This study aims to compare PLT (Platelet) and MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in domestic pet cats and stray cats in Surabaya. This examination uses a blood sample with a total of 30 samples of domestic pet cats and 30 samples of stray cats. PLT and MPV were determined by Pacar Laboratory Surabaya. The results showed that 4 samples of cats that had abnormal PLT and MPV values with an average PLT of PLT 86,25 10^3/µL and an average MPV 6,95 fL, while 30 samples were obtained in domestic pet cats there were samples of cats that abnormal PLT and MPV values with an average PLT 94,5 10^3/µL and an average MPV 8,98 fL. Data analysis used an independent sample t-test for Windows with a significant level of 0,05. The result of data analysis showed not significant. In conclusion between domestic pets cats and stray cats was that the treatment did not experience a significant difference because the care and feeding were almost the same.


Abstract In this article, we deal with the one-dimensional reflected backward stochastic differential equation with one or two barriers for infinite horizon when the noise is driven by a Brownian motion and an independent Poisson point process. The reflecting process is right continuous with left limits whose jumps are whatever. The authors prove existence and uniqueness of the solution by using a method based on a combination of penalization and the Snell envelope theory. Once more we use a contraction to show the result in the general framework.


The present paper reports the first occurrence of Chthonerpeton viviparum in Parana State (Brazil) and its predation by Hoplias malabaricus.


Intergroup violence is a frequent occurrence in society. That college campuses have recently been the site of numerous violent protests is indicative of a growing need to further our knowledge of what leads to violent group behavior. According to the theory of identity fusion, 'fused' individuals, who's personal identities have become deeply immersed in their group and or cause, are more likely to engage in radical behavior on behalf of the group. In addition, radicalism and violent intentions have been found to increase with exposure to homogenous online extremist groups. Little to no research has been conducted on the effect of perceived group consensus, that is, the belief that members of one's group agree and support a course of action, on endorsement of violent extremism. Furthermore, political ideology has yet to be explored as a factor that influences radical group behavior. This study seeks to fill this gap through examining the effects of perceived group consensus, identity fusion with a group and cause, and political orientation on the support of violent protest behavior, as well as individual intentions to participate in violent protests. An online survey was completed by 468 participants who self-identified as either Republican or Democrat. Our data yielded interesting results for the variable of political orientation. Republicans who were strongly fused to their political party were more likely to support violent protests after viewing the consensus manipulation and less likely to give their support if they were in the no consensus condition. Weakly fused Democrats reported greater support for violent protests when shown the consensus manipulation than strongly fused Democrats. Democrats and Republicans both showed an increased support for violent protests if they were highly fused with their respective causes; however, this effect was significantly stronger for Democrats. Not-so-free speech: Support for violent protests across the political divide 3 In February of 2017, Milo Yiannopoulous, a controversial right-wing activist, was scheduled to speak at UC Berkeley. His presence was the subject of heated debate on campus, and the university spent thousands of dollars on extensive security measures. The speech was eventually interrupted by masked, black-clad protestors who threw commercial-grade fireworks, rocks, Molotov cocktails, pepper-sprayed the crowd, and smashed the windows of buildings on campus. This night of chaos resulted in $100,000 of damages to the campus, a total of six injured people, and one arrest. This incident is one of the many violent, aggressive protests to arise on college campuses in the past decade (McLaughlin, 2017). Exacerbated by the growing political polarization, college campuses have been the site of violent protests responding to issues of free speech (Cohen, 2017; Westfall, Van Bowen, Chambers, & Judd, 2015). Violent protests suggest the willingness of individuals to engage in extreme, violent behavior on behalf of their group. Intergroup violence is not a new or uncommon phenomenon, as it has been a part of human history since we segregated into tribes (Kelly, 2005). The question of why this violence occurs has been explored in a variety of ways; however, continues to be incompletely understood. The theory of identity fusion holds that the boundaries between an individual's personal self and their group identity can become permeable, resulting in a case of identity fusion (Swann & Buhrmester, 2015). These 'fused' individuals experience a visceral sense of oneness with the group and show a greater willingness to engage in extreme pro-group behaviors than their non-fused counterparts (Swann, Gomez, Seyle, Huici, & Morales, 2009). This may lead to a cycle of violence, in which group identification motivates participation in collective violence and violent behavior, which then serves to increase the individual's identification with the group (Littman & Paluck, 2015; Littman, 2018). Endorsement for extremism has been found to be amplified by active exposure to radicalism on social media Not-so-free speech: Support for violent protests across the political divide 4 (Pauwels & Hardyns, 2018). The false consensus effect, the overestimation of public support for your views, appears to underlie this relationship between violent extremism and involvement in extremist groups online. For instance, extremist groups, such as neo-Nazis, are more likely to exhibit a false consensus effect that increases with their levels of participation in online radical groups (Wojcieszak, 2008; Wojcieszak, 2010). While the effects of false consensus have garnered research attention, the impact of perceived group consensus, the extent to which one believes one's group supports a view, on the extreme behavior of the individual has yet to be studied at length. In this study, we will examine the impact of perceived group consensus, identity fusion, and political orientation on the endorsement of violent protest behavior. We expect that group members, perhaps motivated by a desire to display their loyalty to the group's collective aims, may enact extreme actions when they are convinced that such actions will meet with the groups' approval. Thus, the current study expands the literature by examining the impact of perceived group consensus, as well as the potential effects of political orientation, on violent protest behavior.


For a clear understanding of the changes to be described in the series of Actinosphceria, the study of which forms the basis of this communication, it is necessary to give a description of a normal Actinosphcerium and a resum6 of Richard Hertwig 's work on the physiological degeneration of this animal. In life, a normal Actinosphcerium is a spherical cell with numerous radially projecting pseudopodia, regularly distributed over the surface, and each with a homogeneous axis fiber. The protoplasm is sharply divided into a coarsely vacuolated cortical layer, which contains the contractile vacuoles and through which the base~ of the axis fibers of the pseudopodia run; and an inner, more finely vacuolated protoplasm, the medulla, in which lie the nuclei and the food vacuoles. The nuclei are situated chiefly in the peripheral layer of the medulla, just beneath the cortex; but a few nuclei are scattered in the deeper parts of the medulla. The nun> bet of nuclei varies with the size of the animal. According to R. Hertwig, the nuclei, under normal conditions, vary from IO to 14 ~ in diameter, aim are surrounded by a distinct nuclear membrane, and contain nuclear sap and an achromatic linin framework~ on which lie the nucleolar substance and the chromatin. He regards the nucleolar substance as identical with the material of which the nucleoli Of the tissue cells of metazoa consists. According to Hertwig, in the simplest, but least common conditions, as


In the next decade, millions of sensors and small-scale mobile devices will integrate processors, memory, and communication capabilities. Networks of devices will be widely deployed for monitoring applications. In these new applications, users need to query very large collections of devices in an ad hoc manner. Most existing systems rely on a centralized system for collecting device data. These systems lack flexibility because data is extracted in a predefined way. Also, they do not scale to a large number of devices because large volumes of raw data are transferred. In our new concept of a device database system, distributed query execution techniques are applied to leverage the computing capabilities of devices, and to reduce communication. We define an abstraction that allows us to represent a device network as a database and we describe how distributed query processing techniques are applied in this new context.


The aims of this research are to determine about (1) the effect of leverage on  firm's financial performance, (2) the effect of debt maturity on firm's financial performance, (3) the effect of devidend policy on firm's financial performance, and (4) the effect of cash holdings on firm's financial performance. The data of this research is taken from manufacturing industries on Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) 2017. This research uses purposive sampling method. With this method, 60 firms are considered as sampel. This research use multiple regresion analysis with Eviews 8. The results of this research are (1) leverage has no effect on firm's financial performance, (2) debt maturity has significant positive effect on firm's financial performance, (3) dividend policy has no effect on firm's financial performance, and (4) cash holdings has no effect on firm's financial performance.


Kelakai is known as traditional remedy for treating several diseases, such as fever, anemia, and stimulate the production of breast milk for breastfeeding mother. Instead of those benefits, kelakai also proved has several kinds of antioxidant properties. Therefore, extracting antioxidant properties from kelakai is one way to discover the amount of antioxidant activity contained in kelakai. In this research, the multiple-stage extraction process was done in order to optimize the antioxidant activity. Moreover, based on data obtained from single stage extraction process, the most suitable condition was discovered. It turns out that the use of milled sample in water solvent for 12 hours at 44°C produce the highest antioxidant activity, which is 919.95 mg to inhibit 50% of DPPH. Referred to the experiment, the antioxidant activity of the extract which gained from multiple-stage was higher than from single stage. Multiple-stage process has proven the increasing of antioxidant activity up to 72.43%, which is ne...


