Liquefaction-induced damage to wooden houses occurred in a wide area due to the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011. About 27,000 houses settled and tilted in many residential areas. Machines for current countermeasures are too big to use in residential areas. The authors have developed a new countermeasure, enclosing new or existing wooden houses with thin steel sheet piles using a small machine. The effectiveness of this countermeasure was studied by conducting large 1-G shaking table tests on 1⁄4 scale model houses. To establish a design method, several residual deformation analyses have been conducted under various thicknesses of the liquefied layer, depths of thin steel sheet piles, depths of the groundwater table and lateral boundaries, focusing on the penetration settlement and tilting of wooden houses. Analyzed results showed that the penetration settlement of houses decreases with the depth of the sheet piles and the depth of the water table. Introduction The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, with a magnitude of Mw=9.0, occurred in the Pacific Ocean about 130 km off the northeast coast of Japan's main island on March 11, 2011. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, about 27,000 houses were damaged due to soil liquefaction caused by this earthquake. About half of the damaged houses are located in the Tokyo Bay area. The total area of liquefied zones in the Tokyo Bay area, from Shinkiba in Tokyo through Urayasu, Ichikawa and Narashino cities to Chiba City, was about 42km (Yasuda et al., 2012, Yasuda, 2014). The most seriously damaged area was Urayasu City, where about 85% of the city area liquefied and 8,469 wooden houses were damaged, as shown in Table 1. Figure 1 shows typical liquefaction-induced damage to wooden houses in Urayasu City. Large penetration settlement and tilting of wooden houses occurred in many residential areas. Two houses or four houses close to each other tilted toward each other. Many kinds of remediation methods for liquefaction have been developed in Japan since the 1964 Niigata Earthquake. However, in the design of wooden houses, liquefaction had not been considered. This is the main reason such a large number of houses were damaged. Soon after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, efforts to modify current liquefaction countermeasures for individual new or existing houses started. Remediation measures for individual houses must be economical Professor, Susumu YASUDA, Tokyo Denki University, Saitama, Japan, firstname.lastname@example.com 2 Manager, Masafumi KANEKO, Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan, firstname.lastname@example.com 3 Assistant Professor, Keisuke ISHIKAWA, Tokyo Denki University, Saitama, Japan, firstname.lastname@example.com 4 Graduate Student, Takuya KOIZUMI, Tokyo Denki University, Saitama, Japan, email@example.com: and applicable to a narrow space. Normal soil improvement methods, such as sand compaction piles and deep mixing, are economical but not easy to apply in a narrow area. The authors proposed a new measure, enclosing the foundation soil of a house with thin steel sheet-piles, and confirmed its applicability to houses by large-scale shaking table tests (Kaneko et al., 2014). In addition several residual deformation analyses under different thicknesses of liquefied layers, depths of thin steel sheet piles, depths of the groundwater table and lateral boundaries were conducted to establish a design method. Table 1: Number of houses damaged by liquefaction in Urayasu City. Figure 1: Settled and tilted houses in Urayasu City. Outline of Sheet-Pile Enclosing Method In the sheet-pile enclosing method, sheet piles are installed around the foundation of a house and connected to the foundation, as schematically shown in Figure 2. A house probably settles for two reasons: i) the lateral flow of liquefied foundation ground due to a decrease of the shear modulus of the liquefied layer, as shown in Figure 3 (a), and ii) the densification of the liquefied layer due to the dissipation of excess pore water pressure. When a liquefied layer is of uniform thickness and the upper non-liquefied layer is thin, houses penetrate into the ground, often at an angle, due to the lateral flow of the liquefied layer. On the contrary, if the ground under a house is enclosed by sheet piles to the depth of the bottom of the liquefied layer, as shown in Figure 3 (b), the house does not settle because the soil under the house, even though liquefied, cannot flow laterally. If the sheet piles are installed to a depth of the middle of the liquefied layer, as shown in Figure 3 (c), small penetration settlement of a house is induced because the lower liquefied soil flows laterally. However the penetration settlement of the house is minor and it can Grade of damage Number of damaged house Completely 10 Large-scale partially destroyed 1,509 Partially destroyed 2,102 Partially injured 4,848 No damage 963 Total 9,432 be controlled to allowable levels by adjusting the depth of the sheet piles. The impact of enclosing the foundation soil of a house with sheet piles on settlement if the foundation ground beneath the house liquefies had been studied by one of the authors and his colleagues, who conducted small-scale shaking table tests on model houses before the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Immediately after the earthquake, the applicability of this method to actual houses was discussed, and additional small-scale and large-scale shaking table tests were conducted. Subsequently, this method was applied to a newly constructed house and to existing warehouses. In addition, the effect of the depth of the sheet piles and the depth of the water table on the settlement of a house enclosed by sheet piles was analyzed. Method and Conditions of Analyses The liquefaction-induced deformation of structures can be estimated by empirical methods, static analyses (residual deformation method), and dynamic analyses. In this study, a static method called ALID (Yasuda et al. 1999) was used to analyze the liquefaction-induced settlement of a wooden house because this method is simpler than dynamic analyses. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of stress-strain curves of an intact soil and a liquefied soil. Shear strain increases with very low shear stress up to a resistance transformation point, after which, shear stress increases rapidly with shear strain, following a decrease in pore water pressure. Based on these relationships, the "ALID/Win" computer code was developed. The ALID method is a static finite element method applied in two steps. First, the deformation of the ground before an earthquake is calculated using the stress-strain relationships of unliquefied soils. Second, the Figure 2: Schematic diagram of sheet-pile enclosing method. House


P to the use of corticosteroids and cytotoxic protocols, untreated patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) had a 1-year mortality between 50 and 80%. The advent of treatment has improved the dismal prognosis. This mortality abstract quantitates the improved but still poor survival in treated patients with WG. Over a 12-year follow-up, males had a mortality ratio of 255% and an excess death rate of 25. For females over a 15year follow-up, the mortality ratio was 455% with an excess death rate of 32. In both sexes, mortality was highest in the early intervals.


Bare Machine Computing (BMC) is a paradigm used in programming applications to run on a Bare Machine. It consists of a CPU, Memory, and I/O without an Operating System and resident mass storage. It utilizes an Application Development model software that interfaces directly with the hardware. It also has potential as a powerful teaching and research tool in undergraduate STEM programs, notably Computer Engineering and Computer Science. Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, researchers used the University lab environment, and Bare Systems connected via LAN/WAN. The Pandemic restrictions put members of the research team in different locations. Hence, the researchers adopted a Remote Collaboration model of Concurrent Participation, Communication, and Development for Bare Machine to continue this research. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of moving the BMC research entirely online and measures needed to address the Configuration of BMC Development Environment, Communication, Collaboration, and Diverse Skill Set. The paper covers online technical research because most literature concentrates on only online survey research's benefits and drawbacks. This paper also addresses BMC application in presenting STEM subjects to students, mainly undergraduate students. Finally, the paper includes remote research that fulfills the Department of Education (DOE) requirements of student access.


Study on transient characteristics of overhead transmission lines due to direct lightning stroke is significant to the development of transient based protection and its reliability improvement. The features of different kinds of direct lightning strokes and their effects on protection are discussed in the paper. Multiresolution signal decomposition is applied to analyze the transients on transmission lines generated by direct lightning strokes and by faults. Based on the differences in energy distribution of the transient current superimposed components, an approach is proposed to identify direct lightning strokes without faults correctly and reliably. It can be used to improve the reliability of transient based protection. The Electromagn- etic Transient Program (EMTP) simulations demonstrate the proposed approach correct and effective.


Abstract : In view of the Soviet Union's growing interest in the Middle East-Persian Gulf area, NATO's Southern Region, neglected for over 30 years, is rapidly becoming a chief area of concern, second only to the Central Region. And yet, its defensive capability is no match for the Soviet-Warsaw Pact threat. Turkey, although the most strategically important member in the Southern Flank, is the weakest. The USAF rotational fighter squadron at Incirlik can be utilized immediately and cost effectively, to both strengthen the Turkish Air Force and to develop a combined USAF-Turkish Air Force concept of operations that will enhance the deterrent posture of the entire Southern Region.


This paper discusses and assesses two remarkably different (and competing) approaches which are used by contemporary legal anthropologists to study Tswana law and custom. The ideological underpinnings of these approaches are contrasted, and linkages between methods of investigating indigenous law and the "homeland" ideology of separate development are noted. The local South African debate over the proper methodology of legal anthropology is discussed within the broader framework of general sociological theory.


This paper analyzes the most significant details of development of a modern luminary. One of the effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of lighting systems and luminaries is to use the so called smart luminaries. This means that the luminaries turn on exactly at the place and time when the light is required, as well as with the required intensity of light. Such approach is especially effective if LED elements are utilized. Development of the smart LED luminaries includes several tasks: elaboration of energy efficient power supply equipped with distance controllable dimming function; choice and implementation of sensors; choice and development of communications for data exchange between luminaries, sensors and overall control system. The paper briefly describes the main problems of development of the smart lighting systems with LEDs as well as their solutions.


Through investigation of stock density to mountain Chinese pine (Pinus tabueformis), and data analysis, It is known how to determine optimum density for mountain Chinese pine stand by mean breast - height diameter, and make this tree become a dominant species in the arid area.


