Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pose a significant threat due to adverse drug reactions, increased healthcare costs, and poor patient outcomes. Antibiotic stewardship programs, including antibiotic de-escalation, aim to optimize antibiotic use and to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to fill the gap by analyzing the current literature on the implications of antibiotic de-escalation in patients on antibiotic use, duration of hospital stay, mortality, and cost; to update clinical practice recommendations for the proper use of antibiotics; and to offer insightful information about the efficacy of antibiotic de-escalation. Based on the PRISMA 2020 recommendations, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases and reference lists of identified studies. Eligible studies were published in English, conducted in humans, and evaluated the impact of antibiotic de-escalation on antibiotic consumption, length of hospitalization, mortality, or cost in hospitalized adult patients. Data were extracted using a standardized form, and the quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The data from 25 studies were pooled and analyzed using the Revman-5 software, and statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using a chi-square test and I2 statistics. Among the total studies, seven studies were conducted in pediatric patients and the remaining studies were conducted in adults. The studies showed a wide range of de-escalation rates, with most studies reporting a rate above 50%. In some studies, de-escalation was associated with a decrease in antimicrobial utilization and mean length of stay, but the impact on overall cost was mixed. Our pooled analysis for mortality reported that a significant difference was observed between the de-escalation group and the non-de-escalation group in a random effect model (RR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.52–0.86, p = 0.001). The results suggest that de-escalation therapy can be applied in different healthcare settings and patient populations. However, the de-escalation rate varied depending on the study population and definition of de-escalation. Despite this variation, the results of this systematic review support the importance of de-escalation as a strategy to optimize antibiotic therapy and to reduce the development of subsequent antibiotic resistance. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of de-escalation on patient outcomes and to standardize the definition of de-escalation to allow for better comparison of studies.


Along with the rapid development of computer network technology and the continuous advancement of educational informatization, computer-aided teaching has long been integrated into classroom teaching. However, for a long time, the degree of informatization of Physical skill courses is generally low, the related research is less, and the information technology awareness and ability of Physical skill courses teachers are generally low. This paper takes the teaching of difficult and beauty sports as the research object, from the perspective of the design and development of integrable ware MCAI courseware, introduces the related concepts and mainstream development software of integrable ware MCAI courseware, summarizes the common characteristics of difficult and beauty sports teaching, and combs the general content frame of integrable ware MCAI courseware design according to the teaching characteristics of difficult and beauty sports. This paper analyzes the advantages and functions of integrable ware MCAI courseware in the teaching of difficult and beauty sports. This paper attempts to summarize and refine the general paradigm of integrable ware type MCAI courseware design for difficult and beauty sports events, in order to provide reference and guidance for the majority of physical education teachers when designing relevant courseware, and then promote the high-quality development of distance education of sports technology courses.


Millions of people throughout the world consume fresh juices sold by street vendors as they are rich source of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. They cause a great health problem in unhygienic conditions. There are reports of food borne illness associated with the consumption of street vended juices throughout the world and at several places in India. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the quality of juices sold by street vendors in Guntur, A.P., India. Two types of vegetable juices namely beetroot and carrot; three types of fruit juices namely mousambi, grapes and pineapple were selected based on the consumers demand. The juices are collected from five different localities viz., Brundavan Gardens, Sankar vilas, RTC Bus terminus, Kothapet and Nazz center. TVC (Total Viable Count), coliforms and yeast counts were analysed using standard methods like serial dilution and plate count . The results showed that TVC was highest in carrot juice followed by beetroot, pineapple, grape and mousambi juices respectively. TVC count ranged from 87-250 (x 10 5 CFU/ml) in beetroot juice; 80-271 in carrot juice; 15-150 in mousambi juice; 19-184 in grape juice and 25-217 in pineapple juice. The coliform count ranged from 8-66 (x 10 5 CFU/ml) in beetroot juice; 1-54 in carrot juice; 0-73 in mousambi juice; 1-10 in grape juice and 1-63 in pineapple juice respectively. However, the coliform count was highest in mousambi juice followed by beetroot, pineapple, carrot and grape juices. The yeast count ranged from 11-106 (x 10 5 CFU/ml) in beetroot juice; 5-41 in carrot juice; 1-53 in mousambi juice, 3-20 in grape juice and 7-126 in pineapple juice respectively. The yeast count was highest in pineapple juice followed by beetroot, mousambi, carrot, and grape juice respectively. It is concluded that imparting training to the street vendors and creating awareness regarding good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygienic practices (GHP), implementation of standard hygienic practices and regular monitoring of the quality of fruit juices must be introduced to avoid frequent pathogen outbreaks.


This paper aims to investigate the mediating role of knowledge management (KM) in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and organizational performance of e-businesses in Malaysia. Althoughknowledge management (KM), entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and organizational performance are primarily studied in business organizations, these issues are still important for e-business. However, few attemptshave been made to investigate the relationship between KM and EO, particularly in the context of Malaysian e-businesses. The present study fills this research gap by examining the effects of KM towards EO and organizational performance of owner/founder e-businesses. A quantitative approach via a self-administered questionnaire was used. Structural equation modelling using partial least squares (PLS-SEM) was performed to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that EO has a positive effect on KM and KM has a positive effect on organizational performance. An analysis of the indirect effects suggests that KM mediates the relationship between EO and organizational performance. The current findings strongly indicate that KM leads to more effective decision making in order to achieve better performance. The findings have implications for academics and practitioners.


Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is commonly performed in patients who cannot ingest and need long-term nutritional support. We experienced an adult intussusception caused by gastrostomy tube after PEG. A 76-year-old woman was seen at our hospital because of diarrhea and vomiting. Plain abdominal radiograph showed that a gastrostomy tube tip had advanced into the small intestine; it was pulled back to in a stomach. Follow-up CT examination showed the intestinal tract had multilayers and thickened walls, and a diagnosis of intussuscepion was made. Physicians should consider intussusception a complication of PEG.


According to the activity characteristic of the roof rock formation and the function of the filling bodys beside roadways in retaing roadways along goaf,the mutual function model between filling bodys beside roadways and roof rock formation is established.The later work resistance of filling bodys beside roadways is calculated.The shrink quantity,theory value and test result of retaining roadways along goaf are the same,this shows the exantness of the mechanics model.


AT THE chief nursing officer (CNO) for England's summit this month, the RCN will publicise its campaign encouraging nurses to have more say in the choice of products, supplies and medicines they use on a daily basis.


What kind of stuff makes cities? What sorts of relations between humans, materials, infrastructures, animals, plans, substances, climates, machines, imaginaries, labours, foodstuffs – things – are mobilized to produce the dense, vibrant, provisional assemblage that we call a city? What happens when such relational flows become blocked, broken or otherwise constrained? What is distinctive, if anything, about the substance of African cities? These are a few of the questions that lie behind our preoccupation with urban materialities in Africa, and the promise of stuff for thinking through what makes African cities work – and, conversely, for unravelling what happens when things fall apart. This special issue brings together six articles examining the contested materialities of African cities, building on an emerging focus on the stuff and substance of urban Africa (e.g. Hoffman 2017; Melly 2017; Smith 2019; Archambault 2018). This recent work constitutes a turn away from prevailing themes in the scholarship of African cities. Such themes have, until recently, been dominated by the invisible, informal and ephemeral as defining features of African urbanism (De Boeck and Plissart 2004; Guyer 2004; Simone 2004a; Nuttall and Mbembe 2008). The longevity of such themes is in some ways surprising given the earlier 'materiality turn' in anthropology, science and technology studies, human geography and cognate disciplines, which generated a wealth of influential, materially minded research (Miller 2005; Brown 2001; Latour 2000; Pinney 1997; Tilley 1994; Appadurai 1986). Such studies have variously explored sensory, affective, experiential and material engagements with objects, technologies, substances, infrastructures and other tangible and material stuff, in the ongoing constitution of landscapes, cities and lives. The contributions brought together here are in conversation with such approaches, examining urban life in Africa through the diverse ways in which substances and materials, technologies and things, bodies and even animals are imbricated in the becoming and (re)making of urban geographies, socialities and subjectivities in contexts across East, West and Southern Africa, including Kenya, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Mozambique and South Africa. The particular kinds of materials examined range from sand (Dawson) and concrete (Choplin) to foodstuffs, animals and bodies (Rahier and Fontein) and dangerous contaminants (Fontein), as well as buildings (Smith) and their plans, designs and regulations (Smith and Nielsen).


Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that data shown in various of the panels portraying the results from flow cytometric experiments in Fig. 2D, 5D and 6D were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 39: 2040‑2050, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6264].


