylbenzene-n-dotriacontane, and n-butylbenzene-phenanthrene.


AbstractA new parametric tropical cyclone (TC) wind profile model is presented for depicting representative surface pressure profiles corresponding to multiple-maxima wind profiles that exhibit single-, dual-, and triple-maximum concentric-eyewall wind peaks associated with the primary (inner), secondary (first outer), and tertiary (second outer) complete rings of enhanced radar reflectivity. One profile employs five key parameters: tangential velocity maximum, radius of the maximum, and three different shape velocity parameters related to the shape of the profile. After tailoring the model for TC applications, a gradient wind is computed from a cyclostrophic wind formulated in terms of the cyclostrophic Rossby number. A pressure, via cyclostrophic balance, was partitioned into separate pressure components that corresponded to multiple-maxima cyclostrophic wind profiles in order to quantitatively evaluate the significant fluctuations in central pressure deficits. The model TC intensity in terms of varying...


College students' tourism group has always been an indispensable market segment of the tourism market. In order to study the outbreak period of normalized college students 'tourism consumption behavior change, this paper adopts the questionnaire survey and depth interview, in xi'an university students as a sample, from the outbreak of the tourism behavior change, tourism behavior intention and may influence its behavior decision factor selection of three dimensions, with the method of mathematical statistical method analysis. Studies show that the consumption behavior, destination choice, travel time and frequency, and travel willingness of college students have all changed during the normalization of the epidemic. And from the government, tourism enterprises, college students themselves and other three dimensions put forward solutions.


Surface waves in a rectangular container subjected to vertical oscillations are studied. Effects of energy dissipation along the lines of Miles (1967) and the effect of surface tension are included. Sufficient conditions, for two modes to dominate the motion, are given. The analysis is along the lines of Miles (1984a) and Holmes (1986). A complete bifurcation analysis is performed, and the modal amplitudes and phases are shown to have chaotic behaviour. This result is obtained under assumptions different from those of Holmes (1986). The conclusions regarding chaotic motions are based on a theorem of šilnikov (1970).


Rosa Filho, J.S., Gomes, T.P., Almeida, M.F. and Silva, R.F., 2011. Benthic fauna of macrotidal sandy beaches along a small-scale morphodynamic gradient on the Amazon coast (Algodoal Island, Brazil). Journal of Coastal Research, SI 64 (Proceedings of the 11th International Coastal Symposium), 435 – 439. Szczecin, Poland, ISSN 0749-0208 The general aim of this study was to describe the macrobenthos and meiobenthos along a small-scale morphodynamic gradient on Algodoal Island in northern Brazil. Samples were collected using cylindrical cores (3.14 cm 2 for meiofauna and 0.08 m 2 for macrofauna) in the high intertidal (HT), middle intertidal (MT), and low intertidal (LT) zones. For each sample, richness and density were calculated. Univariate (ANOVA, Spearman correlation analysis) and multivariate (MDS, ANOSIM) techniques were used for data analysis. The meiofauna was composed mainly of Nematoda (56%), Tardigrada (29%), and Turbellaria (14%). Macrofauna was composed of 37 taxa with dominance of annelids. As a rule, density and richness significantly increased from Princesa to Caixa d'Agua. Across-shore, meiofauna maximum numbers were always recorded in the middle intertidal zone, whereas macrofauna abundance and richness increased from the high- to low-tide line. Two groups of samples were identified for macrofauna and meiofauna: one of them composed of samples from Princesa (all zones) and the high intertidal zone of Farol and Caixa d`Agua, and the other with the remaining samples (middle and low intertidal zones of Farol and Caixa d`Agua). Mean particle diameter and percentage of fine sediments were the environmental characteristics most related to richness and abundance of the benthic fauna. The information from this study indicates that the morphodynamic state, along with its related environmental characteristics including sediment type, wave climate, and beach face slope, plays a central role in structuring benthic communities in Amazon sandy beaches.