Social relations and interactions models of homosexuality in Belgian's audio -visual media: a multilevel critical discourse analysis Summary: Our study is focused on analyzing the evolution of the representation of homosexuality in traditional media through the years, and more precisely in shows that target adolescents and young adults on the French- speaking part of Belgium's televisions and radios. Different studies show that prominent causes of more liberal attitudes towards homosexuality are, amongst others, increased contact with gay people - which can be done through media (Schiappa et. al, 2006.) - and a rise in the portrayal of gay people in news and fictional media (Ayoub & Garretson, 2016). Media has an impact especially on the way on younger people see and/or handle homosexuality (Calzo & Ward, 2009). The LGBTQ emerging adults who participated in McInroy and Craig's study (2016) still consume a significant amo unt of traditional media and see TV as a space that creates " a common dialogue " but also as a space of social control and rigidity that leads to less possibilities of LGBTQ content and feelings of margin alization. Seeing LGBTQ characters gave them a sense of possibility, validating their sense of selves and legitimizing their feelings. However, many participants focused on the flaws in depicting LGBTQ people through these characters: they are seen as predominantly one-dimensional (defined by their sexual identity) and stereotypical (exaggerated gender behaviors, seen as victims, etc.) while many LGBTQ sub-groups and communities remain invisible and the narratives are often limited and simplistic. We developed a multilevel analysis model based on critical discourse analysis (Van Leeuwen, 2007) which allow us to identify the representations of homosexuality in the media (peculiarities of the character…), to analyse the paradigms of social relations and interactions associated with them (type of interaction, stereotypes, patterns, diversity …), to analyse the effects that develop from the target audience's reception of these paradigms (importance of the – positive or negative- role…), to evaluate these effects in t he light of the context of reception, both media-specific and societal (heteronormative model…). Our corpus is composed of 250 often the part in joke, is the is to be the of in it. It is generally based on homosexuality being seen as different as the heteronormative reference of the It shows that the heteronormative model is still hegemonic if homosexuality can be used as a difference for comedy. (gay


The invention relates to a superposed water taking gate. The superposed water taking gate comprises a plurality of superposed gate bodies, longitudinal ribs, transverse ribs, gate piers, gate back supporting blocks, gate back supporting block bolts, gate pier gate grooves, gate front supporting blocks, gate front supporting block bolts, bulkhead gate grooves, gate bottom plates, gate bottom plate deep type gate grooves and water seals, wherein the gate piers are symmetrically distributed on two sides of each superposed gate body; the gate bottom plates are integrally connected with the bottoms of the gate piers on the two sides of each superposed gate body; the middle of each gate bottom plate is recessed to the direction perpendicular to the water flow direction so as to form the corresponding gate bottom plate deep type gate groove for storing the corresponding superposed gate body; two sides of each gate bottom plate deep type gate groove penetrate into the lower ends of the gate piers on the two sides of the corresponding superposed gate body; and the superposed gate bodies can be sequentially connected to one another movably in a sleeving manner. The gate crest level of the superposed water taking gate can be lower than the water level of an upstream water source by a certain height by adjusting ascending or descending of the corresponding superposed gate bodies according to change of the water level, equivalent water taking can be finished, only water on the surface of the water source is taken when water is guided by the gate, the sediment content is minimum, the water temperature is maximum, and requirements of growth of crops are met.


The considerable attention is paid to information technologies in system of the higher education now. Using the latest technology, software and hardware in the learning process allows achieving high outcomes quality of study. The article deals with modern teaching technologies, including distance learning technology, case-technology, which is already used in practice in higher education. There remain unresolved issues of effective use of new learning technologies, the quality of the used software and hardware. The perspective directions of development of informatization of education are defined.


The main purpose of this study is to provide a high-resolution application of urban seismic microz- onation. A probabilistic seismic hazard analysis was undertaken in the study area using Poisson probabilistic approaches. The resulting hazard is characterized by a 15% probability that a given level of acceleration will be exceeded in a 50-year period. Using deterministic seismic hazard analysis, the magnitudes were estimated by a quadruple rupture model (with three different fault lengths, 108, 119 and 174km) of the North Anatolian Fault Zone in the Marmara Region. Using both analyses (deterministic and probabilistic), the magnitude of the design earthquake was taken as 7.6. From this design earthquake, accelerations were estimated for several distances (from 25 to 50km) using several attenuation relationships. In the second phase of the study, soil amplification factors and site characteristic periods were determined and estimated by seismic measurements and Standard Penetration Test data for the Sisli area of central Istanbul. Microtremor and earthquake data were evaluated to compare the characteristic site period data obtained. According to Eurocode soil classifications, the study area mainly consists of B type soils. A small part of the study area has C and A type soils. Char- acteristic site periods obtained by seismic methods agree with strong (earthquake) and weak (ambient noise) motion spectral values in some parts of the study area. Finally, a seismic microzonation map was prepared for integrated use, incorporating all geophysical and geotechnical data.


Longitudinal networks are special relational structures where the time is an explicit element of the representation. In previous network research, the time dimension has been projected out by aggregating the edges, even in cases of the availability of detailed information on the temporal sequences of contacts or interactions. Nowadays there is a growing interest in explicitly account for time dimension in network analysis. In particular, the leading questions are related to the underlying mechanisms that induce the network evolution. An important modeling approach -- stochastic actor oriented models, SAOM-- to study longitudinal networks focuses on the analysis of the underlying mechanisms that induce the network dynamics (network structures) from the individual actor choices (micro dynamics). These models are a family of statistical models aiming at describing network dynamics according to some typical network effects, the so-called local structures representing a large variety of network statistics. The stochastic process modeled by these effects provides a representation of the changes of the network over time. In the present contribution we use SAOM as a suitable methodological framework to investigate the evolution of policy-driven innovation networks among heterogeneous agents. The empirical application focuses on a set of policies that support networking among SMEs and other partners implemented by the Tuscany region (Italy) in the programming period 2000-2006. We consider a set of about 350 agents involved in 168 funded projects of variable duration ranging from 4 up to 18 months. Model specification accounts for several structural hypotheses on strategic partner choice in undirected networks (transitivity, popularity, homophily), controlling for agents characteristics (e.g. agent type, localisation) and project duration. In order to realistically frame how the decision to create or dissolve collaboration ties is taken, we consider either one-sided or two-sided initiative models.


An analytically tractable latent Markov chain with correlated random effects from Gamma distributions is developed by combining techniques developed in latent class modeling and random effects modeling of survival and recurrent binary events data. Continuous unobserved heterogeneity in both classification error and latent class membership is allowed for. The model is used to compare a number of instruments that measure male labor market status in the British Household Panel Survey. Instrument specific, correlated random effects for classification errors are specified. Although the presented methodology is limited to binary events and specific distributional forms for the random effects, the analysis illustrates the importance of trying to understand and allow for potential complexities in classification error processes, if measurement error adjustments are to be relied on. The standard result of such analyses, that nontreatment of dependent classification errors leads to underestimation of the number of "changers," is emphasized here.


The effect of partial discharges in benzyltoluene upon impregnated polypropylene films has been studied in a sphere/plane electrode geometry. It is shown that discharges even with a small apparent charge (/spl sim/1 pC) cause a significant decrease of the breakdown strength of the film. The addition of an epoxy compound to the liquid notably reduces the film degradation characterized by the breakdown voltage, in spite of the increase of the repetition rate and apparent charge of the discharges. >


It is difficult to measure any quantity in plasmas, since the physical quantity is usually measured only under very severe experimental conditions. For instance, it is often observed that the frequency of the wave changes during propagation and also different waves from the incident one are newly stimulated. Therefore, proposed is the most suitable method for computer experiment using technique of signal processing. In plasmas, various phenomena are described by a fluid theory. The fluid theory consists of a system of Maxwell's equations and that of Euler's equations. Applying the technique of wave digital filters (WDF) to these equation systems, the partial differential equations are integrated directly. Considering all physical quantities as currents, a system of partial differential equation systems is transformed into an equivalent Kirchhoff circuit. Wave-flow diagrams corresponding to their Kirchhoff circuits are obtained by the ordinary WDF procedures, which are algorithms themselves for numerical calculations. Therefore, we may safely say that these algorithms construct a computer experimental apparatus, which simulates many plasma experiments concerning propagation properties of plasma waves. Here, we simulate frequency-shift phenomena of some plasma wave by means of the function with respect to spectrum analysis of this apparatus.


In recent times adaptive regulation of sampling rates has gained significant attention in research community and researchers has demonstrated it's effectiveness in embedded control applications from different perspectives. In low power embedded control systems, the sampling rate of the control tasks has a direct relationship with control performance and power consumption. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of improving the power efficiency of low power embedded control systems by regulating the sampling rate of the control tasks. On this regard, we present algorithmic approaches for on-line regulation of sampling rates of the control task under some power-performance trade-off. We present elaborative results which demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed approaches.


The differences in log file formats employed in a variety of services and applications remain to be a problem for security analysts and developers of intrusion detection systems. The proposed solution, i.e. the usage of common log formats, has a limited utilization within existing solutions for security management. In our paper, we reveal the reasons for this limitation. We show disadvantages of existing common log formats for normalisation of security events. To deal with it we have created a new log format that fits for intrusion detection purposes and can be extended easily. Taking previous work into account, we would like to propose a new format as an extension to existing common log formats, rather than a standalone specification.


These authors assessed 236 five-year-old children, 95 with developmental delay and 141 with typical development and clinical diagnoses, using a structured interview. Every disorder assessed was more prevalent in the developmental delay group. The percentage of children meeting criteria for ADHD was most highly differentiated between the two groups (ratio = 3.21:1). There was high stability from externalizing behavior problems at age 3 to ADHD diagnoses at age 5 in both groups. In regression analyses, parenting stress at child age 3 related to later ADHD diagnosis in both groups, and maternal scaffolding (sensitivity teaching) also predicted ADHD in the developmental disorders group.


