We investigate a robust version of the portfolio selection problem under a risk measure based on the lower-partial moment (LPM), where uncertainty exists in the underlying distribution. We demonstrate that the problem formulations for robust portfolio selection based on the worst-case LPMs of degree 0, 1 and 2 under various structures of uncertainty can be cast as mathematically tractable optimization problems, such as linear programs, second-order cone programs or semidefinite programs. We perform extensive numerical studies using real market data to reveal important properties of several aspects of robust portfolio selection. We can conclude from our results that robustness does not necessarily imply a conservative policy and is indeed indispensable and valuable in portfolio selection.


Based on the long-term climatic observational data including daily mean temperature,maximum temperature,minimum temperature,relative humidity,wind speed and sunshine duration from 111 meteorological stations in Henan province from 1971 to 2010,authors calculated the daily reference crop evapotranspirations(ET0) for each station with the aid of the revised Penman-Monteith model recommended by FAO.The temporal spatial distribution characteristics of annual ET0 and its major climatic impact factors were analyzed using the mathematical statistics.The results showed that,the Penman-Monteith model well simulated annual ET0 in Henan province during the past 40 years,with a correlation coefficient of 0.84(P0.01) between an annual ET0 and the annual 20cm pan evaporation during same period in same stations.The mean annual ET0 of the 40 years was 796.1mm(±102.2mm,n=4169),with higher values in northern regions than southern regions.Temporally,annual ET0 of Henan province declined significantly with the rate of 24.7mm·10y-1.Among the sites with significant decreasing annual ET0 during 1971 to 2010,most of them located at around 34° N northwards.Partial correlation analysis showed that,annual ET0 of either the whole Henan province or single city closely related to meteorological factors,and further analysis indicated the most significant negative correlation between ET0 and wind speed,with an exception of Jiyuan.Stepwise regression analysis suggested that the change of annual ET0 had close relationship with mean temperature,sunshine hour,wind speed and relative humidity.The effects of mean temperature,sunshine duration and wind speed on annual ET0 were positive,while that of relative humidity was negative.Wind speed reduction during the past 40 years was the main cause of decreased annual ET0;however,the overall change of annual ET0 was synthetically affected by mean temperature,sunshine hour,wind speed and relative humidity as a whole,and the contribution of each climate factor differed spatially.


Abstract : The intensities of a number of solar x-ray emission lines in the 8- to 25-A region have been compared to solar-radio emissions at several wavelengths to search for a correlation between the two and to try to identify a slowly varying component of the x-ray emission lines. The x-ray measurements were made from the OV1-10 satellite from December 1966 to June 1967 with a Bragg crystal spectrometer. The radio measurements at six frequencies between 606 and 8800 MHz were taken from reports in the literature. In general, the highest correlation coefficients (r is about 0.80) occur at the longer radio wavelengths for the shortest x-ray wavelengths, and the shorter x-ray wavelengths correlate best with the shortest radio wavelengths. The high correlation coefficients obtained strongly suggest a close relationship between the radio and x-ray emissions. These highly correlated x-ray and radio emissions are referred to as the slowly varying component. The same active regions appear to be responsible for both the radio and x-ray emissions. (Author)


In this paper, we discuss an optimization-based approach for design space exploration of analog circuits, i.e., how some design parameters affect the circuit performance and cost. By this exploration the designer is guided to make judicious trade-offs among the design parameters. For the design space exploration, which is expensive in terms of computation time, we use an optimization-based approach that run concurrent optimization task on a network of workstations. The input to the optimization tool is a netlist describing the circuit and the performance specification. The appropriate cost functions are automatically generated from the netlist. As a design example, we have selected a simple folded-cascode operational transconductance amplifier, OTA, implemented in a standard 0.35-μm CMOS process. The tool is, however, capable to handle larger circuits.


The origins of the lexicography of Spanish in America are found in various works such as glossaries, vocabularies, relationships, indexes, tables, etc., which have some common characteristics: they are simple and concise repertoires that are created because they are useful to understand the historical-geographical and literary texts, being usually appendices of a few dozens of words; in some cases they contain technical words or are included in dictionaries of another type. Twelve of these works are analyzed up to the beginning of the 17th century to show how lexicographical methods and techniques are outlined, which are the embryo of the later concept of dictionary of Americanisms.


The concept of symmetry in the Interacting Boson Model (IBM) description of even-even nuclei has proved to be one of the model's most important elements, because they provide benchmarks in the formulation of a unified description of a broad range of nuclei. The importance of the recently proposed symmetries in odd-even systems can thus be viewed in the same light, and their role in pointing to a simple prescription for the changing collective structure in odd A nuclei throughout a major shell is likely to prove even more essential, given the much greater complexity of the boson-fermion (IBFM) Hamiltonian. The group structure of a boson-fermion system is described by U/sup B/(6) x U/sup F/(m) where m specifies the number of states available to the odd fermion, and thus depends on the single particle space assumed. The ability to construct group chains corresponding to the symmetries SU(5), SU(3) or 0(6) depends on the value of m. Of the structures studied in detail to date, the case of m = 12 is the one with the broadest potential. The fermion is allowed to occupy orbits with j = 1/2, 3/2 and 5/2, so that the assumed single particle space corresponds to themore » negative parity states available to an odd neutron at the end of the N = 82-126 shell, namely, P/sub 1/2/, p/sub 3/2/ and f/sub 5/2/. The region of interest thus spans the W-Pt nuclei, and since one prerequisite for an odd-A symmetry is the existence of that same symmetry in the neighboring even-even core nucleus, the odd Pt nuclei around A = 196 offer the obvious testing ground for the 0(6) limit of U(6/12). The heavier even-even W nuclei, on the other hand, have the characteristics of an axial rotor, and hence the negative parity structure of the neighboring odd W isotopes offers the possibility to study the validity of the SU(3) limit. Given a definition and understanding of these two limits, the construction of a simple description of the transitional Os nuclei can be considered.« less


Recently, we carried out a density functional theory B3LYP/6-31+G(d) study of hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) in order to elucidate the unusual, nearly planar, sp2 hybridization of the two...


Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant native to the south of Africa and whose essential oil is widely used by perfume and cosmetic industries, as well as in therapeutics. The effect of luminosity and growth regulators BAP and NAA on in vitro multiplication was evaluated, together with the use of different substrates on the acclimatization of micropropagated seedlings. The evaluated concentrations were 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg L-1 BAP; 0, 0.1 and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA; and two luminosity conditions (absence and presence of light), in a 4 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. For acclimatization, four substrates were tested: coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) (CDBL); coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) + vermiculite (1:1) (CDBLV 1:1); coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) + vermiculite (CDBLV 2:1); and vermiculite with weekly addition of MS salts (VS). For P. graveolens micropropagation, the use of 1.3 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA is efficient for the direct regeneration of geranium plants, and the dark condition is the most suitable since it provides a larger number of shoots per explant. For the acclimatization of geranium seedlings, the best results were obtained with seedlings acclimatized in the substrate vermiculite with weekly addition of MS salts, followed by the substrate CDBLV 1:1.


This paper describes the development of heated double-sided thin film gauge configurations for transient heat transfer measurements. By heating the substrate it is possible to measure the heat flux over a range of surface temperatures and deduce the adiabatic wall temperature and the external heat transfer coefficient. The accuracy of the measurement depends on the stability of the regression of heat flux against wall temperature and can be improved by extending the range of wall temperature over which the regression is performed. In this paper we compare two methods of local heating: double-sided gauges with an underside thin film heater and self-heating double-sided gauges. Both arrangements have been used in the Oxford Turbine Research Facility to measure the heat transfer on the uncooled turbine shroud of the MT1 high-pressure turbine stage at engine-representative conditions. These measurements yield improved regressions compared to conventional techniques to determine the adiabatic wall temperature and the heat transfer coefficient.


