Quality improvement approaches and methodologies have been developed through previousresearch. This study proposes quality improvement for automotive rubber companies as a casestudy in which the largest percentage of NGs in item-B in the seal, compact / quarterlydepartments during the January-June 2019 period was found. Based on the results of the studythere are differences, initially suspected and explained through the P control map, that is, thereis a point outside the control limit (UCL), which is the 20th observation. Identify possible causesof inaccuracy in 5 factors, namely (low engine temperature, decreased engine pressure, andcompressor mold holes), method (giving toluene liquid in mold before inserting material atmaturity), material (less material coating and end of profile cuts or dirty joints), people(pursuing production targets and new employees who are still in job training), environment(night lighting). Get repair with 5W + 1H method.


This short paper describes preliminary ideas for empowering e-learning platform Moodle with rules and semantics. Many existing web applications already contain a lot of structured information, which is still not presented in machine-readable way. Extracting this information from an existing e-learning platform may give benefits to course tutors such as more control over course management, advanced reports and filters, reasoning over the course content. We describe how to represent the existing Moodle content in RDF and how to add rules on top of the RDF fact base. A semi-automatic method for rule mining and rule development is discussed.


Providing consistent, reliable mapping for the nation is a role that jurisdictions worldwide have found to be necessary for a number of core purposes such as planning, property valuation and national defence. National mapping organizations (NMOs) have played a vital part in enabling these functions. However, we are in the throes of an information revolution in which geography and geographic information (GI) are assuming greater relevance in a much wider context. GI is moving to the mainstream. This paper illustrates Ordnance Survey's activities today with respect to these developments.


The results of pidotimod application in children with often respiratory infections are presented in the review and updated with the data collected by St. Petersburg Allergologic Society. The course application of pidotimod in children with allergic respiratory diseases (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma) is effective for often respiratory infections prophylaxis. Good medication tolerability and safety was noted in children with concomitant allergic diseases.


The definition of dynamic envelope curve is the maximum limit outline caused by various adverse effects during the running process of the train. It is an important base of making railway boundaries. At present, the measurement work of dynamic envelope curve of high-speed vehicle is mainly achieved by the way of binocular vision. There are some problems of the present measuring system like poor portability, complicated process and high cost. A new measurement system based on the monocular vision measurement theory and the analysis on the test environment is designed and the measurement system parameters, the calibration of camera with wide field of view, the calibration of the laser plane are designed and optimized in this paper. The accuracy has been verified to be up to 2mm by repeated tests and experimental data analysis. The feasibility and the adaptability of the measurement system is validated. There are some advantages of the system like lower cost, a simpler measurement and data processing process, more reliable data. And the system needs no matching algorithm.


Abstract: Numerical methods are commonly used for solving mathematical problems that are formulated in science and engineering where it is di?cult or even impossible to obtain exact solutions. Only a limited number of di?erential equations can be solved analytically. Numerical methods, on the other hand, can give an approximate solution to (almost) any equation. An ordinary dif-ferential equation (ODE) is an equation that contains an independent vari-able, a dependent variable, and derivatives of the dependent variable. Literal implementation of this procedure results in Euler's method, which is, how-ever, not recommended for any practical use. There are other methods more sophisticated than Euler's. Among them, there are four types of practical numerical methods for solving problems of ODEs. They are (i) Runge-Kutta Methods, (ii) Heun's Method, (iii) RK4 Method, and (iv)RKF5 Method. MATLAB is an integrated technical computing environment that com-bines numeric computation, advanced graphics and visualization and a high-level programming language. MATLAB was founded by Jack Little Cleve Moler and Steve Bangert in 1984. Color graphics makes it possible to display curves, surfaces, and solids in two and three dimensions in a way that it is both more e?ective and more engaging. The easy syntax of MATLAB makes it possible for users to get comfortable results quickly. MATLAB graphics are excellent and easy to use. It is easy to program in MATLAB, making it possible to do numerical calculations using simple steps. We can also use the symbolic capability of MATLAB to get analytical solutions.


This issue of IEEE Communications Standards Magazine has a number of articles about Time Sensitive Networking (TSN), especially as it is related to IEEE Std. 802.1. While many readers are familiar with the IEEE 802 family of standards, few are fully aware of the long history of 802. In the late 1970s, there was considerable discussion at conferences and elsewhere about the topic of computer communications. It is well known that in the early 1970s, Bob Metcalfe, while at Xerox PARC, developed the idea for Ethernet based on his Ph.D. dissertation and ALOHAnet. Coincidently, on August 25, 1979, a proposal was submitted to the IEEE Standards Board for the development of standards entitled "Local Network for Computer Interconnection" and was assigned the next number in the sequence of IEEE standards: 802. The scope and purpose of the proposed standard was: "The proposed standards will apply to Data Processing devices which need to communicate with each other at a moderate data rate (1 M bit/sec) and with a local area (physical data path up to 4 km). The purpose of the proposed standard is to provide compatibility between devices of different manufacture so that hardware and software customization necessary for effective communication is minimized or eliminated." At about the same time, Metcalfe left Xerox PARC and started 3Com. He worked with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Intel, and Xerox to create an industry standard known as "DIX" Ethernet operating at 10 MHz (up from Metcalfe's original 2.94 MHz) and with 48-bit source and destination addressing. This was published as "The Ethernet: A Local Area Network Data Link Layer and Physical Layer Specifications." Version 2 of this document was published in November 1982 and went on to be submitted to the IEEE 802 committee and eventually became IEEE Std 802.3 in June 1983. Other companies had interest in creating competing computer networking standards, and the 802 Committee decided on a standards structure that we are familiar with today where alternative physical layer standards exist (or existed), including 802.3 (Ethernet), 802.4 (Token Bus), 802.5 (Token Ring), and eventually 802.11 (Wireless Local Area Networks). Many of those have since been disbanded as market support for them dwindled. Today, Time Sensitive Networking is one of the core activities of the IEEE 802.1 Working Group. As stated on its web site: "The IEEE 802.1 Working Group is chartered to concern itself with and develop standards and recommended practices in the following areas: 802 LAN/MAN architecture, internetworking among 802 LANs, MANs and other wide area networks, 802 Security, 802 overall network management, and protocol layers above the MAC & LLC layers." The Time Sensitive Networking Working Group strives to provide deterministic services through the various IEEE 802 networks. This work was originally focused on audio/video bridging, but has since expanded to cover other areas. Today, the IEEE 802 Committee provides an outstanding environment for the development of computer networking standards. I believe the growth, breadth and engagement of the 802 committee was likely not anticipated when it was originally started. The advancement of the technologies in terms of speed, distance, and reliability was also not anticipated. Why has IEEE 802 been so successful? I think this is best summed up by Paul Nikolich in an article he wrote in 20141: "A global community of technical and market experts, researchers, manufacturers, services providers, and business strategists supply the raw materials and know-how to create 802 products. These individuals have the skill necessary to crisply define market needs and the technical expertise to decompose complex functionality into a set of basic elements with well-defined interfaces. They achieve this by contributing their intellectual property to community and sharing it on a fair and reasonable basis. Furthermore, 802 standards developers have become skilled at reaching consensus among competitive peers to make progress. They recognize that, once achieved, agreement on a standard benefits the entire community technically, economically, and socially. Computer networking, whether over powerlines, twisted pair, optical fiber or wirelessly, continues to be a hotbed of innovation and market excitement. I am confident this issue's content on Time Sensitive Networking will enlighten and engage.


We describe a scheme for far-field subwavelength spectroscopy and imaging in the mid-IR and THz bands. This approach is based on scattering from an acoustic grating and can recover both the amplitude and the phase of the incident field.


A cross-linkable nitrile rubber composition contains a carboxyl group-containing highly saturated nitrile rubber, a resin, and a polyamine cross-linking agent. The content of the carboxyl group-containing highly saturated nitrile rubber is 30 parts by weight or more with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the carboxyl group-containing highly saturated nitrile rubber and the resin. The cross-linkable nitrile rubber composition is obtained by performing kneading at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the resin.


Extreme scaling practices in silicon technology are quickly leading to integrated circuit components with limited reliability, where phenomena such as early-transistor failures, gate-oxide wearout, and transient faults are becoming increasingly common. In order to overcome these issues and develop robust design techniques for large-market silicon ICs, it is necessary to rely on accurate failure analysis frameworks which enable design houses to faithfully evaluate both the impact of a wide range of potential failures and the ability of candidate reliable mechanisms to overcome them. Unfortunately, while failure rates are already growing beyond economically viable limits, no fault analysis framework is yet available that is both accurate and can operate on a complex integrated system. To address this void, we present CrashTest, a fast, high-fidelity and flexible resiliency analysis system. Given a hardware description model of the design under analysis, CrashTest is capable of orchestrating and performing a comprehensive design resiliency analysis by examining how the design reacts to faults while running software applications. Upon completion, CrashTest provides a high-fidelity analysis report obtained by performing a fault injection campaign at the gate-level netlist of the design. The fault injection and analysis process is significantly accelerated by the use of an FPGA hardware emulation platform. We conducted experimental evaluations on a range of systems, including a complex LEON-based system-on-chip, and evaluated the impact of gate-level injected faults at the system level. We found that CrashTest is 16-90x faster than an equivalent software-based framework, when analyzing designs through direct primary I/Os. As shown by our LEON-based SoC experiments, CrashTest exhibits emulation speeds that are six orders of magnitude faster than simulation.


