Flexible synthesis of ultra-fine ZrB2 powders was achieved by borothermal reduction in a mixture of ZrO2, boron, and TiO2. Without TiO2 additive, coarse ZrB2 powders with particle size of 0.81 μm were obtained, presumably due to good wettability and solubility of ZrB2 in the byproduct B2O3. It was found that the particle growth of ZrB2 was effectively inhibited by the solid solution of TiB2 (≥1 mol%). The refinement mechanism was that the solid solution of in situ formed TiB2 presumably lowered the wettability and solubility of ZrB2 in the B2O3 liquid and significantly inhibited the coarsening of ZrB2. The average particle size of resulting powders decreased to 0.37 μm with the addition of 10 mol% TiO2.


Attempts to produce hyperphagia in sheep by establishing electrolytic lesions in the region of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus have been uniformly unsuccessful. The possible implications of this are discussed.


This paper presents an approach to the discovery of predictive process models, which combines a series of data mining techniques (ranging from pattern mining, to non-parametric regression and to predictive clustering) with ad-hoc data transformation and abstraction mechanisms. As a result, a modular representation of the process is obtained, where different performance-relevant variants of it are provided with separate regression models, and discriminated on the basis of context information. As the approach can look at the given log traces at a proper level of abstraction, in a pretty automatic and transparent fashion, no heavy intervention by the analyst is required (a major drawback of previous solutions in the literature). Tests performed on a real application scenario showed satisfactory results, in terms of both prediction accuracy and robustness.


In this paper we will give an overview of the 5 framework CASC (Computational Aspects of Statistical Confidentiality) project and concentrate on the ARGUS software. This CASC-project can be seen as a follow up of the 4 Framework SDC-project. However, the main emphasis is more on building practical tools. The further development of the ARGUS -software will play a central role in this project. Besides this software development, several research topics have been included in the CASC-project. These research topics, both for the disclosure control of microdata as well as tabular data, aim at obtaining practical results that might be implemented in future version of ARGUS and find its way to the end-users.


Part 1 Advanced implementation techniques: the implementation of tags and run-time type checking, Peter A. Steenkiste advanced register allocation, Peter A. Steenkiste flow analysis and type recovery for Scheme, Olin Shivers garbage collection, Andrew W. Appell concurrent garbage collection for C++, David L. Detlefs. Part 2 Practice and experience with advanced implementations: design considerations for CMU Common Lisp, Scott E. Fahlman compilation issues in the scheme implementation for the 88000, Uwe F. Pleban the implementation of Oaklisp , Kevin J. Lang and Barak A. Pearlmutter. Part 3 Parallel and distributed language: futures, Alessandro Forin an experimental implementation of Connection Machine Lisp, Skef Wholey inheritance of synchonization and recovery properties in Avalon / C++, David L. Detlefs et al. Part 4 New and unconventional languages and techniques: a semifunctional implementation of higher-order logic programming, Conal Elliott and Frank Pfenning the architecture of the PRL mathematics environment, Joseph L. Bates a single implementation of object storage for Common Lisp, Eugene J. Rollins architectural considerations for combinator graph reduction, Philip Koopmen, Jr and Peter Lee.


Solutions to the main problems in operating a spin‐polarized scanning tunneling microscope are discussed. Preliminary experimental results obtained in the course of implementing these solutions are reported. Atomic resolution on Si(111) and Si(100) is achieved with a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) using chromium and iron tips. Fabrication of antiferromagnetic tips of Cr, MnNi, and MnPt is described. A technique of preparation of clean (100) surfaces of Fe3O4 (magnetite) is given. Low‐energy electron diffraction patterns were obtained on Fe3O4 for the first time. The first STM experimental results obtained on magnetite in air and in ultrahigh vacuum are reported. Atomic resolution is obtained on Fe3O4 (100) with an ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope using iron and tungsten tips. This is the first successful observation of atomic resolution on a ferromagnetic sample using a ferromagnetic tip.


A data set including information on macroinvertebrates identified to genus/species group/species level was created within the monitoring activities of several European and national projects. The data set includes 2111 macroinvertebrate records on temporal fragmentary data from lakes Paione (upper, middle, and lower lakes Paione), and 530 records on spatial data relative to eight other high-altitude lakes from the Ossola Valley (North-western Italy, Piedmont, Central Alps). The study area is included within the Lake Maggiore watershed. All records are georeferenced because, since the beginning of the studies, temporal data were taken in the same sampling sites over years. The temporal data span over the period 1989-2020, the spatial data refer to the 2019-2020 sampling activity. The dataset is available for download as csv format at the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) data infrastructure.


DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/22-2-13559 In the last two decades, developments in gynecologic endoscopy have had an impact on our specialty that is equaled only by the introduction of sophisticated radioimmunoassays. With the exception of dilation and curetage (D&C), laparoscopy has become the most frequently performed gynecologic procedure by obstetricians and gynecologists. Although originally introduced as a diagnostic procedure, not surprisingly and within a short time it became an operative procedure. As time went by, more sophistication in operative laparoscopy was obtained because of the development of modern optics and better operative instruments. The latest tool introduced to operative laparoscopy was the laser. This article will discuss all laser laparoscopic procedures that should be done in the field of reproductive surgery.


Many plants play a crucial role in maintaining animal and human life in a natural balance with a tendency to establish an environmental armory among the different biosphere inhabitants. During evolution of living organisms in the biosphere biological interactions with other organisms are established and they affect each other in many ways. Different types of relationships are involved among organisms including parasitism. Heritable strategies of biological adaptation are developed by living organisms to overcome adverse environmental conditions. Plants have developed biochemical mechanisms to defend themselves from biological antagonists that act as their natural enemies (Ryan and Jagendorft, 1995). This principle has led scientists to search for bio-active compounds produced by plants against pathogens (Sheludko, 2010). Since long a number of plants and their metabolites are evaluated against diseases of importance not only in public health (Shah et al., 1987); but also in animal and agricultural production (Githiori et al., 2006). In the present chapter, the importance of using plant extracts as an alternative method of control of animal parasitic nematodes is reviewed from a broad perspective.


The pointing, acquisition and tracking (PAT) subsystem is a very substantial part of a free-space optical communication system. The requirements, strategies and performances of the PAT functions are presented, together with their influence on the link quality.


In this paper we propose a novel fast and linearly scalable method for solving master equations arising in the context of gas-phase reactive systems, based on an existent stiff ordinary differential equation integrator. The required solution of a linear system involving the Jacobian matrix is achieved using the GMRES iteration preconditioned using the diffusion approximation to the master equation. In this way we avoid the cubic scaling of traditional master equation solution methods and maintain the low temperature robustness of numerical integration. The method is tested using a master equation modelling the formation of propargyl from the reaction of singlet methylene with acetylene, proceeding through long lived isomerizing intermediates.


Breast screening programmes are the best weapon to fight against breast cancer. Nevertheless, despite the benefits, this practice supposes a radiological risk that cannot be forgotten. In order to calculate breast glandular doses, different MCNP-4C2 models have been developed, simulating the exposure conditions. Radiological detriments have been transported from the population under study in the UNSCEAR 2000 to the Valencian Community, obtaining the detection-induced cancer ratio (DICR) for this population.


The improved composite control strategy is introduced aiming at the disadvantage of output harmonics affect the power quality caused by the traditional hysteresis control in the grid-connected inverter.The improved composite control strategy alternates hysteresis control and space vector pulse width modulation(SVPWM) through the judgement of the AC side current vector modulus.Experimental results show that output waveforms can basically clear the lower order harmonics and the control method can satisfy the requirements of wind power grid-connected inverter system.


Assessing hydrological dynamics of wetlands is essential for understanding ecological services. This study utilized open‐access Sentinel‐2 satellite data to enhance conservation management by enabling near‐real‐time monitoring and assessment of hydrological dynamics in conserved lands across Nebraska, United States. Using machine learning and Google Earth Engine, this research classifies surface water cover rate for different conserved land sites in Nebraska in 2018–2021. The results of the study confirmed successful inundation performance in conserved wetland sites under Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA). The WMA sites had the highest inundated area rate of 16.41%, indicating active hydrological inundation of the core conserved land areas. The WRP and WPA sites reached a mean annual surface water cover rate of 8.07% and 7.51%, respectively, demonstrating occasional flooding or periodic inundation of core wetland areas but limited inundation coverages of the surrounding areas. The findings confirmed that wetland conservation practices are functioning very well on the sites with higher inundation rates, but hydrological restoration at the watershed scale could boost conservation performance for the entire conserved land areas. The findings of this research provide robust evidence for obtaining surface water inundation data, which is crucial for sustainable conservation assessment and achieving long‐term goals in wetland monitoring, protection, and management.


The authors discuss revisions to the standard laws and procedures for calculating and determining the molecular weight, density, atomic number sum, and various thermodynamic properties--including fusion heat, vaporization heat, specific heat, entropy, and Gibbs free energy--of organic and inorganic compounds. Specific data are compiled for demonstration purposes for several hydrides and alkanes and the application of the revisions to determinations for a wide range of metal hydroxides, oxides, halides, carbonates, sulfites, sulfides, and other polyatomic compounds is discussed.


