Aim To establish an LC-ESI-MS method for determination of saikosaponin a and investigate its application to pharmacokinetic study in rats.Methods 12 rats were given 5 or 50 mg·kg-1 saikosaponin a via iv or ig.Drug plasma concentration was determined by LC-ESI-MS and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated by DAS Software.Results Calibration curve was linear between 0.025~5 mg·L-1 and LOQ was 25 μg·L-1,the recoveries of saikosaponin a from plasma over than 80%,and RSD of inter-day and intra-day assay was limited in 10%.After iv administration of 5 mg·kg-1 saikosaponin a,the pharmacokinetic parameters of Tmax,Cmax,AUC0-t,T1 2β,CL and Vd were 5 min,1 907 μg·L-1,6 4370 mg·h-1·L-1,100.6 min,0.0867 L·min-1·kg-1,21.89 L·kg-1 respectively.Conclusion The above-mentioned method is sensitive and specific,and suitable for pharmacokinetic studies of saikosaponin a in rats.


OBJECTIVE: To collect and bank human skin fibroblasts from patients with genetically and clinically characterized neurodegenerative disorders at Mayo Clinic Florida.
BACKGROUND: With recent technological advances in the field of regenerative medicine, studying the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders is of paramount importance in order to both understand the disease and find cure.
DESIGN/METHODS: The skin biopsy specimens were collected from 76 patients.
RESULTS: The diagnoses included hereditary Parkinson's disease (n=32; gene mutations: TDP43:p.N267S, PINK1:p.G411S, PINK1:p.I368N/p.I368N, PINK1:Q456X homozygote, LRRK2:R144C, LRRK2:G2019S, both heterozygote and homozygote, LRRK2:Y1699C, LRRK2:potential duplication, PARK2:R275W+intragene deletion, Parkin:Ex 4-7del/c.203_204del AG, Parkin:R275W/R275Q compound, SNCA: triplication, SNCA duplication, SNCA:A53T), pallido-ponto-nigral degeneration (n=7; gene: mutations: MAPT:N279K), ataxias (n=7, gene:mutations: FRD1: Allele1 1066 GAA repeats, Allele2: 366 GAA repeats, ATXN3: CAG repeats Allele1=71, Allele2=23, CACNA1A:R1346X, ATXN8OS, CACNA1A, exon 11 deletion), frontotemporal dementia (n=5, gene: mutations: MAPT:R406W, PGRN:c26C>A), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n=4, gene:mutations: TDP-43:G298S, SOD1:I113T, FUS:c.1561 C>G, C90RF72), dystonia (n=4, gene:mutations: THAP1:c.446T G p.K16E, SGCE:c.812G>A p.Cys271Tyr), frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (n= 4, gene:mutations: MAPT:V337M, MAPT:P301L), Perry syndrome (n=4, gene:mutations: DCTN1:G71R, DCTN1:T72P), hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids (n=2, gene:mutations: CSF1R: p.M875T, CSF1R: p.C774_N814delinsQGLQSHVGPSLPSSSPQAQ), Alzheimer's disease (n=2, gene:mutation: causative presenilin 1: G>A codon 97, nucleotide 537), cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (n=1, NOTCH3), Huntington's disease (n= 1; gene:mutation: IT15 CAG repeat Allele 1=22 Allele 2=40), McLeod syndrome (n=1, XG gene), olivopontocerebellar atrophy (n=1, gene:mutation: C9ORF72, hexanucleotide expansion), and paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (n=1, gene:mutation: PRRT2 c.649dupC, p.R217Pfs*8).
CONCLUSIONS: This large and growing collection of fibroblast cultures will be highly valuable for generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for regenerative medicine projects by Mayo Clinic investigators and outside collaborators.
Study Supported by: the NIH/NINDS RC2 NS070276 and P50 NS072187, Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine, the gift from Carl Edward Bolch, Jr., and Susan Bass Bolch, and the Max Kade Foundation. Disclosure: Dr. Wszolek has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, and for the European Journal of Neurology. Dr. Wszolek has received license fee payments from Mayo Clinic. Dr. Wright has received research support from the National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic Florida, and the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. Dr. Tacik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fujioka has nothing to disclose. Dr. Strongosky has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis, Eisai Inc., and the ANS. Dr. Zhao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kanekiyo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bu has nothing to disclose.


The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results of a broad market survey we have undertaken which encompasses a total of 25 insurance groups. These groups account for over 90% of the Australian insurance market in the main Property classes - Householders and Fire - in both the private and public sectors. The aim of this survey was to generate :- 1. an estimate of the total net retained exposures of the Australian insurance market in each of the major regions 2. the relativity of these exposures to industry solvency 3. the amount of catastrophe protection which the industry purchases on these retained aggregates, and what this represents as a Probable Maximum Loss coverage in the major zones 4. market catastrophe coverage as a percentage of industry solvency 5. an estimate of the catastrophe retention of the industry and its relativity to solvency.


dealwithmanyoftheunpleasant (but yetimportant) aspects ofcommunication. Castalia alsofeatures a Thepaperpresents ourefforts tovalidate some flexible physical process model,takesintoaccount high-level aspects oftheWSNsimulator wehavebuilt usually neglected issues suchasclock drift, sensor bias, aswellastheoperational functionality ofourmulti- sensor energy consumption, CPUenergy consumption, parameter MAC protocol. Inorder todoso,weresort andmonitors resources suchasmemoryusageand torealdeployments involving TelosBmotes.The CPUtime(apart formtheobvious energy resource). simulator, namedCastalia, boasts themostaccurate Thechallenge istodetermine ifthesemore wireless channel andradio models forWSNfoundin accurate modelsdoprovide uswithagoodenough current literature. Thesemodels arecapturing some correspondence withreal deployments. Inthis paper we essential experimentalfindings. Thisdoesnotguaranty makethefirst steps toanswerthis question. We deploy though that thesimulator will behave similarly witha a smallnetwork of9 TelosBnodesina70mx90m realdeployment atthehighlevel (i.e., theprotocol or indoor space andtakeseveral measurements relating to application level). We investigate how ourmulti- thelinkquality between nodes. Whenaninteresting parameter MAC protocol behaves inareal deploymentenough connectivity mapisfound(i.e., somewhere in soastotakea first steptowards validating and between "toomanygoodquality links pernode"and possibly tuning Castalia. Theinvestigation starts by "mostly disconnected nodes") weproceed bytesting determining theconnectivity map forthereal theperformance ofavalue propagation application by deployment andthentrying toreproduce itinthe tuning multiple parameters relating totheMAC simulator. We thenproceed withtheprotocol testingprotocol. We thentrytoreplicate themainfeatures of andcomparing. We report thedifficulties facedand these results inCastalia. Ourmainfindings are:1)there ourfindings fromthis process. areimportant differences intheresults fromthereal deployment andthesimulation partly because ofthe


The exhibition and application of the educational programming projects is an important way to achieve resources sharing.We can take the mode of "five steps and double centers",that is,to select the achievements of projects by two aspects,to make the application plan according to double choices,to train the participators with two ways,to implement the application plan with interaction of two parties and to supervise and reflect on the application.


The paper considers a two-dimensional mathematical model of the filtration of a viscous, incompressible fluid in a deformable porous medium. The article describes a mathematical model of the problem at the "oil-water" interface with a system of parabolic differential equations. The problem posed is solved numerically using the differential-difference method based on the longitudinal-transverse scheme and the differential sweep method to determine the unknown boundary. To obtain a differential-difference problem, an algorithmic representation of a hidden scheme of alternating directions (longitudinal-transverse scheme) is used. The resulting system of differential-difference equations with initial conditions is known for each time layer along straight lines along the x axis, and then along each y axis it is solved by a differential sweep along a straight line, where the values just found correspond to time, i.e., the layer is taken as initial conditions. By approximating the differential equations in time, the position of the interface is determined for each time layer.


In this paper, we introduce the concept of s-asymptotically $\omega$-periodic sequences. We prove some properties of these S-asymptotically $\omega$-periodic sequences, including a pair of discrete sums, one a finite convolution the other infinite. These sums are then utilized to find S-asymptotically $\omega$-periodic solutions of first order difference equations, linear and then semi-linear.


Background: Fixed bed adsorber as a controlling method for volatile organic compounds is widely used. However, these adsorbers are facing some issues such as high pressure drop, non-uniformed distribution of fluid, channeling and blockage. Fluidized bed adsorber as a novel method solves lots of these limitations. Objectives: This research aimed at investigating factors affecting the adsorption of vapors of VOCs on fluidized bed adsorbers. Materials and Methods: To assess adsorption, an annular fluidized bed reactor was designed and charged with activated carbon particles with size of 50 100 and 100 140 American society for testing and materials(ASTM) standard mesh, respectively. To calculate the minimum fluidization velocity, Ergun equation was used. The effect of inlet concentration (400 600 ppmv), fluidization velocity, particle size distribution and breakthrough time were investigated under a steady state. Results: Tests indicated that by increasing flow rate from 0.3 (L/min), bubbles formed in the bed and the bed's pressure drop suddenly declined. The adsorption test indicated that, when Q = 3 (L/min), the removal efficiency of activated carbon (AC) (100 140 mesh ASTM), was nearly 100% up to 99 min and it reached zero after 260 min. For 50 100 Mesh AC, the removal efficiency was close to 100% up to 95 min and it reached zero after 270 Minutes. The results also indicated that increasing initial concentration and flow rate reduces breakthrough time. However, two flow rates, 2 and 3 (L/min) Comparison, did not reveal significant differences in the removal efficiency of the bed before breakthrough time. Conclusions: Results indicated that annular fluidized bed reactor's adsorbers are useful techniques for VOCs adsorption. Comparison of two particle ranges indicates that in all concentrations and all flow rates of the experiments, smaller particle size adsorption are better. In superficial velocity above the minimum fluidization velocity, pressure drop of fluidized beds are less than the pressure drop of fixed beds. So fluidized bed systems are more applicable for smaller adsorber particles.


