We sought to identify factors that affect partner notification and treatment for maternal syphilis as part of an implementation research study on the feasibility of using rapid syphilis testing (RST) in reproductive health services in Lima, Peru. Congenital syphilis remains a significant problem in many regions of the world. Prevention depends on successful treatment of syphilis-positive pregnant women. Treatment of sexual partners is essential to prevent re-infection. We conducted exploratory research to identify factors that contributed to poor rates of partner treatment after month 3 of RST implementation. Quantitative data collected from 127 RST-positive pregnant women was used to identify patient factors associated with partner treatment. A subset of 18 women participated in qualitative interviews. Fifty-eight health providers completed a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to counselling and treatment of syphilis-positive women and partners. National guidelines for follow-up and treatment of syphilis were also reviewed. Providers reported lack of human resources and coordination as reasons for failure to perform follow-up of partners. 33 (56.9%) providers said they were not well prepared for counselling and would like additional training. Providers relayed strategies they used to treat partners, and reported paying greater attention to follow-up of partners and documentation of partner treatment since RST introduction. Fear of blame, violence, and abandonment were cited as reasons why women were less likely to notify a partner, while distrust in test results, "machismo", and lack of knowledge were said to make partners less likely to seek treatment. Women interviewed who had notified partners of their diagnosis reported that notification was easier when a health provider was present. No women reported violent responses from their partners after notifying. Reasons women said that partners had not received treatment included difficulty seeking care during regular clinic hours and lack of knowledge. In bivariate analysis only marital status was found to predict whether or not partners received treatment (p=0.004) see Abstract P5-S5.03 table 1. Data collected from patients and providers showed that women were aware of the importance of partner notification, but male partners often did not seek treatment due to systemic barriers. Health systems should prioritise partner-friendly treatment strategies. National guidelines need to clearly define procedures for partner follow-up. Abstract P5-S5.03 Table 1 RST-Positive Pregnant Women (1 February–15 November 2010) and first dose of partner treatment: logistic regression Variable Partner treated, n (%) Partner not treated, n (%) p Value OR (95% CI) Age (n=127) 0.245 Health establishment (n=127) 0.56  INMP (n=90) 46 (51.1) 44 (48.9) 1.0  Ventanilla-Callao (n=37) 21 (56.8) 16 (43.2) 1.26 (0.58 to 2.71) Marital Status (n=127) 0.004  Single or separated (n=22) 5 (22.7) 17 (77.3) 1.0  Married or living together (n=105) 69 (65.7) 36 (34.3) 4.9 (1.68 to 14.30) Education (n=126) 0.81  No education/primary school (n=22) 11 (50.0) 11 (50.0) 1.0  Secondary school /university degree (n=104) 55 (52.9) 49 (47.1) 1.12 (0.45 to 2.82) Antenatal visit prior to syphilis diagnosis? (n=127) 0.45  Yes (n=51) 29 (56.9) 22 (43.1) 1.0  No (n=76) 38 (50.0) 38 (50.0 1.32 (0.65 to 2.70) No. of antenatal visits prior to diagnosis (n=127) 0.84 1.04 (0.73 to 1.48) No. of sexual partners ever (n=125) 0.56 0.93 (0.72 to 1.20)


A nozzle angle measurement system based on monocular vision is proposed to achieve high-speed and non-contact angle measurement of rocket engine nozzle. The measurement system consists of two illumination sources, a lens, a target board with spots, a high-speed camera, an image acquisition card and a PC. A target board with spots was fixed on the end of rocket engine nozzle. The image of the target board moved along with the rocket engine nozzle swing was captured by a high-speed camera and transferred to the PC by an image acquisition card. Then a data processing algorithm was utilized to acquire the swing angle of the engine nozzle. Experiment shows that the accuracy of swing angle measurement was 0.2° and the measurement frequency was up to 500Hz.


AIM: Observation of the calcification ability of cultured human dental papilla mesenchymal cells(DPMC). METHODS: The fourth passage human DPMC were cultured up to 35d. Observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and light microscope(LM). RESULTS: The cells presented mineralized nodules as well as matrix vesicles and had same ultrastructure with odontoblasts under TEM. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that cultured human DPMC have the calcification ability which were probably related to matrix vesicles.


This chapter describes Edith Lewis's family history, childhood, and education as a background to her first meeting with Willa Cather in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1903. Because of Lewis's deeply rooted New England family history, her Nebraska childhood, her elite eastern college education, and her plans to move to New York to pursue literary work, Cather found powerfully concentrated in Lewis two geographically located versions of the past she valued: the Nebraska of her own childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, and a New England–centered literary culture she encountered through reading. Cather also glimpsed in Lewis the future to which she herself aspired, the glittering promise of literary New York.


Selective immobilization of molecular recognition elements on bio-image sensor permits detection of different type of target analytes in a single chip. For the selective immobilization, we designed two types of MEMS-based dispenser array, 2D and 3D dispenser arrays. 2D dispenser embedding microchannels is placed on a senor substrate contacting the sensor elements to introduce biomolecules. Fabrication of a 2D dispenser array requires multi-layer architecture and through holes. PDMS through holes were formed via replication from a two-layer SU-8 mold. We measured transportation of particles through a via-hole. We fabricated top and bottom layer structures of 2D dispenser array. Attachment of a probe array to a microchip enables dispensing multiple droplets containing biomolecules from the probe array. We fabricated probe tips of a 3D dispenser array having 32 × 32 of SiO2 tapered probes with aperture diameters of 37.2 μm by MEMS fabrication technology.


Objectives: To evaluate work satisfaction among Spanish nurses employed by English hospitals, as well as the influence of several social and work-related variables associated with satisfaction.


Values for the collision cross section for momentum transfer and the fractional energy lost by an electron on collision with a hydrogen molecule were obtained from measurements of the microwave conductivity of a gaseous plasma. The experiments were made in the afterglow of a pulsed discharge in a cavity resonating at a wavelength of 10 cm. The mean electron energy was varied from 0.04 ev (room temperature) to 0.08 ev by heating the gas, and from 0.04 ev to 1.6 ev by microwave agitation of the electrons alone. The collision probability in molecular hydrogen at electron energies in the neighborhood or 0.04 ev is found to be 28.5(v/v/sub o/)/sup 0.55/ (cm-mm Hg)/sup -1/ plus or minus 3%, where v is the electron velocity, and v/sub o/ the most probable velocity at 300 K. Measurements in deuterium gas gave the same result. The collision probability hydrogen increases to a peak value of 64 (cm-mm Hg)/sup -1/ approximately 7% at an electron energy of near room temperature was found by comparing the conductivity measurements obtained by thermal agitation with those obtained by microwave agitation of the electrons. The fraction of the excess electron energy lost on collision with the hydrogen molecule ismore » and the collision probability were computed from a comparison between microwave conductivity measurements and electron drift velocity and diffusion experiments. (aut)« less


From a distance the Mark 1 radio telescope at Jodrell Bank is an edifying sight. It is a steel structure of over 1000 tons, holding aloft a fully steerable dish of wire mesh which focuses incoming radio waves from astronomical objects. It is set in gently rolling Cheshire countryside. Its striking appearance can easily be recruited as a powerful symbol of progress and of science as the pursuit of pioneering spirits.


Introduction: Natural products from plants and other biological sources remain an important source of new pharmaceuticals. Magnolia liliflora  Desr. is distributed in many parts of East Asia and North America, and is often used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and headache. Some biological activities against foodborne pathogenic bacteria and chemical composition of M. liliflora  from South Korea have been investigated previously. Objectives: To determine the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of the essential oil from M. liliflora  from China. Materials and methods: Pulverized dried flowering buds (10g) of M. liliflora  purchased from a registered herbs pharmacy in China were extracted by hydrodistillation with deionized water. The aqueous distillates were extracted with hexane five times. The hexane fractions were combined, dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and evaporated using vacuum rotary evaporator below 40°C to yield the essential oil. Gas chromatography– mass spectrometry (GC– MS) was used to identify the composition of essential oil. The GC– MS system consisted of an Agilent 7890A gas chromatograph system coupled to a Agilent MS model 5975C MSD (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) with a triple-axis detector. The analysis was carried out in triplicate. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. liliflora  oil against Staphylococcus epidermidis  and Escherichia coli  was determined using microplate Alamar blue assay. Ampicillin was used as positive control. Results: Fifteen compounds from M. liliflora  oil were identified by GC– MS. The main compounds are eucalyptol (11.98±0.17%), caryophyllene (2.62±0.04%), gamma-terpinene (3.30±0.08%) and (E)-beta-farnesene (23.9±0.36%). MICs of the M. liliflora  oil against S. epidermidis  and E. coli were determined as 1.024mg/ml and 2.048mg/ml (n =4), respectively. Ampicillin as positive control showed MIC ≤ 0.0005mg/ml on both bacterial isolates. Conclusions: M. liliflora  oil could be an important source of antimicrobial compounds. Acknowledgements: We would like to thank Dr Paul Horrocks for assistance with Alamar blue assay.


In this paper we investigate the dimension effect on stress of a set of cantilevers beams which are composed of two different material layers. We studied the induced stress obtained applying a force on the microstructures and its variation function of the residual stress due to fabrication processes. Also we investigated the interdependence of these two stresses. We analyzed the optimum design parameters in order to increase the sensitivity of the microstructures and to decrease the stress in order to avoid the failure of the cantilevers.


