Studies on reproductive biology and breeding behaviour in karanj ( Pongamia pinnata ) indicated that the initiation of buds appeared along with new foliage during first half of April. Inflorescence was a raceme or panicle with 43-88 floral buds which took 13-16 days to bloom. Anthesis was acropetally. Above 70 percent buds opened between 0630 to 0830 hrs. Hermaphrodite flowers began to close at 1730 hrs onwards and closed completely by 1900 hrs of the same day. Peak flowering was from 13 to 21 days. Pod setting and development was maximum from June to August. Complete development and maturity took some 323-344 days. The dehiscence of anther started 2-3 h prior to anthesis and stigma receptivity was approximately one hour after dehiscence and continued till 1500 hrs. Honeybees, wasps and thrips were the major pollinators. Since there was no pod setting under selfing bags and open pollination was considerably low (9.6 to 40 per cent), the species appears predominantly cross fertilizing.


Adolescent sexual offenders are considered as a part of the larger group of emotionally disturbed youngsters. For purposes of clinical management, areas of overlap between the two groups are identified and issues specific to sexual offenders are delineated. Ethical issues, preventive interventions, the risk of recidivism, and the special problems presented by incestuous offenders are discussed.


Objective To research the relationship between plasma osteoprotegerin (OPG) level and endothelium-dependent arterial dilation (EDAD) in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods The subjects included 40 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 46 healthy subjects.Insulin therapy were then given to all diabetic patients for 6 months.Plasma OPG was measured by a sandwich ELISA method,and brachial artery diameter was determined by high resolution ultrasound at rest after reactive hyperemia and after sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN).Results Plasma OPG level in diabetic patients before treatment was (3.44±0.52) ng/L,which was significantly higher than that in control (2.38±0.25 ) ng/L (P0.01),and was decreased markedly after 6- month treatment (2.61±0.55) ng/L (P0.01).EDAD in patients before treatment was (3.19±0.52) %, which was significantly lower than that in control (4.46±0.56)% (P0.01),and improved markedly after 6 months treatment (4.18±0.48)% (P0.01).In multivariate analysis,OPG was significantly associated with EDAD,fasting plasma glucose (FPG),HbA_(IC) and ultra sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) at baseline (all P0.01).The absolute change in OPG showed significant correlation with the changes in EDAD,FPG,HbA_(IC),and CRP in diabetic patients during the course of treatment (all P0.01).Conclusion Plasma OPG level is elevated in newly diagnosed diabetic patients and is significantly associated with vascular endothelial function.


The Geotail plasma wave instrument has found the auroral myriametric radiation (AMR). Its frequency range is about 1–30 kHz similar to the trapped continuum radiation, and its occurrence shows a good correlation with auroral kilometric radiation (AKR). This suggests the source location of AMR is similar to that of AKR. Ray tracing is performed for L-O mode waves radiated just above the local plasma frequency in the auroral plasma cavity. The waves are guided in the cavity, propagate far from the Earth, arid are observed as AMR. In the source region these guided waves are observed by the DE 1 satellite and reported as the trapped L-O mode waves within the cavity. A limitation on initial conditions of wave normal angles for the ray tracing derived from a comparison with these observations suggests that its generation mechanism is similar to that of the nonthermal continuum. It is, however, generated in the auroral plasma cavity and it is not mode-converted from the upper hybrid mode waves. The ray tracing results are consistent with AMR observations by Geotail.


This paper presents the design of CT ΣΔ modulator which can provide high DR and SNR over a 20 MHz signal bandwidth. So far all the CT SDM uses either feedback or feedforward loop filter architecture. The proposed topology is a 3rd order low-pass sigma-delta modulator, which employs a combination of feedforward and feedback schemes. Loop filter is designed as RC integrators due to its high linearity and easy interface. The design starts from system level using Matlab/Simulink. Then, the first integrator in the loop, which is the most critical block in the modulator, is implemented at transistor level using Cadence Virtuoso 180 nm CMOS technology.


Developing image processing programs is a highly structured process requiring one or more experts, called analysts, to convert their intuition and experience into programs that solve problems such as character recognition, automatic target recognition, or visual assembly line inspection. Rule-based expert systems have been used to assist in the development process, but these systems require the analyst to provide a high level specification that unambiguously describes the task to be solved. Unfortunately, each new problem requires extensive effort to develop a new specification and possibly modify the rule-base. This dissertation describes a non-rule-based system called MORPH that synthesizes image classification or target recognition programs without requiring the analyst to provide a detailed description of the program's actions.
MORPH uses an evolutionary search technique to synthesize programs which utilize the operators from mathematical morphology. MORPH maintains a population of morphological programs that is expanded and combined at discrete time intervals. The expansion phase initiates a goal directed search for operator sequences that extract novel target features. This search process is guided by a performance measure which monitors the operators' sensitivity to the designated areas of the target objects. The combination phase selects pairs of programs to combine into a more discriminating program that captures spatial relationships. The newly formed programs serve as the basis for another cycle of expansion and combination.
MORPH was implemented and applied to two image classification problems involving binary images. In the first problem, classification of handwritten digits, several solutions were generated that achieved high accuracy on both training and test sets. In addition, some of the machine generated programs produced near perfect accuracy. The system also attained good results on a problem involving the classification of foreign scripts. MORPH was applied to two industrial inspection problems that required the programs to locate the defects in grayscale images of computer components. The machine generated programs exhibited acceptable results on both problems. In general, the machine generated programs achieved accuracies which are comparable to solutions derived with human intervention.


