Though the state, the church, theology, and biblical interpretation have been considered 'sites of struggle' by South Africa's liberation theologies, the Bible has not. This article reappraises the work of South African Black theologian Itumeleng Mosala (thirty years later) and considers his particular understanding of the Bible as a site of struggle, drawing as he does on redaction criticism. The article analyses Mosala's notion of the ideological dimensions of redaction criticism, clarifies some of the concepts Mosala uses, argues for the role of literary methods in redactional criticism, and advocates for the inclusion of the 'exploited classes' in the exegesis as well as the appropriation of biblical texts.


In our early paradigms of the chronic stimulant intoxication syndrome, we considered a model consisting of at least two major stages.',' The earlier stage was characterized by increasing suspiciousness and repetitive behavior in humans and constricted and intense stereotypy in animals. The later stage was characterized in humans by development of a psychotic-paranoid panic behavior or a hyperreactive, fearlike state with or without hallucinations and delusions. In animals this stage is marked by a tolerance to dopamine (DA), stereotyped behaviors, and a marked increase in bizarre behaviors (eg., hyperreactivity to both real and nonexistent stimuli). We have attempted to distinguish the dosing regimens and underlying mechanisms that initiate the chronicstimulant syndrome from those that maintain We now hypothesize that dosing chronicity is not the only factor contributing to the different initiating mechanisms involved with the two stages of the stimulant intoxication syndrome.. We have been interested in different dosing schedules as they relate to the residual sensitivity to stimulant-induced psychopathology and also how the altered state is implicated in the high rate of recidivism at certain stages of stimulant withdrawal. Within a week of amphetamine (AMPH) treatment the end-stage syndrome can be produced in laboratory animals, but these short-term paradigms have not produced the intense residual syndromes that evolve over a 2-3 month period, especially when moderate dosages are used for an extended priming period. The priming period could be clinically important, as it may function to establish the noncontingently reinforced behavior that gradually evolves into the chronic syndrome (including psychosis). However, we have seen a number of high-dose (continuous 1 gram or greatedday) AMPH users who maintained an escalated dose over a period of years but did not develop a chronic syndrome. This suggests that only the lower dosepriming period may be an important factor in the development of the behavioral sensitization and/or conditioning that occurs so often in animal ~ tudies .~ In contrast to the priming period, the continuous dosing schedule (which often follows the priming period in human abuse conditions) is associated with neurotoxic effects and the more bizarre behaviors and symptoms of the later stage of the chronic syndrome. One of the principal functions of our animal paradigms is to delineate the various mechanisms that are associated with the priming stage from those of the later stage of the chronic-stimulant process.


Metformin has been used clinically more than 60 years in type 2 diabetes as the first-line drug for treatment. Metformin has been prescribed in more than 80% of Korean patients with diabetes. Despite long-term use and wide prescription of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes, many questions remain. Recent advances have revealed a new mechanism of action and new benefits of metformin. In this article, we review recent advances regarding metformin treatment.


This paper reported the studies on different periods and different intensity top-picking for the second branch of Ginkgo biloba tall seedlings after top grafting.The result showed: it could promote the sprouting of second branch by different intensity top-picking in different growth periods of new branches.But it was different at periods and amount of second branch sprouting.It was best to make top-picking at 25th April,four intensity top-picking could sprout 2.1 second branches in average and the period was earlier.The result was different by different intensity top-picking at same time,it was best to pick up 1/2 of branch,second 3/4 of branch,third 1/4 of branch,and worst top bud.


The article notes the complex technique of environmental assessment of industrial transformation of geosystems influenced by open-pit mining of widespread minerals on the territory of the Belgorod region. During the research the areas within the region, characterized by various degrees of resistance to mining impacts and different acuteness of the geoecological situation caused by the extraction of common minerals were identified. The result of its comparison was a comprehensive evaluation of geo-ecological state of geosystems in the impact zone of the common minerals mining enterprises.


Letter from Jane Ellen Cable, Executive Director of the Houston Heritage Society, to Clay Johnson, Director of Appointments for Governor Bush, requesting that Governor Bush appoint Willie Lee Gay to another term on the Texas Historical Commission.


This is an expanded and updated version of an article published in Animal Law Review. It examines how disability discrimination policy clarifies when animals may be allowed as accommodations in various settings. It provides basic statutory and regulatory framework for these settings, administrative agency guidance, and judicial interpretations of these requirements in various settings. Major settings where animals might be an accommodation are addressed separately, with particular focus on higher education institutions and health care settings.


The present invention provides an inkjet recording sheet. The inkjet recording sheet according to the present invention is a homo polypropylene, a base film comprising a propylene-ethylene random copolymer, propylene-ethylene block copolymer, high density polyethylene and polystyrene; Elongation at break is greater than the elongation of the base film, a primer layer comprising a polyolefin resin having a hydroxy substituent; And to characterized in that it comprises an ink absorbing layer, have substantially the same a texture from the original picture paper image quality in this case a very excellent, and the recording surface with a matte-treated surface is because the matte feeling can meet various desires of the consumer is. In addition, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon in which the quantum deultteuneun since it is excellent in adhesiveness to the base film and an ink absorbing layer, the rigidity (stiffness) is not a paper jam has occurred even in the appropriate range, so continuous printing. The inkjet recording sheet


Background: Asterion is the meeting point of temporal, occipital and parietal bones on the posterolateral surface of skull and surgically an important point of reference for approaching the posterior cranial fossa structures. However surgeons have been skeptical about its reliability due to population based differences in its morphology, distance with other external landmarks and also to sigmoid and transverse sinuses. Methods: In this study 50 (27 male & 23 female) adult skulls were investigated to determine the type of asterion, its distance from important bony landmarks and also the nearby venous sinuses were measured. Results: Our study revealed that type II (absence of sutural bones) was commoner than type I (presence of sutural bones) asterion. The asterion was 4.82 ± 0.58 cm from tip of the mastoid process on the right side and 4.70 ± 0.70 cm on the left. It was greater in males than in females, p value being statistically significant (P = 0.00 & P = 0.02 for right & left sides respectively). The distance of asterion from supramastoid crest was 4.22 ± 0.73 cm on the right and 4.23+/-0.58 cm on the left. The distance in males was more than in females. The P value 0.00 was statistically significant on the right side. Regarding the position of the asterion in relation to transverse sinus, it was on the transverse sinus in 62% cases, below it in 32% and above in 6%. Conclusions: The data obtained shows that the asterion is located either at the level or below the level of the transverse sinus in majority of the cases. This information is useful to neurosurgeons to reduce the risk during posterior cranial fossa surgeries. This work will also be useful to anthropologists, forensic science experts for determination of sex of the skull along with other parameters.


Frost heave and thaw settlement are primarily caused by water migration. Variations in liquid water and its components during freezing and thawing are crucial variables for investigating water migration. Here, a novel soil layer‐scanning method based on magnetic resonance imaging cryogenic soil‐moisture analysis (MRI‐CSMA) was applied to measure dynamic changes of liquid water and its components in nine layers (each 11.1‐mm thick) of four loess samples with different initial water contents (9.2%, 15.7%, 20.0%, and 30.0%) in freezing–thawing experiments under a closed system. The ice–water phase transition and water migration were key factors that controlled the liquid water and its components. During freezing, the liquid water content of each layer (except layer 7) decreased. In the frozen zone (layers 1–6), the liquid water content decreased with decreasing temperature owing to the water–ice phase transition. The lower the temperature, the higher the fraction of water that transitioned to ice. In the unfrozen zone (layers 8–9), parts of the liquid water migrated upward owing to the suction generated at the freezing front. The farther away the freezing front, the smaller the suction and quantity of water migration. During thawing, the liquid water content of each layer increased owing to the ice–water phase transition in the frozen zone and infiltrated down to the unfrozen zone. The contents of the free and adsorbed water exhibited similar change trends to the liquid water content during freezing. However, the change degree of free water was much larger than that of adsorbed water because the phase transition and migration of free water is easier than that of absorbed water. Notably, the liquid water content near the freezing front (layer 7) increased in the early stage of freezing, owing to the combined effect of soil compression and the water–ice phase transition. These results provide a reference for research on water migration in the soil during freezing–thawing and validate the advantage of MRI‐CSMA when characterising water migration in large soil samples.


Heat transport at the microscale is of vital importance in microtechnology applications.The heat transport equation is different from the traditional heat transport equation since a second order derivative of temperature with respect to time and a third-order mixed derivative of temperature with respect to space and time are introduced. In this study,we develop a hybrid finite element-finite difference (FE-FD) scheme with two levels in time for the three dimensional heat transport equation in a cylindrical thin film with submicroscale thickness. It is shown that the scheme is unconditionally stable. The scheme is then employed to obtain the temperature rise in a sub-microscale cylindrical gold film. The method can be applied to obtain the temperature rise in any thin films with sub-microscale thickness, where the geometry in the planar direction is arbitrary.


A Day in the Life of the Tjilimi Caring for Yawulyu, Singing the Land Living on the Ground Wirrimanu's White Story The Missionaries and the Tjukurrpa's Embrace Kapululangu: The Women Alders' Cultural Initiative Living Culture -- The Cultural Imperative White Culture and Black Women's Law Kurrunpa Maya: Women's Spiritual Strength and Kapululangu Glossary Index.


The quantity of coal need in China from 1980 to 1011 is analyzed quantitatively with the Grey model,Holt-Winters non-seasonal exponential smoothing model and Artificial Neutral Network model. Based on this data,a combined model is established to foresee the quantity of the coal need from 2012 to 2021. The data show that the need is constantly rising up and may reach to 5,399. 42 million tons by 2021.