35 Automatic milking systems (AMS), first introduced on dairy farms in the 1990s, rapidly spread across 36 many countries. This technology is based on the voluntary milking of dairy cattle in a completely 37 automated process, which relies on computer management, with a substantial average increase in 38 milking frequency. Compared with conventional milking, AMS significantly alters herd 39 management, with important implications on economic, technical and social aspects of farming, on 40 animal physiology, health and wellbeing. These aspects are explored in an extensive body of research. 41 In contrast, the impacts of AMS adoption on milk quality are often overlooked. This review draws together both positive and negative effects of AMS on the milk production chain, particularly emphasizing the variations of hygienic and compositive characteristics of raw milk and their interplay, as compared with milk obtained with conventional milking. Scattered and sometimes 45 conflicting literature exists on whether and how these variations may influence quality and yield of 46 the derived dairy products. Current scientific knowledge on these crucial aspects is thus reviewed, 47 with particular focus on milk technological suitability for being processed into dairy products having 48 the target characteristics in terms of taste, structure, on-storage stability and sustainability. Provided 49 the managing conditions are optimized, AMS allows increased milk production, mostly due to more 50 frequent milking, without compromising the milk characteristics which are crucial to food industry 51 for processing. Nevertheless, specific biochemical aspects related to the changed milking interval, 52 which determines the duration of enzyme activities and bacterial growth in milk, need further 53 research. 54


[Objective]To calculate the dosage of homocysteine(Hcy) used to induce the rabbit homocystinemia model,the time involved,and to observe the characteristic of Artherosclerosis formation.[Methods]Rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: the high dosage group,the low dosage group and the control group.The first two groups were injected hypodermically with Hcy 20mg/(kg·d) and 15mg/(kg·d) respectively,while the control group was given normal saline.The levels of Hcy in serum in each group were analyzed before injection,and 4 weeks and 11 weeks after injection.The arterial stenosis was investigated by type-B ultrasonic and the formation of artherosclerosis was observed through pathological section.Moreover,the levels of TG,TC in serum of each group were determined.[Results]After 4 weeks of injection,the levels of Hcy in serum in the two dosage groups were significantly higher than the control group(P0.01) and stenosis appeared in common iliac artery.11 weeks later,the indicator of artherosclerosis was seen in the main arteries,especially obvious in common carotid artery,common iliac artery and its branches.[Conclusions]When administrated with Hcy injection [15mg/(kg·d)],rabbit can be made into the homocystinemia model in the 4th weeks and artherosclerosis can be developed in the 11th week with the first affected arteries being the arterioles.It is suggested Hcy is an independent risk factor for the formation of artherosclerosis.


Having read the commentary "Primary Care: We Need All the Help We Can Get!" (Pediatrics 59:315, March 1977), I agree with Dr. Haggerty and oppose Dr. White's view-point. I agree with Dr. Hoekelman that we need to "develop partnerships with family practitioners and others if we are to succeed" in providing "optimal primary care."
 The current trend in many pediatric training centers is not directed toward this goal. As has been stated many times, we are training more primary care pediatricians using sick patients in a hospital setting.


There descibed the innovation decision which had been experimentally investigated for making two devices based on the Josephson junction (JJ) in one enough universal block as the panoramic receiver-frequencymeter (PRF). First one is the receiver based in self-pump mode regime of JJ and second one is the using JJ as the way for the frequency measurement by the super wide frequencymeter. It can be especially convenient for the experimental purposes with new generation structures when radiative power is small and frequency are unknown correctly.


It was carried out to select proper substitute hosts for mass rearing Sclerodermus guani(Hymenoptera: Bethylidae),an effective parasitoid for biological control of longhorned beetles in China by present experiment.The result showed that male pupae of Apis mellifera ligusteca Spinola(Hymenoptera: Apidae),was successful and that the adult wasps reared with it had high parasitic ability and vigor,and 32 individuals of the wasp adults could be on average reared out by one individual of the substitute host.The lifespan of the female wasps reared was about 29 d,the male 5.5 d at 26℃ respectively,and more than 65.45% female parasitoids could live over a mouth.Five to eight generations of the parasitoid could be reared out in a year with the substitute host.The comparison indicated that the parasitic wasp reared by the substitute host was about the same in body size,viability and parasitic ability with ones reared by the larvae of its original host,Saperda populnea L.(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).Meanwhile,the cost of the mass rearing by using the substitute was 7.44% of that by using larvae of S.populnea.Thus,it is recommended that the male pupa of Italian honey bee could be a good substitute host for mass rearing the parasitoid to meet the need of the biological control of many longhorned beetles.


Several specimens of an Euseius sp. were collected from Bajiaozhai National Forest Park (Guilin, China). Preliminary morphological observations showed that the species is very similar to Euseius nicholsi (Ehara and Lee, 1971) which is frequently reported from China and other far eastern countries, as well as Euseius oolong Liao and Ho, 2018, a species recently described from Taiwan. However, some morphological differences such as the body size, reticulation on the dorsal plate, shape of calyx of spermatheca etc., existed between these two species. In order to ascertain whether these morphological differences are representing different or a single species belonging to the genus Euseius, molecular analyses were conducted by using ITS, 12S rDNA, and mitochondrial DNA COI markers. Results revealed very low levels of genetic divergence (ITS 0–1%, 12S rDNA 0–2.37%, COI 0–2%), based on the three molecular markers, between Euseius sp., Euseius nicholsi [collected from Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences (IZGAS) and from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) data], and Euseius oolong (collected from IZGAS). In addition, the phylogenetic tree constructed by using the neighbor-joining method also showed that sequences of these three populations were clustered in a single clade and parallel to out-group Euseius ovalis. Therefore, it can be concluded that Euseius sp. probably belongs to Euseius nicholsi, and Euseius oolong is a junior synonym of this species. This study clearly demonstrates the importance of integrative taxonomy for the proper identification of phytoseiid mites, one of the most important groups of predators utilized for biological control all over the world.


The scale mixtures of skew-normal (SMSN) distributions (Lachos et al., 2010) form an attractive class of asymmetrical heavy-tailed densities that includes the skew -normal, skew-t, skew-slash, skew contaminated normal and the entire family of scale mixtures of normal (SMN) distributions as special cases. A robust censored linear model ba s d on the scale mixtures of skew-normal (SMSN) distributions has been recently propose d by Mattoset al. (2015), where a stochastic approximation of the EM (SAEM) algorithm is pre ent d for iteratively computing maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters. In this paper, to e xamine the performance of the proposed model, case-deletion and local influenc e t chniques are developed to show its robust aspect against outlying and influential observ ations. This is done by analyzing the sensitivity of the SAEM estimates under some usual perturbation schemes in the model or data and by inspecting some proposed diagnostic graphs. The ef ficacy of the method is verified through the analysis of simulated datasets and modeling a real datas et from stellar astronomy previously analyzed under normal errors.


Complementary metal-oxide-silicon (CMOS) integrated circuits have had a major impact on the electronics industry, and have created new areas of application for digital circuits. CMOS digital circuits, because of a number of very significant circuit advantages, including low power dissipation, high noise immunity and wide operating-voltage range, have become a very widely used logic family. The RCA series of CMOS devices, first introduced as the COS/MOS CD4000 series in 1968, has gained wide acceptance. The introduction, in 1971, of plastic-encapsulated CMOS integrated circuits was instrumental in achieving even wider acceptance of the popular CD4000-series devices. The COS/MOS product line today includes more than 100 standard parts in the CD4000A series, parts that are used worldwide in applications ranging from such special uses as battery-operated watch circuits to many functions in the aerospace, computer, automotive and consumer industries. In addition, a new product line has been introduced, the CD4000B series, which has improved features such as a higher Purchase Export


Using first-principles calculations we studied the energetics surface energy, step energy, stability with respect to faceting of the low- and high-Miller-index vicinal Cu surfaces, namely, the 111, 100, 110, 311, 331, 210, 211, 511, 221, 711, 320, 553, 410, 911, and 332 surfaces. Our calculations are based on density-functional theory employing the all-electron full-potential linearized augmented planewave FLAPW method. We found that the unrelaxed vicinal Cu surfaces between 100 and 111 are unstable relative to faceting at 0 K, while fully relaxed vicinal surfaces between 100 and 111 are stable relative to faceting, which is in agreement with the observed stability of vicinal Cu surfaces at room temperature. Thus atomic relaxations play an important role in the stability of the vicinal Cu surfaces. Using the surface energies of Cu111 ,C u100, and Cu110 and employing the effective pair-potential model, which takes into account only the changes in the coordination of the surface atoms, the surface energies of the vicinal Cu surfaces can be calculated with errors smaller than 1.0% compared with the calculated FLAPW surface energies. This result is due to the almost perfect linear scaling of the surface energies of the Cuhkl surfaces as a function of the total number of broken nearest-neighbor bonds. Furthermore, we calculate step-step interactions as a function of terrace widths and step energies of isolated steps.


OBJECTIVES: To find out the relationship between chronic LBP (Low back pain) and hamstring tightness in professionals.METHODOLOGY: This was a cross sectional study. The sample size was 150 subjects. Data was collected from Allied Hospital and DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. Male and female both were selected who were High grade professionals (Engineer, Doctor, Businessman) Low grade professionals (Teacher, Bankers), House wife and house husband working in home or hotel. Oswestary disability questionnaire was used to determine the percentage disability in different professionals. Active Knee extension (AKE) test was used for hamstring tightness. Chi square test for independence is used to determine the relationship between chronic low back pain and hamstring tightness in professionals. SPSS was used for analysis of results.RESULTS: About 28% (42) respondents with moderate disability have hamstring tightness and 19% (29) respondents with severe disability have hamstring tightness (P=0.004). Disability percentage has relationship with activities of daily living. Subjects with active life style i.e. involve in different type of activities such as physical activity and exercise or physical work have tight hamstring (P˂0.003). Majority of housewife and house man have tight hamstring so chi square test shows that subject with different level of profession with back pain have hamstring tightness (P˂ 0.001).CONCLUSION: Study indicates that subjects interlinked with different professions (High grade profes-sion, Low grade profession, Housewife, house husband and peon, sweepers) with back pain have tight hamstring muscle. House wife and house husband are most commonly affected. Key words: Chronic back pain, Hamstring tightness, Professionals


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the genes associated with temporal epilepsy and explore the molecular mechanism of epilepsy.