Latin America has experienced a series of recent corruption scandals, resulting in an unprecedented uncertainty in political leadership across the whole region. Within this context, we have conducted a survey study comprising nine countries in Latin America (n = 1,250) examining the stereotype content of politicians. We tested a dual effects model in which the stereotypes of politicians were predicted to shape perceptions of justice directly and indirectly through the activation of affect. Our findings revealed that politicians tended to be stereotyped with negative morality traits and with a certain degree of negativity across other stereotype dimensions. Results supported a positive direct effect of morality on perceived justice and a positive indirect effect through the activation of affect. We discuss the implications of these findings for the current political context in Latin America and also for our understanding of perceptions about politicians and their relationship with leader and power legitimacy.


To determine the optimal treatment parameters for selective occlusion of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by photodynamic therapy (PDT) by using the photosensitizer ATX‐S10 and a diode laser (wavelength = 670 nm).


Introduction. The frequency of placental dysfunction (DP) ranges from 20% to 50% depending on factors that complicate the normal course of pregnancy. Despite the rather large range of drugs used to prevent and treat DP, frequency of occurrence, the number of complications and the development of adverse side effects in the treatment of DP is not reduced, which requires effective and safe treatment. Aim. To achieve a decrease of DP through preventive treatment during the initial appearance of symptoms DP (compensated form). Materials and methods. Clinical and laboratory examination of pregnancy, an ultrasound of the fetus, fetal biophysical profile, Doppler blood vessels of the umbilical cord, immunoenzyme method using of blood serum, statistical method. Research results. Conducted the examination and treatment of 50 pregnant females with a compensated form of placental dysfunction. Was performed prevention of placental dysfunction using of treatment of the underlying disease and long-term oral administration of α -lipoic acid (tiohama) and α -amino-d-huanidynovalerianovoyi acid (tivortyn) (first subgroup of pregnancy) or through the appointment of a-lipoic intravenously for 5 days with the transition to tablet form within 7-10 days, while using tivortyn. Conclusions. Еeffectiveness of treatment depends on the route of administration of drugs. With long-term use of drugs until the end of pregnancy the effectiveness of treatment was significantly higher than the treatment for several weeks.


The present work is dedicated to the use of Physarum polycephalum slime mold, an unicellular organism self-adapting, self-repairing and self-repellent, for the realiza-tion of elements for unconventional computational sys-tems. Physarum continuously changes its shape under the influence of different stimuli like attractors (food in the most of cases) and repellents (light, temperature, humid-ity, chemicals), creating optimized networks. Here we in-troduced a new, softer, element able to influence the mo-tion and the shape of Physarum: the DEFLECTOR. Phy-sarum polycephalum, loaded with magnetic particles and placed under a magnetic field, is conditioned in its active zones routing and shape topology networks. Thus, slime mold can be used as particles carrier and, moreover, it is possible to deflect the mold movement and realize chemical composites in defined places what allows to consider Physarum as a simple version of bio-robot. On the other hand, we have realized the idea of creating net-works with the varied conductivity with the slime mold on polyaniline (PANI) substrates. As the result, it was shown that Physarum growth results in the changing of the conductivity state of PANI layers in different ways, providing negative and positive patterning of the sample. The possibility to control mold's direction with a deflec-tor together with the capability of Physarum to pattern PANI surfaces are the main points of this work. This pa-per opens new possibilities of the development in many fields and areas from the electrical circuit design and the bio-actuators (bio-) robot research, up to the unconven-tional computing and realization of a novel category of polymer-mold-modified. Optical microscope image of Physarum polycephalum: it creates networks of protoplasmic tubes from the starting blob (the yellow part above).


Unambiguous evidence has been provided for the existence of a branched structure in liquid epoxide resins which have been subjected to postepoxidation with excess epichlorohydrin in the presence of a powerful nucleophilic catalyst, tetramethylammonium chloride. Gel chromatography of the resin on Sephadex LH-20 followed by isolation and identification of the relevant fraction by spectroscopic techniques revealed the presence of a novel trifunctional epoxide having a molecular weight of 680.


Within the United Kingdom social security scheme, self-employed people remain excluded from some of the most valuable benefits, yet there is some evidence to suggest underuse of benefits to which they do have access. There are administrative problems in dealing with applications for benefit from self-employed people, and there is considerable undercollection of the National Insurance contributions that are due. Self-employed people in the United Kingdom are not well provided for through private pensions and insurance. The author draws on her recent research, and argues that a fundamental review of social security for self-employed people in the United Kingdom is overdue.


The experimental determination of absolute intensities for isolated spectral lines or for entire vibration-rotation bands involves formidable experimental difficulties. For this reason it is highly desirable to consider the use of techniques which permit the determination of absolute f values from relative intensity measurements performed by the use of a low resolution spectrograph. It is the purpose of this note to call attention to a useful experimental procedure for spectral lines with Doppler contour and for optical densities which are sufficiently large to assure a nonlinear dependence of intensity on optical density. The method is a generalization of a two-path experiment proposed for emission studies on flames.


The robust H∞ control problem is investigated for a class of uncertain two-dimensional discrete systems. The aim is to develop a method for designing static state feedback controllers which not only stabilize the closed-loop system, but also make its H∞ -norm less than a given positive number for all admissible uncertainties. The proposed method is based on the linear matrix inequalities, which can be easily solved by various convex optimization algorithms.


The Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) concept offers network operators the ability to provide more scalable and less expensive services, free from the limitations inherent to hardware devices. However, in 5G networks, the functions must be deployed not only in large central data centers, but also in the edge. We propose an algorithm that solves the Virtual Network Function Chain Placement Problem allowing a fine management of these rare resources in order to respond to the greatest number of requests possible. Because networks can be divided into several entities belonging to different tenants who are reluctant to reveal their internal topologies, we propose a heuristic that allows the NFV orchestrator to place the function chains based only on an abstract view of the infrastructure network. We leverage this approach to address the complexity of the problem in large mono- or multi-tenant networks. We analyze the efficiency of our algorithm and heuristic with respect to a wide range of parameters and topologies.


As a charge material for electric frnac,comparisons in yield and energy consumption among pig iron,DRI and decarburized granulated iron are made. However,it is much more eco nomical applying decarburized iron than DRI in China. The technology of using decarburized iron is mentioned for reference. Some cases of using decarburized iron in Chinese plants are briefed.


In this research, we synthesized and characterized the physical properties of YBa2Cu3Ox (Y123) and YBa4Cu5Ox (Y145) superconductors by solid state reaction and melt process. The raw materials Y2O3, BaCO3 and CuO were mixed, ground and react in the air atmosphere at 950 °C, at 980 °C for solid state reaction and melt process, respectively. The samples obtained were characterized by the resistivity measurement, SEM, EDX, XRD and DTA. It was found that the critical temperature onset of Y145 is 94 K and 96 K for solid state reaction and melt process, respectively. The samples were inhomogeneous with no impurity. The crystal structures was orthorhombic which a = 3.80446 Å, b = 3.86474 Å and c = 19.37104 Å for Y145 solid state reaction and a = 3.80180 Å, b = 3.86483 Å and c = 19.38194 Å for melt process. The peritectic temperature of Y145 is 1018 °C.


The objective of this study was to explore the function of intestinal cavity seal type with pressure pouring test and placement to seduce flow in carcinoma of lower rectum of Dixon operation to prevent anastomosis leakage.1)Thirty-five patients with carcinoma of the lower rectum were completed the cutting operation passing the belly in Dixon operation,clamping the sigmoid at the 5 cm of location for anastomosis passing anus to insert one piece of 22# foley urea pipe,using 15-20 mL of water filling into urea pipe ball bag,then pulling urea pipe to stop with clear blockage,and passing urea pope forward recta cavity to fill 100-150 mL of methylene blue dilution to observe the opening of anastomosis.If any leakage,the mending should be made in the leakage place until no leakage happened.2)The 32F guide pipe was placed from anus to the intestinal cavity 20 cm above the anastomosis for anastomosis.In all the patients that used this method,7 cases were found of leakage for repairing to the anastomosis.Then the anastomosis leakage did not occur.After the operation there was no narrow situation for anastomosis.All the patients recovered 3 months after the operation without dung removing and unsuitable symptom.The patients were followed up for 6-12 months averagely after the operation,and they had no recurrence and metastasis focus and their health was well.In conclusion,this method above mentioned has a good function of prevention from anastomosis leakage in lower Dixon operation for carcinoma of rectum.


We report novel low bit rate non-line-of-sight optical free space communication over 200 km employing forward scattering from clouds with 134 dB link loss and mid-path scatter gain of 10 dBi.


Objective To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) combined with external high frequency thermotherapy in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods 50 patients with advanced primary liver cancer were randomly divided into two groups: an observation group(26 cases),and a control group(24 cases).The observation group underwent TACE combined with external high frequency thermotherapy,while the control group was only treated with simple embolization.Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 76.9%(20/26) in contrast with that of the control group,50%(12/24).The efficacy obviously improved(χ 0.05) in the observation group.One year survival rate for the combination group was 57.7% compared with 25% in the control group(P 0.05).Conclusion TACE combined with external high-frequency hyperthermia can improve the curative effect of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma without increasing side effects.


