The ability or capacity of the community is defined as the power or strength possessed by each individual and society to mobilize and utilize resources. The procedure for applying for credit is not easy and there is no required collateral, high interest rates, information that is still difficult to access, lengthy bureaucracy, lack of socialization, so that farmers prefer "lenders" who provide capital loans quickly even with higher interest rates than financial institutions. formal. This research is expected to increase the understanding of farmers as the main actors in food crop production regarding the importance of strengthening production input capacity through government subsidized financing/credit programs with low interest rates. The study was conducted on 30 farmers spread over 5 sub-districts in Bima City. KUR support in farming cultivation can be seen from the t-test showing a significance value of 0.00 > 0.05 which means that the existence of a farming financing assistance program through a credit scheme distributed by banking institutions is very helpful for farmers who do not have farming capital to cultivate farming.


The article approaches two novels by Joao Gilberto Noll, Berkeley em Bellagio (2002) and Lorde (2004), relating their writing to performance art. The correspondence is useful in so far as it is a writing that aspires to abolish the boundaries between literature and life to become an experiment with the body of the own writer. The main character of these novels is the Brazilian writer, without means, that sees in the invitation of foreign institutions the possibility of temporarily warranting his survival. Travelling deflagrates the experiment that will take the I to the limit of its dissolution


The recent and mid-term development in the national a d international energy production was influenced toward a more environmental friendly as well as sustainable way o f energy generation. Beside the development for dis t ibuted singular electricity generation systems, there is an ongoing process of professionalization and wider distribut ion of bio energy throughout the whole energy sector. As the growing or athering of bio mass as well as the methods of distribution and usage of the energy products (gas, heat, and electr icity) are very manifold, early and comprehensive s upport in diverse decision processes regarding the Bio Energy Network s is needed. Methodical support is needed in differ ent phases connected to these networks: Planning, Rating, Eval uation, Comparison and Communication of different a lternatives (PRECC-Principle). To enable stakeholders of bio en ergy networks in applying the PRECC-Principle, IT-b ased support with a modular software framework is needed. This c oncept for a framework can be derived to further ap plication scenarios, reaching from other alternative energy s ectors to further distribution of bio energy.


A conjugated polymer (PTDHP) was synthesized by modifying the side chain of cationic polythiophene (PT) with a dihydropyridine (DHP) group via a click reaction. PTDHP has a unique ROS self-scavenging ability through the oxidation of the DHP into a pyridine structure upon light irradiation. Thus, PTDHP achieves cell imaging with good photo-stability and low photo-cytotoxicity.


A method, its optimalization and a solution to specific problems is described for the quantitative determination of endotoxins in blood. The method is based upon the endotoxin-dependent activation of a proenzyme, present in limulus ame- bocyte lysate. This activated enzyme is measured with the chromogenic substrate S2222. Possible inhibitors and activated coagulationfactors interfering in the assay are removed by dilution and boiling. The method is shown to be fast (2½ hr), sensitive and reproducible with a detection limit of 10 pg/ml. The endotoxin assay was found to have a good correlation with results of blood cultures. The detection threshold of the endotoxin assay compared with the number of circulating gramnegative organisms and CRD-measurements will also be shown.


Kokoro is a popular traditional maize snack widely consumed by adults and children in Southern states of Nigeria, but characterized by low protein content. African yam bean is an underutilized crop with high nutritional value, but literature is sparse on its utilization to enrich maize snacks. Maize flour (MF) was supplemented with African Yam Bean Flour (AYBF) and used to produce kokoro at various ratios MF/AYBF (100:0, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40). The 100% MF kokoro served as control. Proximate composition, minerals composition and sensory evaluation of the samples were determined. Proximate analysis results showed significant increase (p<0.05) in protein (10.88-13.11%), ash (1.87-2.42%) moisture (1.72-2.13%) and sugar contents (4.99-5.72%), and decrease in fat (34.25-29.58%) and starch content (83.6462.79%) as the % AYBF increased. Potassium (0.56-1.41%) was the predominant mineral, followed by calcium (0.49-0.74%) and magnesium (0.12-0.21%).Sensory evaluation results showed a high level of acceptance of the product, the 30% and 40% AYBF compared favorably with control (100% MF). African yam bean is useful for enrichment of maize-based snacks because of its nutrient density. This will create a novel use for African yam bean as well as improve the nutritional quality of the snacks.


Experimentally observed decay rate of the long wavelength Langmuir wave in metals and dense plasmas is orders of magnitude larger than the prediction of the prevalent Landau damping theory. The discrepancy is explored, and the existence of a regime where the forward Raman scattering is stable and the backward Raman scattering is unstable is examined. The amplification of a x-ray pulse in this regime, via the backward Raman compression, is computationally demonstrated, and the optimal pulse duration and intensity is estimated.


By using web-metric method and Chinese Science Citation Database of CNKI,and taking Library Forum as the statistical object,this paper analyzes the,situation of Library Forum from aspects of the citation analysis,statistical analysis on cited papers and fund-supported research papers published in Library Forum in order to understand the position and academic influence of Library Forum in book and information field.


This paper deals with the evaluation of the financial performance and financial position of IT companies in the consolidated group. The subject of the investigation is a consolidated group consisting of a parent company domiciled in Germany and its subsidiary in Slovakia. The article aims to point out the mutual relations within the consolidated group through correlation coefficients. The examined relations are in the area of profitability, indebtedness, liquidity and some macroeconomic indicators. The paper set out two objectives of the research: 1) within the consolidated group, the mutual relations between the parent company and the subsidiary are not significant; 2) within the consolidated group, the mutual relations between the parent company and the subsidiary are significant. Interesting conclusions emerged from the comparison of correlation coefficients.


The method proposed consists in measuring by means of a specially designed sextant the altitude and azimuth of a star simultaneously and using these two quantities with the declination to solve the astronomical spherical triangle. In this way, both the latitude and, by means of certain simple additions and subtractions in terms of the local hour angle which is found directly, the longitude are determined.


Early diagnosis of cancer can significantly improve treatment and survival outcomes. Imaging and tissue biopsy are the gold standard diagnostic approaches but are costly, invasive, and often unable to detect early-stage tumors. The past decade has marked an acceleration in the discovery and development of liquid biopsy tests for aiding in the detection of various types of tumor markers in non-tissue samples, such as blood. Liquid biopsy markers include circulating tumor cells, as well as tumor cell fragments, nucleic acids, and proteins. Liquid biopsy may be useful in screening patients considered to be at high risk of developing cancer, for refining diagnosis when combined with other test results, and for early detection of recurrence. Advances in big data analytics, informatics, and artificial intelligence will make it possible to combine patient history, clinical data, and liquid biopsy marker profiles to achieve more accurate and earlier diagnosis. In this review, we summarize the current use of liquid biopsy in cancer care, including the development of multi-analyte panels to improve diagnostic accuracy and detect several cancer types in a single assay. We highlight recent advances for potential future applications of liquid biopsy to aid in the diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating liquid biopsy into current algorithms for cancer screening and diagnosis.


Abstract. China has been experiencing rapid changes in emissions of
air pollutants in recent decades. Increased emissions of primary
particulates and reactive gases caused severe haze in several polluted
regions including the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). Measures implemented in
recent years for improving air quality have reduced the emissions of
NOx, SO2, etc. The emission changes in these gases are reflected
by tropospheric columns from satellite observations and surface measurements
of surface concentrations from urban sites. However, little is known about
the long-term variations in regional background NOx and SO2. In
this study, we present NOx and SO2 measurements from the Lin'an
station (LAN; 30∘18' N, 119∘44′ E; 138.6 m a.s.l.), one of the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) stations in China. We
characterize the seasonal and diurnal variations and study the long-term
trends of NOx and SO2 mixing ratios observed at LAN from 2006 to
2016. We also interpret the observed variations and trends in terms of
changes in meteorological conditions as well as emission of these gases. The
overall average mixing ratios of NOx (NO2) and SO2 during
2006–2016 were 13.6 ± 1.2 ppb (12.5 ± 4.6) and 7.0 ± 4.2 ppb, respectively. The averaged seasonal variations showed maximum values of
NOx and SO2 in December (23.5 ± 4.4 ppb) and January (11.9 ± 6.2 ppb), respectively, and minimum values of 7.1 ± 0.8
and 2.8 ± 2.3 ppb (both in July), respectively. The average diurnal
variation characteristics of NOx and SO2 differed considerably
from each other, though the daily average mixing ratios of both gases were
significantly correlated (R2=0.29, P<0.001). The annual
average mixing ratio of NOx increased during 2006–2011 and then
decreased significantly at 0.78 ppb/yr (−5.16 %/yr, P<0.01). The
annual 95th and 5th percentiles of hourly NOx mixing ratios
showed upward trends until 2012 and 2014, respectively, before a clear
decline. The annual average mixing ratio of SO2 decreased significantly
at 0.99 ppb/yr (−8.27 %/yr, P<0.01) from 2006–2016. The annual
95th and 5th percentiles of hourly SO2 mixing ratios all
exhibited significant (P<0.001) downward trends at 3.18 and
0.19 ppb/yr, respectively. Changes in the total NOx and SO2
emissions as well as the industrial emissions in the YRD region were
significantly correlated with the changes in annual NOx and SO2 mixing ratios. The significant decreases in NOx from 2011 to 2016 and
SO2 from 2006 to 2016 highlight the effectiveness of relevant control
measures on the reduction in NOx and SO2 emissions in the YRD
region. A decrease in annual SO2 / NOx ratio was found, suggesting
a better efficacy in the emission reduction in SO2 than NOx. We
found gradual changes in average diurnal patterns of NOx and SO2,
which could be attributed to increasing contributions of vehicle emissions
to NOx and weakening impacts of large sources on the SO2
concentration. This study reaffirms China's success in controlling both
NOx and SO2 in the YRD but indicates at the same time a necessity
to strengthen the NOx emission control.