Micronutrient has received greater attention in crop production because the widespread deficiency of micronutrient is coming forward gradually. The key reasons for such deficiency are an intensification of cropping system, adoption of high yielding cultivars of crops and modern irrigation facilities. The greater use of high analysis chemical fertilizers instead of organic sources of plant nutrients (farmyard manure, composts etc.) is also another contributing factor to this problem. This modern technology of crop production causes a serious depletion of different micronutrients reserve in soil resulting in their severe deficiency in many countries. Potato is the widely cultivated vegetable crops throughout India. In potato cultivation, the application of some micro-nutrients (zinc/Zn, boron/B etc.) causes significant increase in foliage at the initial stage of crop growth, while the translocation of assimilates become higher in later stages, ultimately leads to higher yield. Zinc plays a very important role in increasing the production as well as the quality of potato tubers. Zinc loading in potato through foliar as well as soil-applied Zn increases Zn concentration in potato tuber up to 3-4 times which is quite higher than most of the commonly known crops. Zn fertilization has been found to increase ascorbic acid content, but it reduces the tyrosine and total phenol content in tubers, and thereby improves the processing quality. Finally, Zn-fortified potato can be a potential option for mitigating wide spread Zn-driven malnutrition in the Asian countries.


Abstracts for the 36th Conference of the Japan Society for Twin Studies, 22 January 2022s for the 36th Conference of the Japan Society for Twin Studies, 22 January 2022 SPECIALLY INVITED ORAL PRESENTATION Unusual Behavioral Similarities in Twins Reared Apart: Genetic Effects, Random Chance, or Both? Nancy L. Segal, Katherine Garcia Patrick Alcantara, Rebecka Hahnel Kayla Garcia, Sarah Massie Addison Linneen, Francisca Niculae Steven Nguyen, Angela Polito Ana Nieto, Briana Ruff and Zahra Tahmasebi Department of Psychology and Twin Studies Center, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA A wealth of twin research shows that monozygotic (MZ) twins are more alike in virtually all measured behavioral traits, relative to dizygotic (DZ) twins. These results apply to twins both reared apart (MZA, DZA) and reared together (MZT, DZT). This recurring pattern of findings is consistent with contributions from genetic effects on intelligence, personality, height and weight, to name a few. However, the lack of perfect MZ twin resemblance indicates that environmental influences before and/or after birth also shape behavioral outcomes. A related and continually posed question remains unresolved: Are MZA twin similarities in unusual behaviors and atypical characteristics best explained with reference to genetic factors, random chance, or a combination of the two? Some insights into this complex question were provided by a psychology graduate student class project undertaken in spring 2021 at California State University, Fullerton. Prior to describing the methods, early outcomes, and future directions of this project is an overview of relevant research in selected domains of human behavioral and physical development. These summaries are needed for the purpose of providing a meaningful context to the issue under consideration. COMMEMORATIVE LECTURE Generation of Emotion and Decision-Making Based on Predictive Coding of Interoception: Contributions of Genetic and Environmental Factors


Quantitative gait analysis may be able to predict future phenoconversion in individuals with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). However, further investigation and replication are needed, especially in large and heterogeneous cohorts. Notable differences between our original study, and the study by Viteckova and colleagues makes it difficult to compare results between the studies and as such does not challenge our original findings. In our original study our sample was small, but very well controlled. Rigorous neuropsychological testing on both groups was performed, ruling out mild cognitive impairments (eg, montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA): healthy controls (HC) = 28, iRBD = 27.4), and successfully correlating cognitive performance to aspects of gait known to be associated. In contrast, although having a larger sample, detailed neuropsychological testing was not reported, and both groups had below-average cognition (MoCA <26; HC = 25.3, iRBD = 23.6). This suggests that neither group was truly "healthy" but, rather, a significant portion of them likely had mild cognitive impairments (MoCA range 19–25 indicates mild cognitive impairments according to www.mocatest.org/faq/). Therefore, latent neurodegeneration may have been present in both groups, which could explain why no differences were found. Importantly, the difference in the samples between the two studies limits our ability to compare findings. Methodological differences also explain the lack of coherence between the findings (ie, a more difficult cognitive dual task [DT] was used previously—subtracting 7s vs. 3s, fast-paced walking is not equivalent to a tray-carrying task, and collection using GAITRite compared to Zeno Walkway allows for the visual cues along the side to reduce the DT interference). These factors aside, we found it interesting that after plotting the means and standard errors of both groups, similar patterns to our previous results emerged (ie, an interaction showing that iRBD increased their stepwidth variabilitywith a cognitive DTwhen comparedwith normal,whereasHCdonot; but theHCwiden their step width during the cognitive DT, although the iRBDdo not). One reason the authors did not find this interaction is because they used t tests rather than amixed analysis of variance. Future consideration should be taken as to whether 1-tailed rather than 2-tailed t tests may be appropriate given that there is a directional hypothesis justified by previous studies. Indeed, if thiswere applied (albeitwithout multiple comparison correction) gait cycle time and step width coefficient of variation (CV) during cognitive DT are greater in iRBD than HC. Differences in normal gait also emerge (ie, iRBD have greater step lengthCV),which alignwith previouswork. Finally, an outstanding problem relating to all studies in iRBD is the need to characterize the heterogeneity in our samples. This would mean standardizing the reporting of markers that can quantify the severity and estimate iRBD patients' proximity for conversion (eg, report duration of iRBD, smell loss, parkinsonism, color vision, or a combination of these factors as a prodromal severity index). This is essential to interpret the differences in findings that may be the result of one sample being closer to conversion than another. Nonetheless, this remains an exciting field of studywith a large potential for impact.


Not rarely independent plural partial seizures are recognized in the same patient with epilepsy. Such questions are raised to be clarified as the followings: relations between clinical manifestation and interictal EEG findings, actual epileptogenecity of each interictal focus, and capabilities of concerned EEG focus to produce plural seizures of different types in its clinical feature or its nature. We experienced a 2year-old girl with independent plural epileptogenic foci from the viewpoint of scalp EEG. The girl was born in March 1988, showing neonatal asphyxia due to the umbilical cord winding round her neck without any special family history nor specific problems during pregnancy. On the fourth day she showed a generalized convulsion. Under the diagnosis of neonatal seizure, a thorough examination and treatment were carried out without any control of the seizure. She was referred to our epilepsy ward in August 1990, at one and a half year of age. Her development was normal in body length and weight, but sitting and standing alone were delayed and she could not even utter a word. There were no gross neurological findings. Serial investigations of CT, MRI and SPECT showed no apparent abnormal findings. An interictal EEG showed a slow background activity at wakefulness, and frequent polyspike and polyspike-wave activity synchronously/dependently localized bilateral posteriors during a light sleep.


Lytic factors of hydrobionts and their effect on ascaride eggs development have been studied. The lysozyme preparation Unio pictorium was used as one of them, its activity being equivalent to the egg lyzozyme with protein concentration of 1 mkg/ml. The preparation was added into the ascaride eggs containing medium. The tested samples with mollusk lysozym preparation contained 8,7% less eggs with larva as compared with control ones and their portion in general made 24,9%.


The concept of inner field'' is applied to the superconducting state. An attempt is made to identify the inner field with the thermal average of some quantummechanical observable, and thereby to obtain a characterization of the structure of the superconducting state. This identification is made, and it allows the principal properties of superconductors (Meissner effect, persistent currents, flux quantization) to be deduced from the symmetry properties of the inner field and the requirements of thermodynamics. (T.F.H.)


ABSTRACT In the following article, Dr. Seuss's children's books are creatively integrated with science activities through the creation of take-home activity kits. The kits provide families an opportunity to read at home while connecting the enjoyable experience to science content and skill development through associated activities. The kits should be constructed using easy-reading books and aligned to developmentally appropriate academic science standards. Most importantly, they should be designed in a manner so that all family members are participants rather than expecting the adults to teach the expected outcomes. The activity kits can be completed as stand-alone experiences for interested students, used by students who are ready for an additional challenge, or adapted for an entire classroom of students as part of a teacher's normal curriculum.


Details of a workshop which demonstrated live webcasting and discussed its potential use for continuing professional development and patient education, saving travel and time.


An effective synthesis of various biologically important 2,3-dihydroperimidines from reaction of aldehydes and naphthalene-1,8-diamine has been developed using [BTBA]Cl-FeCl3 as an efficient Lewis acid ionic liquid. This method is a very simple and high yielding reaction for the preparation of the titled compounds. Different functional groups are tolerated under this reaction conditions including ether, phenol, amine, and alkene.


Spirometry is the widely used method in clinical practice in different levels of medical care. Sometimes it is use as the screening method in general practice, bus very often as the method in diagnostic procedures for asthma diagnosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and restrictive pulmonary syndromes and so on. Very often spirometry is used as the part of diagnostic protocols for asthma treatment follow up, and many other respiratory diseases. Diagnostic procedures for asthma diagnosis sometimes include bronchoprovocation testing using methacholine or some other chemical bronchoconstrictive agents. Patients own experience for diagnostic procedures may influence to results of procedure. Experienced patients could have very well results, but they could perform very worse result so. Inexperienced patients perform worse results and that result should not be considered for diagnosis of therapeutic follow up. Medical staff, involved in spirometric procedures can influence so much, by explanation of spirometric procedures and giving support for the patients. How to assess the quality control we discuss in this paper.