In view of the limitation of conventional methods,a DDPM method(detection of double pitches for Chinese Putonghua) is designed especially for detecting double pitches in Chinese Putonghua.It utilizes the quasi-periodicity in a short time frame of speech,and gets candidate pitches in every frame by using a searching algorithm.The double pitch contours are then determined from these candidates by virtue of the fact that pitch should change rather smoothly in consecutive frames.With the new method,a systematical investigation is made for detecting double pitches from various combinations of the four tones of Chinese Putonghua,both clean and contaminated with noise,achieving results that are quite satisfactory.The proposed method,of course,could be extended to general speech even continuous ones.


Based on industry seismic data processing and storage demands,this paper presents a data model and data platform construction ideas.For seismic data in the industry network construction platform at the national centers,regional centers and stations,a corresponding node of the database platform and data storage platform technology is adopted.The design of a variety of node data backup strategy,implementation of the massive data stream is adopted to satisfy the large-scale high-performance data platform.


Synopsis: Changes of the dissolved oxygen content after deoxidation with 0.1 % and 0.42 % silicon have been determined by fixing the oxygen as the radioactive SiO2 with the radioactive silicon (silicon-31) previously charged in the sampler and counting radioactivity of the inclusions extracted from the sample. In both cases, the dissolved oxygen content decreases rapidly below the equilibrium value, and then increases gradually to reach it. The mechanism of the silicon deoxidation has been discussed from the viewpoint that such changes of the dissolved oxygen is due to the non-uniform distribution of silicon formed in liquid iron immediately after silicon addition. The conclusions are as follows: (1) In the regions where the silicon contents are high, SiOx (x<2) is produced, owing to the fast rate of reaction between silicon and oxygen, and the oxygen contents decrease to lower value than the equilibrium one. (2) The minimum of the dissolved oxygen attained immediately after silicon addition is regarded as a mean oxygen content at the time when silicon and oxygen dissolved uniformly in the melt. (3) The oxygen content increases again by the reaction SiO2 (crucible) = Si +2 O and the deoxidation processes such as growth of the deoxidation products and adhesion of them to the crucible wall are rate controlled by this reaction. (4) The composition of SiOx is not widely different from that of SiO2.


Based on the current ambiguities surrounding the ownership and management of Chinese hospitals,this paper analyzed those two questions according to the property right theory as proposed in New Institutional Economics.The one is the affection of irrational structure of hospital's property right on the efficiency of the medical treatment market,and the other is the contrast of two different management purposes of hospitals.Through the analysis,some conclusions have been made,such as: the diversification of management purpose is very effective to ensure both of high-quality and high-efficiency of medical service;the diversification of property right is the results of the diversification of management purposes.Moreover,the paper proposes some suggestions concerning the innovation of hospitals' property rights.


In 2015 IACR held its annual conference at Notre Dame (USA) around the theme of Re-Imagining Social Science. It is rather fashionable to acknowledge that there is a crisis in the social sciences today and proclaim that our understanding of social science is due for a transformation or a new way forward (see, for example, Latour 1993, 2005; DeLanda 2006; Gorski 2004, 2015; Gross 2009; Reed 2011). But what would it mean to re-imagine social science? Would it mean to rethink its theoretical foundations? Reconsider its purpose? Re-evaluate its practices? Proposed solutions to this crisis generally involve proclaiming the need to move beyond some determining concept or paradigm that stands over and above the social scientist, haunting the social scientific imaginary. We need to move beyond positivism, beyond realism, beyond postmodernism, beyond the Leviathan, beyond totality, beyond essence, beyond methodological individualism, beyond homo economicus, beyond value neutrality, beyond the subject, beyond anthropocentrism, and so on. Realisms, structuralisms, constructionisms and pragmatisms proliferate, all claiming answers, all claiming a better way forward. Of course, for the less theoretically minded, the effects of these debates are felt less directly; nevertheless, following theory, so too practice. Disputes have raged about the best way of getting at and interpreting social phenomena, and all too often this has involved setting methodology against methodology. Quantitative is set against qualitative; different styles of ethnography, interviewing, surveying, field theory and systems analysis are all weighed and often set against each other. The underlying contours of these disputes are quite simple: depth against generality, micro against macro, ideographic against nomothetic, particular against universal. Practices and methodologies are retheorized, different conceptions of normativity proffered along with new acronyms and heuristics (NAH), all wanting to suggest new and often superior ways of doing social science. Arguments about laws and language, discourse and data, realism and relativism, positivism, post-positivism and postmodernism have at the very least obscured our view, leaving social science with a weariness regarding theory, and a veritable industry based upon creating new or recycling old insights, often by importing theory from 'exotic' continents (namely France) or 'rediscovering' past and forgotten paradigms, all the while leaving the social scientist with a perpetual sense of fatigue, resignation and déjà vu. We are at once wanting to get on journal of critical realism, Vol. 15 No. 4, August, 2016, 327–341


The article presents the materials of horse burial, excavated as part of the Chazy complex. The study of this site, located in Western Tuva, was carried out by the expedition of the Tuva Research Institute of Language, Literature and History under the leadership of M.Kh. Mannai-ool in 1969. The authors concern a detailed description of the published object attributed to the archaeological culture of the early medieval Turks. Peculiar features of the horse burial are the absence of a skull, as well as a position of animal on the back. The dating of the complex, based on the time of existence of the discovered iron stirrups, is determined within the second half of the 7th-8th centuries AD. It has been established that this object remains the only under-kurgan horse burial of the Early Middle Ages excavated on the territory of Tuva. It has been suggested that the appearance of such a tradition in the designated region is associated with the influence of the Altai Turks. Such sites are quite widespread there.


these factors in other pursuits was not zero, and their displacement westward must have caused wheat fanners in Kansas and ranchers in Texas (in addition to the Pony Express) to suffer diseconomies external to the Union Pacific which should have been deducted from the external gains, and which were not, as Fogel suggests, negligible by comparison. Last, but not least, he makes no estimate of the social returns to the railroads that also earned an adequate private return. This is certainly important if we are to compare Union Pacific with other investments. Criticism should not be blown out of proportion. Fogel's book is a very important contribution to American railroad history. His further work along these lines will be an additional dividend that economists and historians should await with eagerness and pleasure. PAUL H. COOTNER, Massachusetts Institute of Technology


In order to develop the noise control design for a ship's cabin, a series of acoustic tests were carried out in a large scale noise test facilities with two reverberation rooms and deckhouse mock-up. From the tests, it was found that the combined noise level of a cabin was dominated by the radiated noise from the floor structure, which is a combination of a stiffened steel deck and deck covering. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of floor structure are firstly identified through the structure-borne noise transmission test in the deckhouse mock-up. Based on the result, multi-layer floating floor systems were applied on the steel deck to reduce the radiated noise from the floor structure. Before the application, numerical simulations using assumed modes and structure-borne noise transmission tests are carried out for the floating floor itself to extract the optimum structure. Finally, the considered floating floor systems were applied in the cabin of deckhouse mock-up and the cabin noise reductions are compared. Through a series of numerical simulations and structure-borne noise transmission tests, it is found that the cabin noise reduction of a multi-layer floating floor can be greatly improved over the entire frequency range if the visco-elastic deck covering is installed between the steel deck and the mineral wool of floating floor


The electrical machines for More Electric Aircraft (MEA) are driven by wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices with high dv/dt (tens-hundreds of V/ns) under extreme environmental conditions (low pressure and high temperature). Partial discharge (PD) detection is one of the most important methods to ensure insulation reliability. However, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by the pulse voltage with high dv/dt interferes with the conventional measurement of PD. This paper introduces a down-mixing method based on UHF and a photoelectric method with silicon photomultiplier tube (SiPM) to detect PD of electrical machine insulation. These two methods are highly immune to EMI and they are used to measure the repetitive partial discharge inception voltage (RPDIV) of twisted pairs under pulse voltages with high dv/dt at low air pressures and high temperatures.


We investigated the relationship between stratigraphy, stress, and microseismicity at the Hydraulic Fracture Test Site-1. The site comprises two sets of horizontal wells in the Wolfcamp shale and a deviated well drilled after hydraulic fracturing. Regional stresses indicate normal/strike-slip faulting with E-W compression. Stress measurements in vertical and horizontal wells show that the minimum principal stress varies with depth. Strata with high clay and organic content show high values of the least compressive stress, consistent with the theory of viscous stress relaxation. By integrating data from core, logs, and the hydraulic fracturing stages, we constructed a stress profile for the Wolfcamp sequence, which predicts how much pressure is required for hydraulic fracture growth. We applied the results to fracture orientation data from image logs to determine the population of pre-existing faults that are expected to slip during stimulation. We also determined microseismic focal plane mechanisms and found slip on steeply dipping planes striking NW, consistent with the orientations of potentially active faults predicted by the stress model. This case study represents a general approach for integrating stress measurements and rock properties to predict hydraulic fracture growth and the characteristics of injection-induced microseismicity.


A device for abrading objects comprising a supporting surface for the object, abrading means operative near the supporting surface and a driven, endless conveyor belt arranged at a distance above the supporting surface, whereas the lower run of the belt is pressed upon the object, wherein the device is provided with a suction cabinet supported by the frame of the conveyor belt and having suction apertures turned towards the top side of the lower run for drawing the lower run against the suction cabinet; the cabinet is connected through a conduit with an outlet channel for conducting away chips.