Disabled persons are at risk of exclusion from the labor market. Such exclusion may result in social marginalization or even social exclusion. Various legal instruments are used in attempts to prevent this phenomenon. Social cooperatives, classified as entities of the social economy, may play a significant role in the professional activation of the disabled. However, social cooperatives of disabled persons in Poland face barriers that limit their role in the process of the professional and social inclusion of disabled persons. Currently, the situation diverges considerably from the postulates formulated in justification for draft acts whose passage was to have contributed to the development of the cooperative activities of disabled persons.


In an ionized atom the Kα and Kβ fluorescence lines have different, and usually slightly higher, energies than the same lines in a cold, un-ionized atom. The increase in fluorescence line energy Δ(hv) that pulsed power discharges can produce in high atomic number atoms is usually much smaller than the line energies hv themselves: typical numbers are hv = 60 keV and Δ(hv) = 10–20 eV, while the resolution obtained so far with a transmission crystal spectrometer developed for the purpose is around 100 eV. Hence any change in the energy of the fluorescence x-rays, from tungsten weakly ionized in the tungsten of the Plasma-Filled Rod Pinch (PFRP), could not be observed.


Population growth that is not matched by the availability of job vacancies can cause the unemployment rate to increase. Therefore efforts are needed to reduce the number of unemployed through training activities. Training activities are carried out to equip youth with skills and knowledge. One of the knowledge and skills that can be given to youth is welding skills. Tamansari Village, which is located in Dringu District, Probolinggo Regency, has the potential of human resources. Therefore, efforts are needed to equip young people in Tamansari village with skills and knowledge, one of which is welding skills. The results of the community service activities that have been carried out were followed enthusiastically by the participants. Participants can understand the theory that has been presented and followed by welding skills using the SMAW welding method.


Abstract One of the most important tasks of military logistics is to ensure proper use and technical maintenance of armaments and military equipment. Providing maintenance support services on the modern battlefield, with its saturation with complex technical solutions, poses a significant challenge for the logistics system of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. It is the duty of military logistics to adjust the potential of logistical sub-units as well as the organizational scheme and procedures of logistical support in accordance with changes occurring in the field. In times of peace, maintenance support services are focused on preventing equipment malfunctions. If a given piece of equipment becomes non-operational, their task consists in restoring it to full working order, taking into account all economic considerations. The vehicles should feature good traction characteristics in varied terrain and be adapted to operation in both cold and hot environments. The training of repair sub-unit staff remains an important element affecting the standard of maintenance support.


Component samples of the product were mapped into Hilbert space by kernel function.Then the heterogeneity between different components was enlarged,which will strengthen the robustness of product module partition process.The rough set was applied to preliminarily classify the components within the Hilbert space.The number of modules,the upper approximation of modules and the lower approximation of modules were obtained.Coupling degree indices between modules,complexity degree indices of manufacturing and assembly,and complexity degree indices of variant design were constructed as object functions.The improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm(NSGA) was used for searching the optimal module partition solution.A large scale deep cooling air-separating equipment's module partition process was provided as a practical case,which illustrated the validity and feasibility of the method.


Sir James Simpson (1811-1870) is best known for his introduction of chloroform into surgery as a general anaesthetic in 1847. He was also Professor of Midwifery at Edinburgh University. It is little realized that throughout his professional life he had an overriding interest in antiquarian studies, resulting in 19 publications. His first in 1841 was entitled Antiquarian Notices ofLeprosy and Leprosy Hospitals in Scotland and England which formed three papers in the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal between 1841 and 1842 based on a communication to the Edinburgh Medico-chirurgical Society earlier in 18411. Nearly 20 years later in 1862 he published a short communication entitled Antiquarian notices of Syphilis in Scotland in Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries2. Newman in 1895 who wrote a prize essay On the History ofthe Decline and Final Extinction of Leprosy As An Endemic Disease in the British Isles published by the New Sydenham Society expressed his indebtedness to Simpson's papers of 1841-1842


This paper reports the synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of a new manganese phosphonate [Mn5O3(C11H9PO3)2(PhCOO)5(phen)2].2H2O(1) based on naphthalene-1-ylmethylphosphonic acid(C11H9PO3H2).Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that compound 1 contains [Mn5O3]9+ cores with five metal sites arranged in a basket-like cluster structure.Solid-state dc magnetic susceptibilities measurement of compound 1 reveals that dominant antiferromagnetic interactions are propagated between the magnetic centers.The ac magnetic measurement on compound 1 reveals that both the in-phase and the out-phase signals are frequency independent,which indicates that compound 1 is not a single-molecule-magnet(SMM).


This paper examines the prediction that blockchain technology will transform accounting and the profession because transactions recorded on a blockchain can be aggregated into financial statements and confirmed as true and accurate. We argue that blockchain technology affects the database engine of the accounting information system (AIS) through digitisation of the current paper‐based validation process. In a blockchain‐based AIS, accountants will no longer be the central authority but will remain the preparer of financial reports required by regulations; they will continue to influence policies such as the choice and accreditation of validators and serve as validators of last resort. Audit evidence still needs to be gathered for rendering of an audit opinion in a blockchain‐based AIS. While digitisation of the validation process reduces the error rate and lowers the cost of vouching and tracing, and immutability of blockchain data reduces the incentive and opportunities for fraud, a blockchain‐based AIS alone does not guarantee that financial reports are true and fair. Lower error rates and reduced incentives for accounting fraud in a blockchain‐based AIS are expected to improve audit quality. This prediction will need to be empirically tested when blockchain‐based AIS become available. Using the three‐tier architecture of the AIS, this paper addresses the gap in the literature that misses how characteristics of blockchain technology can influence the implementation of a blockchain‐based AIS with related implications for the accounting profession.


Stress and anxiety are issues that are increasing within the United States. Due to this increase, many have turned to essential oils for relief. Lavender essential oils are widely regarded as an effective remedy to relieve anxious behavior in stressed individuals. In this study, the effect of lavender oil on anxiety within Zebrafish was tested. When presented with a negative stimuli, zebrafish begin to dive to the bottom of the tank. In our studies, the zebrafish were placed in a novel tank, which is shown to induce a stress response, after exposure to various doses of lavender oil. There was a trend for a decrease in both anxiety and whole‐body cortisol levels in fish exposed to lavender oil compared to control. This research suggests that lavender essential oil may be an effective treatment for anxiety.


A study of nonlinear optics of liquid and photorefractive crystals. It examines areas such as doped chiral liquid crystal systems as photolimiters, space-charge waves in photorefractive BSO crystals, and feedback-induced phase modulation and periodic states.


Over the years various devices have been used for the interaction man machine: mouse, keyboard, joystick and tablet. The speech, in particular, represents a mode of interaction extremely natural to man, seen that represents the method of communication preferential used every day. For this reason, speech technologies have played, and are of particular interest within the scientific community. The speech recognition systems represent the component through which the speech interaction with a system can take place. In particular, in this work, the atten tion has been placed on the development of a distributed speech recognition system. In this type of systems, the architecture of the speech recognition process is due to a pattern of client server. The client hosts the front end which calculates and extracts the representative speech parameters (features). The recognition of the message is carried by the back end server resident and is based on the processing of the feature stream. It was initially developed a front end according to stan dard ETSI ES 202 212, able to work in real time. The front end was first implemented on the Java platform, and then taken to mobile device, smartphone, based on Android platform. The remote back end has been developed using an open source toolkit (Sphinx 4) developed by Car negie Mellon University. Based on the problems identified in the first phase and especially of room for improvement glimpsed, research has subsequently focused on the speaker adaptation techniques. After careful analysis of the literature, in particular as regards the approaches of "speaker adaptation", has been proposed and developed an original algorithm for speaker adapta tion, to be applied on the client side. This algorithm is characterized by reduced complexity, Doctoral School on Engineering Sciences Università Politecnica delle Marche while ensuring high performance. The results obtained note the effectiveness of the proposed method and the functionality of the speech recognition system distributed as a whole.


First, evaluating educational interventions are complex when compared to biomedical interventions such as randomized controlled trial for a drug.[2] When we consider students as discrete functional units of a medical college, where multiple interacting elements tend to operate, it becomes imperative for the researcher to imbibe the principles of translational science. Ironically, practical difficulties existing in Indian medical academia seldom allow the researcher to follow up the students over a prolonged period of time so as to assess the accentuation/ diminution of the benefits of a complex educational intervention. Majority of the educational researches focus on assessing the intervention (e.g., flipped classroom) using quantitative approach (either using questionnaire or comparison of pre‐ and posttest scores) which gives a keyhole visualization of a complex process. Therefore, it is necessary to change our perspective regarding the process of education and this shall not be solely targeted towards generating the data set for making out publications.


A very successful meeting of the Education Committee together with executive members of AOFOG was held in Seoul, Korea at the time of the IX AOFOG Congress. Representatives were present from Australia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Republic of China, Indonesia, India, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Pakistan.