Piezoelectric response has been observed in thin films of ZnO, ZnS, CuxS, Cu hySl and CuxZnyO formed electrochemicall y, by ano$ization, on metallic substrates. We have also observed piezoelectric response in anodized aluminum. been used to detect 10 MHz compressional ultrasonic waves, as well as low frequency signals. The anodization process used is inexpensive and fast, and could be used to deposit in situ piezoelectric sensors on almost any conducting solid. Measured film properties such as strength of piezoelectric coupling, growth rate, and surface morphology are discussed. These films have


Abstract In this paper the hereditary ring is considered, defined, classified and studied which is associative with unit where an ideal of R is T. Considering the ring B=B′/J is regular ring (where let B′ as a regular ring that is commutative but not semi-simple and J be the ideal of ). B′ First of all, R has shown as a left Hereditary and Noetherian Hereditary ring. A triangular matrix ring has been taken which is shown as left hereditary forming with two left Hereditary Ring R and S. Finally we have declared that although the ring R is not a right semi-Hereditary but must be left hereditary [2]. Accordingly, we can say that R is not a right pure-Hereditary ring.


Pointer,an important concept in C-language,is very difficult to master.It calls for serious research on the thought and method of explanation and the proper choice of contents in class teaching.


The ecological restoration of stone slope was a difficult problem of ecological environment construction at home and abroad.The spray seeding technique was used in the vegetation restoration on stone slope in recent years,which had a good effect.Using cement as the adhering material,the effects of different contents cement on the seed germination and seedling growth were studied.The results showed that the germination rate of grass decreased and the seedling could not grow well with the increasing of cement content.The turf could be formed with bermuda grass,tall fescue and perennial ryegrass when the cement content was low.The critical value of cement content was 4%,and the growth of all grasses was inhibited with more than 4% of cement.


The development of a passenger car is a multidisciplinary task. The vehicle has to fulfill demands out of different attributes like vehicle dynamics, driveability, acoustics, thermal and heat management, safety, durability, crash and economics. One main problem is the variability of mechanical quantities responsible for the performance and customer perception of a car. To overcome this, the extension of the conventional deterministic oriented development process to a process which includes stochastic quantities is necessary. In this paper the current deterministic approach is described briefly. It is not possible to perform the extension in a single step. In a first extended version of the process the variability of material parameters is included. In further steps the formulation and solution of stochastic optimization problems for sub‐problems is necessary. Finally the complete approach should fully integrate the variability of stochastic quantities.


This article presents a brief summary of Paul Meehl's development of taxometrics. Of special concern is the question, Why did Paul Meehl develop taxometrics? It is shown that taxometrics played an integral role in Meehl's broader research program on the genetics of schizotaxia.


Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common comorbidity in congenital heart disease (CHD) and significantly affects prognosis. There are four large clinical groups of CHD-related PAH: Eisenmenger syndrome, PAH associated with non-restrictive shunt, PAH associated with restrictive shunt and postoperative PAH. Our purpose was to study the clinical and prognostic differences among them.

 The REHAP is a Spanish multicentre voluntary registry of patients over 14 years of age, which includes patients with CHD and PAH, starting in 2007. 664 patients were analyzed: Baseline characteristics, functional class, right catheterization data, treatment and survival were compared.

 664 patients were analyzed: characteristics are detailed in the table. Patients with Eisenmenger were more frequently treated with oral monotherapy as a first line therapy and received less frequently prostanoids during the follow-up. Patients with Eisenmenger had significantly better prognosis, with the best long-term survival of the 4 groups. In a cox regression model, postoperative PAH has a 1.7 hazard ratio (HR) (reference group: Eisenmenger) after adjustment for age (HR 1.02 p 0,001), functional class (HR NYHA III-IV 2.3 p<0,001), sex (p 0.8) and pulmonary vascular resistance (p 0.7).

 The clinical classification of PAH associated with CHD defines both the baseline characteristics and the prognosis of patients. Outcome relates closely to functional class and type of PAH–CHD. Eisenmenger group, which has the most severe hemodynamics, is the one with the best prognosis despite a less aggressive treatment.

 Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Ferrer, Janssen


We extend the theory of asymptotically critical points for sequences of conti nuous differentiable functionals on real Banach spaces. Using recent cornpactness conditions, a particular notion of lower hound for a couple and a generalization of linking between sets, we obtain new existence resuits of asymptotically critical points. Then we generalize this theory to sequences of lower serni-continuous func tionals and we estahlish existence resuits of asymptotically critical points in this case. Moreover, vie show that this theory generalizes the usual theory of critical points using the Palais-Srnale-star condition.


Arterial calcification has been related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis. However, little is known about the role of genetics and exact pathways leading to arterial calcification and its relation to bone density changes indicating osteoporosis. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study of arterial calcification burden, followed by a look-up of known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI), and bone mineral density (BMD) to test for a shared genetic basis between the traits. The study included a subcohort of the Dutch-Belgian lung cancer screening trial comprised of 2,561 participants. Participants underwent baseline CT screening in one of two hospitals participating in the trial. Low-dose chest CT images were acquired without contrast enhancement and without ECG-synchronization. In these images coronary and aortic calcifications were identified automatically. Subsequently, the detected calcifications were quantified using coronary artery calcium Agatston and volume scores. Genotype data was available for these participants. A genome-wide association study was conducted on 10,220,814 SNPs using a linear regression model. To reduce multiple testing burden, known CAD/MI and BMD SNPs were specifically tested (45 SNPs from the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D consortium and 60 SNPS from the GEFOS consortium). No novel significant SNPs were found. Significant enrichment for CAD/MI SNPs was observed in testing Agatston and coronary artery calcium volume scores. Moreover, a significant enrichment of BMD SNPs was shown in aortic calcium volume scores. This may indicate genetic relation of BMD SNPs and arterial calcification burden.


MAVIS was a project that aimed to study the interactions in social networks (Twitter and Instagram) between users regarding the sentiment expressed in their messages when they talked about specific vaccines or diseases. The study was performed during the period 2015-2018 and was initially technically done by using a set of commercial tools to identify the polarity of the messages. With the aim of improving the results provided by such tools, we performed a deep analysis of the results from such tools and provide a machine learning method as a metamodel over the results of the commercial tools. In this paper we explain both the technical process performed together with the main results that were obtained.


In an innovative and provocative paper in this Review, Eugene Fama presents evidence which appears to be consistent with the joint hypothesis that the real rate of interest, ignoring taxes, is a constant and that the market for U.S. Treasury Bills is efficient in the sense of embodying rational expectations.' Those findings are strikingly at variance with a long list of previous studies which seemed to support the view that the real rate of interest varies over time and can be related to economic variables such as real output, monetary policy, and so forth.2 The methodologies which lead to these contradictory conclusions are quite different. Previous studies had followed the lead of Irving Fisher by relating nominal interest rates to distributed lags on past rates of inflation.3 These distributed lags are generally interpreted as approximations to the market's expected rate of inflation and thus any remaining variation is attributed to variation in the real rate.4 Fama's methodology, on the other hand, draws on the fact that the difference between the market interest rate and the subsequently observed rate of inflation, the ex post real interest rate, consists by definition of the ex ante real interest rate plus a pure forecasting error.5 The hypothesis of market efficiency implies that these forecasting errors must be serially random. Thus, observing ex post real rates is equivalent to observing ex ante real rates with random measurement error. These errors of course confound the problem of identifying variation in the ex ante real rate. In this paper, we will argue that the relative magnitude of these measurement errors is such that the tests carried out by Fama were not powerful enough to reject the joint hypothesis that the ex ante real rate is a constant and expectations are rational. More powerful tests which are presented in this paper using the same data do lead to rejection of that hypothesis. Of course, rejection


This study deals with the structure of interaction in announcement displayed on
facebook's Persma Bimed group. This research was carried out by applying the
descriptive qualitative method. The objectives of the study were to find out the
types of Speech Function and Move used in the conversation among the members
of Persma Bimed group. The data were collected from the conversation among the
members in 7 announcements displayed on Persma Bimed group by printing out
the web page into some sheets of paper. The findings of this study showed the
types of Speech Function which found in the conversation were Statement (S),
Acknowledge Statement (AS), Question (Q), Response Statement to Question
(RSQ), Command (C) and Response Offer to Command (ROC) and Move were
k1 ^ k2f, k1 ^ k2f ^ k1f, k2 ^ k1, k2 ^ k1 ^ k2f, a2 ^ a1 and cl ^ rcl.


Background: Throughout India, severe watery dehydrating diarrhea is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children under five years of age. Objective: To examine the epidemiology of rotavirus disease across age and gender in the National Capital Region (NCR), India. Method: It is a retrospective observational study based on diagnostic laboratory data of multiple tertiary care hospital located in Delhi and NCR. The samples which were tested for rotavirus from April 2014 to July 2017 in tertiary healthcare centers; were included in the study. The overall sample size was 1942. Data analysis has been done by using MS Excel,and R. Monthly positive rates were calculated as the proportion of positive cases out of total laboratory test done for rotavirus in that month. Results: The study reported that the high-risk population groups like pediatric (0-5 years) and elderly (>64 years) were most affected with the rotavirus infection, 226 (52%) and 70 (16%) respectively. Season-wise trends of rotavirus disease showed the highest positivity during the post-monsoon and winters while decreasing trends towards summers and monsoons of the year for 2014 to 2017.The study also reported a significantly higher positivity rate among in patient population (22.8%) in comparison to outpatients (12.4%). Conclusion: This study outlines how laboratory data analytics can be critical in understanding the epidemiology of rotavirus disease, its seasonal trend, for preventive strategies.