We estimate the short-, medium- and long-run effects of different types of government-sponsored training in West Germany using particularly rich data which allows to control for selectivity by matching methods and to measure interesting outcome variable over eight years after programme start. We use distance weighted radius matching with a weighted-regression based bias removal procedure to increase precision and robustness of standard matching estimators. We find negative employment effects in the short-run for all programme types whose magnitude and length of occurrence is directly related to programme duration. In the longer run most types of training seem to increase employment rates by about 10%-points, and for both the shortest and the longest, most intensive programme type these positive effects seem to be sustainable over the eight-year observation period. For the latter programme, however, the positive effects are not (yet?) sufficient to compensate for the large initial lock-in effect.


The FFT, the efficient algorithm for implementing the DFT, enjoys great acceptance as the signal processing tool for spectrum analysis, for channelized receivers, and for fast convolution. In the first applications, spectrum analysis, the FFT is supported by a set of weights, the window, applied to data multiplicatively. In the second application the FFT is supported by a set of weights, the filter, applied to data convolutionally. Both operations accomplish the same task; that of spectral decomposition with controlled spectral response. In reality, the two operations are identically the same since the sliding windowed FFT is in fact a particular implementation of a resampling filter bank. Since the two processes are the same, when a system includes both a channelizer and a spectrum analyzer that steers the channelizer to spectral areas of interest the two can be combined or coupled to share their computational burden. In this paper we illustrate the benefit of this merged option.


Objective: Previous reports have indicated that blood pressure (BP) reductions imparted by baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) in patients with resistant hypertension (rHTN) are maintained for at least 5 years. Because such reports have focused only on patients who remain active, it is possible that selection bias could overstate the impact of BAT. The purpose of this investigation is to comprehensively describe long-term BP reductions in rHTN patients receiving BAT using all data currently available. Design and method: Following collection of the pre-specified 12-month endpoints, patients were followed every 6 months. BP data were collected at each follow-up using a protocol-defined technique to minimize bias. Results: Original trial enrollment consisted of 322 patients. Of those, 182 presently remain active while 140 are inactive due to withdrawal from the study (112) or death (28). Consistent with earlier reports, BP reductions were > 30/15 mmHg for at least 6 years. Long-term therapy safety was excellent with low rates of stroke, myocardial infarction and hypertensive urgency. Figure. No caption available. Conclusions: BAT-induced BP reductions in rHTN patients were remarkably consistent over time, maintaining high levels of clinical and statistical significance. Previous reports of only active patients faithfully represent the true course of BP response to BAT in a large rHTN cohort.


T n a previous paper the writer ('23) extended into lower vertebrates the mork done on the mammalian heart by 1lacCallum ( '00) and Mall ( 'll), and described the musculature of the ventricles in the fish, frog, turtle, and bird. The fowl heart was found to be in all essentials like that of pig and man. The rest form a series of increasing complexity. All three, of course, are furnished with a single ventricle. Tlie chief muscle coat in the fish and frog is a circular one. The turtle ventricle, on the other hand, is provided with a coat of spirally running fibers, and a rudimentary muscular septum-two features not found in Ichthyopsida, but very highly developed in birds and mammals. For such a study the alligator heart would have been very useful. It would have closed the gap between the turtle and bird, and would have helped one understand the formation of the interventricular septum. I have recently obtained through Mr. Percy Viosca, of New Orleans, adult hearts of the American alligator (A. mississippiens), and can now describe the architecture of its ventricles, and complete the analysis of the interventricular septum. The general anatomy of the alligator heart is described in many text-books; the account of Owen ( '68) is especially


This study was an attempt to develop and measure the validity of a statistical module for educational research which can be an input to sustainable quality research among student-researchers of Laguna State Polytechnic University. In this study, it was hypothesized that subjects' evaluation on the developed module is significantly correlated to their performance. It was also hypothesized the existence of significant difference between the extents of evaluation of groups of respondents on the characteristics of the developed module. Based on the result, the developed module in Statistics has very high extent of validity in terms of specific objectives, content, language used, and evaluation activities. The utilization of the developed module leads students to have a very satisfactory performance. This performance shows that they do not only know the concepts included in the subject but also they can apply statistics in real life situations. Likewise, the performance of students has increased after the utilization of the developed module which is attributed to the attainment of the specific objectives in every lesson provided in the module and the language being used. In addition, if students were given step by step procedure which is easily understood, their performance would be increased.


Results of the field plot trial by artificial inoculation showed that Jinyebao had the best controlling effect on CMV, the effect still kept at 40.6% after being inoculated with CMV for 26 days, the effect of No. II Zhibingling and No. I Zhibingling had been at 28.96% and 26.09% respectively; content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotinoid in tobacco plants which had been infected with CMV decreased significantly, content of the total phenols and the flavonoid increased, activities of the PAL enhanced; the application of Jinyebao and No. II Zhibingling can effectively control the damage caused by the virus disease (CMV), make the ratio on content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotinoid, total phenols and flavonoid close to 1, strengthen the activity of the PAL in the meantime.


The greenhouse cultivation system in European countries represents one of the most energy-intensive sectors in the agriculture and agro-industry sector. In this regard, renewable energies represent an innovative solution to reduce energy costs and environmental impacts. Both, the energy demands and the economic aspects are analyzed with regard to the main energy users, i.e.: heating and cooling systems, lighting and pumping for irrigation. This work considers the use of solar photovoltaic and thermal energy. The use of semi-closed greenhouses is also considered.


This study addresses perceptual distance between principal and agent in projects and how the principal attempts to prevent or mitigate this perceptual distance by means of control. Specifically, we investigate two controlling mechanisms: power-based control (i.e. mediated power) and contract-based control (contractual specificity) and we study how these two mechanisms influence the perceptual distance that is observed on several key relationship issues through their effect on social identification and information asymmetry. We investigate these phenomena in four rail-infrastructure projects. Based upon a cross-case comparison we can conclude that both control measures do not decrease perceptual distance; on the contrary, mediated power rather increases perceptual distance. Other findings are that acknowledgement of power that is held at both sides and contractual quality are features of the projects in which less perceptual distance is found.


For filling the needs of online drawing of mechanical components,the online dynamically drawing system adopting Silverlight as tools was explored.The normal drawing controls seen in most CAD software are included with the help of Silverlight's strong power on RIA.The test run of the system approves it has the characteristic of abundant function and draw conveniently and meet the demand of online drawing,can applied in networking teaching and cooperative design related mechanism.


In today's complex business environment, creating and delivering value to the customer, as the ultimate goal of business models, implies continuous research of elements and relationships within the business model. Despite the growing level of quality research in the field of business models, there seems to be a remarkable gap in the topic of tourism, especially in sport tourism. Being a unique combination of an experience-oriented activity (i.e. tourism) and a performance-oriented activity (i.e. sport), sport tourism presents many challenges to service providers. In fostering sustainable and profitable sport tourism, it is reasonable to ask how complex challenges affect business models and whether new model definitions and elements should be propounded. The aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual business model for sport tourism that will consider some critical issues that challenge the industry. First, a range of contrasting perspectives regarding business model elements will be analysed. Second, three potentially significant issues for sport tourism operators – tourist experience, safety and security, and the importance of the environment – will be analysed, and their position within the context of the business model will be discussed. Finally, a new conceptual business model framework for sport tourism will be proposed. This framework would facilitate research into the managerial aspects of sport tourism supply to provide additional guidelines for practitioners, particularly for small, private-owned businesses.


Recent technologic advances in multidetector computed tomography have allowed the performance of simultaneous acquisition dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). The advantages of this new technique include simultaneous visualization of lower voltage tube images with improved iodine conspicuity and the performance of material specific imaging, which attempts to differentiate specific materials in the generated images. In this article, we review the concepts and physical principles of DECT using congenital thoracic abnormalities as a substrate for depicting the versatility of DECT.


BACKGROUND
We evaluated the effect of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) on the progression of obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving insulin therapy.

METHODS
Using a multicenter clinical data warehouse, we analyzed the patients receiving insulin therapy for T2DM who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for ≥2 times. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of DPP-4i prescription between the two CCTA examinations. The prevalence of OCAD (>50% stenosis on CCTA), new revascularization rates, and changes in the coronary calcium score (CCS) were analyzed.

RESULTS
A total of 623 patients were included, and a DPP-4i was prescribed to 380 (60.9%) patients. The median time difference between the two CCTAs was 39.0 (17.0-61.4) months. Newly developed OCAD at the follow-up CCTA was detected in 62 (16.3%) patients in the DPP-4i group and 76 (31.3%) patients in the no DPP-4i group (p < 0.001). The risk of new OCAD or new revascularization was lower in the DPP-4i group (19.7% vs. 38.7%; p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, the prevalence of new OCAD (15.9% vs. 29.5%; p = 0.001) and the composite rate of new OCAD or new revascularization (18.7% vs. 37.3%; p < 0.001) were lower in the DPP-4i group. The change in CCS per year did not differ significantly between the two groups (9.1 [0.1-56.8] vs. 13.5 [0.0-78.6]; p = 0.715).