The microstructures of vacancy-type defect in HgCdTe (MCT) samples grownunder micro-gravity condition were studied by positron lifetime measurements. Theresults showed that, the defect concentrations in the samples grown under spacendcro-gravity were lower than those grown under earth gravity on the ground. Thedistribution of defect concentration along the axial in the samples grown under spacemicro-gravity were more uniform than that grown under earth gravity on theground.


Air and missile defense is a complex process involving the coordinated operation of equipment and computer programs. The most effective defense generally is multiple layers of defense using different technologies in each layer such as long-range hard-kill, followed by hard-kill area defense, followed by both hard-kill and soft-kill (electronic warfare) self-defense. A combat system must merge, fuse, and de-conflict many sources of sensor data to produce a single usable track picture for decision-making. Throughout, sensors are controlled and sensor resource use is managed to meet the overall defense needs. As technical direction agent and technical adviser for many of the combat system elements, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) performs the systems engineering, analysis, and experimentation that helps the Navy select the most combat system capability at an affordable cost. in overall air and missile defense capability shown in Figure 1. Aegis destroyers and cruisers are the Navy's most capable air defense units because of their long-range, multifunction phased-array radars; their inventory of many different anti-air warfare, ballistic missile defense, and electronic warfare weapons; and their complex control processes for processing sensor data, making engagement decisions, and controlling those weapons. Aegis destroyers and cruisers can defend large areas against ballistic missiles by defeating them during the midcourse phase of their flight using the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) family in the exo-atmosphere, as well as closer to impact during their terminal phase using the SM-6 family in the endo-atmosphere. The Aegis Ashore combat system deployed in Europe uses a subset of the INTRODUCTION Most Navy warships have combat systems capable of air and missile defense. Those combat systems are well described by the "detect–control–engage" paradigm; that is, the components of the combat system can be notionally grouped as follows: • Detect components that find and track air and missile targets • Control components that identify the targets and make the decisions to engage • Engage components that schedule and perform the engagements with the goal of destroying or otherwise negating the targets The scope of those components' capabilities varies significantly with ship class, resulting in the variation Overview of Platforms and Combat Systems Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest, Volume 35, Number 2 (2020), www.jhuapl.edu/techdigest 91 same detect–control–engage components on land and provides for exo-atmospheric defense of US-deployed forces, their families, and our allies in Europe. Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) ships and Aegis Ashore are part of the larger Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), which is, itself, a global combat system that integrates Navy, Army, and Air Force detect, control, and engage components. Aegis destroyers and cruisers can also defeat attacks from aircraft and cruise missiles. Aegis is capable of extended-range engagements of aircraft and cruise missiles both over sea and over land using the SM-6 surface-to-air missile. With integrated fire control support, SM-6 provides an increased battle space against threats over the horizon. Within the horizon, Aegis can defend both itself (self-defense) and other units (area defense) using the SM-2 missile family and the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM). Aegis also can defeat threats using electronic warfare measures such as jamming and decoys. The Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) and Tactical Data Link (TDL) networks enable Aegis and other units to fight as a coordinated force. The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) brings to the Navy a unique set of volume firepower and precision strike capabilities and is currently nearing deployment. The Zumwalt destroyer has an advanced gun system with a long-range land-attack projectile capable of launching a guided projectile at extended ranges. Its air and missile defense capabilities lie in between those of the Aegis fleet and those of aircraft carriers and amphibious ships. Zumwalt has a vertical launching system similar to that of Aegis and the control capability to launch selfdefense missiles as well as SM-2 missiles. Aircraft carriers and amphibious ships are capable of projecting offensive power (Navy air and Marines ashore). The air and missile defense detect–control– engage components on these ships, however, are generally limited to self-defense. Self-defense is achieved either with electronic warfare, with shorter-range missile systems such as ESSM and the Rolling Airframe Self-defense (shooter is defended point) Midcourse defense Sea-based terminal defense Area defense Naval integrated re control Ballistic missile