The issues of drilling through depleted zones, especially in mature areas, are increasing in importance as they are a frequent and familiar scenario for many fields. Pressure overbalances have been reported as high as 13,000 psi, but are more typically range from hundreds to thousands of psi. Wellbore stability problems associated with these zones can be linked to both drilling-induced and pre-existing fractures, resulting in fluid losses. It is generally acknowledged that the solution to these problems is a combination of drilling fluid optimization and proper drilling practices. The current fluid solution incorporates the use of large particulates in the form of a pill to seal the fractures and consequently increase the drilling window. While their advantages are known, large particulates also carry disadvantages such as the retroactive nature of being a remedy, rather than a prevention, and the non-productive time associated with this technique. The service company and the oil company conducted extensive development to change the popular approach applied for wellbore-strengthening solutions. The resulting methodology to strengthening is based on the beneficial manipulation of fracture propagation pressure and continuous application of specialized wellbore-strengthening additives, thus making the drilling fluid itself create a virtual liner against the wellbore. The authors will present selected laboratory test methods and results, including a large scale fracture test and the associated mathematical modeling. This work shows a potential improvement in the drilling window while meeting environmental regulatory requirements in the Gulf of Mexico. Introduction When drilling through depleted pore pressure sandstone formations in the Gulf of Mexico, and in other areas around the globe, operators often encounter drilling fluid losses. This is due to the pressures exerted on the formation by the column of drilling fluid exceeding the pore pressure of the formation. So much overburden is present that fractures can be induced leading to whole drilling mud lost to the formation in addition to what can be lost due to naturally occurring fractures or vugular zones. The traditional solution has been the application of particulate lost circulation materials or LCM. The general concept being that adding solids with an appropriate size distribution for the size of the fracture widths encountered or induced downhole, will allow the weighting solids in the drilling fluid to then bridge over the fracture mouths and form the filtercake on the wellbore as designed. The pressure which drives the LCM into the fracture mouths will equilibrate at some point, allowing the solids to then take on the task of supporting the hoop stress in the formation just outside the wellbore, a technique commonly referred to in industry as "stress caging". These LCM come in many different size distributions, shapes, orientations, and material types. Yet, they all still have on commonality. The application of the LCM solution is performed after the confirmation of fluid losses. This could be a substantial time delay depending on the depth of the well. Even still, particulate solutions are not without risk to the production zone due to issues such as fine solids migration. In extreme situations, a pump-able and/or curable pill might have to be placed downhole, held, and then drilled through. The mechanism of inducing fractures has been investigated, modeled, and presented to the oil and gas industry. This model presented by Bernt Aadnoy, et al in SPE 105499 however, does not fully take into account the interaction of the formation rock and the deposited filtercake. Not only is the model deficient in predicting the true fracturing pressure when a traditional filtercake has been deposited, it does not allow for any mechanical or chemical enhancements which could be made to the filtercake. There is a clear need in the industry for a novel approach to drilling through depleted zones. The target of the project was initially to develop a synthetic invert emulsion fluid system which could continuously strengthen the wellbore by effectively increasing the drilling window. Or in other words, to lay down an enhanced filtercake, one capable of essentially increasing the fracturing pressure. What was developed over the many subsequent months, was a blend of synthetic based drilling fluid additives which enhances the filtercake which is being deposited as the well is drilled. With use of the developed solution, the pressure at which fractures propagate via whole drilling mud invasion could be increased, the wellbore would be continuously strengthened without the addition of large particulates or traditional LCM, and the safe drilling window AADE-17-NTCE-015 Resolving Losses and Increasing the Drilling Window in Depleted Zones by Constantly Strengthening Wellbores Clint Falgout and Guido De Stefano, M-I SWACO, A Schlumberger Company 2 C. Falgout and G. De Stefano AADE-17-NTCE-015 could be increased. The novel technology developed collaboratively by the service company and the oil company also has the potential to drastically reduce non-productive time associated with lost circulation in depleted zones. Development As the development of the system and additive package began, the need for the potential solution to act near instantaneously was identified early. This meant that a filtercake with enhanced properties would be an ideal technique. The smart filtercake developed via the additive package would then need to be deposited rapidly on the wellbore surface, be stronger than traditional synthetic-based drilling fluid filtecakes, as well as more resilient if the event of fracturing behind the filtercake-wellbore surface complex. In order to achieve this property, the whole mud must de-fluidize rapidly and then seal off the formation from filtrate invasion. This phenomena could also be thought of as a high initial spurt loss relative to the flattening off or complete shut off of the flow of filtrate invading the formation. Different 14.0 pound per gallon candidate fluids where initially screened for this characteristic in a range finding exercise for additive concentration as compared to a baseline (base), formulated as a simplified synthetic based fluid at 14.0 pounds per gallon. Screening During this initial range finding screening process, new or clean lab drilling fluids were formulated and aged in roller ovens at 150 °F. A sampling of some of the various formulations explored is presented in the next section. Attention was of course payed to the impact on rheology, however, that was not our primary screening tool. A standard permeability plugging tester (or PPT) was employed. During the test a differential pressure of 2500 psig is applied to the sample which is heated to 250 °F and it is allowed to deposit a static filtercake on a media disk while the filtrate collection is monitored. Volumes are collected and recorded to observe the initial spurt loss as well as the total amount of filtrate collected over the hour. Traditionally the tests are performed through an aloxite, or other ceramic, disk of varying permeability depending on the experimenter's requirements. Initially we employed this method with 40 micometer or micron disks but quickly evolved to disks cut from actual sandstone formations of varying (low, medium, and high) permeability for greater representation of field behavior. The below Figure 1 shows this spurt loss and shut off behavior of the enhanced package and filtercake. Figure 1 Fluid loss results by PPT Formulation The baseline formulation amounted to a synthetic based drilling fluid system with some additives responsible for tasks such as boosting and flattening rheology removed. The primary screening metric as stated was the unique fluid loss property and subsequently the enhancement to the filtercake properties. As the density range of interest was approximately 12.0 to 16.0 pounds per gallon, most formulations were prepared to be 14.0 pounds per gallon with synthetic water ratios of between 75/25 and 80/20. Upon adding some components, the aqueous phase would increase. In the interest of leaving the rest of the formulation the same as the baseline, to truly observe the effects of the strengthening additives, adjustments to synthetic water ratio were not made. The below Table 1 presents four different formulations as examples along with the formulation densities and synthetic water ratios (SWR). Additionally presented are the rheological profiles in Table 2. Table 1 Baseline and developed formulations


The article under discussion reveals the issues of theoretical rationale for content-language integrated learning (CLIL) in educational institutions. The author of the article consider that CLIL as an educational approach serves to maintain linguistic diversity as well as a powerful tool that has a significant impact on the process of learning a foreign language. Moreover, CLIL is an innovative approach to learning, creating a holistic, dynamic and stimulating learning environment. The approach under consideration expands didactic possibilities of the traditional educational curriculum, namely, not to teach each subject separately, but to integrate subjects with others.


Power consumption becomes a very important criterion for the portable embedded devices and, therefore, many Dynamic Voltage/Frequency Scaling (DVFS) techniques have been introduced. This paper is trying to break down and analyze the power consumed by three main components, DSP logic, local memory, and the external DDR2, of a multi-core SoC platform. There are four configurations for this SoC platform: one DSP with full and half clock rates and two DSP's with full and half clock rates. The DSP's in the SoC are clone in the hardware architecture and execute the same H.264/AVC decoder software in all scenarios. With this breakdown, we can figure out the key factors for energy saving and further offer some valuable suggestions for the power management and embedded multi-core SoC designs.


It is an important issue in rural health development to ensure that the basic health care services for peasants should be guaranteed. Based on the literature review the Delphi technology and the household health survey a discussion on the content of the basic health care services in rural China especially the poor area we made in this paper. The authors suggest that the content may consist of 16 items including maternal and child care immunization family planning control of common diseases and health education etc.. The relevant indicators for evaluation of access to basic health care for the poor were also proposed in the paper. (authors)


Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) addresses sexual rights, reproductive processes, and sexual functions at all stages of life. It is about the right to participate in sexuality, including seeking, receiving, and passing on information about sexuality. It also encompasses personal choices about sexual activity, including fertility control. Yet, SRH is a taboo subject in many tradition-led communities, and its practice is constrained by social mores and conventions that restrict access to SRH information by women and minors. This is most apparent in four key areas of SRH practice: fertility control, sexually transmitted infections, maternal health, and sex education.

Keywords:

health;
sexuality;
indigenous healing systems;
sexually transmitted disease


On 18 July 2014, the Competition College of the Belgian Competition Authority adopted a decision imposing a €2 million fine on Electrabel for abuse of dominant position contrary to Article 3 of…


In Perth, Western Australia, summative assessment has not been a teaching tool in the teaching of religious education courses in the Catholic schools. This study investigated whether the use of formal assessment procedures in the teaching of religion had an effect on student learning outcomes. Subjects were 128 students (4 classes) in year 8 of an urban Catholic high school. The individual class variation in scores was nested in the variation of scores between the experimental and control groups. A multiple choice test was given before and after instruction to measure student knowledge. Students in the experimental group were quizzed on work covered in each teaching module, given feedback from the testing, and motivated to prepare thoroughly for the final test. Posttest results indicate that scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control (untested) classes. Treatment given the experimental classes does seem to have resulted in significant differences in learning outcomes. Results support the view of G. Rossiter (1981) that a relationship exists between clarity of purpose and learning outcomes. Appendixes present summaries of the posttest results. (Contains two tables, two figures, and seven references.) (SLD) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** The Importance ofAssessment Procedures to Student Learning Outcomes in Religious Education. A paper presented to the American Educational Research Association 1997 Annual held in Chicago, March 24 to March 28, 1997


Land subsidence including downward subsidence with a horizontal displacement vector normally occurs in small amounts. In the present study, two pairs of Sentinel-1A descending and ascending images of 2014 and 2015 were used to survey the subsidence rate in Garmsar Plain. After ensuring the high correlation of the images, their interferogram was prepared and following removal of unnecessary phases, the displacement phase was calculated and converted to the vertical component. The InSAR analysis revealed that the Garmsar Plain witnesses an annual subsidence of 36 cm, which is very close to that of Tehran and Varamin plains. High-subsidence areas are generally located in the northern part of Garmsar, decreasing towards the southeast. The temporal and regional relationships of groundwater data and subsidence suggest that the general pattern of the subsidence in the Garmsar Plain is caused by overexploitation of groundwater that has led to widespread surface deformation. Since Garmsar is close to Tehran metropolis and the industrial boom in this city puts enormous pressure on water resources, there is an urgent need to curb extra groundwater extraction and manage water resources more wisely to decrease the speed of this unrepairable phenomenon in the area.