We have fabricated and tested Schottky-type photovoltaic cells based on chloro(sub-phthalocyaninato)boron(III) complex, SubPcBCl. The vacuum-deposited SubPcBCl layer was sandwiched between standard glass/ITO substrate and evaporated Au, Ag or Al top metallic electrode. Performance of such cells depends on the work function of the cathode material. Power conversion efficiency of the non-optimized cells with Al cathode approaches ~0.01% under 1 sun illumination. The photovoltaic effect takes place even if gold is used as top electrode.


A patterned-surface-based aperture coupling patch antenna (ACPA) with ultra-wideband radar cross section reduction (RCSR) and gain enhancement is presented in this paper. Due to the air-filled gap structure of the ACPA, an air spacer is introduced to design double-layer patterned surface (PS), which broadens the RCSR bandwidth of ACPA. Moreover, to obtain better gain of antenna, the arrangement of PS is optimized based on its current distributions. Experimental results show that impedance matching of PS-based ACPA is preserved well and operation band is broadened slightly from 8.0 to 11.3 GHz. The boresight gain is enhanced from 7.5 to 11.5 GHz, with a peak gain enhancement of 4.1 dB at 9.7 GHz. Meanwhile, the PS-based ACPA possesses the ability of specular RCSR over the band 3.0-20.0 GHz for both polarizations. The 10-dB RCS reduction of the antenna is achieved almost from 5.5 to 17.0 GHz for normal incidence.A patterned-surface-based aperture coupling patch antenna (ACPA) with ultra-wideband radar cross section reduction (RCSR) and gain enhancement is presented in this paper. Due to the air-filled gap structure of the ACPA, an air spacer is introduced to design double-layer patterned surface (PS), which broadens the RCSR bandwidth of ACPA. Moreover, to obtain better gain of antenna, the arrangement of PS is optimized based on its current distributions. Experimental results show that impedance matching of PS-based ACPA is preserved well and operation band is broadened slightly from 8.0 to 11.3 GHz. The boresight gain is enhanced from 7.5 to 11.5 GHz, with a peak gain enhancement of 4.1 dB at 9.7 GHz. Meanwhile, the PS-based ACPA possesses the ability of specular RCSR over the band 3.0-20.0 GHz for both polarizations. The 10-dB RCS reduction of the antenna is achieved almost from 5.5 to 17.0 GHz for normal incidence.


Using Ar-Rahnu as a means for a micro credit financing practices is nothing new in Malaysia. At present various Ar-Rahnu providers throughout the country haveserved micro, small and medium enterprises as alternatives to financial institutions. Some entrepreneurs prefer to use the service as they can pawn their gold to get instant cash with less risk. The aim of this study is to develop the best model of Ar-Rahnu services for cooperatives pertaining to Malaysia scenario. Altogether a total of 109 respondents from three Ar-Rahnu's groups: group 1 (YAPEIM, Bank Rakyat and Agrobank), group 2 (MAIDAM, PKB) and group 3 (Co, Co Franchisee) were approached. The analyses were based on questionnaires obtained from self-administered interviews with the respondents. Based on the findingsan Ar-Rahnu model is developed based on variables such as operations, gold type, conditions and charges, internal controls and security to see the performance of the Ar-Rahnu based on criteria established market reach, the number of branches, modus operandi and the size of the capital. The offered model is expected to satisfy both providers and entrepreneurs and other customers who use this service.


The acquisition of counter-potential zero-crossing signals of the BLDC motor is introduced in detail.Three-phase full-bridge inverter and MOSFET driver are used to realize the PWM control for the motor.Simulation experiments show that the system can meet requirements of the power steering system.


. This study is on applied computer programme for planting on the territory which may vary or appear limited. Significance of the programme suggested is confirmed by minimizing errors of calculations as reduced time for commercial or experimental crop sowings. Thus, "Planting Manager" programme allows to use available land resources for planning at large or small plots. Such programme is supplied with a simple interface as supposed to be smart in design. All the input variables as the output data may be changed independently as remain under strict regulation. The programme is supplied with the working field and special field for the input data on plot length and width. Addition of pictures and figures may be done in one of preferential formats (jpg, bmp, gif, png, and tif). Saving of intermediate and final files is supposed to be in PDF format. The latter is distinguished by saving documents without distortions. The programme is supplied with the description along with a special instruction unit and related button («Help»). Programme window may be also changed. The programme is designed based on earlier analogues, such as "Vegetable Planner" and others. But its principal advantage is flexibility of key parameters, possibility to load pictures in various formats, edit final document prior to printing. The programme has been used for allocation of more than 50 vegetable varieties at the territory of Agrobiocenter of al-Farabi University.


This paper presents a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to adjust the parameters of the nonlinear filter and to make this type of the filters more powerful for the elimination of the Gaussian noise and also the impulse noise. In this paper we apply the particle swarm optimization to the rational filters and we completed this work with the comparison between our results and other adaptive nonlinear filters like the LMS adaptive median filters and the no-adaptive rational filter.


The aim of this study is to describe genetic variation in the TNF promoter in the ethnically diverse population of Misiones, north‐eastern Argentina. We analysed 210 women including 66 Amerindians of the Mbya‐Guarani ethnic group and 144 white‐admixed individuals from urban and rural areas of Misiones. Their DNA samples were surveyed for TNF polymorphisms ‐376 A/G, ‐308 A/G ‐244 A/G and ‐238 A/G by PCR amplification and direct sequencing and for the Amerindian marker ‐857 C/T by real‐time PCR. Our main findings are as follows:(i) a distinctive pattern of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) distribution among these groups, (ii) genetic differentiation between the Mbya‐Guarani and the white‐admixed populations (P < 0.05), (iii) lower gene diversity (~0.05) in Mbya‐Guarani compared with the white‐admixed group (~0.21); and (iv) linkage disequilibrium between the ‐376A and ‐238A SNPs in white‐admixed populations. These data highlight the principal role of population history in establishing present‐day genetic variation at the TNF locus and provide a framework for undertaking ethnographic and disease association studies in Misiones.


Smart saving process with recording and saving skills in Delphi database applied program development can reduce the network data flow so as to enhance the performing response ratio of the applied software.


This study aimed to develop imagery exercises to improve the shooting game skills of Nusantara Petanque Club athletes. This research and development use the Research and Development method with the modified ADDIE model. (1) needs analysis, (2) product design, and (3) expert validation tests carried out by three validators, namely psychologists, petanque coaching experts, and petanque trainer experts. A needs analysis was conducted through direct interviews with Nusantara Petanque Club trainers. From the needs analysis results, three mental exercise products are packaged in an audio podcast, including imagery relaxation, self-talk, and anxiety. After the product has been made, an expert validation test is carried out by three validators, namely (1) a psychologist, (2) a petanque coaching expert (3) a petanque trainer expert. The validation results for relaxation imagery podcast audio get 85.71%, self-talk audio podcast at 85.71%, and anxiety podcast audio get 85.71%. Then, we tested the product in groups of 5 athletes who were randomly selected based on ability. In the group test, the results for relaxation, self-talk, and anxiety podcasts were 92.13%. Based on the small group test, the audio podcast product is declared feasible and can be used.


Contents 1 Introduction 1 2 Integral equation analysis of general waveguide structures 5 2. Introduction The increasing complexity of the microwave components and antennas in wireless terrestrial and satellite based communications, as well as in radar and remote sensing applications, demands new levels of efficiency and accuracy of the software tools utilized for their design and validation. Tight specifications concerning performance, miniaturization, short production time and low costs represent continuous challenges in the development of the corresponding simulation/optimization algorithms. Moreover , a microwave device often contains geometrical features that vary in size from a tiny fraction of a wavelength to hundreds or even thousands of wavelengths, thus rendering the implementation of the required computer-aided design (CAD) tools even more challenging. Approaches to improve the efficiency of the 3-D electromagnetic (EM) field solvers include the model order reduction (MOR) [1], [2], [3], [4] applied to the finite element method (FEM) or finite difference (FD) method, the multilevel fast mulipole algorithm (MLFMA) [5], [6] and the adaptive integral method (AIM) [7] applied for the fast solution of integral equations discretized by the method of moments (MoM), sub-grid and conformal techniques [8] used in the FD formulation of EM problems. Typical electromagnetic simulations using single method 3-D field solvers-usually based on FEM, FD or MoM-provide high flexibility but often prove impractical for the design/optimization of real-world microwave devices, even if the aforementioned acceleration techniques are considered. Fast algorithms like the mode-matching (MM) method [9], [10], [11], [12] and the boundary integral-resonant mode expansion (BI-RME) [13], [14] represent efficient alternatives but ultimately at the expense of flexibility. A simple procedure of combining different algorithms for the analysis of a complex device is the domain decomposition-the structure under investigation is divided into building blocks, and each building block is separately computed with the most efficient method. In a last step, the individual scattering matrices are combined to yield the generalized scattering matrix (GSM), therefore the simulation algorithms involved in the domain decomposition are required to be full-wave. Combining different techniques while retaining their advantages and largely removing their disadvantages is also referred as hybridization [15]. The procedure dramatically enhances the simulation efficiency even in the worst case scenario, i.e. a 3-D field solver is employed to calculate each block. To illustrate this, consider a computational domain discretized into N unknowns and divided into M regions of N/M unknowns.