Environmental zoning is one of the main instruments of environmental planning that contemplates the integrated analysis of natural and socioeconomic aspects, which allows identifying the potentialities and fragilities of environmental systems spatially. Thus, the present work aimed to propose hydro environmental zoning of the Acara river basin in the light of a systemic and integrated approach of the landscape based on the knowledge of its fragilities, in order to identify the areas that potentiate the maintenance of water in the hydrographic system, with the purpose of preservation and conservation of water resources. The methodology was based on Ross's proposal to evaluate the fragility of anthropised environments. For that, geocartographic data of the aspects of the physical environment and the land use and coverage pattern were used using Fuzzy logic to make hydropotential and hydro environmental fragility charts. With the diagnosis of the hydro-environmental conditions of the Acara river basin, this proposal of hydro-environmental zoning is an essential instrument for the managers in the process of planning and territorial reorganisation. With the diagnosis of the hydro-environmental conditions of the Acara river basin, this proposal of hydro-environmental zoning is a vital instrument for managers, assisting in the process of planning and territorial reorganisation.


Several real world data demonstrated that eligibility for and tolerability of triple therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with a first‐wave protease inhibitor is limited. With the approval of sofosbuvir (SOF) effective treatment with and without pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) has become available for most genotypes. However, no data are available regarding the added benefit of an interferon‐free treatment concerning eligibility and tolerability in a real‐world scenario. We aimed to assess the eligibility and safety of SOF based therapies in patients with primarily advanced cirrhosis, including decompensated cirrhosis, in a real‐world setting.


The invention relates to an energy-saving valve bank for a bus warm air conditioner and belongs to the field of an air conditioning energy saving device. The energy-saving valve bank for the bus warm air conditioner comprises a liquid feed pipeline I, a liquid return pipeline II, a liquid feed pipeline III and a liquid return pipeline IV, wherein the liquid feed pipeline I and the liquid return pipeline II are communicated with an engine and an engine cooler; the liquid feed pipeline III and the liquid return pipeline IV are communicated with a burner and a radiator; a pipeline VI is communicated between the liquid feed pipeline I and the liquid return pipeline IV; a connecting pipeline VII is communicated between the liquid return pipeline II and the liquid feed pipeline III; electromagnetic valves are arranged on the pipeline VI and the pipeline VII; the liquid feed pipeline I and the liquid feed pipeline III are respectively provided with liquid pumps; and the liquid feed pipeline I and the liquid return pipeline IV are provided with electromagnetic valves. In winter, when the warm air conditioner in a bus operates, waste heat of the engine can be used as a heat source of the warm air conditioner by the energy-saving valve bank, so that the fuel consumption of the bus is reduced, the operation cost of a bus company is saved, the discharge of tail gas of the bus is effectively reduced, and the ideal of saving energy and protecting the environment is really realized.


picture: The first type of ordering we consider is shown in Figure S2(a). Evidently, along one lattice vector the spins are ferromagnetically aligned, while along the two other bonds of the triangular lattice they are antiferromagnetically ordered. In terms of the lattice vectors specified above, we see that 〈Si · Sj〉 = (−1)nb = eb . Then


Mediated communication has been known for a long time. Development of media communication is contained in the development of technology. The site as a form of mediated communication in its development following the developing technology. Currently the site has significance in human life in communication, especially for community organizations, especially social networking sites. Design as a scientific fields have organizations at national and international use of the site as a means to communicate among its members, including Indonesia. The problem is the traffic going to these sites is lower. In this study tries to provide alternative designs using semi-experimental method. Analysis used is the use of descriptive statistics of
the 30 respondents. Conclusions obtained are used media strategy is to use an interactive approach which proved to have a high level of interest among the community of designers Indonesia.

Keywords : Media strategies, interaction, and social networking sites


Based on 360 employees in 31 branches of one large-scale state-owned bank,a series of analysis exhibits that high performance work systems(HPWS)can significantly promote employee psychological well-being(enhancing work vigor and reducing emotional exhaustion),and employee self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between HPWS and psychological well-being.The research results reveals that HPWS not only improves employee performance,but also promotes employee psychological well-being by developing their ability of achieving happiness.This study further suggests that scholars should shed light on the potential mediating effect of employee expectations between HPWS and psychological well-being in future research.