Background: Depressive symptoms are associated with obesity, a precursor to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and might in part explain the association of depressive symptoms with adverse metabolic outcomes. We determined the cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in 1,314 elderly men and women age 60 to 83 years in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Carotid MRI Study. Methods: Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. Elevated depressive symptoms were defined as CES-D score !16 and/or anti-depressant medication use. CES-D score was also modeled continuously. Results: In unadjusted analyses, each 5-point higher CES-D score was associated with a 0.48 kg/m 2 higher BMI (95% CI: 0.24 to 0.69) and a 1.23 cm higher WC (95% CI: 0.67 to 1.82). Adjustment for potential confounders, including physical activity, attenuated the associations with BMI (0.16 kg/m 2 ; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.39) and WC (0.45 cm; 95% CI: -0.11 to 1.01). Compared to individuals without elevated depressive symptoms, those with elevated symptoms had significantly greater BMI (0.99 kg/m 2 ; 95% CI: 0.07 to 1.90) and WC (3.22 cm; 95% CI: 1.04 to 5.40), even after multivariable adjustment. In a subsidiary analysis, compared to individuals not taking anti-depressants, those taking anti-depressants had significantly higher waist circumference (1.54 cm; 95% CI: 0.18 to 2.90) and BMI (4.23 kg/m 2 ; 95% CI: 0.90 to 7.55) following multivariable adjustment. All results were similar when individuals with diabetes and coronary heart disease were excluded and when waist to height ratio was used an alternative measure of body fat. Conclusions: We found a significant cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms and BMI and WC in elderly individuals that was partially explained by health behaviors, particularly physical activity.


GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have demonstrated high frequency power amplification with considerably larger output power densities than that available from amplifiers based on other material systems such as GaAs or InP. To further increase the operating frequency while maintaining the high output power in HEMTs, the gate-to-channel distance needs to be reduced significantly. This leads to a reduced two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density (ns) and mobility (μ) in Ga polar HEMT structures resulting in a larger sheet resistance. This work demonstrates that by proper design of the back-barrier in N-polar GaN-based scaled-channel HEMT structures, a high 2DEG density can be maintained while scaling the channel thickness. Scaled-channel GaN-based HEMT structures with an AlN/GaN (0.5 nm/1.5 nm) digital alloy as the back-barrier were grown on an on-axis N-polar GaN substrate via plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. A record high electron mobility of 2050 cm2/vs was achieved on an N-polar HEMT structure with a 10 nm-thick channel, while maintaining 8 × 1012 cm−2 2DEG density. By modifying the barrier structure, we demonstrated a combination of 2DEG density and a mobility of 1.7 × 1013 cm−2 and 1420 cm2/V s, respectively, leading to a record low sheet resistance of ∼258 Ω/□ on 7 nm-thick channel N-polar HEMT structures.


The images of this article are clinical pictures of peritonsillar abscess subsequently complicated by Ludwig's angina of a 68‐year‐old man.


Marine fish landings in Peninsular Malaysia have shown increasing pattern starting from year 1996 to 2009. Most of the total landings in Peninsular Malaysia had come
from inshore fisheries. The objective of this study is to examine technical efficiency and productivity fishing gear (trawl and purse seines) in different region and fishing zone. Data for the study was collected from Malaysia Fisheries Department between 2000 until 2009.
Information on number of fishing units, number of days, number of trips, number of hauls and number of hours were gathered and analysed using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Malmquist Index. Results of the study shows that, most of purse seines operating in the frontier line in inshore location while majority of trawl net operating below the frontier line for both fishing zone. Overall, technical efficiency of trawl in Peninsular Malaysia is 26% and 100% for purse seines. This implies inputs were
not used efficiently and systematically by trawl net. Inputs used in this study are, number of fishing gear, number of days, number of trips, number of hauls and number
of hours. Total Factor Productivity (TFP) for trawl increased in west coast for both sea locations and decreased in east coast for both sea locations. Meanwhile Total Factor Productivity for purse seines increased in east coast for both sea locations and decreased in west coast for both sea locations. Overall, Total Factor Productivity for trawl in Peninsular Malaysia is 23.4% and 28.7% for purse seines. These findings suggest that there is much room for improvement for trawl and purse seines in deepsea and inshore in term of technical efficiency and productivity with appropriate training, regular monitoring and usage of more advanced technologies. In conclusion
the analyzed period of time we found that the increased in marine fish catches in line with the increased use of technology to suit the zone location.


We propose two new Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attacks on Bluetooth Secure Simple Pairing (SSP). The attacks are based on the falsification of information sent during the input/output capabilities exchange and also the fact that the security of the protocol is likely to be limited by the capabilities of the least powerful or the least secure device type. In addition, we devise countermeasures that render the attacks impractical, as well as improvements to the existing Bluetooth SSP in order to make it more secure. Moreover, we provide a comparative analysis of the existing MITM attacks on Bluetooth.


In this work, we derive some algebraic relations on sums of all almost balancing numbers of first and second type. We also deduce some formulas
on sums of Pell, Pell–Lucas and balancing numbers in terms of all almost balancing numbers of first and second type. Further, we formulate the
eigenvalues and spectral norms of circulant matrices of all almost balancing numbers of first and second type.


Social media platforms insist on the so-called "number of visits, clicking, and subscription" as a measurement of social media performance. However, this method of measurement does not take into account dormant user accounts and unintentional clicks or visits. To fully understand social media performance, this study aims to examine the process of users' discontinuance behavior from the view of technostress creators and socialstress creators through social media fatigue. Also, this study investigates the influence of involvement between social media fatigue and discontinuance behaviors. To understand the impact of technostress and social stress creators on users' discontinuance behavior, this study conducted an off- and online survey in Korea. Using Confirmatory factory analysis (CFA), this study has a strong academic contribution because it identifies the existing methods measuring social media performance through numbers of accounts or joining in as inaccurate.


The real estate industry is facing a major change. The activity based working is promotedheavily by real estate companies, brokers and consultants as the future workplace. Knowledgeand information ...


High-precision, short-term power forecasting for photovoltaic systems not only reduces unnecessary energy consumption but also provides power grid security. To this end, in this paper we propose a photovoltaic short-term power forecasting model based on the division of data of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and the Adaboost-GA-BP model. The 24 solar terms were condensed from the laws of meteorology, phenology, and seasonal changes to adapt to agricultural times in ancient China and have become intangible cultural heritage. This article first analyzes the numerical characteristics of meteorological factors and demonstrates their close correlation with the turning points of the 24 solar terms. Second, using Standardized Euclidean Distance and Spearman's Correlation Coefficients to analyze data similarity between the Gregorian half-months and the 24 solar terms divisions for comparative analysis purposes, it is shown that the intragroup data under the division of the 24 solar terms have a higher similarity, leading to an average decrease of 15.68%, 40.57%, 14.68%, and 14.64% in the MAE, MSE, RMSE, and WMAPE of the predicted results, respectively. Finally, based on the data derived from the 24 solar terms, the combined algorithm was compared with the Adaboost-GA-BP model and then was verified. The genetic algorithm and Adaboost were used to optimize the BP neural network algorithm in initial value assignment and neural network structure, resulting in a 23.42%, 18.12%, and 22.28% reduction in the mean values of the MAE, RMSE, and WMAPE of the predicted results, respectively. Analysis of the results show that using the Adaboost-GA-BP model based on the 24 solar terms for short-term photovoltaic power forecasting can improve the accuracy of photovoltaic power forecasting and significantly improve the predictive performance of the model.


The present investigation is carried out on biodiesel practicability over the existing non-renewable fuel due to its environmental dilapidation effect and oil crisis. Biodiesel was extracted from crude oil by transesterification, and its properties have been compared with those of neat diesel according to ASTM standards. Then, the blends of biodiesel are prepared for experimental analysis. Experimental results from our previous research study, the best blend was optimized. Then, the standard CI engine with Hemispherical Piston Bowl Geometry (HPBG) is modified to Toroidal or Split type Piston Bowl Geometry (TPBG) and Re-Entrant Piston Bowl Geometry (RPBG). Experimental works were carried out for preheated optimized blend, neat diesel with modified Piston Bowl Geometries. The engine characteristics results were compared with these altered conditions. The modified PBG with preheated biodiesel blend resulted in better Performance and Combustion characteristics. The preheated biodiesel blends indicated significant depletion in the emission of harmful particulate matter such as CO, NOx, and unburnt Hydrocarbons.


Deriving from previous literatures, the theories of Resource-based View and Dynamic Capability was used in this study to propose a model that examines the predictors of the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Accordingly, it will examine the influence of corporate management strategy on the performance of SMEs. It will analyze the extent to which innovative dynamic capabilities would enhance the relationship between corporate management strategy and performance of SMEs. It will also examine the extent innovation leadership serves as the moderator factor on the link between corporate management strategy and performance of SMEs. Finally, this paper intends to recommend a model of performance management system for the performance of tourism SMEs in Saudi Arabia. The study will employ a quantitative approach among selected tourism SMEs in Saudi Arabia. SPSS and AMOS (SEM) will be used to analyse the data obtained. Findings from this study will serve as a guideline for policy and decision makers in both private and public organizations.


X-ray diffraction line broadening examination of the debris produced by abrasion of polycrystalline Al2O3 on a 320-grade diamond-impregnated lap showed that heavy plastic deformation is associated with the abrasive process. Annealing of the debris resulted in an increase in crystallite size at temperatures >800°C but only minor changes in microstrain. This behavior contrasts with the large reduction in microstrain reported for ball-milled Al2O3 with similar initial crystallite size. The results are consistent with recovery during formation of the debris particles. A transient temperature of 900° to 1200°C was estimated from the plastic work done, assuming that material is removed by a mechanism similar to that observed in the abrasion of metals.


The corrosion of aluminum in HCL solutions has been carried out using polarization and weight loss methods. The effects of some furan derivatives on the corrosion rate were studied. It was found that these compounds inhibit the corrosion of Al to varying extents and they follow the order: 2, 5-dihydrofuran > 2,5-dihydro, 2,5-dimenthoxyfuran > tetrahydrofuran. The free energy changes (Δ G°ads.) for the adsorption of these compounds were negative and they were in the same order as above. These Δ G°ads. are in accordance with the electron densities of these compounds.