CONCLUSIONS
Add-on DPP-4i therapy would be beneficial in preventing coronary artery disease progression in patients with T2DM receiving insulin therapy.


Studied the growth of two LAB communities in the media of corn powder,corn gluten meal and potato starch to screening the optimum culture medium.The results showed that the best proportion of corn powder or corn gluten meal to glucose was 7:3 for the growth of LBC-8.Decreasing degree of pH value and increasing range of OD600nm of two LAB communities at corn powder plus glucose medium were higher than those at potato starch plus yeast powder medium.The best proportion of potato starch to yeast powder were 3:7(5.0×107 CFU/mL) and 5:5(3.4×107 CFU/mL),respectively for the colony forming unit of two LAB communities.


Abstract Sustainable building materials are based on the use of renewable materials instead of non-renewable. Large group of renewable materials composes of plant fibres having high tensile strength are used as fillers into building material with reinforcement function of composite. This study aimed to establish the mechanical and physical properties of cement composites with organic fillers, such as wood pulp. Wood pulp cellulose is very interesting material as reinforcement in cement which contributes to a reduction of pollutants. Varying the producing technology (wood pulp and cement ratio in mixture) it is possible to obtain composites with density from 940 to 1260 kgm-3 and with compressive strength from 1.02 to 5.44 MPa after 28 days of hardening. Based on the experimental results, cement composites with using unbleached wood pulp reach higher values than composites based on bleached wood pulp. Volume ratio of unbleached wood pulp in composites influences water absorbability of cement composites


Events continue to swirl around the precipitous departure of W.R. Grace's president and chief executive officer, J. P. Bolduc. Grace's stock rose sharply March 8-10, as speculative investors took the view that the worst was over. But the stock turned back down after an attempt by Thomas A. Holmes, the outside director who was elected by Grace's board to serve as interim president and CEO (C&EN, March 13, page 7), to reassure shareholders that the company remains committed to its strategic plan. "The paramount issues for the Grace board of directors are addressing the concerns of the company's shareholders and ensuring the continued successful operation of the company's businesses," Holmes said in a statement on March 13. Holmes's apparently futile attempt to comfort investors came several days after a March 8 meeting in New York City with institutional shareholders. Large stakeholders, including the College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), had questioned the abrupt resignation of Bolduc, ...


Cu doped ZnS microstructures were prepared by the thermal evaporation method using ZnS powder and CuCl2.2H2O powder as precusor materials. The microstructures was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The XRD studies indicated that there are two phases (ZnS and ZnO) at the undoped sample, but most of the samples are only having wurtzite (hexagonal) phase of ZnS after doping. The photoluminescence emission and photoluminescence excitation of ZnS and Cu 2+ doped ZnS microstructures have been studied. The photoluminescence excitation spectra of ZnS microstructures is presented around 374 nm. By doping of Cu 2+ ion, the absorption wavelength is shifted towards the lower wavelength being an evidence for an increasing band gap. The emission spectrum of pure ZnS has a green emission band centred at around 520 nm. By doping Cu 2+ ion, the peak of the green band in the luminescence spectra were transferred to 516 nm and appeared a strong blue peak at 440 nm. The reasons of these will be discussed in this paper.


Introduction: Mindfulness-Based cognitive therapy is one of the techniques for shaping behavior and procedure for changing non-adaptive beliefs by using cognitive-behavioral theory to treat addiction disorders. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of cognitive therapy based on Mindfulness on emotional regulation of opioid users. Method: In a pretest-posttest with control group among 20 drug users in Sanandaj city, 20 patients were selected through available sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of 10 experimental and control groups Replaced. The experimental group received knowledge about cognitive-based cognitive therapy for 8 sessions of 90 minutes (1 session per week), but no training was provided for the control group. The members of both groups were tested on the basis of the emotional regulation scale by Nadia Garnefski, Vuyan Kraaij and Philip Spinhoven. Data were analyzed by independent t-test. Results: The results showed that the mean score of the variable of the total index of difficulty in emotional regulation in the experimental group was significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group in the post-test with the control of the pre-test effect (P <0.001). Conclusion: Mindfulness-Based cognitive therapy strategies help people to set up arousal and emotional excitement. Accordingly, the findings of this study indicate that cognitive therapy based on Mindfulness in preventing the return of opioid dependents has been effective.


Vibrant Media's promotional Web site for IntelliTXT tells you everything you'd want to know about this "pay-for-performance ad unit that delivers the advertis-er's message via contextually-relevant keywords within article-based content." Google's GMail page provides a much-needed FAQ, and you can sign up to receive additional information on the service as it evolves in the coming months. This page at picturephoning.com collects articles from all over the world that illuminate the new culture of on-the-fly photography and how it affects journalism, criminal justice, and other parts of the culture. This site actually collects and rates GoogleDork searches, so you can see for yourself the kind of personal material now available to those who know how to find it.


Independent microstructures made of Ni metal were fabricated by five sequential processes: porous anodic oxide film for-mation, pore sealing, laser irradiation, Ni electroplating, and removal of the aluminum substrate and anodic oxide films. Aluminumplates and rods were anodized in an oxalic acid solution to form porous type anodic oxide films, and then immersed in boiling dis-tilled water for pore sealing. The anodized and pore-sealed specimens were irradiated with a pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium alu-minum garnet (Nd-YAG) laser beam in a Ni plating solution to remove anodic oxide film locally by rotating and moving up / downwith an XYZθ-stage. Nickel was deposited at the area where film had been removed by cathodic polarization in the solution beforeremoving the aluminum substrate and anodic oxide films in NaOH solutions. Cylindrical or plain network structures were fabricated successfully.


The bearing capacity of construction period reinforced concrete structures changes due to the change of bonding properties and concrete strength with concrete age.The force characteristics of construction period concrete bias members were Studying and the calculation model of bearing capacity was established,which can provide a reliable theoretical basis to analyze the bearing capacity of construction period reinforced concrete structure,and engineering application for the security control of reinforced concrete construction and the process life cycle analysis of reinforced concrete structures.The force characteristics of construction period reinforced concrete bias member are analyzed by finite element analysis.Combined with the limit equilibrium theory,the capacity calculation model of construction period RC bias member is established.The bearing capacity time-varying law of construction period reinforced concrete bias member is analyzed,and the rationality of the calculation model is validated.The results show that the bearing capacity of bias member rapidly grows in 90 days,the growth rate slows down gradually after 90 days.


The issues of leakage with respect to the clearance between the pump plunger outer surface and the pump barrel inner surface and other operational conditions have been revisited in this paper. Both Poiseuille flow rate due to the pressure difference and Couette flow rate due to the plunger motion have been considered. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of representing the entire downhole pump system with a simple viscoelastic model. We have explored both Kelvin and Maxwell viscoelastic models along with the dynamic behaviors of a mass point attached to the viscoelastic model. By using the time-dependent polished rod force measured with a dynamometer as the input to the viscoelastic models, we have obtained the displacement responses, which match closely with the actual measurements in experiments and operations. Further study and experiments have been planned and partially implemented in the McCoy School of Engineering at Midwestern State University, a member of the Texas Tech University System.


The evaluation process of school teaching quality is more complicated. The traditional schemes mainly based on manual evaluation or expert evaluation. Due to the strong subjectivity, there is a big deviation between the evaluation results and the real results. To this end, a teaching quality evaluation program based on the largest tree of fuzzy clustering is proposed. After raw data collection, preprocessing, and data mining, accurate and objective evaluation results are finally obtained. Taking the original evaluation data set as the object, construct the fuzzy clustering maximum tree model, and obtain the importance matrix of the data set and the similarity coefficient between the input data variables. With the help of the fuzzy clustering maximum tree model, the importance of each factor in the evaluation of teaching quality can be objectively evaluated. Application examples also verify the superiority of the proposed evaluation algorithm.


The invention relates to a system for monitoring farmland based on a ZigBee technology. The system is characterized in that at least two wireless acquisition nodes which are used for acquiring farmland information in real time and a wireless terminal node are distributed in the farmland, and each node forms a wireless network; each wireless acquisition node consists of an acquisition ZigBee module, a micro controller unit (MCU) and sensors, wherein the outputs of the sensors are connected with the MCU, the MCU and the acquisition ZigBee module are in communication connection, the farmland information acquired by the sensors is transmitted to the acquisition ZigBee module through the MCU, and the farmland information is transmitted to the wireless network by the acquisition ZigBee module; and the wireless terminal node comprises a terminal ZigBee module and a user terminal personal computer (PC) which is in communication connection with the terminal ZigBee module, and the terminal ZigBee module transmits the farmland information received from the wireless network to the user terminal PC. The system has the advantages of convenience of mounting, and high adaptability and self-healing ability, and is easy to use.


This study was conducted in Phu Luong during October 2020 to evaluate the current situation of local chicken raising activities and waste treatment. The research was carried out through personal interviews with 90 households in Dong Dat and Phan Me communes. As a result, scale of chicken raising of the households is small with about 1,200 chicken heads/household. Chicken sheds are mainly located in residential areas. Most of the households have applied different methods to treat chicken waste. Nonetheless, the current treatment efficiency is rather limited, causing environmental pollution and adverse impacts on human health. The most common methods for treating chicken waste are spraying probiotics to treat odors and using probiotic bedding. The major proportion of the producers has been trained on how to mitigate livestock environment issues. However, the proportion of farmers learning through production groups, cooperatives and technical guidelines from off-taker companies are very small. Results of this research would serve as a useful basis for relevant agencies and farmers to take appropriate action to protect the rural environment and the health of local households and animals.