A Scientific Meeting was held at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, UK on 19 April 2004, when the following papers were presented. All abstracts are prepared as camera-ready material and are available as pdf.


The D0 Collaboration has reported an excess of roughly 1% of {mu}{sup -{mu}-} pairs over {mu}{sup +{mu}+} pairs in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy {radical}(s)=1.96 GeV at the Fermilab Tevatron, when known backgrounds are subtracted. This excess, if ascribed to CP violation in meson-antimeson mixing of nonstrange or strange neutral B mesons, is about 40 times that expected in the standard model. We propose a null test, based on a tight restriction on the muon impact parameter b, to confirm that this excess is indeed due to B mesons. If the asymmetry is due to anomalous CP violation in B{sub s}-B{sub s} mixing, then a tight restriction on b would increase by a factor 2 the net asymmetry from neutral B mixing, while the sample of dimuons from neutral B decays will be reduced significantly relative to background events.


Better information on crash involvement and safety performance by different sectors of the trucking industry is needed to provide a more objective basis for policy analysis. At staged study first investigated the availability and applicability of insurance data for analysis of truck crash involvement by industry sector. It then obtained and analysed insurance data to provide information on crash involvement by industry sector and, where possible, crash location Results of analysis of the data are reported. The study concludes with comments on the strengths and weaknesses of these types of data sets for study purposes and some remarks on the challenges in using this data and opportunities the data could provide for analysis.


This paper presents a keystroke dynamics system for mobile devices that employs a statistical distance-to-median anomaly detector. The selected feature set combines the keystroke timing features of hold and latency and the touch screen features of pressure and finger area. The proposed system consists of two modules: training and testing. The aim of the system is to be a research tool to serve two purposes: (i) the generation of a model-independent dataset of keystroke data on mobile devices, for comparison of keystroke dynamics anomaly detectors, (ii) to be used in the evaluation of the authentication performance of the implemented distance-to-median anomaly detector. The system works in the Android environment on Nexus smartphones and tablets. The experimental work has generated a dataset of 2856 records from 56 subjects, 51 records per subject, where each record represents 71 feature elements resulting from the typing of a standard 10-character password. Statistical analysis of the collected dataset showed an equal-error-rate (EER) of 0.049 when using a different pass-mark per subject, and 0.054 when using a global pass-mark for all subjects. The EER results are much lower than previously published results using three distance-based verification models. Also, the false-acceptance-rate at 5% false-rejection-rate is 5.6%, which is much lower than previously published results, but it is still high and needs to be reduced. Evaluation of the testing (authentication) part of the system was carried out through test runs where a genuine user enters his user-id and password as a login attempt, and the resulting test vector of feature elements are matched against the stored template of the user. The login attempt is classified as genuine or impostor based on a preset pass-mark. Conclusions and suggestions for future work are presented.


Regenerated cellulosic fibers constitute a significant segment of the man-made fibers industry. This manuscript offers a critical review of the various methods available for their mass coloration; with 42 references.


One of the key requirements for Higgs physics at the International Linear Collider ILC is excellent track reconstruction with very good momentum and impact parameter resolution. ILD is one of the two detector concepts at the ILC. Its central tracking system comprises of an outer Si-tracker, a highly granular TPC, an intermediate silicon tracker and a pixel vertex detector, and it is complemented by silicon tracking disks in the forward direction. Large hit densities from beam induced coherent electron-positron pairs at the ILC pose an additional challenge to the pattern recognition algorithms. We present the recently developed new ILD tracking software, the pattern recognition algorithms that are using clustering techniques, Cellular Automatons and Kalman filter based track extrapolation. The performance of the ILD tracking system is evaluated using a detailed simulation including dead material, gaps and imperfections.


In 2014, NASA took significant steps on the agency's journey to Mars -- testing cutting-edge technologies and making scientific discoveries while studying our changing Earth and the infinite universe as the agency made progress on the next generation of air travel.


Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death and disability in industrialized countries. MI can lead to the irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes due to prolonged lack of oxygen supply (ischemia) (3). The facts that the mammalian heart itself possesses limited intrinsic regenerative capabilities (6) and, furthermore, that current treatment strategies for heart failure comprise only palliative measures that mitigate symptoms and delay disease progression (2) highlight a current unmet need for new and effective treatment modalities that target the underlying cause of heart failure, which is the loss of cardiomyocytes. Although still controversial (1), increasing evidence suggests that cell therapy has some beneficial effects, which are likely due to still not well-defined paracrine factors being secreted by the injected cells (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells) rather than the injected cells differentiating into cardiomyocytes in vivo (Fig. 1A). The majority of the problems related to cell therapy in general is that most of the injected cells will be washed out of the heart within 1 day after the injection (11). To increase the prolonged retention of the injected cells, a number of strategies have been used (7), with one being improving the homing and survival of injected cells. Resistin is an adipose-derived peptide hormone and has regulatory roles in metabolism (5). A previous study (10) has reported that resistin enhances the homing of endothelial progenitor cells to the synovium, which resulted in promoted angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis. Building on this previous observation, He et al. (4) investigated the effects of resistin on cardiac homing by the intravenously injected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). This study was published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology (4). The salient findings of this study are as follows (Fig. 1B): 1) compared with I/R controls, injection of resistin-treated ADSCs significantly increased left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced infarct size; 2) injection of resistin-treated ADSCs increased angiogenesis and reduced loss of cardiomyocytes; 3) resistin treatment promoted myocardial homing of intravenously delivered ADSCs; 4) resistin increased proliferation of ADSCs and enhanced their migratory capacity in vitro; 5) resistin significantly increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, which were abrogated with treatment with the ERK1/2 activation inhibitor U0126 in vitro; and 6) in vivo, cardiac homing of ADSCs treated with resistin was significantly reduced when ADSCs were treated with U0126 in vitro before the injection. He et al. (4) nicely demonstrated the beneficial effects of resistin to cell therapy, which could be further advanced if such a method is applicable to cell types other than ADSCs. Although ADSCs can be easily obtained and expanded, it is still not clear which cell type will be the most beneficial source for cell therapy. More rigorous studies are needed to understand the clear mechanism in which cell therapy actually works in revitalizing failing hearts. As noted by the authors, this study is rather limited in describing the mechanism of action, as only a limited number of genes were screened by quantitative RT-PCR. It would have been more comprehensive if the authors had used highthroughput techniques (e.g., microarrays or RNA-seq) to profile treated cells compared with nontreated cells, which must be validated by other experimental methods, including secretome analysis by protein arrays and/or mass spectrometry. Such comprehensive analysis is extremely important, as the function of resistin is still not completely clear (5), which further complicates the matter as to when such treatment will be used for cell therapy. Although the authors elucidated the possible connection between resistin treatment and the MMP-9-ERK pathway, there is still a long way to go to understand the secreted factors that enhance angiogenesis and protect cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. Finally, it is unknown whether ADSC pretreatment with resistin improves functional perfusion after I/R or simply promotes angiogenesis (via CD31 immunohistochemistry quantification), and this distinction has been shown to be important in postischemic recovery (8, 9). Nevertheless, this is an interesting study that adds further insights into the potential of cell therapy in the near future.


Previously W. Krull conjectured that every completely integrally closed primary domain of integrity is a valuation ring, The main purpose of the present paper is to construct in §1 a counter example against this conjecture. In § 2 we show a necessary and sufficient condition that a field is a quotient field of a suitable completely integrally closed primary domain of integrity which is not a valuation ring.