By analyzing the nature and characteristics of PCK,the study proposes some implication of PCK in mathematics teaching,particularly in mathematics teacher education programme of universities.Some inspirations and directions for teacher education and future research are also suggested.


The flow field of a newly developed traction converter cooling unit for EMU under four working conditions is simulated and analyzed in this paper. By calculating the flow field distribution of single and double blower under different external pressure conditions, the theoretical wind value of inlet and outlet, the outlet temperature of coolant, the temperature of resonant inductor and the temperature appreciation of resonant inductor are obtained. The experimental results were compared with the experimental data. It is found that the outlet temperature of the coolant is close to the experimental value, and the calculated values of the inlet air volume and the outlet air volume at the inductor are smaller than the target values obtained from the previous tests. The outlet air volume of resonant inductor is 10% larger than that of imported air. In this paper, the feasibility of R & D design of cooling unit is verified and guided by simulation analysis and experimental research.The flow field of a newly developed traction converter cooling unit for EMU under four working conditions is simulated and analyzed in this paper. By calculating the flow field distribution of single and double blower under different external pressure conditions, the theoretical wind value of inlet and outlet, the outlet temperature of coolant, the temperature of resonant inductor and the temperature appreciation of resonant inductor are obtained. The experimental results were compared with the experimental data. It is found that the outlet temperature of the coolant is close to the experimental value, and the calculated values of the inlet air volume and the outlet air volume at the inductor are smaller than the target values obtained from the previous tests. The outlet air volume of resonant inductor is 10% larger than that of imported air. In this paper, the feasibility of R & D design of cooling unit is verified and guided by simulation analysis and experimental research.


The invention discloses a dynamic acceleration method and a dynamic acceleration device in a content distribution network. The method comprises the steps as follows: a CDN node receives configuration information; the CDN node performs route detection according to the configuration information to acquire a detected value; after the CDN node receives an access request to a domain name needing dynamic acceleration, the detected values acquired by the node and the other nodes are separately multiplied by corresponding weighted values in the configuration information and then added to acquire a path value corresponding to each back-to-source routing path, and the back-to-source routing path is selected according to the path value to back to source. According to the method and the device provided by the invention, a selection sequence of the optimal back-to-source path can be adjusted according to actual requirement scenes.


A kind of SAR image iterative filtering methods based on correlated neibourhood model is proposed. This method describes a local image property by a correlated neighbourhood model. Firstly, a series of templates reflecting direction information are established and every template represents a kind of neighbour structure. Then based on the statistical property of SAR image, by using Bayes formulation the MAP estimate of the real intensity by observation image values for every structure is obtained. Simulated annealing algorithm is used to get proper structure from the candidate structure according to their probability, the estimate value corresponding this structure is the estimate of the underlying cross-section. The global optimum result can be obtained by simulated annealing algorithm when the temperature is reduced to zero.


Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease predominated by auto-antibodies that recognise cellular components. Pleural involvement is the most common SLE-related lung disease. Natural antibodies are rapidly secreted by innate-like B cells following perturbation of homeostasis and are important in the early stages of immune activation. The serous cavities are home to large numbers of innate-like B cells present both within serous fluid and resident within fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs). FALCs are important hubs for B-cell activation and local antibody secretion within the body cavities. Patients with SLE can develop anti-phospholipid antibodies and in rare situations develop alveolar haemorrhage. Utilising delivery of the hydrocarbon oil pristane in C57BL/6 mice as a model of SLE we identify a rapid expansion of pleural cavity B cells as early as day 3 after intra-peritoneal pristane delivery. Following pristane delivery, pericardial B1 B cells are proliferative, express the plasma-cell surface marker CD138 and secrete both innate and class switched antibodies highlighting that this cavity niche may play an unrecognised role in the initiation of lupus pleuritis. Graphical abstract


The degradation of current capability in high speed bipolar transistors caused by the voltage drop across the distributed resistance of the emitter finger has been studied. Experimental results show that in very-long emitter transistors this phenomenon becomes tangible even at current levels well below the onset of high injection. An analytical model under the assumption of medium current levels has been developed. The comparison between calculated and measured results shows very good agreement.


This paper examine the effects of three types of capital controls policies in Malaysia: (i) the existence of fixed exchange rates (indirect capital controls), (ii) controls on capital account and (iii) the stringency of requirements for the repatriation (direct capital controls) on FDI and PI flows as the dependent variable. The study examined the significant impact of the controls in influencing the investment atmosphere in Malaysia. The analysis were done over two period, where the period of 1991-1997 [7 years] is considered as a period where Malaysia imposed floating exchange rate system (liberalization of capital controls), and the second period 1998-2004 [7 years] as an age where the Malaysian government started imposing the fixed exchange rate regime. Overall, the result shows that the effect of capital controls on FDI flows was not significant as there were trade-off between the setback and the benefits of imposing capital controls. Meanwhile, it was also found that the reason why capital controls have more effect on PI than FDI was largely due to different nature of both investments.


To investigate the role of corneal mucopolysaccharides (MPS) to take up water, swelling experiments were conducted on dried rabbit corneas using cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or testicular hyaluronidase as an inactivator of corneal MPS and tritiated water as a radioactive tracer. The curves of 3H-water uptake of dried corneas in various solutions were classified into 3 types: (i) a sleep rise followed by a slow one (in distilled water), (ii) a slow rise followed by a steep one (in physiological saline solution), (iii) a slow rise followed by a constant level or a slight fall (in the solutions containing CPC). The hyaluronidase-digested corneas in distilled water took up 3H-water at two-thirds in quantities of the water uptake of the controls. The water uptake of a dried cornea was obviously inhibited with CPC or the treatment with testicular hyaluronidase. The importance of corneal MPS in postmortem corneal clouding was discussed on the basis of the present and previous data of the authors.


There exists a fairly extensive set of tire force measurements performed on dry pavement. But in order to develop a lowcoefficient of friction tire model, a set of tire force measurements made on wet pavement is required. Using formulations and parameters obtained on dry roads, and then reducing friction level to that of a wet road is not sufficient to model tire forces in a high fidelity simulation. This paper describes the process of more accurately modeling low coefficient tire forces on the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS). It is believed that the tire model improvements will be useful in many types of NADS simulations, including ESC and other advanced vehicle technology studies.


With resort to 3G(Third Generation)mobile telecommunication technology advantage of response speed and coverage,it has gradualy penetrated into health management service industry.Based on equipments of physiological parameters detecting module,3G mobile telecommunication technology can be used in health management monitoring system to realize the monitoring of clients physiological parameters and health management service.Meanwhile,application of mobile phone in health management service will also promote the innovation of traditional health industry.This article will illustrate the application of 3G mobile telecommunication technology in health management service.With the combination of 3G telecommunication technologies and health management,disease management,the service is both omnipotent and ubiquitous.


soccer robot is an important approach to the study on artificial intelligence control system at present stage. Taking FIRA robot as an example, this paper studies on the fuzzy PID control algorithm, it improves and optimizes the genetic algorithm, and makes analog and simulation towards the optimized results, and compares the optimized simulation results, the initial fuzzy simulation with the simulation results of original algorithm. It can be found through comparison that the optimized fuzzy PID control algorithm has stronger response timeliness, higher regulating temperature and shorter feedback time compared with traditional algorithm. It demonstrates that the genetic fuzzy PID control algorithm studied in this paper has a lot of improvement for the steadiness control of the robot, and the studying methods in this paper have some guiding significance to the study of artificial intelligence control system.


There is increasing awareness of mental health problems among young children, and early years settings are encouraged to take a wider family support role in order to prevent mental health difficulties. Local population studies are needed to inform delivery of universal through to targeted services. In the current study, parents and teachers of 2% of early years children in one inner city local authority were contacted. A one-stage survey was undertaken using the Early Years Behaviour Checklist (EYBC) and questions ascertaining services required. Questionnaires were distributed in appropriate languages to parents and teachers of 364 children. About 362 teacher questionnaires and 177 parent questionnaires were returned. Detailed analysis of the teacher questionnaires demonstrated that 11% (40) of the children scored in the abnormal range on the EYBC for possible behaviour problems. Just under half of parents returned questionnaires, and 11.9% (21) of the children were scored in the abnormal range for possible behaviour problems. This study indicates that the mental health needs of children under 5 in this inner city sample were broadly in keeping with the national figures. Implications for service delivery are discussed.


In order to configure the FPGA quickly and conveniently,this paper presents a method—first downloading the program to Flash,and then downloading it to FPGA controlled by CPLD.Because no data in Flash will be lost if there is power failure,it solves the problem that the data will be lost if the power is off.A concrete hardware circuit and a programming thought for the software module are described.The simulation test proves that this design is feasible.


Abstract Carbohydrate structures are often complex. Unfortunately, synthesis of the range of sugar combinations precludes the use of a single coupling protocol or set of reagents. Adapting known, reliable bench-chemistry reactions to work via automation will help forward the goal of synthesizing a broad range of glycans. Herein, the preparation of di- and tri-saccharides of alpha 1→2 rhamnan fragments is demonstrated using thioglycoside donors with the development for a solution-phase-based automation platform of commonly used activation conditions using N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) with trimethylsilyl triflate. Byproducts of the glycosylation reaction are shown to be compatible with hydrazine-based deprotection conditions, lending broader functionality to this method as only one fluorous-solid-phase extraction step per coupling/deprotection cycle is required.