Effective risk communication is an integral part of responding to terrorism, but until recently, there has been very little pre‐event communication in a European context to provide advice to the public on how to protect themselves during an attack. Following terrorist attacks involving mass shootings in Paris, France, in November 2015, the U.K. National Police Chiefs' Council released a Stay Safe film and leaflet that advises the public to "run," "hide," and "tell" in the event of a firearms or weapons attack. However, other countries, including Denmark, do not provide preparedness information of this kind, in large part because of concern about scaring the public. In this survey experiment, 3,003 U.K. and Danish participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: no information, a leaflet intervention, and a film intervention to examine the impact of "Run, Hide, Tell" advice on perceptions about terrorism, the security services, and intended responses to a hypothetical terrorist firearms attack. Results demonstrate important benefits of pre‐event communication in relation to enhancing trust, encouraging protective health behaviors, and discouraging potentially dangerous actions. However, these findings also suggest that future communications should address perceived response costs and target specific problem behaviors. Cross‐national similarities in response suggest this advice is suitable for adaptation in other countries.


[reaction: see text] The first example of an olefin ring-closing metathesis reaction on cationic heteroaromatic systems is described. Dihydroquinolizinium cations and a variety of related cationic systems are synthesized in an efficient approach from N-alkenyl alpha-vinyl azinium salts using Grubbs' catalysts.


As a basis of modern petrology,the equilibrium relations describing the melting of granite were established mainly on melting experiments of Powder samples.Such experiments,however,have serious limitations in providing information about the variations in compositional and fabric features of the minerals and in the composition and distribution of the melt.Our experiments using massive samples indicate that melt occure mainly at the quartz-plagioclase and quartz-potash feldspar boundaries and the composition of the melt is dependent on local characteristics in the melting system,showing no correlation with the bulk composition of the rock samples.At lower temperatures(740-760℃,0.2GPa),the melt plots at or near the eutectic point in Q-Ab-Or-An-H2O diagram,indicating equilibrium melting.At higher temperatures(790-800℃,0.2GPa)the melt becomes lower in SiO2 and higher in Na2O,deviating makedly from the eutectic line but without disappearance of any mineral phase,suggesting a non-equilibrium process.It is obvious that the phase-equilibrium relations in natural massive granites may be greatly different from those deduced from powder experiments.


Baltimore—Some patients with preoperative risk factors for developing post-LASIK ectasia never develop the complication, while other individuals without evidence of topographic abnormalities or pachymetry values associated with surgical risk do.


Under two-dimensional Jordan-Wigner transformation the zero temperature spin-Peierls transition for quasi-one dimensional XY and Heisenberg model is studied. The phase diagram between the dimerized (D) state and uniform (U) state in the parameter space of interchain coupling h (= J⊥/J) and spinlattice coupling η is given. It is found that the spin-lattice coupling η must exceed some critical value ηc in order to reach the D phase for any finite h. The value ηc has the dependence −1/ ln h on h in h → 0 region and the transition between U and D phase is of first-order at least for h > 10−3. Typeset using REVTEX 1 The fact that the S = 1/2 Heisenberg spin chain is unstable towards dimerization when coupled to an elastic lattice is known as spin-Peierls (SP) transition [1]. This occurs because dimerization opens a gap in the spin excitation spectrum and lowers the total magnetic energy by a greater amount than the increase in elastic energy due to deformation. Such a transition was first suggested by analogy with the conventional Peierls transition in linear conducting chains and later observed in several organic compounds such as MEM-(TCNQ)2 [2]. It has attracted renewed attention since the discovery of inorganic compound CuGeO3 in 1993 [3]. In the adiabatic limit, it is well understood for exactly one-dimensional (1D) Heisenberg model that the dimerized (D) state, relative to the uniform (U) one, is always stable for arbitrarily weak spin-lattice coupling in the ground state [1]. It is interesting to study the competition between these two states in presence of some extra mechanisms. People have found several mechanisms which may destroy the D phase, for example, small Ising anisotropy [4]. Quantum lattice fluctuation is another candidate. Beyond adiabatic approximation, i.e., treating the phonons dynamically it was found that the spin-phonon coupling must be larger than some nonzero critical value for the SP instability to occur [5]. Another possible mechanism is the interchain exchange interaction [6,7]. Such a mechanism is even more significant because it is not only theoretically interesting but also important for real application. For example, in the material CuGeO3 experimental study [8] suggests relatively large interchain coupling, about J⊥/J = 0.1 (J represents the intrachain exchange), and it is also theoretically proposed that the interchain coupling must be included in the model [9]. So it is very interesting to study the SP transition for a general quasi-1D system with inclusion of interchain coupling. This will be discussed here with special focus on the problem how the interchain coupling modifies the dimerized ground state of exactly 1D case. This problem has so far been considered by some authors analytically [6] and numerically [7]. However, they all treated the interchain coupling within the so called chain mean-field theory and actually still studied 1D system. Obviously the effect of interchain coupling is underestimated. It is the purpose of this paper to reconsider such a problem. Beyond the 2 chain mean-field theory, we treat the intrachain and interchain exchange on an equal footing based on two-dimensional (2D) Jordan-Wigner (JW) transformation [10–12] and some new results are derived. In adiabatic approximation, we begin with the following 2D Hamiltonian on a square lattice:


Cinemas are often used as an element of escapism and a representation of reality to the audience. Cinema also plays a crucial part in developing and sustaining racial cultural ideas and attitudes in the United States of America and globally. Since the 1830s, African Americans have appeared in film as either shown unfavorably or as small-minded people in comparison to their white peers. In a famous film in America, "Birth of Nation", a white actor who acted as African American was portrayed as savagely violent who seized on Caucasian women. Despite the inaccurate portrayal of African Americans in the film, identical tropes have continued to emerge in the film industry since the 1920s. Therefore, this paper studies the representation of African Americans in Hollywood films using Critical Race Theory. Two Hollywood films will be used as a comparative case study namely Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave (2013) and Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz's Antebellum (2020) respectively. The result shows the importance of race and racism in society, several common types of racial prejudice have been detected in the films. Pathological stereotypes have also been presented through the films and the white characters show their power and control towards the African Americans who once had equal privilege with them.

Keyword :
Representation, African-Americans, Hollywood Films, Antebellum.


Physical health is one of fundamental elements and the necessary qualification for holding operator license or senior operator license of a nuclear power plant issued by NNSA.Based upon require- ments for healthy qualification of reactor operators in nuclear safety regulations and some new issued regula- tions,especially some involved national standard (GB),review direction,relevant contents and criteria were described,and some suggestions were provided in this paper.


REFERENCES 1. Creaney J, Yeoman D, Naumoff LK, et al. Soluble mesothelin in effusions: a useful tool for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Thorax 2007;62:569–76. 2. Lee YCG. Hunting for a pleural fluid test for mesothelioma: is soluble mesothelin the answer? Thorax 2007;62:561–2. 3. Robinson BW, Creaney J, Lake R, et al. Mesothelinfamily proteins and diagnosis of mesothelioma. Lancet 2003;362:1612–6. 4. Scherpereel A, Grigoriu B, Conti M, et al. Soluble mesothelin-related peptides in the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2006;173:1155–60. 5. Grigoriu BD, Scherpereel A, Devos P, et al. Utility of osteopontin and serum mesothelin in malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis and prognosis assessment. Clin Cancer Res 2007;13:2928–35.


This paper describes barriers to production of the organic milk. There was conducted a survey among conventional producers of cow's milk. Based on the identified barriers to organic milk production and farmers' opinions on them there were identified the most important barriers. The most important barrier to the production of organic milk in Vysocina region is considered to be the lack of price premiums for organic milk produced. The price premium is currently around 0.40 CZK per litre of organic milk. Farmers require a minimum price premium 1 CZK per litre, respectively 30 % increase of the price of milk. The higher price premium may serve as a motivation, which could eliminate the second major barrier - satisfaction with the current production. Problematic contact with suppliers has been identified as the third most important barrier by surveyed firms. Buyers do not respect the agreed purchase price (premium price). Partial barrier to organic milk production, according to surveyed farmers is the lack of the necessary amount of concentrated feed in the quality of organic milk.


The present invention relates to a device for generating a range of the pulse wave over a distance control between the saturable absorber connector, and more particularly, between that saturable absorber on the carbon nanotube saturable absorber section in the manual mode lock fiber laser generation device using a saturable absorber by controlling the distance control actively, drawbacks were meant to be the open area of the resonator, or may fully compensate the disadvantage that can replace the optic part, and therefore when designing only a portion of the saturated absorbent body portion of the fiber optic laser resonator fiber laser resonator through the distance between the adjustment of the overall design simple saturable absorber connector to an apparatus for generating a variety of pulse wave.