METHODS
The microarray data of temporal epilepsy were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed by bioinformatics methods using String, KEGG and Panther databases.

RESULTS
Of all the 71 differentially expressed genes, 51 were found to encode proteins with interactions; the main biological pathways involved included neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, MAPK signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway etc.

CONCLUSION
The pathogenesis of epilepsy involves multiple genes, and investigations of these genes may provide valuable insights into the mechanism of epilepsy.


A new method for evaluating slit-smeared small-angle scattering data is discussed. It is applicable to any primary beam-intensity distribution. The propagation of measuring errors is examined; expressions for the computation of the precision of all derived pinhole scattering curve properties are given. There is no need to smooth the measured curve before applying the evaluation procedures. The method turns out to be very suitable for practical use.


When it comes to programming languages, Arthur Whitney is a man of few words. The languages he has designed, such as A, K, and Q, are known for their terse, often cryptic syntax and tendency to use single ASCII characters instead of reserved words. While these languages may mystify those used to wordier languages such as Java, their speed and efficiency has made them popular with engineers on Wall Street.


A study is made on the role of organic molecules in the synthesis of hectorite . Different molecules were investigated, and the changes, brought about by tetra-ethylammonium ions in the synthesis gels,were followed during the crystallization


Yun brocade, which embodies the soul of traditional silk crafts and the luck culture of China, has mulriple functions in utility, luck and taste.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the validity of the Symbol Match in a diverse clinical setting.

BACKGROUND
To improve detection of cognitive impairment in older primary care patients, our team developed the 5-Cog, a 5-minute cognitive assessment and decision tree paradigm that can be administered by non-clinicians. The Symbol Match is a new 90-second oral symbol and digit substitution task that is one of the three tests in the 5-Cog that assesses processing speed and executive function.

METHODS
50 participants (66% female; 44% Hispanic, 38% Non-Hispanic Black; 36% evaluated in Spanish) with a mean age of 77.84 ± 7.3, and 12 ± 4.7 mean years of education. Participants were recruited following clinical evaluations at the Montefiore Memory Disorder Centers and had confirmed clinical diagnoses of dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or subjective cognitive concerns (SCC).

RESULTS
Symbol Match scores were significantly different (p < 0.001) between participants with SCC (N = 5, M = 48 ± 9.7), MCI (N = 14, M = 31.7 ± 14.3), and dementia (N = 28, M = 9.6 ± 11.5). Age (p = 0.004) and education (p < 0.001) were correlated with Symbol Match score in the overall sample. Symbol Match scores were significantly different between the 3 disease states (p < 0.001) even when controlling for age and education. The Symbol Match was highly correlated (r = 0.843, p < 0.001) with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), an established neuropsychological measure of processing speed and executive function.

CONCLUSION
This study provides initial validation of the Symbol Match and its utility in a clinical population. Further research on psychometric properties and construct validity of this new tool is needed.


Fundamentals: the pulse oximetry was described as a method of screening for
congenital heart defects. The establishment of nomograms for pre-and pos-ductal
saturation among us can collaborate for the refinement of a screening method
specific to our population.
Objective: to describe and analyze the main results of nomograms for oxygen
saturation in neonates screened for congenital heart defects in critical population of
Paraiba.
Methodology: asymptomatic neonates with gestational age from 34 weeks were
screened for congenital heart disease by physical examination and blood pulse
oximetry in 20 centers in the State of Paraiba. The results of the pre-and pos-ductais
overruns were compared between groups using nonparametric tests.
Results: a total of 44647 newborns were evaluated. The average pre-ductal was
97.37% saturation and the pos-ductal was 97.44%. There was statistical difference (p
< 0.001) between the two buffer overruns in almost all groups. The average
difference between was 0.062 overruns, with the vast majority of newborns showing
difference ≤ 4%. Preterm neonates had smaller overruns than those born at term (p <
0.001). There was no difference between the sexes.
Conclusions: nomograms were described of the oxygen saturations pre-and posductal,
as well as the difference between the two in more than 44647 newborns.
Such nomograms can be useful in the elaboration of methodologies for screening for
congenital heart disease in our reviews.


This article scrutinises the potential of the existing regulatory apparatus in Union law to tackle the social, technical, and legal challenges inherent in deploying automated systems in high-risk settings such as the workplace, with a view to setting out key lessons for the proposed EU Artificial Intelligence Act. Surveying data protection and discrimination rules as well as the social acquis, it highlights key areas for further development, from coherence between different regulatory regimes to the role of social partnership in shaping key standards and monitoring their implementation.


ABSTRACT A reliable assessment of historical metallic tie-rods requires both the estimation of actual tensile load and the identification of dominant defects. Despite high defectiveness resulting from traditional metalworking techniques, so far the latter aspect has not been duly addressed in the literature. In this article, several methodologies are discussed aimed at integrating the usual inspection practice. All studies were performed on the tie-rods of Milan Cathedral. Metallurgical analyses allowed to recognize the main features of the material. Mechanical characterization in the perspective of Elasto-Plastic Fracture Mechanics (EPFM) indicated the conditions for crack propagation. Several Non-Destructive Techniques (NDTs) commonly used in Mechanical Engineering (i.e., guided waves, eddy currents, pulsed active thermography) were examined and adapted to this unconventional application. Based on the combination of all the mentioned methods, a multidisciplinary procedure was defined, which allows the evaluation of the crack significance with reference to the estimated working stress.


Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate treatment costs of Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at a reference center in Brazil. Methods: The study population consisted of patients from the Unified Health System HSCT who underwent HSCT in southern Brazil between 2016 and 2019. Costs were measured using a micro-costing approach, based on Time-Driven Activity-based Costing (TDABC) adapted for economic studies in health and included the following steps: definition of the research question, structured data collection, and statistical analysis of results. Results: The total cost of HSCT was $155,110 ($92,794 – $249,146 USD). Matched unrelated donor HSCT was more expensive than matched related donor HSCT. The major cost factors involve post-ransplant complications, mainly the occurrence of infections. Concerning cost composition, exams and procedures represent the largest expense in HSCT (45%). Conclusion: These estimates could be applicable to further evaluations for HSCT cost-effectiveness and help healthcare decision-makers in middle-income countries


Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Menispermaceae) 1*Mbaka G. O., 2Adeyemi O.O and 3Oremosu A. A. 1* Department of Anatomy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria. Department of Pharmacology, College of medicine of the University of Lagos, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria. Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria. Corresponding Author, G.O. Mbaka, E-mail: email@example.com GSM: 234-805-8426729 ABSTRACT


Use of CFC-contained systems has caused severe environmental hazards that have researchers looking for alternatives. Previous studies have shown that thermoacoustic technology is suited a candidate for conventional vapor compression cooling system in particular for special uses. In this research, theoretical, numerical and experimental studies were completed to identify optimum operating conditions for the design, fabrication, and operation of a thermoacoustic refrigerator. The system uses no refrigerant or compressor, and the only mechanical moving part is the loudspeaker connected to a signal generator that produces the acoustics. Numerical simulation found that mixtures of Helium and other noble gases do produce greater thermoacoustic effects as reported theoretically and experimentally. A series of tests both in the laboratory and at selected sites with a system fabricated under Vot 71891 (Padang Kawad UTM, Rumah Alumni UTM, and outside tutorial room) found that the thermoacoustic effects were consistent and reliable. The system fabricated with this grant is made of copper and aluminium with a sinusoidal section to reduce power loss and can operate up to a maximum of 10 bar. The system can be taken apart if different stack geometry or material is to be studied.


Traditional backup technology can ensure the security and usability of data,but its cast and efficiency can not meet the need of some special use.This paper analyses the snapshot technology,a low cast and efficient disk backup technology,which is a popular backup technology in SAN recently.Furthermore,the author also describes the architecture designs of snapshot and provides the key technology.


On account of the premature and stagnation of traditional ant colony algorithm, this paper proposes a cooperative multi-ant colony pseudo-parallel optimization algorithm, drawing lessons from the idea of the exclusion model and fitness sharing model of genetic algorithm. The algorithm makes multiple sub-ant colonies run different instance models of ant algorithm independently and concurrently, and realizes the historical experience synthesis of each sub-colony through the interaction of the pheromone, to ensure the guidance and diversity of pheromone distribution. Through the cooperation of the ants in each sub-colony and between sub-colonies, the algorithm achieves the collaborative optimization of ant colony at two levels, thus it improves the ability of optimization and the stability. Algorithm performance test shows that, the algorithm has a better ability of global optimization than the traditional ant colony algorithm.


irws, m e level 01 C O ~ I I I C L among theWlUdSo~ tRCT&on was low, ana me dynamics of the arms race seemed to be under control. Even during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union was clearly identified as the principal enemy, interstate tensions and rivalries carried much less weight than the common interests of continental defense. The principal expression of this state of affairs was the Inter-American Treaty for Reciprocal Assistance (ITRA). Signed at Rio de Janeiro in 1947, the ITRA maintained that an attack on any American nation would be considered an attack against them all, and would be met with a collective response. A number of economic integration programs paralleled the establishment of the hemispheric defense system. They include: the Multilateral Treaty for Free Commerce and Central American Integration in 1958; the Free Trade Zone and the Latin American Association of Free Trade in 1960 (LAFTA); the Alliance for Progress in 1961; the Andean Pact in 1969; and the Caribbean Economic Community in 1974 (CARICOM). These efforts at integration helped engender a sense of common interests among the Latin American countries. In the same vein, the Organization of American States (OAS) also played an important political role during this period to the extent that it succeeded in coordinating divergent national projects at critical moments for the region. The situation has changed dramatically in the 1980s. Militarily, the ITRA is no longer a viable mechanism of securing the defense of the continent against


This chapter aims at reporting on the performance of Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) in the Northeast Region from 2007 to 2013. Initially, it presents a more aggregated analysis of the Bank's disbursements in the region, while a more detailed assessment will be made in the following sections, by the operational areas1 with higher disbursements in Northeast. Afterwards, there is an appraisal on each northeastern state, and finally some considerations are presented concerning regional improvements and challenges the Bank faces.