Induction motor is a nonlinear and time-varying dynamics system. In order to improve performance of direct torque control system, a fuzzy neural controller that is not depend on the exact object model is applied. The conventional fuzzy neural control algorithms have double inputs and complex computation, and suffer from high computational burden. A novel fuzzy neural controller with single input, low computation, five-layer structure is presented for direct torque control system of induction motor. The performance of the novel controller is same to the conventional fuzzy neural network controller, better than PI controller, and it reduce requirement of the microcontroller operation speed because of little input data quantity and simple computation. The simulation and experiment results show that, compared the conventional PI controller, the simple fuzzy neural controller reduces overshoot and settling time of the speed step response, improves the control performance of direct torque control system. The method provides an optional ways for the design of high performance and low cost industrial driver controller.


The hybrid Fallopia x bohemica was recorded in the Netherlands for the first time. Its characters and those of the parent species are described.


Effects of adding single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on pulsed streamer discharge characteristics in water were investigated. Adding a small amount of SWCNTs to deionized water generated stable streamer discharge. The number of streamer onset positions on a high-voltage wire electrode and the length of the streamer channels dramatically increased, in which the particles are larger than SWCNTs. The emission of the streamers became intense, and their propagation velocity increased rapidly in the SWCNT suspension. The SWCNTs' effects on the streamer discharge are discussed on the basis of a numerical calculation of the electric field around an SWCNT and a graphite powder particle. The electric field strength at the tip of a vertically standing SWCNT was strongly enhanced. The results suggested that adding SWCNTs to water could enhance and stabilize streamer discharge onset and its propagation.


In this paper, the basic mechanism of MicroLAN, an original intelligent network, is described first. Then the couple, one key device of MicroLAN, is proposed with an application example. Finally, one wire devices and their applications are introduced.


Up to now, litz wires with many (several hundreds) strands are simplified in complex systems such as transformers or coils to make simulations feasible. However, frequency dependent losses of litz wires and solid conductors differ strongly. In this paper, a coupled process of numerical simulation and analytical methods is described which allows efficient simulation of full 3D structures including resolving litz wire sub-structure. To achieve this, 3D simulation with a simplified conductor calculates the magnetic field in the entire system. Based on these data, a new analytical method determines the losses in the litz wire along the conductor for the large number of 2D cross-sections. The error of the analytical method is less than 5% at frequencies up to 1MHz and external magnetic fields up to 2500kA/m. Because of the significant reduction of calculation time, windings and ferrite structures can be efficienly optimized.


The superconducting properties of superthin films (15-20 aa) on dielectric substrates was examined. The films were deposited by electron bombardment evaporation under high vacuum (10/sup -10/-10/sup -9/ torr) and the Ge film substrate was similarly deposited. Great care was taken to avoid the presence of impurities. In general the Pb and Sn films were found to have superconducting transition temperatures similar to those of bulk specimens. It was found that the electrical resistance of the films decreased by one or two orders of magnitude on subjecting the film to electric fields of above 45 V/cm. Apparently the high field caused the structure to alter and T/sub c/ was also raised in these circumstances. The effects on T/sub c/ of coating the metals film with Ge and of annealing were also observed. 9 references.


The composition used for injection molding fluid engineering article comprising a specific amount of a high molecular weight polyphenylene ether, polystyrene, and glass fibers. The composition provides improved water stability, and reduce or eliminate the presence of a rubber-modified polystyrene composition of Comparative butadiene monomer. Fluid Engineering describes articles made from the composition.


This article examines the relevance of the distinction between preferential and prescriptive marriage through a particular case, that of the Rukuba. It will be shown that the Rukuba people have three distinct conceptual models of prescriptive and preferential marriage for uterine sisters, according to their birth order. The conceptual model is prescriptive for the first two girls and, although the model is only said by the Rukuba to be preferential for the third and following sisters, statistical evidence shows that this marriage is also prescriptive. Since the Rukuba prescriptive marriage is not a kinship marriage but a marriage which nevertheless produces a peculiar systematic delayed exchange of women, some of the recent assumptions propounded by Levi-Strauss about the function of kinship systems are criticized.


The engineering desires on shape design of membrane structures is multifarious.Aiming at the problem of the engineering,the method which separately determine form and corresponding self-balance prestress of tensility structures is founded.The force method,which is considered surface force density of membrane element,is used to find form of membrane structures.Then,the optimized reposition balance method is used to force-finding analysis and can accurately compute the self-balance prestress of the form.A project which have been successfully applied this method proves that this method is feasible.


ABSTRACT Thermochemical treatments like plasma nitriding or surface carburizing are commonly used to enhance surface hardness of steel components. An important difference between these treatments is the temperature at which they are carried out. In the present paper, the surface carburizing was carried out following a recently reported non-isothermal low pressure carburizing (LPC) treatment. In order to gain a comparative view of the effect of different treatments on the microstructure, microhardness, fatigue and impact properties, materials with distinct hardenability and widely used in the industrial production were evaluated. Tests were also carried out using industrially processed components aimed to an application demanding high wear resistance. The microstructural evolution during case hardening was studied by optical and electron microscopy.


In a stock market, the numeraire portfolio, if it exists, is the portfolio with the highest expected logarithmic growth rate at all times. A numeraire market is a stock market for which the market portfolio is the numeraire portfolio. We study open markets, markets comprising the higher capitalization stocks within a broad equity universe. The stocks we consider are represented by continuous semimartingales, and we construct an example of a numeraire market that is asymptotically stable.


ABSTRACT A simple Gram stain evaluation for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was assessed in comparison to Nugent's method. The sensitivity (90%), specificity (94%), positive and negative predictive values (90% and 94%), and good interobserver agreement obtained indicate that the test method can be performed reliably in the routine clinical microbiology laboratory.


The background of this study is geometry as one of the essential topics in mathematics. This study aims to know students' achievement in understanding geometry based on Van Hiele geometry thinking level, which beginning with level 1 (visualization) is to know the name of geometry shapes, level 2 (analysis) that is able to mention the properties of geometry shapes, level 3 (informal deduction) that is capable states a geometry shapes relationship of its components, and level 4 (deduction) that is able to make a deductive conclusion from a statement, this is in accordance with Van Hiele theory. The descriptive qualitative research was used in this study. Van Hiele geometry test was administered, followed by interviews. The subjects of the study were 40 students grade VII in Bandung. The data analysis technique of this study used three stages, that were reducing, displaying, and getting a conclusion of data. The results showed that 30 students or 75% are at level 1 (visualization), 8 students or 20% are at level 2 (analysis), 2 students or 5% are at level 3 (informal deduction) and no students have been able to reach level 4 (deduction) and level 5 (rigor). The characteristics of geometry skills including visual skills, descriptive skills, drawing skills, and logical skills at each level of Van Hiele thinking are different. Students who are at level 3 also master students' geometry skill in lower level. Based on the results, we suggest that mathematics teachers need to provide more practice questions that reinforce students' geometry skills.


Well improving the construction of professional ethics of teachers is the foundation of higher education and a longtermed basic task in the development of colleges and universities. Therefore, the excellent moral characters that college teachers must possess in the new era are described and compared with the present situation of college teachers' professional ethics, thus the gap and its causes are found and some approaches, measures and methods to improve college teachers' professional ethics in the new era are proposed.


In the present paper, the high quality liquid seed and technique of semi-solid cultivation for producing Beauveria bassiana was studied by using flat plate and plastic mesh plate as carriers. The results showed that the high quality liquid seed could be obtained after cultivating the thalli for 36 h in 25℃, and suitable technique for the thalli to grow included 10% amount inoculation, about 0.25 cm in thickness of medium, about 90%-95% of environment humidity and 9 days for spores^cultivation. As a result, the output of spores was 1.2×10~(11)-2.0×10~(11) conidia·g~(-1) (water content 9.05%-11.36%) and the germination rate was more than 98%.


Abstract In 1980, investigations by the authors recovered the first well-documented evidence of the Moche culture in the Casma Valley, Peru. This evidence includes the intrusive burial of a small child within a courtyard at the Early Horizon site of San Diego, and some surface ceramics collected from a small cemetery near the Initial Period site of Pampa de las Llamas-Moxeke. Analysis of the ceramics shows that they pertain to the Moche Phase III. An uncalibrated radiocarbon date of a.d. 145 ± 95, obtained from some twigs associated with the burial, indicates the relatively early presence of the Moche in the valley. The evidence is not strong enough to indicate an actual Moche occupation of the valley. However, this evidence may possibly represent the presence of a Moche colony or outpost just south of the Moche site of Panamarca in the neighboring Nepeña Valley.


The present paper summarizes the results of the preliminary research conducted at the Institute of Energetic Materials, the University of Pardubice into the use of demilitarized energetic materials (TNT, RDX) in modification of the W/O emulsion explosives in the framework of grant project of MPO ČR No. FR-TI2/639. It describes the preparation of the emulsion explosives used, some physico-chemical parameters of demilitarized explosives and detonation parameters of the demilitarized and emulsion explosives mixtures. The results of study of certain mixtures containing no micro-balloons show that they have similar characteristics as the amatols and several dynamites. Incorporating of demilitarized explosives into the mixtures with emulsion explosives can be a solution to their health and environmental problems. * Institute of Energetic Materials, University of Pardubice, Studentská 95, 532 10 Pardubice, The Czech Republic phone ++420 466 038 026, fax ++420 466 038 023, e-mail email@example.com Proceeding of the 6 th ICEE Conference 29-31 May 2012 ENMC-4 2/11 2/11


Fungi are important agents of decomposition and nutrient cycling in woodlands and many species with different life histories occur together in this habitat. Using a data set consisting of over 60,000 individual records of fruit body appearance, an analysis is presented of changes in fruiting patterns over the last 60 y. Fruiting of 271 species has changed dramatically over this time, with the length of the autumnal fruiting season having doubled. Saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi have responded differently; the former show extensions in their fruiting season, while the latter do not. This is because saprotrophs are more affected by changes in temperature and rainfall, while mycorrhizal species are tied to their host's phenology. Individualistic responses are common, leading to the suggestion that climate change has caused significant changes in fungal activity, community structure and ecosystem processes in woodlands.