It is well known that a Hurwitz Metzler matrix is also diagonally stable. We obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a matrix A to be diagonally stable from the Kalman-Yacubovich-Popov lemma. This condition is equivalent to requiring that a pair of LTI systems, of lower dimension, have a common Lyapunov function. This fact is made use of to derive very simple conditions for the Hurwitz stability of a Metzler matrix. These conditions are stated in terms of the signs of the diagonal entries of a sequence of lower dimensional matrices that are easily constructed.


We have investigated 146 outpatients of Tokyo Medical College Hospital. All the patients were over 16 years of age without any mental retardation. The mean age of the patients was 36.9, consisting of 74 males and 72 females. As for the seizure type, 53 were generalized seizure type, 48 were partial seizure type, and 45 were having both types. We classified these subjects according to the seizure control status. One is the controlled group, having a seizure-free period for more than 3 years, and the other is the uncontrolled group. The former group includes 48 patients, and the latter 98 patients. Among the 48 of the controlled group, the seizure-free period is shown in Table 1. The mean score for both groups on the WPSI scale was compared using the analysis of variance.


Teachers' Spatial ability, Numerical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Critical Reasoning based on mathematics education literature seem to relate to teaching mathematics. As a relationship exist between the levels of individuals' abilities and strategy choice and efficiency in mathematics education and base on the important role of field dependencies in Science education, this study investigate the possible relationship between mathematics teachers' cognitive abilities and their cognitive style. The results of this study shown that mathematics secondary teachers with field dependent style have significantly lower Spatial ability, Numerical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Critical Reasoning in contrast to mathematics teachers with Field intermediate and Field independent style. Recognizing teachers' field dependencies helps us to know which type of teachers need more in-service classes to developing their cognitive abilities and help them to teach mathematics in a more scientific way and provide opportunities for their students to make connections, explore mathematics ideas, and develop mathematical understanding. (Azari, S, Radmehr, F, Alamolhodaei, H: Secondary mathematics teachers' filed dependency and its effects on their cognitive abilities. J Am Sci 2012;8(6):745-757). (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience.org. 93


A shared secret data process comprising the steps of: generating in a graphics processor of a mobile terminal (MT) a secret data item, encrypting the secret data, and transmitting the encrypted secret data to a processor Secure (SRV, SE), generation and encryption of the secret data being performed by circuitry scrambled executed by the graphics processor and including logic gates divided into several neat rows running circuit blurred by the graphics processor comprising execution steps of rows of logic gates, the execution of each of the logic gates rows of executing simultaneously all the logic gates of the row and transfer the output fuzzy values, which are applied to an input of a door logic in a higher rank, an output memory to an input memory of the graphics processor, to to be taken into account when performing the higher rank.


The paper proposes a prediction model of dynamics of time series of magnetic storms number. The model used nonlinear Poisson regression. The investigated time series were converted from Dst index data for the 1964–2018 time interval. An artificial neural network was used to build a nonlinear autoregressive model. The training procedures were adapted using statistical properties of the investigated time series. It is shown that fluctuations of the number of geomagnetic storms are close to the Poisson distribution. Thus, to estimate the prediction efficiency, we proposed a special quality measure based on the analysis of the standard deviation ratio of the estimated model parameters. The model was used to forecast the number of magnetic storms for a week in advance. It was shown that the prediction accuracy was 20% higher compared to the traditional approaches to training of artificial neural network systems. A similar approach can also be successfully used to forecast dynamics of rare events number in atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics.


1 Water is the terminal electron donor in the linear light-driven electron transport chain used by higher plants, cyanobacteria and green algae to fix carbon dioxide, the first step in the photosynthesis of carbohydrates. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy have demonstrated the involvement of a membrane-bound manganese-containing protein complex at the site of water oxidation within the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center. The photosynthetic oxidation of two molecules of water to molecular oxygen is believed to involve five intermediate states, called S-states (So ... S"), of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC). The discovery of a multiline EPR signal associated with Mn and assigned to the ~ state has greatly facilitated structural characterization of the Mn complex within the OEC. This thesis contains a description of methods used to cryogenically stabilize PSII preparations suitable for X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the Slt S2 and S3 states as well as a state induced by hydroxylamine resembling the S0 state of the OEC. Studies of the Mn K-edges of PSII preparations indicate that a light-induced oxidation of Mn occurring during the sl s2 state transition corresponds to a formal valence change from Mn(III) to Mn(IV). The absence of a change in the energy and shape of the Mn K-edge of PSII preparations poised in the Ss state relative to preparation poised in the S2 state indicates that Mn is not oxidized during the S2 S3 state transition. The light-induced shift to lower Mn K-edge inflection energy observed for PSII preparations containing low concentrations (4060 I-'M) of hydroxylaniine indicates a mechanism of action for hydroxylamine involving a two-electron reduction of the OEC resulting in the production of N2 , two protons and the S0 state. Based on this hydroxylamine-mediated light-induced shift to lower Mn K-edge energy, it is suggested that the So S1 state transition also involves oxidation of the Mn complex. An analysis of the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) of the Mn complex within PSII preparations poised in the Slt S2 , S3 and hydroxylamine-induced


The performance of tunneling magnetoresistive (TuMR) heads under electrical overstress and electrostatic discharge is investigated. Alumina-based TuMR longitudinal heads of the 3.5in. 160Gbytes∕platter class are subjected to controlled stress until a predefined level of relative resistance drop (5%–60%) is achieved. The bias current is then readjusted to achieve a constant bias voltage and dynamic-electric test is performed. It is found that the stressed heads still perform similarly to the unstressed ones up to a resistance drop of ∼30%. Accelerated lifetime test did not detect statistically significant differences in reliability between the stressed and unstressed parts.