One of the main problems in today's cities is informal settlements. This phenomenon is formed under the influenced of both political and economic unequal relations in universal, Weakness of national programs at the intermediate level and planning at the micro level. The aims of this study are to address the issue of marginalization in Iran and the assessment of the role of urban management in dealing with this issue. In this study we tried to assess dilemmas and anomalies of the phenomenon of informal settlements using documentary and library Studies. Furthermore, we tried to assess the urban management role in the organizing and improving marginalized people. We believe that with respect to the issue of informal settlements in the planning and the collaboration politics with residents, city abnormal tissue will be organized and improved and this can provide urban development. This study suggests that urban management solution for organizing the informal settlement should follow two axes including improving the current situation through reconstruction and reorganizing and correct distribution of income between the center of cities and suburbs and deterrence and reduction of informal and illegal settlement with cooperation of police and local population.


Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss. Early and accurate diagnosis of this disease is still very challenging. In order to identify relevant biomarkers to assess a subject's cognitive impairment, it has been proved that the electroencephalography (EEG) signals can help in the understanding of various brain dysfunctions. In this mini-review paper, our aim was to present the potential of EEG in the context of Alzheimer disease and the challenges to promote EEG as a diagnostic/prognostic tool for detecting AD. We focus on the integration of EEG data with machine learning algorithms to help in assessing AD. The approach involves a systematic process of EEG data collection, signal preprocessing, feature extraction, feature selection and classification.


This study was to generate a description of the psychosocial adaptation process and to identify the contributing
factors to their adaptation through locomotor training in a person with chronic stroke. The participant was an
79 year old female with a left sub-cortical ischemic stroke, who reported a depression. Pre and post interviews
were analyzed using a grounded theory method to identify the stages of psychological adaptation in response to
the progression of 4 weeks BWSTT. The participant achieved her walking speed of 0.72m/s through 12 sessions
of BWSTT. Findings from the qualitative data are presented as a 5-stage model of psychological adaptation;
Distress, motivation, anxiety, trust, and outcome stages. Such psychological adaptation process was observed in
the participant, in response to the level of functional recovery of the participant. Treating psychological distress
in the first stage may be one of the factors responsible for better motor performance post BWSTT and needs
to be systematically investigated. Achieving trust stage in psychological adaptation should be considered a major
goal to accelerate functional recovery in the outcome stage of stroke rehabilitation.


Obesity is a growing global health concern, with a rapid increase being observed in morbid
obesity. Obesity is strongly associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The present study
attempted to assess the correlation between BMI and hypertension. Aim: To assess the correlation between
BMI and hypertension. Setting and Design: The study was conducted in rural areas of Nellore by using
a descriptive design. Materials and Methods: A total of 134 samples were included in this study. All
these samples belong to rural areas of Nellore. Samples were selected by using convenience sampling
technique. Statistical Analysis Used: The collected data was organized, tabulated, analysed and interpreted
by using descriptive statistics like actual numbers and percentages, mean, standard deviation and inferential
statistics like Chi-square test, Karl Pearson correlation coefficient was used appropriately. 'p' value less
than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 134 samples, with regard to the category
of the blood pressure 37(27.6%) had stage-I hypertension, 16(11.9%) had stage-II hypertension, 10(7.46%)
had stage-III hypertension,17(12.7%) had grade-I isolated systolic hypertension, and 3(2.3%) had grade-
II isolated systolic hypertension, known hypertensive cases are 60(44.77%), newly diagnosed
cases are 23(17.16%). with regard to BMI, among 134 samples 36(14.4%) were overweight and 13(5.2%)
were obese. The correlation coefficient value is 0.19 which states that there is a positive correlation
between BMI and hypertension. Conclusion: The results show a positive correlation between BMI and
Hypertension.


The main parameters composition and purpose of CKD_(8E) locomotive braking resistor were provided.The process of design was described,and the points for attention in design were given.


SummaryA procedure for plant regeneration, flower and plant formation from petiolar and inflorescence nodal explants of culantro is discribed. Leaf petioles were excised from young leaves of non-flowering plants while nodal explants were excised from the inflorescence. Explants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium alone or supplemented with 0.5μM naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.9, 1.8, 4.5, or 9 μM thidiazuron (TDZ). All explants produced multiple shoots. In addition, nodal explants formed flowers. Shoot number, flower number and shoot length were influenced by TDZ and NAA. Rooted shoots from both types of explants were transferred to soil where plants were successfully established.


ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirtazapine and fluoxetine in the treatment of depression.Method 70 patients with depression were randomly treated with mirtazapine or fluexetine for 6 weeks(each group 35 patients).Evaluate the efficacy with HAMD.Measured the safety with TESS,physical and laboratory examinations at the baseline,the first weekend,the second weekend,the forth weekend and the sixth weekend.Result ①The scores of HAMD for both groups were obviously decreased after treatment(p0.001).②HAMD,the scores of anxiety,depression in mirtazapine group were statistically lower than those in fluoxetine group at the first weekend(p0.05).The differences became insignificant at the end of the trial.③The response rates and cure rateof mirtazapine and fluoxetine were 82.9%,68.6% and 80%,65.7%respectively.④Safety measures were not significantly different between two groups(p0.05).Conclusion Mirtazapine is safe and effective in the treatment of depression,and its effect appears earlier than that of fluoxetine.


Abstract In the space available, it is obviously impossible to give more than an outline of the differences in pigment zinc oxide, of the significances of these differences, and of some of the methods by which these differences can be controlled. It is hoped, however, that the reader will conclude that zinc oxide is a product of complex physical and chemical properties, and that the manufacturer is able to manufacture zinc oxide of special properties to fit normal and unusual requirements.


Shallots have a fluctuating demand therefore this is not balanced by a continuous supply. The purpose of this study was to see what factors influence the demand and supply of shallots in north Sumatera province. The method of analysis used is a simultaneous equation approach using data from 1989-2018 and processed with the help of software programs. 10. The results show that the price shallots, population together had a significant effect on the demand of shallots in north Sumatera province. The price of shallots, harvested area and fertilizer prices together had effect on the supply of shallots north Sumatera. Per capita income and fertilizer prices together have effect on the price of shallots in north Sumatera province.


The convergence rate is analyzed for the sparse reconstruction by separable approximation (SpaRSA) algorithm for minimizing a sum $f(\mathbf{x})+\psi(\mathbf{x})$, where $f$ is smooth and $\psi$ is convex, but possibly nonsmooth. It is shown that if $f$ is convex, then the error in the objective function at iteration $k$ is bounded by $a/k$ for some $a$ independent of $k$. Moreover, if the objective function is strongly convex, then the convergence is $R$-linear. An improved version of the algorithm based on a cyclic version of the BB iteration and an adaptive line search is given. The performance of the algorithm is investigated using applications in the areas of signal processing and image reconstruction.


Submitted for the MAR10 Meeting of The American Physical Society Error threshold for topological color codes on Union Jack lattices HELMUT G. KATZGRABER, Department of Physics, Texas A&M University & ETH Zurich, RUBEN S. ANDRIST, Department of Physics, ETH Zurich, HECTOR BOMBIN, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, MIGUEL ANGEL MARTINDELGADO, Departamento de Fisica, Universidad Complutense — Sensitivity to noise makes most of the current quantum computing schemes prone to error and nonscalable, allowing only for very small proof of principle devices. Topologicallyprotected quantum computing aimes to solve this problem by encoding quantum bits and gates in topological properties of the hardware medium that are immune to noise that does not impact the entire medium at once. There are different approaches to achieve topological protection. While traditional approaches use quasiparticle braidings, topological color codes use string-net condensates in 3-colexes. We study the error threshold of topological color codes on Union Jack lattices that allow for the implementation of the whole Clifford group of quantum gates. After mapping the error-correction process onto a statistical mechanical random 3-body Ising model on a Union Jack lattice, we compute its phase diagram in the temperature-disorder plane using Monte Carlo simulations. Our results show that topological color codes on Union Jack lattices have similar error stability than color codes on triangular lattices, as well as the Kitaev toric code. Helmut G. Katzgraber Department of Physics, Texas A&M University & ETH Zurich Date submitted: 27 Nov 2009 Electronic form version 1.4


High mobility group nucleosome binding (HMGN) proteins belong to the superfamily of high mobility group (HMG) proteins. HMGN1 and HMGN2 are ubiquitously expressed in all vertebrates, and are most highly expressed in embryonic tissue. Moreover, HMGN1 and HMGN2 were found to be highly expressed in neural stem/progenitor cells in the mouse brain. Here, mouse embryonal carcinoma cells (P19 EC) were used as a model system to study the role of HMGN proteins in pluripotent stem cells. Previously, experiments using short interfering RNA (siRNA) technology to knockdown HMGN1 and HMGN2 have suggested that HMGN proteins are important for the expression of key pluripotent genes, Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog, in P19 EC cells (Mohan, 2012).
The aim of this thesis was to develop a lentiviral system for the long term knockdown of Hmgn2, in order to investigate more fully the role of this protein in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation. Constitutive and inducible lentiviral shRNAmir systems were tested and optimized, and a constitutive system was chosen for further work. HMGN2 knockdown in undifferentiated P19 EC cells resulted in the down-regulation of Oct4 protein levels. ChIP assays showed that HMGN2 binding over the Oct4 gene was absent in HMGN2 knockdown cells. Furthermore, binding of HMGN1 at this locus was increased in the absence of HMGN2. Consistent with the reduction in Oct4 expression, levels of the active histone modification, H3K4me3, were also decreased at the Oct4 gene. These results support a role for HMGN2 in the regulation of Oct4 expression in P19 cells, and imply that HMGN2 may be important for maintaining stem cell pluripotency.