Financial literacy is the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage one's financial resources effectively for life time financial security (Mandell, 1997). When applied to business enterprises, financial literacy is aimed at ensuring sustainability of business by enabling the business utilize the financial resources effectively. This study investigated the relationship between Financial Literacy and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) using Kikuubo Shopping Centre –Kampala as a case study. The study was prompted by the high mortality of SMEs within their year of inauguration (Nangoli et al, 2013). The study objectives were: To investigate the relationship between financial knowledge and financial performance of SMEs; to establish the relationship between financial skills and financial performance of SMEs; to investigate the relationship between financial experience and financial performance of SMEs. Financial Performance was measured in terms of: Business survival, profitability and growth. The study employed a co relational study design and a total of 160 respondents from SMEs owners and employees took part in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides and both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the collected data. The study established that: a positive moderate and significant relationship exists (r=0.4799, p<0.05) between financial Knowledge and financial performance of SMEs; a positive strong and significant relationship exists (r=0.6663,p<0.05) between financial skills and financial performance of SMEs and a positive strong and significant relationship exists (r=0.6508,p<0.05) between financial experience and financial performance of SMEs. It was thus concluded that financial literacy is very key in promoting the financial performance of SMEs. The study recommends that financial literacy programs be incorporated in the various engagements of stakeholders through workshops and seminars with SMEs owners; and encouraging partnerships with financial institutions to provide customized financial literacy education to


Based on the given probability distributions of hydraulic conductivity,porosity,and adsorption coefficient,a sequential Gaussian simulation method is used to generate multiple correlated stochastic parameter fields.The generated parameter values are used in groundwater flow and transport model simulations,and for the subsequent model uncertainty analysis.The results show that the consideration of the spatial variability of multiple correlated parameters in model simulations can result in a contamination plume spreading that is significantly different from that when only the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity is considered.The contamination plume spreading is reduced when the porosity can be positively correlated to the hydraulic conductivity.On the contrary,the spreading is increased when the porosity can be negatively correlated to the hydraulic conductivity.The similar result is obtained for the adsorption coefficient.When the spatial variability of adsorption coefficient is further considered,the contamination plume spreading shows a long-tailed distribution.When taking into account the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity,porosity,and adsorption coefficient,the effect of the heterogeneity of porosity on the contamination plume spreading will be greater than that of considering the adsorption coefficient.


Nine holes were drilled at eight sites in three areas of the North Atlantic during DSDP Leg 49. Sites 407 through 409 constitute a west-east transect on the west flank of the Reykjanes Ridge. Unconformities are present between the lower and middle Miocene, middle and upper Miocene, and Pliocene and Quaternary in the Oligocene through Quaternary section of Hole 407. A Pliocene/Quaternary unconformity and a probable middle/ upper Miocene unconformity occur in the lower Miocene through Quaternary section of Hole 408. Although data from the questionable upper Pliocene through Quaternary section of Hole 409 are too sparse to allow recognition of an unconformity, the presence of a Pliocene/Quaternary unconformity at Sites 407 and 408 indicates that the unconformity is a regional feature related to increased bottom current or to turbidity current activity associated with one or more major late Cenozoic climatic events. Miocene unconformities were caused by changes in bottom current activity probably related to the subsidence history of the Iceland-Faeroe Ridge. Upper Miocene to Quaternary sediments were recovered from Hole 410, which is situated at lat 45° N on the west side of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The occurrence of ice-rafted mineral grains in the Pliocene of Hole 410, at a level estimated to be about 3 m.y. old, confirms and extends the coverage of the mid-Pliocene North Atlantic glacial event detected during DSDP Leg 12. The remaining holes drilled during Leg 49 recovered Quaternary sediments in the FAMOUS area. Four lower Miocene, three middle Miocene, one upper Miocene, two Pliocene, and one Quaternary biostratigraphic divisions are proposed for high-latitude Neogene sediments of the North Atlantic. These informal zones are correlated with formal zonation schemes developed in tropical and extra-tropical areas.


In this paper, the characteristic impedance of transmission line and on-die termination (ODT) for Double Data Rate (DDR3) multi-module memory bus were be effectively enhanced signal integrity by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The bionic characteristic of PSO has good performance of search for macrocosm and fast convergence. In this case, the equivalent model of the circuit considers that CPU/MCH and two dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) connect by five segments of transmission lines. And the fitness function defined by the reflection coefficient for drive end is the small the better and the transmission coefficient for receiving end is the large the better. Finally, we verify enhancement of signal integrity for the DDR3 by simulating eye diagram.


In this issue of Blood , [Anderson et al][1] demonstrate that venetoclax induces apoptosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells independently of TP53 function in vitro and in vivo and suggest a role for BH3 profiling in determining a patient's response to treatment.[1][2]

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A transient temperature field of thin-walled beam in the condition of sudden flux is analyzed by using flourier expansion. And the frequency of the structure which depends on temperature is gotten. The vibration of the beam is divided into quasi-static and dynamic displacement which makes it available to the analytic solution. The temperature effect of material is concerned in the process of solution, which makes this analysis more accurate and more widely used.


We present a minimally invasive method for forward propagation of material property uncertainty to full‐field quantities of interest in solid dynamics. Full‐field uncertainty quantification enables the design of complex systems where quantities of interest, such as failure points, are not known a priori . The method, motivated by the well‐known probability density function (PDF) propagation method of turbulence modeling, uses an ensemble of solutions to provide the joint PDF of desired quantities at every point in the domain. A small subset of the ensemble is computed exactly, and the remainder of the samples are computed with approximation of the evolution equations based on those exact solutions. Although the proposed method has commonalities with traditional interpolatory stochastic collocation methods applied directly to quantities of interest, it is distinct and exploits the parameter dependence and smoothness of the driving term of the evolution equations. The implementation is model independent, storage and communication efficient, and straightforward. We demonstrate its efficiency, accuracy, scaling with dimension of the parameter space, and convergence in distribution with two problems: a quasi‐one‐dimensional bar impact, and a two material notched plate impact. For the bar impact problem, we provide an analytical solution to PDF of the solution fields for method validation. With the notched plate problem, we also demonstrate good parallel efficiency and scaling of the method.


information, Gusterson had no way of proving whether or not it happened. Historians will find both this methodology and the manner in which conclusions are reached problematic. Another of the major themes in this book is how newly hired scientists acquire knowledge of weapons design and operation. Since universities cannot teach this topic, the intimate details are held and taught by resident weaponeers. Gusterson believes that this ritualistic passing of knowledge serves the double purpose of teaching science and technology and indoctrinating new scientists in how to think about their work. Nuclear testing, for Gusterson, was just as important for its cultural impact on the thinking of its participants as it was in gaining new technical knowledge. While testing was, for many, a ritual of learning, its true importance was in the production of scientific and technological information. The laws of nature needed to be observed, recorded, and understood. Unintentionally, Gusterson's discussion of how nuclear weapons knowledge is kept and disseminated issues a clarion call to policymakers and scientists to think about how such knowledge is codified and protected. He is correct in pointing out that knowledge which resides in the designers themselves is practical or hermeneutic, and therefore at risk. He also notes a similar issue with respect to stockpile stewardship. While the stated purpose of stockpile stewardship is to guarantee the safety and reliability of the nuclear arsenal, its unstated purpose is to maintain the reliability of scientific and technical judgment. Currently there is no way of validating the efficacy of this role. People of the Bomb is a useful and productive book for students of nuclear history. It provides a good starting point for scholars interested in how scientists learn, think, and apply their knowledge. The problems highlighted by Gusterson—secrecy and its effects on scientific personnel, knowledge dissemination within a closed society, and stockpile stewardship—are all worthy of further investigation. Gusterson has lighted the path.


Enforcing appropriate security policies in distributed, component-based applications is difficult. A generic framework to define and evaluate security policies is necessary, and that framework must be integrated with the middleware platform. The middleware must provide the necessary hooks to intercept calls and obtain the information required for security enforcement. We designed and developed a security framework, integrated it into the CORBA component model middleware platform, and evaluated it in a real-world project


Belize got its Independence when the region was going through an economic crisis with debt burden and traditional export prices reduction. The northern region, once the most important economically, faced major challenges which prompted the introduction of fiscal incentive programs to alleviate the growing unemployment and decreasing economic activity. As an international border, it also faced, during the eighties and nineties, the effects of the Mexican peso devaluation. However, Mexico also constituted its mayor market for the establishment of the Commercial Free Zone. The northern region economy has only partially recovered from the major structural changes that Belize has gone through in its post independence period.


Objectives: This study aimed to apply three of the most important nonlinear growth models (Gompertz, Richards, and Weibull) to study the daily cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Iraq during the period from 13th of March, 2020 to 22nd of July, 2020. Methods: Using the nonlinear least squares method, the three growth models were estimated in addition to calculating some related measures in this study using the "nonlinear regression" tool available in Minitab-17, and the initial values of the parameters were deduced from the transformation to the simple linear regression equation. Comparison of these models was made using some statistics ( F -test, AIC, BIC, AIC c and WIC). Results: The results indicate that the Weibull model is the best adequate model for studying the cumulative daily number of COVID-19 cases in Iraq according to some criteria such as having the highest F and lowest values for RMSE, bias, MAE, AIC, BIC, AIC c and WIC with no any violations of the assumptions for the model's residuals (independent, normal distribution and homogeneity variance). The overall model test and tests of the estimated parameters showed that the Weibull model was statistically significant for describing the study data. Conclusions: were calculated in this study using the "nonlinear regression" tool available in Minitab-17, and the initial values of the parameters were obtained from the transformation to the simple linear regression model. The Weibull model proved to be very effective in describing epidemic curve of Covid-19 and estimating important epidemiological parameters, such as the time of the peak of the curve for daily cumulative cases, thus allowing a practical and efficient monitoring of the epidemic evolution. In this study, the Weibull model gives the best results with zero bias, the lowest RMSE = 647.619 and WIC = 1725.274 compared to the other applied growth models Gompertz and Richards. On this basis, the daily cumulative of COVID-19 cases in Iraq can reach 114,907 at 15th of August, 2020 with 95% prediction interval (from 112,251 to 117,566). The inflection point of the Weibull curve indicates that the peak time when the growth rate is maximum, is 7th of July, 2020, and at this time the daily cumulative incidence is 67,338 cases. The fitting models presented and some measures in this study were performed with the "Nonlinear Regression" tool available in the Minitab-17 software.