Getting the message right the first time is fast becoming the motto of successful businesses in today's highly competitive environment. Although this concept typically is applied to total quality management (TQM), it is equally relevant to intercultural communication. Corporate downsizing has forced a smaller number of employees to do more work. After all, the work load does not change just because hundreds or thousands of people have been terminated. The only change is in the structure of the organization. Because of this, effective communication has become a key way to coordinate the activities of the "survivors." Moreover, these survivors are under considerable stress because of overwork and anxiety about whether there win be yet another reduction in force. At this time management must go beyond simply disseminating information. It must make certain that communication is heard and interpreted properly. Employees must understand each other the first time and every time. Thin profit margins have forced businesses to reduce costs in other ways as, well. One of the more effective ways of doing this is by reducing the size of inventory kept on hand, which has led to the rise of "just-in-time" delivery of parts and materials. Such an inventory system requires precise coordination between the shipper and the receiver. A communication failure here may mean an entire plant sits idle awaiting required materials. Conflict is almost inevitable in today's dynamic and highly competitive business environment. Unfortunately, conflicts are likely to occur with increasing frequency largely because of the cultural diversity now found in almost every workforce. Today national borders, in many ways, are irrelevant as business issues now straddle continental borders. Yet the fall of international borders is being accompanied by the development of "cultural borders" within firms. The U.S. workforce looks and sounds vastly different from that of 20 years ago. African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians will be the faster-growing groups in the employee mix. By the end of this century, African-American women will actually outnumber African-American men in the labor force (Mirvis, 1993). In fact, by the year 2000 they will account for roughly 27 percent of the U.S. workforce. People from such different backgrounds as today's workers invariably bring different values, attitudes, and perceptions to the workplace. This diversity will lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities to improve both the workers and the organization. Thus, today's managers must be able to communicate effectively with subordinates of different races, ages, and nationalities. Efforts to improve performance must also apply to the quality of communication. Many managers believe that most problems caused by miscommunication can be corrected. However, research has shown that senior managers often place more weight on one vivid piece of evidence than on a whole body of outcomes when evaluating subordinates (Sullivan, Kameda, and Nobu, 1991). Thus, an incident that a junior manager might casually brush off as "a little misunderstanding" may result in his or her supervisor's labeling him or her careless and unmotivated. This failure to communicate might very well affect the young manager's career for a long time. All of these complicating factors mean that reasonably intelligent adults may find it difficult to communicate when faced with the intense pressures of today's environment. In light of this, we offer the following exercise for accomplishing three objectives: (1) help your students comprehend how difficult it is to communicate effectively, (2) present a systematic process for identifying communication road blocks occurring on the job, especially when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds, and (3) attempt to understand why these obstacles have occurred in order to prevent the same mistakes. IDENTIFYING WEAKNESSES IN A COMMUNICATION EXCHANGE To maximize the effectiveness of this experiential exercise, allow class time for students to develop a fundamental understanding of the communication process - the skills required of sender and receiver, the channel selection, the feedback cycles, and the multitude of barriers that can sabotage effective communication. …


This research work it has done for the sole purpose of knowing if the implementation of this coffee trading company producing cereal consumers would have other beverage alternatives.
Eating well at home is essential to live and have a healthy life within families; this enables the creation of a company where you are a natural and caffeine free good quality to be consumed by all people.
The company is located in the province of Loja Canton, where conditions are suitable, such as machinery, raw materials and supplies needed for the development of the company.
In the development process of the study were conducted objectives served to anticipate the results of knowledge expected from the end of the research process. To meet the objectives proposed methods and techniques were applied to facilitate research and to meet the objectives.
In the market research survey was applied to 396 families in the city of Loja in the stages that guide the project from conception , quantification of potential demand if 320 families consume coffee , real demand and demand 220 families effective with 300 families whether to buy our product, and our unsatisfied demand is $1,361,912 where we used the method of the survey and interview applied to commercial owners that sell coffee , analysis of the price that may acquired, the data obtained were applied to the results.
Conduct a market study that measured the degree of acceptance of this product in the area, run a technical study which focused mainly the location of the plant and the factors to carry out a quality product , the elements to be considered are : capacity plant , the distribution of the areas determined an installed capacity of 62400 bags of cereal and a capacity utilization of 80 % for the first year team selection to pack the
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coffee grain , materials that we need for the selection of cereals and direct labor and indirect .
We conducted a financial study, which estimated that the initial investment is $ 22.696.78 where 55,94 % will be provided by the company and 44.06 % will be financed by the Development Bank where he could display a short-term investment was arranged by a financial evaluation with optimal results could check if it generates profit.
Was developed where the study was presented organizational structure organizational model that describes the hierarchical levels , departments and staff roles they will play their respective offices , as well as the company 's established , the same that allowed visualize clearly and precisely the approach that the company has.
Finally conclusions are made without argument and presented in summary form, the results of analyzes carried out on the subject, also were reflected recommendations based on the findings.


We study the profitability of a strategy based on the earnings surprises. First, we attempt to identify variables, in addition to earnings surprise, that will improve our ability to predict post-earnings announcement returns. Second, we test a strategy based on the SUE effect using a stock-market simulation that considers transactions costs, short-sales constraints, and cash management issues, e.g., is cash available when a buy transaction is called for by the strategy? Discussions with practitioners indicate that assumption behind our simulation are fairly realistic. Our results, unfortunately, are inconclusive. While the SUE strategy earned significantly higher returns over the 1988 through 1992 time period than a buy-and-hold strategy, the superior performance was confined almost entirely to a two-year sub-period. That we can devise a simple strategy, however, with a turnover in excess of 300% per year that can perform as well as the value-weighted index over three years of the study and outperform it by a very wide margin for two years, suggests that money mangers might formulate more sophisticated strategies that can do even better.


Abstract : This project investigated phosphorus-containing compounds (PCCs) as alternatives to halon fire suppressants. The flame suppression effectiveness of two PCCs, dimethyl methylphosphonate and trimethyl phosphate, was evaluated by determining their effect on the global extinction strain rate in opposed-jet flames. A novel method for approaching extinction was devised and validated for use in extinction measurements involving low-vapor-pressure additives. Effectiveness was determined for nonpremixed methane vs. air and propane vs. air flames, methane/air premixed flames, and a variety of nonpremixed methane/nitrogen vs. oxygen/nitrogen flames. For all the flames tested, these PCCs showed very high flame suppression effectiveness. Their effectiveness was two to four times higher than literature values for CF3Br in nonpremixed methane vs. air flames. For the limited range of PCCs tested, the chemical form of the parent compound appeared to have little effect on flame suppression properties. The effectiveness of PCCs increases as flame temperature decreases. Effectiveness per mole PCC at the flame location is somewhat higher for oxidant-side delivery than for fuel-side delivery. PCCs show promise as halon replacements. Further research is needed to investigate their mechanisms of action, to determine important toxicological and materials compatibility properties, and to devise effective ways to deliver them to fires.


Soil freeze–thaw processes are remarkable features of the land surface across the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Soil moisture and temperature fluctuate during the freeze–thaw cycle, affecting the soil water and energy exchange between the land and atmosphere. This study investigates variations in the soil temperature, humidity, and freeze–thaw state and their responses to air temperature and precipitation on the TP from 1981 to 2016. Regional simulations of the TP using Community Land Model version 4.5 demonstrate that the climate of the TP has become warmer and wetter over the past 37 years, with increases in both regional average temperature and precipitation. Using empirical orthogonal function analysis and the Mann–Kendall trend test of air temperature, we show that 1980–1998 was relatively cold, and 1999–2016 was relatively warm. Soil temperature and moisture in most areas of the TP were affected by air temperature and precipitation, and both showed an upward trend during the past 37 years. Overall, from 1981 to 2016, the freezing date of the TP has become delayed, the thawing date has been hastened, and the duration of the freeze–thaw state has shortened. The surface soil freezes and thaws first, and these processes pervade deeper soil with the passage of time; freeze–thaw processes have an obvious hysteresis. Precipitation and air temperature had marked effects on the freeze–thaw processes. Higher air temperatures delay the freezing date, hasten the thawing date, and shorten the freeze–thaw period. Areas with the highest precipitation saw late soil freeze, early thaw, and the shortest freeze–thaw duration. Areas with less vegetation froze earlier and thawed later. The freeze–thaw duration increased in the northwest of the plateau and decreased on the rest of the plateau. This article informs research on frozen soil change in the context of global warming.


Pressure ulcers are common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and not only are costly to treat but also affect the quality of life of those affected by them. Despite a plethora of literature on prevention, there are few wellness studies focusing on the practices of people who do not develop pressure ulcers. This preliminary study sought to compare persons with spinal cord injury with consistent healthy skin histories to those with chronic pressure ulcer problems, focusing on behavioral habits of self-care. Data from 86 individuals 6 to 17 years postinjury were gathered by a mail and telephone survey investigating demographics and behavioral management lifestyle practices and factors attributed to success in preventing ulcers. Chi-square and follow-up analyses of variance indicated the group practices of those relatively ulcer free, who were female, were employed, weighed less, performed frequent pressure releases, experienced fewer ulcers during the first year, were less likely to smoke, consumed less alcohol, had fewer incontinence or moisture problems, had more sensation in the buttocks region, and were more physically active. Relevance to rehabilitation counselors in working with this population and addressing this debilitating problem is explored.


The paper presents a subroutine package that solves the inverse problem of slider lubrication considering such features as finite bearing width, squeeze action, and starvation. The underlying analysis and computational algorithm are described. A representative example of piston ring and cylinder bore contact is used to demonstrate the use of the subroutine package.


An evaluation of adhesion and cohesion properties for coatings was attempted by studying crack initiation and behaviour during uniaxial straining of a coating-substrate system. Some soft and hard metal coatings and some ceramic coatings have been studied. Straining of coated specimens was done in two ways: firstly, by uniaxial strain control tensile testing connected to acoustic emission (AE) equipment for monitoring crack activities; secondly, by uniaxial load control tensile testing with replica tape application for crack detection on the surface. Using both pieces of information, the stress level, fs , at which a crack reaches the coating surface can be determined. Information on adhesion failure (flaking) and cohesion failure (transverse and ±45 cracking) in the coating was obtained. It was found that cracks transverse to load direction appear on the surface either before or at the substrate yield point for hard metal coatings depending on the coating deposition process and thickness. For the ceramic coatings of the PVD and CVD process the transverse cracking always appeared in the vicinity of the substrate yield point. The cracks originated at the interface rather than at the surface. Flaking of some of the hard metal and CVD coatings was observed near the substrate fracture surface. For the soft coatings, the transverse cracking may or may not appear depending upon its ductility. A ±45 cracking in some of the coatings was formed during yielding or just before fracture. Micro-hardness measurements were made on all the coating-substrate systems, and the coating hardness was derived


Results from this study show that heattreated colostrum can be successfully fed on commercial dairy farms to reduce pathogen exposure without harming passive transfer in newborn calves.