In this paper are analyzed the characteristics of the single photon detector (SPD) with using coaxial cables as reflection lines to cancel transient spikes noises, particularly,the characteristics of variations in bias voltage of the avalanche photodiode (APD) and output signal. Based on the theoretical analyses,the principle of the timing relation between single photon pulses and the two gate pluses is discussed. Also, the condition and the effect of transient spikes cancellation are achieved. And the minimal detecting period is obtained. Finally,we conduct some experiments to verify our theory. In our experiment,the noise rejection ratio is 25.1dB. The results accord with our theory satisfactorily. Our results will be helpful in designing and optimizing single photon detectors.


INTRODUCTIONClass action lawsuits are a common means of resolving a large number of claims in a single proceeding.1 Issues relating to settling class action lawsuits are frequently litigated due to the high stakes nature of class action litigation and the complexity of many class action settlements.2Recently, courts have grappled with issues surrounding the distribution of unclaimed settlement funds in class action suits.3 Sometimes excess funds re main in a settlement pool after class members have been compensated.4 Other times, distribution to class members is economically infeasible because transaction costs associated with distribution substantially outweigh the compensation individual class members are entitled to receive.5 In these situations, the parties and courts must determine how to distribute the settlement funds that remain uncollected.6To resolve these problems, parties to class action lawsuits and courts have begun distributing uncollected settlement funds to charitable organizations.7 This action is commonly referred to as a "cy pres" distribution.8 The idea is that when direct distribution is impossible or infeasible because class members cannot be located or transaction costs outweigh potential recovery, distribution to charitable organizations provides the next best benefit to class members.9Recently, courts and commentators have raised questions about the use of cy pres distributions in class action settlements.10 Courts and commentators have suggested that the practice raises serious constitutional concerns.11 Further, circuit courts are not in total agreement about the standards surrounding the use of cy pres distributions in the class action context.12 Finally, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has indicated that there are "fundamental concerns" surrounding the use of cy pres remedies in class action litigation.13This Note addresses problems relating to the proper role of the judiciary in shaping cy pres settlements and suggests solutions to these problems.14 Part I provides general background on class action litigation and the development of cy pres remedies in this context.15 Part II introduces and explains two major concerns about the proper role of judges in shaping a cy pres remedy, and examines how courts and commentators have responded to these concerns.16 Finally, Part III argues that these problems are best solved by removing judges from the process of allocating unclaimed settlement funds to charitable organizations.17I. CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENTS AND CY PRES DISTRIBUTIONSUnderstanding the problem of cy pres distributions requires some background into class action lawsuits and the mechanism for distributions generally.18 Section A examines class action lawsuits generally and the role of judges in approving class action settlements.19 Section B then explains cy pres settlements as a means of accounting for excess settlement funds that are unclaimed by class members.20A. Class Action Settlement GenerallyBroadly speaking, Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is a procedural mechanism allowing for the aggregation of claims. 21 Under this Rule, individual plaintiffs can bring claims on behalf on themselves and all other individuals who have similar claims based on common questions of law or fact.22 The individuals for whom claims are brought ("class members") are not actively involved in the litigation.23 Class members may be bound by a judgment or a settlement unless they affirmatively opt-out at the certification or settlement stage.24Since judgments and settlements may be binding on non-named class members, there are strict requirements for when a class action may be maintained.25 As an initial matter, the named plaintiff must show that: (1) the putative class is so numerous that a joinder of all members is impracticable; (2) there are questions of law or fact common to the class; (3) the claims of the named plaintiffs are representative of the claims of all class members; and (4) the named plaintiffs will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the unnamed class members. …


The purpose of this study is to compare the results of different methods estimating the heat transfer coefficient per volume unit for metallic porous media. Two types of heat transfer processes in a porous medium were considered: heating/cooling by a step change of (1) the entering fluid temperature and (2) of the solar heat flux. The unsteady convective heat transfer in porous medium is analyzed using a mathematical model based on the energy equation for one-dimensional flow of gas through a porous matrix modeled by two phases. The coupling between the two macroscopic phases (solid and fluid) depends upon the heat transfer coefficient per volume unit. Three analytical models for experimental data processing, each of them providing different methods to estimate the heat transfer coefficient per volume unit are presented. Results show that the values of the heat transfer coefficient per volume unit are in close agreement with actual performance data experimentally obtained.


The authors present data of the studying of promise stone fruit crops clonal rootstocks bread at the Krymsk FBS in the nursery and orchard. Besides, their ability of cuttings rooting, compatibility with perspective stone fruit crops cultivars were researched as well as suitability for growing in different regions of the country. The prospect of applying industrial the intensive technologies of the sweet cherry cultivation in the south of Russia, became possible in the recent years in connection with the creation of new high-quality and productive varieties and inland low-growing clonal rootstocks, more adapted to the unfavourable environmental conditions, which often occur here. The low-growing rootstocks obtained recently at the Krymsk FBS concerning their characteristics can compete with the well – known foreign semi-dwarf ones, such as Gizela 5, Gizela 6, Inmil, Piku 1, Piku 3, Piku 4. The plum and peach dwarf rootstock Upriamiets as regards vigour similar to BBA 1, reduces the growth of the trees grafted on it by 50-60 %, is characterized with early maturity and compatible with all the varieties of the tested above mentioned crops. RVL 9 is a medium-sized and Rulan 8 semi-dwarf sweet cherry rootstocks. They have a very strong root system that provides good trees anchoring in the orchard and form root sprouting when have non-considerable mechanically damage only. Sweet cherry trees on RVL 9 are by 25-30 % and on Rulan 8 35-40 % a size smaller as compared to those grafted on cherry seedlings. The fruiting begins in the third year, the yield is high. The propagation using hard-wood cuttings, which does not require special structures, has significant advantages over others methods. It ensures the high reproduction coefficient at minimum expenditures, including manpower. Therefore just this method is the most perspective for utilizing in production. Among the zoned sweet cherry clonal rootstocks easily propagate only VSL 2, VSL 1 and L 2 are propagated easily when hard-woody cuttings are applied. The study of RVL 9 and Rulan 8 as for their ability of reproduction using the above mentioned cuttings has shown that in this respect they are close to the control standard clonal rootstock VSL 2. As a result of the breeding work which we have carried out, the clonal rootstocks Upriamiets, RVL 9 and Rulan 8 have been entered in the State Register of Breeding Achievements admissed for the application in Russian Federation.


We propose an adaptive modulation scheme for a pre-equalised OFDM system, where the adaptation to higher order modulation schemes is based on the accuracy of the channel estimate. The simulated performance of the proposed scheme is presented.


Breast malignancy in males is rare, because of the absence of lobules. Here we are presenting the case of 65 male patients presented with bilateral breast enlargement. On examination also shows a bilateral pleural effusion. Sonomammogram shows features of gynecomastia. A bone scan shows multiple skeletal metastases involving all over the body. Trucut biopsy from both breasts shows tumor with features of infiltrating lobular carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed this tumor as triple-negative. Plural fluid cytology examination shows evidence of metastasis adenocarcinoma deposits.


The invention provides an esomeprazole magnesium contained enteric-coated tablet and a preparation method thereof. The enteric coated tablet is composed of an inner tablet core layer which uses esomeprazole as an active ingredient, an intermediate insulation layer and an enteric coating protection layer. According to the esomeprazole magnesium contained enteric-coated tablet, the conditions that basic remedies are instable and prone to be oxidized and decomposed are overcome, the prepared enteric-coated tablet is even in coating, compact in coating layer, stable and reliable in quality and capable of meeting large-scale production requirements of enterprises at the present stage and has good market development prospects, the releasing rate can reach over 90%, the bioavailability is obviously improved, and safe and effective drug using is guaranteed.


This paper describes the safety impact assessment methodology that is developed and used for the evaluation of safety related Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the interactIVe project. The used method builds on the assessment method that was developed in the projects eIMPACT and PReVAL, and is refined in interactIVe. With this method the safety effects of the developed functions on road fatalities and injuries in Europe are calculated, based on the results of the technical and user-related tests in the project. This paper presents the safety mechanisms and refinements of the method that are made by interactIVe


Objective To explore the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) levels in acute atherosclerotic cerebral infarction plasma lipid and their correlation analysis.Methods 56 patients with ACI as the observation group,were compared with 60 cases of healthy adults as control group.Lp-PLA2 levels of all patients were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Patients were divided into three groups of the light,medium and heavy defects in observation group according to the neurological deficits,and compared with Lp-PLA2 levels.Results Lp-PLA2 levels in the observation group and the control group were (63.39 ± 11.30) μ g/L vs (30.68 ± 12.19) μ g/L,Lp-PLA2 levels in light,mediam and heavy-duty brain defect were (56.73 ± 7.19) μ g/L vs (64.22 ± 6.08) μ g/L vs (76.51 ± 5.49) μ g/L,P < 0.05,ACI patients' Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly positively correlated with age,gender,BMI index,alcohol consumption,and TG,LDL-C levels,and significantly negatively correlated with HDL-C level.Conclusion Lp-PLA2 level is an important risk factor for ACI patients,and can guide nerve function defect.

Key words:
Atherosclerotic cerebral infarction;  Lp-PLA2;  Nerve function defect;  Correlation


The history of invention and development of Zeeman laser gyroscopes, specific features of their optical scheme and operation principle are described. The construction and element base of modern laser angular velocity sensors with Zeeman-based frequency biasing are considered. The problems and prospects of their development are discussed.