Background High dose intravenous glucocorticoid (ivGC) therapy is the first line treatment in moderate to severe Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and is associated with a clinical response rate ranging from 50% to 80%. Recently, a positive correlation between total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDLc) with GO presentation and activity has been described. Objective We aimed at evaluating whether, in patients with moderate to severe active GO treated with ivGC therapy, cholesterol, and LDLc could represent valuable predictive factors of medium-term GO outcome. Methods This single center retrospective study was conducted in a consecutive series of 87 patients undergone ivGC therapy because affected by moderate to severe active GO. Clinical outcome of GO was evaluated at week 6 (W6) and 12 (W12) in respect to baseline conditions (week 0) by the seven points CAS according to EUGOGO recommendations. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed for the outcome variable W12CAS. Results In patients with active GO, an early positive clinical response to ivGC therapy (as evaluated by CAS at 6W) was a strong determinant (OR=13) of the clinical outcome at week 12. Moreover, high levels of LDLc at baseline were positively associated with a reduction in the likelihood of being classified as improved at 12W. Patients with LDLc >193.6 mg/dl were very likely to respond negatively to ivGC therapy independently from the response at 6W. Based on these results, we propose a predictive decision-making model to be tested in future prospective studies. Discussion We found that, in patients with active GO, both an early clinical response to ivGC therapy and baseline LDLc levels are significant determinants of GO outcome (W12CAS). These data support the need of a cholesterol-lowering treatment before addressing these patients to ivGC therapy.


The purpose of this article is to examine the process faced by the African Americans from the end of the Civil War to one of the most significant moments in their struggle for integration to the American society. Thus, the article analyzes the achievements of the Constitutional amendments approved during Reconstruction and the southern states' reaction to them. During the decades following their defeat in the civil war, these states established a growing number of laws intending racial segregation. Facing this situation, Afro-Americans were forced to look for other options. Some decided to migrate to other regions, whereas others created organizations able to demand the protection of members of their community from the legal framework. The success they achieved in the Little Rock crisis, in which segregation was officially repealed, is a consequence of this process.


This study focuses on examining how Japanese work culture patterns respect processes, not just the results of their work. The aim is to uncover the principles and evidence that underlie the pattern of Japanese work culture that always respects the process and not only the results. This study uses philosophical methods, which are essential, comprehensive and normative analysis of the facts of life to try to unravel and explore the principles of existence of life, namely the ontological, epistemological and axiological principles. The ontological principle, describes the Japanese footing in conceptualizing the meaning, nature of life and life in the midst of the world's environment. The principle of epistemology describes the way the Japanese realize the concept of meaning and meaning of life in their world. The axiological principle describes the values that make the direction or purpose of life. The existence of the three principles of existence is interspersed and systemic. The research results formulated that ontologically, the Japanese in conceptualizing the meaning and meaning of their lives rely on Bushido's moral values (integrity, courage, generosity, respect for others, honesty and sincerity). Epistemologically, Japanese lifestyles describe ways of finding Ikigai in him. Axiologically, the goal of Japanese life is "Ikigai" which is the values of happiness, something that makes people move forward into the future. As a conclusion of the study, that the character of Japanese people who always respect the process, and not only the results is an epistemological pattern of life-based on Bushido values, to build an axiological framework containing Ikigai.


Six letters from October 24-December 24, re: establishment of a MILES AWARD, and what form it would take. Asking permission to award a plaque with L. D. Miles' signature engraved, to a "final selectee of SJVE's annual VE Paper contest."


PURPOSE The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) Environmental Hazards Assessment Program (EHAP) analyzed chemical analytical data for two organophosphate (OP) pesticides, chlorpyrifos and diazinon, from 22 surface water sampling studies conducted from 1991-2001. This report presents where, how often, and at what concentration these pesticides were detected, either singly or in combination, and then specifically focuses on the most recent data collected, 10 dormant spray studies conducted by EHAP from 1997-2001. EHAP compared concentrations detected with water quality criteria based on human and aquatic toxicity of these pesticides, and with 96-hour Ceriodaphnia dubia (C. dubia) toxicity tests to determine the relationship between C. dubia toxicity and analytical chemistry data. The report also discusses trends in frequency and concentrations of detections of chlorpyrifos and diazinon.


Purpose: Most prior research on psychopathy and institutional misconduct/violence occurs with adult samples and comparatively less is known about the nature of this relationship among serious, violent juvenile offenders. Methods: A subsample of 159 male serious and violent offenders interviewed in custody facilities in British Columbia, Canada as part of the Vancouver Longitudinal Study of Incarcerated Young Offenders were used. Bivariate, AUC-ROC, and Poisson regression models examined the association between psychopathy and violent misconduct and exposure to violence with different specifications and separately for Caucasian and Aboriginal youth. Results: Overall, psychopathic youth evince more misconduct, are more violent, and break more institutional rules than their less psychopathic peers; however, the effects are relatively small, and ROC-AUC models reveal generally unimpressive classification accuracy. Conclusions: Although psychopathy is a risk factor for violent misconduct, its effects are measurement-variant (e.g., total scores, factor scores, and item scores) and differ for Caucasian and Aboriginal serious offenders.


The authors report the achievement of 6 GHz wide, continuous and pure frequency tuning of a 1.3 mu m external-grating controlled single frequency semiconductor laser and its application in high-resolution spectral measurement. >


Because many HIV care providers fail to detect patients' hazardous drinking, we examined the potential use of the AUDIT-C, the first 3 of the 10 items comprising the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), to efficiently screen patients for alcohol abuse. To perform this examination, we used Item Response Theory (IRT) involving individual AUDIT items and AUDIT instruments completed by patients (N = 400) at a Designated AIDS Center (DAC) in New York City. At various AUDIT-C cutoff scores, specificities and sensitivities were then examined using the AUDIT as a ''gold standard.'' For cutoff scores on the AUDIT from 4 to 8, cutoff scores on the AUDIT-C of 3 and 4, respectively, resulted in sensitivities between .94-.98 and .81-.89, respectively, and specificities between .82-.91 and .91-1.0, respectively. In busy HIV care centers, the AUDIT-C with cutoff scores of 3 or 4 is a reasonable alternative to the full AUDIT as an alcohol screening instrument.


According to the particularity of the metallurgical construction project,this paper summed up the project management contents of metallurgy construction,and combining with the existing problems in executive process of metallurgical construction project,put forward the project management control key points,in order to achieve the expected objectives of the project.


Tricyclic spiro- N, O-acetals have been assembled in a single step by cycloaddition of hydroxymethyl-substituted dienes to iminium ion activated dienophiles that were generated by acidolysis of α,β-unsaturated- N-carboalkoxy- N, O-acetals or β-methoxymethyl- N-carboalkoxy-enamines. The cycloaddition was conducted using Sc(OTf) 3 as a mild Lewis acid affording the ENDO adducts in moderate yields.


The employment difficulty of female college students has become a hot issue.The reasons are various, including historical and realistic ones. In addition, it is related to such objective factors as the economic system,the employment policy,the interest-driven employers and the ideal of female college students.In order to solve the problem, active and effective measures should be taken.


This paper presents the current status of a new class of liquid crystal material being developed for latching electrooptic applications. This new material has the unique property of being electrooptic and fully latching. That is, in one state, the material has the properties of a conventional liquid crystal, capable of being aligned with either an electric or magnetic field; in its other state, it is an optical quality solid that maintains the molecular alignment set while in the fluid state. Experiments have shown that current materials can be switched on the order of milliseconds, as is the case with conventional nematic liquid crystals. In the solid state, the electric field can be removed with no change to the previously set optical properties because the molecular alignment is frozen in place, which should last for an extended period of time. In addition, the material exhibits broad temperature stability in the solid state, enabling devices to be developed that operate from cryogenic temperatures to 80 degrees C without the use of a temperature controller. This new material is ideally suited for applications where the size and mechanical robustness of an electrooptic device is desired, along with the latching capability of optomechanical devices. This materials technology alone will currently not meet high-speed switch requirements. However, this technology can be integrated with other state-of-the-art high-speed materials to provide a high-speed latching device. Devices currently under investigation using this materials include optical switches, optical attenuators and tunable filters.


ABSTRACT This paper uses Carl Ginet's concept of "disinterested justification" to identify the boundaries of the epistemic authority of courts. It claims that courts exercise this authority only in the "interest-free" zone, in which their determinations of disputed facts' probabilities can be made and justified on epistemic grounds alone. This is not the case with the "interest-laden" domain, where courts allocate risks of error under conditions of uncertainty. This domain is controlled by the risk-allocating evidentiary rules: burdens of proof, corroboration, hearsay, opinion, character, and others. These rules are driven by moral and political, rather than epistemic, reasons. Their role is to allocate the risk of error among plaintiffs, defendants, and prosecution by setting forth probability thresholds for findings of fact and the criteria for adequacy of the evidence upon which those findings can be made.


Sustainable, future-ready health care is reliant on our abilities as health care practitioners to
function amidst global change and uncertain situations. Internationally, research in education and
health management is focusing on the need for graduates and professionals to possess basic but
critical transversal competencies (critical thinking, innovation, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
and global citizenship). Specialty knowledge alone, without the ability to communicate, engage and
collaborate with patients, our peers and stakeholders in our healthcare society is ineffective. The
topic of transversal leadership is proposed as a basic but essential consideration for the effective
delivery of any health service. This presentation shares related research into the thoughtful
combination of transversal competencies and health leadership capabilities that can be applied
across any healthcare setting and position.