The power grid can be regarded as a large interconnected network of different subsystems, called control area's. In order to guarantee reliable operation the frequency is tightly regulated around its nominal value, e.g. 50 Hz. Automatic regulation of the frequency in power grid is traditionally achieved by primary proportional control (droop-control) and a secondary PI-control on the generators, where economic considerations are largely neglected. Recently we proposed a novel distributed controller in [1] that controls power production such that the frequency is regulated in an economic efficient way. Main advantage of our approach, based on passivity properties of the system, is that it has the potential to deal with more complex models of dynamical networks and fairly rich classes of external perturbations.


Waste slurry emanating from an oil refinery wastewater treatment system was incorporated into soil at the Conoco Land Treatment Unit (LTU) since 1972. As a result, the soil contained a total selenium concentration (18.6 mg/kg) that approached the limit permitted by the state regulatory authority. Total concentrations of other elements included arsenic (34.4 mg/kg), chromium (159.6 mg/kg), lead (26.2 mg/kg), and zinc (185.8 mg/kg). This soil was saline (8.3 mmhos/cm), had a loam texture, and a pH of 7.2. The use of selenium accumulating plant species to decrease the soil selenium concentration was evaluated. Selenium accumulating plant species (canola, desert prince's-plume, and Indian mustard) and selenium non-accumulating species (pubescent wheatgrass and tall fescue) were seeded at the LTU and harvested upon maturity. No significant change in soil metal concentration was measured. Based on scientific literature, it was expected that the selenium accumulating species would have tissue selenium concentrations in the range of 300 to 2000 mg/kg. Plant tissue selenium concentrations in canola (6.8 mg/kg), canola grown on phosphorous amended LTU soil (7.6 mg/kg), Indian mustard (10.4 mg/kg), and desert prince's-plume (111.6 mg/kg) were considerably lower than expected yet great enough to present a chronic toxicity hazard in grazing animals. To determine whether lower than expected selenium accumulation was due to plant species selection, soil characteristics, or a characteristic of the waste slurry, selenium accumulating plant species were grown in replicated greenhouse trials on four different substrates; i) the LTU soil, ii) selenate-enriched LTU soil, iii) waste slurry-enriched sand, and iv) selenate-enriched sand. Mean plant tissue selenium concentrations in each substrate were 10.2 ± 6.5 mg/kg, 49.0 ± 27.8 mg/kg, 43.0 ± 37.5 mg/kg, and 683.9 ± 423.1 mg/kg, respectively. Plant selenium concentrations in selenate-enriched sand were significantly greater than in the other three substrates that received waste slurry as their principle supply of selenium. It was concluded that waste slurry, when applied to soil, contained either i) a form of selenium that was in a reduced oxidation state and thus unavailable for plant uptake or ii) another chemical constituent was present that competed with selenium for plant uptake.


This paper presents the Single-Phase AC-AC Matrix Converter that using 4-units of the bidirectional switches as main power switching devices. This converter can be converted the utility 1-phase sinusoidal supply voltage into a variable voltage of the PWM pattern by adjusting the switching frequency of the control signal and modulation index of the PWM signals. The modulation indexes are 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 and the output voltages are 12.5Hz, 25Hz, 50Hz, and 100Hz. The waveforms of the voltages and the currents of the single-phase AC-AC matrix converter for the simulation result with MATLAB/Simulink program and the experimental result are observed with the passive loads. Moreover, the efficiency is measured.


In this study, the experimental shock-vibration analysis and ruggedization of the gunner display unit (GDU) for a self propelled howitzer are performed. In the system, there is a fire control computer which includes high-speed processing and storage units together with a high-resolution color monitor that has to be resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Especially mechanical shock has the potential for producing adverse effects on the physical and functional integrity of all material. The effect of shock depends on the duration and magnitude of the response. In the analysis, shock and vibration control techniques using isolators have been studied to provide dynamic protection of the system units installed in the vehicles. 1.0 INTRODUCTION ASELSAN Fire Control System for howitzers is designed to increase the fire power and first hit capability of the field artillery. The system with Gunner Display Unit (GDU) used in the system provides mission oriented and menu driven graphical user interface, which enables the user to perform the fire missions fast, accurately and effectively. In order to design GDU, an operational shock and vibration tests should be performed initially to obtain loading data from the main structure of the system at the predetermined location of GDU in the howitzer. Similarly, after designing and assembling the GDU, qualification tests are performed in order to monitor operational performance of the system. During the firing and vibration tests of the howitzer, integrated circuit piezoelectric (ICP) accelerometers are located at corresponding interested points for testing shock and vibration on the system. Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) analysis is performed to define the shock profile that the electronic equipments should withstand. It is also aimed to use required equivalent simple shock profiles during the shock qualification test of the equipment. The aim of environmental tests is to ensure that production equipment meets the specified requirement over the full range of specified environmental conditions. Mechanical shock and vibration are the most complicated type of the environments, because of the importance of their spectral characteristics, but they must still be dealt with simple terms. Many vibration and shock specifications relate to conditions at the locations of use in that they provide design and development incentives for survival and operation of the product in such condition. Usually these specifications attempt to require the environmental tests to simulate such conditions. The specifications lead first to developmental tests that can guide the designers in revealing marginal features that might require redesign. For many electronic systems, shock and vibration are a part of the qualification test requirements. Military and aerospace companies often must develop systems for use in severe life environments using Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) boards or components [1, 2, and 3]. Paper presented at the RTO AVT Symposium on "Functional and Mechanical Integration of Weapons and Land and Air Vehicles", held in Williamsburg, VA, USA, 7-9 June 2004, and published in RTO-MP-AVT-108. Ruggedization of the Gunner Display Unit for a Self Propelled Howitzer 43 2 RTO-MP-AVT-108 UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED Ruggedization of the systems are handled with reinforcement of the components that are located inside the equipments and/or external protection of the systems by isolators for minimizing disturbing force and/or modal design of the equipments and their mounting points. Initially, shock and vibration are caused by some types of sources such as tracks, motors of the vehicle, firing of a projectile etc. and these are unavoidable in the operation. In this case, the path of the energy which is transmitted to the target system should include isolators and/or should be modified according to the target sensitivities by optimizing stiffness and the mass of the structure. Isolation of shock is the temporary storage of energy and its subsequent release in a different time relation. Typically, shock energy is imparted into the system; the mount deflects to absorb the energy, and releases it over a longer period of time as it returns to equilibrium. The acceleration input is characteristically a high acceleration levelshort time duration pulse. The shock attenuation system can only respond at its natural frequency. If the isolators are selected properly, the time of energy release of the output will be very long compared to the time of the input [4]. Modal analysis is defined as the study of the dynamic characteristics of a mechanical structure. The modal parameters of all the modes, within the frequency range of interest, constitute a complete dynamic description of the structure. Much of the effort is expended in making mounting supports rigid and less is spent in damping them. 2.0 COTS EQUIPMENTS IN MECHANICAL STRUCTURES The use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware in military applications has led to uncertainty in its reliability performance and risk when operated in severe environments. The mismatch between the design and use environment is compounded by (a) a shift in predominant failure drivers experienced by COTS hardware versus its military equivalent in identical applications, (b) the effects of commercial practices on inherent reliability, (c) the ability to perform under the shortand long-term exposure to severe stresses, and (d) the cost of risk reduction options which may make a COTS equipment suitable for the application. The effects of COTS equipment reliability and risk on system operational readiness, sparing decisions, and maintenance and repair concepts must be considered in the logistics analysis. Assuming that COTS equipment reliability is good, without quantitative support, may invite potential disaster in critical military applications. The approach included in this study to establish solution that account for between environments; identification of design risks; evaluation of field data to quantify the relationship between predicted and operating reliability [5]. 2.1 Reliability Considerations for Mechanical Components Recognition of reliability and maintability (R&M) as vital factors in the development, production, operation, and maintenance of today's complex systems has placed greater emphasis on the application of design evaluation techniques. Many of the attempts to developed R&M prediction methodology have been at a system or subsystem level. The larger number of variables at these levels and lack of detailed knowledge regarding operating environment have created a problem in applying the results to the design being evaluated. Attempts to collect failure data or develop an R&M prediction methodology at the system or subsystem level produce a wide dispersion of failure rates for apparently similar components because of the basic characteristics of mechanical components. The design evaluation procedures consider operating environment, critical failure modes and material properties at the part level to evaluate a design for R&M. Ruggedization of the Gunner Display Unit for a Self Propelled Howitzer RTO-MP-AVT-108 43 3 UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED Therefore, the methodology for predicting R&M characteristics as part of this development effort does not rely solely on failure rate data. Performance of a reliability prediction for electronic equipments is well established by R&D. For example, MIL-STD-756 and MIL-HDBK-217 have been developed for predicting the reliability of electronic equipment. Development of these documents was made possible because the standardization and mass production of electronic parts have permitted the creation of valid failure rate data banks for high population of electronic devices. Such extensive sources of quality and reliability information can be used directly to predict operational reliability while the electronic design is still on drawing board. A commonly accepted method for predicting the reliability of mechanical equipment based on a data bank has not been possible because of the wide dispersion of failure rates which occur for apparently similar components. Failure rates of mechanical components are not usually described by a constant failure rate distribution because of wear, fatigue and other stress related failure mechanisms resulting in equipment degradation. Mechanical equipment reliability is more sensitive to loading, operating mode and utilization rate than electronic equipment reliability. Failure rate data based on operating time alone is usually inadequate for reliability prediction of mechanical equipment. Definition of failure for mechanical equipment depends upon its application. For example, failure due to excessive noise or leakage can not be universally established. Lack of such information in a failure rate data bank limits its usefulness. The above deficiencies in a failure rate database result in problems in applying the failure rates to an actual design analysis. Estimating the design life of mechanical equipment is a difficult task for design engineers. Many life-limiting failure modes such as corrosion, erosion, creep, and fatigue operate on the component at the same time and have a synergistic effect on reliability. Also, the loading on the component may be static, cyclic, or dynamic at different points during the life cycle and the severity of loading may also be a variable. Material variability and the inability to establish effective database of historical operating conditions such as operating pressure, vibration, and temperature further compliance life estimates. The combination of these factors permit the use of engineering design parameters to determine the design life of the equipment in its intended operating environment, the rate and pattern of failures during the design life. Predicting the reliability of mechanical equipment requires the consideration of