FOLLOWING HIS review on the National Curriculum in 1993, Sir Ron Dearing was asked by the Government to review and recommend changes to the structure of 16-19 education and qualifications, but under no circumstances to abolish or devalue the A level. His final report was published in 1996. The Dearing Report emphasised the need for 16-19 students in full time education to follow a broader curriculum and also to develop, at a higher level, certain key skills. There are significant consequences across the Post-16 Curriculum, including for GNVQ Advanced (now the Advanced Certificate), but as law is not offered as' a GNVQ, this paper will focus on the new A level structure for A level Law. From September 2000, each A level (and Advanced Supplementary course where available) was replaced with an Advanced Subsidiary and an Advanced level. These are commonly referred to as the AS and the A2. There was some delay in obtaining the new specifications, as each had to be approved by the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority). For example, the Law specifications, which were among the first to be approved, were received in centres at the start of February for implementation in September. The AS is 50% of the total A level and will attract half of the UCAS points (see new tariff below); but it will not be assessed in the same way as the old Advanced Supplementary. As is hinted in its name, the new Advanced Subsidiary is examined at a lower standard than the full A Level. The new assessment level is "the knowledge, skills and understanding that can reasonably be expected of a first year A level student taking a two year qualification". The rationale for this change is that the traditional jump from GCSE to the old standard of A level was a jump that was too difficult for some students to bridge. The new assessment level is designed to improve progression from GCSE to A level, but some critics believe that it has resulted in moving the jump; from the old "lower sixth" to the "upper", the assessment level at A2 being as demanding as the previous level. The Assessment Objectives (OCR Board) are the same for AS and A level, but are weighted differently for the two standards. For example, in AS Law, over 50% of the marks are available for knowledge and


Objective To observe the change endoplasmic reticulum stress in renal injury of fluorosis rats,and explore the effect of endoplasmic reticulum stree in the mechanism of renal injury of fluorosis.Methods 48 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups:control,fluoride-treated,low calcium,and low calcium plus fluoride-treated.The rats in fluoride-treated and low calcium plus fluoride-treated groups were treated with sodium fluoride (NaF,221 mg·L-1) through drinking water for 3 months.The pathological slice of rat kidney was made and the morphological changes were observed under optical microscope.The transcription levels of Grp78,Xbp1,CHOP and PDI in the kidney tissues were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results Edema and vacuolar degeneration of the proximal tubule and distal tubule cells in the kidney tissues in fluoride-treated group were observed;and cell edema,vacuolar degeneration,scattered necrosis,minor regeneration repair and interstitial hyperemia in the kidney tissues in low calcium plus fluoride-treated group were found.The mRNA expressions of Xbp1 in the kidney tissues in fluoride-treated and low calcium plus fluoride-treated groups were markedly higher than that in the responding control groups(P0.05). The mRNA expression of Grp78 in the kidney tissues in low calcium plus fluoride-treated group was significantly increased than that in fluoride-treated and low calcium groups(P0.05 or P0.01).The mRNA expression of PDI in the kidney tissues in low calcium plus fluoride-treated group was significantly decreased than that in fluoride-treated group (P0.05);there was no significant difference in CHOP expression in the kidney tissues among 4 groups.Conclusion Overdosal fluoride can induce renal injury,and low calcium nutrition may aggravate the toxicity of fluoride on kidney.Endoplasmic reticulum stress is likely involved in the pathogenesis of renal injury of fluorosis rats.


〈Abstract〉 The fetal and neonatal mortality rate is higher in hemodialysis patients than in healthy patients. According to the diagnosis and treatment guidelines of the Japanese Society of Nephrology, concerning patients with renal dis-ease, pregnancy is not recommended for hemodialysis patients. From 2009 to 2012, we conducted prenatal nutritional management case experiments on three hemodialysis patients. In addition to the basic diet during the dialysis period, they were given an additional amount of water(cid:514)soluble vitamins, minerals, and amino acids com-monly administered to healthy pregnant women. By modifying their diet, we were able to secure the necessary amount of nutrition. Case 1 gave birth by caesarean section at 27 weeks of gestation:neonatal weight 443 g and APGAR score 9(after 5 minutes), but death about 1 month later. Case 2 gave birth by caesarean section at 35 weeks of gestation:neonatal weight 1,652 g and APGAR score 9(after 5 minutes). Case 3 gave birth by caesarean section at 34 weeks of gestation:neonatal weight 1,783 g and APGAR score 9(after 5 minutes). The neonatal development of cases 2 and 3 was good. These three case experiments suggest that individual nutritional management is necessary


The horizontal lifeline cable (4) for the support bracket assembly includes a base plate (14), a bracket means (24), and a cable holding means (28). The base plate (14) is provided for attachment to the structure (6). Bracket means (24) is attached to the base plate (14) have been frictionally restrained with respect to the base plate is to be pivoted. Cable holding means (28) is attached to the bracket means (24). In this configuration, the dynamic load of the cable (4) bracket means (24), allowed to rise to pivoting of the first position against the frictional restraint from (36) to a second position (38).