According to the management problems of complex operator's Broadband Access Network(BAN),this paper proposes an improved general topology discovery algorithm.The corresponding configuration log files are obtained in Telnet mode by means of multithreading visits,and then interpreted.The parameters are stored in the database.The basic principle is that the physical Media Access Control(MAC) address of lower layer Network Element(NE) is mapped in the address forwarding tables of upper layer NE.It triggers from one access switch as leaf node,ended with Broadband Access Server(BAS) switches as root node,which makes a sole physical topological path.Double uplink of logical topology discovery is solved because the algorithm executes only between the convergence layer and BAS layer.And a method for verifying the correctness of the generated topological data is presented.


Drinking-water quality is discussed and the difference between quality criteria and quality standards is emphasised. Methods for the establishment of criteria/standards are addressed and special reference is made to risk assessment and risk management. A comparison is drawn between the criteria/standards used in the United States, Europe, South Africa and those suggested by the World Health Organisation. Special attention is given to the South African quality criteria, where a three-tier system setting maximum levels for no risk, insignificant risk and low risk has been proposed


The PASER [1] is one of the first advanced accelerator modeling applications that requires a more sophisticated treatment of dielectric and paramagnetic media properties than simply assuming a constant permittivity or permeability. So far the PASER medium has been described by a linear, frequency-dependent, singlefrequency, scalar dielectric function. We have been developing algorithms to model the high frequency response of dispersive, active, and nonlinear media with an emphasis on areas most useful for PASER simulations. The work described also has applications for modeling of other electromagnetic problems involving realistic dielectric and magnetic media. Results to be reported include treatment of multiple Lorentz resonances based on auxiliary differential equation, Fourier, and hybrid approaches.


Abstract : A study was conducted to determine the potential impact of open ocean disposal of sediments dredged from a highly industrialized seaport. Sediments from three potential dredge sites along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, Hampton Roads, Virginia were evaluated for acute toxicity to the calanoid copepod, Acartia tonsa Dana. The suspended particulate fractions of dredged materials were tested in a series of 96-hour, static bioassays. Significant mortalities were observed for all three sites with the sediments from mortality. Analysis of results indicates that mortality was correlated with the total volatile residue portion of the suspended particulate load and to site-specific factors. Potential effects on the copepod community were evaluated in reference to dispersal of suspended particulates in the open ocean.


The Anthropology of Globalization: Cultural Anthropology Enters the 21st Century. Ted C. Lewellen. Westport: Bergin and Garvey, 2002. 282 pp.


Abstract CMV (Cytomegalovirus) is ubiquitous. In humans most CMV infections are asymptomatic. After primary infections, virus remains latent in most body cells and can be isolated from a variety of tissues under non pathological conditions. Mostly CMV dissemination was considered a feature of immunosupressed state however serious life threatening disseminated infect-ions are also manifested in immunocompetent patients as is highlighted in this case report. Literature review showed that serious infections with CMV in immuno-competent individuals are not as rare as were previo-usly thought and can be as devastating as is depicted in this scenario leading to sudden bilateral hearing and visual loss. In our study immunosupression was ruled out by absence of Diabetes Mellitus, chronic kidney disease, immunodeficiency disorders (congenital and acquired), hematological and non-haematological malignancies, treatment with steroids or immuno-modulator / immunosupressant agents and organ trans-plantation. Key Words:   Disseminated CMV Infection, Immuno-competent individual, Serial Antibody Serologies, Dia-gnostic and Therapeutic limitations.


The study evaluates and compares the relative economic benefits of injecting natural gas, oil, or coal into a blast furnace. The use of a supplemental fuel in the blast furnace results in two major operating benefits: (1) coke requirements are decreased, and (2) furnace productivity is increased. Of the three supplemental fuels examined, natural gas provides the greatest economic benefits, in addition to providing the highest degree of potential productivity gain, flexibility of injection rate, and the least impact on furnace operability.


The voice cleaning methods and algorithms play a key role both in preprocessing speech for further analysis and recognition, and in improving the quality of communication between users of information networks. The real-time streaming noise cleaning methods are the most important and complex area. The ability to process streaming data without delays imposes a number of significant restrictions on the algorithm: it cannot be iterative with a previously unknown number of iterations, and cannot explicitly use the data before or after the current block being processed. In the work, a modern adaptive noise reduction method for speech that can work with minimal signal transmission delays has been proposed. A large-scale study of existing approaches has been conducted, with special attention paid to two groups of algorithms: noise detection algorithms and noise suppression algorithms. Based on them the developed algorithm meeting the specified requirements has been built and analyzed. A set of audio data of Russian speech with various noises superimposed on it has been created. The testing of the algorithm has been made and its comparison with existing actual noise cleaning methods has been performed. The proposed adaptive method of noise cleaning without using specialized apparatus means and subsidiary information is able to operate in the real time conditions. The testing of the developed algorithm using the metrics of segment NC and PESQ have shown the high efficiency of the development and its superiority to common noise cleaning implementations Speex and WebRTC with respect to the noise cleaning quality and operation speed.


Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is dangerous, high septic virus disease with very high level of mortality. Reservoir of this virus are some kinds of monkeys and fruitseaten bats. Infection is caused by direct contact with blood, organic fluids, excretions and discharges of sick person. Time of incubation is 21 days. Significant clinic symptoms are: high fever about 40 Celsius degrees , diarrhea, vomiting, and in the next stage: vomiting and diarrhea with blood, bleeding from nose, hemoptysis, hematuria, hemorrhagia from uterus. Suspicious of Ebola virus infection should be taken in every person after journey to tropical country , when 21 days later appears symptoms: fever, shivers, pain mussels, headache, soarthroat, diarrhea or vomiting. This person should be urgently send to reference clinics for diagnosis, observation and treatment.


Enzyme technology has a well established industrial base with applications which have survived the test of time in a competitive market place. In this review a number of the most prominent applications of enzymes in the wide field of Biotechnology are examined together with a brief exposition of some of the theoretical background.


this article proposes a novel circuit design of ASK transmitter and demodulation for short-range radio receive-data transmission,analyzes in detail the operation principle of this novel ASK emitting circuit and ASK modulation and demodulation circuit,and gives the specific design circuit.This novel ASK emitting circuit uses the digital modulation signal and directly controls the supply power of collector amplitude emitting circuit,thus easily realizing the ASK modulation,and the circuit structure is simple and easy for implementation,and the output waveform is good(The application for invention patent of this design has been accepted).The novel ASK Demodulation circuit adopts the edge detection technology,and thus improving the demodulation sensitivity and expanding the input dynamic range.This system achieves a good effect in actual application.


As the digital music becomes more and more popular and huge, there are a wide range of music services, especially in music information retrieval (MIR). With the rapid progress of the information science and technology, the content-based music analysis and processing become hot area. MIR seeks to utilize the theory of music to better search database of music contents through musical expressed queries, that is to say, searching music by music. This area research has significant commercial and research promise in nowadays. This paper mainly gives a comprehensive review of the latest year's research on MIR. In addition, some key techniques and approaches to MIR will also be introduced, particularly focusing on content-based MIR. Some main issues of content-based MIR will also be summarized. Moreover, the paper also introduces some basic music terms, concepts and music processing basics. At the same time, some high level abstraction such as semantic description has broadened the future of MIR.


The following experiments were designed to study the influence of periosteal wrapping of a cancellous bone graft.The experiments were divided into 6 groups according to whether the cancellous bone graft was fresh or defat-lyophilized, with or without periosteal wrapping, and to autologous or defat-lyophilized periosteum. Each material was transplanted underneath the fascia lata in adult dogs and grafted material was observed with histological and histomorphometric methods.The results were as follows:1. Fresh autologous cancellous bone grafts without periosteal wrapping induced active bone formation after 1 week, but by 4 weeks, new bone formation at the surface of the graft was almost arrested and partial absorption of transplanted and/or newly-formed bone by surrounding tissues was recognized.2. Defat-lyophilized cancellous bone homografts did not induce new bone formation, and absorption was observed at the graft margin by encroachment of the surrounding tissue.3. In fresh autogenous cancellous bone wrapped with fresh periosteum, new bone formation was delayed in the early phase because of retarded revascularization as compared with that which occurred without periosteal wrapping. However, after 4 weeks, the quantity of newly-formed and transplanted bone trabeculae, as well as the amount of newly-formed bone, was much more than that observed without periosteal wrapping.4. In defat-lyophilized cancellous bone homograft, no difference was noted between the presence and absence of the wrapping with fresh periosteum autograft.5. Wrapping with homologous defat-lyophilized periosteum hindered new bone formation, in both bone autograft and homograft.The fresh periosteum autograft could support new bone formation and also protect the graft from encroachment by the graft bed in the fresh bone autograft. In contrast, fresh periosteum showed no activity in the defat-lyophilized bone homograft. These results suggest that fresh periosteal wrapping to fresh cancellous bone autograft may facilitate the bone inductive activity, and it is also suggested that these transplantations can be dominated not only by the condition of the periosteum but also by the state of the recipient site.