In this paper,the Generalized Predictive Control( GPC) algorithm is applied to the three-tank water level process control and verify the control effect by Matlab Simulation. The simulation of Matlab also showed that the control effect of GPC algorithm is good. It is proved that the control effect of GPC algorithm is much better than PID algorithm by comparing the output simulation curves of two algorithms.


Relevant metrological scenarios involve the simultaneous estimation of multiple parameters. The fundamental ingredient to achieve quantum-enhanced performances is based on the use of appropriately tailored quantum probes. However, reaching the ultimate resolution allowed by physical laws requires non trivial estimation strategies both from a theoretical and a practical point of view. A crucial tool for this purpose is the application of adaptive learning techniques. Indeed, adaptive strategies provide a flexible approach to obtain optimal parameter-independent performances, and optimize convergence to the fundamental bounds with limited amount of resources. Here, we combine on the same platform quantum-enhanced multiparameter estimation attaining the corresponding quantum limit and adaptive techniques. We demonstrate the simultaneous estimation of three optical phases in a programmable integrated photonic circuit, in the limited resource regime. The obtained results show the possibility of successfully combining different fundamental methodologies towards transition to quantum sensors applications.


Aim: The present study highlights antisense technology where oligonucleotides have predominant role in its delivery for various diseases. Objective: Antisense compounds are biological molecules consisting of small ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) segments (Oligonucleotide) which have enormous potential for the treatment of number of diseases. Methods: All the methods analyzed were obtained through high impact articles. Results: Several impediments were made to Oligonucleotide for its widespread usage as them as drugs to overcome their lack of stability in physiological fluids and their poor penetration into cells. Experiments like, association with or encapsulation within nano-and micro sized drug delivery systems, lipids and polymers could help to increase the efficiency of oligonucleotide delivery. This review discusses the use of cationic lipids, Cell penetrating peptides, nanoparticles, microparticles and several novel methods that have recently been explored as delivery vehicles.  Conclusion: The use of naked Oligonucleotide given a clear cut way to new targets for potential therapeutic compounds. Apart this, antisense therapy represents a promising and evolving approach to the management of numerous diseases in which a specific abnormality has been identified as a primary or major contributing etiologic factor. In near future, authors strongly believe that antisense therapy will give a positive way for number of In vitro experiments and break through for many life threatening diseases.


: The main aim of this paper is to get clear idea about the modification, calculation(Motor Power).In today's modernized world travelling is very essential for human being in order to protract in this world. And to do so his travelling should be done in minimum possible way and in minimum time. This paper details about electric scooter which run on battery thereby providing voltage to the hub motor. This paper compromises with modification in IC engine gearless scooter into an EV. Which make use of electric energy as a primary source and solar energy if possible by attaching solar panel. It also highlights on the modification aspects of the scooter. There is provision for charging the battery by ejecting it by the main system. The electrical power generated which is used to run the scooter can give better fuel economy compare to conventional vehicle ,better performance and also causes less pollution.


It has long been observed that some consumers may view product price as an indicator of product quality. The rationale for choosing price as an indicator of quality appears to be the belief that markets are essentially efficient and that the higher costs associated with higher quality must be reflected by a higher product price. Earlier authors [1;4;5;6;7; 11;14] have taken note of this phenomenon and have concluded that consumer preferences must be dependent on product price in this case. It is argued in this paper that it is rational to judge quality by price only if the consumer is uncertain about product quality. This implies that expectations are price dependent. Since the consumer rarely knows the exact quality of any product prior to its purchase, the use of quality indicators may be more prevalent than traditional theory would imply. If preferences or expectations are dependent on price, the traditional properties of demand equations may not hold. For example, demand may not be free of money illusion [5, 497]. Pollak' has observed that "... judging the quality of a product by its price is a rational strategy for an uncertain consumer.. ." [7, 64]. He then proceeds to model price dependent preference behavior under certainty. In a deterministic environment, quality is known with certainty. If quality is known with certainty, then it is not rational for the consumer to use indirect quality indicators such as the price of the product. The principal thesis of this paper is that ex ante uncertainty about product quality can lead to price dependent subjective expectations rather than price dependent preferences. Hence, a change in price may cause a revision of expectations and not a shift in the consumer's preferences. In section II, I present a model of subjective expectations where product price is a prior indicator of product quality. A specific model of the revision of expectations is set forth.2 Two models of consumer behavior with uncertain product quality are contained in section III. In the first model, we assume that there is no demand for quality per se and that


PURPOSE: To provide a compact optical converter with which the maximum resolution can be obtained by using the interpolation of high accuracy, by projection a pattern of light and shade having a correlation with the geometric structure, onto at least one photosensitive array surface of the shape of an integrated circuit. CONSTITUTION: An integrated circuit 1 comprises a photosensitive increment- measuring range 1A and a photosensitive absolute measuring range 1B. An absolute measuring system of low resolution and that of high resolution have a common luminescent means. They receive radiation of light from a common light source 3 and have a common optical image of both of a code track B to the absolute position of a scale 5, and a code track A to the increment shift, on a common photosensitive detector. When the light and shade pattern having the geometric correlation to the geometric structure of the surface is projected onto at least one photosensitive array surface of the shape of the integrated circuit 1, the interpolation can be performed with the accuracy of the integrated circuit 1 or an outline of the photosensitive surface of the same, as the result of the photosensitivity thereof. COPYRIGHT: (C)1995,JPO


The aim of this study is to assess and document the influence of collaborative watershed partnership processes on realising outcomes: improvement in social conditions and implementation of restoration projects in the Philadelphia region. Methods include primary document review, a survey of partnership participants and quantitative analysis. This analysis identifies correlations between the quality of the collaborative process and changes in social conditions. In addition, although participants in the partnerships have implemented a range of watershed restoration projects, the influence of the process on implementation is ambiguous. The collaborative processes yield agreements, improve learning and build social capital; yet these alone may be insufficient to overcome barriers to implementation.


According to the strengths and weaknesses of the L2-norm Support Vector Machine(SVM) and the L1-norm SVM in the classification analysis of cancer gene,a Doubly Regularized Support Vector Machine(DRSVM) is applied to the DNA microarray classification based on the Bhattacharyya distance,which is used to eliminate most of the unimportant genes and gain a few highly correlated important genes for classification.A quadratic polynomial loss function changes the constrained optimization into unconstrained and differentiable optimization,which can be computed by Brogden-Fltcher-Goldfarb-Shanno(BFGS) algorithm.Experiment results on two kinds of tumor gene data sets show that this method is effective and feasible.


Apoptosis is implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Extracellular guanosine inhibits staurosporine-induced apoptosis in astrocytes. We examined whether guanosine protects SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells against &bgr;-amyloid (&bgr;A)-induced apoptosis. Addition of &bgr;A (fragment 25-35, 5 μM for 24 h) to SH-SY5Y cells increased the number of apoptotic cells, as evaluated by oligonucleosome ELISA. Guanosine pre-treatment decreased &bgr;A-induced apoptosis (maximal effect after 24 h, 300 μM, p<0.05). The anti-apoptotic effect of guanosine was reduced by LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) or PD98059 (MEK inhibitor) (p<0.05). Guanosine increased phosphorylation of Akt/PKB, and this was abolished by inhibiting PI3K or MEK, (p<0.001, 5 min). Thus, the protective effect of guanosine against &bgr;A-induced apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells is mediated via activation of the PI3K/Akt/PKB and MAPK pathways.


This research, with the recent change in the paradigm of education, has its purpose on suggesting the direction of Japanese education that best suits the environment in Korea, by analyzing the education and information policy in Korea and Japan. As it is shown in Mackey"s model, policy in language and education cannot be separated, and the 'smart education' policy as well as 'Education and Information Vision' that is implemented in Korea and Japan is likely to be connected with policies in language in the near future. Both of these policies has its goals on the spreading of information in education, and is predicted to lead to development in contents in regard to education of foreign language. When looking at recently developed smart-learning programs, it can be found that the credibility and authenticity is weak because in most of those programs, there was no participation of experts in Japanese education. Thus there is a need for expertise in Japanese education for development of these contents and also many attempts with application of 'smart-learning' collaboration of technology and academic knowledge in humanities and education is needed. At the same time, various support from the government is essential so that these policies can simultaneously work together, along with the field of foreign language education.


A device for containing different kinds of materials is provided to fall the contents of a storing space immediately in opening an operating unit in a rotary method and to let a user drink beverage conveniently by making the air flow into a container through an air inflow unit. A discharge device(1) for containing different kinds of materials is combined or attached in a direction of discharging the contents of a container(100) and provided with a containing part(20) disposed in a fixing unit(10) and formed with an inner storing space(21). An opening and closing hole closing unit(11) for opening and shutting an opening and closing hole(22) formed at the lower end of the storing space of the containing part is formed about an inlet portion(12) of the fixing unit. An operating unit(30) assembled in the inlet portion of the fixing unit has a hole at the upper end. The hole communicates with a discharge hole(33) formed at the lateral side. The contents of the storing space are sealed up by shutting up the opening and closing unit disposed on the same extension line of the discharge hole by the closing unit.