Vehicle trajectories are commonly used to analyse driving behaviour and traffic safety. Traditional blob detection methods are limited in providing the accurate locations of vehicles when these are monitored from a low position. The authors propose a novel method of vehicle detection by utilising the projection line between the vehicle side and the ground plane. The line, which is extremely close to the surface of the road plane, provides location and orientation information. Therefore the authors' method further locates vehicles by matching the two-dimensional (2D) model with the vehicle bottom by using a projection line and a projective transformation matrix. The model-based tracking method is used to track the detected vehicles, and a Kalman filter is combined to predict the locations of vehicles. The output is a set of microscopic parameters which include vehicle ID, trajectory, velocity, acceleration, orientation and angular speed, respectively. The experimental results are acceptable in terms of vehicle detection, vehicle tracking, trajectory extraction and computation time, respectively.


The anilines (Ia) - (Id) are N-phenylated by treatment with phenyllead triacetate (II) in the presence of copper salts to give the diphenylamines (III).


Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the most discriminative MR findings for making the differential diagnosis of tuberculous and pyogenic spondylitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty MR scans of 18 pyogenic spondylitis patients and 42 tuberculous spondylitis patients were retrospectively reviewed. The statistical analysis was performed using stepwise discriminant analysis and Student's T-test. Results: The patients with tuberculous spondylitis had a significantly higher incidence of MRI findings as follows (p


In scanning electron acoustic microscopy the local acoustic response of the specimen can be analysed by time resolved experiments. Use of boxcar integration techniques enables the production of electron acoustic images with fixed time delays with respect to the primary electron beam pulse. In principle, these micrographs should allow a non-destructive depth profiling. Examples are shown for semiconducting materials and devices.


Abstract Aims To examine levels of social support and quality of life (QOL) and to examine the association between social support and QOL in patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) treatment. Design A cross‐sectional study. Method social support and QOL were measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived social Support (MSPSS) and the World Health Organization QOL‐BREF questionnaires, respectively. A convenience sample of 195 patients receiving HD from different dialysis units across Jordan completed the questionnaires. Results Respondents scored highest on the social relationships domain of QOL (55.5 SD 21.4) compared with the lowest mean scores of the physical and environmental domains (48.6 SD 20.4; 46.2 SD 17.3, respectively). social support had a positive significant association with quality of life. Multiple linear regression identified age and social support as influencing factors, explaining 24.6% of the total variance in the social domain of quality of life. Understanding the relationship between social support and QOL in patients receiving HD may provide guidance to the healthcare providers, family members and social services about the importance of social support to this group of patients.


Our society increasingly depends on computer-based systems; the number of applications deployed has increased dramatically in recent years and this trend is accelerating. Many of these applications are expected to provide their services continuously. The Service Availability Forum has recognized this need and developed a set of specifications to help software designers and developers to focus on the value added function of applications, leaving the availability management functions for the middleware. A practical and informative reference for the Service Availability Forum specifications, this book gives a cohesive explanation of the founding principles, motivation behind the design of the specifications, and the solutions, usage scenarios and limitations that a final system may have. Avoiding complex mathematical explanations, the book takes a pragmatic approach by discussing issues that are as close as possible to the daily software design/development by practitioners, and yet at a level that still takes in the overall picture. As a result, practitioners will be able to use the specifications as intended.


satisfied sufficient with calcium is important for prevention and therapy of osteoporosis. Apart from calcium and other micronutrients, which have an influence on bone metabolism there are other food ingredients, which interact with the bioavailability of these nutrients. The effect of some of these ingredients and the consequences for cooking practice will be shown.