The apple snails of the genus Pomacea have been introduced by the snail breeders illegally into Korea. Authors confirmed that the natural life cycle of at least two pomacean species, Pomacea canaliculata and P. insularus, has been already settled down locally in the southern areas of Korea.


Possible young analogues for regionally extensive unconformities (100 to 400 km2) in the gold-bearing Witwatersrand Supergroup (Archean, South Africa) occur in the South Island of New Zealand. Extensive marine unconformities in New Zealand show progression from an unconformity surface to conglomerate to clean well-sorted sandstone to marine mudstone, as is also found in the major Witwatersrand auriferous reef horizons. The hosting young sedimentary basins of the South Island rest on thin or thick crust on inboard and outboard foreland settings, with variable alluvial gold budgets. They expose the Cretaceous–Oligocene Waipounamu Erosion Surface unconformity that formed when most of New Zealand was subsiding, and Pleistocene–Holocene unconformities related to global sea level changes. The Witwatersrand gold-bearing reef sediments are a good match for such marine transgressions, but not alluvial fans or braided streams. Most Witwatersrand gold is immediately above planar unconformity surfaces and not restricted to, or concentrated in, erosion channels that are incised through the reefs. However, in modern alluvial fans or braided streams, gold is almost entirely in erosion channels on a smaller scale than the Witwatersrand gold reef packages and not spread across the planar unconformities. Alluvial fans and braid plains in New Zealand dilute gold with large volumes of gravel.


The physical and biochemical properties of fresh and dry ginger (Zingiber officinale) (cv: Himachal) obtained from Nemmara (Palakkad District, Kerala), useful for the design of processing machineries, were determined. The average moisture content of fresh and dry rhizomes were 81.70% and 8.85%, respectively. The average length, width and thickness of fresh rhizome were 14.99 cm, 8.17 cm and 4.49 cm, respectively and the corresponding values for dry rhizome were 9.74 cm, 5.56 cm and 4.49 cm. The mean values of cylindricity for primary, secondary and tertiary finger rhizomes were 0.46, 0.51 and 0.56, respectively and the corresponding values for dry finger rhizomes were 0.48, 0.53 and 0.58. The average mass, volume and surface area of fresh rhizomes were 103.45 g, 85.0 cm3 and 194.52 cm2, respectively and the corresponding values for dry rhizomes were 31.62 g, 22.10 cm3 and 65.84 cm2. The bulk density, true density and porosity for fresh rhizomes were determined as 471.49 kg m-3, 1107.01 kg m-3 and 66.80%, respectively, and for dry rhizomes the values were 460.09 kg m-3, 1013.22 kg m-3 and 54.09%. The angle of repose increased from 34.6° to 39.5° after drying. Mild steel surface offered more frictional resistance than other surfaces and the coefficient of friction for fresh and dry ginger against mild steel was 0.74 and 0.54, respectively. The average meat : peel ratio of the whole fresh rhizome was 10.7:1. The average recovery of dry ginger was 23.01%. The dry ginger obtained had 1.6% essential oil, 3.5% oleoresin and 2.7% crude fibre.


Non-forest communities in the western part of the Kampinos National Park were studied in the years 1991 – 1998 with regard to their phytosociological diversity and dynamic processes currently underway in them. A total of 323 phytosociological releves were prepared by the widely used method of Braun-Blanquet. These releves served as basis for identification of 31 associations and 7 meadow and sedge communities of undetermined level. 15 syntaxa were recorded in the Phragmitetea class, 18 syntaxa – in the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class, 2 associations in the Scheuchzerio-Caricetea class, as well as 3 grassland associations from Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis and Nardo-Callunetea classes. In order to determine the character and direction of changes in phytocoenoses, 4 basic ecological processes have been distinguished – fluctuation, degeneration, regeneration and secondary succession. Within secondary succession, recreative, creative and anthropogenically forced secondary succession were distinguished.


We investigated deposition of clay filler on fibrillar and flake-like fines and long fibers of mechanical pulp to study the effects of the fines on filler retention. The role of different retention mechanisms was illustrated by comparing clay retention in deposition and filtration experiments. The amount of clay deposited varied significantly between the pulp fractions in the presence of polymeric flocculants. Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) promoted filler deposition on fines, especially flake-like fines, more than on long fibers. Presumably, this was due to the high surface area and surface charge density of fines, which increase their bonding strength with polymer chains. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) slightly increased the deposition of clay on fines but started to disperse the clay, and especially the fines, as the polymer dose increased. PEO releases small particles from the fines that exist as bundles or entanglements in the suspension. When the deposition-based retention mechanism and the filtration-based mechanism were compared, mechanical attachment of clay in the filter cake had a significant effect on its retention. Also, long fibers are better able to form a filter layer on the screen than fines, which in turn adsorb more filler through chemical interactions.


A new flame-retardant polyamide containing phosphine oxide and azobenzene moieties in the main chain was synthesized by the solution polycondensation reaction of 4,4`-azodibenzoic acid with bis(3-aminophenyl) phenyl phosphine oxide using thionyl chloride, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and pyridine. This new polymer was obtained in high yield (96%) and showed high inherent viscosity (0.55 dL/g) and was characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA and DTG) and solubility test. Furthermore, another polyamide was prepared by solution polycondensation reaction of 4,4`-azodibenzoic acid with 1,4-phenylene diamine and its flame-retardant behavior was compared by the use of the LOI with the previous one.


The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) proportion in Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary is believed to be far higher than the 10– 15% typically seen in ethnically similar but more developed Western countries, and comparable to that of developing Asian and African countries. To clarify the proportion of stroke subtypes in Romania, we conducted retrospective and prospective analyses at the Mures County Emergency Hospital, a major Romanian medical center. This hospital receives patients from a large area of the surrounding Târgu-Mures city and Mures county, which are each roughly half Romanian and half Hungarian, with a 2–7% Roma (Gypsy) minority (1). CT scan use for each stroke admission plus subsequent reading by a radiologist for determination of the final diagnosis became standard for the Mures County Emergency Hospital in mid2003. ICH vs. cerebral ischemia (CI) were defined in accordance with the WHO MONICA criteria (2). Paper charts for 60 542 admissions to the emergency department (ED) from January 01, 2004 to June 30, 2006, were obtained and manually examined for a final diagnosis of ICH or CI, and pertinent data were extracted and recorded; consecutive numbering of the 60 542 charts indicated that no records had been lost. The recorded data included the subtype (ICH or CI); age; gender; blood pressure; history of stroke, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, aspirin medication, and warfarin medication; and whether the patient died in the ED (30-day case fatality information was not provided in the charts). This retrospective study was followed by a prospective analysis consisting of 260 consecutive stroke cases from August 08, 2006 until November 30, 2006, which were also classified as ICH or CI by a radiologist's CT scan reading. This study involved obtaining all the data categories of the retrospective study as well as a stroke score at presentation and information concerning each patient's hospital course. The retrospective study indicated an ICH proportion of 26 8%, and ICH proved to be the far deadlier subtype as it accounted for 63 4% of all ED mortalities. Stated otherwise, the ED mortality proportions were 11 2% for ICH and 2 1% for CI. For the prospective study, the ICH proportion was 21 6%, which represented 69 2% of ED mortalities and 58 8% of mortalities during the entire hospital stay. The ICH mortality proportions were 16 1% in the ED and 17 9% during the hospital course, compared with CI mortality proportions of 2 0% and 3 5%, respectively. ICH patients presented with a mean stroke score of 13 2 (12 1 among survivors and 28 0 among nonsurvivors), while CI patients averaged 8 4 (8 2 among survivors and 16 7 among nonsurvivors). While the ICH proportions appear to be substantially elevated in both studies, there are several compounding factors concerning health care utilization and delivery that likely skewed the proportions upward. From our experiences talking with patients, we believe that patients in Romania are less likely to seek medical evaluation for a given severity of symptoms than are patients in the West, and ambulance services are certainly less accessible. Because the symptoms of ICH tend to be more severe than those of CI, a relatively greater percentage of patients experiencing CI may not seek treatment in the ED in Romania, thus elevating the proportion of recorded ICH cases. Additionally, as the elapsed time between the onset of symptoms and the ED presentation is likely longer in Romania, many CI cases may have converted into ICH before arrival in the ED and were thus recorded as ICH upon presentation (radiologists can usually differentiate, but often do not do so). Furthermore, the Mures County Emergency Hospital is the premier medical center in the region, so it may receive a disproportionate number of the more severe cases (which are disproportionately ICH), creating a referral bias that elevates the ICH proportion. The extent of these biases is unknown and was not measured in these studies. Owing to these unmeasured biases, we can not confidently state that the 26 8% and 21 6% ICH proportions seen in the retrospective and prospective analyses, respectively, indicate that the ICH proportion is indeed higher than the 10–15% seen in Western countries. Nevertheless, it can be reliably stated that the ICH proportion at ED presentation was significantly elevated. Because ICH is far deadlier than CI, this phenomenon is important for resource allocation, emergency care protocols, and triage, especially in overcrowded and underfunded hospitals. Correspondence: Jonathan B. Wallach , 96 Shrewsbury Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039, USA. Tel: +001-973-477-4989; Fax: +001-973-535-6055; e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA Mures County Emergency Hospital, Târgu-Mures, România University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Târgu-Mures, Târgu-Mures, România


Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is primarily transmitted through heterosexual intercourse and women in Sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected. Correlates of protective immunity and mucosal factors influencing sexual HIV transmission need to be identified as they may serve as critical targets for HIV intervention. The aim of this thesis was to determine whether IgA antibodies and antimicrobial peptides contribute to mucosal immune defence in individuals who are at high risk of acquiring HIV. Our understanding of the role of mucosal immunology in HIV transmission has been gained from studies of cohorts of highly HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals. The studies in the present thesis are based on clinical samples from well-characterized cohorts of Kenyan HESN individuals, including female sex workers and HIV serodiscordant couples (where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative). Baseline cervicovaginal secretion (CVS) samples from HIV-negative female sex workers were analysed for levels of antimicrobial peptides with HIV neutralizing activity and the results were compared with subsequent HIV seroconversion. We found that the antimicrobial peptides HNP1-3 and LL-37 correlated with the in vitro HIV neutralizing activity of CVS. However, despite the in vitro HIV neutralizing properties of HNP1-3 and LL-37, higher levels of these peptides were associated with increased HIV acquisition. It is possible that elevated levels of these peptides were induced by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and, even though the peptides neutralized HIV to some extent, the overall STI-associated inflammation resulted in susceptibility to HIV infection. In the same cohort, elevated levels of the antimicrobial peptide Trappin-2 were associated with reduced HIV acquisition. In a prospective clinical study of HIV-discordant couples, CVS was obtained from three groups including HESN, HIV-positive and low-risk control women. Levels of selected antimicrobial peptides in CVS were comparable between the groups. However, elevated levels of HNP1-3 and LL-37 in the HESN women correlated with a higher viral load in the HIV-infected male partner. When analysing the humoral immune response we found that HESN women were five times more likely to have HIV neutralizing IgA detected in their CVS than low-risk controls. Unexpectedly, the presence of neutralizing IgA was inversely correlated to the male partner's viral load. In conclusion, a significant proportion of HESN women displayed HIV neutralizing genital IgA compared to control women. Furthermore, the HIV neutralizing capacity of CVS correlated with subsets of specific antimicrobial peptides, although detection of high levels of antimicrobial molecules in clinical samples is not necessarily a marker of protection against HIV. Hence, the humoral immunity and the dual role of antimicrobial peptides, including their antiviral and proinflammatory properties, should be carefully evaluated in future clinical trials of preventive strategies against sexual HIV transmission. ISBN 978-91-7457-654-2


This paper presents a preliminary checklist of the Iraqi chilopod fauna based on the literature data critically revised and additional fresh material. The checklist includes 27 species of 13 genera, 8 families, and 4 orders. Eight species are known from a single locality and/or only from specimens of a single sex. The history of studies of Chilopoda fauna from Iraq is provided; some faunistic records are critically revised.


The present study analyzes the influence of variable gravity on the mechanism of instability of the double diffusive Hadley convection in a horizontal porous layer by applying linear and nonlinear stability analysis. This instability is analyzed using three-dimensional normal modes in the linear theory and the nonlinear theory using energy approach. The vertical thermal Rayleigh number is treated as the eigenvalue. The system that constitutes the eigenvalue problem is solved by applying Shooting and Runga−Kutta methods for various modes of instability. The detailed analysis is carried out for both the linear and nonlinear cases. The stability results are graphically presented, and it is notified that the flow undergoes the influence of gravity parameter along with other flow-governing parameters. This study brings out the drawbacks of linear stability theory over energy stability theory by showing the possible occurrence of subcritical instabilities in the flow parameter space.


ABSTRACT Maize–sweet potato intercropping often results in weed suppression and increased crop productivity. This study was designed to determine the appropriate planting time and optimal density of sweet potato in a maize-sweet potato intercropping system that will minimize weed infestation and improve yield of the component crops in a drought-prone southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. The experiment was laid as a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications in 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. The main plots were planting time (May, June and July) while the sub-plots consisted of 3 maize-sweet potato intercropping populations(maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato, maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 66,666 plants/ha of sweet potato and maize at 53,333 plants/ha +99,999plants/ha of sweet potato), sole maize at 53,333 plants/ha and sole sweet potato at 33,333 plants/ha. The results revealed that, 7 weed species were the most prevalent and there was inconsistent effect of planting date on weed flushes while weed smothering efficiency of intercropping was between 31 to 49 % and 48 to 73% for weed density and weed biomass, respectively. Intercropping resulted in land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.29 to 1.74 while the competitive ability of maize was increased with an increase in sweet potato density. Planting in the month of June had significantly higher tuber yield of 9.56 t/ha of sweet potato and maize grain yield of 3.28 t/ha while intercropping 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato (1 vine of sweet potato planted at 0.40m apart on the ridge and 0.75m between ridges) and maize at 53,333 plants/ha (0.25m x 0.75m) gave an intercrop yield of 7.32 t/ha tubers and 3.46 t/ha grain yield with highest LER of 1.74, a net profit of ₦566,435.00 and benefit cost ratio of 1.44 was relatively similar to sole sweet potato. Therefore, the above intercropping pattern established in the month of June will minimize weed infestation and improve productivity of maize and sweet potato in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria.


The problem of teaching styles of teachers in the science arm of secondary schools in Nigeria has been a subject of concern and discuss. Many studies have been carried out to investigate factors that affect teaching styles but very few have considered the role of high-stakes tests. This study, therefore, investigated the influence of high-stakes tests on the teaching styles of science teachers in senior secondary schools in Nigeria. Two research questions were raised and answered, and three hypotheses were formulated and tested to guide the study at a .05 level of significance. The study used a descriptive research design. A sample of 6349 students and teachers was utilized for the study. The research instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire titled: High-stakes and Teaching Styles Questionnaire (HSTSQ). The instrument was subjected to face and content validity; Cronbach Alpha reliability analysis yielded a 0.84 coefficient. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and independent t-test statistics. The results using multiple regression revealed that significant influence exists for the independent variable (high-stakes tests, r = 0.408, p < 0.05). The mean difference in the opinions of the respondents regarding high-stakes tests was higher for teachers (X̅ = 53.63, SD = 6.77) than students (X̅ = 52.8904, SD = 7.55), t(6347) = -2.704, p > 0.05, F = 1.322, p = .250), and there was a significant difference. In conclusion, high-stakes test factors have a significant influence on the teaching styles of teachers. Therefore, it is recommended among others, that teachers and educators should pay attention to the effects of high-stakes testing in their schools.


The article is aimed at studying the symbolic and political grounds for the formation of a strategy for national branding of the Russian Federation using the innovative competencies of the domestic military-industrial complex and their positioning in the context of modern global challenges and threats. A study of the foreign policy situation indicates an increase in geopolitical tension and an increase in the values of national security and defense capabilities, which form the basis of the identity of the national brand of the Russian Federation. The intensification of efforts in the field of international branding of armed forces and military associations indicates the need for similar measures by Russia. The study is based on value and historical approaches that allow us to determine the competitive identity and symbolic foundations of the Russian national brand in the field of defense industry, method of unincorporated observation, the induction method in terms of studying certain successful practices of positioning the defense industry for their possible further replication as part of the implementation of the national branding strategy. An important part of the national branding strategy is the implementation of an active memory policy in order to consolidate in the mass consciousness a special perception of some historical events to design a projective image of the future. Political elites and the state as a whole play a key role in carrying out events within the framework of the policy of remembrance and national branding in general. The topic of the defense industry occupies a significant place in the rhetoric of the Russian top leadership, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, which indicates the possibility of implementing national branding in this way. Imagery and visualization in systematic messages about products, projects and developments in the domestic defense industry, which is strategically significant and one of the most innovative industries in the Russian economy, ensure the effectiveness of the national branding strategy of the Russian Federation. The modern policy of innovation contributes to the fillability of the national brand, specifies it. The use of innovation tools by innovative actors in strategic industries, including in the field of defense and security, allows us to identify Russian "innovative belts", whose representatives can co-realize the strategy of national branding. The article identifies key target audiences and subjects of national branding, offers recommendations for its practical step-by-step implementation. A forecast of the prospects for the implementation of the policy of forming a national brand on the basis of innovative competencies of the defense industry in the domestic and foreign policy aspects has been given. A conceptual model of the national branding of the Russian Federation is presented, based on the innovative competencies of the defense industry and including a memory policy.


A short account of the aetiopathogenesis of the iliac vein compression syndrome is followed by a description of a little-known form, called Cockett's syndrome, due to compression of the left iliac vein by the right common iliac artery. This syndrome should be looked for with care. If diagnosed in the "functional" stage, it can be ameliorated by means of a special surgical treatment known as "venous stocking plasty".