Introductions: Stillbirth (SB) is one of the most common adverse outcomes of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the SB rate and to identify the likely causes contributing to SB.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Patan Hospital from 15th June 2014 to 14th June 2017 for all the cases of SBs, at or after 22 weeks, birth weight of 500 gm or more. The perinatal outcome, demographic profile, fetal characteristics, causes and contributing factors were analyzed.
Results: There were 262 SB out of total 23069 deliveries, (11.24 per 1000) and 119 (46.12%) had antenatal check-up (ANC) at Patan Hospital. The 214 (82.95%) SB were among 20-34 years mothers, 133 (51.55%) being multigravida. Antepartum SB were 234 (89.31%), macerated 213 (81.30%), birth weight <1000gm 86 (32.82%) and male 156 (59.54%). The intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was present in 60 (22.90%), unexplained casue in 43 (16.41%), prematurity 28 (10.69%), congenital anomalies 26 (9.92%), pre-eclampsia 19 (7.25%), gestational diabetes, and abruptio placenta each 13 (4.96%). Delay in seeking care in 202 (78.30%) was a potential contributing factor.
Conclusions: The SB was 11.24/1000 births. The causes in descending order were IUGR, unexplained, prematurity, congenital anomalies, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and abruptio placenta. Delay in seeking care was found as a potential contributing factor.


The latest video coding standard, Versatile Video Coding (VVC) also called H.266, adopts quadtree with nested multitype tree (QTMT) coding block structure and still uses recursive rate-distortion (RD) to find the best intraframe coding unit (CU) partition, which accounts for more than 97% of the coding time. To address this problem, in this paper, we propose a fast CNN-based intraframe CU partition algorithm. The proposed approach, containing the CNN model, is implemented on the VVC official software VTM 14.0. A CU size of 64 × 64 is the input of the CNN, and the common test condition (CTC) sequences are encoded using four QPs {22,27,32,37} in the All-Intra (AI) configuration to verify the proposed method. The results showed that the encoding time was reduced by 42.15% in AI mode at the cost of a 0.85% increase in Bjøntegaard delta bit rate (BD-BR) compared with the official VTM14.0.


Fats and oils are triglycerides containing one unit of glycerol with three units of fatty acids. It also contained mono- and diglycerides, phosphatides, cerebrosides, sterols, terpenes, fatty alcohols, free fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and other substances. Fats and oils are recognized as essential nutrients in both human and animal diets. They provide the most concentrated source of energy and also provide essential fatty acids which are precursors for important hormones. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of geometrical and positional isomers of linoleic acid. In contrast to linoleic acid, double bonds in CLA are usually located at positions 9 and 11 or 10 and 12 and each double bond can be either in the cis or trans configuration. Meat and dairy products from ruminant animals are the principal natural sources of CLA in the human diet. Dietary CLA has been shown to have potent anti-carcinogenic, antiatherogenic, immune modulating and also have other biological activities. The CLA was also reported to reduce body fat content. Key words: anti-atherogenic, anticarcinogenic, conjugated linoleic acid, Fats and oils, immune modulator


The thinking that a company needs to evolve itself isn't a new thing, but has become more prominent these last few years due to the increase in information sharing and the evolving technology. This ...


Silicon carbide particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites have been developed over past few decades, owing to their excellent properties like light weight, wear resistance and high elastic modulus. Thus, the silicon carbide particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites are expected to have many applications in aerospace, automobile, aircraft and electronic industries. In this study, aluminum metal matrix composites contains two weight percentages of reinforcement particles were prepared by mechanical alloying. The main steps in mechanical alloying are milling, compacting and sintering. The experiments were performed on two composition of silicon carbide powder in the composite. The study presents the results of the influence of milling time on aluminum- silicon carbide composite and the effect of different weight percentage of silicon carbide in composite on hardness and microstructure of the composite. Aluminum and silicon carbide particles are mixed of different milling times 0, 40, 80, 120 minute. Digital image analyzer was used to characterize the composites. The effect of weight percentage of silicon carbide on hardness of composites was investigated by using Vickers hardness Test. Hardness of the composites increased with increasing silicon carbide addition in it.


There is deficiency in traditional map matching algorithm for vehicle positioning system in primary screening method of matching road.Therefore,a primary screening method of matching road based on multilevel division of road network is presented.The new method makes sure that the primary screening area can be positioned quickly and accurately and the roads can be quickly caught with the strategy of multilevel and simple division of road network and choosing the targets step by step.The new method and the traditional methods are tested and compared with the real GPS data at the end of the paper.The conclusion shows that the new method is applicable for the real condition and has a better result.


Five varieties viz., Caesar, Aymara, Ivory, Jewel, and Triticaca were in use for the study in Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications. Significant differences among cultivars were noted for all attributes evaluated. Variety 'Triticaca' had maximum stalk length and diameter, spathe length and breadth, spadix length, vase life and flowers per plant. Through present analysis it is noticed that, variety 'Titicaca' are exceedingly preferred because of its attractive flowers, excellent flower size, yield potentiality and long shelf life. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v37i1.15686 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 37, No. 1, 103-107, 2013


This study examined the impact of flexi-working arrangements on employee's commitment in SABIC . A sample of 110 respondents selected for this study using a simple random sampling method .The study was guided by 15 questions designed to cover the main indicators of the relationships between the flexi-working arrangements factors and employee's commitment . A selfadministered questionnaires used a five-point Likert structured have sent by emails to all respondents . The questionnaires had reliability co-efficient of .76 (Cronbach's Alpha). Data collected was analyzed using a descriptive statistics. Correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the correlation between independent variables and dependent variable. A well-known Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to analyze the data of this study . The main findings show a significant correlation between the variables of this study .


Objective To provide scientific evidence for the name of talar cauda and study its clinical significance of fracture. Methods 804 lateral view X-rays of ankle joint in adult and 330 dry adult tali were observed and measured for the length, width, thickness of the talar cauda. The talar cauda and the shape of the whole talus were also analysed. Results The shape of the whole talus looked like a tortoise, and actually had tail. The talar cauda could be devided into long(6.6%), middle(78.3%), short(14.2%) and zero(0.9%) types according to its length. The dry adult tali had the same date as the clinical observations. Conclusion The talus should be devided into four parts of the head, neek, body and tail, which will be in accord with the principle anatomic nomination and clinical usage. In fact, the talar postmestoid fracture is the fracture of talar tail. It should be resected in cases with continuing pain of the ankle.


This article reports practical experiences with workforce health promotion in domiciliary care arising from an ongoing EU-funded Austrian project. We review research-based findings on working conditions and indicate starting points for healthpromoting measures. We describe the approach, and give an insight into challenges and obstacles to workplace health promotion in this field of work. The issues have strong relevance for the UK.


LAW is one method of solving human problems. As law is established with the sanction of the community, common sense would suggest keeping the rules of law close to the individual, so that he may have recourse to them to solve his problems and not be driven to extra-legal methods in cases where there is a clear legal right. Many factors contribute to make a gap between the common man and the administration of justice. Our legal system in general is fixed and may be modified only bit by bit as the result of legislative effort. The people, however, and their problems are constantly changing. They grow past the machinery set up for them, and unless that machinery is constantly adapted to meet the new needs, the gap grows wider.


This study, based on surveys of legislators in South Dakota, Texas, and Kentucky, measures the members' perceptions of the goals of reforms adopted a few years ago in the legislatures of these states. It shows that there are large differences among members in their perception of goals—differences not generally explained by party or faction, members' status (chairmanships), or seniority. Reforms are more likely to be associated with transitive than with reflective goals; that is, they are related to the legislature and its environment and are not internally oriented.


e436 www.ccmjournal.org May 2019 • Volume 47 • Number 5 REFERENCES 1. Patel JJ, Bergl P: Thiamine and Difficulties in Differentiating Type A From B Lactic Acidosis. Crit Care Med 2019; 47:e434–e435 2. Woolum JA, Abner EL, Kelly A, et al: Effect of thiamine administration on lactate clearance and mortality in patients with septic shock. Crit Care Med 2018; 46:1747–1752 3. Sterling SA, Puskarich MA, Jones AE: The effect of liver disease on lactate normalization in severe sepsis and septic shock: A cohort study. Clin Exp Emerg Med 2015; 2:197–202 4. Masyuk M, Wernly B, Lichtenauer M, et al: Prognostic relevance of serum lactate kinetics in critically ill patients. Intensive Care Med 2019; 45:55–61 5. Marik PE, Bellomo R: Lactate clearance as a target of therapy in sepsis: A flawed paradigm. OA Critical Care 2013; 1:3


The paper attempts to explore how women and men differ in their individual investment preferences. Although there are some studies for the investors in developed countries, the subject has been overlooked in emerging and underdeveloped countries. Therefore, this study is the first empirical study exploring the investment behaviors of women and men by focusing on an emerging country, Turkey. For the purpose to find out how investment preferences of men and women differ towards six investment tools, namely, gold, foreign currency, funds, common stocks, real estates, and time deposits, a discriminant analysis and a logistic regression were exercised. The results revealed that while men investors prefer common stocks and real estate to invest women investors are more risk averse and invest fund, time deposit and gold. There is no significant difference between men and women in foreign currency investment.


The Law Library of the University of Malaya uses the Los Angeles County Law Library scheme of classification. The scheme was however found to be unsuitable for local conditions and needs. In this article the author informs of the special system of location symbols, which she devised to distinguish the various forms of legal materials. A subject classification for legal textbooks was also devised. This system has been successfully used in the Law Library, University of Malaya since 1975. Several other local libraries have also started using this system for their collection of legal materials.