This thesis deals with the Mangyan Patag of the Philippines, society of some 15 000 people, speaking the minangyan language. The approach chosen to understand this society, in which descent groups and marriage alliance are absent, is the analysis of rituals which articulate and renew space and relationships, both understood as being socio-cosmic. The work of the human beings consists in feeding rice to their dead and ancestors who hold the authority and give abundance; this interdependence is explicit for the agrarian rituals and the death rituals. The relations between the different beings - humans, malevolent spirits and ancestors ('āpu) - are animated by rituals. From the differentiation of these relations, as welle as from the particular place of rice the basic principles are drawn, that organize the social relations and define the local group around the opposition of siblings and married couples. This society is also constituted by beings in relation to soil and locality.


A structural analysis is presented for the large aperture diameter Microwave Power Transmission System (MPTS) antenna required by prospective Satellite Power Systems. Requirements for this orbital structure are severe, with aperture diameters of between 1 and 2 km and the maintenance of array surface flatness from 1/8 to 1/2 m. The proposed structure is composed of an orthogonal array of cables, stabilized by a peripheral compression-carrying frame that provides the primary structural support system. The critical structural requirements, load stability criteria, and parametric load/deflection analysis methodology are described.


Abstract User studies on the Sepedi Copulative Decision Tree is an evaluation of the value of a writing assistant for the copulative constructions in Sepedi (Northern Sotho). It reflects on the different static and dynamic constructions of the identifying, descriptive and associative copulative in the different verbal moods. The aim of this article is to determine to what extent the use of the Tree assisted users to express copulatives correctly. Data collection was done by means of a questionnaire completed by 36 second-year students at a tertiary institution. Analysis of the data includes the identification of the most problematic copulatives, an evaluation of the contribution made by the Tree, typical errors made by the students and their comments and feedback on the virtues and shortcomings of the Tree. The Tree entails a step-by-step sequence of mostly binary choices mainly in a text production situation. The results of the investigation indicate that the tool meets its stated aims, i.e. correction of errors, confirmation of correct responses and identification of the most problematic copulatives and common errors made by learners of Sepedi. It is concluded that utilisation of the tool resulted in a substantial increase in the production of correct copulatives.


International environmental law, as a new sub-field of international law, has brought new principles to deal with global environmental problems. Some are incompatible with traditional absolute state sovereignty, equal participation, limited state responsibility, and the international economic order based on New Constitutionalism. Many contradictory principles in the international legal order and in judicial responses in relation to environmental protection and resource scarcity will be discussed in this paper. While this material competition is happening at the international level, states, especially transitional and newly democratic states, are implementing such principles within their own conflicted domestic political order. In the process of internalizing these principles, states experience competing regulatory options. The paper focuses on the adverse affects of contradictory constitutional rules relating to the environment, natural resources, and the free market.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find a practical method to minimize unnecessary rebroadcasts for ad hoc networks in a remote area.Design/methodology/approach – The authors design a theoretical coverage estimation model for autonomous broadcast pruning. To verify the effect of the model, simulations are performed to evaluate the effect of confidence level and the actual performance by using ns2 network simulator.Findings – The algorithm used to predict the coverage area of broadcasts can minimize unnecessary rebroadcasts.Originality/value – Autonomous broadcast pruning scheme based on the local prediction of a remained coverage area in the on‐going broadcast process brings us beneficial results in terms of energy savings and limited bandwidth preservation.


2001;56:81–88. 5. Kumagai S, Watanabe S, Shibata H et al. Effects of dietary variety on declines in high-level functional capacity in elderly people living in a community. Nippon Koshu Eisei Zasshi 2003;50:1117–1124. 6. Wada T, Ishine M, Kita T et al. Depression screening of elderly communitydwelling Japanese. J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:1328–1329. 7. Koyano W, Shibata H, Nakazato K et al. Measurement of competence: Reliability and validity of the TMIG Index of Competence. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1991;13:103–116. 8. Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) recent evidence and development of a shorter version. In: Brink TL, ed. Clinical Gerontology: A Guide to Assessment and Intervention. New York: Haworth Press, 1986, pp 165–173. 9. Matsubayashi K, Okumiya K, Osaki Y et al. Quality of life of old people living in the community. Lancet 1997;350:1521–1522. 10. Schuette LK, Song WO, Hoerr SL. Quantitative use of the food guide pyramid to evaluate dietary intake of college students. J Am Diet Assoc 1996;96: 453–457.


This paper proposes a new motion planning algorithm for robot manipulator systems with path constraints. The constraint function of a manipulator determines the subspace of its joint space, and a proposed sampling-based algorithm can find a path that connects valid samples in the subspace. These valid samples can be obtained by projecting the samples onto the subspace defined by the constraint function. However, these iteratively generated samples easily fall into local optima, which degrades the search performance. The proposed algorithm uses the local geometric information and expands the search tree adaptively to avoid the local convergence problem. It increases the greediness of the search tree when it expands toward an unexplored area, which produces the benefit of reducing computational time. In order to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm, it is applied to two example problems: a maze problem using PUMA 560 under predefined constraints and a closed-chain problem using two Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arms. The results are compared with those obtained with an existing algorithm to show the improvement in performance. Graphical Abstract


Abstract This paper addresses the burgeoning Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) crisis in the black community in the United States, particularly black women. A cognitive-behavioral skills-building HIV prevention intervention tailored to the realities of blacks in South Africa is presented as a model that may be modified and adapted for HIV prevention among blacks in the United States. This model of HIV prevention must view blacks as a heterogeneous group that includes African immigrants, and cognitive-behavioral skills-building HIV prevention interventions tailored to the realities of black women are needed for the prevention of heterosexually transmitted HIV infection. The implementation of HIV interventions within accessible sexually transmitted diseases (STD) testing and treatment programs will provide the combined clinical-behavioral approach that is missing in HIV prevention interventions among blacks in the United States.


The multiampere negative hydrogen ion source has been developed in National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS). The ion source is a volume‐production type multicusp one with an extraction area of 25×25 cm2. It is found that high density negative hydrogen ions of more than 1 × 1012 cm−3 are produced in the center of the arc chamber with a double magnetic filter configuration. A supply of a small amount of cesium vapor into the arc chamber has greatly enhanced the H− ion current and reduced the operation pressure. The H− ion current of 3.3 A has been extracted from a Cs‐seeded plasma at the pressure of 0.9 Pa.


Because effective deterrents are hard to find, it has been suggested that methyl anthranilate (MA) be applied to the surface of fish ponds to discourage bird predation. We conducted two short-term evaluations of a formulation for this use, ReJeX-iT TP-40. First, we assessed the response of tropical fish to TP-40 applications in small wading pools. After 15 minutes, all fish virtually were motionless at or near the bottom of the pool. Fish in the control pools actively swam and most were within 3 cm of the surface of the pool. No mortality occurred, and fish activity returned to almost normal after 24 hrs. We also conducted feeding trials with captive-reared great egrets (Casmerodius albus), one of several bird species that regularly preys upon fish at aquaculture facilities. Birds were allowed to capture fish from untreated pools, and then the trials were repeated with 2 rates of TP-40 application. There were no differences in the number of fish eaten or in latency to first strike between the pretreatment day and either of the treatment days. The handling time increased markedly, however, as treatment rate increased. Although the TP-40 treatments appeared to bother the birds, the irritation was insufficient to prevent the egrets from feeding on fish in the ponds. In more natural feeding conditions, where fish availability and capture is not as predictable, such an increase in handling time might sufficiently alter the cost-benefit equation to discourage further use of a treated pool. Proc. East. Wildl. Damage Manage. Conf. 8:203 ______________________________________________________________________________


Artificial neural networks have been used as an important technique in modeling and optimization for engineering design. In this work, 3-step modeling strategy based on knowledge based techniques is proposed to develop new efficient modeling instead of conventional artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. The knowledge based artificial neural networks are constructed by incorporating the existing knowledge such as empirical formulas, equivalent circuit models and semi-analytical equations in neural network structures. In this new technique, required knowledge is created in the first step and used in the second step as a coarse model. Therefore each model shows better performance than former. In this strategy, conventional ANN, prior knowledge input and prior knowledge input with difference techniques are utilized not only to improve modeling accuracy but also to reduce time consumption during modeling. The advantages of using 3-step modeling are demonstrated on Branin function modeling application.


Abstract : This research shows the increase in areal density of InAs self-organized vertically-coupled QDs by depositing InAlAs QD pre-layer injection laser with increased QD density demonstrated increased optical gain, differential efficiency and out- put power.


The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become one of priority objectives of clinical trials in cancer research to evaluate efficiency of care. The EORTC has developed the cancer-specific QLQ-C30 self-questionnaire evaluating five functional scales, nine symptom scales and global health-status/QoL scale. Commonly used models have statistical and practical limitations. The aim of this study was to propose an alternative method for longitudinal analysis of HRQoL, without data modification. Built on the modern Item Response Theory (IRT), our approach considers the HRQoL as a latent variable directly estimated from raw data. For polytomous items, we extended the partial credit model to a longitudinal analysis (LPCM), thereby modeling the latent variable as a function of time and other covariates. LPCM can be seen as a generalized linear mixed model with a multinomial logit link. The main objective is to apply LPCM and then to compare results with the usual methods. We propose an alternative approach to the commonly used linear mixed model. Our model directly takes into account the ordinal data coming from self-reported questionnaires. LPCM was used to analyze the 15 HRQoL scales and to compare the impact of both treatments. LPCM allowed a more precise analysis of each scale or each item, which could be easily plotted for a clearer interpretation.