Decentralization is a common component of public finance development and reform strategies through efficiency, better governance and accountability. It has become particularly important for the local governments to recognize and test policies and practices that promote building the capacity of local communities by revealing their latent potential. The aim of the article was to identify and describe the current state of the decentralization process in Ukraine and in the EU, the problems and achievements of local communities. Observation and comparison were the leading methodological tools. The research found that the effective development of territorial communities of Ukraine requires further implementation of the relevant regional strategic planning of the European Union.

The appropriateness and prospects of the LEADER/CLLD approach in the form of cooperation and partnership between urban and rural areas were established. Fiscal decentralization as a basic factor on the way to improving the level of regional development was determined through a comparative analysis of the factors of positive dynamics of development of territorial communities in the EU and Ukraine. A comparative analysis of the practice of Ukraine and EU countries in the implementation of LEADER/CLLD projects in the context of building the capacity of local communities by revealing their latent potential is a promising vector of further research.


For much of contemporary sociology, the child is a social agent actively engaged in the production, appropriation and reproduction of culture. However, little is said about the way in which children participate in class reproduction. Relying on the observation of the routine of classes of two and three year-olds in a public and a private day care center, serving families from different social groups, the authors show how children actively contribute to shaping the educational experiences they are exposed to. Children from low income and less educated families exhibit greater autonomy, self-sufficiency and independence from adults, while children from middle upper class and more educated families are more demanding and disobedient. As a result, the latter receive more attention from adults. This contributes to a more significant differentiation in the pedagogical work in both spaces, adding a new dimension to the institutional differences despite the similarity they have in other respects (the wages of teachers and monitors, physical space, mentoring). These results show one of the dimensions by which class inequality is produced in education.


Foreword to this edition by Mike Nichols ix Foreword to the second edition with an update by Tony Ridley xi Foreword to the fi rst edition by Peter Wakeling xiii Preface and overview by the authors xv Acknowledgements xxv PART I Setting the scene 1 1 Uncertainty in and around projects 3 2 Uncertainty, risk and opportunity 43 3 Key motives for uncertainty management 73 4 An overview of generic process frameworks 101 PART II The generic process in one key lifecycle stage 131 5 Define the project 133 6 Focus the process 153 7 Identify all the relevant sources of uncertainty, response options and conditions 171 8 Structure all uncertainty 215 9 Clarify ownership 235 10 Quantify some uncertainty 251 11 Evaluate all the relevant implications 289 PART III The generic process in all lifecycle stages 325 12 Fully integrating the strategy shaping stages 327 13 Fully integrating the strategy implementation stages 365 PART IV Key corporate implications 389 14 Developing PUMP capability as a project 391 15 Contracts and governance as frameworks for enlightened relationship management 411 16 A corporate capability perspective 435 References 463 Glossary 473 Index 479


Today's landowners are faced with important decisions when establishing loblolly pine plantations in the Southeastern part of the United States with regards to planting dimensions and forest management techniques. Although recent studies are beginning to demonstrate the need for change from the old practices, suppressed biomass markets and prices are hindering the transition. This paper provided readers with an informational overview of the benefits of: incorporating an additional thinning regime for biomass, using alternate spacing methods such as FlexstandsTM and rectangularity, and using small-scale harvesting machines for conducting initial thinning's. The overview was supported with both a field study as well as a modeling tool which verified using one or all of the above-mentioned techniques to increase total harvest volumes while minimizing residual stand damage. The modeling tool determined that final sawtimber volumes were increased by a minimum of 15 tons per acre using one or more of the above techniques. When expanding this volume out to 20 acres, the minimum tract size harvested in the southeast using convention equipment, landowners could easily recover any losses incurred from the suppressed biomass markets minimizing overall risk and promoting the use of these alternative techniques.


ABSTRACT In murine macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the level of phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1), which drives the expression of many pro-apoptosis genes, increases quickly but then declines over a period of hours. By contrast, infection induces a continued increase in the level of unphosphorylated STAT1 that persists for several days. Here, we found that the level of unphosphorylated STAT1 correlated with the intracellular bacterial burden during the later stages of infection. To investigate the significance of a high level of unphosphorylated STAT1, we increased its concentration exogenously, and found that the apoptosis rate induced by Mtb was sufficiently decreased. Further experiments confirmed that unphosphorylated STAT1 affects the expression of several immune-associated genes and lessens the sensitivity of macrophages to CD95 (FAS)-mediated apoptosis during Mtb infection. Furthermore, we characterized 149 proteins that interacted with unphosphorylated STAT1 and the interactome network. The cooperation between unphosphorylated STAT1 and STAT3 results in downregulation of CD95 expression. Additionally, we verified that unphosphorylated STAT1 and IFIT1 competed for binding to eEF1A. Taken together, our data show that the role of unphosphorylated STAT1 differs from that of P-STAT1, and represses apoptosis in macrophages to promote immune evasion during Mtb infection. Highlighted Article: Accumulated unphosphorylated STAT1 decreases apoptosis of macrophages by interacting with STAT3 to repress expression of CD95 at the later stages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.


This paper proposes a probabilistic model incorporating long-term learning to estimate a dynamic user model. By using RF sequence as the user pattern, the approach can gradually update the prediction of current user based on matching the current user pattern with the user patterns in log. Compared with the invariant user model in PicHunter, the model is capable of dynamically adjusting when more user actions are observed, thus provides more accurate prediction for probability distribution. Experimental results on 11 000 images show that this approach can improve the retrieval accuracy apparently.


The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has taken center stage in infectious disease research. Since the first reports to the World Health Organization (WHO) in winter 2019, we know that the infectious agent was a virus of the coronavirus family, named SARS-CoV-2 (the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) causes a respiratory disease in Covid-19 and attacks lung cells due to the presence of many conserved receptor entries, namely Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2. In our instant update review article, we highlight the prevalence and genetic diversity of bats as they are the potential natural reservoir and link SARS-CoV-2 to other coronaviruses through the circulation in bats in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, we present the important ethical dilemmas to consider regarding human challenge studies as well as the effectiveness of herd immunity and personal protective equipment (PPE) for SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, we review the advances in the development of medical treatments and possible vaccines available to fight the virus.


The invention discloses a well completion tool integrating screen pipe early-stage subsection water control and channeling monitoring. The well completion tool comprises an outer tube and a thrust short section, wherein the outer tube comprises a body, a slide sleeve and a limit short section. The well completion tool has the advantages that the tool integrates the water control technology and the channeling detecting technology, and a working tubular column manufactured by the well completion tool can have functions of subsection water control and channeling monitoring; a tracer agent is loaded into the annular groove of the slide groove and sealed, the tracer agent is exposed through the action of the slide sleeve after the tool enters a well, and if the tracer agent is detected in stratum output liquid, a packer is not tightly sealed or water channeling occurs; in addition, a measure tubular column can be pulled out, the internal connecting sequence of the measure tubular column can be adjusted and then the measure tubular column is placed into the well, and reservoir sealing channeling can be distinguished by detecting whether the stratum output liquid contains the tracer agent or not again; the water channeling of the layers and sections of oil wells can be monitored at any time and analyzed and distinguished to provide a basis for later technical measures.


The satellites 1976-059A and 1977-007A each carry energetic particle detectors which measure fluxes of electrons in the 30 to 300 keV energy range. Five separate sensors mounted at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150/sup 0/ to the spacecraft spin axis provide two hundred samples of the three dimensional distribution function for every ten second spacecraft rotation. Spherical harmonic functions up to the fourth order were fit to the observed pitch angle distributions. The second and fourth order coefficients obtained for these fits were averaged for each hour of local time. The probability distributions for the averaged harmonic coefficients were calculated and are presented as a function of local time. Possible relations of these distributions to interplanetary conditions are discussed. Using the present analysis techniques, the intensity of electrons at the noon meridian is derived as a function of pitch angle and radial distance and is given by j(..cap alpha..,r) = 2.03 x 10/sup 8/ (0.49 sin/sup 4/./sup 78/..cap alpha.. + 0.51 sin/sup 0/./sup 27/..cap alpha..) e/sup -r/1.60/ el/cm/sup 2/ sec sr. 11 references.