The present invention relates to a supply container having a container to be sealed (2) by a sealing cap (1). Seal cap (1) seals at least two openings (5) are respectively formed by the ends of the container comprising a multi-part, the container in a sealed state by the frictional engagement and / or active engagement ( It is connected to 2). The present invention, the sealing area for the opening (5) to seal (6) is provided on the sealing cap (1), opening the sealing region (6) is in contact sealing method in the sealing state of (5) characterized in that it abuts against the end portion (4). According to the present invention, the sealing cap (1) is accurately positioned in the sealing position of the sealing state on the container (2), while this time the sealing region (6) is a small axial pressing force is applied It abuts against the end portion (4).


A summary of the current research about women as donors to nonprofit organizations reveals what that research does and does not say about the attributes and potential of women as donors and women as philanthropists.


MPEG-4 SNHC requires transmission of object parameters through a bitstream, with a variety of bitstream bandwidth and latency. Especially with complex environments and a large number of transmitters, these requirements might be excessive. Therefore, tools should be provided to decrease the amount of information sent through the bitstream. In this paper, we propose to use in SNHC the dead-reckoning technique that has been successfully used in the networked virtual environments area. The technique is based on extrapolation of the object parameters depending on the last animation parameters received from the transmitter during the update phase. In this paper, we survey the use of the deadreckoning technique for synthetic objects in MPEG-4 SNHC, particularly simple nonarticulated rigid objects, human faces and bodies.


Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is an effluent discharged from unrecovered palm oil extraction process and typically acidic (pH 4 to 5.5). Disposing POME without treatment would give adverse effect to environment as well as human being. Therefore, biological treatment using various microbes is suitable to employ to increase the pH of POME since it is low cost and safe. The aim of this study was to study the factors which are influencing the biological pH treatment of acidic POME. The factors involved in this study are agitation speed, temperature, reaction time, inoculum to POME ratio and light intensity. To begin, sample of acidic POME was collected from a nearby palm oil mill in Gambang, Pahang while soil mixed culture was obtained from soil near to plants root system. Preliminary study on reaction time and potential microbes was done in 10 days and at the end, soil mixed culture performed better utilization process than Enterobacter sp. with pH 5.58. Then, an acclimatization of soil mixed culture was conducted and 32 experimental runs were done according to two level factorial. An analysis using Design Expert Software shows that three factors are contribute in increasing the value of pH which is agitation speed, temperature and reaction time with 19.08%, 7.58% and 4.68% respectively. Interaction between factor temperature and agitation speed gives highest percentage of contribution with 17.30% in existence of interaction, followed by interaction of factor temperature and inoculum to POME ratio and interaction of factor reaction time and agitation speed with 8.41% and 7.03% respectively. It is predicted the best conditions regarding this study for agitation speed, temperature, reaction time, inoculum to POME ratio and light intensity lies on the value of 138.89 rpm, 28.98 oC, 8.81 days, ratio 1:3 and with light respectively. All the best conditions provided a stable pH value which is 6.9999. Overall, factors of agitation speed, temperature and reaction time are suitable to be the factors for optimization experiment. RAWATAN BIOLOGI SISA KUMBAHAN KELAPA SAWIT (KANDUNGAN ASID TINGGI): ANALISA FAKTORIAL


The present invention provides a display device even under a low light emission brightness is also possible to reliably μ correction function, a method of driving the display device and an electronic device for. The gate and source of the transistor of the potential difference is corrected as a transistor threshold voltage between the ground electrode. Thereafter, the driving circuit outputs the third voltage Vofs2 horizontal start correcting the mobility transistor. Thereafter, when the horizontal driving circuit outputs the second voltage Vsig, beginning with the second write voltage Vsig corresponding to the gate voltage of the transistor.


—The pollution of aquatic vegetation has become more and more serious in China. Based on the multi-layer medium model of aquatic vegetation and the growth characteristics of the aquatic vegetation, the radiant temperature of the aquatic vegetation is simulated as a function of the angle of incidence and as a function of time. Subsequently, in order to verify advantages of the millimeter wave radiometer in monitoring the growth of aquatic vegetation, measurement of the radiant temperature of aquatic vegetation by means of radiometer with vertical polarization, horizontal polarization and fixed angle of incidence sweeping. Based on modeling and simulation, we did experiments and found through experiments that the radiant temperature of aquatic vegetation is higher than the radiant temperature of the water surface. It shows that the radiometer can effectively distinguish between water surface and aquatic vegetation. The experimental data is consistent with the trend of the simulation results, indicating that the growth of aquatic vegetation can be monitored using the millimeter wave radiometer accurately.


The effect of block number on the alignment behavior was systematically studied for lamellae forming poly(styrene-b-isoprene) (SI) diblock to SISISISISIS undecablock copolymers under oscillatory shear. For SI and SIS, both perpendicular and parallel orientations were induced at low strain amplitudes, while only the parallel orientation was produced at large strain amplitudes. For SISI, SISIS, and SISISIS, the perpendicular orientation was induced at low strain amplitudes or high frequencies, whereas the parallel orientation was obtained at large strains and low frequencies. Only the perpendicular alignment was generated with SISISISISIS. The viscoelastic properties of these oriented materials are correlated with the alignment behavior. The parallel configuration in SISI, SISIS, and SISISIS multiblock copolymers is speculated to derive from predominantly looping block conformations, which permit layer-by-layer sliding. Structural evolution during alignment was investigated for SIS and SISIS at low strains ...


Feeding abamectin B, (ABM, MK-936) to fall armyworm moths, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and corn earworm moths, Heliothis zea (Boddie), resulted in lowered electroretinogram pulse voltages at all wavelengths of stimulating light. Feeding or injecting adult face flies, Musca autumnalis De Geer, with codeine lowered overall ocular neural response (ERG voltage). Face fly spectral sensitivity was altered by feeding cannabinol or thebane in sucrose water.


Influenza viruses still constitute a true public ill health today. The influenza an epidemic was isolated for the primary time in 1931, and therefore the first attempts to develop a vaccine against the virus began soon afterwards. Additionally to causing seasonal epidemics, influenza viruses can cause pandemics randomly intervals, which are very hard to predict. Vaccination is that the best way of preventing the spread of influenza infection. However, seasonal vaccination is ineffective against pandemic influenza viruses due to antigenic differences, and it takes approximately six months from isolation of a replacement virus to develop an efficient vaccine. To deal with the emergence of latest circulating strains, but also the emergence of resistant strains to classic antivirals, it's necessary to develop new antiviral approaches. One among the possible ways to fight the emergence of pandemics could also be by employing a new sort of vaccine, with an extended and broad spectrum of action. The extracellular domain of the matrix protein 2 (M2e) of Influenza an epidemic may be a conservative region, and a beautiful target for a universal influenza vaccine.


Most of the technology from universities (PT) related to technological innovation often fails to enter the market. This problem then becomes the basis and object of improvement in technology-based entrepreneurial practices (technopreneurs). Learning is carried out through Independence Learning Campus Independence (MBKM) which converts courses according to training subjects in collaboration with PUI UNS and BPPT. This practice is a model of participatory and collaborative learning, in which students are directly involved in solving existing case studies and act as perpetrators of technology commercialization and become technopreneurs. Students are initially given training materials in accordance with the curriculum and direct learning from existing tenants. As a result, through this learning process, students can design business process proposals that exist in tenants. The success of this learning method was assessed based on technopreneur analysis from students in answering problems faced by tenants based on aspects of product technology innovation, product development, business development, and its implementation at BMC. One of the tenants who is the object of the case study in this study is the start-up PT. EKM who have problems with the commercialization of technology in the case of konverter kit products.


This paper proposes a distributed discrete-time algorithm for optimization problem with global multiple constraints. Based on the projected primal-dual method, a fully distributed algorithm is proposed, and is proved to converge to the optimal solution of the optimization problem under certain sufficient condition with respect to the step-size. Numerical example is given to verify the efficacy of the proposed algorithm.


Geophysical surveying around Building E5032 using three new continuously recording geophysical instruments - two types of electromagnetic induction instruments and a cesium vapor magnetometer that were unavailable at the time of the original survey - has provided additional information for defining the location of buried debris, vaults, tanks, and the drainage/sump system near the building. The dominant geophysical signature around Building E5032 consists of a complex pattern of linear magnetic, electrical-conductivity, and electromagnetic field anomalies that appear to be associated with drainage/sewer systems, ditches, past railway activity, the location for Building T5033 (old number 99A), and the probable location of Building 91. Integrated analysis of data acquired using the three techniques, plus a review of the existing ground-penetrating-radar data, allow a more thorough definition of the sources for the observed anomalies.