Pd-based catalysts, commonly supported on materials like alumina or ceria, are still the most efficient catalysts to oxidize the strong greenhouse gas methane [1,2] in the low temperature regime typical for lean burn gas engines (approx. 400°C – 450°C). On the other hand, long-term applications still remain a challenge, since in the presence of water vapor [3,4] or sulfur [5] a strong deactivation is observed. The active phase is assumed to be PdO and it is claimed that methane oxidation on PdO follows a Mars-van-Krevelen mechanism. Water formed during both the combustion of methane in the engine and the catalytic aftertreatment reaction is believed to induce the formation of inactive Pd(OH)x species on the catalyst's surface. A pre-treatment (i.e., pre-reduction) of Pd-based catalysts was shown to have a positive effect on catalytic activity and stability [6] . However, neither the origin of the deactivation nor the exact effect of the pretreatment have been completely elucidated yet. To understand the activity increase observed after reduction prior to the activity tests, we used operando Xray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to follow the variations of oxidation state during dynamic operation. Both Pd/Al2O3 and Pd/CeO2 were investigated, in order to evaluate the impact of the different oxygen mobility of the supports. Pre-reduction of Pd/Al2O3 and Pd/CeO2 catalysts shifted the light-off curve towards lower temperatures [7] . This effect was also observed under model or simulated exhaust gas mixtures. Operando XAS revealed a completely reduced catalyst after the pre-treatment. In reaction mixture, with increasing temperature, continuous oxidation occurs, starting with surface oxidation and finally resulting in bulk PdO above 350°C, irrespective of the catalyst formulation. Although also phenomena such as particle morphology variations or surface roughening can contribute to performance enhancement, our operando XAS investigations uncovered that the freshly formed PdO phase, less deactivated by water, is the main reason for the increase of methane oxidation activity at low temperatures.


Epistemic AI accelerates biomedical discovery by finding hidden connections in the network of biomedical knowledge. The Epistemic AI web-based software platform embodies the concept of knowledge mapping , an interactive process that relies on a knowledge graph in combination with natural language processing (NLP), information retrieval, relevance feedback, and network analysis. Knowledge mapping reduces information overload, prevents costly mistakes, and minimizes missed opportunities in the research process. The platform combines state-of-the-art methods for information extraction with machine learning, artificial intelligence and network analysis. Starting from a single biological entity, such as a gene or disease, users may: a) construct a map of connections to that entity, b) map an entire domain of interest, and c) gain insight into large biological networks of knowledge. Knowledge maps provide clarity and organization, simplifying the day-to-day research processes.


This article describes recent technical developments that have made the total-energy pseudopotential the most powerful ab initio quantum-mechanical modeling method presently available. In addition to presenting technical details of the pseudopotential method, the article aims to heighten awareness of the capabilities of the method in order to stimulate its application to as wide a range of problems in as many scientific disciplines as possible.


Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has a rising incidence with age and more importantly, the overall increase in life expectancy of the population has resulted in an increasing prevalence of PCNSL. One of the greatest challenges of PCNSL is the care and treatment of older individuals. Choice of optimal treatment and delivery of adequate dose intensity of cytostatic treatment remain two of the main issues when treating elderly patients. Available evidence suggests optimal induction treatment for these patients remains high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based immuno-chemotherapy, although a poor baseline performance status (PS) and comorbidities make this a challenging prospect. Potential consolidation treatment options include high-dose therapy with stem cell consolidation, non-myeloablative chemotherapy, or whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) but the increased risk of delayed neurotoxicity associated with the latter means this is utilized less frequently. The goal of treatment in the elderly remains achieving complete remission (CR) with the aim of improvement in duration of response and quality of life (QoL). A strategy of individualized approaches adapting treatment intensity to age and/or comorbidities for this vulnerable subgroup of patients is desirable, although the lack of specific evidence makes this difficult to define. Assessment of pre-morbid PS and comorbidities are paramount when assessing patients at diagnosis. There is a growing body of evidence that geriatric assessment tools are able to predict outcomes in PCNSL and might be adopted to optimize therapy. Further work in this challenging arena is paramount as improvement in outcome for this patient group is required.


ABSTRACT The International Organization for Migration (IOM) receives considerable funding from the Australian government to undertake a variety of migration control operations in Indonesia. In this article, we highlight how the IOM's migration management operations aim to target asylum seekers, control their movement, and prevent their arrival on Australian shores. IOM Indonesia's approach involves the detention of irregular migrants, the return of asylum seekers and refugees to their countries of origin, the strengthening of Indonesia's border controls, and public information campaigns to dissuade people from taking boats to Australia to seek asylum. We argue that these tactics frequently compromise the rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia by prioritising Australia's geopolitical deterrence agenda. Such activities present a contradiction with the IOM's closer relationship with the United Nations since 2016, which we critique as 'blue-washing': creating the impression of a humanitarian organisation while simultaneously carrying out migration control activities on behalf of donor states of the global north. We draw upon financial records, freedom of information requests and previous scholarship on asylum seekers in Indonesia to critique the IOM's activities across Indonesia.


This paper deals with Air-Source heat pumps draw heat from the autside air during the rating season and
rejem heat outside during the summer cooling season.


This letter shows that all published analytical reconstruction formulas for the permittivity of a nonmagnetic material from the measured total reflection and transmission responses-the Nicolson-Ross, Weir, and Stuchly-Matuszewsky equations-are equal to either the impedance or propagation methods. We also show that the measured total reflection and transmission are independent measurements and hence allow for simultaneous and unique reconstruction of the complex electric permittivity, including conductivity, and the complex magnetic permeability.


I. Introduction. The purpose of this paper is to discuss functions defined on the continuous sample paths of Gaussian Markov processes which serve as Green's functions for pairs of generalized Schroedinger equations. The results extend the author's earlier paper [2] to a forward time version, and consider different boundary conditions.


In the compound insulation which is comprised of cable and terminal or sheath in cable, the weak spot is in interface between different dielectrics or electrode and dielectric. The main reason is that strength of local electric field is too high which caused by adjacent space charge. Space charge distributions in silicone rubber/ethylene propylene diene terpolymer(SR/EPDM) laminates under different DC stress were measured by pulsed electro-acoustic(PEA) method and compared when silicone grease exists in the interface or not. The experiment results reveal that formation of space charges at the two dielectric's interface is related to the material of electrodes and dielectrics and the migratory direction of carriers in the two dielectrics. The silicone grease in the interface of two dielectrics can decrease strength of electric field effectively.


The regulation about taking back the right to use state-owned land without payment because of idleness in the 25th item in China's Urban Real Estate Administration Law is not reasonable.Contract property of assigning the right to use the state-owned land should be civil contract,we should take this as basis,define the right of idle land,set up corresponding responsibility system,so as to prevent the abuse of public right more reasonably,protect the private right.


Abstract The role of the type of layered silicate platelets, OMMT and rectorite on the mechanical properties, aging resistance and oxygen permeation properties of HNBR/layered silicate nanocomposites was investigated. The effect of peroxide vulcanising agent on the dispersion of layered silicate in the HNBR matrix was also studied. HNBR was mechanically mixed with layered silicate via melt blending method. The results of the test show remarkable improvement in tensile strength, tear strength, aging resistance and oxygen permeation properties of HNBR nanocomposites than that of unfilled HNBR. It is obvious that the OMMT filled nanocomposites have far better properties than that of rectorite filled HNBR.


The invention relates to a biogas liquefaction process and a device for a scattered gas source point. The device comprises a multi-component mixed refrigerant pre-cooling unit, a multi-component mixed refrigerant circulating unit and a liquefaction and storage unit, and is characterized in that: the multi-component mixed refrigerant pre-cooling unit and the multi-component mixed refrigerant circulating unit form cascade refrigeration circulation to obtain low temperature to cool and condensate a raw material biogas flowing in the liquefaction and storage unit into a liquid, and the liquefaction and storage unit consists of a regenerator, a raw material biogas compressor, a cold box, a storage inlet cut-off valve and a storage tank; and the multi-component mixed refrigerant circulating unit consists of a main compressor, an oil separator, a main condenser, the regenerator, a pre-cooling heat exchanger, the cold box, a main throttle valve and an oil return solenoid valve, and the multi-component mixed refrigerant pre-cooling unit consists of an auxiliary compressor, an auxiliary condenser, the pre-cooling heat exchanger and an auxiliary throttle valve. The regenerators and the multi-stream plate heat exchangers are used, so that the efficiency of the device is greatly improved; and the throttle valves are used for one-time throttling, so that the flow process is simple, the control and adjustment are convenient, the investment is less, and the device is convenient to move and skid.


In article number 2208514, Jie Sun and co-workers report the development of a local electric field by constructing ionic covalent organic frameworks to comprehensively solve the problems of the phosphorus anode. These multifunctional facets are mainly embodied in inhibiting the dissolution of intermediates, promoting the reaction kinetics, and regulating the solid electrolyte interphase, and the obtained phosporus anode demonstrates favorable performance for lithium-ion batteries.