I agree with many of the central claims of Kenneth Strike's thoughtful paper on liberal education and political liberalism. I agree that liberal education cannot accommodate all ways of life within a pluralist society and that its ideals should not be abandoned because of its inability to accommodate all social groups. In the spirit of supporting the project undertaken in this paper, I hope to clarify the line of Strike's argument, while raising some questions about his understanding of liberal education that lead me to qualify some of his conclusions. While Strike argues for a strong account of liberal education, characterized by substantive ideals, I argue that he does not adequately show how public schools support such a vision. I suggest that a weaker version of liberal learning may serve to defend the public school curriculum from the compromises about which Strike is concerned.


(57) Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for adjusting a vehicle seat, a driving motor frame structure of a vehicle seat (4, 5, 6) is provided with a transmission unit which is prefaced (39) (40) is adjustable via and the vehicle seat, to be of the type which are received in two seats rails which are arranged parallel to each other (1, 2). Frame structure for a vehicle seat (4, 5, 6) is spherically adjustable in two mutually separated planes by the element (8, 9, 10) lift.


A new multi-luminance-level subfield method is proposed to improve the low gray-level color reproducibility of a plasma display panel. Multi-luminance levels can be expressed per sustain pulse in low gray scale by applying the different auxiliary pulses in the same sustain-pulse subfields, thereby suppressing the low gray-level contour.


In this work, epoxy-based shape memory polymer nanocomposites (SMPnCs) were prepared using 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) pre-dispersed in epoxy resin. This was cured with triethylene tetraamine (TETA) curing agent. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) were determined using Advanced Rheometric Expansion System (ARES). The creep behaviour of the 0 wt% CNT SMPnC as well as the 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% MWCNT SMPnCs were studied through short term tensile creep test at different temperatures. Master curves of creep compliance were derived using a time-temperature superposition principle (TTSP) based on Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) equation. A Findley power-law model was used to predict the creep deformation behaviour of 0, 0.5 and 1 wt% CNT SMPnCs. Good correlations between experimental data and the predictive model were obtained for both SMPs particularly at lower temperature and above Tg.


Syrian hamster embryo cells were treated for 2-4 days with 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA), and 28 days after application of the carcinogen they were exposed continuously to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Untreated cells, or cells treated with MCA or TPA only, usually became senescent around 6-8 weeks after plating and died, but those treated with both MCA and TPA became immortalised and underwent transformation to a phenotype capable of growth in soft agar. Transformation was inhibited by derivatives of stearic acid administered to the cells at various stages of the overall process. Some derivatives were active at lower concentrations than others, but none were selective for specific phases such as initiation or promotion, and it did not appear to matter whether the fatty acids were present throughout the assay or for only part of it. Their action seems to be associated with control of growth or differentiation in a relatively non-specific manner.


In this paper, we propose and develop a spatial 3-DOF tele-micromanipulator for precise position control of micro-objects. Typical feature of this device is a one-module flexure hinge that consists of a revolute joint and a spherical joint. Based on preliminary kinematic analysis and stiffness modeling of the system, optimal design and actuator sizing for the device are performed. Furthermore, FEM analysis and resonant frequency analysis are executed to validate the results of analytic design process. The designed device was successfully implemented to tele-micromanipulation system.


Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are today both pervading our life and enabling several novel experiments in research applications by tackling the issues of complex bulk optical setups. Their development is closely following what already witnessed for the microelectronics industry, with two main design approaches: on the one hand, application-specific PICs guarantee optimal performance by purposely tailoring the design for a given application, while, on the other hand, programmable PICs based on a mesh of reconfigurable Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZIs) provide a flexible solution to implement an arbitrary unitary transformation that can be modified at run-time. Such devices are usually referred to as programmable photonic processors [1] . To date, the most common technique to reconfigure large MZI meshes is thermo-optic phase shifting.


Abstract : Three experiments were performed in order to examine the suggestion that relatively high negative settings (-1,75 to -2.00 dioptres) of the L1A1 image intensifier eyepiece yield optimum visual performance. Although detection and recognition performance did not vary greatly as a function of the eyepiece settings (10% or less), the data suggest that the traditional setting of -0.5 to -1.0 dioptres be used. The relatively large advantage to be gained from selecting the user of the L1A1 is noted. (Author)


Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy can be associated with severe immune-related adverse events that can limit therapeutic efficacy. The authors show that Probody therapeutics effectively localize checkpoint inhibition to sites of tumor growth, thereby reducing toxicities and maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Immune-checkpoint blockade has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, most patients do not respond to single-agent therapy. Combining checkpoint inhibitors with other immune-stimulating agents increases both efficacy and toxicity due to systemic T-cell activation. Protease-activatable antibody prodrugs, known as Probody therapeutics (Pb-Tx), localize antibody activity by attenuating capacity to bind antigen until protease activation in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we show that systemic administration of anti–programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti–PD-L1) and anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (anti–PD-1) Pb-Tx to tumor-bearing mice elicited antitumor activity similar to that of traditional PD-1/PD-L1–targeted antibodies. Pb-Tx exhibited reduced systemic activity and an improved nonclinical safety profile, with markedly reduced target occupancy on peripheral T cells and reduced incidence of early-onset autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. Our results confirm that localized PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition by Pb-Tx can elicit robust antitumor immunity and minimize systemic immune-mediated toxicity. These data provide further preclinical rationale to support the ongoing development of the anti–PD-L1 Pb-Tx CX-072, which is currently in clinical trials.


Most previous research on statistical approaches to social choice focused on the computation and characterization of maximum likelihood estimators (MLE) of various parametric ranking models. In this paper, we take a traditional statistical approach by evaluating social choice mechanisms w.r.t. two important statistical criteria: (1) consistency, a minimum requirement for reasonable estimators, and (2) minimaxity, a well-accepted optimality criterion. For consistency, we propose a new and general class of social choice mechanisms called generalized outcome scoring rules (GOSR) that include many commonly studied social choice mechanisms. Given any ranking model, we fully characterize all GOSRs that are consistent estimators of it, and derive an upper bound on the convergence rate. We also showed that the bound is asymptotically tight for some GOSR and ranking model. This allows us to fully characterize all GOSRs that are consistent w.r.t. some model. For minimaxity, we characterize a class of minimax estimators for neutral ranking models. As a corollary, the uniformly randomized MLE has the highest probability to correctly reveal the ground truth among all estimators for a number of natural ranking models.


InGaAsSb/AlGaAsSb multi-quantum-well (MQWs) were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The X-ray diffraction pattern presents multi-levels of satellite peaks, which indicate a good interface and excellent crystal quality. Meanwhile, photoluminescence shows the emission wavelength at room temperature covers 1.6~2.3 μm with varing In compositions in InGaAsSb/AlGaAsSb MQWs.


Background: Warts are one of the most common benign growths of skin caused by human papilloma virus. No single treatment has proved to be completely effective and most therapies for palmo-plantar and periungual warts remain unsatisfactory. The present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of intralesional bleomycin injection in palmo-plantar and periungual warts in patients in region of south east India. Methods: Ninety patients of multiple palmo-plantar and periungual warts were included in the study. They were infiltrated with bleomycin (1 mg/ml) till blanching. The treatment was repeated after paring of eschar at 2 weeks interval in cases with partial or no response. The patients were reviewed at monthly interval for 24 weeks to note cure, adverse effects, recurrence and outcome satisfaction levels. Results: Out of total 305 warts, 103 (34%) were cured after 1st injection and 249 (82%) were cured after 2nd injection. The number of warts requiring more than 2 sittings was 55 (18%). At the end of study, overall cure rate was 94.5% and 10 patients showed recurrence. Conclusions: Intralesional bleomycin injection is an effective and safe treatment option in palmo-plantar and periungual warts.


A model is proposed for interpreting charge diameter effect in ammonium nitrate/aluminium compositions at different content of aluminium and charge density. Based on this model the observed complicated trends can be attributed to variation of ignited fraction of specific surface area of ammonium nitrate. Calculated blast effect of the considered compositions in nearfield domain is affected by aluminium particle size.


Pyrrole and alkyl pyrroles react spontaneously with phenyl isothiocyanate to produce C-substituted derivatives. The structures of the products are confirmed by physical methods. The reaction is cat...


Cadences are complex structures that have been driving music from the beginning of contrapuntal polyphony until today. Detecting such structures is vital for numerous MIR tasks such as musicological analysis, key detection, or music segmentation. However, automatic cadence detection remains challenging mainly because it involves a combination of high-level musical elements like harmony, voice leading, and rhythm. In this work, we present a graph representation of symbolic scores as an intermediate means to solve the cadence detection task. We approach cadence detection as an imbalanced node classification problem using a Graph Convolutional Network. We obtain results that are roughly on par with the state of the art, and we present a model capable of making predictions at multiple levels of granularity, from individual notes to beats, thanks to the fine-grained, note-by-note representation. Moreover, our experiments suggest that graph convolution can learn non-local features that assist in cadence detection, freeing us from the need of having to devise specialized features that encode non-local context. We argue that this general approach to modeling musical scores and classification tasks has a number of potential advantages, beyond the specific recognition task presented here.