Previous studies found a reduction in pollution levels when travel was banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the changes in community mobility and air quality, as well as to analyze the effect of community mobility changes on air quality during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used daily secondary data from Google Mobility Report and station data archive of Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) which records Air Pollutant Index Standard (ISPU). This study focused on the early phase of the pandemic (15th Feb – 15th June 2020) in six provinces in Java and Bali. This study used panel regression and GIS. The results show that there is 35-90% reduction in mobility and also some decreases in air quality pollutants. Furthermore, it was shown that there is a positive relationship between ISPU and mobility. Community mobility explains ISPU in Bali, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java by 24%, 53%, 13%, 3.7%, 20%, and 39% respectively. Meanwhile, the combined influence of the six provinces is 18.8%. The variable that has a significant effect is the community mobility changes on transit stations. Every 1% increase in the transit station's mobility is capable to increase ISPU by 0.4.


SUMMARY The arguments in Nigeria over whether the urban or the rural areas should be given greater priority in national development appear somewhat misplaced and unhelpful because the urban and rural areas are mutually interdependent, with many complex links and interactions between them, and the constant movements of people, goods, money, ideas and information from one to the other. For this reason, the Habitat Agenda of the Istanbul City Summit advocates "an integrated approach to promote balanced and mutually supportive urban-rural development (through) strong local and national institutions that place emphasis on ruralurban linkages, and treat villages and towns as two sides of the human settlement continuum" The paper considers ways to overcome the traditional divide between urban and rural planning and development, and by so doing achieve a balanced and more sustainable pattern of development and poverty reduction. It focuses on the promotion of small and intermediate urban centres as an appropriate middle course which combines the advantages of urban as well as rural approaches to development, but without the disadvantages of large population concentrations in a few metropolitan areas, or of the wide dispersal of investments and scarce resources in scattered villages too small to support basic services. Medium and small towns are uniquely placed in the urban-rural interface to foster mutually beneficial linkages between them, and also to promote the more sustainable use of natural resources in the surrounding region. Recent research suggests that more than half of the urban population in Africa lives in urban centres of this size group, and that the massive increase in urban population expected in the next 20 years will occur in these small towns, hence the urgent need to take their growth, planning and links with the rural areas fully into account in the development effort. The paper then discusses the policy, planning and investment implications of promoting medium and small towns as a way to enhance urban-rural linkages, drawing ideas from the Habitat Agenda, and other recent global initiatives that seek to support sustainable urbanization and the Millennium Development Goals. Particular emphasis is placed on the imperative of political and administrative decentralization to strengthen local government, especially with the recent creation of 36 States and 774 Local Governments Areas in Nigeria; the need to improve the infrastructure and services that connect producers and consumers in rural and urban areas; reforms in the macro-economic and regulatory framework to support rural agriculture and trade, and to remove needless constraints on the operation of the private sector, especially the informal sector and small-scale enterprises. Finally, the paper points out that the promotion of medium and small towns should not be seen as a substitute for direct programmes of urban and rural development, but rather as an essential and often overlooked component of a national policy for a balanced development of the whole range of human settlements in the country.


Radio frequency Identification (RFID) technologies have produced significant interest in recent era due to the advantages that RFID provides in various types of application. It is widely used in many domains such as Smart Automation, Supply chain management, Smart security system etc. In recent era, the issue of security has been a concerning factor for example, Question paper leakage. So we might think RFID Security system as the most probable option to prevent such illegal act. When we see sophisticated security system(s), the price tag struck immediately along with the utility of-course. In countries like Bangladesh, such automatic systems are not cheap by any yardstick. In this paper we present our approach to evaluate a simple and cheap prototype to see if such a robust system could be developed using the tool of our choice to keep question papers safe. The system will generate alarm as well as notify central monitoring authority on the situation if the box is unlocked or even anyone tries to unlock it before the actual time. Only registered card holders can unlock it which will be used to trace any incident of question leak occurred and even exam hall can be identified through notification system.


Soil fertility is of the most importance in organizing successful plant production and gaining high yield. Protection and preservation of soil fertility are of a high relevance in contemporary agriculture, since inadequate production technology and particularly the application of high doses of fertilizers very often leads to degradation processes and soil damage. The most common mistake is the overdose of nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, in order to research the changes of basic agro-chemical traits of soil, the increased doses of nitrogen in carrot growing have been researched. The experimental part of the research was performed on sandy loam cambisol, with the following applications of nitrogen: 0, 60, 120 and 180 kgN/ha through KAN fertilizer. After carrot harvesting, the content of humus, phosphorus and potassium decreased, while the content of nitrate nitrogen was directly dependent of growing nitrogen doses. The lowest average content of NO3-N was determined in control (24.7 mg/kg), and the highest by applying 180 kgN/ha (47.0 mg/kg).


We propose a mechanism for magnon-plasmon coupling and hybridization in ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) systems. The electric field associated with plasmon oscillations creates a non-equilibrium spin density via the inverse spin galvanic effect. This plasmon-induced spin density couples to magnons by an exchange interaction. The strength of magnon-plasmon coupling depends on the magneto-electric susceptibility of the system and the wavevector at which the level repulsion is happened. This wavevector may be tuned by an applied magnetic field. In AFM systems, the degeneracy of two chiral magnons is broken in the presence of a magnetic field, and we find two separate hybrid modes for left-handed and right-handed AFM magnons. Furthermore, we show that magnon-plasmon coupling in AFM systems is enhanced because of strong intra-sublattice spin dynamics. We argue that the recently discovered two-dimensional magnetic systems are ideal platforms to investigate proposed magnon-plasmon hybrid modes.


lens drive mechanism comprising: first and second members (40, 50) placed adjacent to each other, the second element (50) supporting a lens group and being movable relative to the first member (40) along the optical axis; a first guide pin (51) extending in the direction of the optical axis and being supported by the first member (40) to be guided in the direction of the optical axis, one end of the first guide rod ( 51) being fixed to the second member (50); a gear (42a) supported rotatably on the first member (40) so as not to move in the direction of the optical axis, the gear (42a) having a hole at its center on the inner periphery which is formed a first thread; a threaded rod (43) on which is formed a second thread and which extends parallel to the first guide rod (51), one end of the threaded rod (43) being fixed to the second member (50), the gear (42a) being rotatably mounted on the threaded rod (43), the first thread being engaged with the second thread; a stop plate (306) attached to another end of each of the threaded rod (43) and the first guide rod (51); and a shock absorbing member (307) mounted on the first guide rod (51) adjacent to the stop plate (306).


ABSTRACT As a typical non-regular case, we consider a family of symmetrically truncated normal distributions with a location parameter θ. The information inequalities for the Bayes risk of any estimator of θ are asymptotically given up to the higher order. The asymptotic lower bounds for the Bayes risk are shown to be sharp up to the higher order. The comparison of the Bayes risks of the mid-range, the maximum likelihood estimator and the maximum probability estimator is done, and, from the viewpoint of the asymptotic concentration probability, that of the estimators is also provided.


The purpose of this research is to suggest remodeling plan as cohousing for healthy senior citizens among the various possibilities which can be considered for permanently-leased apartment"s remodeling. It is based on the judgement that remodeling of cohousing will be effective as the constructive method which not only solves increasement of aged population and all kinds of senior citizen problems but also satisfies the remodeling request of backward permanently-leased apartment. To set precondition and organize share space and dwelling space for it, results of precedent researches were considered and synthesized, they were reflected and remodeling plan was suggested. As the results of research, remodeling of cohousing is possible to be conducted without any change of existing permanently-leased apartment, so it seems to be possible to suggest more various forms of share space and individual space through the structural changes. And, plans of various forms will be requested in the future.


Films of aluminium were evaporated on to quartz substrates at pressures of less than 2 × 10−9 Torr. The photoelectric emission current for vacuum-side illumination by monochromatic light of photon energy in the range 4.3–5.0 eV was determined as a function of the thickness of the film. The curve of photocurrent vs film thickness rises to a maximum at a thickness of about 50 A, and then falls to a constant value of about 0.2 of the maximum. The photoelectric work function increases to a value of 4.27 ± 0.02  eV at a thickness of 50 A, and remains approximately constant as the thickness of the film is increased. The maximum in the yield curve is due to a maximum in the number of photons absorbed, probably due to scattering of the incident light between the irregular islands making up the film and to the relatively high surface-to-volume ratio of the islands.


The management of public utilities represents a complex issue even in normal operational conditions. In case of emergency the degree of complexity increases exponentially and the variables to take into account, the data to process, the useful expected outcomes and the decision processes need to be supported by technology.For these reasons, the eUmaP project aims to design and develop an open platform through which local authorities will be able to plan and manage the demand and supply of building utilities in case of quarantine or lock down. It will be based on the rational of Earth observation, and the recording of the required network information in open BIM platforms of five European capital cities (Rome, Berlin, Athens, Vilnius, Nicosia).The paper is focused on the architecture definition discussing the pros and cons of three different architectural schemes.