Medium and high spatial resolution satellites provides a huge quantity of information required in many Earth Observation applications. In most applications, users de-mand high spatial together with high spectral and temporal resolutions, which usually can not be achieved using a single remote sensing satellite. Image fusion techniques provides an efficient mechanism to combine information of different sources of data. In this paper, a multi-resolution spatial unmixing based on the synergy of images from different sensors is proposed. The method is based on the linear mixing model and generates an image with the best characteristics of each sensor: the temporal and spectral resolution of the medium sensor and the high spatial resolution of the other sensor. A temporal series of Landsat TM and MERIS acquired over Barrax (Spain) site in the frame of the ESA SPARC 2004 campaign are used to illustrate the proposed method. Qualitative (RGB and NDVI image inspection) and quantitative distortion measurements (RMSE) between the fused and Landsat images are used to verify the quality of the results.


Background: a key issue in the assessment of temperature-health associations is to determine if and how the effects vary in time, a subject which has been rarely evaluated. Aims: to investigate the...


Background: Community advisory committees (CACs) increasingly are formed to cultivate partnerships between researchers and communities. Objectives: This article details the processes used to recruit CAC members, the purpose and structure of the committees, members' motivation to participate, and examples of member input and influence. Methods: In-depth interviews, meeting notes, and partners' reflections were synthesized to identify key lessons regarding establishing and sustaining effective CACs. Lessons Learned: Findings highlight the need for partner agreement on the role of CACs, structured meeting procedures, intentional integration of CAC input into project activities, and training on sharing research information with the community. Conclusions: CAC members' expertise regarding indigenous culture and experiences increased the project relevance for workers and strengthened research and intervention efforts. Members also reported greater knowledge of safety, health, and workers' rights, and increased confidence to share information. This influence extends beyond the project and contributes to sustained change among CAC members and in the participating communities.


As an organic part of the western art, the artistic theory of the western human body pictorial art also comes from Plato' s aprioristic and Aristotle' s empiristic mimetic theories. These theories advocate respectively subjective and objective representation of the human body. The two trends take turn to dominate the history and change along with the time, bringing about different styles of beautiful human body painting.


z A new auralization technique is presented for the objective and subjective assessment of drivers in the large Signal domain. Using the results of the large Signal Parameter identification a digital model of the particular driver is realized in a digital Signal processor (DSP) to simulate the Sound pressure output for any given input Signal (test Signal, music ). This technique combines objective analysis and subjective listening test to assess the linear and distortion components in real time. This valuable tool Shows the impact of each distortion component on Sound quality and allows driver optimization with respect to performante, size, weight and tost.


Switching of transducer coupling in aluminum nitride contour-mode resonators provides an enabling technology for future tunable and reconfigurable filters for multi-function RF systems. By using microelectromechanical capacitive switches to realize the transducer electrode fingers, coupling between the metal electrode finger and the piezoelectric material is modulated to change the response of the device. On/off switched width extensional resonators with an area of  <0.2 mm2 demonstrate a Q of 2000, K2 of 0.72, and  >24 dB switching ratio at a resonator center frequency of 635 MHz. Other device examples include a 63 MHz resonator with switchable impedance and a 470 MHz resonator with 127 kHz of fine center frequency tuning accomplished by mass loading of the resonator with the MEMS switches.


Much of the scientific literature on seat comfort has focused on office and automobile seating. Considerably less attention has focused on the needs of people at home. Although many people at home often experience the same types of musculoskeletal symptoms as office workers, the associated solutions are quite different. Office chairs commonly are more adjustable and provide greater postural support; on the other hand, household chairs rarely adjust and vary in size and shape. One might wonder why more people do not want adjustable chairs outside of their home office). Of course, one finds people with broad range of body size and with lifestyles living together in the home: adult males, adult females, children and the elderly., These users typically share the same chairs that are sized for adult males. Such chairs are often too large for adult females, children and the aged and may contribute to poor postures and back pain. Elderly also have difficulty in rising from these chairs.