Asubset of patients with advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) relapse or progress following standard treatment. Given their dismal prognosis, identifying this group of patients upfront represents an important medical need. While prior research has identified characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, which are associated with cHL outcomes, biomarkers that are developed and validated in this high-risk group are still lacking. Here, we applied wholeslide image analysis (WSI), a quantitative, large-scale assessment of tumor composition that utilizes conventional histopathology slides. We conducted WSI on pre-treatment biopsies from 340 patients with advanced-stage cHL enrolled in the HD12 and HD15 trials of the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG), and tested our results in a validation cohort of 147 advanced-stage cHL patients within the GHSG HD18 trial. All patients were treated with BEACOPP-based regimens. By quantifying T cells, B cells, Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells and macrophages with WSI, 80% of all cells in the tumor tissue were identified. Crucially, low B-cell count was associated with significantly reduced progression-free survival and overall survival, while the content of T cells, macrophages and Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells was not associated with the risk of progression or relapse in the study cohort. We further validated low Bcell content as a prognostic factor for progression-free survival and overall survival in the validation cohort and demonstrated the good interobserver agreement of WSI. WSI may represent a key tool for risk stratification of advanced-stage cHL and can easily be added to the standard diagnostic histopathology work-up.


We have developed a method for analyzing motion at skeletal joints based on the 3D reconstruction of magnetic resonance (MR) image data. Since the information about each voxel in MR images includes its location in the scanner, it follows that information is available for each organ whose 3D surface is computed from a series of MR slices. In addition, there is information on the shape and orientation of each organ, and the contact areas of adjacent bones. By collecting image data in different positions we can calculate the motion of the individual bones. We have used this method to study human foot bones, in order to understand normal and abnormal foot function. It has been used to evaluate patients with tarsal coalitions, various forms of pes planus, ankle sprains, and several other conditions. A newly described feature of this system is the ability to visualize the contact area at a joint, as determined by the region of minimum distance. The display of contact area helps understand abnormal joint function. Also, the use of 3D imaging reveals motions in joints which cannot otherwise be visualized, such as the subtalar joint, for more accurate diagnosis of joint injury.


In this paper, approaches to the synthesis of a consistent system of probability estimates of propositional formulas for two different partially overlapping data sets based on the theory of algebraic Bayesian networks are presented in this paper. Areas in which the results of this article can be applied are described. An example of synthesis for a particular algebraic network is given.


Supersymmetric black holes provide an excellent theoretical laboratory to test ideas about quantum gravity in general and black hole entropy in particular. When four-dimensional supergravity is interpreted as the low-energy approximation of ten-dimensional string theory or eleven-dimensional M-theory, one has a microscopic description of the black hole which allows one to count microstates and to compare the result to the macroscopic (geometrical) black hole entropy. Recently it has been conjectured that there is a very direct connection between the partition function of the topological string and a partition for supersymmetric
black holes. We review this idea and propose a modification
which makes it compatible with electric-magnetic duality.


Abstract They thought they felt something, perhaps. The wisp of an outline not distinct enough to trace. Good. They circled it, at times, and at other times found themselves within. As they walked (a sort of walking. Figurative but real. Digital, but here. Over months of events), it curled open and headed in several directions. Foldings in the backcloth that furrowed them along until, as they walked and talked, they felt that perhaps a territory was becoming simultaneously clearer and more obscure, that they might find a way to enquire, even as it meant becoming the folds themselves. As they coalesce, Scott, Jamie, and Dave each come to this project differently (of course). From their own situations, with their own problems and with different voices and ways of writing. We (for the first shift in voice) take post-qualitative inquiry to be infused with a question mark, wary of attempts to make it a 'thing'. Yet here we are, drawn to potentials, to the opening of conditions, to the possibility of something still to come. We hope to make a shift, to realise (as in make manifest) ontology and its everyday performance as synonymous with environmental education. Environmental education as a life.


Objective
To evaluate the scavenging effect of crude polysaccharides extracted from Lycium barbarum (LBP) on reactive oxygen species in ultraviolet radiation-induced HaCaT cells, and to explore its possible mechanism.

Methods
Cultured immortalized human keratinocyte HaCaT cells were divided into 6 groups: blank control group receiving no treatment, LBP group treated with crude LBP alone, ultraviolet A (UVA) group treated with UVA radiation alone, ultraviolet B (UVB) group treated with UVB radiation alone, UVA+ LBP group treated with crude LBP for 24 hours followed by UVA radiation, and UVB+ LBP group treated with crude LBP for 24 hours followed by UVB radiation. MTT colorimetry was performed to evaluate the cellular proliferative activity, UV spectrophotometric method to measure the UVA and UVB absorption of crude LBP, dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe assay to detect the level of ROS, enzymatic-biochemical method to estimate the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) , as well as to detect the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) .

Results
Crude LBP at different concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 1 500, 2 000 mg/L had no obvious effects on the proliferative activity of HaCaT cells. Crude LBP had a high transmittance of ultraviolet rays at 280-400 nm. Compared with the blank control group, the UVA group and UVB group both showed significantly higher LDH leakage and ROS level, lower activities of SOD and GSH-Px (P < 0.001 or 0.05) . Pretreatment with crude LBP before the ultraviolet radiation could significantly increase the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, decrease the LDH leakage and ROS level in the UVA+ LBP group and UVB+ LBP group compared with the UVA group or UVB group (P < 0.05) .

Conclusion
Crude LBP have no effect of sunscreening agents, but can effectively scavenge ROS, decrease LDH leakage, inhibit ultraviolet radiation-induced photodamage in HaCaT cells, which may be associated with the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity.

Key words:
Lycium barbarum; Polysaccharides; Ultraviolet rays; Photodamage; Reactive oxygen species; HaCaT keratinocytes


The ability to regularly deliver safe drinking water is a constant challenge to municipalities worldwide. In Canada, the replacement/rehabilitation cost of water mains is estimated to be $28 billion (1997–2012). Therefore, selecting cost-effective repair and/or rehabilitation scenario(s) is essential to optimise the quality of existing water mains and minimise unnecessary rehabilitation costs. The research presented in this paper identifies several rehabilitation methods for water mains, which are classified into three main categories: (1) repair (i.e. open trench, sleeves); (2) renovation (i.e. slip lining, cement mortar lining, epoxy lining, cured in place pipe (CIPP)); and (3) replacement (i.e. pipe bursting, micro-tunnelling, horizontal directional drilling, auger boring, open cut). Due to complexity, scarcity, and enormity of data required to perform life cycle cost (LCC) and select the cost-effective scenario(s), the research presented focuses on LCC data acquisition and analysis. Data were collected from contractors and municipalities in Canada. Rehabilitation decision trees were developed as a preparation step for future LCC implementation. Breakage rate analysis was successfully developed to predict the intervals of various rehabilitation alternatives. The research presented is relevant to researchers and practitioners (municipal engineers, consultants, and contractors) to prioritise pipe inspection and rehabilitation planning for existing water mains.


The waves and instabilities produced by inhomogeneous currents J0z(x) in plasmas along the initially constant magnetic field are investigated.The total zeroorder magnetic field is twisted and becomes space dependent BIn heavier ion (like barium) plasmas the ion dynamics can be ignored in the presence of sheared flow of electrons.Electrostatic current-driven wave with the frequency near is the perpendicular wavenumber) can exist in such plasmas and it becomes unstable under certain conditions.The nonlinear equations for this mode have been derived and stationary solutions in the form of vortices and solitons have been obtained. Due to sheared flow of electrons and ions in the presence of stationary dust, a low frequency electrostatic current-driven drift like wave with real frequency has also been proposed to exist in dusty plasmas.The nonlinear equations for this wave including the effects of density gradient have been derived.The effects of kappa distribution of electrons have also been investigated.D'Angelo's mode is modified in the presence of superthermal electrons.In the nonlinear regime the wave can give rise to dipolar vortex structures if the shear in flow is weaker and tripolar vortices if the flow has steeper gradient.The results have been applied to Saturn's magnetosphere corresponding to negatively charged dust grains.The very low frequency wave at dust time scale can also be produced by the sheared currents if dust is assumed to be dynamic.These very low frequency waves and instabilities with small growth rates can be important in the planetary and cometary magnetospheres due to the interaction of solar wind.In the nonlinear regime these waves give rise to electrostatic structures such as vortices and solitons.A comparison of these very low frequency current-driven dust waves with the current-driven ion waves is also presented to point out analogous physical pictures with different temporal and spatial scales.The theoretical model is a general one and here it is applied to Saturn's magnetosphere for illustration.The global drift mode is also studied in a plasma bounded in a cylinder having Gaussian density profile.The effect of magnetic shear on the wave propagation along density gradient is studied in a Cartesian geometry assuming absorbing boundary.It is found that the wave amplitude is reduced when two-ion species are present (with the same concentration) compared to pure electron-ion plasma


We present a measure for evaluating Probabilistic Context Free Grammars (PCFG) based on their ambiguity resolution capabilities.Probabilities in a PCFG can be seen as a filtering mechanism: For an ambiguous sentence, the trees bearing maximum probability aresingle out, while all others are discarded. The level of ambiguity is related to the size of the singled out set of trees. Under our measure, a grammar is better than other if the first one has reduced the level of ambiguity in a higher degree. The measure we present is computed over a finite sample set of sentence because, as we show, it can not be computed over the set of sentences accepted by the grammar.


In an educational institute mentoring of students is an essential feature to provide equitable services to students having a varied background and to minimise dropout rates. Conventionally, the mentors seek for student data manually, from files and records with no assistance from an automated system. To cope up the worsening student teacher ratio and the exponentially increasing data, assistance from an automated system becomes significant. Through this paper, we suggest the integration of a Machine Learning driven computer program, with mentoring in order to ensure an effective guidance system. In the proposed system, Educational Data Mining (EDM) was used to create a regression based prediction model to aid professors in the mentoring process by generating an estimate of students' future performance. To make this system more accurate, aberrant factors affecting student performance like travel time, type of residence, gender, caste, parents education and working status, along with conventional academic and analytical features like CGPA and extra-curricular were used to train the Machine learning model. After implementation, it was observed that the regression model built using Support Vector Machines (with RBF Kernel) had the least square error. This model was then integrated with a mentoring system to build a computer application to assist professors. This application was rife with features like attendance and session tracking, graph generation and CGPA prediction. With the assistance of the application, mentors can better create a tailor-made plan for individual student and further enhance the effectiveness of student mentoring.