Abstract Reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) – in particular, black carbon and methane – is a promising option for slowing global and regional warming in the short term, while at the same time reducing local air pollution. This mitigation opportunity seems to be particularly relevant in the Arctic context. The article provides a comprehensive overview and a critical assessment of the state of international law and governance relevant to the reduction of SLCP emissions in the Arctic. The article demonstrates that current legal and governance regimes for reducing SLCP emissions in the Arctic are complex and fragmented, which raises questions about the scope for this option for climate change and air pollution mitigation to reach its full potential. Nevertheless, the article concludes that fragmentation in this policy domain is of a cooperative or synergistic nature and therefore not problematic, provided that greater harmonization of legal instruments and enhanced cooperation between institutions are achieved. It also suggests options for strengthening international law and governance on SLCPs. Although the focus of the article is regional, many of its conclusions are relevant for the global regulation of SLCPs.


Objective: To discuss the role of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in the treatment of severe bronchial asthma in RICU. Methods: Patients were divided into MPSS treated group (MT group): 16 patients were treated with intravenous MPSS 1\|2 mg/kg, and MPSS+NIPPV group (MNT group): 18 patients were treated with MPSS and NIPPV. The changes of blood gas analysis, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP) and clinical signs were recorded. Results: For MNT group, there was a significant response to intravenous MPSS and NIPPV after 1 hour (compared with before treatment P0 05), and the parameters observed became normal after 24 hours. For MT group, PaO 2\, PaCO 2 were significantly improved after 1 hour\'s treatment (compared with before treatment P0 05), and there was a significant improvement of intravenous MPSS after 24 hours, but there were significant differences with MNT group in improvement of the blood gas analysis (P0 05). Conclusion: Methylprednisolone is an effective drug for treatment of severe bronchial asthma in RICU. MPSS and NIPPV may get severe bronchial asthma under effective control.\;


Brands play a significant role at the point of consumer purchases decisions. Brand managers make all the efforts to induce consumers to purchase their brands and increase eventual brand associations for long-term profits. This paper focuses on how different generations, especially the Millennial and the Baby boomers, behave towards brands based on organizations' brand building efforts to create Brand Equity (BE) using a predictive model. Prior research has not been successful to provide a detailed understanding of generations and their potential brand behavior in a predictive perspective. In this article, author used a predictive model of the brand behavior of different generations using a Multiple Logistic Regression (MLR) method. In addition, it is determined how the predictor variables (awareness, recall, relate, purchase, knowledge, trials, association, recommendations, salience, imagery, performance, feelings, judgement, and resonance) influence the response variable, brand equity, to predict brand equity in these two audiences. In this study, the author administered an online survey using Survey Monkey to reach local (US) and international college/university respondents (n=267) age 18 years and above. The survey was administered using a questionnaire (46 data points). In the analysis process, the author developed a Multiple Logistic Regression (MLR) model, tested the model error, predicted the brand equity of generations, and determined the best model with parsimonious number of predictor variables using the Backward Stepwise Method (AIC). The analysis suggested the model to be reliable model with a 100% prediction of the brand equity (BE) with a mean value of 1. Given the predictors, the model correctly predicted 63% respondents, millennial and baby boomers, to be associated with brand equity and 35% respondents to be otherwise, while the Best Model based on the Backward Stepwise Selection Method (BSSM) using Step AIC function, suggested thirteen out of fourteen predetermined predictors included in the model to predict Brand Equity (BE). In the results generated, the AIC value indicated was 106.


Aiming at the slow speed of the current parallel hierarchical clustering algorithm in processing large data sets, a parallel data preprocessing algorithm is proposed, which can reduce the size of the original input data to 1/10 at most. Fuzzy mathematics is used in this paper. Based on the relevant theories, combined with the comprehensive evaluation index system of teaching quality, and using the AHP, a new method that can effectively quantitatively evaluate the teaching quality— computer comprehensive evaluation method is proposed. Analysis, data mining algorithm, prediction model, etc. The subject domain of the data warehouse is established, and the relevant dimensions and indicators are designed. By analyzing the data structure in the teaching evaluation management system.


The research is aimed at identifying approaches to transform the vocational training system in the bodies and units for emergency situations of the Republic of Belarus. The work is based on the generalization of the principles and approaches presented in the scientific and scientific-methodical literature, which, first of all, are focused on optimizing the content of the physical training of rescuers at all stages of professional training. The study was based on the substantive aspects of the pedagogical process aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of the functioning of the professional training system for rescue specialists. To study this issue, we used the following research methods: structural and functional, analysis, generalization and systematization, observation, comparison, formalization. It has been substantiated that each stage of professional development depends on a number of general and particular characteristics, and careful consideration and keeping records of individual characteristics will ensure the effective operation of the training system for a rescuer.


The human language capacity presents biological and cognitive sciences with a striking paradox, since this capacity is unique, even though its biological, cultural and communicative foundations are in large measure shared with non-human species. It is widely known that humans share around 95% of their genetic material with their closest primate relatives, chimpanzees. We also know, since the publication of the initial results of the human genome project, that the linguistic gulf separating the human species from other closely related species is not correlated with a difference of any substantial order of magnitude in the available quantity of genetic material for directly coding the language capacity. This does not falsify claims for such a direct coding, but should at least give pause for thought. Language, it is plausibly maintained by anthropologists and other human scientists, is the basis of human cultural transmission and of the construction of human societies as symbolic and symbolically mediated orders. However, it has also been shown that culture is not a specifically human achievement. Culture can minimally be defined as the existence of intra-species group differences in behavioural patterns and repertoires, which are not directly determined by ecological circumstances (such as the availability of particular resources employed in the differing behavioural repertoires), and which are learned and transmitted across generations. On such a definition, there is ample evidence of culture and cultural differences in foraging strategies, tool use and social behaviours in chimpanzees (Whiten et al. 1999). Such a


ABSTRACT Player substitutions are one of the main options for the coach to change tactical behavior of his team. Purpose: The present study therefore investigates the effect of player substitutions on tactical behavior in high-performance soccer using positional data. Method: The sample consisted of 659 substitutions from 234 matches played in the German Bundesliga during the season 2016–2017. Substitutions were classified either as neutral (n = 485), defensive (n = 45), or offensive (n = 129) according to the player's roles. The teams' tactical behavior before and after each substitution was analyzed using team centroid, inter-team centroid distance, team length and width, length per width (LpW) ratio, stretch index, and space control for the whole pitch and for each third as the dependent variables. Results: The linear mixed model analysis showed different effects for neutral, defensive, and offensive substitutions. Teams displayed significantly lower stretch index after defensive substitutions. LpW ratio increased with neutral and offensive substitutions, while inter-team distance decreased. The position of the team centroid, space control in the middle third and in the attacking third were also greater following an offensive substitution. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that player substitutions effectively change tactical behavior of teams. Soccer coaches should perform more offensive substitutions to elicit a higher defensive pressure and improve goal-scoring opportunities, especially due to greater space control in the attacking third. In contrast, defensive substitutions can be used to increase defensive effectiveness through increases in team compactness.


Exemplary systems and methods for filtering an electromagnetic radiation can be provided. For example, at least one first arrangement (4) can be provided which is capable of receiving at least one first electro-magnetic radiation and forwarding at least one second electro-magnetic radiation at different angles with respect to a direction of incidence of the first electro-magnetic radiation. At least one second wavelength dispersion arrangement (5) can be provided which is configured to receive the second electro-magnetic radiation, forward at least one third electro-magnetic radiation to the first arrangement (4) and further receive at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation. The third electro-magnetic radiation can be based on the second electro-magnetic radiation, and the fourth electro-magnetic radiation can be based on the third electro-magnetic radiation. For example, the second arrangement can be configured to forward the second electro-magnetic radiation at different angles with respect to a direction of incidence of the at least one particular electro-magnetic radiation. Exemplary embodiments of methods can be provided to implement such exemplary techniques.


MoSe2 atomic layer is applied for the lift-off process to fabricate light-weight and bifacial flexible Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) solar cells. The results show that CIGSe solar cells are successfully peeled from a Mo rear contact when the c-axis of the MoSe2, formed between the Mo and CIGSe layers, is vertically oriented to the Mo surface. 11.5% efficient flexible cells are fabricated, indicating a high-performance ratio of 95.0% compared with the 12.1% efficient substrate cells, suggesting the usefulness of layered-grown MoSe2 for the lift-off technique. Finally, by applying the lift-off process, light-weight and bifacial flexible CIGSe solar cells utilizing thin Au and ITO back contacts are derived.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT---------------------------------------------------------In this paper we suggest a method that, given a query presented to a search engine, proposes a list of concerned queries. The concerned queries are founded in antecedently published queries, and can be published by the user to the search engine to tune or redirect the search process. The method proposed is based on a query clustering procedure in which groups of semantically like queries are named. The clustering procedure uses the content of historical preferences of users registered in the query log of the search engine. The method not only discloses the related queries, but also ranks them agreeing to a relevance criterion. Finally, we show with experiments over the query log of a search engine the potency of the method.