This paper investigates the synchronization problem of a class of complex dynamical networks via an adaptive control method. It differs from existing works in considering intrinsic delay and multiple different time‐varying coupling delays, and uncertain couplings. A simple approach is used to linearize the uncertainties with the norm‐bounded condition. Simple but suitable adaptive controllers are designed to drive all nodes of the complex network locally and globally synchronize to a desired state. In addition, several synchronization protocols are deduced in detail by virtue of Lyapunov stability theory and a Cauchy matrix inequality. Finally, a simulation example is presented, in which the dynamics of each node are time‐varying delayed Chua chaotic systems, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive method.


The article presents the principles of regulating the processes of digital transformation of regional economic systems. It was established that digitalization is considered as the introduction of various technologies into all spheres of social development. But to a greater extent, digital transformation is the key to development. Digital transformation is considered as the transformation of heterogeneous economic processes due to the introduction of new business models, strategies, systems, approaches and other tools due to the use of digital technologies. The use of digital technologies provides an opportunity to introduce new innovative, creative tools in various spheres of social development, as well as to increase the efficiency of the functioning of established processes. It is substantiated that the digitalization of regional economic systems occupies an important place in the development of regions, improving the quality of life of the population in all territories and increasing the level of economic security of the development of economic entities, the activation of international cooperation, etc. Digitization also plays an important role in ensuring the decentralization of power and the performance of functions that are delegated to localities. The main normative legal acts regarding the provision of processes of digital transformation of the regions of Ukraine have been studied. The positive consequences of the digital transformation of regional economic systems are singled out, which include: ensuring the speed of information transmission, its exchange, storage and processing; increasing the efficiency of management through the introduction of digital technologies; increasing the level of meeting the needs of consumers based on the timely determination of their requests; ensuring integration processes at different levels; facilitating access to services in the healthcare, education, and financial services system; overcoming corruption and increasing the transparency and efficiency of work of state and local authorities, etc.


Systematic excavation of collective burial sites makes possible the recovery of skeletal series which may show bony evidence of infectious pathological conditions. This paper presents the first evidence of the existence of tuberculosis in prehistoric populations of NW Argentina with a subsistence economy based on agriculture and pastoralism. The study was carried out on individuals from Rincon Chico 21 cemetery, a burial site located in the Santa Maria Valley, Catamarca, used between the Late Ceramic Period and the onset of the Inca empire expansion (AD 1000–1400). Six individuals out of the 70 so far excavated showed destructive lesions in the vertebral bodies and periosteal reactions in other bones. The morphology and distribution of bone lesions led us to rule out several diseases from a broad spectrum of possible diseases that could have affected the skeletal system. Thus, the lesions were interpreted as caused by mycobacterial infections (Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex). Considering previous studies on the dynamics of biocultural interactions which take into account information related from contextual associations and chronology, we can conclude that a tuberculosis-like disease was present in prehistoric populations from NW Argentina. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


An overview of cookoff modeling at Sandia National Laboratories is presented aimed at assessing the violence of reaction following cookoff of confined energetic materials. During cookoff, the response of energetic materials is known to involve coupled thermal/chemical/mechanical processes which induce thermal damage to the energetic material prior to the onset of ignition. These damaged states enhance shock sensitivity and lead to conditions favoring self-supported accelerated combustion. Thus, the level of violence depends on the competition between pressure buildup and stress release due to the loss of confinement. To model these complex processes, finite element-based analysis capabilities are being developed which can resolve coupled heat transfer with chemistry, quasi-static structural mechanics and dynamic response. Numerical simulations that assess the level of violence demonstrate the importance of determining material damage in pre- and post-ignition cookoff events.


Field experiments were arranged to study the effect of different nitrogen amount on peanut yield and biological nitrogen fixation(BNF).It indicated that in low nitrogen soil such as Hong'an,addition of N fertilizer increased the yield and nitrogen accumulation of peanut markedly,but the proportion of BNF decreased rapidly.In high nitrogen soil such as Caidian,application of nitrogen had no significant effect on the yield,nitrogen accumulation and BNF.The strategy of nitrogen application should be determined by soil fertility in production.In low fertility soil,the yield should be considered firstly when determining the use of nitrogen,while the BNF potential should be the priority consideration in high fertility soil.


The present study aims to test the acute toxic effect of the bark extract of Ficus religiosa using three different solvents viz ethanol, acetone and benzene by examine the changes in behaviour, body weight, food intake, water intake, haematological parameters (WBC total count, WBC differential count, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet count) and histological changes in the vital organs such as lungs, heart, liver and kidney. No behavioural changes or any toxic symptoms and mortality was observed throughout the experimental period. There is a slight changes in the body weight of the extract treated groups compared to control group rats as well as the food intake and water intake showed slight variations throughout the experimental period. The haematological parameters showed significant difference among the different extract treated rats and control rats, but the levels are not exceeded from the normal range. The macroscopic and microscopic examination of the vital organs such as lungs, heart, liver and kidney showed normal cell structures, blood vessels and nuclei. Thus the present study revealed that the ethanol, acetone and benzene extracts of Ficus religiosa bark did not produce any toxic effects at the high dose of 2000mg/kg body weight and is found to be safe. Thus it is concluded that the plant extract of Ficus religiosa bark upto 2000 mg/kg body weight was used for further evaluation studies.


Poultry Slaughterhouses exist around the world to supply the demand for chicken meat. They have responsibility for self-governance to prevent infractions and non-compliance concerns, establishing a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to high standards. They need to boost their efficiency, increase resource use, and guarantee that unique issues and opportunities are appropriately addressed. Inventory management systems can help to support and improve overall self-governance initiatives including visibility into inventory levels, manufacturing processes, and product flow, increasing operational transparency. It also enables precise record-keeping, which ensures responsibility for decisions, actions, and consequences. The result of this research is all the modules are working properly and the user can use it to help manage the inventory and integrate with other applications. By using an agile methodology development method, this study succeeded in designing and developing an inventory management system that can contribute to establishing self-governance of the Poultry Slaughterhouse. The system has passed all the test scenarios. This study contributes to the academic scholar in the form of an optimal business process for self-governance in Poultry Slaughterhouses. On the practical side, the results of this study can also be a guide for Poultry Slaughterhouse entrepreneurs. Several future research can be conducted to extend this study, for example setting the digital scale as an Internet of Things (IoT) and implementing business intelligence to turn raw data into valuable and relevant business information to support better sovereignty.


There is an increasing use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) games for military training in Military Forces around the world, particularly in the US. The authors were involved, as consultants to the Australian Defence Simulation Office, with a study in this area, which included a Literature Review and a review of COTS games and their uses. This paper provides a summary of some of the aspects and findings of that study. It covers: an overview of COTS Games; major points arising from a review of some of the few academic papers on the topic; and areas where COTS games are being used, by the international community with interests in this field. Some thoughts on possible uses and weaknesses of COTS are given and a generic method for evaluating games for military use training/analysis/experimentationis then described. Fourteen games were selected from a list of 36 games, considered to have potential military uses, for further study and evaluation using the generic method. Broad findings from the analysis of the 14 games are included in the paper. The paper concludes with some broad recommendations from the study.


The invention relates to an oil-transporting connecting pipeline used among asphalt mixing plants. The oil-transporting connecting pipeline comprises a left side oil pipeline, a right side oil pipeline, an asphalt pump, an oil return pipeline and an oil discharge pipeline; the left side oil pipeline and the right side oil pipeline are connected with asphalt storing tanks by oil-transporting valves; the left side oil pipeline and the right side oil pipeline are connected with the mixing plants by the asphalt pump; the oil return pipeline is connected with the oil discharge pipeline by oil drain valves; the two ends of the oil return pipeline are connected with the oil pipelines by oil return valves; the left side oil pipeline, the right side oil pipeline, the oil return pipeline and the oil discharge pipeline are dual-layer pipelines; the inner layer of each of the dual-layer pipelines is provided with an asphalt pipeline and the outer layer of each of the dual-layer pipelines is provided with a conduction oil channel; and the conduction oil channels are connected with a conduction oil circulating system by the conduction oil pipelines. According to the oil-transporting connecting pipeline used among the asphalt mixing plants, two sets of mixing plants can be effectively connected, and the problem of mutual-consumption of asphalt in the asphalt storing tanks of two or more than two sets of mixing plants is solved; in addition, the rest asphalt in the asphalt storing tanks can be discharged by the oil discharge pipeline to optimize the stirring operation of asphalt and road constructing materials; and the working efficiency is improved and the production cost is reduced.


The purpose of this article is to assess the strategic performance of manufacturing of a company in the furniture industry located in Southern Brazil. We used a cybernetic approach to conduct the study and a tree-like structure formed by five competitive priorities weighted by the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The difference between importance and performance informs if the operation is successful or if it fails. The most significant failures are the time to implement modifications in products, the dependability of suppliers, small capacity to change the production volume and mix, and the lack of after-sales services to meet customers´ requirements.


Conventional multiple imputation (MI) (Rubin, 1987) replaces the missing values in a dataset by m > 1 sets of simulated values. We describe a two-stage extension of MI in which the missing values are partitioned into two groups and imputed N = mn times in a nested fashion. Two-stage MI divides the missing information into two components of variability, lending insight when the missing values are of two qualitatively different types. It also opens new possibilities for making different assumptions about the mechanisms producing the two kinds of missing values. Point estimates and standard errors from the N complete-data analyses are consolidated by simple rules derived by analogy to nested analysis of variance. After reviewing the theory and practice of two-stage MI, we illustrate the method with a simple analysis of binary variables from a longitudinal survey.