The HMVC architechure pattern is a variant of MVC.It doesn't inherit advantages of MVC only,but can also flexibly organise rich client which makes the structure clear and logical! All of these indicate that HMVC is an excellent rich-client architecture solution.Today,the wild application of window designer which supports code generating improves the development efficiency,and also introduces many troubles including the difficulty of applying HMVC.In virtue of the separatin"gviews"and"controls"design philosophy,we can resove these problems and achieve the win-win aim both of efficient development and logical architecture.


On July 5th, 1960, only five days after independence, the Commanding General of the new Congolese National Army, Emile Janssens, called a meeting of the Congolese non-commissioned officers of the Leopoldville garrison, to discuss certain signs of indiscipline which he detected. Janssens was a blunt and outspoken man, unaccustomed to diluting his words with tact or diplomacy-indeed, a most bizarre commanding general for an army whose mission was now to preserve order for the new radical African nationalist government of Patrice Lumumba. Since his retirement, Janssens has placed his leadership talents at the service of miscellaneous neo-fascist organisations in Belgium. And on that particular day, the General strode into the room, with a couple of hundred Congolese non-coms standing stiffly at attention, strode to the black-board, and wrote AFTER INDEPENDENCE = BEFORE INDEPENDENCE. Later that same afternoon, the first outright instances of disobedience to the European officers began. And that evening, when a column of reinforcements summoned from the nearby garrison at Thysville refused to march, and arrested its European officers instead, the mutiny was on-and the Congo had entered the dreary cycle of breakdown-a downward spiral which reached its nadir at the end of the year.


Gate leakage currents in VLSI MOS transistors can be studied using MOS capacitors which consist of a thin-oxide dielectric sandwiched between a gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate. Application of voltage to the gate can result in small amounts of current passing through the oxide film as a consequence of quantum-mechanical tunneling. This current may in time cause changes in the film's dielectric properties which result in a degradation of the capacitor's electrical characteristics. The factors governing these dielectric changes have been studied. Since actual devices operate in a pulsed rather than a DC mode, it is necessary to compare the effects observed under both conditions.<<ETX>>


Water, food and energy are three essential elements of life and, therefore, they need to be made internally secured in a long lasting manner. In the case of Nepal, river waters are the basic sources of all these elements and are the only resources available indigenously in Nepal for these purposes. Rapti (West), being medium size river of rain-fed nature, the dry spell continues long from December up to the end of May; at the same time the flood waters available particularly in July, August and September create havoc by flooding in the downstream reaches. The Kapilvastu area which can be commanded by the Rapti (West) river does not have other dependable sources for fulfilling its requirements. The only way to fulfill its requirements without affecting downstream users is, thus, to capture a portion of flood water of Rapti behind a storage dam aimed at diversion to Kapilvastu for use during dry season. An appropriate site for such purpose is located at Bhalubang. Hence, this site needs to be developed first to ensure the diversion to Kapilvastu and then a much higher storage dam site at Naumore could, later at appropriate time but within 25 to 30 years after development of Bhalubang site, be developed for increasing the flow regulation potential of the Rapti River so that the hydropower generation, flood control and intensification of irrigated agriculture at its commendable areas, could be maximized.  HYDRO Nepal Journal of Water Energy and Environment Volume- 18, 2016, January Page -1 to 5


New Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Pd(II) complexes of higher alkanoyl derivatives of 6,6′-diamino-2,2′-bipyridine were synthesized and their mesogenic properties were investigated. The Cu(II) complexes appear to exhibit a smectic C structure in their mesophase state.


One of the major aims of linguistic theory is to determine what is universal vs. language-specific within grammatical systems. In phonology, for example, a number of universals have been proposed and incorporated into the various subtheories that deal with segmental and prosodic aspects of sound systems. In his original autosegmental theory, for instance, Goldsmith (1976) provided a formalism and a set of principles embodying a number of universal claims about how different tiers may link to each other. Most of the support for this theory came from the study of tone: tones (Ts) were said to reside on separate 'tiers' joined by association lines to their respective tone-bearing units (TBUs).


Many nonlinear problems that arise in various sciences and engineering fields can be described by the Goursat partial differential equation. The study of this problem has not received much attention especially in theoretical parts. The proposed scheme is supported by examining a nonlinear Goursat problem and the verification of these theoretical results from several series of numerical experiments are discussed. Results obtained show that the proposed new scheme is consistent through Taylor series expansion and stable by using the von Neumann analysis and essence of stability. In addition to that, by looking at the trend of the numerical results it is proved that the new scheme is also convergent.


After analysis of the natural nucleotide sequence of goose IFN-α gene,rare codons in the gene were replaced by dominant codons using online analysis tools and free bio-software codon adeption index(CAI) was optimized for expression.Tandem rare codons in four places of the sequence were replaced by dominant codons.The mRNA secondary structure and Gibbs' free energy around ATG and TAA were optimized for the high expression of goose IFN-α gene in Escherichia coli.The synthesized gene was inserted into between EcoRⅠ and SalⅠ sites of the prokaryotic expression vector pWL.SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the expressed product was 18.83ku in size,and accounted for 35.3% of the total cellular proteins in inclusion bodies.After renaturation and purification,the purity of expressed protein was 98%,and its activity was 1.28×107U/mL.


In this editorial, we introduce the new International Journal on Magnetic Particle Imaging (IJMPI) that will be a future platform for publishing high quality research articles on MPI. This journal has its origins in the International Workshop on Magnetic Particle Imaging (IWMPI), which is a unique annual meeting where the scientific MPI community discusses recent highlights of their research. The scope of the IJMPI ranges from imaging sequences and reconstruction over scanner instrumentation and particle developments to pre-clinical and clinical applications. Journal articles will be published online with open access under a Creative Commons License. We encourage the submission of research papers within the scope of the IJMPI from now on in order to share ideas and experiences with a focussed audience.


Adaptive antennas are among the favourite techniques to help the current systems evolve towards third generation mobile communication systems. However, among the major concerns for adaptive antenna systems are the calibration process and the non-linearity effects of the RF-IF chains upon the performance of the beamforming network. This article investigates these issues based on experimental results produced with the adaptive antenna testbed that was developed under the RACE TSUNAMI project. Results highlight the sensitivity of the system on both the linearisation and the calibration processes employed.


Cyclic codes are very attractive for error detection because of their low cost encoding and decoding circuits, and because of their high guaranteed minimum distance, but they suffer from very poor protection when word frame synchronization is lost. This note suggests starting the encoder and decoder circuits in an essentially random state, instead of the usual all-zero state. Under this condition of operation it is shown that the undetected error rate against synchronization loss is 2^{-p} where p is the number of parity check bits.


ABSTRACT Legacy media have responded to the introduction of digital-born news sites by instigating their own online platforms, reflecting the extent to which journalism operates within a hybrid media environment. This article aims to test if and how digital journalism makes its hybridity manifest by using various online affordances. We used content analysis to compare the extent to which BBC News, Mail Online, The Guardian, Buzzfeed and Huffington Post exploit video, hyperlinks, and Twitter posts to better inform citizens about politics during the 2017 UK election. We found that online news sites did not use video extensively. Hyperlinks were frequently used. Digital-born news sites linked more widely than their public service and commercial legacy counterparts who, in contrast, used more internal links. Digital-born sites used more embedded tweets than legacy sites. We also found that online news preferred to link to journalistic content and tweets than, say, official government or other expert sources. These findings show the hybridity of online news in the UK because both public service and commercial legacy media adopt some online practices but reject others, just as digital-born sites blend traditional journalism with digital tools to produce new ways of supporting their journalism.


In visiting more than a hundred special libraries and information units in Britain (not to use their resources but to study their methods) I have often been concerned by the inadequacy of the private indexing systems in use, although there were many exceptions. The classifications were often crude, and/or outdated, and/or quite insufficiently detailed, and were seldom provided with good subject indexes. Alphabetical subject‐heading indexes are more difficult to assess on a brief visit, but these were seldom detailed enough, so that fifty or more documents could be indexed under one heading. Seldom was there a separate subject‐headings list, and often no recognition of the need of one. Guidance for the user was very often poor.


Background and objective:  A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 33 is a susceptibility gene associated with inflammatory lung and skin diseases. It is selectively expressed in mesenchymal cells, and its metalloprotease activity has been linked to angiogenesis and tissue remodelling. A soluble form of ADAM33 (sADAM33) has been identified in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of asthmatic patients, and its levels inversely correlate with lung function. Because of its association with inflammatory lung diseases, it was hypothesized that sADAM33 is elevated in BALF of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.


To undertake a literature search and critical appraisal of best available evidence to answer the clinical question: Does the addition of clonidine (I) to standard treatment with an opioid (C) improve outcomes (O) in infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome? A search of both comprehensive (MedLine and Embase) and pre‐filtered databases (Dynamed, UpToDate and TRIP), utilising Boolean Operators to combine search terms appropriately. Three relevant studies were identified. One paper describing the outcomes of a randomised controlled trial by Agthe et al. (2009) most accurately answered the clinical question posed. This paper was critically appraised, and evidence applied to the clinical scenario. The use of clonidine as an adjunct to opioid in the management of infants with NAS reduces the total number of treatment days and dose of opioid required to control symptoms. However, there is a higher risk of rebound in symptoms post‐cessation of opioid and clinicians need to account for this in their discharge planning. More large scale, multi‐centre high‐quality research is needed to clarify the role of clonidine in the treatment of NAS: as monotherapy versus adjunct, the optimal dose and longer‐term impact on neurodevelopment.