The article describes e-infrastructure development in Latvia and migration to national Cloud as regional partner facility (RPF) in European Union (EU). In Latvia many public and private Computing Clouds is in operation and problem is how to integrate these resources as one RPF and how to design one unified computing facility that is used for many different applications. The authors offer their solution at Cloud software as a Service and Hardware as a Service level which is based on usage of open source packaged bundles.


Abstract This study sought to update the criteria by which fourth, fifth, and sixth grade children in transitional literacy contexts form reading ability judgments. A total of 56 students of varying reading abilities responded orally to interview questions structured around Bandura's (1977, 1982) model of self‐efficacy. Transcript analyses produced 15 separate criterial categories, 10 of which clustered into four major category groupings. In making "good reader" judgments, children most frequently referenced the public performance/fluency category grouping of reading (i.e., word recognition, word analysis, and reading rate). The three other major category groupings included selected teacher practices (verbal praise and call upon patterns) as well as indicators of affect (amount of reading, enjoyment, and recreational reading) and classroom achievement (task/test performance and grades). Comprehension, studying/practice, providing or receiving assistance, reading group membership, and effort represented re...


A majority of the proposed up-to-date negative resistance (N.R.) elements, being based on resonant tunneling or other quantum effects, lack compatibility with the silicon VLSI process. This work thus proposes two novel, not only silicon, but even more desirable CMOS compatible, N.R. Structures. The first is obtained by slightly modifying the vertical bipolar transistor, commonly used in BiCMOS technologies. The second is a hybrid device consisting of a 3-D co-integration in an SOI film of two separately operational devices: a lateral bipolar transistor and an accumulation mode MOSFET. When activating simultaneously both transistors, this same structure also exhibits the N.R. characteristic.<<ETX>>


Career Recommendation System (CRS) is an artificial intelligence solution capable of suggesting appropriate jobs or careers based on user profiles and industry needs. This study presents a systematic literature review that focused on variant characteristics of CRS and has been implemented in the last ten years. The review found 17 studies were extracted from ACM, IEEExplore, Science Direct, Springer, Willey, and MDPI databases. The results of this review prove that a hybrid recommender system is the most frequently (47%) approach implemented in CRS studies. Text mining (29,5%) is most commonly applied as the artificial intelligence technique in CRS. At least 7 features are needed to build a CRS model, but the most widely used are job profiles and course profiles with 71,42% and 35,71% frequency respectively. The most widely applied evaluation metrics is precision (21%), followed by acceptability, accuracy, and user response each 14% in review.


The limp caused by a weak gluteus medius with marked swaying of the body toward the involved side, and dropping of the hip on the opposite side (Trendelenburg sign) is very noticeable in many cases of poliomyelitis. In the endeavor to alleviate this limp, I devised the plan of transplanting the tensor fasicae femoris muscle into the outer side of the femur to increase the power in the gluteus medius. The tensor fasciae femoris is to some extent an abductor, but its greater power is in flexion. A function of the gluteus medius often overlooked is its action in holding the center of gravity of the body over the supporting leg when standing on one foot. We are all familiar with the action of the gluteus maximus in holding the body erect and preventing the trunk from falling forward, but it is not generally recognized that the gluteus medius is


The urban poor suffer disproportionately from the lack of adequate sanitation. A sanitation system needs to perform the following: collect and isolate human waste, safely transmit this waste, and then treat this waste before reusing it or letting it out in the environment. Urban settlements offer different challenges regarding planning and the implementation of improved urban services. Urban areas, especially the fast-growing non-tenured informal settlements, differ significantly from poor rural areas. A functional toilet performs only a few of these functions: collection and isolation, temporary storage in the case of on-site systems, and partial treatment. Without concomitant attention to safe waste collection and disposal, "improved toilets" will not necessarily lead to improved health outcomes – given the multiple routes through which fecal exposure takes place. The paper presents the observed details about the urban sanitation in India. The areas of settlements belonging to different communities as scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and Muslim habitations should not be excluded directly or indirectly. It is important to highlight that the health risks arising due to lack of sanitation facilities.


An angularly biased random walk, capable of subdiffusive to superdiffusive behavior, is numerically simulated. The angular bias is brought about by mapping a beta distribution to the angles 0 to 2π. Combining different parameters can produce a system with the same diffusiveness but dissimilar movement patterns.


Risk factors are traits and lifestyle habits that increase your chance of having a disease. There are risk factors for heart disease that you cannot control, such as your age, gender and family history. Risk factors you can control include: • High blood pressure • High blood cholesterol • High triglycerides • Tobacco use • Being overweight • Inactivity or sedentary lifestyle • Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes • Poor diet • Excessive alcohol use • Stress and tension


In this paper we have attempted to increase the emission efficiency of terahertz (THz) Photo-Conductive Antenna (PCA) by nano-patterning it with Gold Germanium (AuGe) nano-patterns. Nano-patterns with optimized geometrical features for specific optical frequency tend to excite localized surface plasmon resonance which cause localized electric field enhancement. This localized field enhancement causes an increase in the number of generated photo-carriers which increase the THz emission power by a factor of 4. COMSOL simulations give the approximate height (40nm) of these nano-patterns at which excitation of localized surface plasmon polaritons is the strongest.


The Use of Carbon-14 and Tritium For Peat and Water Dynamics Characterization: Case of Čepkeliai Peatland, Southeastern Lithuania The present investigation conducted in Čepkeliai peatland (south-eastern Lithuania) deals with two radioisotope methods - carbon-14 (14C) and tritium (3H). 14C was applied to peatland chronology and sedimentation rate estimation and 3H to peat water dynamics characterization. According to 14C data, peatland development began since 12650-11350 years cal BP and peat accumulation since 10550-9700 years cal BP with peat accumulation rate of 0.27-0.79 mm/year in the central part of the peatland. The peat water mean residence time and basic groundwater flow was estimated to be respectively about 27±6 years and 62±15 mm based on 3H data. The obtained data showed relatively undisturbed natural condition of Čepkeliai peatland in the studied sites.


In this paper, an iterative method to compute symmetric least-squares solution of the matrix equation AXB = C with the norm inequality constraint is proposed. For this method, without the error of calculation, a desired solution can be obtained with finitely iterate steps. Numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the efficiency and application of the algorithm.


Mice were sealed in a jar to mimic anti-hypoxia environment to determine the influence of L-Arg solution on the anti-hypoxia effect by oral intubation in the test of the survival time,breathing frequence,circulating levels of NO in plasma and brain tissue.The L-Arg group mice exhibited longer surviving interval than the control group.The histology picture showed that there were triangle-shaped transverse vas in the lung from KM mice of control group and the vas of the L-Arg group was relaxing.The study showed that anti-hypoxia effect of oral intubation L-Arg solution was distinct.


The study aims to answer  the question of how the role of BAZNAS Rejang Lebong  Regency in  implementing Law no. 23 of 2011 on the collection and distribution of zakat. How is the impact of the implementation of Law no. 23 Year 2011 on the management of zakat ?. And What are the constraints and strategies facing BAZNAS Rejang Lebong Regency in implement- ing the Act on the management of zakat ?. This research  is a qualitative  research  using research  approach, phenomenological, sociological and  historical approach. This research  uses field research  type (field research), that is a research  conducted inten- sive, detailed  and  deeply  to a certain  object.  Data  Collection  Techniques This research  is primary  data  and  secondary data. In accordance with the characteristics  of empirical  legal research   using  secondary  data   as  the   initial  data  obtained  from primary   and  secondary legal materials,  then  continued with primary  data  or field data  obtained from documents, interviews and  observations. The results showed;  First, that the implementation of Law no. 23 Year 2011   in  the  management  of zakat has  run  optimally  in  accordance with  the mandate of the Act. Second, the implications of the implementation of the Law on the management  of zakat  has given a positive effect. Proven  with ZIS  funds received  in 2012-2016 there  is an increase  and ZIS funds have been distributed to mustahiq. Thirdly, the obstacles faced by BAZNAS Rejang Lebong Regency in implementing the Zakat Law are: (a) The absence of sanction  for muzakki not paying zakat, (b) Some people  consider  BAZNAS Kab. Rejang Lebong  is the same  as a community organization, whereas  BAZNAS is the official government institution   regulated  by  law. (C)  There   are   still  many   people   who   are   less concerned about  the obligations  of zakat and  the lack of zakat awareness through  an institution.  (D) Most Dhuafa  'consider BAZNAS's assistance  as consumptive. The Strategy pursued by BAZNAS in the management of zakat are: First, BAZNAS cooperates with Rejang  Lebong  Regency  Government  so  that  it is issued Lo- cal Regulation and Regulation of Bupati. Secondly,  BAZNAS's effort in managing ZIS is by way of socialization and cooperation with religious leaders  and   community  leaders.   Thirdly,  Mustahiq   who   is  reluctant   to  return   t he productive  zakat funds then for the fund the continuation is not given anymore


The transient temperature distribution in the lithium-cooled blanket of a pulsed fusion reactor has been calculated using a finite-element heat-conduction computer program. An auxiliary program was used to predict the coolant transient velocity in a network of parallel and series flow passages with constant driving pressure and varying magnetic field. The coolant velocity was calculated by a Runge-Kutta numerical integration of the conservation equations. The lithium coolant was part of the finite-element heat-conduction mesh with the velocity terms included in the total matrix. The matrix was solved implicitly at each time step for the nodal point temperatures. Slug flow was assumed in the coolant passages and the Boussinesq analogy was used to calculate turbulent heat transfer when the magnetic field was not present.