Summary of editorial and interpretative issues – then and now. Cousin's1842 Report; Pensees as seen by contemporaries up to about Nietzsche...


Taking into account the apart role in the market economy, the capital market occupies an important place, through their specific mechanisms, succeeding to give its contribution to the economic development of the society. In consequence, the public authorities must notice the importance of the capital market in the national economy and, on the other hand, to make the efforts for insuring the necessary framework for the normal functioning of its specific mechanisms. The valences of the capital could be even more interesting in the case of emerging markets - like the Romanian capital market - being well-known its contribution in reorienting financial resources to efficient activities, contributing to the economic reform, but also being interesting in the privatisation process.


We propose a class of enhancement techniques suitable for scenes captured by fixed cameras. The basic idea is to increase the information density in a set of low quality images by extracting the context from a higher-quality image captured under different illuminations from the same viewpoint. For example, a night-time surveillance video can be enriched with information available in daytime images. We also propose a new image fusion approach to combine images with sufficiently different appearance into a seamless rendering. Our method ensures the fidelity of important features and robustly incorporates background contexts, while avoiding traditional problems such as aliasing, ghosting and haloing. We show results on indoor as well as outdoor scenes.


Small and medium business (SMB) – a major economical growth factor, which has an impact on the Lithuanian economics development, job creation and sustainable development, therefore its development is one of Lithuania's most important economic policies. State's support as an assumption for sustainable organizations development was discussed in the paper by using experts and questionnaire survey methods. Comparative analysis of experts and questionnaire survey data was accomplished also conclusions and recommendations for realizing sustainable development provisions were presented. The paper deals with the problem – SMB only partially use the complex process for obtaining State's support. This compounds the application of sustainable development provisions in SMB work and reduce their competitiveness. The aim of this paper – applying experts and questionnaire survey methods to determine State's support and sustainable development correlation of small and medium business work and to provide recommendations for realizing sustainable development provisions. Object of the paper – State's support – SMB in sustainable development context. Research methods - scientific literature analysis and synthesis, experts and questionnaire survey and comparison of data. Research results: experts and questionnaire survey methods confirmed that State's sup-port may be seen as one of the sustainable development provisions of implementation assump-tions. The recommendations for SMB companies: to look for opportunities to increase their own resources and reduce pressure on the monopolistic structures, efficiently using the State's sup-port; to use State's support throughout the stages of the business, to activate SMB associations work in order to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and requirements for the support reception, effi-ciently to use business information centers, local government and labor exchange, financial and INVEGA guarantee offering support next to SMB associations set up forums, training centers, to promote youth entrepreneurship, the creation of new jobs and increase social stability. JEL codes: M100, M190, O150, O180.


John Constable painted Hadleigh Castle in the months that followed the death of his wife, Maria, in late 1828. Whereas interpretations of this bleak masterpiece frequently stress its melancholic introspection, this article suggests that it can also be understood as fundamentally engaged with scientific ideas. Across the canvas, light and vapour interweave, drawing together globe and sky into a single system of interchanging states that corresponds with understandings of the world arising in contemporary geology and meteorology. This dynamism linking every aspect of the landscape is reinforced by Constable's innovative paint handling, which can profitably be considered in relation to conceptions of electrical charge and polarity then stimulating British intellectual life. Viewed in the light of early nineteenth-century science, Hadleigh Castle emerges from the depths of Constable's mourning as a profound pictorial engagement with newlyconceived qualities of nature, through which the artist traced the invisible but universal conditions of life.


We present a general method whereby integral equations, which govern the solution to the radial Schrodinger equation, can be derived. The equations are quite flexible and can be arranged so as to define divergenceless iterative procedures. They are therefore particularly useful for Coulombic and singular potentials, neither of which are normally covered by the standard theory. We have carefully examined the standard theory as applied to Coulombic potentials; this is generally characterized by logarithmic divergences. We show that the standard Lippmann‐Schwinger equation is no longer applicable and must be replaced by the corresponding homogeneous integral equation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the T matrix, as conventionally defined, vanishes. Upon application of our generalized integral equation, a perturbative result for the scattering amplitude is obtained without the appearance of divergences or cutoffs. In the case of a pure point Coulomb potential, this result agrees very favorably with the exac...


Interconnect analysis and optimization at high levels of abstraction is extremely attractive since it offers a much larger room for improvement than optimization at lower levels. The objective of this thesis is to optimize performance and power consumption in interconnect structures at high levels of abstraction. For this purpose, efficient high-level models for delay and power consumption in very deep sub-micron interconnects are developed and employed for constructing and evaluating different low power and throughput improving signal encoding schemes. Moreover, in order to achieve an even higher efficiency, coding is combined with lower level techniques like spacing, shielding, and buffer planning. In order to construct and evaluate encoding schemes at high levels of abstraction, two conceptually different issues must be solved. On the one hand, bit-level characteristics of the data transmitted over the interconnect structures need to be extracted during systemlevel design and architecture specification. On the other hand, important interconnectrelated very deep sub-micron effects have to be incorporated into high-level models as well. Delay models able to predict the line delay for each set of input patterns (and not only for the worst case) are required in order to develop and evaluate coding schemes tailored for performance improvement. An essential contribution of this work is the development of a pattern-dependent delay model. The essence of the so-called extended linear delay (ELD) model is to incorporate the effects of all possible input patterns in buses exhibiting not only inter-wire capacitance, but also inductive effects which are in general more difficult to predict and more daunting because of their long-range nature. Further, the described power macromodel shows that in order to decrease dynamic power consumption at high levels of abstraction, one has to reduce not only the self transition activity but also the so-called coupling transition activity responsible for charging and discharging the inter-wire capacitances in a bus. The abovementioned models are employed in order to construct and evaluate several low-power and throughput improving codes. Based on the observation that the bitlevel transition activity in typical DSP applications can be accurately described by two breakpoints, several simple yet very efficient hybrid codes are constructed. Those codes combine non-redundant and redundant schemes in such a way that the total self and coupling transition activity are significantly decreased. Moreover, maximum achievable limits are derived, which show the effectiveness of the developed codes. Further, several


Pb(Yb/sub 1/2/Nb/sub 1/2/)-PbTiO/sub 3/ (PYbN-PT) ceramics at the MPB composition (50:50) with a relative density /spl ges/98% were reactively sintered. The ceramic had a remanent polarization of 40 /spl mu/C/cm/sup 2/, a maximum dielectric constant of 23,000 at T/sub c/ =363/spl deg/C, and a piezoelectric charge coefficient, d/sub 33/, of 472 pC/N. These values are higher than the conventionally sintered samples reported in the literature, which makes reactive sintering an attractive process for fabricating PYbN-PT.


Everyone has a diverse evaluation of body image. Positive body image makes adolescents have good selfconfidence and appreciate their strengths. Adolescents use social media to form an ideal image of their bodies. Activities in using Instagram are used by adolescents to build their presentations. This study aims to determine the relationship between the use of Instagram activities on adolescent body image. The subjects used in this study were 100 students aged 16-19 years. Measuring instruments used in this study are the Body Image States Scale (BISS) and the scale of Instagram Use Activities. The data were analyzed using a regression test with a bootstrapping path. The results showed that the activity of using Instagram is not related to adolescent body image (F=0.742).


Rare earth doped (R=Ho, Gd and Ce) Bi1+xRxFeO3 for x = 0 and 0.1 ceramics were synthesized by solid state reaction route. XRD analysis showed that incorporation of rare earth (Gd, Ce) nucleates the development of orthorhombic grain growth. However, no structural transformation takes place in Ho doped sample. It is also observed that the materials shows room temperature enhanced ferroelectric polarization as well as ferromagnetization when rare earth ions are critically optimized in the respective composition formula. The value of leakage current greatly suppressed with incorporation of rare earth in BiFeO3.


The results of clean-fog tests on two polymer insulator types indicate that both EPDM/silicone alloy and silicone rubber insulators performed about the same in slurries composed of Kaolin with and without NaCl salt regardless of the NSDD (non-soluble deposit density) levels. Although the surface of silicone rubber insulators was slightly more hydrophobic than the EPDM/silicone alloy insulators (contact angle for silicone rubber was about 10 degrees higher), there was practically no difference in the flashover strength between the two materials.


Though normal air cooling and green sand mold-casted gray iron convey an essentially pearlitic matrix, ferritic gray iron is used in some electro-mechanical applications to have better magnetic properties, ductility


Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging (ECCI) [1] offers the ability to perform fast and non-destructive analysis of the type and density of extended defects, such as threading dislocations (TDs) and stacking faults (SFs) penetrating as-grown semiconductor thin film surfaces and device structures. Using a conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) chamber with only a few special requirements, ECCI utilizes a glancing-angle geometry and diode electron detectors placed in the forescatter position to collect Bragg-diffracted electrons. Contrast arises when crystal defects, such as TDs and surface steps, perturb the nominal crystal structure, with the resulting diffraction-contrast effects manifested as bright or dark features in the resulting image [2]. Furthermore, the type of TD or SF can be deduced from the specific contrast patterns in this image, and comparison with simulation [3].