Here, stochastic analysis of a three-unit repairable system is carried out with one main unit (class I unit) and two cold standby identical secondary units (class II units). The secondary units are less efficient than the main unit and neither can bear the load of the main unit. However, the secondary units can work simultaneously at the failure of the main unit. The priority is given to the class I unit for operation and repair. Repair activities are handled by a single server and assumed to be perfect. Failures of class I unit and class II units are different but constant. The repair distributions of both types of units are taken as general. The expressions for reliability measures and profit function are derived using Semi-Markov Process (SMP) and regenerative point technique. The application of the proposed model can be visualised in a power supply system.


Abstract : Understanding the detailed ignition, flame-spreading, and combustion processes inside of a granular solid-propellant bed is vital for accurate interior ballistic modeling, and for the development of ballistic propulsion systems. Experiments were conducted to investigate both the penetration characteristics of pyrotechnic igniter jets, and the subsequent flame spreading processes in a granular bed. The experiments utilized both live and inert propellant, in conjunction with high-speed photography and photodetectors. A singular igniter jet was discharged axially into an inert granular bed. This setup was designed to study the region of particles coated by the condensed-phase products of the igniter jet. This information is very useful since the ignition behavior of live propellants is dependent upon both convective heating by the igniter jet as well as conductive heating by the deposited condensed-phase products. Three correlations were developed that describe the region of the granular bed coated by the condensed-phase products from the igniter jet; these include: 1) the axial depth of penetration, 2) maximum radial penetration, and 3) the volume of the coated region. These parameters were found as functions of the Reynolds number based on the operating conditions of the igniter jet and granular bed.


An information system for building design is explored as a case history, with emphasis on the characteristics most important to the user. Experience with the system suggested that key criteria are the effectiveness with which designs are represented in the computer, and the ease with which users can work with the stored material. The design of a simple information system that appears to meet these criteria is des cri bed.


EveryninehoursaUS ArmySoldier dies. Eachandevery deathaffects thelives andvitality ofthis great country whilereducing ourcombatpoweragainst thecurrent andfutureenemy.The Army Combat Readiness Center(CRC)hastransformed intoa knowledge center foralllosses andislooking tothis research asa meansofidentifying themostsevere hazards inArmygroundvehicle operations. Toaddress thisissuethisresearch incorporates thevalues ofthe Armyanditscurrent decision-makers intoasystematic andlogical decision structure thatanalyzes existing hazardswhileidentifying themostserious driving mishaps. Thispaperdiscusses thedataanalysis of11,012 driving mishapsandthemethodsusedtoaccurately identify the leadinghazardsin groundvehicle operations. Thisresearch confirmsthatClassA accurately reflects thedistribution of the entire population ofArmyAccidents (Class A-C).Ultimately, thisresearchprovidesempirical evidencethat Motivation istheleading causeindriving mishaps. The results ofthisresearch provide thegroundwork forthe selection ofcontrols tominimize driving mishaps, and preserve oneofourcountry's greatest assets - the American Soldier.


Summary Two studies tested the hypotheses that children are sensitive to variations in the procedural and outcome fairness processes involved in making judgments of an authority figure. Ss were 132 children (66 male and 66 female; median age 10.9 years). In Study 1 the Ss were told a story about a child who was rewarded by the mother by fair or unfair procedures. Outcomes were varied at three levels: higher than, equal to, and lower than deserved. Experimental Ss were subsequently required to rate the child's outcome satisfaction with mother and to evaluate the mother's fairness. Study 2 examined through questioning procedures whether children's satisfaction with mother was influenced by the degree of influence over mother and the benefits received from her. Separate analyses were done to examine procedural fairness, and outcomes with respect to level, satisfaction, and fairness. Results supported the prediction that children have potentials for evaluating an authority figure's procedural and outcome fair...


Introduction Factor XI is a plasma glycoprotein (concentration ∼30 nM) that was first identified by Rosenthal et al1 as a plasma coagulation factor deficiency in patients with abnormal hemostasis, particularly common among Ashkenazi Jews.2,3 In spite of recent advances in our understanding of the structure of factor XI and its gene, the structure-function relationships of the protein, and the molecular genetics of factor XI deficiency, considerable confusion about the physiologic role and clinical relevance of factor XI has arisen from both clinical and biochemical observations. One problem arises from the fact that, until recently, the only known pathway for activation of factor XI involved proteolytic activation by factor XIIa and interactions with coagulation proteins of the contact phase of blood coagulation.4-7 The problem arose from the clinical observation that patients with deficiencies of factor XI are subject to bleeding complications, whereas patients with deficiencies of the contact proteins are not.2,3,8-13 A related unanswered question concerns the lack of correlation in many reported patients between plasma levels of factor XI and the severity of clinical bleeding manifestations.2,3,8,9,13-15 In addition, some patients with severe factor XI deficiency experience significant bleeding complications, whereas others appear to be hemostatically normal. These clinical and biochemical observations have motivated investigations focused on alternative mechanisms for activation of factor XI independent of contact phase protein.19-22 Additional studies have focused on the identification and characterization of platelet factor XI, which is postulated to be an alternative splicing product of the factor XI gene. Platelet factor XI is present in platelet membranes and might substitute for plasma factor XI in hemostasis and account for the absence of bleeding complications in some patients with severe plasma factor XI deficiency.14,16-18,23-26 Studies addressing these two important and related problems are presented and discussed in this chapter.


Objective:To investigate the change of Survivin and its splice variants(Survivin-2B and Survivin-△Ex3),P53,MDM2 in the apoptosis of Jurkat cell induced by Daunorubicin(DNR). Method:Jurkat cell was treated by DNR with different concentrations(0.1 mg/L,1 mg/L,10 mg/L) for 12 h and 24 h.Survivin,Survivin-2B,Survivin-△Ex3,P53 and MDM2 mRNA were measured by RT-PCR.The expression of Survivin,P53,MDM2 proteins were detected by Western-blot. Result:The mRNA expressions of Survivin and Survivin-△Ex3 were inhibited by DNR in time-and dose-dependent manners,but the mRNA expressions of Survivin-2B and P53 were improved(P0.05).The mRNA expression of MDM2 was inhibited by DNR in time-dependent manner and not all dose-dependent manner(P0.05).Survivin and MDM2 proteins decreased by DNR in time-and dose-dependent manners,but P53 protein increased(P0.05). Conclusion:DNR induces the apoptosis of Jurkat cell not only through inhibiting the expressions of Survivin,Survivin-△Ex3 and MDM2 but also improving the expressions of Survivin-2B and P53 in time-and dose-dependent manners.Leukemia cells may become susceptive to DNR via disturbing the expressions of Survivin,Survivin-△Ex3 and MDM2,thereby improving clinical remission rate and prognosis.


with skin?," Sidonie Smith asks in a  essay entitled "Identity's Body" (). In his  autobiography,  e Secret Life of Salvador Dalí, the eccentric Spanish artist addresses this very question, acknowledging that to theorize skin is to theorize boundaries, surfaces, façades, and protective layerings, while to theorize autobiography is to negotiate similar dialectics between reality and surreality, truth and fi ction, revelation and concealment. Skin, in fact, is a central sign in  e Secret Life, a book in which Dalí problematizes the interface between innocence and experience, interior and exterior, and the stability and tractability of his own highly celebrated public persona.  is is a strategy which Dalí employs in the Secret of the title of his work, in which he suggests the permeation of the social mask "New Skin, a New Land!": Dalí's American Metamorphosis


In analysis RC structure with ANSYS, the establss shoneuf of a proper FEA model is important.If the FEA model is not correct,there will make mistakes. In this paper,based on the application study of ANSYS in the analysis of RC structure combined with the specific characteristics of the horizontal-flow tank,the auther gave the building method of 3D entity model to RC structure.


A 47-year-old woman complaining of diarrhea and vomiting was admitted on the suspicion of gallstone ileus 4 days after onset. Upper gastrointestinal radiography by Gastrografin showed a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Laparoscopic-assisted simple enterolithotomy was performed. The omentum was severely adherent to the gall bladder and fistula, though biliary surgery was not performed. Without second look operation, for cholecystoduodenal fistula closed spontaneously.


Summary We utilized the Boise National Forest's Hazard/Risk model, along with fire history records and fire behavior models, to estimate the current and anticipated levels of large wildfires and associated greenhouse gas and particulate emissions based on the forest condition and wildfire regime on the BNF. The model indicated that the forests at greatest risk of large, intense wildfires are the dense pondero-sa pine-Douglas-fir forests that make up over 1.1 million acres on the forest. We conclude that without an aggressive treatment program to reduce large areas of contiguous heavy fuel loadings the forest will be burned at an annual average rate of about 7.5% of the remaining at-risk forest. Using recent fire data to develop average patterns of intensity in wildfires within this forest type, we estimate that emissions will average around 1 million tons of carbon (C) per year over the next 20 years as the bulk of the ponderosa pine forests are burned. An aggressive treatment program featuring the removal of fuels where necessary, and prescribed fire as a means of re-introducing fire to these ecosystems, would result in a 30-50 percent reduction in the average annual wildfire experienced in the dense ponderosa pine forests, a 14-35% decrease in the average annual C emissions, and a 10-31% decrease in particulate emissions. We argue that the most effective way to curb emissions is with an aggressive treatment program linked to a landscape-based ecosystem management plan. This would have the effect of breaking up large contiguous landscape patterns so that fires become more patchy and diverse in their environmental impact, resulting in significantly reduced emissions as well as improved landscape diversity.