'Go in peace to love and serve the Lord' runs the text allotted to me for today. Familiar to us all as the farewell words of the Mass with their usual interpretation as our being sent forth to embody and enact the Word of God which we have just celebrated and received in our daily lives. The crucial embodiment of that God as Love occurred by the radical consent of the Maid Mary in Nazareth. Off that embodiment and off that Body of Mary's Son we feed as we flourish in the new life of faith, hope and love. In this special year of the Eucharist we need to move continuously between Calvary as we remember and celebrate it at the altar, and Nazareth where that crucified body was originally conceived. Mary is as integral to the eucharistie event as she was to the con ception, birth and death of her Son. But it is on that final eucharis tie injunction, 'Go in peace' that I am called to concentrate here, in relation to Mary as model and maker of peace, Mary the peace maker as we might call her, or Mary, Queen of Peace, in the more traditional phrase. This peace-maker Mary has sometimes been understood as a kind of peace-maker at any price, as somebody incapable of standing up for herself or for anybody else. Such a 'milk and water' Mary was closely connected to the Jesus 'meek and mild', who was too often invoked to preach peace without justice, as the prophet Jeremiah had it, to proclaim peace when there was no peace, because there was no justice, only the quiet of oppression and exploitation. How many peoples have endured and still endure that quiet, Irish people too and perhaps especially Irish women, whose cries as the cries of the poor and the powerless were and are inaudible to their human masters and the world's power-brokers, and heard only by their God and of course their God's mother. And as God and his mother, Jesus and Mary, have broken the silence of the oppressed in word, life and death so must


The number of tourists from Scandinavia who have travelled to the town of San Sebastian in the Basque Country, Spain, has increased greatly over the last years. Presupposing that languages and cult ...


Access to civic amenities improves the quality of life as well as helps to overcome various health-related problems. The focus of the present study is to examine the caste-based premarket discrimination concerning access to civic amenities and healthcare facilities in rural Punjab. The primary data, collected from 12 villages of Punjab during the year 2015–2016, is analysed applying the univariate analysis technique. The analyses prove that the Scheduled Castes (SC), compared with non-SC households, have low access to the basic civic amenities of safe drinking water, drainage and toilet facility. A similar disadvantageous position of SC vis-à-vis non-SC households exists in rural Punjab so far as the ownership of the durable household assets of entertainment, household utilities, tools of information and communication technology, and means of transportation are concerned. The SC and non-SC were found to have equal access to the available healthcare facilities; nevertheless, both caste groups received different treatment from the medical staff.


A preliminary study of the host parasite relationship between Tapinanthus bangwensis and its host, Irvingia gabonensis was carried out to gain an understanding of the impact and outcome of their co-habitation on the host plant. Assessment of the physiological interaction was conducted via a study of some of the physiognomy and reproductive capacity of infested and uninfested hosts. The parasitic infestation it was observed vary between adjoining locations of the host stands because of differences in eco-habitat, physiognomy of susceptible hosts and as well as the capacity of the interacting host and parasitic plants to carry out their routine physiological activities. The incidence of the parasitic plant population on the host plantation in this study indicated marginal loss in value of the conserved host plants with correlated loss in productivity. Ultimately, the presence of Tapinanthus on its Irvingia host in this study would serve not only as a source of decline in the conservation status and productivity of the host plants but could also lead to the death of many susceptible hosts if proliferation of the parasite is not kept in check.


The digitalisation era cannot be denied anymore. Technological progress with all its rapid development is a momentum to be able to take advantage of the use of technology to improve a better quality of life. The company can be said to have a good quality of life if the company has an increasing performance from time to time. As one of the main characteristics, marketing performance is the main focus. Therefore in order to improve marketing performance it is deemed necessary to synergize between conventional marketing and digitalization. Various opportunities can arise because of the synergy between conventional marketing and digitalization. Along with this to continue to innovate to do the best things to improve marketing performance through the E-Personal shopper approach. This research delves deeper into the use of E-Personal shopper into improving the performance of vegetable vendors who currently use conventional methods when conducting marketing.


PAF is implicated in pathogenesis of chronic‐hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension in animal models and neonates. In this study, we investigated PAFr expression and binding in lung membranes of HAH fetal lambs and age‐matched controls. Membrane proteins (100 μg/ml) were incubated at 4°C for 24 h with 2.5 mg/ml BSA in 30 mM Tris buffer, pH 7.2 and 3H‐PAF. Receptor bound PAF was extracted and quantified. In control lungs, at 0.05nM 3H‐PAF, binding (fmol/mg protein) was 395±38, which increased to 736±32 at 0.3nM 3H‐PAF. The values in lung membranes of HAH fetuses were 555±46 and 892±43, which were significantly higher than control lungs. For immunohistochemical study of PAFr protein expression, lung tissue slices were fixed and PAFr were localized with PAFr antibody in blood vessels. Immunohistochemical examination revealed greater PAF receptor protein expression in vessel media of HAH lungs compared to controls. We also measured PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF‐Ah) activity in HAH and control lungs. Lung homogenates (100μg/ml) were incubated for 15 min with 1.5 μM 3H‐PAF at 37°C. PAF‐Ah activity was quantified. PAF‐Ah activity (μmol/mg protein/min) in controls was 0.022 and not different from 0.024 in HAH lamb lungs. Our data show that exposure of fetuses to HAH result in significant upregulation of PAFr protein expression in pulmonary vessels, and increased PAFr binding without alteration in PAF catabolism. These findings suggest that PAF may be involved in the pulmonary vascular remodeling that occurs in these animals and predispose them to PPHN. Grant: HL077819


The formation constants of the mono- and bis-thenoyltrifluoroacetone complexes of beryllium are measured by a solvent extraction method. The values found are beta /sub 1/= 3.40 x 10/sup 5/ and beta /sub 2/ = 1.21 x 10/sup 11/, in a mediuum of ionic strength 0.1, at a temperature of 25 deg plus or minus 0.1 deg . (auth)


In plants one bona fide Gα subunit has been identified, as well as a single Gβ and two Gγ subunits. To study the roles of lipidation motifs in the regulation of subcellular location and heterotrimer formation in living plant cells, GFP-tagged versions of the Arabidopsis thaliana heterotrimeric G protein subunits were constructed. Mutational analysis showed that the Arabidopsis Gα subunit, GPα1, contains two lipidation motifs that were essential for plasma membrane localization. The Arabidopsis Gβ subunit, AGβ1, and the Gγ subunit, AGG1, were dependent upon each other for tethering to the plasma membrane. The second Gγ subunit, AGG2, did not require AGβ1 for localization to the plasma membrane. Like AGG1, AGG2 contains two putative lipidation motifs, both of which were necessary for membrane localization. Interaction between the subunits was studied using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging by means of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). The results suggest that AGβ1 and AGG1 or AGβ1 and AGG2 can form heterodimers independent of lipidation. In addition, FLIM-FRET revealed the existence of GPα1-AGβ1-AGG1 heterotrimers at the plasma membrane. Importantly, rendering GPα1 constitutively active did not cause a FRET decrease in the heterotrimer, suggesting no dissociation upon GPα1 activation.


Two types of LMFBR safety problems are analyzed using the SIMMER-I code. A whole core analysis of a 1000 MW(e) LMFBR subject to a 20 dollar/second reactivity insertion provides insight into the large scale extended material motions which result and indicates the necessity for using space-time kinetics to adequately determine the neutronic state of this system. The second problem simulates a single subassembly dry autoclave experiment. The transport behavior of the materials depends strongly on complex, interactive phenomena. This problem, which assumes a constant input power of three times nominal, shows a substantial redistribution of materials toward the axial blanket regions where both fuel and stainless steel freezing occurs.


Members of Rho family GTPases including Cdc42 are known to play pivotal roles in cell migration. Cell migration is also known to be regulated by many protein kinases. Kinetworks KPSS 11.0 phospho‐site screening of Cdc42‐silenced Hs578T breast cancer cells revealed most dramatic change in ERK5 MAP kinase. In the present study, we set out to determine the relationship between Cdc42 and ERK5 and its significance in breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Specific siRNAs were used for knocking down Cdc42 or ERK5 in breast cancer cells. Increased ERK5 phosphorylation in breast cancer cells was achieved by infection of constitutively active MEK5 adenovirus. The cells were then subjected to cell migration or invasion assay without the presence of serum or any growth factor. We found that Cdc42 negatively regulated phosphorylation of ERK5, which in turn exhibited an inverse relationship with migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. To find out some in vivo relevance of the results of our in vitro experiments we also examined the expression of ERK5 in the breast cancer tissues and their adjacent normal control tissues by real‐time RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry. ERK5 expression was found to be reduced in breast cancer tissues as compared with their adjacent uninvolved mammary tissues. Therefore, Cdc42 may promote breast cancer cell migration and invasion by inhibiting ERK5 phosphorylation and ERK5 expression may be inversely correlated with the progression of some breast tumors. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 124–132, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Four kinds of coating mechanisms of the surface modification for micro/nano aluminum powders with polymer were introduced,and it is found that the chemical bonding mechanism and the adsorption layer medium mechanism relative to the coulomb electrostatic attraction mechanism and the mechanism of over-saturation had good advantages such as intense action and fine covering properties.Then the advantages,disadvantages and adaptability of several polymerization methods of polymer coated micro/nano aluminum powders were analyzed and compared,providing a useful selection basis for subsequent research work.Finally,the research progress of several polymer coated micro/nano aluminum powders were reviewed in details,and it is pointed out that the energy-containing polymer coated micro/nano aluminum powders had a good prospect of application for the solid rocket propellant.