To enhance the e fficien cy of corporation cooperative p artner se le ct io n and o ptimization p roce ss in virtual corporations, a Hybrid genetic algorithm (HG A) and its application in cooperative partner sele ct io n process and optimizations model for was presented. In the model, the hybrid genetic algorithm is used t o enhance the efficiency of corporation cooperative partner select io n and optimization process. In the ex p e r ime n ts, four kinds of g e n et ic algorithms are used to compared with, they a re Standard g e n e t ic a lgorithm (S G A) , the g enet ic a lg o rit h m based on metropolis rule (MGA), A d a ptive genetic a lg orithm (AGA) and HGA . After 1000 time s of ex per imen ts to gain the optimal r esult , SGA averagely needs 168 r u ns of negotiations , MGA avera gely n eeds 14 6 runs of n egotiations, AGA a veragely needs 125 runs of n egotiations , while HGA averagely needs only 101 runs o f n egotiations . The experimental results s h ow that the HGA can gain the optima l r esu lt more effici e nt ly than other four thre e k inds . ~ . of genet ic algorithm in corporation cooperativ e p artner sele c t iori and optimization proces s .


A continuing problem for educators has been the student who, although at least minimally qualified to complete his education, has either failed in his course work, or dropped out of school during the academic year. Many investigators have studied various facets of the problem, and a large number of these studies have been summarized in The American College (Sanford, 1962). In general, these studies have treated the dropout as a unitary phenomenon, and have studied the relation of single variables to it (Hopkins et al., 1958). An exception to this is a study in which a prediction index was developed from a biographical inventory (Aiken, 1963).


In order for a country to advance in science and art and to shape its own future, it is necessary to raise well-informed, intellectual and enlightened individuals with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In this context, gifted students are the most important potential of the country in terms of human resources. Gifted students, who can learn faster than their age group and have a higher intelligence, will undoubtedly be the artists and scientists of the future when they receive an education appropriate to their level. These students should be identified by their classroom teachers during their primary school education and directed to Guidance Research Centers in order to maximize their potential in areas such as intelligence, creativity and artistic talent, and then they should be provided to take the Science and Art Centers Student Selection Examination. Key Words: Education, Classroom Teacher, Gifted Children


* Corresponding Author Email address: email@example.com The utilization of steep lands by planting forestry and agricultural species can provide benefits from soil-water conservation and economic aspects. The combination of planting Neolamarckia cadamba-Phaseolus vulgaris and terrace systems can increase land use values, such as soil conservation, crop production, and farmers' income. The aim of this study was to analyze silvicultural, hydro-orological, and economic aspects of a combination of forestry-agricultural crops (N. cadamba – P. vulgaris) and terrace systems on two slope classes. Two study plots were established on a steep gradient (25–40%) and a very steep gradient (>40%). The results showed an annual increase in the average diameter and height of N. cadamba of 1.78 cm and 1.84 m, respectively on the steep slope, and 1.68 cm and 1.53 m, respectively on the very-steep slope. The surface run-off and erosion rate were lower on the steep ground compared to the very steep ground. Erosion hazard indices and levels on the plots in the steep slope and very-steep slope were categorized as low and very low; meanwhile, the erosion hazard class was I. The profit of P. vulgaris cultivation was IDR 9,360,000.00 ha per cropping season on steep slope and IDR 6,480,000.00 ha per cropping season on very-steep slope. The planting of P. vulgaris as an intercropping plant to fill empty land in between N. cadamba can increase the economic value obtained from selling P. vulgaris in the short term until the leaves of the N. cadamba plant are linked. The combination of planting N. cadamba–P. vulgaris and terrace system on steep slopes is, therefore, more profitable not only from the economic perspective but also in lowering runoff and potential erosion rates than on very steep lands.


ABSTRACT In an attempt to provide users with more information while maintaining a calm ubiquitous environment, researchers have investigated the possibility of presenting information "subliminally." The authors explores the historical issues associated with examining perception without awareness with special emphasis on the difficulty associated with ensuring stimuli have been presented below the participant's subjective threshold of awareness. It may be possible to circumvent this issue by taking a results-oriented approach. However, the advancement of subliminal techniques requires stronger experimental evidence that information is actually being presented below the subject threshold of awareness and gaining the desired effect on user performance. The authors offers three considerations that help designers weigh the costs and benefits of employing a subliminal technique. The authors also offers three recommendations that help designers present information below the subjective threshold of awareness and measure their users' awareness of the information.


A streaming media watermarking algorithm based on synergetic neural network in the IWT domain of compressed video was advanced in this paper. A gray watermark image is serially processed into watermarking signal and embedded into a compressed videopsilas IWT domain to form watermarked video. Watermark detecting algorithm is realized by using pattern recognition method of synergetic neural network. The networkpsilas input is doubtful watermark signal and itpsilas output is the recognized result that can fulfill the watermark detection so that the watermark owner can be judged. Through the emulational experiments, this algorithm can endure some processes and has fine performance of robustness and speediness.


In this report, the authors present tables providing information on multiple benefit receipt among individuals receiving food assistance and other government assistance from January to April 2006.