FIELD: information technology. SUBSTANCE: method of navigating a virtual desktop includes a step of receiving from a remote computer, information describing a bounding box which defines the size of the virtual desktop. The size of the virtual desktop is based on both first display resolution information, which corresponds to a first display driver on the remote computer, and second display resolution information which corresponds to a second display driver on the remote computer, as well as on a relationship which determines how images formed by the first display driver are displayed relative images formed by the second display driver. Further, according to the method, the virtual desktop is formed, taking into account the received information which describes the bounding box. Also, graphic data received from the remote computer are sorted on the virtual desktop and the viewing region of the virtual desktop is virtualised. EFFECT: improved navigation between user interfaces of a virtual desktop. 17 cl, 16 dwg


One of the functions of health policy is to guide the workings of health and related services to ensure that the government delivers on its promises to the public about health and social care. So policies that set targets on waiting times ensure that people get quicker treatment, and policies on expanding professional roles enable services to be provided in new places by different people.


Background:
 Identifying atrial fibrillation in embolic stroke of ischemic stroke populations would be of significant clinical utility. Using the Biomarkers of Acute Stroke Etiology (BASE) trial (NCT02014896) dataset, our goal was to determine if blood gene expression signatures accurately differentiated patients with atrial fibrillation from large artery stroke patients.

 Methods:
 The BASE trial enrolled suspected stroke patients presenting to 20 hospitals within 24 hrs of symptom onset. Final gold standard diagnosis and stroke etiology were determined by an adjudication committee using all hospital data but blinded to RNA test results. Whole blood, obtained in PAXgene tubes, was frozen at -20C within 72 hrs and analyzed at a core lab (Ischemia Care, LLC, Dayton, OH) using Affymetrix HTA micro arrays. Approximately 38,000 genes on the HTA microarray were filtered to eliminate genes with low expression or high CV (> 10%) when run on replicate samples leaving 9,513 potential signature genes. A two-way random forest classifier was built through cross validation of the training data resulting in a 23 gene diagnostic signature.

 Results:
 There were 58 patients enrolled between 18 and 24 hours of symptom onset, with NIHSS>5, 27 (47%) with atrial fibrillation cause of stroke and 31 (53%) with large artery stroke; 64% were male, and median (IQR) age was 69.7 (62.8, 81.0). Median (IQR) time from symptoms to sample collection was 1323.5 (1208.8, 1381.3) minutes. Coexistent pathology at presentation was high blood pressure 49 (84%), hyperlipidemia 28 (48%), diabetes 9 (16%), and coronary artery disease 15 (26%). The panel was able to distinguish atrial fibrillation from large vessel stroke with a C-statistic 0.92 (0.55-1.0, 95% CI), sensitivity 0.90 (0.51-1.0, 95% CI) and specificity of 0.85.

 Conclusion:
 RNA expression differentiates strokes due to atrial fibrillation from large artery stroke and may have therapeutic and outcome implications in ischemic stroke populations.


Coordination of Understanding in Face-to-Face Narrative Dialogue Kathleen M. Eberhard (firstname.lastname@example.com) Hannele B. M. Nicholson (email@example.com) Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Abstract We report the results of a study investigating speakers' and addressees' coordination of understanding in face-to-face narrative dialogue. Analyses of the occurrence of addressees' acknowledgments and exemplifications of understanding showed that nonverbal forms consistently coincided with the speakers' gaze on their face. In contrast, there was less consistent correspondence between the addressees' verbal evidence of understanding and the speakers' gaze on their face. Evidence that speakers gaze off addressees' faces because of the demands of utterance planning or encoding comes from a correspondence between their gaze off the addressee's face and their production of pause fillers (uh and um), especially at the beginning of clauses. Keywords: spoken dialogue; disfluency; gaze patterns Introduction Conversation is the quintessential form of language use. It is a purposeful activity requiring the coordination of two or more people. The aim of the research presented here was to examine the coordination process in a face-to-face storytelling situation by examining speakers' gaze patterns relative to delays in speaking signaled by pause fillers and relative to addressees' signals of understanding. According to Clark (1996), language use is a joint project consisting of 4 hierarchical levels of speaker-addressee coordinated actions, which he refers to as an action ladder. Consider the case of a speaker asking an addressee, What time is it? . At the first level, the speaker is executing a behavior that consists of producing the sounds of the utterance. The addressee, in turn, attends to the behavior (speech). At the second level, the speaker is presenting words and phrases, which the addressee identifies as such. At the third level, the speaker is signaling an intended meaning (requesting the current time), and the addressee is understanding the meaning. At the fourth level, the speaker is proposing a joint project, namely that the addressee inform him of the current time, and the addressee considers accepting the proposal. There are two essential properties of this hierarchy of actions. The first is upward causality: The actions at a lower level cause the actions at the next level up. The second property is downward evidence: Evidence of successful completion of the actions at a higher level constitutes evidence of success at all levels below it. As Clark (1996, p. 222) states, A fundamental principle of any intentional action is that people look for evidence that they have done what they intended to do. Furthermore, people strive to provide evidence that is sufficient for current purposes, in a timely manner, and with the least effort. In the example above, the valid, timely, and sufficient evidence of success comes from the addressee responding with the current time soon after the end of the speaker's utterance. In doing so, the addressee provides positive evidence of her acceptance of the speaker's proposed joint project at level 4 as well as positive evidence of her understanding the meaning of the speaker's utterance (level 3), her identification of the speaker's words (level 2), and her attending to the speaker's speech (level 1). In contrast to interactive conversation, in narrative dialogues, the speaker produces sequences of utterances across an extended time, resulting in minimal turn-taking. Thus, the joint project at level 4 is an extended proposal consisting of multiple iterations through the lower 3 levels. In this situation, the highest level of evidence of successful completion is level 3 (signaling and understanding of meaning). There are two main forms of evidence that are provided by addressees. One form is acknowledgments, which are assertions of understanding, also referred to as backchannels (Yngve, 1970) and generic listener responses (Bavelas, Coates, & Johnson, 2000). They may be verbal, e.g., mhm, okay, uh huh, or non-verbal head nods. The second form of evidence is exemplifications of understanding, also referred to as specific listener responses (Bavelas et al, 2000). Exemplifications are reactions to the meaning of the speaker's utterance, and, as such, they constitute more valid evidence. They can be verbal, e.g., wow, oh, that's awful, or non-verbal, e.g., facial gestures, such as winces, grimaces, looks of surprise or sadness. Both acknowledgments and exemplifications are brief, requiring little planning and they often overlap with or occur at the end of the speaker's utterance (e.g., Goodwin, 1981). Evidence that the addressee is attending to the speaker's execution of a communicative behavior (level 1) is provided by his or her maintaining gaze on the speaker's face (e.g., Argyle & Cook, 1976; Ehrlichman, 1981; Goodwin, 1981; Kendon, 1967). In contrast, the speaker often exhibits a pattern of gazing on and off the addressee's face (e.g., Ehrlichman, 1981, Goodwin, 1981; Kendon, 1967). In interactive conversation, this asymmetry in mutual gaze is considered one cue to turn-taking (Duncan, 1974; Kendon, 1967; Maclay & Osgood, 1959). That is, speakers typically gaze at the addressee at the end of their turn, thereby relinquishing the floor. However, the asymmetry in speaker's and addressee's gaze on the other's face is also observed in narrative dialogues. In this situation, the speaker's gaze on and off the addressee's face is likely to reflect other aspects of


We present a model for describing ultrafast second and third order harmonic generation (SHG and THG) in reflection from a gold surface, for laser intensities below the critical value for plasma creation. The model uses an effective four‐level density matrix system which accounts not only for the stepwise resonant excitation channels with finite dephasing and energy relaxation times, but also for the fast nonresonant channel through the energy continua. By fitting recent experimental results for SHG and THG from a polycrystalline gold surface irradiated with 18 fs Ti:sapphire laser pulses, we have extracted a T2 = 7.9 fs dephasing time at 1.56 eV above the Fermi energy and a T1∼30 fs energy relaxation time at the same level. Using these values we present calculations for other pulse durations and show that, in particular, THG from a gold surface can be used to measure and characterize with high accuracy laser pulses as short as one optical cycle (2.65 fs).


The application of electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) technique to the study of polycrystalline austenitic steel is presented. Specifics of the ECCI technique for near surface defects observation are explained. Practical examples of the use of ECCI for study of dislocation structure of fatigue test samples are shown. Usage of a "rocking beam" technique for electron channeling pattern (ECP) and selected area channeling pattern (SACP) acquisition on polycrystalline material is described. Advantage of combination of SACP and ECCI technique is shown.


This article proves that periodic trajectories are generically impossible in a class of continuous-time growth models that allow a locally indeterminate steady state. Those models reducible to the two-dimensional Lotka-Volterra system of equations constitute the class considered here. Knowledge of the presence or absence of the limit cycles allows a global phase diagram of the system to be constructed. In particular, an explosive steady state implies that all perfect-foresight trajectories diverge to infinity and that the model cannot be used even locally.


about the nature and impact of formal management education, it is fair to suggest there has been relative disinterest and neglect in addressing this theme from a comparative perspective. After all, can very much really be learned from the experiences of other countries? Was not extended postsecondary education for management a U.S. innovation? Have not many European and other programs often sought U.S. cooperation and assistance? Do not many foreign nationals eagerly enroll in U.S. business schools?