This article proposes two systemic models that describe the strategic management of small and medium enterprises (SME) as a systemic learning and change directed process to assure the development of those organizations in their dynamic and complex context. The approach proposed here, called systemic learning approach, is descriptive and based on learning and systems theories. It presents several advantages when compared to the traditional perspective, widely applied in the literature about strategic management of SME. That perspective is composed by the planning, design and positioning schools of strategy, including the approaches derived from them, and is not coherent to the strategic practices of the SME's reality, which is characterized by complexity, continuous changes and unforeseen events.


Prue Ahrens is Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Communication and Arts, University of Queensland, Australia. She is co-author of Across the World with the Johnsons: Visual Culture and American Empire in the Twentieth Century (Ashgate 2013), co-editor of Coast to Coast: Case Histories of Modern Pacific Crossings (CSP 2010) and editor of Tour of Paradise: An American Soldier in the South Pacific (Vulgar Press 2006).


A method was developed for the determination of preservatives of six 4-hydrobenzoic acid ester by HPLC-DAD.The samples of 4-hydrobenzoic acid ester were extracted by acetonitrile and purified by LC-C18 SPE.The analytes were separated on an Agilent C18 column,eluted by gradient with methanol and water,detected by diode array detector,and quantified by external standard method.The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 1.0-500.0 mg/L(r≥0.9997).The lower limit of quantification in food was 0.0016-0.0081 mg/L.The relative recoveries of six kinds of 4-hydrobenzoic acid ester in vegetables and fruit of surface treatment,vinegar,carbonated beverages,milk,and food fillings were 85.1%-95.4%,and relative standard deviations were 3.6%-13.0%.


Introduction Nasal polyps are frequently associated with bronchial asthma and rhinitis. The chronic nature of the symptoms, the high post-treatment recurrence rates, as well as various comorbidities, constitute key factors that significantly affect the quality of life of patients diagnosed with this condition. Aim The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of nasal polyps in the examined population and to assess the possible associative occurrence of nasal polyps (NP) with bronchial asthma (BA), allergic (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), and atopic dermatitis (AD). Material and methods The ECRHS II and ISAAC questionnaires of the study group of 18,458 individuals, including 4,473 6–7-year-olds (24.2%), 4,675 13–14-year-olds (25.4%), and 9,310 20–44-year-olds (50.4%) were performed. Results The prevalence of nasal polyps in the examined group was 1.1%, reported by a total of 204 individuals. Nasal polyps were reported more frequently among urban residents (191 (1.1%)) than rural residents (13 (0.6%)). Our study demonstrated a correlation between the presence of nasal polyps and asthma, as well as allergic and non-allergic rhinitis The greatest risk factor for NP in the evaluated subpopulation with multiple allergic conditions was the co-existence of non-allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis (OR = 6.09; 95% CI: 3.4–10.93). Conclusions Nasal polyps are relatively rare in the evaluated Polish population. Nonetheless, we believe their co-occurrence with non-allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and atopic dermatitis to be of significant importance, as it illustrates the phenomenon of multimorbidity of inflammatory conditions affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract.


Poor food intake is a major concern among hospitalized older adults. This study investigated the frequency and optimal timing of in‐hospital food intake assessment in terms of its ability to predict hospitalization functional outcomes.


The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for sexual therapy is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber 106, a negative pressure source 110 connected to the chamber 106. At least one airflow opening 108 is formed in the chamber 106, the air flow is formed so as to be able to flow through the air flow openings 108. In addition, the clitoris may be the chamber, i.e. is disposed within the airflow opening. Airflow adjuster 102, the is adjusted over the top of at least one air flow aperture, it is possible to vary the amount of air flow through the chamber to pass through the clitoris.


Martin et al. demonstrate that CD97 is a critical regulator of leukemia stem cell (LSC) function. CD97 is overexpressed in the vast majority of AML patients and promotes AML blast growth, survival, and differentiation. Collectively, these data credential CD97 as a novel and promising therapeutic target in AML.


Five cases using combinations of these three strategies are evaluated. The collision scenario for each case analyzed is a train-to-train collision between similar trains. The impact velocity ranges from 10 to 40 mph. The following five cases are evaluated: 1. All conventional cars with a cab car leading (baseline case) 2. All conventional cars with a locomotive leading 3. Conventional coach cars with pushback couplers, with CEM cab car leading 4. All CEM cars with a cab car leading 5. All CEM cars with a locomotive leading


The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of combined myocardial performance index of both ventricles against left or right ventricular indeces of myocardial performance for early and late cardiac events in left ventricualar inferior primary ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction. Aggregated parameter is shown to be the stronger prognostic factor than traditional ones alone and would help identifying high-risk patients for both early and late clinical outcomes.


Approaches for thermal management of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries do not always keep pace with advances in energy storage and power delivering capabilities. Root-cause analysis and empirical evidence indicate that thermal runaway (TR) in cells and cell-to-cell thermal propagation are due to adverse changes in physical and chemical characteristics internal to the cell. However, industry widely uses battery management systems (BMS) originally designed for aqueous-based batteries to manage Li-ion batteries. Even the " best " BMS that monitor both voltage and outside-surface temperature of each cell are not capable of preventing TR or TR propagation, because voltage and surface-mounted temperature sensors do not track fast-emerging adverse events inside a cell. Most BMS typically include a few thermistors mounted on select cells to monitor their surface temperature. Technology to track intra-cell changes that are TR precursors is becoming available. Simultaneously, the complex pathways resulting in cell-to-cell TR propagation are being successfully modelled and mapped. Innovative solutions to prevent TR and thermal propagation are being advanced. These include modern BMS for rapid monitoring the internal health of each individual cell and physical as well as chemical methods to reduce the deleterious effects of rapid cell-to-cell heat and material transport in case of TR. © 2020 The Author(s). Published on behalf of The Electrochemical Society by IOP Publishing Limited. This is an open access article


Retrieval of a distribution of raindrop sizes from measured drop spectra is critically influenced by the tail of the distribution. The influence of various tail-types is studied with reference to four parameterisations fitted both to the large dropsonlyand to the entire sample of the disdrometer-measured spectra. Results of this preliminary analysis show that the Weibull distribution with a shape parameter greater than oneseems to fit the highest percentages of the measured drop spectra.


Between 1852 and 1855, the novelist Ivan Goncharov traveled along the coasts of Africa and Asia under the auspices of a tsarist mission to Japan, and then overland through Siberia back to St. Peter...


This paper gives an update introduction about China coal CDM projects, financing problems in China coal CDM development was analysized and some innovation suggestions for China CDM projects was given. Finally some successful experience in India CDM financing structure was introduced to China.


PPARGC1B is a co‐activator for ER, PPAR, and GR, which are involved in asthma development. We investigated the genetic association of PPARGC1B polymorphisms with the risk of asthma and subphenotypes and the functional effect of these polymorphisms on the expression of PPARGC1B. Through direct DNA sequencing for PPARGC1B on chromosome 5q33 of 24 Koreans, we identified 18 polymorphisms. Among them, we choose 7 SNPs for large‐scale genotyping in Korean considering the location of SNPs, MAF and LD. In spite of the lack of association of SNPs with the risk of asthma, we found that −427C>T on promoter and +102525G>A on exon 5 of PPARGC1B were associated with airway hyperreactivity in asthmatics. LogPC20 values of C allele homozygotes on −427C>T was higher than of T allele homozygotes (p=0.004) and A allele homozygotes on +102525G>A was higher than of others (p=0.0001). Using Luciferase reporter system and Gel shift assay, we revealed that −427C type caused higher promoter activity than −427T type. In addition, we identified that B cells possessing −427C presented higher mRNA expression than that having −427T. These results suggest that the polymorphisms of PPARGC1B may affect on the promoter activity followed by development of airway hyperreactivity and the analysis for genotypes on PPARGC1B may be a genetic marker for severity of asthma. This study was supported by a grant of the Korean Health 21 R&D project.


In mid-1940s Brazil, the authorities were making great efforts for the economical development of the country. State representatives and hygienist doctors were concerned with workers´ body and health since body health meant higher productivity. Illnesses and vices, especially alcoholism, gambling and smoking, were attacked. The newspaper Cruzeiro in the town of Caxias MA taught its readers how to behave so that they could acquire a healthy body and avoid vices.


With the help of bandwidth potential analysis, the influence of the ground plane size on the achievable impedance bandwidth of LTE antenna is comprehensively studied. Various different ground plane sizes that can cover almost all the current portable devices such as mobile phone, PAD, tablet and notebook computer are considered. The variation trend between the ground plane size and the antenna bandwidth potential clearly demonstrates how the ground plane size affects the performance of the LTE antenna. The conclusion drawn in this work is confirmed by a real LTE antenna design and the LTE antenna designs reported in the literature.


A glasshouse-based root inoculation method for screening for partial resistance to P. vignae was developed. By infecting potting mix with 0.01 g dry weight mycelium kg-1 dry weight of mix, inoculum levels comparable to those found under natural conditions of infestation in the field were obtained. This screening assay was used to compare resistance levels of eight cowpea lines with those obtained following hypocotyl inoculation with races 1-4 of P. vignae. One of the lines tested, CPI 84853, expressed partial resistance to all four races in the root inoculation assay, although it was highly susceptible to race 4 following hypocotyl inoculation. This line, along with the root assay described in this paper, form a basis for the development of new cowpea cultivars with more durable resistance to P. vignae.