In this article, the "instructional software for illustrating the assembling and disassembling process of one-level speed reducer" is designed by applying Visual Basic programming software. The three-dimension models are created by Pro/E, while the animation files of assembling and dissembling process are designed with animate module of Pro/E software. This instructional software has functions of showing 3-Dimensinal structures of main parts and components, and illustrating assembling and dissembling process of the speed reducer. It can provide knowledge of speed reducers with intuitive and figurative manners, and make students have deep comprehension without contacting real mechanical parts. Therefore it is no doubt that the educating qualities can be improved by this instructional software.


This is a case report of an 11-year-old boy with left mesocolic hernia. This condition is very similar to peritoneal encapsulation and a literature review of both conditions is done. Confusion among authors in naming them accordingly is addressed.


In the new millennium new technologies (should) play an ever more prominent role in the management of mass casualty incidents (MCI). Drawing on empirical data from a four-year research project (SOGRO), the article reflects on the impact of information technologies (IT) on the organisation of emergency response and on rescue services against the backdrop of broader organisational shifts and contemporary demands. Because IT strengthens a particular way of MCI management, it is firstly described as expressing and reifying specific considerations of emergency response experts. Secondly, the benefits of an IT-based emergency response are critically reviewed. IT collects and makes available data about the rescue operation. Thus, it makes a formerly blurred rescue operation transparent. Although its operational benefit remains vague for on-scene executives, the visualisation reduces uncertainties among them. Thirdly, the article points out the inherent logics of IT. Its implementation not only satisfies newly evolved information needs, but also increases the control density.


Abstract : Studies were conducted related to the development of small fish carcinogenesis bioassay models using the medaka (Oryzias latipes) and the guppy (Poecilia reticulata). The specific aim of the project was to identify certain classes of carcinogens that would induce neoplastic lesions in those model species. Bioassays were conducted on the following compounds: the halogenated hydrocarbons 1,1,2,2-tetrachlorothane (TeCE), chlorodibromethane (CDBM), and vinylidene chloride (VDC), the heavy metal cadmium (Cd), the aromatic amines 2- acetylaminofluorene (AAF) and 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP), the nitrogen-substituted polyaromatic hydrocarbon dibenzocarbazole (DBC), the industrial product acrylonitrile (AN) and the pharmaceutical methapyrilene (MP). Bioassays were conducted TeCE, CDBM, VDC, Cd, AAF, ABP, AN, and MP on medaka and guppy and DBC on medaka only. Mechanisms of ethylene dibromide metabolism were examined in medaka and of acetylaminofluorene in medaka and guppy. Other carcinogen bioassay factors such as the occurrence of background and rare carcinogen-induced tumors were examined in both species


highlights:
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Municipal incorporation is positively related to the change in Black-White segregation across southern counties.
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Holding all else constant, new city formation increases Black-White county-level segregation by 2 percent.
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Possible effects on a proposed municipality's neighbors may be a key issue to consider during the approval process.
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abstract:

Over 400 municipalities have been created since 1990, the majority of which are in the American South. Though municipal incorporation can bring positive changes to a locality, such as higher home values and economic growth, the creation of new cities leads to more fragmented political geographies resulting in negative outcomes like inefficient resource and land use. Recent studies of newly incorporated municipalities (NIMs) find that these newly created cities tend to be either majority White or majority non-White or BIPOC. This type of Tieboutian residential sorting has been linked to increased levels of racial segregation in some areas of the US with recent evidence showing that parts of the country remain highly segregated, especially between Black Americans and White Americans. The present study seeks to quantitatively examine the relationship between municipal incorporation and change in Black-White racial segregation in the South between 1990 and 2010. Using both a first difference regression model and a spatial first different regression model, we find evidence that municipal incorporation is positively related to the change in Black-White racial segregation across southern counties. A discussion of the results is offered.


Car linear sensor device in accordance with the present invention, the housing having a receiving space therein, doedoe provided in the receiving space, at least a portion is extended to the outside of said housing connected with a given drive system of the vehicle, the drive of the drive system a first region and a magnetic member provided in the moving member, the moving member to move linearly between the second region and the second region of the magnet member when located in a first region output the OFF value, and said magnet member according to If the location is an output unit that outputs the ON value.


The complex Ginzburg-Landau equation (CGL, for short)

$ \partial_t u = (1 + i\nu)\Delta u + Ru- (1 + i\mu) |u|^2 u; \quad 0\le t < \infty, x\in\Omega $,

is investigated in a bounded domain $\Omega\subset \mathbb R^n$
 with suffciently smooth boundary.
Standard boundary conditions are considered:
Dirichlet, Neumann or periodic. Existence and uniqueness of
 global smooth solutions is established for all real
parameter
values $\mu$ and $\nu$ if $n\le 2$, and for certain parameter
values $\mu$ and $\nu$ if $n\ge 3$.
Furthermore, dynamical properties of the CGL equation, such as existence of determining
nodes, are shown. The proof of existence of smooth solutions hinges on the following
inequality using the $L^2(\Omega)$-duality,

$|\mathfrak Im$ $ \le (|p-2|)/(2\sqrt{p-1})\mathfrak Re$
$ .$


The present invention relates to a covering (10) for a prosthetic hand. The covering (10) comprises a first layer (12) in the form of a glove or mitten configured to cover a prosthetic hand, with the first layer (12) comprising an elastomer. The covering (10) also comprises a second layer (14) disposed over at least part of a surface of the first layer (12), with the second layer being unitary and comprising polyurethane. At least one part of an interior surface of the first layer (12) is uncovered by the second layer (14).


This review analyzes published data and experimental results obtained by the authors concerning the effect of high pressure on the chemical kinetics of thermal decomposition of the main types of organic and organosilicon peroxides in solution. The volume effect of activation was found to depend on the mechanism of peroxide decomposition and on the properties of solvents.