The stress dependencies of the phonon modes in a 4H silicon carbide (SiC) crystal were investigated. The deformation potentials of the A1(TO), E2, and E1(TO) modes were determined on the basis of uniaxial stress tests. The A1(TO) mode was sensitive to stress along the c axis, whereas the E1(TO) and E2 modes exhibited larger dependencies on the stress perpendicular to the c axis than the A1(TO) mode as expected from their atomic displacements. The coefficient of the frequency shift in the E2 mode for an isotropic biaxial stress in the c plane was determined to be −323 MPa/cm−1. We applied cross-sectional Raman measurements to SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors. The horizontal and vertical stress components, σ11 and σ33, were derived from the frequency shifts of the E2 and A1(TO) modes using the deformation-potential constants. A compressive horizontal stress was observed near the interface between the SiC chip and the metals. The observed compressive stress increased as the temperature ...


2D materials show outstanding properties that can bring many applications in different technological fields. However, their uses are still limited by production methods. In this context, antimonene is recently suggested as a new 2D material to fabricate different (opto)electronic devices, among other potential applications. This work focuses on optimizing the synthetic parameters to produce high‐quality antimonene hexagons and their implementation in a large‐scale manufacturing procedure. By means of a continuous‐flow synthesis, few‐layer antimonene hexagons with ultra‐large lateral dimensions (up to several microns) and a few nanometers thick are isolated. The suitable chemical post‐treatment of these nanolayers with chloroform gives rise to antimonene surfaces showing low oxidation that can be easily contacted with microelectrodes. Therefore, the reported procedure offers a way to solve two critical problems for using antimonene in many applications: large‐scale preparation of high‐quality antimonene and the ability to set electrical contacts useful for device fabrication.


The response of human myeloid leukemia cells to treatment with l-P-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) includes the induction of apoptosis. Ara-C induced apoptosis is associated with proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARPI and protein kinase C (PKCI 6. However, the signals involved in this response are unknown. The present studies show that ara-C treatment of U-937 cells is associated with induction of a protease activity that cleaves the tetrapeptides Ac-DEVD-pNA and Ac-DMQD-pNA found at the cleavage sites of PARP and PKCS, respectively. The araC-induced protease activity was sensitive to overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bel-x, and the baculovirus protein p35. By contrast, overexpression of the cowpox virus protein CrmA


Two stage stochastic programs with random right hand side are considered Optimal values and solution sets are regarded as mappings of the expected re course functions and their perturbations respectively Conditions are identi ed implying that these mappings are directionally di erentiable and semidi eren tiable on appropriate functional spaces Explicit formulas for the derivatives are derived Special attention is paid to the role of a Lipschitz condition for solution sets as well as of a quadratic growth condition of the objective function


history to medical and surgical intervention, which makes Dr. Gilbert's conclusions empiric. Further, with regard to low cerebral perfusion states, if Dr. Gilbert is 90 certain that the cause of cerebral ischemia is hemodynamic, then his judgment is superior to the abilities of current advanced investigative techniques including positron emission tomography:' More systematic studies of patients with CCAO are clearly needed.


Purpose: The prevention of relapse is the major therapeutic challenge in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have obtained a complete remission on intensive chemotherapy. There is no established post-remission treatment for prevention of relapse in this setting, except allo HSCT. This randomized phase III study (HOVON97) in older patients (≥ 60 years) with AML or MDS-RAEB in CR/CRi after at least 2 cycles of intensive chemotherapy assessed the value of azacitidine as post remission therapy (in comparison to observation) with respect to the disease free survival (primary endpoint) and overall survival (secondary endpoint). Patients and methods: In total 117 patients were randomly 1:1 assigned to either observation (control group ) or azacitidine maintenance (aza group), 50 mg/m2, s.c., day 1-5, q 4 weeks, until relapse for a maximum of 12 cycles. The study was powered to detect improvement in disease free survival (DFS) after 1 year from 40% to 60% (power 80%, two-sided test at 5% significance). The current pre-final evaluation after study closure is based on the first 109 patients with at least one year follow-up. The 2 arms (56 control patients vs 53 aza maintenance patients) were comparable with regard to age (60-81 years, median 69 years), performance status, peripheral blood counts and cytogenetics. Although all patients had Results: A total of 52 patients received at least 1 cycle of aza. Subsequently, 44, 40, 34 and 32 patients received at least 3, 6, 9 and 12 cycles respectively. The maintenance treatment with aza was feasible, as, during the first 4 cycles, most treatments could be given according to schedule (87% Conclusion: Post-remission treatment with aza in older AML patients in CR/CRi after at least 2 cycles of intensive chemotherapy significantly improves DFS (p=0.005). When patients who received an allo HSCT were censored at time of transplant, the difference in OS between both arms was also significantly different (p=0.04), in favor of aza maintenance treatment Disclosures Huls: Celgene: Consultancy; JJ Gadeta (www.gadeta.nl): Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties: on gdT cells and receptors and isolation strategies , Research Funding. Ossenkoppele: JJ Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.


Anhydride-containing polyperoxides were synthesized by copolymerization of 5−tert−butylperoxy−5−methyl−1−hexen−3−yne with either maleic anhydride or its blends with styrene. The integral composition of the polyperoxides was theoretically calculated as the copolymerization process proceeded and its direct experimental evidence was obtained. In macrochain-formation behavior, the process was found to be consistent with the generally accepted regularities of binary and ternary copolymerization. By employing their polymerizational transformations, water-soluble polyperoxides exhibiting surface activity and initiating properties were obtained. In aqueous solutions, such polyperoxide surfactants form micellelike colloidal structures. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 1217–1227, 2000


Using PC (Personal Computer) to examinate and control DSP (Digital Signal Processing) in real time,insure the stability and rapidity of communication between PC and DSP.It is presented how to achieve the serial communication between DSP and PC through a program,in which we produce a sine wave which range and frequency can be changed according to user's order.We can obtain transferation of the data and order between DSP and PC by using the Object Oriented development tool (VC++6.0) and SCI (Serial Communication Interface) of DSP.The software has already been uesd in PC and DSP( TMS320F240 ) successfully.


The quest to balance the material and the spiritual has a long history in the Hindu tradition, as it does in the West. While Hindus recognize desire to be a central human value, they also see it as a cause of human suffering. This tension persists within contemporary Hinduism, especially among an emergent middle class that seeks to balance spiritual fulfillment and worldly success. If we are to understand recent manifestations of Hinduism, we would do well to explore their roots in the colonial period. That is the goal of this essay, which explores the affinity between one early colonial version of Vedānta and the socio-economic activities of its bourgeois promoters. Working from a rare set of Bengali discourses delivered at meetings of the Tattvabodhinī Sabhā during its inaugural year (1839–40), this essay demonstrates how a rescripted Vedānta provided members with a worldview that legitimated both their spiritual concerns and their worldly activities.


A discrete-time nonsymmetric algebraic Riccati system which incorporates as special cases of various discrete-time nonsymmetric algebraic Riccati equations is introduced and studied without any restrictive assumptions on the matrix coefficients. Necessary and sufficient existence conditions together with computable formulas for the stabilizing solution are given in terms of proper deflating subspaces of an associated matrix pencil. The theory is applied in the framework of game theory with an open-loop information structure to design Nash strategy without the classical assumptions on the invertibility of some matrix coefficients.


Nowadays, cloud computing is commonly used as a service infrastructure. As the computing paradigm has been shifted to cloud computing, devices can utilize the centralized resource in the cloud. With these environments, many research papers regarding mobile cloud named Cloud Offloading which migrates the devices' workload to the servers were proposed. However, previous Cloud Offloading method is hard to be commercialized because the proposed methods were very complex - difficulty of the program partitioning and cloning. In this paper, we proposed the framework for Cloud Offloading for the web applications based on the standard interface named Web Worker in HTML5. Because of the properties of the Web Worker, the application can do the Cloud Offloading with very little system overhead. Furthermore, an application needs to be changed only two lines of code if it needs to use the Cloud Offloading method. As a result, the clients such as mobile phones can migrate the web application workload to the servers with the various situations - out-of-battery, good network connection.


Successful program optimization requires analysis of profitability. From this analysis, a compiler or runtime system can decide where and how to apply an assortment of program transformations. This two-faced problem is called transformation guidance [110, 100, 11, 63, 108]. We consider the desired goal of robust guidance of performance optimizations for hierarchical systems.
A guidance system is robust if it unifies disparate sources of knowledge, and makes reasonable decisions hold up, despite a lack of definitive information. In particular, we seek to address concerns presented by aspects of syntax, architecture, and data set. Syntax may not be statically analyzable; for example, the data dependences due to A(B(i)) (an indirect memory reference) cannot be determined until runtime. Architecture poses a problem in the complexity of the relationship between its properties and performance. Data set shares both problems: on the one hand, we cannot analyze properties of unavailable data; and yet, once available, we cannot easily predict how its properties, combined with architectural properties, influence execution time.
This thesis solves aspects of this robust guidance problem. First, we present bucket tiling, a program transformation for locality which handles non-affine array references (such as the indirect which reference mentioned above). Bucket tiling improves the performance of codes such as conjugate gradient and integer sort by 1.5 to 2.8 times. We have developed a tool which automatically applies bucket tiling to C or Fortran codes.
To guide locality optimizations such as bucket tiling in a robust manner requires a new modeling strategy. We present the abstraction of modal models. A modal model recognizes, and leverages off the following observation: many aspects of a program's behavior can be assigned to a small, finite number of distinguishable categories. We develop a modal model for guiding locality transformations which uses three parameterized modes to represent three different access patterns. We show how to experimentally determine parameterized formulas for execution time of these modes on any given target platform. Further, we use these modes as the basis for a calculus of performance modeling for our guidance system. Given any program, represented as a tree of modes, we show how to determine an execution time formula for the program. For bucket tiling, we determine execution time formulas for the original and transformed programs, and use these to guide the decision on performing the transformation.
We also contrast a modal modeling approach to a static- combinatoric approach. Such an approach models by counting some observable property of behavior, such as cache misses. This contrast highlights the principle advantage of modal modeling: robustness to syntax, architecture, and data set properties.