The most straightforward way to improve performance of any system is to define the bottlenecks and think of ways to remove them. Web services are the inseparable part of any web application, as a result enhancing performance of web services will have a great effect on the overall performance of the system. The most widely used communication protocol in the web services model, SOAP, is a simple protocol for the exchange of messages. The serialization of large SOAP responses is a major performance bottleneck in a SOAP message exchange. Compression can be used to reduce the size of files and speeding up the transmission time over networks. However, not all compression techniques have the same features and capabilities to improve the performance of transmission over networks. This paper shows a comparison between different compression algorithms in order to improve the performance of web-services over the Internet. Nowadays, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) being used heavily between applications as interaction between loosely coupled services, which are function independently. Therefore, fast and efficient services offered through the web services are needed. Enhancing performance of web services, would improve overall system's performance. As a result, compressing and reducing the size of SOAP messages traveling over the network, improves the webs-service performance. This paper compares the performance of web-services by compressing SOAP messages using Tagged Sub-optimal Code (TSC) and Huffman Encoding Algorithms. Experimental results show that web-services compressed using TSC speeds up the performance of web-services compared to normal web-services and web-services compressed using Huffman encoding.


We were studied some pharmaceutical effects of new derivatives of with various cation enzymes' nature. Compounds are possessed of ancsiolytic activity and exert positive influence upon memory and educational processes. Was also studied the dependence of compound's activity on its chemical structure. We was conducted a detailed pharmaceutical analysis of one of the most active compounds — IX, which have a strongly pronounced mnemothropic effect and low toxicity. The compound is a norefedrinic salt of 4-fluorinephenylhydroxyphosphorylacetic acid's hydraside. The compound's structure is proved by elemental analysis findings, by infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy methods. Conducted pharmaceutical ananlysis includes the designing of identificaion methodology, quality control and estimation of quantitative concentration.


The paper is devoted to a study of the formation of submicron and nanosized cellular crystallization structures on the surface of a high-entropy AlCoCrFeNi alloy irradiated by high current electron beams with the energy density varying from 10 to 30 J / cm 2 and a pulse time of 200 μs. The study revealed that the combination of thermal, evaporation-capillary and thermoelectric instabilities induces the formation of submicro- and nanodimensional cellular structures similarly to high-entropy alloys. The proposed dispersion equation was analyzed to detect the conditions for the generation of this instability. The importance of the evaporation process was investigated by finding a solution to the heat problem with phase transformations. The temperature distribution over time calculated at different distances from the surface of the alloy samples demonstrated that the surface temperature is lower than the evaporation temperature for the energy density E s < 30 J / cm 2 , therefore, the term of evaporation in the dispersion equation was ignored for these values of the energy density. The analysis of the dispersion equation showed that for E s = 30 J / cm 2 , the wavelength λ m with the maximal growth rate of perturbations on the melt surface gains a value in the submicro-and nano-range, provided that the thermoelectric coefficient equals to ~4 –10 V / K, and the pressure of evaporation is ~10 5 Pa. If we exclude thermoelectric effects, these values λ m are observed for the pressure of evaporation ~10 11 Pa. The wavelength λ m was revealed to decrease according to a power law as the beam energy density increases.


I show that a simple asset pricing equilibrium model can explain many salient features of index option prices if one allows for small deviations from rational expectations. A representative investor holds subjective beliefs about the underlying asset returns, which he optimally learns from past returns. I derive a closed form option price formula for a European call option in this set up. I show that given this belief structure, investor's subjective expectations about next period price growth are priced in an option, creating a wedge between option implied-variance and realized variance. Time variation in the agent's subjective expectations link this wedge to realized stock returns, helping explain its power to predict stock returns. Further, these subjective expectations also help generate different shapes of option implied-volatility curve. The model can quantitatively replicate key features of index returns and index options with very reasonable parameter values. The findings in this paper suggest that measures of option-implied variance such as VIX are not capturing the true uncertainty expected by agents but are biased in the direction of the investors expectations of future capital gains on the underlying asset.


ABSTRACT This essay offers an articulation of and model for the author's proposal of queer oral history. Queer oral history functions as a version of oral history that asks the practitioner to consider the benefits of methodological experimentation and to reflexively question their role as a researcher. Using the example of a solo show, Bless Our Hearts: An Oral History of the Queer South, this article offers an example of the potentialities within queer oral history as a performance method that queers methodology in a way that allows practitioners to reach a more ethical and dialogic approach towards performing the other.


PURPOSE: A method for manufacturing the mixed solid fuel of domestic waste and land-filled waste using a drier is provided to obtain fluff type solid fuel using material with low percentage of water content. CONSTITUTION: Domestic waste is pulverized by the operational control of a programmable logic controller. The pulverized waste passes through a first sorting unit(110) in order to separate combustible materials. Land-filled waste is separately pulverized. The pulverized land-filled waste passes through a second sorting unit(120) in order to separate combustible materials. If the water content of mixed combustible materials in a storage(113) is more than 10%, the mixed combustible materials are supplied to a third sorting unit. The combustible materials of the domestic waste and the land-filled waste and calcium hydroxide are mixed in a constant weight ratio.


This paper shows (a) how the Gauss‐Newton method for nonlinear least squares estimation can be used to estimate any fully parameteric survival model by the method of maximum likelihood; (b) how the algorithm allows for a flexible treatment of time‐dependent covariates in fully parametric models. An empirical analysis of the duration of jobs illustrates the use of the algorithm. The data are taken from The Norwegian Life History Study for Men.


Technology refers to the application of knowledge for human benefits. Green technology deals with using science and technology to protect the environment as well as curb the negative impacts of human involvement. It is any mode of technology that covers CO2 emissions. Green technologies include green energy, green IT, green food, green, manufacturing, green business, green economics, green supply chain, green logistics, green building, and green nanotechnology. This paper provides a brief introduction to green technology.


The successful use of donor hearts from people died of methanol poisoning helps reducing the deficit of donor organs for patients requiring urgent cardiac transplantation [3]. We present our experience of successful cardiac transplantations from 2 donors who died due to methanol poisoning. Given the possibility of performing a cardiac transplant from this group of donors a protocol has been developed at the V.I. Shumakov Federal Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation which includes clinical, laboratory and instrumental criteria for the selection of heart donor and recipient. The possibility of delayed onset myocardial contractile dysfunction due to methanol poisoning means that a longer conditioning period is vital as well as compulsory clinical, laboratory and expert chocardiographic examinations of the potential donor heart.


Abstract : Due to the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment that Army leaders face at the strategic level, effective senior leaders require the ability to apply strategic thinking to planning and operations. Key elements that develop strategic thinking skills are undervalued in the current officer development timeline, and a change in culture must occur in terms of how the Army educates, promotes, and develops its Officer Corps. Without formally recognizing the value of developing strategic thinking officers, the Army will continue to fall short in effectively developing officers for the strategic level. Without innovation in how we develop strategic thinkers, the Officer Corps as a profession will be at risk. The Army must develop a strategy that changes the value and culture of how it develops its officers' strategic thinking skills -- skills that are beneficial at all levels, but required at the senior level. This paper focuses on three key areas of officer development that must be revamped: (1) PME and institutional education, (2) assignments, and (3) promotions and timelines. Changes in these three areas are necessary if the Army is to develop effective senior leaders who will thrive in the uncertain and complex future.


In this bachelor work is the description of basic parts of a meteorological station and their interaction. The device is powered by solar cells and commanded by a microprocessor. The station can be used to pressure, humidity and temperature measurements and gauging the intensity of solar radiation.


Parathyroid adenomas are benign neoplasms with a predilection for the inferior parathyroid glands. Genetic mutations identified as contributing to development of parathyroid adenomas include MEN 1 and cyclin D1. Predisposing factors include female gender and radiation exposure. The natural history of parathyroid adenomas, including malignant potential, is poorly understood. Specific indications for surgical removal in addition to surgical and non surgical therapeutic modalities are discussed in this review.


Diesel oil-based magnetic fluid was prepared with Fe3O4 as magnetic particle with the size of 17 nm and was synthesized with coprecipitation method. Oleic acid and stearic acid were chosen as surfactant and the coating process was researched. The magnetic fluid is of better stability. Its saturation magnetization varies from 6.5 - 24.9 Ai¤ m^2i¤ kg^- 1 with the quantity of Fe3O4 particle. When spraied in waterborne oil or chemical spills, the magnetic fluid mixes oil to form a unique system. When applied with a magnetic field, the system moves towards the field and thus easy to be cleaned.


Introduction: This article offers a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of journalistic innovation, summarising the approaches that structure such research, defining the main concepts and proposing new avenues for research. Methods: To achieve these objectives, the article examines the main areas of scientific research developed around the tensions and research objects within the system, based on descriptive approaches. The study also involves the review of the agendas of the International Journalism Festival, held in Perugia since 2006, to identify the bridges between the traditional journalism industry, technological operators and university centres. Results and conclusions: The research responds to the need for a journalism degree programme that is adapted to the digital society and the transformation of the profession, undergraduate studies and journalism research, that requires its own agenda, an adequate research language and evidence of collaboration between the journalism industry and the university.


"Sport in the stage of politics in recent times has been studied from different contexts when analyzing the political behavior of a society. Wanting to demonstrate the relationship between sport and politics in a comprehensive manner, is a challenge. Therefore, a more successful approach is to identify a relationship between people and with football, one of the most popular and influential sports worldwide. As these two disciplines (politics and football) a space mass can be found behaviors that involve a number of similar characteristics. However, this study aims to find groups formed around the football they find a motivation to be part of political organizations already formed. As the case of the ""Hooligans"" a group of individuals linked to sport the sample as defined have been involved in political processes. One of these specific scenarios is Argentina, where these groups have taken a leading role in the political dynamics of the country over the past decades and especially since the presidency of Cristina Fernandez. So the dissimilar motivations to carry informal actors to participate in political scenarios will be identified. Visualsing the different methods of actions carried out by these groups to achieve both of its objectives as formal organizations that achieve linking in the policy framework."