The debate over what actually constitutes nursing has raged fiercely for years. Traditionally, the influence of the medical hegemony has had a profound effect on nursing's development (1), promoting a traditionalist, positivist approach to its future. This has fuelled the idea of nursing as science, and heavily influenced early research methods in nursing, which adopted primarily an empirical, reductionist, objective approach (2). Nursing has been slow to develop its own body of research, perhaps because of the inability to define what nursing is. One consequence has been that nurses in general have developed little appreciation and understanding of research. Initial development of a research method for nursing followed the methods of the day, namely an empirical approach. In more recent years, partly as a result of the development and influence of the social sciences, there has been a move towards nursing as an art as well as a science (2), resulting in a more humanistic approach to research. Phenomenology and grounded theory are


This paper proposes a method to calculate the ozone radiative forcing (RF) at surface in the ultraviolet (UV) spectral range for all‐sky conditions based on the estimation of the ozone efficiency (OE) from experimental data that are subsequently applied to changes on the total ozone column (TOC) since late 1970s. The OE is defined as the rate at which the solar UV irradiance is "forced" per TOC unit, being estimated for all‐sky conditions from UV‐B (280–320 nm) and TOC data recorded with a Bentham spectroradiometer at Granada (Spain). The results showed a clear seasonal pattern in the OE values with largest monthly averages (in absolute terms) in July (−4.2 ± 0.3 mW/m2 per Dobson Unit) and the smallest in January (−0.7 ± 0.3 mW/m2 per Dobson Unit). The continuous and consistent TOC data set (1979–2008) provided by the Multisensor Reanalysis over the study site showed that spring months present the largest annual TOC changes relative to 1979 while summer months exhibit small variations. Thus, spring has the largest contribution (~53%) to annual ozone RF followed by summer (~17%), winter (~16%), and autumn (~4%). The evolution of the ozone RF relative to 1979 in the UV‐B range at Granada showed positive values for most of years (between 5 and 40 mW/m2). Finally, the long‐term evolution of the ozone RF exhibited a positive trend until the mid‐1990s and, subsequently, a weak negative trend until the end of the analyzed period.


11:00–11:50, Shinya Harada (KIAS) Hasse-Weil zeta function of absolutely irreducible SL2-representations of the figure 8 knot group 14:00–14:50, Kentaro Ihara (PMI, POSTECH) Automorphisms and derivations on the algebra of noncommutative power series 15:00–15:50, Woo-sun Lee (POSTECH) Quartets in maximal weakly compatible split systems 16:10–17:00, Kyoung-tark Kim (PNU) On relation between mutually unbiased bases and orthogonal decomposition of simple Lie algebras of type A (survey) 17:10–18:00, Tommy Jensen (Kyungpook National University) Algorithms for algebraic graph problems 18:30–20:30, Banquet


The analysis of the impact of the crisis on the activity of the enterprises of the region and on the human resource management system of the given organizations is presented. Priority human resource management functions in the crisis conditions are marked out: the scaling of the necessary number of employees the personnel performance appraisal the remuneration of the personnel"s labor. The system of measures concerning the personnel at the enterprises of the Irkutsk region in the prevailing economic conditions is described.


The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-releasing activity of certain dextran fractions on rabbit platelets was investigated. Dextrans with the following average molecular weights (Mw) were found to cause the release of 5-HT: 42,000, 74,500, 141,000 (Dextran 150) and 267,000. No release was observed following the use of dextrans with average molecular weights of 22,700, 370,000 and 2,000,000. Release by Dextran 150 was found to require the presence of plasma and showed a distinct temperature optimum around 37°C. Heating the platelets to 47°C or the plasma to 56°C produced an irreversible inhibition of such release. Heparin, EDTA, and the enzyme blocking agents ninhydrin (NH2 group inhibitor) and allirin (SH-group inhibitor) inhibited release. The results indicate that the release of 5-HT from rabbit platelets induced by Dextran 150 involves the activation of enzymatic processes similar to those involved in the release induced by antigen and glycogen.


With the fast development of new countryside construction,village-level finance management is getting quite important,and the villagers also consider this aspect.This paper is from finance management,supervision mechanism and other angles to find out what is current problem and contradiction in terms of village-level finance management.Meanwhile,the paper is to analyze the reasons completely from concept,supervision,group management and other aspects,then,come up to suggestion and advice directly.


MESCAL hallucinations have recently been investigated in the hope that their elucidation might help to unravel other hallucinatory phenomena. Zucker 1 administered mescaline to patients with hallucinations. From the protocols given many of the effects obtained (coloured lights, tapestry patterns, visions of snakes and other animals) appear to have been similar to those induced by mescaline in normal persons. He concludes with the noncommittal statement that the hallucinatory experiences of mescaline are not essentially identical with other hallucinations. The hallucinations produced by mescal have been frequently described, most recently by Guttmann.2 They are predominantly visual. They vary somewhat in different individuals, but show common features which have not been explained, but which in a search for causes seem worthy of study. Knauer and Maloney 3 state that 'it was characteristic of practically all the poisonings that to wavy lines succeeded mosaics; carpets; floral designs; ornaments; wood carvings; windmills; monuments; mausoleums; panoramic landscapes; statuesque men and animals, frequently of unnatural doll-like forms; and finally complete scenes which changed so as to unfold episodes in a connected manner.' Rouhier4 divides the hallucinations experienced into four conventional classes, but the sequence, fundamentally, is much the same as that described by Knauer and Maloney. Most of Beringer's 5 experimenters experienced a similar succession.


Overview: basic knowledge and perspectives on microbial diversity and genetics of biodegradation of aromatic compounds. The biochemistry of xenobiotic biodegradation: hybrid enzymes between biphenyl/polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and benzene/toluene degradative pathway dioxygenases multiple metabolic pathways involved in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degradation in "Rhodococcus" sp. strain RHA1 biochemistry of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) degradation - evolutionary implications regulation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid degradative operons. Microbial ecology and community structure: what is the global pattern of chloroaromatic degrading microbial populations? genome confirmation and genetic diversity - a closer look at several species of "rhodococcus" isolated from contaminated soils experimental studies on the evolution of bacteria that degrade 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid effects of toxic metabolites on dynamics and fitness in laboratory populations isolation and characterization of pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) degrading bacterium, "pseudomonas aeruginosa" strain I-41 degradation of aromatics and haloaromatics by halophilic bacteria. Evolutionary mechanisms and pathway diversity: isolation and characterization of diverse polychorinated biphenyl (PCB)/biphenyl-degrading gram-positive bacteria the evolution of meta-cleavage pathways for degradation of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)/biphenyl in gram-negative bacteria microbial, genomic, and genetic diversity within aromatic hydrocarbon degrading bacteria - a phylogenetic perspective structure and function of biphenyl/polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degradationgenes in a gram-positive bacterium "rhodococcus" sp. RHA 1 genetic diversity of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) catabolic genes.


In this paper, we present a controller synthesis method for resource allocation systems based on coloured Petri nets (CPN). The first contribution of this work is the use of High-level Petri nets as a basis model for the specification of the plant model as well as for the controller generation. Indeed, we present an automatic generation of a controller characterised by a CPN subnet (with a fixed number of places and transitions) representing its behaviour. The second contribution is the complete integration of the implementation of our method, called SACoRAS, in the CPN Tools. SACoRAS is made up of modules (graphical/textual editor, controller generator) that interact with CPN Tools modules (state space module, etc.).


To explore the effect of c-raf-1Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides on expression of Ki-67protein in irradiated Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Line.The expression of c-raf-1was detected by means of RT-PCR,and the ex-pression of Ki-67protein in irradiated Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Line were detected by immunohistochemical method.Lipofectin-c-raf-1antisense oligodeoxynucleotides(AS-ODN)suppressed the expression of c-raf-1,and significantly inhibited the expression of Ki-67protein in human ovarian cancer cells after ionizing irradiation,while no radiation-treatment group and the sense oligodeoxynucleotides(S-ODN)group did not showed decrease on expression of Ki-67protein.[Conclusion]c-raf-1anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides inhibited the prolification of irradiated Human Ovarian Cancer Cell through suppressing the expres-sion of c-raf-1,which might be the result of the fact that c-raf-1antisense oligodexynucleotides inhibit the celluar signal trans-duction pathway related to the radiation-resistant phenotype.


The effect of the individual adsorbed states of CO on the work function of polycrystalline tungsten has been examined. The β2 and β3 states are adsorbed simultaneously and together increase the work function ϕ by 0.33 V at 300°K. At this temperature, the α state begins to fill before the completion of the β1 state, but the total effect of the three β states on ϕ is estimated as +0.6 V. At 700°K, where the α state is absent, addition of the β1 state to a surface previously filled with β2 and β3 gives a composite layer of lower mean dipole moment, corresponding to a work function increase of 6.3 × 10–16 V/mol. cm2, compared with 14.9 × 10–16 V/mol cm2 for the β2+β3 states. It is proposed that the β1 state is involved in a clustering process. The α state changes the work function by approximately –0.1 V (–2.8 × 10–16 V/mol cm2) and at high ambient pressures can compete for β1 sites, thereby reducing the observed maximum work function change.
 Initial sticking probabilities of unity are observed at 300°K. Reasons for the discrepancy with earlier work are discussed and a mechanism for the filling of the various adsorbed states is proposed. As the adsorption temperature increases the initial sticking probability falls, showing marked decreases at temperatures where the α and β1 states become depopulated.