The aim of this
 study was to verify the hypothesis that high IGF-I levels before parturition
 have a positive effect on the uterine involution in cattle.
 Twelve pluriparous, pregnant Holstein Friesian cows were divided
 into groups with high (group 1, n=6) and low (group 2, n=6) IGF-I
 levels. The classification was based on their IGF-I plasma levels between
 days 244 and 254 of pregnancy. To measure uterine involution a sonomicrometry (SMM) system was installed into the uterus
 by laparotomy around day 259 of pregnancy. For this purpose 4 piezoelectric
 crystals were implanted into the myometrium of the
 great curvature of the pregnant horn in a longitudinal direction with distances
 of approximately 10 cm between crystals. The SMM-measurements (the average distances
 between the four crystals) were carried out always in the morning for four hours daily within the first 14 days
 after parturition, and thereafter every other day until day 28. In order to identify artifacts in the measurements, movements of cows
 were recorded by using a video camera. In addition after each SMM-measurement
 a transrectal ultrasound examination of the uterus,
 starting on day 10 after parturition was carried out. The diameters of the
 cervix, the uterine body and uterine horns as well as the cross-sectional
 total and endometrial areas of the uterine body and uterine horns were
 measured. To investigate, if the implantation of crystals had an effect on
 uterine involution, a control group (n=12) without crystals was examined by
 B-mode sonography in the same way like cows with
 implanted crystals. To measure IGF-I levels blood samples have been taken
 once a week during the last four weeks prior to calving and daily from the
 day of parturition until day 28.
 In group 2
 more puerperal diseases (50%) occurred than in group 1 (33%). While the
 animals of group 1 ovulated during the study period with an incidence of
 50%, no ovulation was detected in group 2. The SMM-measurements of both
 groups differed only in the first week after parturition. The values were
 lower (p <0.05) in cows with low IGF-I levels than in cows with high IGF-I
 levels. There was no reduction of the SMM-values during the first week post
 partum, neither in group 1 nor in group 2. In the second week after
 parturition the mean distances between crystals reduced (p <0.05) by 40%
 (high IGF-I) and by 38% (low IGF-I), respectively, and in the third week post
 partum by further 18% (IGF-I high) and 12% (low IGF-I), respectively. In the
 fourth week after calving only group 2 animals showed a further
 reduction of the mean distance of crystals of 7% (p<0.05).
 The parameters
 determined by transrectal ultrasonography
 did not differ between the two groups. When comparing the sonographic
 measurements between cows with and without crystals, the latter group showed
 higher (p<0.05) values. Differences (p<0.05) were noticed in the
 diameter of the cervix between days 10 and 14, in the area of the endometrium of the uterine body as well as in all
 parameters of the formerly pregnant horn between days 16 and 28 post partum
 and in all parameters of the non-pregnant horn during the whole examination
 period. Up to the end
 of the third week after parturition differences (p <0.05) in plasma IGF-I
 concentrations between groups were similar to those observed before
 parturition. Minimal IGF-I levels were noticed in both groups about one week
 after parturition. By the end of the second week after parturition IGF-I
 increased (p<0.05) by 90% in group 1 cows. In group 2 no rise of
 IGF-I was observed before the third week after parturition. In the third week
 IGF-I increased (p<0,05) by 93% in group 2
 while group 2 cows showed no change in IGF-I levels. In the fourth week
 after parturition there was no alteration of IGF-I in any of the groups. In summary, the
 hypothesis of a positive influence of high IGF-I levels before calving on
 uterine involution could not be confirmed by sonomicrometric
 and transrectal sonographic
 measurements.


Let a(x) ∈ C∞[−h,h], h > 0, be a real function such that a(x) = 0 for x ∈ [−h, h]. Consider the differential expression sp[f ] = (−1)(xa(x)f ) of arbitrary order 2n 2, which depends on the positive integer p and is degenerate for x = 0. Let Hp be the real symmetric operator in L (−h, h) corresponding to sp[f ] and let DefHp be its deficiency index in the upper (or lower) half-plane. The proof of the formula DefHp = 2n + p, 1 p n, is presented. It complements the formulae DefHp = 2n for p 2n and Def Hp = 4n − p for p = 2n − 2, 2n − 1 obtained by the same author before. Bibliography: 5 titles. §


In part I of this analysis an attempt is made to determine a simple estimate of the stresses resulting from a circular foundation subjected to concentric or eccentric loading. It is assumed that the foundation loading can be modeled as combinations of uniform, linear, and quadratic tractions applied over a circular area on the surface of an elastic half space. The present analysis for quadratic and linear loading are combined with a uniform loading solution (normal or shear traction), previously derived by the authors, to provide the requisite loading conditions and resulting internal stress fields. The current analysis consists of using potential functions to derive closed form expressions for the elastic field in the half space. The half space is taken as cross-anisotropic (transversely isotropic), where the planes of isotropy are parallel to the free surface. The x- and y-axes are taken in the plane of the surface with z directed into the half space. Hence the boundary conditions within the circular lo...


The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) is the biggest domestic food and nutrition assistance program for low-income Americans. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), SNAP households received increased SNAP benefits. This legislation was intended to provide a temporary boost in benefits to help individuals and families impacted by the economic downturn. However, the portion of the ARRA legislation that provided these additional benefits ended October 31 of this year and benefits have returned to pre-2009 levels. In New York State, participation rates sharply increased during the latest recession (see figure below). In 2012, 3,076,911 New Yorkers received SNAP benefits (15.7% of total population), receiving on average $147 per month. Twenty-two percent of New York City residents participated in the program in 2010, compared to 10% of those living outside the city (2010 is the most recent year available for sub state-level data). For data and graphs for each NYS county through 2010, please visit: http://pad.human.cornell.edu/NYMinutes/NYMinute59stats.cfm


The fast Fourier transform (FFT) is usually used to analyze the spectrum of electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise. However, the calculated spectrum of a noise signal by using a general FFT algorithm is different from the measured result obtained by using an EMI receiver. Because the intermediate frequency (IF) filter in the EMI receiver has a band-pass effect when filtering the signal, the measured spectrum amplitude at any frequency point is not simply the original amplitude of the signal at the frequency, whereas, it is a time-domain superposition result of the signal in the pass-band frequency range of the IF filter. This paper focuses on modelling of an EMI receiver and presents an improved FFT algorithm for simulating the EMI receiver with consideration of the IF filter. Window functions are analyzed and suggested for modelling the IF filter. The improved FFT algorithm is validated through comparison of simulated and measured EMI spectrums.


In the usual analysis of optical waveguide couplers for alloptic switching, the nonlinear influence on the fundamental mode field shape is neglected. Using an accurate approximation method, the nonlinear modal field effect in these couplers is investigated. It is found that the nonlinear mode field effect can be significant, and that it should be considered in the analysis and design of nonlinear waveguide couplers.


The paper defines the connotation and technology of business intelligence,discusses its concrete application in supply chain management and studies the rules that the enterprises should follow while using business intelligence software.


We revisit the growth of curvature perturbations in non-minimal curvaton scenario with a non-trivial field metric λ(ϕ) where ϕ is an inflaton field, and incorporate the effect from the non-uniform onset of curvaton's oscillation in terms of an axion-like potential. The field metric λ(ϕ) plays a central role in the enhancement of curvaton field perturbation δχ, serving as an effective friction term which can be either positive or negative, depending on the first derivative λ ,ϕ . Our analysis reveals that δχ undergoes the superhorizon growth when the condition η eff ≡ -2 √2ϵ M Pl λ ,ϕ /λ < -3 is satisfied. This is analogous to the mechanism responsible for the amplification of curvature perturbations in the context of ultra-slow-roll inflation, namely the growing modes dominate curvature perturbations. As a case study, we examine the impact of a Gaussian dip in λ(ϕ) and conduct a thorough investigation of both the analytical and numerical aspects of the inflationary dynamics. Our findings indicate that the enhancement of curvaton perturbations during inflation is not solely determined by the depth of the dip in λ(ϕ). Rather, the first derivative λ ,ϕ also plays a significant role, a feature that has not been previously highlighted in the literature. Utilizing the δ𝒩 formalism, we derive analytical expressions for both the final curvature power spectrum and the non-linear parameter f NL in terms of an axion-like curvaton's potential leading to the non-uniform curvaton's oscillation. Additionally, the resulting primordial black hole abundance and scalar-induced gravitational waves are calculated, which provide observational windows for PBHs.


Abstract Analysis of the bisignate circular dichroism spectra of bilirubin-IXα bis-propionate salts of (S)-(-)-N, N, N-trimethyl α-phenethylammonium hydroxide reveals a preference in CHC13, (CH3)2 CO and CH3 CN solvents for folded conformations in which the propionate groups are intramolecularly H-bonded to the opposing pyrromethenone units.


Diagnosis of tuberculosis is an important problem in general health care. Pulmonologists deal with this problem more often. Aim. To indicate the importance of the problem of differential diagnosis at present using clinical case of pulmonary tuberculosis detection in patient with destructive pneumonia with a background of 3 month non-specific treatment (ABT broad-spectrum). Initial screening usually does not allow detecting tuberculosis. Respiratory fluoroquinolones and broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed for pneumonia can often imply masking tuberculosis clinic. Material and methods. Clinical observation. Results and discussion. In the clinical example the infiltration has decreased turning into tuberculosis cavity formation as a result of long-term treatment in different hospitals. This case is considered to be an example of late untimely tuberculosis detection. Finger pointing does not help; a new approach to potential tuberculosis patient stratification is needed. Conclusion. Creating diagnostic departments and 0-B group medical follow-up extension will imply better diagnostics.


This paper examines the likelihood that failure of one bank would cause the subsequent collapse of a large number of other banks. Using unique data on interbank payment flows, the magnitude of bilateral federal funds exposures is quantified. These exposures are used to simulate the impact of various failure scenarios, and the risk of contagion is found to be economically small.