The present invention provides a method of preparing polyurethane foam and rice husk as the raw material, the foam formulation comprises: 100 to 190 parts of rice husk, 100 to 150 parts of isocyanate, chain extender crosslinking agent 0.5 to 5 parts, 2 to 5 parts of a foam stabilizer, 0.01 to 3 parts of catalyst, 0 to 10 parts foaming agent. The method of preparing foam comprising the steps of: rice husk powder to the rice husk was liquefied with polyethylene glycol, glycol and glycerol are made, the chain extender added crosslinking agents, catalysts, foam stabilizers, isocyanate mixed uniformly for mold casting, sealing, curing, demolding was cooled, to give desired. The present invention is a polyurethane foam prepared rice hulls, rice hulls to improve the utilization and reduce the manufacturing cost of the polyurethane foam; polyurethane foam of the present invention has good cushioning energy absorption properties, thermal insulation properties and biodegradable properties, It can be used for production of packaging cushioning and vibration damping materials, insulation materials.


A new concept for high capacity rapid access and readout photo-optical data storage system, combining recent advances in precision film movement with extreme accelerations, new optical-electronic scanning methods, and digital positioning techniques developed for an automatic machine tool control. Integration of those elements into the system is described. Immediate and potential capabilities are discussed.


The purpose of this paper is to introduce the development of a unique compressor capacity modulation concept which utilizes reexpansion volume as a means of capacity reduction in hermetic air conditioning and refrigeration system. While there are various methods of compressor capacity modulation in use, each particular method is limited in its application or appeal for different reasons such as cost, vibration,performance, reliability or limited compressor range because of high operating temperature. This paper compares this over-reexpansion method with other common methods, and presents its thermodynamic and operating performance characteristics. Then, actual performance data obtained from prototype hardware are compared with actual data of other capacity modulation methods. The comparisons show that this over-reexpansion concept offers unique advantages including a wider compressor application range.


High demand of rice can be minimized by promoting cassava as an alternative carbohydrate source. One method to process cassava to ease consumption and to prolong its shelf-life is by making it into analog rice, namely cassava rice. Two drying methods were studied to obtain the physicochemical information of cassava rice. This research aimed at determining color and chemical properties, i.e. water content, ash, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, starch, amylose, amylopectin, and mineral contents of cassava rice processed by roasting and sun-drying. It also compared physicochemical characteristics of cassava rice and paddy rice to get better understanding of nutritional values of cassava rice. Results showed that physical, chemical, and mineral contents of cassava rice were different from paddy rice. Cassava rice had lower water, protein, Zn and P2O5 contents than paddy rice. Roasted cassava rice was darker than cassava rice. Sun-dried and roasted cassava rice showed no different values in terms of lipid, carbohydrate, starch, amylose, amylopectin, Mg, Zn and P2O5 contents, while other characteristics were similar.


Effort-reporting compliance at higher education institutions was examined to discern best practices from those that would recommend their effort-reporting process. Data were derived from a survey of effort administrators—the research administrators responsible for the effortreporting compliance program at their respective higher education institutions. The research was conducted in the fall of 2012, before the implementation of the OMB (2013) Uniform Guidance. Data were separated into two focus groups for greater applicability: Doctoral/Research Universities (DRUs) and Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs). These effort administrators were generally confident about their institution's compliance with current effort-reporting regulations and believed that, even aside from the regulations, they properly documented compensation costs charged to sponsoring agencies. These data provide information on best practices in effort-reporting compliance for these two types of higher education institutions and expand the body of knowledge in the field of research administration. Data derived from this study can also be used as a baseline from which to compare future studies on effort-reporting compliance after the implementation of the OMB (2013) Uniform Guidance.


The preoperative predictors of quality of life (QOL) in patients who undergo lung resection for lung cancer are poorly known. Here, we investigated these predictors in such patients using two QOL measures.


Recently, we demonstrated that the central ghrelin signalling system, involving the ghrelin receptor (GHS‐R1A), is important for alcohol reinforcement. Ghrelin targets a key mesolimbic circuit involved in natural as well as drug‐induced reinforcement, that includes a dopamine projection from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens. The aim of the present study was to determine whether it is possible to suppress ghrelin's effects on this mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway can be suppressed, by interrupting afferent inputs to the VTA dopaminergic cells, as shown previously for cholinergic afferents. Thus, the effects of pharmacological suppression of glutamatergic, orexin A and opioid neurotransmitter systems on ghrelin‐induced activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system were investigated. We found in the present study that ghrelin‐induced locomotor stimulation was attenuated by VTA administration of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid receptor antagonist (AP5) but not by VTA administration of an orexin A receptor antagonist (SB334867) or by peripheral administration of an opioid receptor antagonist (naltrexone). Intra‐VTA administration of AP5 also suppressed the ghrelin‐induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Finally the effects of peripheral ghrelin on locomotor stimulation and accumbal dopamine release were blocked by intra‐VTA administration of a GHS‐R1A antagonist (BIM28163), indicating that GHS‐R1A signalling within the VTA is required for the ghrelin‐induced activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. Given the clinical knowledge that hyperghrelinemia is associated with addictive behaviours (such as compulsive overeating and alcohol use disorder) our finding highlights a potential therapeutic strategy involving glutamatergic control of ghrelin action at the level of the mesolimbic dopamine system.


Humans have long been interested in exploring what fundamental materials make up the world, and tried to understand the world by discovering what are essential substances that make up all things. Therefore this research produced four up-style hair art works of water, fire, air and earth, inspired by four elements. In order to express fluidity and liquidity of water, Work 1 consists of hair art with contrasting soft and rough textures. In order to express flaming quality of fire, Work 2 consists of hair art with contrasting expressions of gentle warmth, intense heat from rising flames, and the element of death. In order to express dynamic properties of air, Work 3 consists of hair art with contrasting aspect of rising and falling. In order to express sturdiness of earth, Work 4 consists of hair art with contrasting qualities such as stability of resting and losing sense of directions. Researching works through these four elements reveal various materials and topics, that can become infinite source of inspiration. Hence, it's necessary to view creative works from diverse perspectives, not limited to certain topics. Future studies on hair art could focus on further exploring various materials and subjects.


Every five years, China develops a long-term plan called Five Year Plan. In recent fifteen years, China's rapid economic development with environmental issues is becoming increasingly important. Until China's 12th Five Year plan in 2010, it explicitly pointed out to promote green energy and develop energy-efficient economy to keep the country's economic growth. However, unlike the developed countries, low capacity of market surveillance and low-profit products output plus lacks of management experience which push China's green industrial development had encountered a bottleneck for most of companies. State owned enterprises, large sized companies and small and medium sized companies (SMEs) have different attitudes regarding to develop green industry. State owned enterprises and large sized companies have its financial capability to cope with the development of green industry, SMEs have to face with the financial capacity, industry structure, as well as management issues in order to respond the new regulations. Therefore the international environmental service company CRS which engages in reprocess service in China is belonging to SMEs that face not only the same problems mentioned above, but also doing business in Chinese business environment. The company is the sole sponsor for the project. The purpose of the research is providing the possible operating contexts as well as the possible future in Chinese green market. Hereby the research is formulated as: How do institutional relationships promote the development of green industry in China? To answer the research questions, there are mainly three methodologies applied into the project, namely literature review, scenario analysis and interviews.


The macropterous form of psocid Dorypteryx domestica (Smithers, 1958), previously only known as brachypterous, is described. The macropterous individuals were reared from brachypterous parents in a laboratory culture. Morphology of macropterous male and female and wing variation is given. Wing polymorphism in psocids is discussed.


The decoration of the manusa yadnya ceremony at Batubulan Kangin is generally luxurious. The house is decorated from the entrance, to other buildings. In the past, to decorate houses that carried out the pawiwahan ceremony, synthetic materials were used, but with the 2018 Bali Governor Regulation, it emphasizes the prohibition of using synthetic materials and replacing them with natural materials. With these regulations, Batubulan Kangin craftsmen follow according to their imagination and creativity to produce artistic decorations. The decorations were accepted by the people of Batubulan Kangin, most importantly they still have a strong Balinese identity. This study uses a qualitative method with data collection through observation techniques on objects directly or indirectly, interviews with craftsmen and entrepreneurs, as well as document studies to collect data from books, village monographs, pictures and so on. The result is the decoration of the manusa yadnya ceremony at Batubulan Kangin using natural materials because of the Bali Governor's regulation which emphasizes the prohibition of using synthetic materials and replacing them with environmentally friendly materials. With these regulations, decoration craftsmen follow using natural materials and process them according to their imagination, resulting in artistic decorations. It does not violate the rules of the Balinese government. On the other hand, if the craftsmen continue to use synthetic materials, they will be subject to administrative sanctions. It is hoped that the decoration craftsmen comply with these rules, which are beneficial for the people and nature of Bali. The decoration products for the Manusa Yadnya ceremony that are created are decorations with the appearance of various shapes, variations of the decorations that appear in the form of woven mantri centipedes and a combination of gumitir flowers, pearls and so on. This decoration also depends on the selling value, consisting of: insulting, middle, main in the form of angkul-angkul decorations and aisle rides. While the implications can be classified into several parts, namely: economic implications, social status and environmental sustainability.