The accounting information of the private company, in its accounting and financial accountability messages, when examined from an interdisciplinary interpretive framework, becomes a tool that enhances dialogue and social deliberation around the company, its management and its results and impacts.


Using δN formalism, in the context of a generic multi-field inflation driven on a non-flat field space background, we revisit the analytic expressions of the various cosmological observables such as scalar/tensor power spectra, scalar/tensor spectral tilts, non-Gaussianity parameters, tensor-to-scalar ratio, and the various runnings of these observables. In our backward formalism approach, the subsequent expressions of observables automatically include the terms beyond the leading order slow-roll expansion correcting many of the expression at subleading order. To connect our analysis properly with the earlier results, we rederive the (well) known (single field) expressions in the limiting cases of our generic formulae. Further, in the light of PLANCK results, we examine for the compatibility of the consistency relations within the slow-roll regime of a two-field roulette poly-instanton inflation realized in the context of large volume scenarios.


The constituent α is an open sentence: its tnith value cannot be evaluated since the reference of je or the domain over which χ may r nge is not determined within a. In Standard logic, χ in (l)b is called a variable and is said to be bound by the universal quantifier. Analogically, the term jein (l)a is called a variable, bound by the quantifier phrase everyone. This is not sufficient to define what a variable is, however. By extension from cases like (l)a, the implicit characterization of variables up to (and not including) Chomsky (1981) has been (2):


Biodiesel is a renewable energy resource produced from triacylglycerol of all bioresourceorigins. The main characteristic and substantial significance of biodiesel industry to the national energy supply, environmental protection and readjustment of agriculture industry were reviewed. According to the situation of our country, we can't imitate the mode in USA or EU because our tillable field isn't adequate for abundant oil crops planting. Moreover its high cost is an obstacle to the development of biodiesel industry.So the choice of feedstock for biodiesel must be thoroughly researched. With the feedstock analysis of biodiesel, the research situation and production status both in China and abroad were introduced. The prospect of biodiesel was also discussed.


Cardiovascular disease is a serious medical condition associated with high cases of death throughout the world It is ranked the second most dangerous disease after COVID-19 followed by AIDS Understanding the causes of heart related diseases and progression mechanisms would therefore be important for this study This study was reviewed and approved by the respective Institutional IRB committees prior to its conduct The main aim of the study was to determine the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (800 mg daily, p o ) on the lipid profile of 30 selected patients The patients were managed over a period of 180 days with diagnosis and treatment given daily for the study duration During a specified three visits, vitals and blood samples were collected initially and for follow up, and blood plasma was processed for triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high- density lipo-proteins (HDL) were measured The lipid indices were calculated using these values and apolipoprotein B, and C-II were evaluated The blood flow rate was also measured in the retina of the eyes using a laser doppler flowmetry The heparin-lipoprotein lipase (HP-LPL) was also estimated using standard procedures Genotyping of S447X was also done Findings showed that LDL, HDL and Casteli II lipogenic index were elevated with the duration of administration of DHA and EPA while TG, total cholesterol (TC), and other lipogenic markers: Casteli I, Apo CII and Atherogenic indices were lowered with repeat visits and continued use of DHA and EPA combined with exercise and diet plan The HP-LPL activity was also increased with each subsequent visit and study In conclusion, the regimen significantly improved blood flow rate, lipid profile and lowered the risk for cardiovascular events in the selected study subjects Continued studies are recommended to further demonstrate the longer-term effects of the treatment regimen in reducing the atherosclerotic plagues and cardiovascular outcomes of subjects


The division between specialty papers and wetform nonwovens is very hazy and indistinct. Consequently, developments in one sector can often be adapted and adopted in the other sector. Some product development problems and goals are often very similar. A problem that has existed for years in cigarette paper may soon be solved. The number of fires caused by smoldering cigarettes resulted in a call for a cigarette paper that addresses the problem. A new cigarette paper developed by Philip Morris Companies was being considered for market introduction in several states in the U.S. This cigarette will utilize a paper featuring paper rings or high density zones that act as "speed bumps," causing it to burn more slowly when the lit end crosses over them. It is also reported that the cigarette may extinguish itself when resting in an ashtray and on certain types of fabrics. As a consequence, it is claimed that it goes a long way toward meeting the goal of curbing fires ignited by smoldering cigarettes. The new product has been named "PaperSelect" and will apparently be featured in one brand of the company's category of premium brands if the marketing trials prove successful. This feature built into the paper apparently does not reduce the ignition propensity of the cigarette. The company has indicated they might be willing to license the concept to competitors if it proves highly successful. Current capacity is somewhat limited. * * * Another area of considerable development in the papermaking/wetform sector is in the recycling and the de-inking of the waste paper. A novel approach to this problem has been made by two different groups wherein waste paper computer printing operations is recycled one sheet at a time. In one case, thermal and mechanical action enhances the release of the ink toner used in laser and similar thermal printing units. This is followed by the addition of a small amount of coating which provides a fresh, white surface. The other system involves adding a coating system to both sides of the paper sheet to give a clean surface on both sides. In the case of both processes, a small desktop unit accomplishes the recycling process. Research and development efforts on processes for removing ink from paper to permit economic recycling continues. Researchers at the University of Florida have devised an inexpensive blend of chemicals that does a better job for debonding the inks from the paper. This system is claimed to claimed to provide the route to a higher quality of paper than is normally possible with de-inked fiber, and at an economic cost. For more information: Prof. Brij M. Moudgil, Materials Science & Engineering Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; 352-846-1194. * * * The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a recycling system being used in Russia that sounds very familiar. In this case, a warehouse filled with tons of Russian rubles in the form of worthless paper money has been provided to the Ulyanovsk Roofing Material Factory to produce cellulosic felt stock for the production of coated roofing material. The report indicates that the paper rubles cost less than $15 per ton, about onethird the price of scrap paper. At least in one portion of Russia, the citizens have roofs covered with money. Energy Absorber In numerous applications, textile assemblies are required to absorb an inordinate amount of energy. The more energy that can be absorbed, the better the performance of the fiber assembly. An automotive seatbelt is a good example. Fibers with better energyabsorbing capabilities could dissipate a greater amount of the energy of a collision that is normally transferred to the wearer of the seatbelt. A new block copolyester polymer has been developed which the inventors claim have enhanced energy-absorbing properties. The block copolymer comprises poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(caprolactone). The block copolymer is produced by reacting PET with the caprolactone monomer, along with a tin catalyst in a twin-screw extruder. The resulting modified copolyester can then be spun, drawn into filaments, and relaxed in the usual manner to produce a continuous filament; such a material has a high degree of crystalline orientation phase and a large fraction of unoriented amorphous phase. This combination provides the energyabsorbing feature because of the presence of the strong, stiff crystalline segment alternating with the amorphous, "springy" phase. In this application, the fiber delivers a three-step restrain reaction during a crash. At the moment of impact, the filaments hold occupants in place. Immediately afterward, the filaments stretch enough to limit the force on the occupant. Finally, the ultimate high strength of the filaments helps to prevent impact with dashboard, steering wheel or windshield. Seatbelts made with this fiber are designed for occupants of any size, compared with current safety belts, which are designed for an average car passenger, a 175-pound man. The manufacturing method suggests that it may be possible to modify an existing polymer with a short, thermomechanical maceration step in the presence of a suitable monomer and catalyst prior to extrusion. This may afford an economic way to produce a spunbond fabric with useful elasticity. (For more EMERGING TECHNOLOGY WATCH INJ DEPARTMENTS


This paper discusses the design of end-fed UHF dipole with techniques applied to broaden the percentage bandwidth. The designed antenna is intended for high power (~ 100 W) transmission application. This paper investigates an open sleeve (ungrounded sleeve), placed over the center of the dipole with an optimized diameter larger than that of the dipole itself and a space gap in the center of the sleeve tube. The intended goal is to design an antenna capable of covering frequency band from 500 MHz to 800 MHz with minimal reflection coefficient and stable omni-directional radiation pattern throughout the band with optimum efficiency. Furthermore, a comparative study between the radiation efficiency of a biconical dipole and cylindrical dipole both designed in 500-800 MHz band has been conducted in regard to weight and volume of the antennae.


The paper informs about the specific shifts in metal-ligand homeostasis (MLH) of epidermic cells (hair) in Chernobyl accident liquidators, which are viewed by the authors as biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative stress. The detected (by EPR-analysis) relationships between NO-production and MLH quantitative shifts can be indicative of the possible participation of nitric oxide in generation of cell electric potential.


Nursing, being a crucial component of healthcare, necessitates skilled individuals who are prepared not only with clinical expertise but also with effective leadership abilities. We investigate the critical function of leadership qualities in the practise of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) students in this research. We emphasise the need of integrating leadership education and development into BSc Nursing programmes by analysing the influence of leadership on patient outcomes, team dynamics, and overall healthcare delivery. Furthermore, we address various leadership theories pertinent to nursing practise and recommend techniques for developing future nursing professionals' leadership qualities.