Space-borne imageries are becoming increasingly of interest. Professionals typically require accurate digital images to in their spatial information system. A satellite image-map is often compiled and used for such a purpose. It has advantage in that no detail of the terrain is omitted. It can then simply deliver visualized information into the hands of those building urban database. Surprisingly, it has been noticed that the ortho-rectification is often ignored in the image-map production line. In fact, it has been aware that non-ortho rectified images are not sufficient to represent hilly terrain. Ortho-rectification is a rigorous photogrammetric technique to minimize error from relief displacement. Research in recent years has also shown that there is a strong relationship between the precision of the terrain data and the classification accuracy. Motivated by these considerations, this article presents some aspects of the fusion of satellite images with topographic maps on a spatial information system. The interim result also suggests that use of non ortho-rectified satellite images alone may not be sufficient to sharply delineate several man-made feature boundaries. Some aspects of the geometric discrepancies between an original image, and a topographic map are illustrated and discussed.


idealised and state-determined model. This is not of course to suggest that class is no longer a salient factor in political struggle, nor that the 'new citizenship' is a complete model either intellectually or politically; rather, through lengthy discussions of the anti-racist, sans-papiers, unemployed, solidarity and humanitarian aid movements, Waters argues that the goals and discourses of these movements fundamentally challenge the familiar French model of political participation. Waters's analysis of this 'new associativeness' is perceptive, lucid and authoritative. She carefully argues that observers highlighting the failure of such movements to secure substantive policy gains misread the significance of civic engagement, particularly the expressive nature and cultural importance of 358 G. Hayes


In order to elucidate the protective effects and mechanism of Ganoderma Lucidum Triterpenoids(GLT) on Alzheimer Disease model animals,two different groups rats was divided.it was found that the model animals exhibited the worse ability in learning and memory and a lower Na+-K+-ATPase activity.The addition of GLT significantly improved the above indexes(P0.05).GLT can protect AD model animals,GLT improved the learning and memory dysfunction in aging model rats,the following mechanism may be improving energy metabolism in brain.


The present invention relates to electrodes for semiconductor wafer dry etching, the electrode of the present invention comprises a first and second pair of electrodes, the first electrode is a ring type facing the either of the upper and lower portions of the semiconductor wafer ends comprising a first projection and the first flat portion, the second electrode of the one and the opposite, the same size as the first projection and the first flat portion of the upper and lower portions of said semiconductor wafer edge characterized in that in a second projecting portion and a second flat portion formed.


The invention relates to a linkage footboard structure for a fire-fighting vehicle belonging to a fire-fighting device. The fire-fighting vehicle comprises a vehicle body, wherein the vehicle body comprises wheels and a carriage, and each wheel is provided with a door-shaped mud baffle. The invention is characterized in that the linkage footboard structure comprises a door-shaped reversing frame, a first stop pin, a second stop pin, a first spring cylinder, a second spring cylinder, a footboard, a first draw rod, a second draw rod, a first support plate, a second support plate and a third spring cylinder, wherein the door-shaped reversing frame is composed of a cross arm, a first longitudinal arm and a second longitudinal arm, one end of the cross arm is connected with one end of the first longitudinal arm, the other end of the cross arm is connected with one end of the second longitudinal arm, and the other ends of the first and the second longitudinal arms are arranged on the carriage; the first stop pin and the second stop pin are fixed with the carriage; the first spring cylinder and the second spring cylinder are connected with the carriage; and one end of a footboard is connected with the first longitudinal arm, and the other end of the footboard is connected with the second longitudinal arm. The first and the second longitudinal arms of the reversing frame can be spread out or pushed in to form a first space by simply operating the reversing frame once, so that the footboard can be spread out or pushed in to form a second space. The invention has the advantages of simple structure, convenient installation and smooth operating process.


With the issuance of IFRS 3 (rev. 2008) - Business Combinations, the accounting for mergers and acquisitions changed again. Although many of the old provisions have remained unchanged, the new standard provides for additional accounting and valuation challenges. In the author's opinion the most significant change from an accounting, valuation and financial impact perspective arises from contingent consideration, such as earn-out agreements concluded between the buyer and the seller of a business. The fair value of contingent consideration has a severe impact on the total consideration paid for a business, goodwill as well as current and future statements of financial position and comprehensive income of the acquiring entity. As a consequence it is of paramount importance to completely understand the complex accounting provisions and possible valuation approaches and methods. In particular, the valuation of contingent consideration has not been extensively covered by relevant appraisal literature and as a consequence this article intends to provide a marginal contribution to cover this gap. The paper analyzes in its first part the identification of contingent consideration and related accounting provisions. After defining the standard of value in the context of the recently published IFRS 13 ? Fair Value Measurement, the article discusses various applicable valuation methods followed by a numerical example based on the expected discounted cash flow method supported by sensitivity and simulation analyses. The article concludes with practical implications and recommendations for reporting entities, valuers and accountants.


Fundamental limiting noise sources in a non-commercial inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer were investigated, using colour photographic evidence and signal processing which is manipulated via computer software. Noise sources were found to be 50 Hz from the mains power supply, peristaltic pump rotation, plasma audiofrequency peaks and their harmonics, and 1/f noise (which is mainly caused by the sample introduction system). These noise sources adversely affect the precision of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for a given measurement bandwidth. To reduce their contributions in the noise power spectra (NPS) of the signal, the use of a bonnet device was investigated. This reduced the 1/f noise and peristaltic pump rotation frequency and completely removed the plasma audio frequency peak in the NPS. This latter frequency has been observed by a number of workers in ICP emission spectrometry and is associated with instability at the boundary of the plasma, where it enters the surrounding atmosphere. This audiofrequency peak has been removed in emission spectrometry by using an extended torch arrangement. In this present work the position of the plasma audiofrequency peak in the NPS changed with sampling distance, radiofrequency power and coolant gas flow rate and the peak was removed by the use of a torch extension bonnet.


Tests were conducted at TRANSDEC and other N.O.S.C. facilities to investigate resonance characteristics of lung cavities of various mammal species including humans, dolphins, and domestic swine. The subjects were either totally submerged or had their heads out of the water to allow breathing. Depending on these two positions, total lung resonance was observed to behave as a resonating sphere or as a Helmholtz resonator, respectively. Three specific frequency regions were investigated, i.e., low frequencies (below 100 Hz), medium frequencies (between 3 and 7 kHz), and high frequencies (between 50 and 100 kHz). The results compare favorably with theoretical calculations.


Objective To investigate the method of burst phacoemulsification on the common phacoemulsification instrument.Methods Burst,traditional and pulse phacoemulsification with chop technique were used on 345 eyes of 315 patients with senile cataract. The degree of nuclear hardness was grade I - V . Results Postoperatively, the unconnected visual acuity was 0.8 or better in 76.81% ,80.29% and 87.25% at one day, one week and three months respectively. As compared with 152 eyes which were performed with the burst phacoemulsification, 122 eyes which were performed with the traditional phacoemulsification and 71 eyes which were performed with the pulse phacoemulsification, it suggested that the burst phacoemulsification time was the least, the incidence of the postoperative corneal edema was the lowest ( P = 0.000). Conclusion The burst phacoemulsification technique is preferable for phacoemulsification of cataract.


Abstract : Some considerations in implementing the QZ algorithm for generalized matrix eigenvalue problems are considered in this paper. Specifically, a new algorithm is suggested for implementing the general Householder transformation; a deflation algorithm is described for a singular triangular B with A in Hessenberg form; finally specific upper bounds are given for the negligible (2,1) elements in the final reduction of the quasi-triangular 2 x 2 blocks having real eigenvalues to upper triangular forms. These improvements are designed for better efficiency of the algorithm and improved accuracy of the final results.


Nowadays, the way people read print media has changed. The sale of newspapers in their printed format has fallen by around 60% in the last decade. This has occurred as a result
of the invention of the internet and the capability of accessing content from thousands of sites through the World Wide Web.
Based on this information we have completed this project of design and implementation of a system of extracting news on the Web for further analysis. The thematic of the project
could be diverse, but it has been decided to focus on sports news, in particular news about the most popular football teams in Spain.
The project is divided into several phases related to the processing of information. For the first three phases it has been used a workflow between them using Luigi. First of those phases is the extraction of data from the Web and to implement it several web spiders have been developed using Scrapy. Subsequently, this information has been analyzed using Senpy to extract feelings and emotions in each article. The last step in the work ow is to store
obtained data in Elasticsearch.
The last phase of the project has been to create a graphical interface in order to display obtained data in the analysis and being able to compare them. To do this, Polymer Web Components has been used in conjunction with D3.js library. Using these technologies, dfferent widgets have been created in order to compare results between dfferent teams and newspapers.
This project will allow the user to perform a complete analysis of the dfferent newspapers along with the diferent football teams thanks to the knowledge of emotions and feelings that are generated in the written press over time.


ABSTRACT The Torrey Canyon (1967) and Santa Barbara (1969) occurrences dramatized the unique nature of offshore oil pollution risks and the lack of a definitive legal system for dealing effectively with prevention, cleanup, and compensation. Although it is not the major part of the far more serious problem of marine pollution and is caused mainly by land-sourced activity, offshore oil pollution constitutes an increasingly important hazard because of the expanded, accelerating offshore search for alternate petroleum sources and unparalleled technological innovation. As offshore petroleum activity is essentially a transplant of land-based activity to a marine environment, the law of the sea and certain traditional legal principles are in an evolutionary process of adaptation to new factual situations. Considerable progress has occurred during the last two decades, but law and enforcement at international and regional levels are still not effective, while national regimes in the context of increasing nationa...