Miniaturization of wideband antennas has attracted much attention for its wide application in modern society. This article proposes a novel broadband miniaturized four-ridged horn antenna (FRHA) with high gain operating from 2.6 to 8.4 GHz. By filling the FRHA with the epoxy-laminated glass cloth board, the side length of the aperture realizes 48% reduction comparing to a traditional ridged horn antenna. The cuboid-shaped polyethylene lens provides good impedance matching between the antenna and the air at low frequencies and decreases the aperture phase error at high frequencies, which optimizes the radiating characteristics in the whole operating band.


Emerging infectious diseases often originate in wildlife, but the complex dynamics of wild animal populations mean that disease control is a major scientific and policy challenge. Culling and vaccination can be effective but the ecological characteristics of wild animals may confound the outcomes of simple management programs. In Britain, badgers Meles meles are a recognized reservoir of Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), and are involved in its transmission to cattle. Experiments have shown that culling badgers can increase bTB incidence in badgers and cattle, by perturbing the social structure of badger populations, and increasing contact rates. Selectively removal of infected badgers and vaccination of the remainder has recently been advocated as a potential solution. Simulation modelling suggests that this intuitively appealing policy could at best deliver only a minor advantage over thoroughly applying either vaccination or culling, but carries a risk of making the disease problem much worse. We suggest this counterintuitive outcome arises because: 1, not all animals can be caught and tested 2, some genuinely infected animals will be test negative 3, selective culling leaves a larger population of susceptible hosts than non-selective culling 4, some susceptible hosts will not respond to vaccination and 5, perturbation increases contact and transmission rates among a relatively high density population of infectious and susceptible animals.


In this paper, as a suitable application of the well known generalized Maximum
Principle of Omori{Yau, we obtain rigidity results concerning to complete spacelike
hypersurfaces immersed in the half Hn+1 of the de Sitter space Sn+1
1 , which models
the so-called steady state space. Moreover, by using an isometrically equivalent model
for Hn+1, we extend our results to a wider family of spacetimes. Finally, we also study
the uniqueness of entire vertical graphs in such ambient spacetimes.


The paper reports an application of Generalised Canonical Correlation Analysis to fluorescence spectral data. Emission fluorescence spectra can be recorded for several excitation wavelengths and can be presented as 3-way data tables. The objec- tives of the data treatment are to describe and compare the samples by taking into account all the emission spectra, and to reve al characteristic excitation and emission wavelengths. Generalised Canonical Correlation Analysis has been tested on fluorescence emission spectra acquired for binary mixtures of raw materials in the food domain. The application of the method within the con - text of spectral data is presented.


Strained-silicon-on-insulator (SSOI) undoped-body high-κ /metal-gate n-channel fin-shaped field-effect transistors (nFinFETs) at scaled gate lengths and pitches (i.e.,LGATE ~ 25 nm and a contacted gate pitch of 130 nm) were fabricated using a gate-first flow. A "long and narrow" fin layout (i.e., fin length ~ 1 μm) was leveraged to preserve uniaxial tensile strain in the transistors. These devices exhibit drive currents suitable for high-performance logic technology. The change in the slope of RON - LGATE (dRON/dLGATE), transconductance GMSAT, and injection velocity (vinj) measurements indicate a ~ 15% mobility-induced ION enhancement with SSOI relative to SOI nFinFETs at ultrashort gate lengths. Raman measurements conducted on SSOI substrates after fin formation demonstrate the preservation of ~ 1.3-GPa uniaxial tensile strain even after 1100°C annealing.


A vinylic addition polynorbornene (VA‐PNB) functionalized with imidazolium groups can be used to synthesize a well‐defined supported palladium carbene complex. This complex is a suitable precatalyst for Suzuki and Negishi cross‐coupling reactions, and it can be reused. A close look at how the catalysis works reveals that palladium aggregates form on the polymer surface after the first catalytic reaction. However, they are not easily washed out and serve as a source of small amounts of homogeneous palladium active species (about 0.01% mol), which are responsible for the catalysis. The recovered polymer can be reused several times although increased induction and reaction times are observed in consecutive uses from one run to the next. The reaction was followed up by in situ IR spectroscopy by using the ν(C−Br) absorption band of the electrophile, so there is no need for an additional functional group to apply this technique.


SEVERAL workers have shown that the osmotic pressure of serumor plasmaproteins, in solutions of increasing protein concentration, increases more rapidly than the protein concentration. Verney [1926] has shown that this relation is such as would be found if the protein in solution occupied many times its dry volume. There are, however, other factors which will cause a deviation from a linear relation between observed osmotic pressure and protein concentration. Particularly, there is an excess of diffusible ions in the protein solution over that in the outside solution, due to the Donnan effect; this excess of diffusible ions would, if the solutions were ideal, have an osmotic pressure, which we will call the Donnan pressure, over and above that due to the protein itself; and this Donnan pressure would be proportional to the square of the protein concentration, when the salt concentration of the outside fluid and the reaction were fixed. As a consequence the observed osmotic pressure (y) and protein concentration (x), at any particular pH, would be connected by an equation of the form y =ax+ bx2 ...... 1),


ence of PMNs. Moreover, the presence of PVLproducing strains in the anterior nares of patients with furuncles and not in asymptomatic patients supports the hypothesis of PVL acting as a virulence factor. Hence, host conditions previously described as favoring furuncle de¬ velopment (diabetes mellitus, deficiency of PMN cell func¬ tions or iron deficiency4), should be of minor impor¬ tance. The strong association between furuncles and PVLproducing strains was hitherto totally unknown. These data strongly support the hypothesis of a possible role of PVL in cutaneous necrotizing lesions, especially fu¬ runcles.


This paper discusses Experiential Marketing as a new marketing model of a new era of economic, is necessary to be used in the real estate marketing, and propose that in real estate marketing processes works such as positioning, experiencing, surround ings and other aspects should be done well. We can conclude that in order to make the experiencing marketing become an important link in the process of improve the customer satisfaction and the brand loyalty.


The Mars Exploration Rover mission depends on the Science Activity Planner as its primary interface to the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers. Scientists alternate between a series of mouse clicks and keyboard inputs to create a set of instructions for the rovers. To accelerate planning by minimizing mouse usage, a rover planning editor should receive the majority of inputted commands from the keyboard. Thorough investigation of the Eclipse platform's Java editor has provided the understanding of the base model for the Activity Scratchpad. Desirable Eclipse features can be mapped to specific rover planning commands, such as auto-completion for activity titles and content assist for target names. A custom editor imitating the Java editor's features was created with an XML parser for experimenting purposes. The prototype editor minimized effort for redundant tasks and significantly improved the visual representation of XML syntax by highlighting keywords, coloring rules, folding projections, and providing hover assist, templates and an outline view of the code.


1,3-Dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin is a new kind of important brominated imides disinfectant,which is used as synthetic intermediate and brominating agent in organic chemical industry,pharmacy and rubber industry.The main production methods are bromination method wich 5,5-dimethylhydantoin solution and bromine alkali method with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin.The product quality standards are GB/T23849-2009 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin and Q/QYG-02-2001 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin.The physicochemical properties,status quo,production process,quality standards,sterilization and disinfection application situation of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin are introduced.


The Buddhism complex of poets in the Tang Dynasty was shown in many aspects.The poets including those anti-Buddhism ones not only practised the rules of Buddhism in daily life,but also were interested in communicating with Buddhist monks.The strong Buddhist atmosphere among the poets in the Tang Dynasty was the result of the interaction of the dual factors of society and individuals.The close relationship between them had a great influence on the poem-writing in the Tang Dynasty and made Tang poetry reach its prosperity.


We demonstrate an in-service monitoring technique based on asynchronous amplitude histogram evaluation for RZ-DPSK signals that can monitor chromatic dispersion and polarization-mode dispersion simultaneously. The principle of operation was studied and verified by experiments.


The structural stability, elastic property, and mechanical stability of W2X (X = B, C, N) are investigated using first-principles calculations with density functional theory. The calculations show that Re2N-type W2N is both thermodynamically and elastically stable. The calculated elastic properties indicate that W2X compounds are potential low-compressibility materials. The large elastic modulus, low Poisson's ratios, small B/G ratios, and high Debye temperatures of thecompounds indicate that they are potential hard materials. The analysis of the density of states and electronic localization function provides further understanding of the elastic and chemical properties of these compounds.


The characteristic of official history, after all, is that all its punches are usually pulled back. Speaking personally, I think this very process helps produce history of a very high order for it forces its authors to be sympathetic to the persons involved and facile criticism is avoided. The result is history that in other circumstances would be praised as very 'nuanc6.' But official history can also be scholarship which refuses to break new ground or produce harsh conclusions when such are warranted. Hunter is surely right when he applies the cardinal truism of official history to Dieppe in saying that responsibility for Dieppe was not singular but collective. But he is less right when he refuses to condemn British naval intelligence for deplorable incompetence in not warning the force that it was on a collision course with a German coastal convoy. And there is no reason to shy away, as he does, from a frank admission of the serious consequences of that encounter (17, 18, and 2o). The nearly complete absence of criticism of Canadian officers is equally striking. Surely the determination of Canadian generals to do this raid, no matter what the risks, requires more notice and explanation than Hunter (or Stacey) have been willing to give it. What blame Hunter does apportion is directed mostly towards Mountbatten, a safe enough bet these days. And, of course, the political context remains as fuzzy as it was in Stacey's account. Hunter leaves one, then, with the depressing conclusion that the subject has been exhausted and little new remains to be said. But there is another