An yttrium complex, tris(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-isobutyryl-5-pyrazolone) (phenanthroline) yttrium (Y(PMIP) 3 (Phen)) was synthesized and characterized by photoluminescence and electroluminescence. Experimental data show that the complex has carrier-transporting and emitting properties. Using poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) as the hole-transporting layer, a bilayer device ITO/ PVK(40 nm)/Y(PMIP) 3 (Phen) (80 nm)/Mg: Ag(200 nm)/Ag(100 nm) exhibited green emission with a luminance of 180 cd/m 2 and a peak power efficiency of 0.01 lm/w. Using tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (ALQ) as the electron transporting layer, the luminance was enhanced up to 460 cd/m 2 at 17 V.


COMPARISON OF eGaN FETS AND MOSFETS IN LOW VOLTAGE BUCK CONVERTER In a traditional hard switching transition, the switching losses are impacted by two device parameters, QGD, known as the miller charge, which controls the voltage rising and falling speed; and QGS2, which is the portion of the gate source charge from the device threshold voltage to the gate plateau voltage, which controls the current rising and falling speed. The turn off period, shown in figure 1a, begins with a decrease of gate drive voltage; when the gate voltage reaches the plateau, the voltage across the device will begin to rise, being driven by the gate current, IG. During the voltage rising period, the device encounters both current and voltage in the device, resulting in switching loss. For the voltage rising period, the device parameter determining loss is QGD. When the device voltage reaches the input voltage, the current in the device will begin to fall and more switching loss in the device will be incurred. For the current falling period, the device parameter determining loss is QGS2. The power loss during the turn off switching transition can be given by:


Abstract This article reports the experience of a group of universitybased academics in supporting teachers' engagement in research in and across a cluster of secondary schools in the Norwich area. It takes the form of a discussion constructed from emails about the ways in which the academic context of their work shaped their interactions with teachers in schools. Much has been written about the ways in which the workplace environment shapes the research of teachers in schools, but there is relatively little on the ways in which the working environment of academics shapes their capacity to collaborate with teachers and support their research in schools. This article attempts to make a contribution to a somewhat neglected area of study.


Specialised equipment for the underwater inspection of steel and concrete waterfront structures is described. This includes a high-pressure waterjet cleaning system for steel and concrete structures; improved underwater inspection equipment for collecting quantitative data on concrete structures; and a new underwater steel inspection system that accurately measures the thickness of corrosion pitted steel.


Abstract. We demonstrate an ultracompact integrated silicon-based plasmonic sensor for lab-on-chip applications in the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral range. Our sensor possesses desirable features such as design simplicity and very high sensitivity. The sensor is designed using a platform for plasmonic effects in the MIR using highly doped silicon. This platform is exploited to create a metal-less plasmonic slot waveguide in the MIR range. This plasmonic waveguide is highly sensitive to any environmental change. Full wave electromagnetic simulations were carried out to design and optimize the structure. The proposed sensor covers a large wavelength span in the MIR range. High spectral sensitivity of 5000  nm/RIU was achieved for our sensor device. Further development of the structure was conducted to extend the sensor operation to multigas sensing.


Oxide thin films have been enthusiastically considered for introducing new features in electronic devices over this last decade. crystal structure of those samples is a key point for the studies since it's linked to some properties such as magnetic properties or electric ones (polarization). If both cationic distribution and crystallographic position can be easily determined in bulk materials using classical methods such as X-rays or neutron diffraction, they are extremely tricky to determine in thin films owing to the relatively small amount of material to probe.


Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) survivors do not have an increased risk for anxiety and depression.

Despite the title of a report in this issue of Blood by Sun et al, "Adverse psychological outcomes in long-term survivors of HSCT: A report from the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor


The concept of ethical harassment is identified and discussed. It is proposed that we search for societal mechanisms that may lead to some progress in the curtailment of ethical harassment. It is proposed that the right to act ethically should be regarded as a fundamental human and professional right.


The main valuable element in a tailings after recovering Fe is phosphor,The mineral contenting phosphor is phosphorite,gangue mineral is Ca-Mg-silicate.The flowsheet of 1 times roughing,rough concentrate regrinding and 4 times cleaning was used,Experment is done on the condition of regrinding size is-0.074mm being 70%,dosage of sodium carbonate is 3500g/t,dosage of sodium silicate is 1000g/t,dosage of oxidation olefin alkali is 800g/t,oxidation olefin and the good index of grade and recovery of phosphor concentrate being 34.34%、75.81% was got.


Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by widespread accumulation of cystine within cellular lysosomes, causing crystal formation in various tissues [1, 2]. The primary defect in cystinosis is a deficiency of carrier-mediated cystine transport across lysosomal membranes [3-5]. In the first year of life, affected children exhibit a renal Fanconi syndrome with metabolic acidosis followed by growth retardation and glomerular dysfunction [2, 6]. Without kidney transplantation or dialysis, death generally occurs by about 10 years of age [2, 6]. Before the cystine-depleting agent cysteamine became widely available [7, 8], more than 70 patients with cystinosis in North America underwent renal transplantation, which allowed them to survive into adulthood [9, 10]. Patients with cystinosis who receive renal transplants experience the same relief of uremic symptoms and have the same complications as other renal allograft recipients, but otherwise the clinical course of the disease continues [9, 10]. Although donor kidneys do not accumulate cystine, the effects of the long-standing extrarenal accumulation of cystine become increasingly evident. These include decreased visual acuity, recurrent corneal erosions, central nervous system involvement, swallowing dysfunction, and severe myopathy [9-15]. Hormonal insufficiencies resulting from damage to endocrine organs have also been reported in patients with cystinosis [16-21]. The best characterized are thyroid dysfunction and pancreatic endocrine insufficiency [16-20]. Whether patients with cystinosis also have other endocrine impairment, such as pituitary-testicular dysfunction, however, has not been investigated in an organized fashion. For example, when gonadotropin levels were measured in a group of prepubertal patients with cystinosis, one male patient had an elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) level, suggesting Leydig cell dysfunction [17]. Normal fertility has also been reported in a female patient [21], but primary ovarian failure was noted in a second patient [12]. To determine the extent of pituitary-testicular dysfunction in men with cystinosis, we evaluated reproductive function in 10 patients who received renal allografts and who are currently being followed at the National Institutes of Health. Methods Patients Nephropathic cystinosis was diagnosed in all patients based on elevated leukocyte cystine levels and the presence of corneal crystals on slit-lamp examination [1-3]. All 10 patients had received a renal transplant 3 to 10 years before the study. Patients were receiving maintenance immunosuppressive therapy consisting of prednisone and either azathioprine or cyclosporine. Nine patients were receiving thyroid replacement as treatment for cystinosis-related hypothyroidism. All patients were seen as part of an institutional review board-approved protocol of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to study the complications of cystinosis after transplantation. All patients or their parents gave written informed consent for these studies. Blood was also collected from 11 renal transplant recipients with a primary renal disorder other than cystinosis. They were receiving similar immunosuppressive therapy and were matched with the study group for age and renal function. Tanner stages [22] were defined as follows: Patients were considered stage 1 if they were prepubertal, had no pubic hair, and had a testicular length less than 2.5 cm; stage 2 patients were defined by a sparse growth of slightly pigmented pubic hair at the base of the penis and a testicular length between 2.5 and 3.2 cm; stage 3 patients had thicker, curlier hair that had spread to the mons pubis and a testicular length between 3.3 and 4 cm; stage 4 patients had adult-type hair that had not spread to the medial thighs and a testicular length between 4.1 and 4.5 cm; stage 5 patients were defined by the presence of adult-type hair that had spread to the medial thighs and a testicular length greater than 4.5 cm. Hormone Assays Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH levels were determined by specific double-antibody radioimmunoassays as described previously [23, 24]. For FSH, the intra- and interassay variations were both 7.5%. For LH, the intra- and interassay variations were 3.7% and 8.4%, respectively. Plasma testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay after extraction and chromatography [25]. The intra-and interassay variations were 7.1% and 9.5%, respectively. Serum -subunit, LH-, and FSH- were determined by specific double-antibody radioimmunoassays as described previously [26, 27]. The cross-reactivities of LH and FSH in the -subunit assay and of -subunit in LH and FSH assays were less than 5%. In contrast, the cross-reactivities of LH in the LH- assay and of FSH in the FSH- assay were 17% and 37.5%, respectively. The detection limits for the -subunit, LH-, and FSH- assays were 0.4 mg/L, 0.7 mg/L, and 1.5 mg/L, respectively. A mouse Leydig cell assay was used to assess the bioactivity of LH in the 10 patients with cystinosis. The bioassay used was adapted from that described by Dufau and colleagues [28]. Luteinizing Hormone Pulsatility Seven patients underwent testing to determine LH pulsatility. Patients were admitted to the ward on the afternoon before the study day to allow acclimatization to the unit. An indwelling catheter was placed in a forearm vein at admission, and patency was maintained by intermittent injections of a dilute solution of heparin. Patients were allowed to ambulate freely until 2200 h, at which time they retired to their beds and room lights were turned off. Sleep was monitored visually by trained nursing personnel. On the study day, blood samples were obtained every 20 minutes for 12 to 24 hours. The duration of the sampling periods was determined by the patient's body weight and renal function; those weighing less than 30 kg or having a creatinine clearance of less than 25 mL/min per 1.73 m2 underwent 12-hour sampling and the remaining patients underwent 24-hour sampling. Stimulation Tests Four patients had the human chronic gonadotropin (HCG) stimulation test. Daily intramuscular injections of 4000 IU of chorionic gonadotropin (Pregnyl, Organon, West Orange, New Jersey) were given for 3 consecutive days. Testosterone was measured in blood samples collected before the injections and daily for the subsequent 4 days. Five patients had the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test. After three basal estimates of FSH and LH over consecutive 15-minute intervals, a 100-mg bolus of GnRH was administered intravenously. Levels of LH and FSH were measured in blood samples collected every 15 minutes for the next hour and then every 30 minutes for the following hour. Histologic Study of Testicular Tissue Testicular specimens for histologic examination were obtained in one patient who died of aspiration pneumonia [14]. Samples were fixed and placed in neutral buffered formalin and in absolute alcohol before examination by light microscopy. Statistical Analysis Data are expressed as mean SE. Group comparisons were analyzed using the Student t-test, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the degree of linear association between measured variables. The LH pulse analysis was done using the Pulsar pulse detection computer program [29]. Results Growth and Pubertal Development The 10 patients with cystinosis had a mean age of 20.8 1.6 years and a mean serum creatinine clearance of 54.1 12.4 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (Table 1). These values did not differ significantly from those in the control patients with other renal diseases (Table 2). However, patients with cystinosis were markedly smaller in terms of height (P < 0.001) and weight (P < 0.001). Bone age was delayed by 2 to 10 years in patients with cystinosis; only 2 of 11 control patients had delayed bone age, 1 patient by 1 year and the other by 5 years. No patients with cystinosis reached Tanner stage 5, but only 2 of 11 control patients (17 and 21 years old) failed to reach Tanner stage 5. In the study group, patient 5 (20 years old) was prepubertal and had a 10-year bone age delay; the other 9 patients all gave a history of onset of puberty with a growth spurt and increased libido, and 3 also gave histories of increased shaving. Puberty, however, failed to progress in most patients. Although 9 of 10 patients gave a history of erections, only 3 reported being able to ejaculate (patients 4, 8, and 9). Semen analyses were done in these 3 patients, and azoospermia was noted in all three. A reduced testis volume was also noted in most patients (Table 1). Table 1. Growth-related Variables and Renal Function after Renal Transplantation in Patients with Cystinosis Table 2. Growth-related Variables and Renal Function in Patients with Primary Renal Diseases Other Than Cystinosis after Renal Transplantation Hormone Studies Patient 5 was prepubertal with low testosterone and low LH levels (Figure 1). Of the remaining nine study patients, two (patients 2 and 10) had low testosterone and high LH levels and four (patients 4, 6, 7, and 9) had normal testosterone and high LH levels, consistent with primary hypogonadism. Patient 8 was azoospermic with normal testosterone, high FSH, and normal LH levels. Patients 1 and 3 had normal testosterone and normal LH levels. They were probably peripubertal because both were at Tanner stage 3 and had a bone age of 13 years, and patient 1 also had an increased LH pulse amplitude at night (Figure 2). Five of seven patients with normal testosterone levels had increased levels of testosterone-binding globulin (TeBG). The mean TeBG level was 13.2 3.0 mg/L (normal, 3.7 to 7.0 mg/L). In comparison, only 2 of 11 control patients had an elevated LH level, 3 had an elevated FSH level, and all had normal testosterone levels (Figure 1). The mean LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were 85.4 27.6 IU


Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyze the impact of ROA and ROE on the net profit of the selected Oil and Gas companies (O & G) in Oman; to analyze the effect of ROA on the assets performances of selected Oil and Gas companies in Oman and to analyze the relationship between ROE and debt-equity on the performances of oil and gas companies in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach: The secondary data was obtained from the annual reports of Oman's major telecom providers listed in the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) for the period 2015 to 2020. The data collected from the financial statements were analyzed using ratio analyses with the help of excel. The secondary data was obtained from the annual reports of selected O & G companies in Oman, listed in the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) for the period 2015 to 2020. The collected data was analyzed with financial ratio analysis using excel and SPSS to evaluate the financial performance of the companies.

Findings: The study revealed that amongst the overall financial performances of the O & G companies, Oman Oil Marketing, Muscat Gases, and Shell Oman Marketing topped the list followed by National Gas and Al Maha Petroleum. The study also revealed that there is a correlation between Return of Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE), and Assets Turnover Ratio (ATO) and Net Profit Margin (NP). ROA, ROE, and Debt Equity Ratio (DE) do not have any correlation with NP which purports that there is no relationship between ROA & NP, ROE & NP, and DE & NP.

Research limitations/implications: The study revealed that the financial performances of the O & G companies in Oman can be measured through analysis NP, ROE, ROA, ATO & DE but it is of no significance to the company's financial performances as ROA, ROE has no impact on the Net profit margin of the O & G companies in Oman. Similarly, neither ATO nor DE has any impact on the net profit margin.

Social implications: The study helps the investors and management of the O & G companies to understand the variables and the efforts to reform financial measures and take necessary action and suitable decisions to enhance the financial performances of the oil and gas companies.

Originality/Value: The study was carried out with five major selected O & G companies of Oman and the study had relied mostly on quantitative techniques involving financial ratios and correlation analysis. The study can be extended to other oil-based economies countries as well.


Abstract This paper introduces a novel approach to high-speed fault protection strategy for bipolar Current Source Converter (CSC) based high voltage DC transmission line. The Bagged-Tree Ensemble-Classifier (BTEC) method is employed to detect the presence of a fault and categorizes the various types of faults in the DC transmission line. The implementation of the Wavelet Transform (WT) technique assists in diminishing the effect of deviation in the fault resistance value, fault location, and disturbances created due to noise on the performance BTEC method. The development of the predictive model through concatenating individual models is the prime objective of the ensemble schemes. Ensemble procedure assists to enhance the performance accuracy of the fault protection strategy. The local measurement at the rectifier end side is enough for the proposed strategy to realize the protection of the entire line with no use of communication channels. The AC sinusoidal voltage, DC current and DC voltage are recorded at the rectifier end terminal and sampled at 1 kHz, which is very less as compared to the other existing techniques. The proposed strategy detects the fault in the least possible time of 4 ms and able to classify all the tested faults with reasonable accuracy. The results convey that the proposed strategy offers high-speed detection of fault and preciseness in the classification of all types of faults, despite variation in the fault resistance up to 180 Ω. The proposed scheme is applicable for DC faults and also detects the presence of AC faults in either rectifier end as reverse fault and in inverter end as sub-sequent forward section fault.


Vertical and anterior displacement of the hyoid bone is a critical biomechanical component of normal swallowing function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the maximal vertical and anterior displacement of the hyoid bone during oropharyngeal swallowing. A retrospective review of video-fluoroscopic swallowing exams in 40 normal subjects varying by age and gender was performed. Means and standard deviations for both vertical and anterior displacement were analyzed on both 5-ml and 10-ml thin liquids using an ImageJ program. Age and gender differences were submitted to a repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance. There was a significant difference between younger and older subjects for anterior displacement of the hyoid bone during the swallow but not for vertical displacement. No significant differences between male and female subjects were observed. Anterior displacement of the hyoid bone decreased with increasing age. This reduction may be related to muscle weakness. However, older people may adapt to preserve airway protection. Youngsun Kim & Gary H. McCullough (2008) "Maximum Hyoid Displacement In Normal Swallowing" Dysphagia 23:274–279 Version of Record Available At www.springer.com [DOI 10.1007/s00455-007-9135-y] Maximum Hyoid Displacement in Normal Swallowing The purpose of swallowing is to safely transport food from the mouth to the stomach. Safe and proper ingestion of food and liquid is critical to survival. Swallowing can be divided into three physiologic stages: oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal [1]. As a bolus is propelled from the oral cavity into the pharyngeal cavity, the pharyngeal stage of the swallow is triggered. The pharyngeal swallow is complex and requires a series of events to occur in a timely fashion. These events include (1) vertical and anterior displacement of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage, (2) tilt and seal of the epiglottis, (3) closure of the true and false vocal folds, and (4) opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) [2]. These activities must occur in synchrony with initial oral bolus propulsion and contraction of pharyngeal constrictors which propel the food or liquid through the pharynx and into the esophagus. Vertical and anterior displacement, or ''excursion,'' of the hyoid bone occurs as the bolus passes into the pharynx and is the most common marker for the physiologic initiation of the swallow. Contraction of the tongue base and suprahyoid muscles pulls the hyoid bone up and forward, which in turn causes the epiglottis to close and the UES to open. Thus, the anterior and superior displacement of the hyoid is essential for protection of the airway during the swallow and for safe and efficient passage of the bolus into the esophagus [3, 4]. Several authors have reported on vertical and anterior displacement of the hyoid bone in normal subjects. Ishida et al. [5] reported means and standard deviations for vertical and anterior hyoid displacement during liquid and solid swallows in young, normal subjects. They reported a significant difference in hyoid excursion between liquid and solid consistencies. Solid food created more vertical and anterior displacement of the hyoid bone. Dodds et al. [6] and Cook et al. [7] added to that knowledge by reporting increases in hyoid excursion with increasing bolus volume. Bolus volumes may have different effects on vertical as opposed to anterior displacement. Logemann [8, 9] reported that younger male subjects have more vertical displacement of the hyoid than younger female subjects. However, older female subjects tend to have more anterior hyoid displacement than younger female subjects, presumably to compensate for age-related swallowing changes. Perlman et al. [10] reported that dyphagic patients had less displacement both anteriorly and vertically than normal subjects. No difference was observed between liquid and paste swallows. The purpose of this study was to evaluate maximum excursion of the vertical and anterior displacement of the hyoid bone during normal swallowing. Means, standard deviations, and ranges were analyzed. Data from this study will be used for future comparisons of hyoid displacement in patients poststroke.