The paper deals with alternative cooling technologies for cryogenic targets with frozen polarization of hydrogen and deuterium nuclei. These targets are used on particle accelerators in experiments on the matter properties, and the results allow improving the fuel cryogenic targets in the implementation of inertial thermonuclear fusion. An important direction here is generation of spherical deuterium-tritium cryogenic targets. The creation of such cryogenic targets and optimization of their design requires large number of scientific experiments on particle accelerators. In accordance with conditions of the physical experiment two types of targets are used: a passive target (only for generation of secondary particles) and an active target (with built-in detector of secondary particles). An example of the active target may be a cryogenic ionization chamber where the extracted beam is used to study the temperature dependence of muonic catalysis of nuclear fusion in deuterium gas, hydrogen-deuterium and mixtures of deuteriumhydrogen. In order to cool cryogenic targets down to temperatures of 4.2–40 K helium refrigerators are used. However, a number of physical experiments especially for particles with large aperture angles require the usage of targets with frozen nuclear polarization. At the same time, the working temperature of the target is reduced to 100–300 mK. These temperatures are reachable in a continuous mode only in dilution refrigerators 3He- 4He. The discovery of the temperature reduction effect in the structures of the normal metal-insulator-superconductor (NIS) by tunneling of electrons through the junction (electron cooling) have led to active study of these devices in labs across the world not only as the active thermometer to measure the temperature in the region of < 300 mK but also as independent generators of cooling power. The main prospect of this direction is the creation of cooling devices on the basis of NIS matrix. In this paper we propose to use these devices with dilution refrigerators or separately in particle accelerators. It will minimize the size of the installation, reduce financial costs and enhance reliability during experiments. An example of a scheme of the accelerator with unit for the target cooling is provided. The paper in accordance with previously published results proposes the method for evaluative calculation of the number of NIS elements for cooler of targets with frozen nuclear polarization of hydrogen and deuterium.


As the traditional digital image scrambling methods are too complicated,a new method using extended Zig-zag scanning for digital image scrambling is proposed.In order to avoid the problem that single direction of the Zig-zag transform may cause positions of some points keep constant unchang,the solution which conducts Zig-zag iteration scrambling repeatedly from four directions is put forward,and the iteration times with four directions will be as the key to recover the scrambled image.The experiment results show that the algorithm has a good image scrambling effect,high safety,and the algorithm is simple and easy to realize.


Abstract We studied the effects of brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and predators on the reproductive biology of Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) in La Plata County, Colorado, 1992–1996. Overall, 36.4% of Yellow Warbler nests (n = 66) were parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds. Although parasitized and nonparasitized nests were equally likely to fledge at least one warbler, in nonparasitized nests, warblers had larger clutches, hatched more young, and tended to fledge more young. Frequency of parasitism was not influenced by nest height and, on a weekly basis, was not correlated with number of warbler nests initiated. Overall, 39.1% of Yellow Warbler nests were lost to predators, but complete predation was not affected by nest height. On a weekly basis, percent complete predation of warbler nests increased with number of active nests. No significant relationship existed between frequency of complete predation and frequency of parasitism in Yellow Warbler nests.


This case describes the strategies implemented in the development of an online Master's degree program in Health Professions Education (HPE) and an online short, Master's level diploma program. The strategies presented pertain to three of the main challenges identified: program cohesiveness, a multidisciplinary approach, and information technology literacy. The case describes meetings between the senior instructional designer, the program director, and the members of the development committee, which occurred over a period of approximately one year.


The behavior of the deployed software should be monitored against its security specifications to identify vulnerabilities introduced due to incorrect implementation of secure design decisions. Security specifications, including design-level ones, impose constraints on the behavior of the software. These constraints can be broadly categorized as non-time-critical and time-critical and have to be monitored in a manner that minimizes the monitoring overhead. In this paper, we suggest using a hybrid of event and time monitoring techniques to observe these constraints. The viability of the hybrid technique is assessed by comparing its effectiveness and performance with event and time monitoring techniques. The results indicate that the hybrid monitoring technique is more effective and efficient when compared separately with event or time monitoring.


Gas phase actinometry in the photoionization region was investigated via measurements of the current generated between collecting electrodes placed parallel or perpendicular to the light beam. The effects on the ion-current measurements of the space charge and of the distortion of the electric field by the LiF window and its metallic mounting were examined.


The absence of approved ideas which integrate society into a common project has converted this end of century into a very peculiar period of time in which education is called on to fulfil a fundamental role for the elaboration of policies, strategies and actions based on contextualized human development. This requires a more open conception of education for a personal transformation in a world which is also in the process of transformation. A great challenge is given to actual education in preparation for the third millennium: to generate and organize the best conditions and opportunities so that everybody has possibilities to fulfil potentials for growing, creating, planning and promoting for self wellbeing and that of the communities to which he/she belongs.


Training to improve executive functions in pre-schoolers is a hot topic since it's very important to enhance these cognitive abilities starting from a young age. Executive functions are associated with and predictive of other cognitive and social components. In literature, several researches support the idea that training with technological tools can provide more benefits, while others underline the importance of training with analogue materials. This paper highlights strengths and weaknesses of these two approaches and stimulates reflection on further research. on the basic components of EFs and represents a good tradeoff between individualized computer-based interventions and large-group curricular interventions. In line with Röthlisberger and colleagues (2012), Panesi, Ferlino & Podestà (2019) present a training intervention designed to promote EFs in preschoolers with typical and atypical development within the educational context. The intervention combines the use of technology (through specific apps) along with analogical materials. These studies open to a new field of research and provide practical implications in both educational and clinical contexts, allowing teachers and clinicians to offer children both individualized and collective activities by exploiting the potential of interventions with analog and digital tools.


AbstractThe effects of the administration for a commercial keto-profen gel on the percutaneous absorption of ketoprofen (through rabbit abdominal skin) were investigated. The AUC (area under the curve) value of absorbed ketoprofen for single topical administration of 6 g of ketoprofen gel applied with ODT (occlusive dressing technique) was found to be about 6 -fold greater than that of repeated administration of 1.5 g of ketoprofen gel applied with ODT at 6 h interval in a day. It was about 14-fold greater than that of repeated administration of 1.5 g of ketoprofen gel applied without ODT at 6 h interval in a day. The experiment of volatilation of ketoprofen gels and the in vitro release test of ketoprofen gel applied with ODT and without ODT had been, in addition, respectively approached. The volatilation of solvent in the gel, as a result of this, may clearly be the primary factor for inducing a sharp descending of the plasma ketoprofen level following the Cmax (maximun concentration) in the in vivo per...


In assembling a software engineering environment (SEE) from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tools and locally built components, a systematic approach is required that directs how the different pieces should be connected (i.e., integrated). This paper proposes such a method based on the notion that tool and component integration must take place in the context of a well-defined software process. The integration sufficiency profiles (ISPs) that result from this method can be used for constructing a new SEE or for analyzing the appropriateness of an existing SEE. A feature of this method is the emphasis on the use of ISPs in qualitative and quantitative analysis of a SEE.<<ETX>>


The objective of this report was to evaluate the physicochemical quality of Loratadine 10 mg tablets as a finished product by a national pharmaceutical laboratory based on the laboratory's own analytical techniques that are present in the United States Pharmacopeia version 40 (USP 40), for this reason, the sample was conformed of 200 Loratadine tablets batch: 1091217. The physicochemical parameters evaluated: aspect, identification, content, uniformity and uniformity of dosage unit. The results of each test performed were according to the acceptance criteria for the finished product before mentioned. It is concluded that the finished product Loratadine 10 mg tablets meets the corresponding physicochemical quality standars


This study examines the impact of regulatory pressure in the U.S. energy industry on auditing timeframe and risk based on a sample of 150 audit fee disclosures from proxy statements as well as 150 audit reports filed in 2012/2013 with Securities and Exchange Commission. It was found that in economic terms, the impact of moving from a non-regulated to a regulated industry on audit fees is a decrease of those fees by 15%. While the study results indicate that audit fees significantly decrease (increase) when the client firm operates in the regulated energy industry (non-regulated industry), no impact of regulations on audit timeframe is reported.


This study refers to examination into possible effects of service quality in water leisure sports facility on customer satisfaction, revisit intention and word-of-mouth intention. In order to determine possible associations among all respective sub factors that comprise service quality, customer satisfaction, revisit intention and word-of-mouth intention, and thereby take a new analytic approach to phenomena and provide a basic academic reference material, this study conducted a questionnaire survey for total 326 participants who resort to water leisure sports facility located in Gyeonggi and Gangwon province. All data collected from the survey were analyzed through factor analysis, reliability analysis, frequency analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. As a result, this study came to the following conclusions: First, the analysis on possible effects of service quality upon the sub factors of customer satisfaction showed that the service quality had most significant effects on program, which was followed by major facility, leadership and incidental facility respectively. Second, the analysis on possible effects of service quality on the sub factors of revisit intention showed that the service quality had most significant effects on leadership, which was followed by incidental facility and major facility respectively. Third, the analysis on possible effects of service quality on word-of-mouth intention showed that the service quality had most significant effects upon incidental facility, which was followed by employees, major facility and leadership respectively.