The objectives of this research were to assess genotype-environment interaction (GEI) and to determine stability of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) cultivars for grain yield in the Sulaimani province. seven durum wheat cultivars (Iraq7, Rash gull, Sham1, Bohooth 5, Acsad 65, Sham3 and Crezo )were evaluated under rainfed conditions using a randomized complete block design with3 replications. The study was conducted for 2 sowing date and at 3 different locations around Sulaimani province, Kurdistan-Iraq. Eight parametric stability methods including: the mean of yield; joint regression coefficient (bi), deviation from regression(S 2 di); environmental variance (EV); genotypic superiority index; deviation from mean (DFM) ; homeostasis (H%); genotypic resultant (GR) were used to identify the stability of these cultivars at six various environments in grain yield. The results showed different response among cultivars for environments and no cultivar had superior performance in all Environments. Yield reduction was large under spring sowing (58%).The stability parameters showed a wide range of variation between cultivars for grain yield. By simultaneous selection for yield and stability the cultivars Crezo and Iraq7 had the best values according to most parameters of stability; hence, it has a wide adaptability over a range of environments of rainfall conditions in Sulaimani, Kurdistan-Iraq.


Multi Index hashing (MIH) is method which divides long codes into substrings and hence builds multiple hash tables. But MIH method is based on assumptions that substrings are uniformly distributed. However, due to no uniform distribution the efficiency decreases. To overcome this factor, Data Oriented Multi Index Hashing (DOMIH) is proposed. DOMIH method correlates bits of code and using Naive Bayes classifier, multiple hash tables are builds with uniforms distributions of codes. Using Fast Condensed Nearest Neighbor, the compilation of cluster on the basis of statistical properties, the retrivation of data can be obtained quickly as compared to KNN Method. Also by usage of Support Vector Machine (SVM) misclassification of training data points near to decision boundary of binary classifier are avoided. Using FCNN rule, the search and retrivation efficiency can be increase up to 25% - 27%.


The phenomenon of group delinquency is, by and large, still terra incognita in the Netherlands. This paper presents a number of findings from a recent Dutch study on this subject. The findings result from a literature review, a (re-)analysis of Dutch self-report data and a number of interviews with informants and group members. Co-offending (i.e. offences that are committed by more than one person) and groups as a (semi-)organised association are two aspects of group delinquency that are considered here. Groups of youths hanging around and causing nuisance are the most visible manifestation of group behaviour. In 1997, according to a large survey, 12% of the Dutch population indicated that trouble caused by youth groups is an 'often occurring problem'. Concerning actual offending (with others), Dutch self-report data indicate that rates of co-offending are highest with vandalism, drug-related offences, intimidation, arson and participating in riots. Interviews with informants suggest that there is often a...


An extensive research and awareness about the role of innovation at education exist, but insight is missing regarding an individual frame of innovation of how to empower an individual towards life-long innovation activities. There is no adequate model that provides a holistic approach to innovation in academic institutions. This paper explores multiple innovation issues culminating in the development of a model for innovation from an individual perspective. This paper argues that awareness and the dynamics of individual innovation is missing in academic environments. Academics' engagements in innovation endeavours are scarce; there are visible symptoms of deeply embedded social, institutional, cultural and individual factors of innovation. This requires a holistic approach in innovation research. Awareness of an individual's potential and his/her innovation development cycles, external and internal dynamics can contribute to multiple innovation sustainability. These are pillars of the ORED model (observation, revelation, exploration, design) and ever expanding cycles for innovation.


This work analyzes the dispersion conditions of polar liquids with low viscosities into polymer melts. For this purpose, the curve of the critical capillary number in shear as a function of the viscosity ratio for low viscosity liquids dispersed into polymer melts was built. To obtain this curve, the disperse phase and matrix were chosen to have large polarity and viscosity differences (viscosity ratio between 10−7 and 10−2). To this end, polyethylene glycols with various molecular weights, ethylene glycol, glycerol or water were mixed with olefinic copolymers in an internal mixer assumed to generate mostly shear. Concentrations of dispersed phase were low enough to prevent coalescence. In combination with viscosity data and measured interfacial tension, the critical capillary number was calculated from the droplet size in equilibrium conditions and the variation with viscosity ratio was compared with theoretical equations from the literature.


Sentences conveying either non-redundant or increasingly redundant information about number were presented to 22 nursery school children. Comprehension of sentential number was tested by means of a picture-pointing and an acting-out task. Overall findings showed that sentences containing several number markers were interpreted more reliably than those with only one number marker, and that number markers occurring in a noun phrase were better understood than those occurring in a verb phrase. Analysis of individual data revealed three different response patterns, showing that redundant number marking is used in more than one way during the acquisition of the number system.


This paper introduces the basic measures for and main experiences of promoting the responsibility accounting in Xishanjinxin Construction Corporation of Shanxi Coking Coal Group, and advances some concrete measures according to some existing problems and shortages.


Based on the relationship of the transmitting times of multi-target slot signals in the TDMA(Time Division Multiple Address) time synchronization system,a kind of two-target joint ranging algorithm and multi-target weighted least square ranging algorithm are proposed for realizing the TDOA(Time Different Of Arrival)locations of TDMA multi-target.The problems of ambiguity and non-solution are avoided.Due to making use of all the TDOAs of multi-target to locate any one target,the positioning accuracy for all targets is improved in the multi-target situation.Simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.


Th e tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) state is endlessly fascinating to the editors and authors of this volume, as well as to the public at large. Th e perennial popularity of television shows such as Jeopardy and of trivia board games attests to the broad appeal of word fi nding as entertainment, and the associated "almost retrievals" are part of the engagement of the experience. Although it is one of the most commonplace and harmless cognitive experiences, it packs a considerable amount of drama for people experiencing it and for researchers studying it. William James expressed this most poetically more than 120 years ago, and others have frequently quoted him ever since. Speaking of the cognitive "gap," James writes:


Dioctyl(o-)Phthalate was synthesized by the solid superacid SO42-/TiO2 as catalyst. The reaction conditions are studied. The optimum reaction conditions were molar ratio of alcohol to phthalic anhydride 3.8∶1, amount of the catalyst 3% by totle weight, and the reaction time 2.5 h react temperature 120-150 ℃. Under these conditions, the conversation of phthalic anhydride is up to 83.7 % .


Much tlhe most frequ-ient is one or other variety of encephtalitis, by wlhich pathological term is to beunderstood a brain infection, whether specifically kn-owni or not.A sporadic encephalitis (not, in all problability, identical witlh what is niow calledepidemic encephalitis)-somnetimes described as acute nion-suppurativ'e encephalitis-is a fairly coimnoii affection of childhiood, producing usuallya hemiplegia and less often a diplegia. Wlhen a preliminary stage of malaise, fever, and vomiting, wvitlh headache, -ossibly w-itlh delirium and stupor, is succeeded by generalized conv-ulsive attacks with unconsciousnless, rigility, -Yanosis, and so folrthl, aand followed by paralysis on one sid_e of the body, the syndrome is not so, sudden asto -preclude a vcty good idea of its niature being formiied.But in a miiinority of cases the paralysis super veines abruptly on a con1vulsioln, or even withoxut the latter, just as it appears uinheralded in a small l)roportion of cases of acute poliomyelitis. -Diagnosis thlen is perhiaps less:definite, but the fleoltability is -inot; lumbai-1 punct-ure is likely to reveal a finding comparable (in greater or less degrce) with that of acute poliomyelitis slhould the case be one of acuite polioenceplhalitis a poliomyelitis vari at; if the fluid is n-iegative, however, the case may noue the less be one of encephalitis, though not occasionied by the virus of infantile paralysis.


Following Beck-Chen, we say a flow φt on a metric space (X, d) is superdense if there is a c > 0 such that for every x ∈ X, and every T > 0, the trajectory {φtx}0≤t≤cT is 1/T-dense in X. We show that a linear flow on a translation surface is superdense if and only if the associated Teichmüller geodesic is bounded. This generalizes work of Beck-Chen on lattice surfaces, and is reminiscent of work of Masur on unique ergodicity.


Smart multifunctional materials such as vanadium dioxide (VO2), which exhibit a reversible semiconductor-to-metal transition (SMT), provide a new route toward engineering high speed switchable devices. Here, we present a detailed report on the modulation in the electrical properties of VO2/Si heterostructures by application of an external electrical field across VO2 thin films. Single-phase VO2 thin films have been deposited on an Si(111) substrate using the pulsed laser deposition technique. The electrical transport behavior across the VO2/Si heterostructure has been studied in the temperature range of 35–105 °C, and a reversible SMT can be seen at 68 and 63 °C for heating and cooling cycles, respectively. The temperature-dependent resistance of the device shows a hysteresis loop around the transition temperature of the VO2 thin film. In addition, the device shows a significant change in junction current when an external bias is applied on the VO2 thin film, and this phenomenon has been utilized to study the switching behavior of the device. Such behavior is due to the change in interfacial barrier height because of the bias dependent tilting of electronic energy bands of the VO2 thin film. Our results offer novel opportunities to externally control the electrical transport of vertical heterostructures and can be beneficial for extending the notion of electrical field modulation in electrical switches and sensors.