The purpose of the model which is developed in this paper is to estimate the demand for workers by General Educational Development (GED) and Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) characteristics under varying conditions of final demand. Most of the labor demand models which have been developed are of limited use in predicting the effect of changes in final demand on employment because of the failure to consider one or more of three basic labor market conditions: (l) the heterogeneous nature of labor demand; (2) the supply characteristics of workers; and (3) changes in the employment/output ratios. The present study incorporates condition (l) directly into the model and identifies those situations in which conditions (2) and (3) would have an effect upon the estimates of the demand for workers. It is assumed that the level of employment is directly proportional to the levels of industrial output, and that the levels of industrial output are determined ultimately by the final demand facing each industry. An input-output table of the u.S. economy is used to estimate the level of output by industry for a given set of final demands. A set theoretic approach to the labor market is adopted with the set of skill bundles which the labor force possesses and the set of skill bundles demanded by the employers in each industry expressed in terms of joint GED/SVP classifications. A matrix of the demand for workers by twenty-seven joint GED/SVP classifications per dollar of output is constructed which allows the translation of the levels of output into the levels of demand for workers by GED/SVP classi-


and differs somewhat in its conclusions from Michael Pinto-Duschinsky's The Political Thought of Lord Salisbury, 1854-68 (London: Constable, 1967). While the latter was primarily concerned with establishing Salisbury as an important conservative political theorist, the former, a lecturer in History at King's College, London, has different interests, which are more those of an empirical political scientist than of a normative political theorist. In Smith's view, a study of Salisbury's articles is important not because of their theoretical profundity but "for the insight they give into the mind of a major British statesman, for their embodiment of some typical—and some untypical —features of conservative thinking in general and of British nineteenth-century Conservatism in particular, and for their often incisive analysis of the politics of the day" (p. 103).


Aim To observe the clinical effect of lateral incision of interior sphincter with small needle knife and erasion ulceration on anal fissure.Methods One hundred and twenty cases of anal fissure were randomly divided into two groups.Seventy-eight cases in the treatment group were treated with small needle knife.The other forty-two cases in control group were treated with conventional incision method.Follow-up survey lasted six to twelve months.Results The curative rate of the treatment group and the control group was 95% and 90% respectively.In this aspect,the difference showed no statistical significance(P0.05).There was significant difference in postoperative pain,healing time and anal function between the two groups(P0.05).Conclusion Using small needle knife for lateral incision on interior sphincter is an effective and safe procedure for anal fissure,which is easy and proper for clinical application.


The symptoms of influenza appear suddenly and often include: • A Fever of 100 °F to 104 °F, which can reach 106 °F when symptoms first develop. Fever is usually continuous, but it may come and go. Fever may be lower in older adults than in children and younger adults • Shaking and/or chills • Body aches and muscle pain (often severe), commonly in the back, arms, or legs • Headache • Pain when you move your eyes • Fatigue, a general feeling of sickness, and loss of appetite • A dry cough, runny nose, and dry or sore throat


Amongst the cooling solutions proposed to mitigate heat hazard effects in microelectronics, heat spreaders seem to be one of the most suitable when thickness and space constraints are considered. This work proposes the use of graphite-based materials as heat spreaders for thermal management of flipchip configurations. Experimental tests and numerical simulations show a significant improvement in the thermal dissipation capabilities of the stack when adding this layer. An additional configuration with a copper heat sink added on top of the heat spreader is also studied. Results indicate a significant reduction of the peak temperature for an integrated graphite heat spreader and a reduction of the average chip temperature if the heat spreader is linked to a copper heat sink. Experimental results are then analyzed by retrosimulation and the thermal path is investigated with or without heatspreader.


The cultivation model of talents specialized in business English is transforming from the single training by colleges to the market-demanded co-cultivation between colleges and enterprises in the perspective of economics of language.Based on the Demand Survey of Business English Talents for Local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises,the paper discusses the patterns and contents of co-cultivation between colleges and enterprises from aspects of curricula system,teaching approaches and faculty reform in order to improve the quality of talents.


Argumentative systems formalized common sense reasoning through construction, comparison and evaluation of arguments for or against certain conclusions. In such systems, there are two central notions: Defeat and Defense. In this paper we characterize both notions and we show and comment some challenges for proposals characterizations of defeat and defense.


The article entitled ''The Efficacy of the Harmonic Scalpel in Neck Dissection: A Prospective Randomized Study,'' by Y. S. Shin et al., invites a commentary about adopting new technology in the performance of a longestablished surgical procedure. Unquestionably, the most reasonable way to do it is on the basis of evidence gathered properly, and preferably before the technology is used widely, creating reasonable expectations and remaining vigilant and objective about limitations of the new technology and possible complications. With this in mind, let's examine this article. First, the evidence: the authors of this study hypothesized that using the Harmonic scalpel would reduce both operative time and blood loss during neck dissection without increasing perioperative complications. To test their hypothesis, they conducted a prospective randomized study that compared the results with their ''conventional'' hand-tied ligation technique for hemostasis with a technique using the Harmonic scalpel with minimal hand-tied ligation. Clearly, the design of the study was well thought out; it included 59 patients with previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aero-digestive tract who underwent surgery at a single institution. The indications for the different types of neck dissections performed were appropriate; the neck dissections were done prior to and separately from the primary tumor; patients were assigned randomly to either the Harmonic scalpel or conventional ''hand-tied ligation technique'' at the time of surgery; and outcomes were stratified appropriately according to the type of neck dissection. The statistical analysis of the data was sound. Therefore, this study provides level 1 evidence indicating that using the Harmonic scalpel for hemostasis during neck dissection decreases operative time without increasing complication such as hematoma or seroma. It is unfortunate, however, that the study was not published several years ago, since the Harmonic scalpel is now widely used in the performance of various operations in the neck. Second, this study falls short with regard to creating reasonable expectations. The authors hypothesized and demonstrated that using the Harmonic scalpel decreased blood loss. However, they emphasize that all the operations were performed by two surgeons ''with the same technique'' and that all neck dissection were done in a ''in a standard way'' with the only difference being that, in the experimental group, the Harmonic scalpel was used for vascular control (except when hand-tied or suture ligation was needed for ligation of the internal jugular vein or when bleeding was not controlled with electrocoagulation), while in the other group electrocautery was used to control the small vessels and hand-tied ligation was used for large-size vessels. The authors emphasize further that ''all other surgical equipment and procedures were the same in both groups.'' If that was the case, and if in the ''conventional'' technique blood vessels were cauterized or ligated before transecting them—as many surgeons do today to minimize operative bleeding—dividing the vessels with the Harmonic scalpel, or any other similar device, should not be expected to decrease blood loss. However, one would expect such outcome if the Harmonic scalpel is also used to carry out portions of the tissue dissection, such as cutting through the fibrofatty tissues of the neck—particularly in the posterior triangle of the neck—and the blood loss was compared to that seen with a technique that uses scalpel or scissors to cut through these tissues, with subsequent cautery or clamps/ties for hemostasis. That could explain why a decrease in blood loss was only observed in the comprehensive and not in the selective neck dissections. Third, and more important, in terms of limitations of the technique, the authors recognized and acknowledge in the article, that the Harmonic scalpel was not always effective in ligating the thoracic duct and its tributaries. However, this must be emphasized. Those readers who are persuaded to begin using the Harmonic scalpel in neck dissections must keep in mind that when this instrument was used by the authors of this study to attempt ligation of the thoracic duct, they were unsuccessful and had to ''hand'' ligate the duct or its tributaries in 43.7% (7/16) of the patients undergoing a comprehensive neck dissection, and in 33% (6/18) of those undergoing a selective neck dissection. Clearly this study should have been done years ago. Nonetheless, it is the first of its kind and it is a welcome addition to the literature. It provides good evidence regarding the efficacy of the Harmonic scalpel in decreasing operative time when performing a neck dissection. The reader must be aware of the limitations of this instrument in ligating the thoracic duct or its tributaries and of the possibility that using it for vessel ligation only may not decrease blood loss.


The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) international ranking of universities, published in 2004 and 2005, has received a great deal of attention throughout the world, nowhere more so than in East and Southeast Asia. This paper looks at the rankings and concludes that they are deficient in several respects. The sampling procedure is not explained and is very probably seriously biased, the weighting of the various components is not justified, inappropriate measures of teaching quality are used, the assessment of research achievement is biased against the humanities and social sciences, the classification of institutions is inconsistent, there are striking and implausible changes in the rankings between 2004 and 2005 and they are based in one crucial respect on regional rather than international comparisons. It is recommended that these rankings should not be the basis for the development and assessment of national and institutional policies.


Rubidate, a new synthetic drug could promote proliferation of he-mopoietic stem cells and thus increases the white blood cells in periferal blood circulation.333 cases of leucocytopenia, treated with Rubidate, gave a promising result. Among them, 194 cases were leucocytopenia caused by cancer chemotherapy or/and radiotherapy, 139 cases by other causes.
Rubidate was given by oral 400 mg bid.Each course of the treatment lasted one month, or accompanied with the
urse.194 cases of leucocytopenia caused by cancer chemotherapy or/and radiotherapy, the overall effective rate reached 83%, with 48.5% dominant. 139 cases of leucocytopenia by other causes the overall effective rate reached 68.4%, with 30.9% dominant. No serious side effect was observed.


Favored for its sweetness, richness and flavor, the Alphonso has been called the king of mangoes. Due to its inherent physiological disorders like alternate bearing we have not been able to achieve the expected export of the fruit. Keeping this in view, a field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of pruning, nutrition and plant growth regulators on vegetative growth and flowering in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Alphonso for two consecutive years (2017-18 and 2018-19) in the established mango orchard on 7 years old Alphonso mango trees and maintained at 5 X 5 m spacing at Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre, Bengaluru. The highly significant observations were made on panicle character like less days to panicle emergence (17.07) recorded in treatment T11, while more number of panicles per tree (205.96), maximum length of the panicle (37.05cm), more number of secondary branches of panicle (33.47) and also maximum chlorophyll content (2.55mg/g) were recorded in treatment T4.