Abstract The article traces the different reception histories of the Book of Leviticus in Judaism and Christianity. By overcoming the ecclesiastical "Antileviticus" (Krochmalnik), the Third Book of Moses gained a new position in Theology and church life. Subsequently, the author shows varied ways and contexts in which the "Mitte der Thora" (Zenger) can be made accessible, preached and taught for Christianity.


A comparative study on the size and preferences of cinema and television audiences in Italy demands a much more thorough preparation and execution than has been possible in the case of this essay. But even this summary attempt may result in a few important conclusions, to be discussed at the end. First, we will try to illustrate in a concise manner the evolution of cinema and television audiences


A hybrid up-sampling algorithm based on the predicted modes of H.264/AVC is proposed in this paper. Other than video codecs like MPEG group, H.264/AVC utilizes variable block size for motion estimation and motion compensation, which results in better precision and compression efficiency. According to the mode decision built in H.264/AVC, the macroblocks of each frame are divided into intra mode, skip mode and others. For intra-mode macroblocks which contain more details, they are up-sampled by MAP (maximum a posteriori) since this method has best performance among existing super resolution algorithms. For macroblocks coded as skip mode, they are assumed to be highly correlated to macroblocks in the reference frame. Thus those blocks are duplicated from those referenced blocks. For the rest of the macroblocks, they not only have correspondence with blocks in other frames but also contain relatively complicated content so that they are further analyzed into variable block sizes, say 16×16, 8×16, 16×8, 8×8, 8×4, 4×8 and 4×4. By adopting different up-sampling methods adaptively with variable block sizes, the proposed method saves computational efforts of smoother blocks for complicated blocks so that the overall complexity can be successfully reduced. Comparing to traditional frame-based up-sampling methods, the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm provides a more efficient way to up-sample videos and is capable of preserving satisfactory visual quality.


ABSTRACT: We examine how suppliers' structural decisions (strategic choices regarding scale, scope, and complexity) and executional skills (drivers that support the day-to-day operations of the firm) influence its customer base concentration and, in turn, supplier performance. We investigate our research question through an in-depth study of suppliers in the apparel industry. We find that suppliers' structural decisions have an important relation to the level of a supplier's customer concentration. However, we find little evidence that the component of concentration arising from structural decisions is associated with supplier performance (both financial and operational). Instead, the favorable relation between supplier performance and suppliers' customer concentration is primarily driven by the component of concentration arising from suppliers' executional skills. Our evidence indicates that greater customer concentration in and of itself does not relate to the anticipated benefits and risks, which has i...


We presented a method to create character connections from manga using the frequencies of characters and their co-occurrences by referring to frames. First, we input characters and frames with a data input tool. Second, we calculated the frequencies of characters and the relationships among characters and grouprelated characters. Third, we created character connections. Preliminary experiments using Dragon Ball vol. 32 suggest the usefulness of our approach.


Based on the production and yield of maize in Funing County,using 3414+2 fertilizer test design scheme,the effects of different ratio of N,P and K,single application of organic fertilizer,and formula fertilizer on increasing the yield of spring maize under different soil nutrient conditions were studied in Funing.Based on the relationship between maize yield and fertilizer amount,the fertilizer model was established,and the maximum fertilizer application amount and the optimum one were calculated using the fertilizer model.The results showed that the yield with chemical fertilizer application was higher,it increased by 11.0%-39.1%,it increased least with N0P2K2,while it increased greatest with N2P3K2.With medium N and P level,33.75-123.75 kg/hm2 K had little influence on the yield.Without P and K,N and P lower than the medium level,the yield increasing was less.The fertilization strategy should be adjusted based on the fertility level including increasing application of N and P and reducing application of K in high-yield field,stable application of N and reducing application of P and K in medium-yield field,and increasing application of N and reducing application of P and K in low-yield field.The application amount of N,P2O5 and K2O in low-yield field was 129.4 kg/hm2,47.7 kg/hm2 and 35.2 kg/hm2,respectively,that in medium-yield one was 173.2 kg/hm2,55.8 kg/hm2 and 49.7 kg/hm2,respectively,and that in high-yield one was 269.0 kg/hm2,178.5 kg/hm2 and 66.8 kg/hm2,respectively.The chemical fertilizer should be used with organic fertilizer.The yield could be increased significantly with formula fertilizer,which increased by 35.9%.


The Chinese government regards residents' happiness as one of the major administrative achievements, which is also individuals' final goal. Based on the research case-Zhuhai, it is supposed that there exists high relativity between leisure satisfaction and happiness, which is proved through the questionnaire survey and the statistical test. To compare different resident groups' attitudes towards leisure satisfaction, the research, taking demographic characteristics into account, meanwhile indicates that variables as gender, age, salary greatly influence leisure satisfaction, compared with such factors as marital status, education, family structure, and residence and so on. Keywords—leisure satisfaction; well-being/happiness; Zhuhai resident


Many teachers including middle schools and high schools, based on the traditional grammar, tend to describe either gerunds as nominals or present participles as adjective traits in a sentence. So, when English learners read the same V-ing form as gerunds and present participles in the context, they can have trouble in understanding differences between their grammaticality and other meanings. This paper examined the historical background about how gerunds and present participles have been used in the process of English development, and are now used as the same V-ing form. Based on both what gerunds are used as nominal and verbal roles in modern English and what present participles are used as adjective or verb roles, I suggest that in syntax, English gerunds be divided into nominal and verbal gerunds, and present participles into adjective and verbal present participles respectively. It was shown that this reconsideration can take an important role in helping English learners to broadly understand grammatical properties or other meanings with the same form V-ing.


Memory technology requires high density, large volume memory arrays in the limited chip real estate. Z2FET memory architecture has demonstrated advantages for CMOS technology implementation including compatibility and scalability, novel capacitor-less memory action, area reduction, and sharp switching characteristics. As a candidate of e-DRAM applications [1-4], minimizing cell dimensions is one of the key targets in order to deliver Z2FET competitive advantage in memory technology design and applications. The cell area is mainly determined by the Z2FET length and width. Therefore, the scaling study the Z2FET length is crucial in achieving high-density storage solutions.


This dissertation consists of three parts that chronicle my major research as a Statistics Ph.D Candidate at the University of New Mexico. First, I present my primary research in the UNM Department of Mathematics & Statistics, which delves into the relationship between parametric bootstrap and objective Bayesian approaches to significance testing, and includes an in-depth examination of the heteroscedastic analysis of variance problem. For the one-way problem, we present tests based on the parametric bootstrap, objective Bayes, the predictive distribution, and an unweighted test statistic. These approaches are compared theoretically, with simulation studies, and with a real data application. The findings of the one-way case is extended to testing for differences in means in the RCBD with subsampling and heteroscedastic errors model. We establish variance parameter estimates, propose an objective Bayesian test, and a new unweighted test for fixed group effects. We


Abstract : This report describes the theoretical basis, experimental approaches, and results of research to evaluate fracture properties of concrete using quantitative acoustic emission (AE) analysis techniques. Analytical tools were developed to process AE data. These tools included improvements in P-wave arrival analysis, AE source location calculation, and multichannel deconvolution techniques. The microfracture characteristics of mortar was evaluated using a three dimensional moment tensor analysis. Microcracking was found to be primarily mixed mode and shear. A new technique for testing concrete in uniaxial tension was developed. Using this technique localization and strain-softening behavior was examined. Microcracking was found to be evenly distributed throughout the specimen until about 80% of peak load. At this point localization began and the microcracks coalesced into a single macrocrack.... Acoustic emission, Microcracking, Quasi-brittle materials, Damage localization.


The acidity of tropical soils can affect development of agronomic species, making necessary the liming, however, crops show different responses to lime application. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lime levels on growth and nutrients content in aerial part of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.), cultivated on a Yellow Latosol Dystrophic typic, clayey texture, in a greenhouse. The experimental design consisted of randomized design, with six doses of lime (0; 250; 500; 750; 1500; 2000 kg ha-1), four replications and three plants per pot in each plot. Up to sixty days after transplanting, were evaluated height, diameter, shoot dry matter, root dry matter, content and nutritional efficiency of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. Was observed that the addition of increasing doses of lime led to linear gains in the biological characteristics of habanero pepper, mainly in dry matter production. Furthermore, higher concentrations of nutrients in shoot dry matter were found in treatments that received higher doses of amendment, except the Fe.


A novel and compact multi-band stop filter using two different structures of circular DGS and circular DGS loaded with O-DGS unit, has good selectivity and  wide upper pass band performance  with good rejection based on defected ground structure (DGS) integrating a circular ring  resonator to suppress undesired spurious bands frequency or harmonics in radio frequency and microwave circuits is proposed. An equivalent circuit model has been derived for the both structures of circular DGS and circular DGS loaded. The presented filter has a compact size because the circular ring resonator is integrated in DGS, the both of them are etching in the ground plane. The proposed filter presents an optimization method for generating multi-band characteristics without using a periodic cells or other complicate topology. The simulated results by ADS Agilent are presented and compared with the results simulated by two others software: CST and HFSS. Good agreement between the three simulated results is observed.