The nonlinear seismic response of base-isolated framed buildings subjected to near-fault earthquakes is studied to analyze the effects of supplemental damping at the level of the isolation system, commonly adopted to avoid overly large isolators. A numerical investigation is carried out with reference to two- and multi-degree-of-freedom systems, representing medium-rise base-isolated framed buildings. Typical five-story reinforced concrete (RC) plane frames with full isolation are designed according to Eurocode 8 assuming ground types A (i.e., rock) and D (i.e., moderately soft soil) in a high-risk seismic region. The overall isolation system, made of in-parallel high-damping-laminated-rubber bearings (HDLRBs) and supplemental viscous dampers, is modeled by an equivalent viscoelastic linear model. A bilinear model idealizes the behavior of the frame members. Pulse-type artificial motions, artificially generated accelerograms (matching EC8 response spectrum for subsoil classes A or D) and real accelerograms (recorded on rock- and soil-site at near-fault zones) are considered. A supplemental viscous damping at the base is appropriate for controlling the isolator displacement, so avoiding overly large isolators; but it does not guarantee a better performance of the superstructure in all cases, in terms of structural and non structural damage, depending on the frequency content of the seismic input. Precautions should be taken with regard to near-fault earthquakes, particularly for base-isolated structures located on soil-site.


A semiconductor device in the present embodiment includes an image processing unit and an authenticating unit. The image processing unit acquires a captured image and can change a pixel value in the captured image. The authenticating unit authenticates the similarity between an object image included in the captured image and a reference image. The authenticating unit outputs coordinate information on the object image to an image processing unit, and authenticates the similarity between the object image, pixel values corresponding to the coordinate information on which are changed by the image processing unit, and the reference image.


The fine structure of an unusual cell, the 'Stabchendriisenzellen' (the so-called foliaceous or rodlet cells of several authors), associated with the endothelium of the vascular system of marine and freshwater fishes was studied in the goldfish Carassius auratus (L.). The bulbus arteriosus was fixed with either a 6 % solution of buffered glutaraldehyde or with one part of a 3 % solution of lanthanum nitrate plus two parts of a 3 % solution of buffered glutaraldehyde and then post-fixed in a 1.2% solution of osmium tetroxide. Electron micrographs of the vascular tissue show four cell forms which appear to be phases in the life cycle of the endothelium-associated cell. Two of the phases are not encased and are characterized by their inclusions: in one cell these are crystalline, while in the second, they are amorphous and granular. In the other phases the cell is encased partially or completely within an apparently contractile fibrous wall surrounded by the plasmalemma. In the encased phases, the arrangement and condition of the cell organelles appears to have been changed, and in the fully-encased phase mitochondrial activity seems to have decreased. This apparent change in the mitochondrial activity is accompanied by a thickening of the mitochondrial membrane from 48 to 109 A. The micrographs seem to indicate that this cell in question behaves as a foreign body and, in some way, may be interacting with the epithelial tissue of the bulbus arteriosus.


Introduction Gaucher Disease (GD) is the commonest of the lysosomal storage disorders. Orthopaedic manifestations occur in 90% and include osteonecrosis of the femoral head, often producing severe disability at a young age. Historically, arthroplasty has been avoided in GD due to high reported rates of haemorrhage and decreased implant survival. The advent of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has revolutionised GD treatment with correction of haematological parameters within five months. However there is little data regarding the effect of ERT on the outcomes of hip arthroplasty. Materials and Method All patients on the Cambridge Gaucher register with a coding for hip replacement were included in the study. Demographic and operative data were recorded from the patient notes and radiographical analysis was conducted. Hip scores were obtained via telephone interview. Results Ten patients were included, undergoing sixteen primary and ten revision arthroplasties with an average follow-up of 14.8 years. ERT produced a significant reduction in blood loss with all haemorrhage greater than 1500mls in the non-ERT group. Seven primary implants were revised at a mean of 11.8 years with survival of 77% at ten years. Implant survival was not influenced by ERT. Hip scores were satisfactory and not affected by ERT. Discussion We present the largest series, with respect to implant numbers, and with the longest follow-up in the published literature. ERT reduced blood loss to levels seen for routine arthroplasty with maximum benefit reached within ten months of therapy. Implant survival was similar to other age matched cohorts with adequate 10-year survival. Hip scores were satisfactory and reflected the severity of pre-operative skeletal destruction. Conclusions Arthroplasty is a safe and effective procedure for GD patients receiving ERT. Newly diagnosed patients should have surgery delayed by at least five months to allow ERT to elicit an effect.


The question of urban informality today concerns the majority of the inhabitants and policy makers of regional metropolises, as well as those of secondary cities. This study aims to show that there are diverse mechanisms behind the complexity of urban housing informality in Egyptian cities. It develops a typology of informal housing and estimates quantities and values of different types of informal properties. Its research includes case studies of Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city and main port. The value of informal properties should be harnessed to promote development and alleviate poverty. Understanding the built environment of informal housing developments would enable the state and housing professionals to accumulate, eliminate, and integrate of informal housing areas within formal areas in Alexandria. It concludes that the role of the government should be changed from provider or facilitator into enabler. This would also conform to the government's requirements and policies.


The micro-silica( Si O2) filled polypropylene( PP) was prepared by melt blending method.The properties of specimen were characterized by SEM,TMA,high voltage insulation resistance meter,et al. The results showed when content of micro-silica was lower than 10%,the notched impact strength and tensile strength were separately increased by 7. 91% and 3. 87%. As content surpassed 40%,insulating and thermal expansion properties of composites acquired higher improvements. The surface resistivity of material is 3. 62 × 1010Ω and meanwhile,the coefficient of linear expansion is decreased from 1. 51 × 10- 4to 1. 29 × 10- 4. According to observations from SEM images,Si O2 can play a role in particle strengthening in order to disperse stress and increase tenacity.


This paper introduces the present research and future development of tungsten heavy alloys from alloy composition and adding elements, powder preparation and modification, sintering and after-sintering processing, large deformation strengthening treatment. Elements (such as Co, Mn, Cr, Ta, La, Ce, Y) are added to strengthen tungsten heavy alloys. New sintering technique (such as microwave sintering, spark plasma sintering) is used in order to achieve low temperature rapid sintering; CIP, HP, and HIP process are used to prepare complex large-size parts. Spray deposition, CVD coating, electroplating and other methods are used to prepare tungsten alloy with wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The methods mentioned above are the research direction of tungsten heavy alloys preparation.


The subject of this article is the analysis of the relationship between the
 life course of young people and political participation in Europe. Results
 show that young people?s transitions in education, work, and family in
 European countries are directly associated with institutional and
 non-institutional forms of political participation. Entering new roles and
 obtaining or losing resources (financial, social, or time) forms a more or
 less stimulating context for involvement in the political field. The
 analysis shows that our first hypothesis proved to be correct. Both
 institutional and non-institutional forms of participation are positively
 associated with the study expe?rience, and this indicator is the most
 consistent predictor of both forms of participation. Young people who go
 through higher education better understand the socio-political con?text and
 have more knowledge of how they can influence social processes. The
 transition to the labour market also shows positive associations with
 political participation, but only with certain practices, so our hypothesis
 is only partially correct. Young people who work vote more often, are active
 within parties, contact political representatives, and are active within
 NGOs. Work provides more financial and social capital, as well as the
 acquisition of new skills and competencies that are important for
 engagement. Employment seems to lead to a rationalisation of time and a
 better understanding of the effects of engagement. The third hypothesis also
 proved to be (almost) correct, as half of institutional and all
 non-institutional forms of participa?tion are negatively associated with
 parenthood. Entering the parental role leads to a certain repackaging of
 priorities, and the lack of available time reduces the probability of
 par?ticipation. The fourth hypothesis was (partially) confirmed. With the
 growth of democracy within society, young people are more willing to
 participate in almost all forms of non-in?stitutional practices (except for
 demonstrations) and to contact politicians and participate in campaigns more
 often. A high degree of organisation of political infrastructure and a
 democratic political culture represent a prerequisite for the existence of
 democratic practices. The hypotheses with which we examined the associations
 between context, life events, and participation generally did not prove to
 be justified. Although the highly educated in democratic societies vote more
 often and join parties (and similar groups), they participate less often in
 campaigns and are involved in all non-institutional forms of participation
 at the same level as those in less democratic societies. The explanation for
 the lack of differences between old and new democracies in the level of
 non-institutional participation of the highly educated may lie in the same
 role played by university education. In both developed and less developed
 democracies, those who establish or preserve these practices are students,
 who are both the most open to news and the most sensitive to social
 injustices. The relationship between work and activism was completely the
 opposite of what was expected. Given that work represents a source of
 resources (economic and social capital), we expected that in more democratic
 societies, which are also more economically developed, this connection would
 be stronger, but it is actually weaker. The explanation for this phenomenon
 may lie in the dependence of the sphere of work on the political field in
 ?new democracies?. The latter is dominated by clientelistic relations, where
 a significant number of young people who enter the labour market do so
 through political channels and in turn have to be active in political
 parties, especially during election campaigns. The last hypothesis proved to
 be correct, as context did not moderate the relationship be?tween parenting
 and participation. Entering the parental role is equally challenging for
 young people regardless of their location or social and political context,
 and on average it certainly leads to a lower level of participation.