Theory and practice blend quite well when one is studying interest rate parity. Early studies examined short-term interest rate parity relationships with mixed and uncertain results. Few, however, have examined interest rate parity conditions over a longer period. This study uses weekly data over an 18-year period and tests for interest rate parity among seven trading nations. These seven nations are the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland. Results show a general lack of strict parity conditions before January 1982. A 16-month transition period (January 1982 to April 1983) follows during which the global markets changed their pricing significantly and moved rapidly toward interest rate parity. By April 1983, the worldwide transformation had been completed, with parity conditions generally holding since that time.


of Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy BENEFITS OF FEEDING RUMINALLY-PROTECTED CHOLINE FOR LACTATING DAIRY COWS AND CALVES By Marcos Gonzalo Zenobi May 2018 Chair: Charles Staples Major: Animal Sciences Although the role of dietary choline has been well studied in nonruminant animals and its positive impact on milk production by dairy cows are well documented, its effects on other aspects of dairy cow and calf performance are lacking. Feeding 12.9 vs. 0 g/d of ruminally-protected choline (RPC) ions during the periparturient period increased milk yield of multiparous cows by 2.2 kg/d over the 40-wk lactation period independent of the caloric intake prepartum. Other benefits of RPC ions included decreased incidence of subclinical hypocalcemia and increased output of immunoglobulins (Ig) in colostrum, pregnancy at first insemination, and average daily gain (ADG) of heifer calves. The immune system of RPC-fed cows demonstrated a reduced potential for inflammation as evidenced by decreasing rectal temperature over the first 12 days in milk (DIM), decreased plasma concentrations of haptoglobin prepartum and fibrinogen postpartum, decreased production of TNFalpha by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood cells, decreased relative transcript abundance (RTA) of genes for IL-8 and TNFalpha and increased RTA of genes for IL-10 by LPS-stimulated peripheral blood leukocytes. A second experiment sought to discover an optimum feeding amount of RPC ions to reduce accumulation of hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG). Feeding increasing amounts of


My comments are based on a research study I conducted. The study examined whether accounting standards which rely heavily on the exercise of professional judgment result in less financial reporting comparability and more earnings management than standards which allow relatively less professional judgment to be exercised. The study's empirical results provide evidence that comparability in financial reporting across firms suffers when standards allow significant exercise of professional judgment by financial statement preparers. The findings also suggest that financial statement preparers are more likely to use professional judgment to manage earnings when standards allow significant exercise of professional judgment than when standards allow less discretion in reporting. In short, the study provides empirical evidence that confirms concerns expressed by several responders to your 2002 FASAC survey. I have attached copies of the two papers I have written based on this study. Both papers are currently under review with journals, but the papers as written may help inform your debate over the principles-based standards proposal.


This paper describes a hydroelectric power station control systempsilas update process project. The project pursued the following objectives: to improve operation of the hydroelectric power station by implementing modern technology; to provide redundancy for critical functions; to extract the maximum amount of process information and make it available to the organization in a timely fashion to make business decisions in real time, with less errors; to establish the behavior of the equipment in order to be able to reduce power consumption of the generation power station; and finally, to implement the complete project over a short period of time, with minimal costs.


This paper describes a new conformance test (CT) method for a layer-3 of HBS standard. A test coordination procedure is developed to create an appropriate and economical implementation under test (IUT) . A few examples are given of a test method for a system common command (SCC) and a communication sequence (CS) for HBS standard. The SCC specification examples are shown of test cases and test suites. The CS specifications can be made by combinations of a few SCC specifications. The system experiment shows that the CT program can be developed as simple structured programming by paying attention to a test sequence community. Finally, the standard software functions of the system under test (SUT) are clearly indicated.


Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify levels of health literacy and reported health behaviors among older adults with cardio-cerebrovascular disease residing in rural areas. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 134 older people (mean age=75.5 years, 71.6% Female) registered at seven health centers. The structured questionnaires were used to measure levels of health literacy and health behaviors. Results: The average functional health literacy score was 6.08±3.04, and the health behavior score was 62.92±6.45. Respectively health behavior was positively associated with health literacy. Education, economic status, number of family members, number of social activities and health literacy were contribution factors explaining 40.64% of the variance in health behavior. Health literacy specifically explained 12.5% of health behavior. Conclusion: These findings suggest that strategies for improving health behaviors and reducing health inequalities may benefit from adopting a stronger focus on health literacy within prevention, patient education, and other public health interventions. Further longitudinal studies are needed to help confirm that improving health literacy in the elderly may be effective in changing health behaviors.


Recently, 3D image techniques have received enormous attention, since there are increasing demands and interests about 3D contents. However, very few methods have been reported about producing a 3D patch from a single 2D image without multiple cameras. In the approach, we present a method to render a 3D scene patch from a single 2D image without multiple cameras. Experimental results are shown to verify the proposed method.


Having experienced Yeats(William Butler Yeats,1865-1939)symbolism and Ford maddox Ford(Ford Madox Ford,1873-1939)impressionism and even based on their views of poetry,Pound created a new generation of imagist poetry genre.His poetry image had distinct modernity imagination,modernity identity anxiety,modernity thinking characteristics and played a major role in the development of modernist school in Europe and the United States in the twentith century.


Average sample rate reduction is possible by nonuniform, burst mode sampling, DSP power requirement is lowered and demodulation latency reduced. Trigonometric IF estimator is evaluated as FM signal demodulator. An example in audio frequencies range is presented.


Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a double-stranded DNA virus in the herpes virus family, and is the most common cause of congenital viral infection. 1,2 Congenital CMV infection is transmitted from mothers with viremia to the fetus via the placenta. The virus spreads throughout the body hematogenously. 2–4 The virus can affect all tissues and organs in the body, however, the central nervous system, eyes and liver are the most commonly affected organs. 2,3,5 The pathogenesis of the virus is not known, although it was recently reported that disseminated organ involvement may be related to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). 6–8


References: 1. Rademaker, E. R., Vand der Wal, H.M.M., Geurts, E.G. M., Hot-stream in-situ acoustic impedance measurements on varies air-filled cavity and porous liners, The 16th International Congress on Sound and Vibration, Krakow, Poland, 5-9 July, (2009). 2. Zhou H., Wu J. H., et al. Acoustic Properties of Porous Metals at High Temperature and High SPL, Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 45(2), 229-235, (2013). 3. COMSOL Inc., Acoustics Module User's Guide, Version 4.3, (2012) 4. Nordin P., Sarin S. L., Rademaker, E. R., Development of new linear technology for application hot stream areas of aero-engines, Proc. 10th AIAA/CEAS Aeroacoustics Conference, 1-13, (2004). Figure 2 The geometric model Figure 5 Sound absorption coefficient of porous metal with respect to frequency Figure 1 Impedance tube testing system


While fungicides may be a major mechanism for control of avocado root rot, integrated management requires several other non-fungicidal approaches which are used together to maximize root rot control. Non-fungicidal methods of control include planting clean avocado nursery stock, selecting low hazard sites, planting on mounds in more hazardous sites, preventing the introduction of P. cinnamomi, using resistant rootstocks, preventing overor under-irrigation, treating with gypsum and the addition organic mulches. It appears that avocados can survive and grow in the presence of P. cinnamomi if this management scheme is practiced.


Medical Education is experiencing a global shift towards competency based medical education (CBME), anoutcome-based framework that requires integration of knowledge, skills, values and attitudes into observable,measurable competencies. Faculty development in CBME is crucial to its successful implementation due todifferences from the traditional approach. The global, national and regional perspectives with regard to CBME andits implementation and what faculty development must focus on in the CBME context are presented. Theexperiences from Southeast Asia while implementing CBME are shared. The developments in India at national andregional level, specifically, the National Faculty Development Programme initiative of the Medical Council of Indiaand regional initiatives at the level of health science universities and related perspectives are presented. Theelements of faculty development critical to successful CBME implementation are highlighted. The challenges andstrategies in order to maximize the possibility of successful implementation of CBME are discussed. A well plannedfaculty development strategy can address the deficiencies in training of health professionals towards improvedhealth outcomes through CBME. [Payal B NJIRM 2017; 8(5):89-95]


Abstract : An analysis is made of a circuit operating with direct connections using MOS transistors. Methods of designing single elements are discussed. Matching conditions of such circuits and the criterion of nondistortion transmission of given signal levels in logic circuits are also considered. It was found that if MOS transistors are used with induced channels the direct matching of logic circuits can be accomplished only by using the the sauce type of transistors. Analyses are made of the static characteristics and transient processes in a key circuit, and of the static condition of the trigger. The switching characteristics of NOT-OR and NOT-AND logic circuits are given. The design of these circuits is reduced to the design of a key circuit with one transistor.


This research has focused on detection of prolonged sitting of office workers by performing data mining classification on the real-time skeleton data stream captured by a single Kinect camera set up in an office worker's work station area. The system classifies the input stream into sequences of stills or moves. The performance of several classification methods such as decision tree, neural network, naive Bayes, and k-Nearest Neighbors are compared in order to acquire the optimal classifier. The proposed system can effectively monitor the user's postures with 98% accuracy and give the user real-time feedback based on the three levels of healthy in ergonomics. In addition, the proposed work includes development of an alerting device using a microcontroller, and provision of data visualization for a daily summary report.


The invention relates to a product in powder form consisting of organic or inorganic particles having a lamellar structure, having a size of less than 50 microns and containing at least one synthetic melanotic pigment formed in situ by oxidation of an indole compound, and to its use for the protection of the human epidermis, in make-up products and for dyeing hair.