This lecture in honor and memory of David Glass compares Gregory King (1648-1712) and Robert Malthus (1766-1834) in their ability to penetrate social opacity the resistance of all social structure to objective analysis by their contemporaries. The author calls King the 1st person to have recognized the issue to have set out to penetrate it and to have written an objective systematic account of the social structure of his day. His attitude was that of Gregorian realism. Malthu reminiscent of the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes was equally realistic but worked in a much different more theoretical mode. His attitude is called Malthusian realism. The author insists that an understanding of both Gregorian and Malthusian realism are essential to all social scientists especially demographers. Finally before asserting that David Glass was a Gregorian the author shows Tom Paine in the Rights of Man (1790) to have originated the notion of deliberate redistributive transfers from the propertied to the poor by means of the national taxation system. (authors modified)


Most of the physiographic indicators of recent movement known to be present along the Indio Hills segment of the San Andreas fault zone can be identified on enlarged Skylab S-190B stereo photographs. These include offset streams, beheaded streams, offset fans, shutter ridges, linear valleys, scarps and vegetation anomalies. Where physiographic indicators of recent movement are present, the S-190B system affords the necessary resolution and stereoscopy for distinguishing activate from inactive faults.


Abstract.A group of friends consider renting a house but they shall first agree on how to allocate its rooms and share the rent. We propose an auction mechanism for room assignment-rent division problems which mimics the market mechanism. Our auction mechanism is efficient, envy-free, individually-rational and it yields a non-negative price to each room whenever that is possible with envy-freeness.


To assess the value of transcranial Doppler examination for the early prognosis of ischemic stroke, we examined 24 patients (15 males and 9 females, mean age 66.8 ± 9.3 years) with hemispheric cerebral infarction, within 6 hours of stroke onset. Of these 24 patients, 22 were evaluated on the Canadian Neurological Scale, the Toronto Stroke Scale, and the Barthel Index on days 60 and 120. Mean flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery on the lesion side was measured and values outside the range 30 to 80 cm/sec were rated abnormal. Two of nine patients with normal flow velocity died compared to five of the 13 patients with abnormal values. Four of the seven remaining patients in the former group made a full recovery compared with none of the remaining eight patients in the latter group (P < 0.05). Neurological and functional status measured on the scales used on days 60 and 120 were also significantly better in the group with normal flow velocity. Early transcranial Doppler may prove useful in predicting the outcome of hemispheric infarction in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, September 1991)


Compensation incentive for non-employee directors is a crucial factor of building a successful company, especially for big company like JP Morgan, keeping non-employee directors always at a high level of contributing and make them perform their loyalty is extremely important. In this passage, the author is going to outline and analyze the non-employee directors' compensation incentive structure of the bank "JP Morgan". The author is using the 2015-2016 and 2020-2021 official proxy statement of JP Morgan as reference to compare and contrast, as well as analyzing how non-employee directors' compensation incentive structure changed over five years. The result of this essay is that the non-employee directors' compensation incentive structure in JP Morgan is properly constructed and well developed, there are special ways to evaluate the performance of non-employee directors. The compensation incentives for non-employee directors did not significantly increase or decrease from 2015 to 2020. This essay will promote people's understanding about the incentive structure of JP Morgan, also get a clear and detailed understanding of how the incentive for non-employee directors benefits the income of the overall company.


In Convenient Topology semiuniform convergences spaces including lter spaces, uniform spaces and symmetric topological spaces as well as their generalizations are studied in detail. Higher separation axioms, paracompactness and dimension theory pro t from the better behaviour of subspaces of semiuniform convergence spaces which results from their relation to nearness spaces. This has been demonstrated by the author in an earlier paper [6]. In the present paper, subspaces of compact symmetric topological spaces (resp. compact Hausdor spaces) are characterized axiomatically where the Herrlich completion of nearness spaces (resp. Hausdor completion of uniform spaces) is needed. 0. Introduction Convenient Topology consists essentially in the study of semiuniform convergence spaces and their invariants, i.e. properties of semiuniform convergence spaces which are preserved by isomorphisms. The construct SUConv of semiuniform convergence spaces (and uniformly continuous maps) is a strong topological universe, i.e. a topological construct which is a quasitopos in the sense of M.J. Penon [3] with the additional property that products of quotients are quotients. Furthermore, in SUConv convergence structures and uniform convergence structures are available such as topological structures and uniform structures, and initial and nal structures have an easy description! Via the subconstruct Fil of lter spaces, which form the link between convergence structures and uniform convergence structures, SUConv is related to the construct Mer of merotopic spaces and via the subconstruct SubTop of subtopological spaces to the construct Near of nearness spaces, namely in both cases by means of bicore ective embedding. Topological spaces behave badly with respect to the formation of subspaces as the following example shows: Though there is a di erence of a topological nature between the removal of a point and the removal of the closed unit interval [0,1] from the usual topological space IR of real numbers, the obtained topological spaces are not distinguishable, i.e. they are homeomorphic. Much better results are obtained by forming subspaces of (symmetric) topological spaces in SUConv (or Fil). Then in the above example non{isomorphic spaces result, and subspaces of normal (resp. paracompact) spaces are normal (resp. paracompact); even dimension theory (including cohomological dimension theory) pro ts from this better behaviour of subspaces (cf. [6]). But the decisive step for obtaining these results is the above mentioned relation to nearness spaces. In this paper the question how the subspaces formed in Fil (resp. SUConv) of compact symmetric topological spaces regarded as lter spaces (resp. semiuniform convergence 2000 Mathematics Subject Classi cation. 54A05, 54A20, 54B05, 54D18, 54D30, 54E05, 54E15, 54E17, 18A40.


In this paper, we prove the existence results of the solutions for {\it vector variational inequality problems} by using the $\|\cdot\|$-sequentially continuous mapping.


AbstractThis paper describes an experimental investigation of stub column tests of cold-formed steel C- and Z-sections with different stiffeners. The experimental program consisted of 30 fixed-ende...


THREE people in a family, including the elder sister of Royale Bintang Hotel Kuala Lumpur general manager.. Kamaruddin Baharin, 59, were slashed
to death as they slept, by a family member in Kampung Bertam Malim here yesterday.


A method of suppressing defects related to knock-on has been developed through the use of a Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ film as an implementation mask. In MOS devices with LDD structures, junction leakage is caused by the dislocation lines from the sidewall edge. Two requirements are needed to suppress the growth of the dislocation lines: the elimination of stress from the sidewall edge and the elimination of dislocation loops due to As/sup +/ implantation. The growth of dislocation loops is affected by the presence of recoiled oxygen atoms from implantation through SiO/sub 2/ films. However, when a Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ mask is used as an implantation mask, the amount of recoiled nitrogen atoms is two orders of magnitude lower in comparison to the recoiled oxygen atoms for a SiO/sub 2/ mask, and the dislocation loops disappear during heat treatment. Consequently, defects are not generated and the junction leakage failures due to residual defects disappear.<<ETX>>


ALESTINE, during the reign of Herod, was in a continual state of tension. Social unrest and political disturbances were widespread throughout the land. The causes of this tension were varied in nature, but economic forces played an important part. Little attention has been given to the economy of Palestine during this period by either social scientists or theologians.? Simkhovitch is an illustration of this neglect. Although he is essentially an economic historian, his otherwise excellent book Toward the Understanding of Jesus omits almost entirely consideration of the economics of Palestine during the time of Jesus. The economic conditions of this period have been studied by socialist writers, as for example Kautsky in his Foundations of Christiantity and Kaltoff in his Rise of Christianity. Both, however, present a biased viewpoint in that they use this period as additional proof of the Marxian materialistic interpretation of history. In recent years considerable progress has been made in economic historical research, and as a result, new insights have been obtained on the reasons for economic behaviour in the past. This study seeks to apply some of these insights to a study of the economy of Palestine at the time of the birth of Jesus. Unlike our modern economy, that of Palestine was predominantly public and not private in nature. The system was operated mainly to raise governmental revenues from the economic surpluses of the people. This paper therefore studies the fiscal or revenue-raising system of both the Romans and the Jews and seeks to appraise the ability of the economy to support this double structure. The reign of Augustus inaugurated a new fiscal system throughout the Roman world. Under the late republic, conditions had been very unfavorable. The succession of civil wars had led to political and economic chaos. A policy of free trade was extended. Within this vast area, economic life quickened, and there was general prosperity. Economic stability was further developed by a well regulated monetary system.2 Private property was safeguarded, and as a result, the accumulation of capital was encouraged. Probably never before in human history had there been so great a capital accumulation. It was not again to be duplicated until the coming of the modern era in the sixteenth century. It is therefore little wonder that the provinces of the empire were loud in praise of Augustus. One of the most important reforms of Augustus was the fiscal administration of the provinces. For decades the provinces had been ruthlessly despoiled by the system of "farming" taxes. The inhabitants of these territories were bled white by the "publicani." They were either individuals or private corporations which had won the concession of collecting taxes. This function was supervised by the local Roman governor who was spending a voluntary exile from Rome in order to reap enough funds for bribing the investigators of his administration when he returned home and still have enough left over to live his remaining years in luxury. This vicious system was terminated by the emperor who now had taxes collected by imperial officers. The graft of the publicani was eliminated and taxes were levied on an accurate basis through