Introduction Fixation of the distal fibula in conjunction with ankle fractures has not changed over the last 50 years. The complication rate of these fixation techniques is as high as 30%. The fibula nail is an alternative method of fixation and uses a minimal invasive technique. This technique preserves soft tissue compared to previous techniques used, and fewer soft tissue complications. Method We reviewed the preliminary results of 178 patients with unstable Weber B and C ankle fractures that were operated on in our unit between January 2012 and February 2013. We used the Acumed fibular nail for reduction and fixation of the lateral malleolus. Using the nail we had significant reduction in our operating time. Patients were discharged one day post operation without any POP and partial weight bearing on crutches. Various parameters were measured on all the follow- up x-rays and assessed for incongruencies compared with the normal ankle. These parameters were medial clearspace, talo-crural angle, talar tilt and fibular length. No patients thus far have had any loss of fixation. The Olerud and Molander score was used at three month and six month follow up. Results Patients at three months scored an average of 80 and at six months an average of 85. There were no cases of non-union. 40 patients had systemic co-morbidities. We had four superficial wound complications that healed well with antibiotics and daily wound care. Conclusion The fibula nail is an effective fixation technique for most Weber B and C ankle fractures. It causes minimal destruction of the soft tissue. Functional outcome of patients is excellent. NO DISCLOSURES


This paper argues that there is value in a systematic philosophical approach to relations and surveys some of the major issues in the philosophy of relations. Rather than siding with relational ontology over substantivist ontology, however, the paper argues that the best philosophical approaches are causal theories of relation in which both relations and entities take their rise from an ontologically fundamental causal flux. The causal theories of relation and entities discussed here are Neoplatonist participation metaphysics, Buddhist pratītyasamutpāda metaphysics, Whitehead's process metaphysics, Peirce's semiotic metaphysics, and Bohm's implicate-order metaphysics, all of which require an approach to causation that extends far beyond commonsense concepts of causation. The paper illustrates the explanatory virtues of causal theories of relation in relation to the realms of fundamental physics, ordinary life, and religious faith.


The interest that I have in robotic surgery stems from the discrepancies between literature at the time that my current hospital purchased their system and the aggressive marketing campaign from the parent company. In urology, the robot is marketed as "nerve-sparing" during prostatectomies and in cardiac it allowed more dexterity or finer motor control. The bulk of the concerns center around issues such as system resetting; electrosurgical arch; increased surgical time; prolonged carbon dioxide insufflation; unnecessarily extended amounts of time under anesthesia; and extremely high costs to purchase and maintain the system on site. A cost-based analysis and a surgical time consideration of robotic versus laparoscopic and open procedures disprove the regularly cited benefits of using a robotic console over the trained surgeon hands for not only surgical risk but financial benefits to both the facility and patient. I gathered records of robotic, laparoscopic and open procedures, the time each takes, the financials for instrumentation and the legal issues or complication associated for each. The robotic technique is a greater cost than any procedure comparable and at an increase of surgical and/or anesthetic time. The greater the anesthetic time, the more potential harm to patients. The greater the surgical time, the higher the risk from increased pneumoperitoneum CO2 insufflation on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The higher the cost ratio, the less benefit for the practicing facility. Legalities are a new issue to consider when the robot or the parent company is found at fault considering the health insurance agencies have taken a stand on compensation for only the diagnosis and not the techniques or technology utilized for that treatment.


We describe a data-mining approach to creating central parts of loop invariants. The approach is based on producing a trace table by recording the values of program variables each time the condition of a loop is evaluated. From this trace table, functional dependencies between program variables can be extracted which may play a vital role in loop invariants. The extraction process is accomplished through the use of genetic programming which performs a symbolic regression on the data contained by the trace table. We illustrate our approach with examples.


On the basis of analyzing the disadvantage of the Least Squares(LS) fitting method,the height-diameter curve model for Pinus keysia var.langbianensis tree species in Yunnan Province was established by means of nonparametric Kernel Density Estimation method.It was showed by the study that the result from the Kernel Density Estimation method was better than LS method when the appropriate kernel function and band width were chosen.Kernel Density Estimation method can be applied not only to model establishment,but also to data test.It was showed that the data sample should be large enough for model building with Kernel Density Estimation method,otherwise the data fluctuation of the model would be beyond expectation.


A valve for atomizing fluid is specified, in particular an injection or metering valve for fuel injection or exhaust-gas systems of motor vehicles, which valve has a valve seat body (11) with a valve seat (14) which surrounds a valve opening (13), a perforated injection disc (17) which bears against the front side of the valve seat body present between the valve opening (13) and (12) downstream of the valve opening (13) and has at least one spray hole (18) which is offset radially with respect to the valve opening (13), and an inflow cavity (19) which is the at least one spray hole (18). For the inexpensive and reproducible production of a stable, corrosion-resistant perforated injection disc (18) with improved atomization of the ejected fluid, the inflow cavity (19) is formed by at least one depression (20) which is made in that disc face of the perforated injection disc (17) which faces the valve seat body (12), in such a way that part of the depression (20) protrudes into the valve opening (13) and the remaining part of the depression (20) is covered by the valve seat body (12). The at least one spray hole (18) is made in that part of the depression (20) which is covered by the valve seat body (12), close to the depression wall, which faces away from the valve opening (13), into the bottom (201) of the depression (20).


The morphology of Acinetobacter species is Gram-negative, nonmotile, nonfermenting, Strictly aerobic, Oxidase negative, and Catalase positive. It usually results from an infectious agent and is nonpathogenic in healthy people. A. baumannii can survive, for a long time and spread quickly in a hospital setting. Acinetobacter baumannii can cause many infections, the most common of which are bloodstream infections and nosocomial pneumonia in severe patients. These infections have a high mortality rate & the global emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains from multiple classes has- reduced the number of drugs that still have activity against this pathogen. The lack of A. baumannii isolates that produce carbapenemase in addition to having a minimal inhibitory concentration of imipenem greater than carbapenem resistance. The overview of the prevalence of Acinetobacter in the Indian scenario and world scenario. Comparision between carbapenem resistance and multidrug resistance. According to the studies, carbapenem resistance is rapidly increasing. Infection with Acinetobacter is linked to high mortality and morbidity. According to our review, patients who have an infection with A. baumannii may be at an increased risk of dying. However, due to the confounding factors of illness severity, inappropriate impractical antimicrobial treatment, and small sample size, cautious interpretations are necessary. We covered the main factor that make A. baumannii such a prevalent nosocomial pathogen in this review, including such as its virulence components, desiccation resistance, and carbapenem resistance mechanisms. With the emergence of extended resistance to even more recent antibiotics, Acinetobacter species are rapidly proliferating. They can develop resistance much more quickly than other gram-negative organisms.


Serotonin is one of several neurotransmitters that are small molecules acting in developing organisms also as morphogens and growth factors; small metabolites are often regulatory signals to control gene expression [1,2]. The action of these molecules is led by the activation of their receptors but it might be considered also that some of them are biosynthesized from amino acids and can be reactive species, participating in other ways in the metabolism and signaling pathways, as serotonylation for example [3].


Lipids and lipoproteins are best known for their functions in energy metabolism. These essential nutrients, however, also play important roles in the biosynthesis and function of an array of signaling molecules, including Wnt and Hedgehog family proteins, which are signaling morphogens controlling the growth and patterning during embryonic development. For example, Wnt-3a is palmitoylated at a conserved cysteine residue [1], and Wnt-1 is modified by a thioester-linked lipid group. Sonic hedgehog, a well-characterized member of the Hhh family, has palmitic acid added to its N-terminus and cholesterol to its C-terminus [2,3]. The importance of these lipid modifications are highlighted by the critical role of cholesterol in embryonic development. The inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in experimental animals caused a birth malformation called holoprosencephaly [4,5]. In humans the cause of a similar defect, Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome, has been ascribed to Sonic hedgehog, which is expressed in the notochord of the central nervous system in early embryos.


We settled-up and validated an oral single-dose challenge aimed at finding for patients with previous adverse drug reactions (ADR) the drugs to be assumed safely when needed. The challenges were performed under medical supervision: each patient was administered blindly single doses (1/10 of the therapeutical dosage) of drugs different in chemical structure from those suspected to have caused ADRs. A placebo was always administered before the tested drugs; the patients were then observed for at least 12 hrs after challenge. We studied 452 outcoming patients (130 male, 322 female, mean age 41 years) with previous documented ADR. Patients refemng side effects or toxic effects were not considered. The most common ADR referred were urticaria, angioedema or both (71%), followed by respiratory symptoms (8.4%) and laryngeal edema (6.1%); anaphylaxis had occurred in 1.6% of patients. The drugs most frequently responsible for ADR were acetilsalycilic acid, other NSAIDs of common use and antibiotics. Out of 452 patients, 97 (21%) showed non objectivable reactions to placebo and further 31 patients showed reactions also to a subsequent placebo. The occurrence of ADR during challenge ranged between 1.2% and 5.6% depending upon the drug administered (usually nimesulide, erythromicin, acetaminophen, quinolones or octylonium bromyde); all reactions were mild and self-resolving. We could, at date, follow-up 370 patients: 24% of them did not need the drugs tested 74% of them assumed multiple doses of one of more of the drugs recommended after the challenge and only 2% of patients had mild ADR, therefore underwent a new challenge with different drugs. In conclusion, the oral single dose challenge appeared as a safe and useful tool for the management of AI)R patients and its rationale was validated by the follow up of the patients itself.