We present a new approach to the problem of matching spline curves. The method formulates the matching problem directly between control polygons and knot sequences of the B-spline curves. The control polygon and the knot sequence contain all shape information of a B-spline curve. The consequences are that curves do not need to be sampled in the matching process and sampling frequency does not have to be considered. The method is invariant under affine coordinate transformation. We give a short introduction to B-splines, explain the properties which make B-splines interesting with respect to computer vision and digital photogrammetry, give the matching procedure, three examples, and discuss some generalizations to which the use of rational B-splines curves seems to be interesting because these are invariant under projective coordinate transformation.


Tomato is a very remunerative crop among vegetables which is largely affected by fungal, bacterial, nematodel, phytoplasma and viral diseases. Studies on the radial growth of the fungus in various treatments was measured and the average diameter of the colony was calculated. However, among the five bio-agents and five plant extract viz., Trichoderma viride (50.56%), Trichoderma harzianum (45.56%), Pseudomonas fluorescens (44.45%), Trichoderma virens (30.56%) and Trichoderma hamatum (25.56%) proved to be the most effective as they have inhibited the growth pathogen. Neem (Azadirachta indica) 47.13 per cent, were most effective in inhibiting the fungal growth. ginger (Zingiber officinale) 45.98 per cent, garlic (Allium sativum L.) 43.68 per cent, onion (Allium cepa L.) 41.37 per cent and mustard (Brassica nigra) 26.44 per cent was least effective in checking the mycelial growth of the test fungus. The mean of analysis of two years data revealed that, the minimum disease intensity (12.05%) and maximum fruit yield 18.92 kg/plot were recorded in foliar spray of Trichoderma harzianum 4g/lit of water, next best effective bio-agent was Trichoderma viride 4g/lit of water which gave 15.85 kg/plot fruit yield. How to view point the article : Lal, Mohan, Dabbas, M.R., Singh, Sanjive Kr., Kumar, Shrawan and Kumar, Narendra (2016). Efficacy of various bio-agents and plant extract against Septoria lycopersici. Internat. J. Plant Protec., 9(1) : 177-182.


The aim of this study is to determine the income of peanut's farm in The Second Kanonang Villageat Kawangkoan District. Primary and seconndary data are used and analyzed by making use ofdescriptive analysis and R/C ratio. Results of this study indicates that: (1) the average revenue of peanutfarmers is Rp6.053.800 and the average cost of Rp 3.182.577 so that the average income received byfarmers is Rp 2.871.223 per one time of planting, and (2) the R/C ratio (1.90) is greater than one, showedthat the average income received by farmers is relatively favorable.


The principles for cargo securing in Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) differs completely between the current rules and regulations for road and sea transports on one hand and rail transports on the other. This is not a favourable circumstance for combined transports, especially considering that: the UIC Loading Guidelines can not be complied with in a steadily increasing fraction of the European fleet of CTUs, and combined transports on rail are part of transports chains that normally starts with a road transport with CTUs that in principle always are loaded and secured by personnel at industries and terminals familiar with road transports only. Thus, the research project "CombiSec — Proposal of unified cargo securing principles for road and combined transport trains" aims to identify cargo securing methods that are in accordance with valid road regulations and that could provide a sufficient and acceptable level of cargo securing during combined transports by rail. This identification has been carried out in three steps: 1. Theoretic analysis and comparison of current regulations for road and rail transports 2. Shunting tests with a wide range of common cargo types 3. Test transports with a wide range of common cargo types The CombiSec project has been financed by the National Swedish Rail Administration and the Swedish Road Administration and by the work of a very large number of industry partners which has participated in the project. In practice, the securing of the goods in CTUs is normally done according to the principles used for road transport. If blocking is not possible, which is the case in most curtainsiders and open flat bed trailers, top-over lashings are by far the most commonly used method for cargo securing. However, generally the UIC (International Union of Railways) Loading Guidelines disqualifies indirect fastenings (top-over lashings) from being used to prevent sideways sliding. Through the analysis of regulations performed within the project it has been concluded that: The UIC Loading Guidelines offers no relevant method for securing several types of common cargoes in standard curtainsider trailers or open flat bed trailers; The CEN method for "combined transport — rail" requires copious amounts of lashings to be used in most cases, and can thus not be recommended as a suitable method. Within the project, shunting tests were performed in accordance with UIC Loading Guidelines with 19 cargo transport units supplied by the projects industry representatives. CombiSec 2011-02-24 iv The cargo securing fulfilled the road regulations in 13 of the 19 units only. None of the units were in compliance with the instructions in the UIC Loading Guidelines. Despite this, cargo movements in the longitudinal direction were very limited, and it could be concluded that it is sufficient to secure cargo in cargo transport units for combined road/rail transports according to the road regulations as long as shunting is carried out at the prescribed maximum speed of 4 km/h. During the project, the securing of a wide range of cargoes was documented during test transports of more than 100 units. The selection of units where carried out by two different principles: 1. Multiple units with identical cargo units were documented by industry representatives in the project, throughout the whole transport chain on selected relations. 2. Random units where selected at rail terminals and documented prior to and after the rail haulage. For each unit the cargo type and properties, type and classification of the cargo transport unit as well as the means of cargo securing were recorded. The original position of the cargo was marked on the platform floor and any movement was noted upon arrival at the destination. The following main conclusions have been reached based on the results of the test transports: In most inspected units, no signs of significant accelerations in any direction could be detected except in some units in one and the same train, which probably was exposed to large shunting speeds; There were no indications of significant accelerations in the transverse direction in any of the inspected units; There is a significant wandering effect for unlashed cargo during intermodal transports by rail due to vibrations. The movement of the cargo occurred randomly; The curtain sides of XL trailers have in these test transports proved to be able to safely contain the cargo within the unit without showing any noticeable deflection, even when the cargo was unlashed; Indirect lashings (top-over lashings) may be used to safely secure cargo during rail transports; In all cases, when properly applied, the securing principles for cargo securing during road transports may serve as safe guidelines also for combined transports by rail. Recommendations Based on the findings in the CombiSec project and the conclusions above the principles set out in the "European Best Practice Guidelines on Cargo Securing for Road Transport" is sufficient also for combined rail transports. It is thus recommended that the UIC Loading CombiSec 2011-02-24 v Guidelines are complemented with the inclusion of these principles. It is, however, important to bear in mind that a design acceleration in longitudinal direction of 0,5 g (about 5 m/s2) is based on shunting speeds of maximum 4 km/h. To avoid that cargo moves uncontrolled due to vibrations during the rail part of the transports it is recommended that special requirements are provided for cargo securing arrangements to avoid such movements. If the UIC Loading Guidelines are complemented according to these recommendations it is also recommended to approach CEN/TC 168 to get the basic design accelerations for combined rail transports altered to be in line with the accelerations for road transports. This is important not to jeopardize the future increase of combined rail transports as the cargo securing standard EN 12195-1 (2010) might be used to form