Since Ni-based single-crystal superalloys are anisotropic materials, their behavior in different crystal orientations is of great interest. In this study, the yielding behavior in both tension and compression for 〈001〉, 〈011〉 and 〈111〉 oriented materials at 500 °C has been investigated. The 〈011〉 direction showed a serrated yielding behavior, a great tension/compression asymmetry in yield strength and visible deformation bands. However, the 〈001〉 and 〈111〉 directions showed a more homogeneous yielding, less tension/compression asymmetry in yield strength and no deformation bands. Microstructure investigations showed that the serrated yielding behavior of the 〈011〉 direction can be attributed to the appearance of dynamic strain aging (DSA) and that only one slip system is active in this direction during plastic deformation.


In the past years, the development of a variety of passive acoustics recorders has provided a unique way of acquiring information about marine mammal species in remote regions of the ocean. During the NATO Undersea Research Centre Sirena 10 cruise an ecological acoustic recorder (EAR) was deployed to monitor the presence of marine mammal. The EAR was deployed on May 13, 2010 at a depth of 944 m in the vicinity of Josephine seamount (37 deg; 02.087'N, 013¢a 51.733W, south west Portugal) and programed for a recording time of 40 s every 2 min. For the detection and classification of echolocation clicks we integrated the visual analysis of spectrograms with the analysis performed by an automatic detector/classification system called M3R, developed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division. M3R has been successfully operated for the analysis of recording from different US Navy ranges. Cetaceans detected include beaked whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, risso's dolphins, and dolphins. Hourly and daily dist...


ABSTRACT The Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention (OPRC 90) came into effect in 1990. Since this date, 52 of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states have signed to the convention, and recently the United Kingdom has developed legislation to implement the intent of the convention in that country. The convention requires a number of steps to enhance the preparedness of a country for an oil spill incident. The primary requirements are a focal point within the country, a national contingency plan, cooperation—notification between countries and response resources in-country. The United Kingdom developed legislation, the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Convention) Regulations, which became effective on August 15, 1998, although there was a grace period of 1 year before becoming effective on August 15, 1999. This placed a requirement on ports, harbors, and oil-handling facilities to prepare and submit a oil spill response con...


Precise synchronization between radio frequency and mode-locked laser pulses provides a high resolution capability for detecting either time jitter in laser pulse train or phase noise in radio frequency. In this talk, we will present our recent progresses on radio frequency dissemination and fiber optical sensing based on sub-femtosecond level synchronization between radio frequency and mode-locked pulse train.


The > symptomatology associated with the menstrual cycle in women ranges broadly in severity. >Molimina is the subclinical symptomatology affecting up to 90% of all women. >Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is the most severe form of > premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD is debilitating and consists mainly of affective symptomatology that interferes with quality of life (QOL). While the etiologies of PMS/ PMDD remain unknown, symptoms are both physiological and psychological and as such an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial approach is needed to investigate the burden and decreased QOL in sufferers. This burden is considerable as up to 30% of women suffer from PMS and 5–6% have PMDD with nearly 4 years of projected disability for the latter. Published treatment guidelines recommend behavioral modifications as first-line therapeutic interventions for PMS with effective pharmacological options approved for PMDD. However, the efficacies for behavioral interventions are not well established, in part due to weaknesses in the research methods used to test a treatment effect, and resultant inconsistencies in findings. In addition, some strategies involving daily effort (e.g., >Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) may be impractical in the face of the unique characteristics of cyclic symptoms. Other strategies such as aerobic exercise may be effective, but require motivation to perform during a period of time when sufferers feel particularly poor. As such, aerobic exercise by itself may be an unrealistic treatment option. Treatments that can reduce and/or manage > stress, elevate mood, and curb physical discomforts are needed. However, it may be impracticable to expect therapeutic success in all of these areas from a single intervention. Current research is therefore investigating complementary combinations of pharmacological and behavioral treatments as possible management strategies for PMS/PMDD. List of Abbreviations: AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; ACOG, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; CAM, Complementary and Alternative Medicine; CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; DSM, >Diagnostic and Statistical Manual; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; HPA, Hypothalmic-Pituitary-Adrenal; HR-QOL, Health Related Quality of Life; ICD, > International Classification of Diseases; NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health; PMDD, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome; QOL, Quality of Life; SSRIs, > Serotonin Specific Reuptake Inhibitors


Background:
 Depression among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) survivors is common and associated with adverse outcomes in the year following their AMI. In young women and men, about 1 in 3 patients suffer from depressive symptoms following their AMI. Early depression recognition is important to ensure timely treatment, and potentially improve outcomes. It is unknown, however, how well providers recognized potential depression in young AMI patients, what patient factors are associated with recognition, and how much variation there is across centers.

 Methods:
 VIRGO is a multi-center, international, prospective observational study that enrolled 3,350 AMI patients aged 18-55 years (67.1% women) between 2008-2012. During the index hospitalization for AMI, the Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] was administered to collect depressive symptoms experienced over the past 2 weeks (cut-off score ≥10 indicated potential depression). Demographic, socio-economic, cardiovascular risk, AMI-severity, and depression treatment data were collected through patient interviews and chart abstraction. Depression recognition was defined as having PHQ-9 scores ≥10 and receiving depression treatment (anti-depressants and/or counseling referral) at discharge and/or at 1-month follow-up.

 Results:
 During AMI admission, 1,057 (32%) patients had PHQ-9 scores ≥10. Overall, 41% were recognized by their providers. Independent predictors of having patients' depressive symptoms recognized were: having health insurance (OR=1.46, CI95% 1.03-2.06), history of lung disease (OR=2.02, CI95% 1.36-2.99), and a higher PHQ-9 score (OR=1.06, CI95% 1.03-1.10). African Americans (OR=0.34, CI95% 0.21-0.54), males (OR=0.52, CI95% 0.37-0.74) and married patients (OR=0.72, CI95% 0.54-0.95) were less likely to be recognized. Recognition rates by AMI treating facility (Figure) ranged from 15 to 60%, with a median OR of 1.25 (CI = 1.00, 1.61).

 Conclusion:
 Depression recognition rates are poor in young AMI patients with substantial variation observed across AMI treating facilities. Males, African Americans, and uninsured patients are less often recognized and may continue to be at risk of poor AMI outcomes.


The behavior and the fracture mechanisms of the 16MND5 bainitic pressure vessel steel are studied using a local approach of fracture on a crystallographic scale. A series of tensile tests are performed on the material at various temperatures ranging from -196°C to -60°C: the damage is observed with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) while the residual stresses in the ferritic phase are determined by using the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), never exceeding -150 MPa in compression. Thanks to these measurements, each stress value can be associated with a microscopic observation in order to couple the behavior of the material with the damage at various temperatures.


Rumours have been circulating on Facebook that there is a heightened risk of dog theft. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: We are not aware ...


Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of complications in renal transplant recipients, especially when the donor or recipient harbors latent virus that can be reactivated after transplant. This multicenter trial evaluated whether ganciclovir, …


A method and apparatus for group management apparatus of the storage resources. Management established on the network band, is established between the proxy device and the storage resources of the administrator computer is connected, each memory group execution resources can be achieved by means. The resource proxy storage device can collect information about other members of the group of storage resources of the device, and provides such information to the administrator computer. Administrators also through a proxy computer storage device resources, access to information and commands from the members of the group of storage devices to provide resources to the members of the group of storage resource devices. Information between the members of the group of storage resources device may exchange information using the network band.


We consider the solution of the vector Dyson equation −1/m = z + Sm in the case when S has a block staircase structure with (n− 1) different critical zero blocks below the strictly positive anti-diagonal and all elements right above the anti-diagonal are strictly positive. We prove that the components of m behave as fractional powers of z in the neighbourhood of zero and show that the self-consistent density of states ρ(E) behaves as |E|− n−1 n+1 as E tends to zero, where n is a number of blocks. Both constant block and non-constant block cases are considered. In the non-constant case uniform estimates for the components of m are obtained. AMS Subject Classification (2010): 60B20.


The sound propagation problem is separable in a channel with adiabatic range dependence, and has been solved analytically to this approximation for the case of a parabolic sound velocity profile with linear range dependence [R. D. Graves, A. Nagl, H. Uberall, and G. L. Zarur, Acustica (to be published)]. The depth functions are here Hermite functions, and the range functions Airy functions. For the nonadiabatic case (nongradual range dependence), the normal modes couple, and the coupling terms can be evaluated as the harmonic oscillator matrix elements of quantum mechanics. The coupled problem is then soluble in an almost exact fashion,. by carrying out a series of diagonalizations of the coupled range equations. We have evaluated the coupled range equations in this fashion, and examined the energy transfer between modes. The transmission loss was calculated and compared with that of the uncoupled case. [Supported in part by NRL Code 8120.]


Detailed resource assessments can assist agricultural planners and growers select appropriate crops and cultivars for a region. This study employs a geographic information system (ARC/INFO) to develop a rating scheme suitable for evaluating the climatic resources of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan for commercial peach production. The rating scheme presented here improves on many previously developed indices by placing greater emphasis on identifying critical growth stages and the weather conditions that impact the critical stages. The use of a vector-based geographic information system in the analysis provided an efficient and flexible means for constructing the agroclimatic index. Suitability categories easily can be modified to meet requirements of different users, and additional climate variables readily can be added to the analysis. In addition, a computerized geographic information system allows the climatic suitability ratings to be combined easily with edaphic and topographic information. The clima...