An evaluation of the Educational Partnerships Program (EPP) examines the feasibility of using earlier research on educational change to foster such change. Also, studying educational partnerships between businesses and schools can determine the limits and possibilities of using them to foster change. The Southwest Regional Laboratory (SWRL) and the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) documented and evaluated the EPP administered by the Department of Education's Educational Networks Division. The study examines 22 EPP projects and treats them as innovations with two distinct aspects: first, as innovations in organizational arrangements and second, as devciopors and implementers of programmatic innovations. Innovation research and legitimate reasons. Most of the EPP projects were initiated to address particular problems, although some were started because of disagreement among school leaders over how to address a problem. About half of the projects included all stakeholders in implementing the plan. The study found that partnerships grounded in opportunism had less feedback and had conflicting agendas. In general, educational partnerships help students move from school to adult responsibility. Students become more realistic about the demands of being an adult, business people gained appreciation for the complexity of education, and educators learned ways of improving curriculum and instruction. (Contains 13 references.) (JPT) ********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************


Marine pollution has increased in recent decades, largely due to the proliferation of seafood processing plants and the improper disposal of their associated waste streams. The waste streams consist mainly of shells that are composed of chitin, which is the most abundant aminopolysaccharide biopolymer in nature. Recognizing the value of chitin, the potential for the valorization of crustacean waste for chitin production was explored. In this regard, biogenic crab waste was subjected to chemical-only, enzymatic–chemical, and microbial treatments for chitin production. The results were employed as inputs for process simulation as a precursor to undertaking performance assessments. This study subsequently showed that the net present values (NPVs) of the chemical-only, enzyme–chemical, and microbial chitin production pathways were GBP 118.63 million, GBP 115.67 million, and GBP 132.34 million, respectively, indicating that the microbial chitin production pathway constituted the most appropriate technology for future investment. Employing a cost–benefit (CB) analysis, the CB ratios for the chemical-only, enzymatic–chemical, and microbial approaches were determined to be 7.31, 0.45, and 0.23, respectively. These results reinforced the dominant status of the microbial approach for chitin production from crab waste as the preferred valorization strategy. This study was able to provide information regarding the implications of executing alternative scenarios for crustacean waste.


According to the ILO, more than 61 percent of the world's employed people worldwide earn their living in the informal economy. After the collapse of the USSR and the administrative-command system in most countries with economies in transition, the informal sector became quite significant and began to play an irreplaceable role in creating jobs, generating income for the population and producing goods and services. This article examines different assessments of the size and composition of the informal economy in the world and in Azerbaijan. Special attention is paid to the factors, causes and consequences of the functioning of the informal economy. The author believes that the informal sector should be viewed as a kind of social stabilizer, although due to its large scale it should be regulated and, if possible, formalized.


After a brief introduction to current situation of College English teaching, the paper explores the theoretical foundations for designing a Moodle-based College English learning environment. Through a quantitative and qualitative research, the author proves its effectiveness in College English learning. In this new teaching environment, the learners can take initiative to construct knowledge with the assist of modules provided on Moodle platform. Their comprehensive language ability is greatly improved in this harmonious and equal environment through the interaction and communication with peers and the teacher.


Milk samples (n=296) of Lacaune (LAC) sheep were analysed for milk protein variability at protein level by isoelectric focusing and at DNA-level by different DNA-based tests. Isoelectric focusing of all milk samples led to the identification of the alphas1-casein (αs1-CN; CSN1S1) alleles C and H, αs2-CN (CSN1S2) A, B, and C, as well as beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG; LGB) A and B. DNA-based tests differentiated αs1-CN C into CSN1S1*C' and C'' and typed for CSN1S2*G. Associations between milk performance traits and milk protein alleles and genotypes analysed using 150-day-lactation data showed significant effects of milk protein alleles and genotypes on protein content whereas CSN1S1*C'' is the favourable allele.


Abstract This qualitative study examined the impact of mass protests on various Hong Kong individuals. Drawing on in-depth ethnographic data collected through extensive interviews and social media, the impacts of mass protests on social relationships, economic development, and mental and physical health of Hong Kong students, parents, and educators are discussed. Answers pertaining to why Hong Kong university students participated in mass protests and how their parents and teachers responded to their participation are found by examining their rationales for joining mass protests and the possible consequences they are facing in the present and future.


Modeling is one important parts in designing a product or a service system. It aims to reduce the cost and minimize the improper of early production/service stage that could be ended by high loss of economic value. Process modeling of bus service is required to obtain proper information regarding number of buses required based on the prediction number of passengers and time consumes. This paper is aimed to investigate the very early stage of bus service modeling using Visual Basic Excel Program. The result shows that the model system that using five inclusive sheets programming for covering the main item in the bus service system is sufficient to represent the real condition in the practical condition.


The support vector machine(SVM) theory is introduced.A financial warning model of listed enterprises is established by the financial data of 72 listed enterprises.The SVM method is appled to two and three kind of pattern recognitions of the listed enterprises.In the experiment,the results are analyzed and compared by selecting different kernel functions and parameters.Compared with the traditional financial warning,the test shows the SVM model has the non-linearity and good generalization ability.


Introduction: Making Sense of Their Worlds The Questions The People The Research I. American Workers 1. The World in Moral Order "Disciplined Selves": Survival, Work Ethic, and Responsibility Providing for and Protecting the Family Straightforwardness and Personal Integrity Salvation from Pollution: Religion and Traditional Morality Caring Selves: Black Conceptions of Solidarity and Altruism The Policing of Moral Boundaries 2. Euphemized Racism: Moral qua Racial Boundaries How Morality Defines Racism Whites on Blacks Blacks on Whites Immigration The Policing of Racial Boundaries 3. Assessing"People Above" and"People Below" Morality and Class Relations "People Above" "People Below" The Policing of Class Boundaries II. The United States Compared 4. Workers Compared Profile of French Workers Profile of North African Immigrants Working Class Morality The Policing of Moral Boundaries Compared 5. Racism Compared French Workers on Muslims French Workers' Antiracism: Egalitarianism and Solidarity North African Responses The Policing of Racial Boundaries Compared 6. Class Boundaries Compared Class Boundaries in a Dying Class Struggle Workers on"People Above" Solidarity a la francaise: Against"Exclusion" The Policing of Class Boundaries Compared Conclusion: Toward a New Agenda Appendix A: Methods and Analysis Appendix B: The Context of the Interview: Economic Insecurity, Globalization, and Places Appendix C: Interviewees Notes References Index


Cyberspace is a global commons not that unlike the oceans air or space. Debatably, these com- mons have seen the US military's superiority challenged over the last decade. Yet while the US ar- guably still maintains military advantage in land, air, sea, and space, it is the newly minted domain of cyberspace which potentially threatens to undermine these domains as they become increas- ingly interconnected and dependent on cyberspace technology. Thus, as the US military continues to work with international allies to leverage "Information as Warfare", the importance of this global common intensifies. A review of operational doctrine is warranted in order to ensure that cyberspace is treated on par with the traditional domains. This paper reviews current cyberspace operations strategy and policy, cyberspace environment characteristics, and current operational integration and intelligence support methodologies to determine if significant changes ar e required to further the effective utilization, integration and exploitation of cyberspace. Essentially, with minor modifications, current principles and doctrine that are applied to traditional intelligence ef - forts to support kinetic warfare may be employed for cyberspace operations to produce the desired battlespace effects. However, other significant challenges to cyberspace integration concerning cultural barriers, tactics and procedures, and personnel training and retention also need to be ap- preciated and considered.


Low communication bandwidth, large propagation delay, floating node mobility, and high error probability are the challenges of building mobile underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSN) for aquatic applications. These challenges are area of research in order to develop a networking system that can cope with the adverse underwater communications environment. This paper discusses several issues regarding underwater networks. These include topology considerations, multiple access methods, and MAC protocols.


This paper provides empirical evidence on the link between piracy and software protection, taking piracy determinants in cross‐country regressions as basic reference. For that purpose, we use a panel data set for 24 countries over three years, 1994, 1997 and 2000, relating piracy rates to an index of software protection, per capita income and a set of country fixed effects. Results display that software piracy is sensitive to income and software protection changes.


A series of dynamic centrifuge tests is performed to investigate the accelerationamplified and de-amplified responses within geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) structures. Further, a database from various dynamic centrifuge and shaking-table tests is compiled from literature to cover a wide range of input ground accelerations in the range of 0.01–1.0g. This study demonstrates that among all factors in GRS structures (i.e., structural configuration, backfill and reinforcement material, and seismic characteristics), input ground acceleration, ag, location, z, and input motion frequency, f, have the most significant effects on acceleration-amplified responses of GRS structures. The magnitude and variation of acceleration amplification factor, Am, which is the ratio of horizontal acceleration inside GRS structures, ah, to input ground acceleration, ag, decrease as ag increases. Am is larger than 1.0 and non-uniformly distributed with height at approximately ag<0.40g; while Am is less than 1.0 and generally uniformly distributed with height at ag≥0.40g. Experimental results show that acceleration-amplified responses are highly dependent on input frequency, f. Acceleration inside GRS structures increases markedly when the predominant and fundamental frequencies are close. Further, this study examines the Am and a max relationships (i.e., Am=1.45-amax/g) adopted in current GRS structure design guidelines. Comparison results indicate that the Am and amax relationship adopted in current design guidelines follows well the trend line (Am=-0.69lnag+0.43) regressed from complied physical data at ag≥0.40g, but underestimates Am at ag<0.4g. The influence of location and frequency on Am, as observed from physical data, is not considered in the current design guidelines.