The crab cactus was one of the main basin spends in winter currently.This text elaborated its biology characteristic,technology of reproduction and cultivation,prevention and cure of plant diseases and insect pests and put forward a few aspects of crab cactus.


A series of novel Cu(I) N,S-heterocyclic carbene (NSHC) complexes [Cu(μ-Br)(NSHC)]2, [Cu(μ-X)(NSHC)]4 (X = Br or I), [(NSHC)2Cu(μ-Br)2Cu(NSHC)], and [(NSHC)2CuBr] have been isolated from in situ generated CuO(t)Bu and N-substituted benzothiazolium halides and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Five structural motifs were observed, viz. M(x)L(y) where x : y = 2 : 2, 4 : 4, 2 : 3, 1 : 2 and 2 : 4, with Cu···Cu separation traversing over a wide range of 2.5626(7) to 3.4725(7) Å distances. A preliminary investigation of the catalytic activity of these compounds indicated that the unusual mononuclear complex 6 [(NSHC)2CuBr] is an active catalyst for the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azide and alkynes while complexes 1-5 and 7 were marginally less active.


By considering the "multiple-valued" character in practical decision procedure,the interval-valued loss functions were induced to decision-theoretic rough set theory(DTRS) based on the Bayesian decision theory.With respect to the minimum Bayesian expected risk,a model of interval-valued decision-theoretic rough set theory was built.The corresponding propositions and criteria of interval-valued decision-theoretic rough set theory were also analyzed.An example of oil investment was given to illuminate the proposed model in applications.


2520 Background: The most appropriate phase II design and endpoint for agents with putative growth inhibitory properties is controversial. The VEGFR inhibitor sorafenib significantly improved progr...


The extraction conditions and main components of anthocyanin from \%Rubus caudifolius \%Wuzhi fruit, as well as the effects of pH value, temperature, gallic acid and Al\+\{3+\} ion on the color and stability of anthocyanin were analyzed. The results showed that the main component of this anthocyanin was probably similar to cyanidin\|3\|glucoside by means of paper chromatograph, thin layer chromatograph, UV and IR spectra. The pH value and temperature effected the color and stability of the anthocyanin, with the pH and temperature increase, the degradation of anthocyanin were faster, and followed the firstorder reaction of chemical kinetics. When Al\+\{3+\} ion was added with different concentration, the absorbance of anthocyanin at 510 nm increased. It showed Al\+\{3+\} ion had some certain effects of color improving, but no significant effect of Al\+\{3+\} and gallic acid on the color and stability of anthocyanin during storage.


Specificity of IgG autoantibodies that react with random red cell samples but not with cells treated with 2‐aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET)‐previously was related to the Kell blood group system. We now describe an IgG autoantibody, from a patient who died with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, that reacted with random red cell samples, Ko cells, and with cells treated with a dithiothreitol‐papain solution, but did not react with AET‐treated cells or with Rhnull cells. Serological reactivity of the autoantibody is unlike that of IgG autoantibodies that do not react only with Rhnull cells. It appears that the reactive antigen is not part of the Kell or Rh systems, but is probably modified by the membrane anomaly present in Rhnull red cells.


Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a multi-purpose forage legume. It provides bioactive compounds for medicinal use and it is also an ornamental plant and cover crop. It is adaptable to a wide range of temperature, rainfall and altitude. Butterfly pea, a highly palatable forage legume is generally preferred by livestock over other legumes. It has thin stem and large leaves, nil bloat and non toxic which make it ideal for forage and hay making. It's vigorous growth, tolerance to frost and dry periods and heavy grazing pressures make this suitable for waste land development. Production and utilization of this legume for animal production will provide adequate nutrition and also reduce grazing pressure on natural ranges. This paper reviews distribution, plant description, agronomic characteristics, genetic variation, medicinal use, chemical composition and utilization of butterfly pea in livestock production.