Density functional theory calculations have been performed on SnO in the litharge, herzenbergite, and rocksalt crystal structures. An asymmetric electron distribution was found around the Sn atoms in litharge and herzenbergite SnO which could be ascribed to a $\mathrm{Sn}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}5{s}^{2}$ sterically active ``lone pair.'' Analysis of the electronic structure shows that the states responsible for the asymmetric Sn electron distribution are due to the coupling of unfilled $\mathrm{Sn}(5p)$ with the antibonding combination arising from interaction of $\mathrm{Sn}(5s)$ and $\mathrm{O}(2p)$. The coupling of $\mathrm{Sn}(5p)$ was found to be active in both the formation of the asymmetric density and the stabilization of the litharge and herzenbergite phases. Due to the symmetry of the interaction the coupling of $\mathrm{Sn}(5p)$ with the antibonding states can only take place on distorted Sn sites, explaining the absence of an asymmetry in the rocksalt structure. In contrast to the classical view that the Sn(II) ``lone pair'' forms directly through hybridization of $\mathrm{Sn}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}5s$ and $5p$, our calculations confirm for the first time, through COOP analysis, that it is only through the interaction of the oxygen $2p$ states that formation of the asymmetric density is achieved.


The protruding problems in the innovation ability cultivation for undergraduates after expanding enrollment of college were discussed in this paper.A fundamental consideration on the "Four Kinds of Abilitiy" enhancement for undergraduates was proposed,and pertinent exploration was carried out on how to enhance the cultivation of "Four Kinds of Abilitiy".


In the case Hoogvliet the spatial ecological relation between the city and its environment was studied by using GIS and correlated random walk (cdw) simulation models


The utility model provides a plastic lamp shell which is capable of preventing nodes from being generated on a light outlet portion. The utility model also provides a relevant lamp shell billet mould. The plastic lamp shell is provided with the light outlet portion and a connecting portion which is opposite to the light outlet portion and arranged at the opening position of the bottom of the plastic lamp shell. A plastic injection hole of the lamp shell billet mould is arranged in the center of a second mould, and plastics is injected to a mould cavity of a first mould through an opening position which is relatively close to a lamp shell billet. Therefore, in the plastic lamp shell which is formed in blow molding mode through the lamp shell billet, due to the fact that the plastics is injected into the lamp shell billet mould, the generated node is controlled to be in a central point of the inner wall of the light outlet portion or any position on the side edge of the inner wall, and light outlet quality of the plastic lamp shell is improved.


The invention discloses a voltage increase-reduction changer and a controller and a control method of the voltage increase-reduction changer. The controller comprises a logic control circuit, a pulse width increasing circuit, a pulse width reduction circuit, a first drive circuit and a second drive circuit. Based on a reference signal and a feedback signal representing an output voltage, the logic control circuit generates a logic control signal. Based on the logic control signal, the pulse width increasing circuit generates a sum value control signal, wherein the pulse width increasing circuit increases the pulse width of the logic control signal to a first preset value, so that the pulse width of the sum value control signal is generated. Based on the logic control signal, the pulse width reduction circuit generates a difference value control signal, wherein the pulse width reduction circuit reduces the pulse width of the logic control signal to a second preset value, so that the pulse width of the difference value control signal is generated. Based on the sum value control signal, the first drive circuit generates a first drive signal and a second drive signal to control a first switch pipe and a second switch pipe. Based on the difference value control signal, the second drive circuit generates a third drive signal and a fourth drive signal to control a third switch pipe and a fourth switch pipe.


The chaperonin GroEL from Escherichia coli, a tetradecameric protein complex consisting of two heptameric rings stacked back to back with a central cavity, is one of the best characterized molecular chaperones that facilitate protein folding in vivo. The ATP– dependent control of the affinity for its target protein and the co-chaperonin GroES is essential for its molecular chaperone function, and this control occurs through a series of cooperative allosteric transitions of GroEL induced by MgATP2–. The equilibria and kinetics of the allosteric transitions of GroEL have thus been studied for some time by a variety of techniques. However, the initial bimolecular step of MgATP2– binding to GroEL, which must precede the allosteric transitions, remains to be clarified. Here, we studied the equilibrium and kinetics of MgATP2– binding to a variant of GroEL, in which Tyr485 was replaced by tryptophan, via isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy (Figures 1 and 2). In the absence of K+ at 4 ~ 5 °C, the allosteric transitions and the subsequent ATP hydrolysis by GroEL are halted, and hence, the stopped–flow fluorescence kinetics induced by rapid mixing of MgATP2– and the GroEL variant solely reflected MgATP2– binding, which was well represented by bimolecular noncooperative binding with a binding rate constant, kon, of 9.14 × 104 M–1 s–1 and a dissociation rate constant, koff, of 14.2 s–1, yielding a binding constant, Kb (= kon/koff), of 6.4 × 103 M–1. We also successfully performed ITC to measure Figure 1. The structure around the MgATP2–-binding site of GroEL (a), the SAXS patterns of wild-type GroEL in the different allosteric states (b), and the binding kinetics of MgATP2– to GroEL(Y485W) (c and d).


Abstract The combined effect of surfactants with ozone bleaching process on the quality of cotton fabric was examined in this paper. The concentration of surfactants was varied between 0.01- 0.5 g/l in order to evaluate its effect on CIE whiteness, absorbency and strength of cotton fabric bleached by ozone. The maximum improvement in absorbency (1.07 s) and whiteness (WCIE 66.53) was achieved in the presence of anionic surfactant (0.01 g/l) at optimized experimental conditions. The strength properties of cotton fabric bleached by ozone in the presence of surfactant were also improved. Pollution load of ozone bleaching effluent even after adding surfactant was far less than conventional bleaching effluent. Statistically it was confirmed that surfactant addition significantly improved the whiteness and absorbency of ozone bleached cotton fabric.


Microelectronics is a special type of General Purpose Technology (GPT), bringing disruptive innovations, not in one shot, but by successive waves for 40 years. Rational innovators maximize present value, over product cycles, before the anticipated obsolescence under Moore's Law. Among the multiple local maxima, the proven best dynamic option may be a two-phase, scaling-up plan at two-sites: high-skill workers improvise in pilot production, and debug the production process; low-wage labor mass-produce by prepared routines, on costly equipment. This study yields new insights: outsourcing to multiple sites can be complementary, inter-temporally; multinational corporations excel in coordinating the unilateral, product-specific, cross-border information transfers, hierarchically. This analysis is deduced from the documented practice of two dominant firms: Seagate Technology in the vertically integrated hard-disk-drive (HDD) industry; the Hon Hai-Foxconn Group, with more than half of the world market share of the electronics manufacturing service (EMS) industry. This framework may help to interpret the economic co-evolution of America, China, Japan and Taiwan – the intermediary in between.


Freeze roadway cooling technology is delivering cold quantity to cooling underground face by storage cooling energy in strata, and the effect of storaging cold is critical. The geographical position and geological condition of coal mine in Heilongjiang Province has remarkable characteristics. The feasibility of freeze roadway cooling measure was demonstrated on temperature, geothermal, constant temperature strata and frozen soil layer, etc. by analyzed its advantage adequately. The measure provides a new idea which suits the native situation for prevent the heat-harm in coal mine, it also has the realistic reference value and is worth popularizing.


The present invention is to provide a transfer roller produced from this production method and the conductive transfer roller. Method of manufacturing a conductive transfer roller of the present invention is EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber), NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber-acryloyl), ECO (epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide rubber), selected from the group consisting of CR (chloroprene rubber) conductive material on one or more resilient materials, ions premises, comprising blending by adding a vulcanizing agent and a foaming agent; The step of extruding the blend; Comprising a continuous extrusion foaming while the foam passing through the mobile device; Press-fitting the foam to a shaft and applying a secondary vulcanization; And a step of grinding the foam; includes. Accordingly, the transfer roller is made the electrical resistance value of 10 A transfer roller provided in accordance with the present invention, the as well as by the foam structure is stabilized compared to the transfer roller produced using a conventional foaming method, to obtain a uniform resistance, is not an artificial operation request in performing the process cost it is capable of savings. Printer, a transfer roller, a conductive transfer roller, a continuous mobile foaming


A mathematical model for turbulent mixing of stratified, sheared flows is developed and explored. Two applications are emphasized, one to the dynamics of the ocean well–mixed layer, and another to the analysis of the stability of equilibrium profiles away from boundaries.


Current transmission and distribution system states are mostly unobservable to each other, and state estimation is separately conducted in the two systems owing to the differences in network structures and analytical models. The large-scale integration of transmission and active distribution systems calls for an effective solution to global state estimation. Unlike existing independent state estimation methods on both levels of these systems, we propose a decentralized coordinated transmission and distribution system state estimation (C-TDSE) method. This method enables accurate monitoring of the integrated systems with a global reference in a decentralized manner and reconciles the mismatches of voltages and powers on boundaries of the systems. The comparative analysis on the integrated transmission and distribution systems points to improved estimation results relative to the independent state estimation methods.


The intraspecific variation found withinMaieta guianensis Aublet is discussed, and a new variety,M. guianensis Aublet var.leticana Whiffin, is described. The variation found withinM. poeppigii Mart, ex Triana is compared to that withinM. guianensis, and a possible vegetative difference between the two species is discussed. A key to the taxa is provided.