The internet of things (IOT) has become a tremendous technology in today world where various objects are connected to each other in order to achieve certain task. According to the statics there will be more than 50 billion devices connected to each other in 2020 and this brings that the internet of things become more useful in the upcoming days . Another concern is that the energy efficient routing protocol is a major concept for making the objects to be connected and exchange their data in the environment .the most important challenges for internet of things are the energy lost while data is transferring from source to distinction. This paper presents most crucial optimization techniques and energy efficient routing protocols that can be used for the internet of things. Paper present the proficient study of the techniques and the energy efficient routing protocols for the internet of things.


This article presents the results of the dissertation Epidemic and memory: journalistic narratives in the discursive construction about dengue fever. Concluded at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) in 2010, the survey aimed to evaluate the meanings produced by the press of Pernambuco about dengue fever, a disease that has affected more Brazilian people. Taking as its starting point the explosive epidemic of 2002, we have selected 291 texts published by the Jornal do Commercio in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. We seek to identify the role of discursive memory and the presence of interdiscourse as well as deepen the analysis of the journalistic narrative. We have verified that the news is made based on ancient notions as fear, evil, death, risk and epidemic. In addition, the narrative structure and the insertion of the actors who talk about dengue fever are influenced according to the context of illness.

Keywords
Dengue Fever. Discursive Memory. Epidemic.
Interdiscourse. Journalistic Narrative


The working-class women of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states of India face grave difficulties rooted in social contradictions. This paper argues the need for radical re-thinking of people's position in the society. The method used here is retroduction, and the discipline areas are gender studies, 'gender and development theory, and sociological studies of work and employment. Retroduction is explained; here it means thinking of how to identify and specify the mechanisms that create harm in a complex social system, and what other mechanisms can or could change the system. The key mechanisms in this paper are the shame slippage and pride slippage. Based on existing theories, we set up a semi-structured interview and a random-sample survey of women and men in couples, as well as female heads of household, in a range of villages in three states of north central India and northern and southern Bangladesh. In this paper the hypothesis is that shame and the gender-stereotyping norms of these areas are offset by mechanisms of pride and self-respect. Both the negatively connotated shame and the positively connotated pride of being an earning woman are rooted in social norms, but these norms are neither determining in their effects nor permanent or unchanging. Therefore I examine the situation closely, focusing on the interview data. In working through several case studies these findings emerged:


The significance of liver enlargement induced by various chemicals was studied. Biochemical changes of principal hepatic components and enzymes were compared under the short-term administratior, to male rats for 5 days that did not cause the retardation of growth of the treated animals. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB, administered dietary) was most potent in inducing liver enlargement, followed by 3-methylchlolanthrene (MC, i.p.), AF-2 (furylfuramide, dietary), phenobarbital (PB, i.p.), and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP, dietary). The biochemical parameters of the liver were affected in a different manner by these chemicals under the condition that caused the increase in the liver weight to the same level. The observed changes in the liver showed three patterns of response : drug-metabolisminducer type, AF-2 type and DEHP type. The differences of these three types were mainly observed in respect to the drug-metabolizing enzyme activity, glycogen and lipid contents and the appearance of hyperplasia or hypertrophy. The significance of these types of response is discussed in relation to toxicity, dysfunction, and adaptation of the liver.


In this paper we attempt to introduce an econophysics approach to evaluate some aspects of the risks in financial markets. For this purpose, the thermodynamical methods and statistical physics results about entropy and equilibrium states in the physical systems are used. Some considerations on economic value and financial information are made. Finally, on this basis, a new index for the financial risk estimation of the stock-exchange market transactions, named macrostate parameter, was introduced and discussed. Keywords: econophysics, stock-exchange markets, financial risk, informational fascicle, entropy, macrostate parameter.


Cobalt (Co) composition has detrimental effects on the deposition of diamond films on cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) substrates. It decreases adhesion of the deposited films to the substrates and causes a transformation of sp3-bonded diamond to sp2-bonded graphite. In this study, a KrF excimer laser with a wavelength of 248nm, a pulse width of 23ns, and a pulse energy range of 84–450mJ was used in the combustion-flame method to improve the quality of the deposited diamond films. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and Raman spectroscopy of the deposited films showed that a laser irradiation during combustion-flame deposition of diamond decreased the cobalt composition drastically. Based on the experimental results, the influence of the laser irradiation on the deposition process was analyzed.


【Abstract】 MoSe2, which is one of the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), is a material having a layered structure like graphene. TMDs show various interesting properties both optically and electrically, and are supposed to be the promising next-generation opto-electronic material. The purpose of this study is to investigate the coherent phonon characteristics and the interlayer vibrations of MoSe2 samples with <6 layers thickness, on which the physical properties remarkably depend, and to observe the phonon relaxation process closely related to thermal conductivity and carrier relaxation. MoSe2 was exfoliated to several layers on the tape by a scotch tape method and then placed on a glass substrate. The number of layers was identified by Raman spectroscopy. Coherent phonons were identified from the reflectivity of the probe pulse with a normal pump-probe method. As a result we observed vibrations which can be assigned to a coherent longitudinal acoustic phonon mode.


Ben Werdmuller: A guy just emailed me about an indie game I wrote that they loved, which was on a CD-ROM compilation in 1996. Made


Nanomedicine plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment, monitor-ing and control of biological systems in the area of nanotechnology and has been referred by the National Institute of Health (NIH) as an emergent way of medicine. Nanoparticles are new delivery vehicles with the ability to release drugs to a specific cell type or tissue, which may also improve the pharmacological activity of those drugs by controlling their release, as well as prolonging their short half-lives in blood. The aim of this review is to gather several options of MOFs and nanotubes synthesised with different nanoparticles and processes, some including compound loading and release studies, with particular focus on 13 anti-cancer compounds e.g. doxorubicin, curcumin, methotrexate, etc.; 3 anti-inflammatory compounds, namely ibuprofen, salicylic acid and chlorogenic acid; and with 5 miscellaneous bioactive compounds, including rifampicin, griseofulvin, enoxacin, etc. Finally, other biomedical applications for these composites are shown, like being enzyme immobilisation agents, for water treatment e.g. in swimming pools, and other becoming support to carry & secure integrity of drugs. The characterisation results confirmed the successful formation of the hybrid nanocarrier. The loading efficacy was determined to be 8.92 ± 0.53%. The data suggest that the release of DOXO from the nanocarrier demonstrated a sustained nature, but in this case regardless of the pH value. The cumulative amount of DOXO released at pH 5.0 and 7.4 was 70.1 and 9.8%, respectively, clearly showing a pH dependent behavior. The results of flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscope shown the targeting ability of DOXO@ZIF-HA towards prostate cancer PC-3 cells. In order to make notice the effect of composite assembly, the therapeutic efficacy of DOXO@ZIF-HA was clearly improved when compared with free DOXO. The cells were treated with different formulations of free DOXO and DOXO@ZIF-HA for 24 h and untreated cells were used as a control. At a DOXO concentration of 1 mg mL − 1 , the cell viability for free DOXO and DOXO@ZIF-HA was 65.61 and 48.59%, respectively. This is mainly since the efficient internalisation of the targeted carrier DOXO@ZIF-HA could improve the intracellular DOXO concentration. Hence, authors state that the constructed ZIF-8 based multifunctional nanocarrier could be a candidate for cancer theranostics [8].


This paper analyzed the cracking behavior of carbon fiber reinforced concrete beam under static load using the finite element numerical analysis.By the way of finite element numerical simulation and the method of increasing the load gradually to analyze the carbon fiber content influence on the beam cracking.By comparing with the simulation result of common reinforced concrete beam test piece,it turned out that the carbon fiber reinforced concrete beam has a good cracking and deformation behavior.Its crack width can be revised by the common reinforced concrete beam rules.


It is shown in the case of proton scattering on an electron gas target that the Closed Time Path formalism can handle final state interactions of the target in equilibrium in a simple and natural manner. The leading order cross section is proportional to the photon density of states. The scattering needs a partial resummation of the perturbation series when the electron gas forms long living quasi-particles with high density of state during the collision. A strong cancellation between real and virtual electron-hole pairs is found in this case.


: This paper investigates the impact of recent advances in the technological frontier on Brazilian workers' income. To this end, a new classification of automatable occupations that considers the use of disruptive technologies has been used. We use employer-employee microdata from the Brazilian Formal Sector from 2013 contained in the Annual Social Information Report (Relação Anual de Informações Sociais - RAIS). We estimate the impact a firm's use of information technology has on the salaries of employees in occupations deemed to be automatable by current standards. This cross-sectional analysis provides evidence that the substitution of labor by information technology can be observed through the statistically significant reduction in income, even in a developing country with low wages relative to computational costs.


Postural instability is one of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and often leads to falls. Falls can have severe physical, psychological, and economic impacts including fractures, fear of falling, and loss of independence [1]. Effective interventions to reduce fall risk exist [2, 3] and would be most effective if they could be implemented prior to a fall occurring. Unfortunately, the current methods to evaluate postural instability in PD are not sensitive enough to predict those who are at an increased risk of falling so it is difficult to identify the best time to begin fall interventions.Copyright © 2008 by ASME


In this paper we analyse Albert Camus' l iterary work from a cross-myth perspective based on the influence of four classical myths: Prometheus, Sisyphus, Ulysses and Oedipus. The construction of a mythical microsystem with Prometheus as a focal point permits us to establish different relationships among the myths, paying special attention to the figure of Oedipus, in order to give a new approach to Camus' literary production.