Low-performance, insufficient instruction time and difficulty in providing instructional needs for diverse learners are some of the prevalent problems in mathematics education. Flipped Classroom is a rising pedagogical model that exhibits promising features in battling these dilemmas. This study aimed to develop lessons that integrates flipped classroom, uses student collaboration and incorporates contexts from students' culture and experiences. Mainly, this study provided ways on how teachers from rural areas with less technological accessibility, can implement this instructional model through the use of materials and platforms available in their community. The mixed method of research was used. Qualitative approach was utilized in the analysis of students' responses in their interviews and journals and the quantitative approach was done through pre-experimental design. Interviews to teachers and analysis of available data in the chosen school were done to know which topics are to be included in the study. The identified topics were examined to develop lessons that are best suited for the use of the model to Grade 10 Geometry. Ten lessons were made and implemented to a Grade 10 class to determine its effect on their task performance, conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences ISSN 2454-5899 18 Effects on study habits and interest were determined using interviews, journals and inventory. Results show that there is a significant difference on the performance of the students, within the considered constructs, before and after being exposed to flipped classroom. Moreover, positive change on responding to tasks, greater initiative to take part and higher interest levels were also revealed. The implementation of flipped classroom has deepen their understanding, positively affected the way they perceive and react to tasks, boost their interest and taught learners the accountability of their own learning. Additionally, availability of learning resources at home and support from knowledgeable others are important factors that help improve students' performance.


The paper details the equations used to simulate a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and presents a summary of the results obtained. A model for dielectric barrier discharge was divided into two phases, i.e., propagation in air and along the surface of a solid insulator. The microscopic essence of a streamer discharge was revealed and investigated using a detailed self-consistent plasmochemical model based on particle chemical reactions and hydrodynamics. The continuity equations of electrons, positive ions, and negative ions were coupled with Poisson's equation. The chemical reactions described the impact ionization, charge transportation, electron-ion recombination, ion-ion recombination, electron attachment and neutral particle evolvement. The decisive effects of electron mean energy distribution on the rates of impact ionization by electrons and on the local characteristics of streamer discharges, are investigated. Electric field distributions are calculated and analyzed. The results indicate that ionization mainly takes place at the streamer head where a relatively large electron mean energy exists.


Most real world concepts are not precisely defined, and their boundaries are fuzzy. These concepts usually possess graded structures. Such concepts are called graded or fuzzy concepts. The prototype view was proposed for representing graded concepts. Another attempt at handling graded concepts is the work on fuzzy set theory introduced by Zadeh. This paper presents a genetic algorithmic approach to learning fuzzy prototypes. Given n attributes, a fuzzy prototype of a concept is a vector of n fuzzy membership functions, each for one attribute. In existing prototype learning systems, concept membership of an instance is determined using a distance measure. Using fuzzy prototypes, concept membership of an instance is determined by a collection of fuzzy membership functions. This approach has been implemented in a system named FuzzyProto.


This article describes the background behind the PHOENIX Project, its objectives and the services planned for deployment. This project has been launched by NTT as a pioneering multimedia business initiative designed to meet the structural changes of Japanese economy.


Objective:To evaluate CT and MRI findings of the primary tumors of optic nerve and their clinical value. Methods: CT and MRI manifestations were reviewed and analyzed on 20 cases with the tumors of optic nerve, which were confirmed by pathology and clinical follow-ups. Results: Glioma of optic nerve was found in 12 cases, in all of which the fusiform optic nerve was enlarged and the edges became smooth and clear. CT indicated that the density of soft tissues was intensified. Meningioma of optic nerve sheath was found in 8 cases, of which consistency enlargement of optic nerve was seen in 2 cases, fusiform mass in 2 cases, and irregular decentered mass in 4 cases, in all of which focal edges were clear but not smooth. In terms of the density of soft tissues was indicated by CT. Two cases showed calcification and clear intensification. Meningioma showed hypo- or isointense mass on T1-weighted images, and iso-or hyperintense (or isointense) mass on T2 images, with clear intensification. Operation demonstrated that pathological changes were limited in orbit in 9 cases (before operation, CT and MRI indicated 12 and 9 cases respectively)鸦 6 cases showed diffuse enlargement of optic canal (before operation, CT indicated 3 cases, and MRI indicated 6 cases), and 5 cases displayed diffuse intracranial enlargement (before operation, both CT and MRI indicated 5 cases). Conclusion: Both glioma of optic nerve and meningioma of optic nerve had their own typical image expressions. MRI, compared with CT, was more advantageous to indicate tumors as well as the invasion scope and extent into the optic canal and intracranial part.


Jidan 27, Xianyu 335 and Zhengdan 958 were used as controls, 5 new maize varieties introducedfrom USA were compared. Results showed that the yields of all varieties were significantly or extremely significantlyhigher than control Jidan 27, except for Y1301, which difference was not significant. In spite of the growth period ofall varieties were matured earlier than Xianyu 335 and Zhengdan 958, but in addition to Y1301, yields of the rest 4varieties were higher than the control Xianyu 335 and Zhengdan 958, the difference was not significant. The experi-ment proved introduced varieties have good yield potential, so the direct introduction of varieties is feasible, but fur-ther screening on different sites is needed.


Objectives: The use of the standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR) is becoming more common in support of applicants for an otolaryngology residency. The rationale for a SLOR stems from the increasing number of applications being sent to otolaryngology training programs. The average program will review between 300 and 400 applications and, therefore, between 900 and 1200 letters of recommendation. The SLOR was created to streamline and standardize the evaluation of applicants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the SLOR in differentiating among applicants. Methods: All applications to an academic otolaryngology training program in 2014 were reviewed. The SLORs were extracted from the applications and reviewed. The distribution of ratings across the 10 domains was statistically analyzed, including distribution and standard deviation. Results: Ranking across the 10 domains revealed clustering of results across the top 2 deciles. The distribution of the bellshaped curve was shifted significantly to the left, representing the upper deciles. Conclusions: The explosion of applications to otolaryngology residency programs has prompted the implementation of a SLOR. Although it is a time saver, the lack of variation in the ratings across the 10 domains included does not allow for differentiation among student applicants. Reliance on the personalized free-text letter of recommendation attached to the SLOR still remains the most significant way to differentiate amongst applicants. Refinements will need to be made in either the structure or use of the SLOR for it to be a more useful tool.


This study focuses on the difference of photocatalytic activity depending on crystal structure type of nanoparticles (TiO₂) and nanotubes (TNT). The photodecomposition of 2-chlorophenol on the synthesized TiO2, Sn-impregnated TiO2, TNT, and Snimpregnated TNT were evaluated. The characteristics of the synthesized photocatalyts, TNT, Sn/TNT, TiO₂, and Sn/TiO₂ were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and cyclic voltammeter (CV). The water-suspended 2-chlorophenol photodegradation over TiO₂ (anatase structure) catalyst was better than that over pure TNT. Particularly, the water-suspended 2-chlorophenol of 10 ppm was perfectly decomposed within 4 h over Sn/TiO₂ photocatalyst.


Customer relationship management in banks has become a catchy word to attract, treat and retain customers. Recently Indus Ind Bank opened video calling facility through smart phones to its customers for interacting with the bank staffs and even the branch heads. Customers are being empowered and convenience to the customers is being treated as unique selling proportion for the banks. In this scenario maintaining proper relationship with the customer will improve business of the banks and could be a competitive advantage for the banks. In spite of various benefits there is a huge resistance in implementation part of CRM activities in the banks. This article analyses the barriers for implementing customer relationship management strategies in bank. A descriptive research has been carried out and convenient sampling method has been followed.   The sample respondents were employees of various public and private sector banks and the sample size is 37. The analytical tools used are weighted average, cause and effect analysis and simple percentage analysis. The key findings include the major barriers for implementing CRM in Banks is lack of guidance for the employees, resistance to change and non-accountability. The results and suggestions provided in the article could be used for identifying the major obstacles for implementing Customer Relationship Management strategies in Banks, ranking the barriers for implementation and concentrating on the most important factors; the research helps in enhancing the relationship of the bankers with the customers, the research helps in improving the retail bank's performance, and also help to improve the net worth of the customers.


The purpose of this chapter is to offer a series of studies aimed at reducing environmental pollution by turning plastic waste into valuable goods, as well as to assess the inhibitory effect of plastic waste on steel alloy corrosion in various aqueous conditions. In corrosive environments such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, nitric acid, and aqueous saline, poly (ethylene terephthalate), PET plastic waste was employed as an inexpensive and safe corrosion inhibitor for steel. The current section details the results of Poly's evaluation (ethylene terephthalate), Chemical and electrochemical evaluations of PET waste and modified products as corrosion inhibitors for steel in various media. The chapter summarize all scientific efforts and highlight the new method introduced by Reda Abdel Hameed which is a novel idea involved the green recycling of plastic waste via a solvent free green method and using the modified product obtained as green corrosion inhibitors.


1. Under what circumstances does the individual acquire a predisposition to be aggressive? 2. By what processes does the individual acquire aggressive responses? 3. What conditions appear to elicit these responses? Studies of aggression have indicated the importance of three factors which contribute to the instigation, learning, and performance of such behaviors: (a) frustration, as experienced through punitiveness, restrictiveness, and rejection; (b) modeling of aggressive figures in the environment; (c) norms or reinforcement contingencies surrounding aggressive action.