Abstract Background Chronic back pain has a major physical and psycho-social impact. There have been few subjective assessments of everyday life in relation to migration and ethnicity. Through a descriptive and qualitative cross-cultural design, the aim was to develop an in-depth understanding of how Turkish immigrants experience living with back pain. Methods We conducted a qualitative study based on interviews with Turkish immigrants suffering from CBP recruited from a rheumatology outpatient clinic. The analysis was based on Giorgi's phenomenological analysis. Results Eleven Turkish participants with chronic back pain (mean age 47.6) were recruited. Three essences resulted from the analysis: "Overwhelming and prevailing pain" – reflecting pain taking control of everyday life, "Being distressed in community life" – encompassing how pain causes changes in social roles, and "Looking for a way out of pain" – referring to feeling lost when being treated in the healthcare system, finding pain-management strategies and returning to Turkey for assistance. Conclusion Chronic back pain has a significant influence on daily life. Pain changes the feeling of identity relating to close relationships and in the Labor market. Most participants' proficiency in Danish language skills posed a challenge for the existing treatment paradigm, in which information is crucial for successful rehabilitation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION To improve access to both info on chronic back pain and its treatment, it is crucial that rehabilitation be offered in a range of languages. Proficiency in Danish varies greatly among immigrants, despite years of stay in Denmark. Engaging a professional interpreter early on in the rehabilitation program might improve patient compliance to the preferred treatment regimen. Including a peer-to-peer educational approach in parts of the rehabilitation program might be beneficial, as some immigrants remain skeptical towards the health care system in Denmark.


A Frequency - Modulated Continuous - Wave (FMCW) radar system is built to measure the distance to target in range of 1 - 4.5m with high accuracy. A method of range resolution enhancement using Gaussian window and Gaussian interpolation is proposed, simulated and implemented. The simulated results show that FMCW radar systems with Gaussian interpolation method implemented provide measurement errors smaller than 1mm, which is 500 times less than those of conventional systems. The proposed resolution enhancement algorithm is implemented on the designed FMCW radar system. The experiment results show that the designed radar system exhibits the maximum error less than 3mm in range of 1 - 4.5m. Methods to overcome the non-idea characteristics of the radar system is also proposed and implemented.


A dye-sensitised CO2 reduction photocatalyst that operates in water is reported. Transient spectroscopy demonstrates that the facile co-immobilisation of a Ru dye and a Ni CO2 reduction electrocatalyst enables efficient on-particle electron transfer leading to photocatalytic activity that greatly exceeds the equivalent solution based system.


Purpose To observe the clinicopathological features of adenoid cystic carcinoma and the relationship between CD117 expression and prognosis.Methods The clinical materials were collected and analyzed.The histopathologic features were observed.CD117 expression was detected by immunohistochemical technique.Results 33 males and 35 females were retrieved with an average age of 46.8 years.The tumor involved fossa orbitalis(21),nasal cavity and accessory sinuses(23),and other sites(24).Five years and ten years survival was 75.92% and 11.61%,respectively.Tubular and cribriform pattern were most common.Perineural,vascular and bone invasion were present in 49 cases.Histological pattern was the independent factor of prognosis(P=0.036).CD117 was overexpressed in glandular epithelia in 92.6% cases and wasn't related to prognosis(P=0.451).CD117 was overexpressed in myoepithelium in 42.6% cases and was related to histological pattern(P=0.021).Conclusions ACC has a better 5-years survival and a poor 10-years survival.CD117 overexpression in myoepithelia is related to histological grading and may indirectly suggest poor prognosis.


THE CLASSICAL HOLLYWOOD CINEMA: FILM STYLE AND MODE OF PRODUCTION TO 1960 by David Bordwell, Janet Staiger, and Kristin Thompson (New York: Columbia University Press, 1985 -- $49.95) NARRATION IN THE FICTION FILM by David Bordwell (Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1985 -- $37.50)


Abstract For an odd prime number p, let h−p denote the relative class number of the pth cyclotomic field . It is conjectured that h−p is odd when p is of the form p = 2ℓ + 1 with an odd prime number ℓ, and it is known that the conjecture is valid if 2 is a primitive root modulo ℓ. In this article, we handle a prime number p of the form p = 2e + 1ℓ + 1 with e ⩾ 1 and an odd prime number ℓ. For 1 ⩽ e ⩽ 4, we prove that h−p is odd whenever 2 is a primitive root modulo ℓ with the help of computer. Without the assumption on ℓ, we compute and find that, in the range e ⩾ 1, ℓ < 220 and p < 237, h−p is even only for four exceptional cases, where ℓ happened to be a Mersenne prime number. Further, computing for larger p with a Mersenne prime ℓ, we find one more exception.


Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are recognized as important drivers of plant health and productivity in agriculture but very often existing knowledge is limited to the topsoil. With growing interest in the role of subsoil in sustainable agriculture, we used high-throughput Illumina sequencing on a set of samples encompassing drilosphere, rhizosphere and bulk soil, in both top- and subsoil. Our results show subsoil AMF communities harbor unique Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and that both soil depths differ in community structure both at the OTU and family level. Our results emphasize the distinctness of subsoil AMF communities and the potential role of subsoil as a biodiversity reservoir.


In this paper the author details the role of the Research and Special Programmes Administration with reference to the transport of hazardous materials in the USA. The Department of Transportation regulates the transport of hazardous materials under the authority of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA). Under amendments to HMTA (entitled the "Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1990" or HMTUSA) enacted in 1990, Research and Special Programmes Administration (RSPA) has been delegated major new responsibilities. The law mandates RSPA to undertake numerous rulemakings and studies concerning issues such as standardized training, enhanced emergency planning, the improvement of the current placarding system, and the need for a central reporting system for hazardous materials (dangerous goods) shipments. The law also requires participation in international activities affecting hazardous material transport in order to provide for uniformity between U.S. and international regulations. These responsibilities are in addition to pre-existing responsibilities for ensuring the safety of hazardous materials in transport through the promulgation and enforcement of regulations on packaging, hazard communication, classification of hazardous materials, and coordination of emergency response activities. For the covering abstract of this conference, see IRRD 859800.


Aquaculture is a nuiltidisciplinary activity, more complex, than agriculture due to |
the multidimensional aquatic medium. The aquaculture boom and increased
socioeconomic benefits together with increase in extent and intensity of aquaculture are
 alleged to have created several problems, particularly those of deteriorating water and soil
quality and outbreak of diseases (Kutty, 1999). For example, the global production of
farmed shrimp has doubled in the past 15 years. India has also witnessed such
spectacular growth in shrimp farming until the mid nineties, after which it became beset
with disease and environmental problems. Overstocking, overfeeding and excessive use
of antibiotics during farming are some of the reasons attributed to the outbreak of shrimp
diseases. Even by the year 2001, a total solution to the problem has evaded the scientists
and policy makers. But what has been recognised now by scientists and policy makers is
that aquaculture must be environmentally friendly so that it can sustain itself without
seriously affecting the coastal ecosystem. In other words, the ecological footprint of
aquaculture must be sufficiently small so as to ensure sustainability.


acknowledged control over land produce. Their power had grown as central authority steadily weakened during the nawab's regime, leading to conflicts between various types of intermediaries in the eighteenth century. The Company tried to contain these conflicts and to curb the zamindar's political power. The peasants consisted of occupancy tenants with more or less secure customary rights as well as nonoccupancy tenants. In practice, many peasants combined both these features. How tenancy changed in the course of the agrarian expansion is an issue that needed more discussion.


Understanding how data workers interact with data and various pieces of information (e.g., code snippet examples) is key to design systems that can better support them in exploring a given dataset. To date, however, there is a paucity of research studying information seeking patterns and the strategies adopted by data workers as they carry out data curation activities. In this work, we aim at understanding the behaviors of data workers in discovering data quality issues, and how these behavioral observations relate to their performance. Specifically, we investigate how data workers use information resources and tools to support their task completion. To this end, we collect a multi-modal dataset through a data-driven experiment that relies on the use of eye-tracking technology with a purpose-designed platform built on top of iPython Notebook. The collected data reveals that: (i) searching in external resources is a prevalent action that can be leveraged to achieve better performance; (ii) 'copy-paste-modify' is a typical strategy for writing code to complete tasks; (iii) providing sample code within the system could help data workers to get started with their task; and (iv) surfacing underlying data is an effective way to support exploration. By investigating the behaviors prior to each search action, we also find that the most common reasons that trigger external search actions are the need to seek assistance in writing or debugging code and to search for relevant code to reuse. Our findings provide insights into patterns of interactions with various system components and information resources to perform data curation tasks. This bears implications on the design of domain-specific IR systems for data workers like code-base search.


A single-mode colored-loss-noise dye-laser model with additive spontaneous emission noise term is treated by a new version of approximate effective Fokker–Planck equation which is proved to be valid below at and above threshold. Particular attention is paid to the dye-laser operation below threshold, where the additive noise term seems to play irreplaceable role in the context of the above mentioned model, preventing collapsing of the system to the vacuum state.


Objective To develop a new design of microstrip transmission line(MTL) volume coil integrated with head holder for the whole small animal brain MRI,in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) of deep brain region. Methods A prototype coil was developed and constructed using 16 MTL resonant elements. The mineral oil images,saline phantom images and in-vivo cat brain images were acquired for coil test and validation. Results Homogeneity and sensitivity distributed evenly in the entire cat brain. The fMRI clearly displayed the thalamocortical visual network connecting lateral geniculate nucleus and primary visual cortex in the cat brain. Conclusion The MTL volume coil can fix the cat brain stably,decrease the motion artifacts and improve the image quality. The coil is superior for investigating the brain functions,in particular and deep brain regions.


Lean start-up approach provides both small and larger companies a novel, important and useful way to organise their business development, while reducing related high risks. Traditional start-ups face a multitude of significant challenges and risks. A study by Ghosh (cf. Ref. [1]) showed that as many as 75% of all start-ups fail. Earlier research has preliminarily demonstrated that crowdsourcing has the potential to reduce the risks of failure of start-ups as well as overcome some of the inherent challenges lean start-ups face. The goal of this paper is to explore and understand in more detail the possibilities of crowdsourcing for value creation in lean start-up companies by analysis of interesting pioneering companies. We found that crowdsourcing can significantly improve the leanness and agility of a major part of start-ups' business functions. Major approaches and mechanisms of the various ways that crowds can be used to create value for start-ups and make them lean are presented, and the examples of how pioneering companies have used crowdsourcing platforms in lean start-ups value creation are illustrated.