To properly and effectively manage a fleet and relationships with clients in transportation and forwarding trade it is necessary to use the most advanced IT and telecommunicational technologies. Their role is becoming more and more essential every day. More and more customers demand from the forwarders flexibility, speed and wide scope of services beginning with shipping goods of any quantity and size to different countries, through customs clearance, warehousing and distribution to all parts of Poland. Economic development, increasing clients' requirements and competition make forwarders continuously improve the quality of services keeping the delivery time. It makes the forwarding system an effective information flow synchronized with the flow of documents and goods. It requires appropriate IT technologies which point out companies' place on the market. The report presents the results of a survey concerning the functionality range of an application. It describes the software being created for transportation and forwarding trade companies of the MSP sector.


Background: The injuries sustained in football most frequently occur to the lower extremity, with ankle and knee being the most affected joint segments. Many studies have defined ankle sprain as one of the most common sports injuries with an annual incidence rate of 15% to 45%, however, there's a lack of studies in football regional leagues. Risk factors like anthropometric measures, field position, dominant limb, previous injury have been described as being associated with ankle injuries in the elite sports context. The primary aim of this study was to determine prevalence rates of self-reported ankle instability in regional leagues. A secondary aim was to explore the presence of extrinsic factors affecting ankle instability in these football players. Methods: The heads of all clubs (n = 66) from Coimbra and Aveiro (Portugal) regional male senior football divisions during season 2016/2017 were contacted by e-mail or telephone to enter the study, and 58 gave their permission to include their athletes. Then, all players from each of these 58 teams were invited to enter the study (n = 1044) and a total of 589 athletes participated. Demographic and anthropometric data were recorded concerning age, height, weight, years of training, mean number of training hours, position in camp along with specific questions related to an ankle injury. All participants were asked about their previous history of injury, reinjury, feeling of giving-away and where also asked to fill the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Results: A total of 290 (49.2%) athletes reported a history of at least one previous sprain and, from these, 170 (58.6%) repeated the injury and 112 (19%) reported sensation of "giving-away". A significant association was found between injury, recurrence and subjective feeling of giving away (p < 0.05). The player field's position was found to be associated with ankle instability, with defenders and forwards having higher rates of self-reported instability. No other significant associations were found. Conclusion: Along with intrinsic factors (age and injury repetition), some extrinsic factors were found to be associated with instability rates in professional regional football players (exposure time, and position on the field) suggesting the need for specific prevention strategies.


Since the internet is today regarded as the fastest and most efficient method of transmitting signals, the privacy of signals or info is drastically decreasing. Therefore, it is essential to have a high level of privacy to hide the mysterious data. A common and effective method for protecting output information from unauthorized is encrypted. This method hides hidden data in an image using a cryptographic keys. However, it only provides a single level of protection for the data transmission. This legislation's goal is to provide two levels of security. The first stage involves hiding information behind certain images using coded words, while the second stage involves encrypting using 2D deterministic algorithms. Employing colonial automata's 2-D principles, decryption is completed. The surprise data is introduced into the image using the smallest bit (LSB) and Expanded Least Major But (ELSB) techniques in the first level of protection with the help of a secret word. The LSB technique was used in the dim image to encrypt the information contained in the image. In an RGB image, the data was masked using both Sb & ELSB techniques. While a ELSB technique only employs single Rgb aircraft, the LSB approach for RGB photographs uses all three vision plane. On the image in which emission data was then installed using Sb or ELSB techniques, 2D cell enary rules were implemented in the first security level. We used the 2D state machine principles 2, S, 32, and 12S to provide an extra layer of protection to data emission. Cellular Lattice rules provide increasingly complex and reliable information about the symmetric encryption. In this manner, a variety of ideas were used to get a great deal of safety. Unscrambling was done in an unparalleled manner, yet quickly after the demand.


Because transmitting polarization can be an arbitrary elliptical wave, and theoretically, there are numerous possibilities of hybrid dual-pol modes, therefore, it is necessary to explore the feature recognition and classification ability of compact polarimetric (CP) parameters under different transmitting and receiving modes to different ground objects. In this paper, we first simulated, extracted, and analyzed the scattering intensity of two types of rice of six temporal CP synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data under three transmitting modes. Then, during different phenology stages, the optimal parameters for distinguishing transplanting hybrid rice (T–H) and direct-sown japonica rice (D–J) were acquired. Finally, a decision tree classification model was established based on the optimal parameters to carry out the fine classification of the two types of rice and to verify the results. The results showed that this strategy can obtain a high classification accuracy for the two types of rice with an overall classification accuracy of more than 95% and a kappa coefficient of more than 0.94. In addition, and importantly, we found that the CP parameters in the 1103 period (harvest stage) were the best CP parameters to distinguish the two types of rice, followed by the 0730 (seedling–elongation stage), 0612 (seedling stage), and 0916 (heading–flowering stage) periods.


In the first phase of the STATIS methodology the information is contained in a series of studies is first condensed into a symmetric matrix. Models based in the spectral analysis of their mean matrices were developped, see Areia et al. (2008). When their first engenvalue θ is dominant a further condensation of the information into a structure vector θγ, with γ the eigenvector associated to θ, and a sum of square of residues is carried out. This enables the joint analysis of matched series of studies associated to the treatments of a base design. Then in the longitudinal analysis of such families of series we study the action of the factors in the base design (contrasts) taken for the components of the structure vectors. An application to elections in Portugal is presented.