Dietary Apigenin and Naringenin Protect Against Colon Carcinogenesis by Lowering High Multiplicity Aberrant Crypt Foci and Enhancing Apoptosis in Azoxymethane-Treated Rats. (May 2005) Tety Leonardi, B.S., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Nancy D. Turner Dr. Joanne R. Lupton Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. However, evidence indicates that a proper diet abundant in fruits and vegetables may be protective against colon cancer development. Bioactive compounds in fruits and vegetables, such as flavonoids and limonoids, have been shown to possess anti-proliferative and antitumorigenic effects in various in vitro and in vivo models of cancer. Since there are few animal studies involving flavonoids and limonoids and colon cancer, this experiment investigated the potentially protective effects of four citrus flavonoids and one limonoid mixture against the promotion stage of chemically-induced colon cancer in rats. Male SD rats (n =60; 10 rats/group) were assigned to receive diets containing 0.1% apigenin, 0.02% naringenin, 0.1% hesperidin, 0.01% nobiletin, 0.035% limonin glucoside/obacunone glucoside mixture, or a control diet (0% flavonoid/limonoid). Rats received the diets for 10 wk and were injected with azoxymethane (15 mg/kg) at wk 3 and 4. The excised colons were evaluated for aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation, cell proliferation (PCNA assay), apoptosis (TUNEL assay), and iNOS and COX-2 expression. When compared to the control diet, apigenin lowered the number of high multiplicity ACF (> 4 AC/focus) by 57% (P<0.05) and tended to lower the proliferative index (28%; P=0.07), while naringenin lowered both the number of high multiplicity ACF by 51% (P<0.05) and the proliferative index by 32% (P<0.05). Both apigenin and naringenin increased apoptosis of surface colon cells (78% and 97%, respectively; P<0.05) when compared to control diet. Hesperidin, nobiletin, and the limonin


Laccase was applied in combination with syringic, vanillic, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid to ligninimpregnated cellulosic fibers and to fibers of a highkappa pulp. Measurement of the molecular weight of the re-isolated lignin and material isolated from the pulp fiber surface via a surface refining technique revealed that laccase was able to couple these compounds to fibers resulting in molecular weight increases.


In this paper, we propose an efficient and effective clustering method that requires to scan a dataset only once. The original dataset is transformed first and merged into a hyper image of controllable size. Unlike traditional methods, the dissimilarity measurement between objects is calculated once for all objects by using various image processing methodologies, such as morphological operations. Image connect component extraction is thereby used to extract clusters from the hyper image. The proposed method is easy to use for clustering data in way of fuzzy and hierarchical fashion readily under a single dataset scan. It is also efficient for incremental and dynamic clustering without additional scan of the original dataset. Experimental results show that the proposed method is robust and stable under various parameter settings such that it is more effective and useful than traditional clustering methods, especially for very large datasets.


To investigate the influence of a kind of acetylene black colloidal solution (ABCs) on the regeneration of inactivation PbO2/PbSO4 electrode, the simulation deactivation PbO2/PbSO4 electrode was prepared by which PbCO3 acted with H2SO4 to produce PbSO4 and PbSO4 was in situ electro-oxidized to PbO2. The cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscope had been used to test the electrochemical performance and observe surface topography respectively. The experimental results show that the electrical conductivity of PbSO4 and PbO2 particles may be enhanced because of the adsorption of ABC particles on PbSO4/H2SO4 and PbO2/H2SO4 interface. Its adsorption behaviors can control the size of PbSO4 particles. In the process of the anode reactivation, PbO2/PbSO4 electrode process polarization can be reduced. The electrode REDOX current and capacity are improved in H2SO4 with ABCs. ABC colloidal particles can be conducive to the structure improvement of the simulation deactivation PbO2/PbSO4 electrode. Its electrochemical performance can be reactivated.


The recent emergence of whole-genome expression data requires a novel computational method to efficiently extract biological information from the large-scale data. The typical method for extracting information about genetic networks is cluster analysis and Fourier analysis of gene-expression patterns [2, 3, 4]. These analyses have uncovered some of the genetic networks. However, in order to comprehend all of the genetic networks in a variety of biological processes, it is necessary to develop computational methods from various viewpoints. Here we propose a computational time-series analysis to infer gene-regulatory networks from whole-genome expression data.


This paper introduces the contents and the applying range of Newton's law of cooling.The application on thermal dissipation's correction in the thermal experiments is inquiried in detail.At the same time,the authors put forward a kind of method in which the Newton's law of cooling solving the material specific heat is taken into use.


Mitigation in agriculture needs to be based on two pillars:
- Technically, nitrogen inputs should be reduced, organic fertilizers should replace synthetic fertilizers and storage losses should be minimized. Integrated systems with closed, efficient nutrient cycles should be the order of the day in the future.
- socially, food wastage should be minimized an meat consumption reduced.


In healthcare, evidence-based practice EBP integrates clinical expertise with the best available external evidence from systematic research. Yet even with the aid of technology, implementation of EBP in many settings remains a challenge due in part to the complexity of the healthcare system and the lack of a strong theoretical and analytical foundation to guide implementation efforts. This paper combines research from the fields of healthcare implementation science and social networks to present a theoretically based, integrated framework for the study of EBP implementation. This study explores the application of the framework to a complex healthcare collaborative, the MRSA infection control project, a project intended to foster the implementation of EBP to reduce the spread of MRSA infections. The authors consider how the framework can also be used to inform future research into EBP-related information system implementations and innovations.


This article explores the special status of the concept of 'Ethiopia' in the history of the European discourse of Africa, and pays particular attention to the production and transmission of James Bruce's Travels to discover the sources of the Nile (1790), notably as re-edited and augmented by Alexander Murray in 1813. The examination of the dialogic nature of Murray's encounter with Bruce's text leads into a consideration of the problems of textual authority and editorial diplomacy, and of the authenticity and value of subsequent scholarship that relies on such redactions and fails to return to original texts. The more specific concern with Bruce and Murray broadens into a consideration of more recent examples in Africanist discourse of questionable inferences drawn from non-authoritative 'primary' texts. Two examples are the use J. M. Coetzee makes of R. Raven-Hart's fragmentary anthologies Before van Riebeeck (19 7) and Cape of Good Hope 1652–1702 (1971) in White writing (1988) to support oft-quoted observations about wholly pejorative depictions of the Khoisan in the discourse of the Cape, and Mary Louise Pratt's similar reliance, with similar results, in Imperial eyes (1992) on an inadequate and adumbrated English rendering of Peter Kolben's seminal study of the Khoisan, Caput bonae spei hodiernum (1719).


Nonlinear mixed effect models are intensively used in pharmacometry to describe the evolution of drug concentrations and clinical responses with time, and are adapted to


The measurement of electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise is reviewed, and noise sources of a power switching circuit are described. The effect of PWM frequency modulation on power supply EMI noise emission is investigated. Significant reduction of emission is possible with this scheme.<<ETX>>


A new method of extracting free-living arthropods and molluscs from rough, matted grassland has been developed which gives extraction rates that are usually above 95 per cent. Its advantages over other known methods, especially sweeping, are that it is less liable to personal error, collects from otherwise inaccessible places in the habitat, permits selection of places within the habitat ( e.g ., tops and bases of grass) and does not depend on removal of parts of the habitat. The apparatus consists of a light, portable but powerful electric suction pump of standard pattern, with a special compartment, containing a small collecting bag, fitted between the fan intake and the flexible hose that carries a nozzle 1 in. in diameter, which is inserted into the grass. It can be operated on several hundred yards of cable. The sample obtained comprises a mass of plant matter and detritus from which the animals are easily sorted by hand in the laboratory. The method is unsuitable for subterranean arthropods or for insects living inside or otherwise firmly attached to plants. But it should be possible to use it for a variety of habitats other than grassland.


Based on the comments and data from Taylor et al,[1][1] we conclude that the various 12/15-lipoxygenase–deficient (Alox15) mice exhibit more similarities than differences.

The majority of Alox15 mice in our colony and those we purchased from The Jackson Laboratory appeared healthy although they


Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is an infectious disease caused by the caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV), belonging to the lentivirus genus. The presence of the virus has been observed in the nervous system, respiratory tract and mammary gland, and also in the male and female genital tract. The objective of this study is to identify the virus in oocyte and uterine fluid of infected goats by molecular diagnostic techniques, in order to assess the possibility of CAEV transmission with reproduction. Thirteen infected goats were selected and submitted to euthanasia for the collection of the reproductive system, aspiration of the uterine fluid and dissection of ovaries for oocyte collection. In order to identify the CAEV in the collected material, in the protovirus and free forms, it was submitted to the nRT-PCR and nPCR techniques, respectively. As a result, it was observed that 53.8% of oocytes were positive to nRT-PCR, while only 9.1% were positive to nPCR. The nRT-PCR also identified the virus in the uterine fluid of 46.1% of the tested females. Even though the 13 goats had CAEV, 30.8% presented negative results in nPCR and nRT-PCR in all of the analyzed samples (oocyte and uterine fluid). This work concludes that nRT-PCR and nPCR can be used in the diagnosis of CAE for the analysis with oocytes and uterine fluid, and that the presence of CAEV in these materials points out to the risk of CAEV transmission through reproductive technologies used in females.


Air transportation plays an increasing crucial role in daily life in the present day. At present, more than 33% of the world's aviation fleet is rented from leasing companies and the proportion is likely to keep growing. We study a problem of rental rate pricing and rental contract designing in aircraft leasing industry. In a framework of Stackelberg game, the system is composed of an airline and a lessor. The lessor announces daily rental rates and provides a long-term contract on a horizon with multiple periods. Identical rental rate is offered in the contract, if the airline promises to rent a pre-determined number over the horizon. We study two scenarios: 1) decisions without contract, 2) contract with fixed duration. We illustrate the value of leasing without contract. In addition, we demonstrate the lower bound and the upper bound for the value of the long-term contract. It is Pareto optimal in this range and given revenue sharing ratio, the equilibrium exists. Eventually, both the lessor and the airline get benefit from an appropriate long-term contract.