Objective: To observe the clinical effect of laparoscopy combined with minimally invasive confirmed bile stone extraction in the treatment of gallbladder calculi;and to analyze the safety.Methods: 80 patients with gallbladder calculi were randomly divided into groups.The 46 cases in observation group,were given laparoscopy combined with minimally invasive confirmed bile stone extraction,while 34 cases in control group were given traditional cut gallbladder bile duct lithotomic.Results: Operation time was 93.7 ±17.0 min in observation group was obviously less than 118.7 ±10.6 min in control group(P 0.05);the amount of bleeding was 91.7 ±27.3 mL in observation group,obviously less than that of 142.7±17.0 mL in control group(P0.05);Anal exhaust time and the length of hospital stay in observation group was obviously less than that in control group(P0.05);Incision infection rate 4.3% in observation group was obviously less than that of 17.6% in control group(P0.05);Recurrence rate was 2.2% in observation group,obviously less than that of 14.7% in control group(P0.05).Conclusion: The clinical curative effect of Patients with cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis using Laparoscopy Combined with choledochoscopy for preservation of cholecyst and removal of calculus is good;the treatment can shorten operation time,reduce amount of bleeding,improve the safe reliability,so it is helpful for patients postoperative rehabilitation.


Paediatric cataract is an important problem all over the world. In developing countries, it is a major cause of childhood blindness resulting in a considerable level of morbidity, economic loss, and social burden. Managing cataracts in children remains a challenge because treatment is often difficult, due to the several ways in which the eyes of children differ from that of adults. The high cost of operative equipment and the uneven world distribution of the manpower that is required make the challenges unique. To assure the best long term outcome for cataract blind children, appropriate paediatric surgical techniques need to be defined and adopted by ophthalmic surgeons in developing countries. This review focuses on issues related to paediatric cataract management that are appropriate and suitable for ophthalmic surgeons in the developing world. It is hoped that adoption of some of the suggested guidelines and recommendations will lead to improved surgical outcome in developing countries, and thereby increase the uptake of the available services. Key words: paediatric cataract management, developing countries


Optic nerve injuries always result in the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells. People begin to pay more attention to its mechanism and the approach of restraining apoptosis,in order to protect the injuried optic nerves.This article reviews some progresses that has been maken in the experimental study.


Bismuth Titanate based electroceramics of layered perovskite structures are technologically important materials for high temperature piezoelectric and ferroelectric applications, due to their high Curie temperature (675° C), Stable piezoelectric response and excellent dielectric properties. The compounds ABi4Ti4O15 (A = Ba, Sr & Pb) belongs to Aurivillius family (n = 4) in which BaBi4Ti4O15 crystallizes in tetragonal I4/mmm space group, Sr Bi4Ti4O15 and PbBi4Ti4O15 crystallizes in orthorhombic space group A21am. In the present work ABi4Ti4O15 (A = Ba, Sr & Pb) ceramic samples are prepared through the solid state reaction by conventional mixed oxides by calcination at high temperature. Dielectric constant (e'r) and Dielectric Loss (D) for all the compositions as a function of temperature measured from frequencies 100 Hz to 100 KHz using a HIOKI 3532–50 LCR meter. The dielectric constant increases gradually with an increase in temperature up to transition temperature (Tc, K) and then decreases.


1.1 Purpose. This document is a guide for the development, evaluation, and review of proposed and existing practice guidelines. It is designed to promote quality and consistency in practice guideline development and to describe the criteria by which practice guidelines are evaluated and reviewed. These criteria are designed to assist in the development of guidelines that are broadly applicable to a range of practice areas yet provide sufficient specificity to assist the practitioner in providing high quality psychological services. The intent behind these criteria is to ensure deliberation and care in the development of practice guidelines. This document is intended for practice guideline development committees composed entirely of psychologists and for multidisciplinary efforts in which psychologists are involved. The term practice guidelines refers to a document that includes a set of statements that recommend specific professional conduct for psychologists. Proposed practice guidelines are not considered American Psychological Association (APA) policy until they have been approved through the formal APA process. Guidelines are created to educate and to inform the practice of psychologists. They are also intended to stimulate debate and research. Guidelines are not to be promulgated as a means of establishing the identity of a particular group or specialty area of psychology; likewise, they are not to be created with the purpose of excluding any psychologist from practicing in a particular area. Guidelines must be reasonable, as described in the APA ASME Guidelines (APA, 1992). All guidelines should be well researched, aspirational in language, and appropriate in goals. 1.2 Guidelines Versus Standards. The term guidelines refers to statements that suggest or recommend specific professional behavior, endeavor, or conduct for psychologists. Guidelines differ from standards in that standards are mandatory and may be accompanied by an enforcement mechanism. Thus, guidelines are aspirational in intent. They are intended to facilitate the continued systematic development of the profession and to help assure a high level of professional practice by psychologists. Guidelines are not intended to be mandatory or exhaustive and may not be applicable to every professional and clinical situation. They are not definitive and they are not intended to take precedence over the judgment of psychologists. 1.3 Practice Versus Treatment Guidelines. Although the terms practice guidelines and treatment guidelines are often used interchangeably, APA draws a distinction between the two and encourages consistent use of terminology within the association. Treatment guidelines provide specific recommendations about clinical interventions. They tend to be conditionor treatment-specific and are typically disorder based (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, substance abuse, depression). For guidance in developing treatment guidelines, refer to the "Criteria for Evaluating Treatment Guidelines" (APA, 2002b, this issue). In contrast to treatment guidelines, practice guidelines consist of recommendations to professionals concerning their conduct and the issues to be considered in particular areas of psychological practice (e.g., APA Committee on Professional Practice and Standards, 1999; APA Division 44/Committee on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Concerns Task Force on Guidelines for Psychotherapy With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients, 2000). 1.4 Background. These criteria are a revision of the Criteria for Guideline Development and Review originally developed by APA's Committee on Professional Practice and Standards (COPPS) and adopted by the APA Council


The vibrational spectrum (infrared, Raman, and far infrared) of silver azide crystals has been measured over the frequency range from 40 to 4000 cm−1. A factor‐group analysis was carried out for the classification and determination of selection rules of the k ≃ 0 vibrational modes of the crystals. Individual assignments are made for the modes due to lattice transitions, the multiplicity of fundamentals in the infrared and Raman, and for numerous combinations constituting fine structure in the medium infrared. Observed band structure of single‐crystal spectra are strongly influenced by crystal structure orientation with respect to the incident beam. Numerical checks are provided for the assignment of essentially all combinations and indirect determinations are made of the frequencies of several modes which are neither infrared nor Raman active. Discussion is made of observed absorptions which apparently are not governed by factor group selection rules. The over‐all observed spectrum is in general agreement...


Nowadays increasing the data storage capacity is one of the important challenges, due to the more demands for using cloud services. There have been offered several approaches to identify and remove duplicated data in virtual machines prior to sending their data to a shared storage resource. Therefore method of storage information should be efficient also the method of finding data should be intelligent as much as possible. However, there is no approach among various storing data approaches, to be absolutely expected to have the best performance in the use of bandwidth for storage. One of the useful strategies to have fast and efficient data storage is de-duplication. In this paper, we will address various deduplication approaches and consider advantages and disadvantages of them.


The aim of the paper is to reread Benjamin's philosophy of language through the concept of expression. The first paragraph explains the general outline within the question of how expression and language is thought, especially in the early speculation of Benjamin. The language – far from being a mere instrument – is the medium in which each thing communicates itself: it is the essential principle, which structures each element of reality. The language, as a pure expression that does not refer to other than itself, is the true a priori of all things, either animated or inanimate. The second paragraph shows the proximity of Benjamin's linguistic speculation and to the kabbalistic thought of Abulafia and Scholem. The reflections about the Name of God as the supreme expression (that is what is meaningless and what, at the same time, gives meaning to everything else) indicate to Benjamin the way to rethink the conditions of the possibility of language. What is communicated within the name is language itself. Therefore the human language, inasmuch as it is able to denominate, mainly participates in this pure expressive capacity of the Name of God. Suggesting a confrontation with Wittgenstein, the third paragraph explains why, according to Benjamin, the task of philosophy consists in placing itself in this anterior level of the meaning. The task precisely consists in saying the inexpressible that is the language itself, its event as pure expression.


Distribution of permafrost is largely controlled by climatic conditions. Current permafrost monitoring methods are based on in-situ measurements and modeling and they are mostly local measurements which offer only limited insight in the impacts of global climate variations on the regional to global scale. Permafrost is a subsurface phenomenon which cannot be directly measured with remotely sensed data. But the spatial distribution, thickness and temperature of permafrost is highly dependent on the condition of the active layer overlaying the permafrost. Satellite data can be utilized for operational monitoring of the permafrost active layer by means of a number of indicators and parameters, which are highly valuable for permafrost modeling and monitoring. In this study we present the usage of backscatter measurements from ASCAT scatterometer onboard Metop for detection of freeze/thaw conditions in high latitudes and validate the results with synoptic meteorological measurements. It is shown that there is a high correlation between frozen/unfrozen flag extracted from ASCAT data and the in-situ air temperature measurements.