The accurate effective response of a laminated composites under any load depends upon the phenomena taking places at the fibre and matrix levels. The present study focuses on the development of a micromechanics-based intralaminar damage model for unidirectional fibrous composites. The present work uses the LMT damage mesomodel for laminates (DML) proposed by Ladeveze et al. as the base model. Homogenisation theory has been used to relate the micro-macro stresses and strains, which in turn are used to define the onset and propagation criteria through elastic moduli degradation and thermodynamic concepts. In the present work, the intralaminar damage mechanisms like fibre breaking, diffuse damage and matrix cracking have been modelled. The model accurately captures these damage mechanisms showing excellent agreements with experimental results reported in world wide failure exercise. Moreover, this study strengthens the LMT DML by establishing links between meso and micro mechanics of laminated composites.


Background: There is a need for studies evaluating oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children in developing countries. Aim: to assess the psychometric properties, prevalence and perceived causes of the child version of oral impact on daily performance inventory (Child-OIDP) among school children in two sociodemographically different districts of Tanzania. Socio-behavioral and clinical correlates of children's OHRQoL were also investigated. Method: One thousand six hundred and one children (mean age 13 yr, 60.5% girls) attending 16 (urban and rural) primary schools in Kinondoni and Temeke districts completed a survey instrument in face to face interviews and participated in a full mouth clinical examination. The survey instrument was designed to measure a Kiswahili translated and culturally adapted ChildOIDP frequency score, global oral health indicators and socio-demographic factors. Results: The Kiswahili version of the Child-OIDP inventory preserved the overall concept of the original English version and revealed good reliability in terms of Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.77 (Kinondoni: 0.62, Temeke: 0.76). Weighted Kappa scores from a test-retest were 1.0 and 0.8 in Kinondoni and Temeke, respectively. Validity was supported in that the OIDP scores varied systematically and in the expected direction with self-reported oral health measures and sociobehavioral indicators. Confirmatory factor analyses, CFA, confirmed three dimensions identified initially by Principle Component Analysis within the OIDP item pool. A total of 28.6% of the participants had at least one oral impact. The area specific rates for Kinondoni and Temeke were 18.5% and 45.5%. The most frequently reported impacts were problems eating and cleaning teeth, and the most frequently reported cause of impacts were toothache, ulcer in mouth and position of teeth. Conclusion: This study showed that the Kiswahili version of the Child-OIDP was applicable for use among schoolchildren in Tanzania. Published: 13 July 2007 Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2007, 5:40 doi:10.1186/1477-7525-5-40 Received: 27 March 2007 Accepted: 13 July 2007 This article is available from: http://www.hqlo.com/content/5/1/40 © 2007 Mtaya et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Page 1 of 11 (page number not for citation purposes) Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2007, 5:40 http://www.hqlo.com/content/5/1/40 Background Emerging consensus in the literature has identified oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) as a multidimensional construct containing physical, social and psychological domains [1]. Over the years several socio-dental indicators have been developed, ranging from single item indicators to composite inventories or scoring systems, covering the aforementioned OHRQoL domains [2]. The indices are requested to be simple to use, reliable, valid, precise, acceptable, amenable to statistical analysis, correspond to decision making criteria and to be supported by a relevant theoretical model [3]. Although a number of indices have been developed and tested in population-based studies and studies of patients with specific disorders, most research has been carried out on adults in industrialized countries [4-6]. Yet, there is a lack of OHRQoL measures designed for children and few attempts have been made to evaluate OHRQoL and its determinants in the child populations of non-industrialized countries [7-11]. This is notable, considering that oral disorders are numerous in children globally and likely to affect their quality of life negatively [7]. Untreated dental caries might lead to dental pain which in turn results in impacts of affected play and sleep, avoidance of certain types of food and decreased school performance [12]. Children who have poor oral health have been reported to be 12 times more likely to have restricted activity days than those who do not [12]. A review of studies considering children's self-reported dental pain revealed prevalence rates of 68% in 12-year-old Indians, 42% in 10–14 year-old Ugandans and 21% among 0–18year-olds in Kenya [13]. Numerous methodological and conceptual problems are involved when developing health related quality of life measures for children; as such measures have to take into consideration distinct changes in the growing child [14]. Most of the changes related to growth may affect the child and therefore the oral health related quality of life measures may have to be age specific. Recently, it has been recognized that using appropriate questionnaire techniques, children can give valid and reliable information and thus should be the primary source of information regarding their OHRQoL [7,15,16]. Two instruments have been developed to measure OHRQoL in younger age groups, namely the Child Perception Questionnaire assessing symptoms, functional limitations and well being in 6–10yearand 11–14-year-olds and the Child version of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) inventory [7,8,15,17]. The Child-OIDP, which has been derived from the OIDP [5,18], was developed and tested among Thai school children aged 11–12 yr [7,8]. It has been found to be a reliable and valid instrument when applied to children in Thailand, France and UK [7,8,19,20]. However, further evaluation of its performance across countries and age groups has been requested. As with the adult OIDP, the Child-OIDP measures oral impacts that seriously affect the person's daily life. It is based on the conceptual framework of the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps, ICIDH [21], which has been amended for dentistry by Locker [22]. The OIDP concentrates only on disability and handicap, thus demonstrating strong theoretical coherence and reduced possibility of double scoring of the same oral impacts at different levels [5,18]. Considering respondent burden, the OIDP (and the Child-OIDP) is suitable for use in population surveys, not only in terms of being easier when measuring behaviours rather than feeling states, but also in being short. In order to suit children's cognitive development, the Child-OIDP deviates from the OIDP with respect to the sequence of questions, having a shorter recall period in terms of 3 months instead of 6 months and with pictures used as interviews guide [7]. Since the Tanzanian oral health policy gives priority to children as a target group for oral health care services [23], the Child-OIDP questionnaire is worthy consideration because of its adaptation for use in oral health care needs assessment making it useful for planning services. The original OIDP inventory has previously been translated into Kiswahili and found to be applicable to young adults and older people in Tanzania whilst administered as self-performed questionnaires and in face to face interviews [24,25]. The aim of this study was to assess validity, reliability and prevalence estimates of a Kiswahili translated version of the Child-OIDP frequency inventory for use in primary schoolchildren emanating from two socio-economically different districts in Tanzania. Methods Study area A cross sectional survey was conducted in Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital and major sea port of Tanzania, from November 2005 to June 2006. Dar es Salaam is the most densely populated and socially and culturally heterogenic city in Tanzania. According to the 2002 population and house survey in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam has a total population of 2.5 million and population density of 1,793 per square km. Dar es Salaam is divided into three districts; Kinondoni, Ilala and Temeke with total population sizes of 1.083,913, 634,924 and 768,451 people respectively. All districts have drinking water with fluoride content of about 1 mg fluoride/L (1 ppm). Kinondoni and Temeke are quite diverse districts in terms of their sociodemographic profile, with the former having higher employment rates, literacy rates and proportions of the population using the most expensive form, electricity, as their main source of energy for cooking [26]. Page 2 of 11 (page number not for citation purposes) Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2007, 5:40 http://www.hqlo.com/content/5/1/40 Sampling The study population comprised of children attending standard 7 in public primary schools. A stratified proportionate two-stage cluster sampling design with public primary schools as the primary sampling unit was utilized. To obtain a sample of schoolchildren of mixed socio-economic background, schools were selected at random from urban and rural areas in the Kinondoni and Temeke districts in Dar es Salaam. Overall, 43 rural(N = 4,809 standard 7 pupils) and 78 urban primary schools (N = 14.725 standard 7 pupils) were listed in Kinondoni. The corresponding number of schools in Temeke were 22 rural (N = 1707 standard 7 pupils) and 77 urban (N = 14103 standard 7 pupils) schools. A sample size of 1200 school children aged 12–14 yr was calculated to be satisfactory for two sided tests, assuming the prevalence of oral impacts to be 0.40 and 0.50 in children with and without caries experience, a significance level of 5%, power of 90% and a design factor of 2 [27]. At the first stage, 4 rural (4/ 43 n = 755 standard 7 pupils) and 6 urban (6/77, n = 1157 standard 7 pupils) schools in Kinondoni and 1 rural (1/ 22 n = 184 standard 7 pupils) and 5 urban (5/78, n = 949 standard 7 pupils) schools in Temeke were selected by systematic random sampling using a unified sampling fraction. From a total of 3045 standard 7 pupils available in the selected schools, about 100 students in each selected school (i.e. 1601 students constituting 52.6% of all standard 7 students in the selected schools) and fulf


Because of the lack of advanced technology as well as the support of domestic policies, both the materials and markets of China's photovoltaic (PV) industry are outside of China, which in turn puts the industry at a disadvantage of long-term development and international competition. This paper has analyzed the current situation of the PV industrial structure, discussed the necessity of industrial restructuring and put forward related strategies and suggestions.


It is crucial to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) with cloud computing to build Smart Cities. However, there are few cloud platforms dedicated for IoT environment in Smart Cities. And existing cloud platforms are complex and difficult to implement with a small scale. Therefore, in this study, we propose a scalable cloud model for Internet of Things (IoT) based on the concept of modularization and service integration. Different from general clouds, the cloud model can be implemented on a small scale in the initial phase, and be extended and integrated in the future. For the resulted cloud platform, we assume that Intelligent City Areas (ICAs), which serve as the basic components of Smart Cities, are the application domains. We also depict the hardware deployment architecture and software implementation model for the cloud platform using Service- Oriented Architecture (SOA) and modular design method. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method by designing and deploying a kid safety support system for kindergartens.