Hemozoin (Hz), a heme crystal first known as a malaria pigment, reduces heme toxicity to hematophagous organisms such as protozoans, worms, and insects. The mechanism of Hz synthesis remains poorly understood, but studies on the blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus indicate the involvement of an α-glucosidase enzyme. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that α-glucosidases from other organisms also have the ability to form Hz in vitro. This hypothesis was tested using protein extracts from non-hematophagous insects and non-insect organisms. Our results indicate that protein extracts from several sources have the potential to crystallize heme in vitro. This activity is likely associated with α-glucosidases. Thus, these enzymes seem to have the secondary capacity of detoxifying heme even in nonhematophagous organisms. This latent function may represent a crucial pre-adaptive evolutionary step in the adoption of hematophagy in hemoparasites.


The resultant relative permittivity of 3D printed polylactide (PLA) substrates with varying percentage volumes of PLA are measured using a two microstrip line method. The resultant relative permittivity of the PLA substrates is also predicted using five existing heterogenous mixture models. The measured and predicted values of relative permittivity are compared to identify the degree of fit of the mixture models to the measured values. The measured relative permittivity was found to increase as the percentage volume of PLA was increased. The measured values also increased with increasing signal frequency. The mixture models showed varying degrees of fit with two models, Rayleigh (RAY) and Refractive Index (RI), showing the best fit out of the five models. None of the models considered the frequency dependence of the relative permittivity. The results allow for the identification of opportunities for future work related to frequency dependent mixture models and detailed testing of 3D printed substrates.


In this thesis we propose a 5-dimensional therapeutic patient education (TPE) programme for the reversal of metabolic diseases such as T2D. It draws the links between learning about one's disease and improving one's health and expands this to a model for the transformation of the person. Several dimensions of a human's learning and transformation process, including the cognitive, affective and perceptive dimensions, are considered in this model. Addressing these elements increases the patient's ability to undertake a learned approach to improving his/her health and thus gain in free will and quality of life. The proposed TPE programme could lead to more efficient personalized patient education, institutional group teaching or public health programmes. It represents the first integrative scheme for the reversal of T2D and other metabolic diseases and can be transferred worldwide and at a low cost.


Study Design. Retrospective single-center study. Objective. To investigate whether a preoperative index predicts clinical outcome after laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Summary of Background Data. This is the first study using the modified K-line, which connects the midpoints of the spinal cord at the C2 and C7 levels on midsagittal magnetic resonance imaging, to assess the relationship between postoperative clinical outcome and anticipated degree of spinal cord shifting. Methods. Sixty-one consecutive patients who underwent laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy between 2000 and 2011 at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The interval between the preoperative mK-line and the anterior structure of the spinal canal at each segment of the C3 to C6 levels (INTn, n = 3–6) were measured on sagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and the sum of the INTn (INTsum) was then calculated. The degree of posterior cord shift was defined as follows: %Csum = &Sgr;Cn; Cn = (Bn−An) × 100/An (n = 3–6; An and Bn represent the preoperative and postoperative intervals between the midpoint of the spinal cord and the anterior impingement at each segment on sagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, respectively). In addition, we defined INTmin as the minimum interval of the INTn in each patient. All patients were divided into lordotic and nonlordotic groups on the basis of lateral neutral radiography. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system and recovery rate of the JOA score for cervical myelopathy was evaluated as clinical outcomes. Results. The recovery rate of the JOA score was 48.1%. The lordotic and nonlordotic groups contained 38 and 23 patients, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed that INTmin was significantly correlated with the recovery rate of the patients in the nonlordotic group, whereas INTsum was not associated with recovery of the JOA score. Conclusion. We identified INTmin as a predictive factor for clinical outcomes in patients with nonlordotic alignment after laminoplasty. Level of Evidence: 4


This article will report the qualitative connection between chemical predictions based on thermodynamics and the selective oxide etching in a hot wall commercial high‐density plasma system. The relationship between the experimentally observed protective carbon‐based deposit on nonoxide surfaces such as Si and the theoretically predicted selective deposition of carbon will be explored. While carbon is deposited on both Si and SiO2, the oxygen in the SiO2 leads to the ion‐enhanced removal of this deposited carbon so that plasma etching of the oxide can continue. It will be shown that CO gas and the chamber/wafer temperature play a major role in this carbon deposition. The chemical role of H in increasing this deposit will also be examined. The model predicts that the carbon deposition increases exponentially with chamber temperature, and that this deposition occurs only on the nonoxide underlying layer at the bottom of the contact. This is consistent with the experimental observation that increasing chamber temperature increases the protective deposition on the underlying Si, but does not deposit on the SiO2 side walls and change their angle. This is not to suggest that such a simple thermodynamic model can quantitatively explain all of the observed effects, but it clearly is very effective in understanding the qualitative dependence on such ''chemistry'' process parameters as temperature, gas flow, and chemical composition.


The field study was conducted at Regional Rice Research Station (RRRS), Navsari Agricultural University, Vyara (Dist-Tapi) during kharif, rabi and summer season of 2008–09. In this experiment, total nine rice based horticulture cropping sequences were tried viz., rice-cauliflower-okra, rice-cauliflower-cowpea rice-cabbage-brinjal, rice-bean-okra,, ricewatermelon-brinjal, rice-brinjal-green manure, rice-okragreen manure, rice-cucumber-okra and rice-okra-brinjal. Owing to the results, it is revealed that the rice-okra-brinjal was found to be superior in all the yield parameters which is reflected in system productivity, production efficiency and profitability. Rice-okra-brinjal sequence was also followed by other sequences viz., rice-cauliflower-brinjal, rice-cabbage-brinjal and rice-watermelon-brinjal. The highest net return (Rs. 416299) with higher benefit cost ratio (3.59) was also obtained in above same sequence.


Abstract Linear dynamic analysis of lattice structures using transfer matrices and joint coupling matrices is presented. A lattice structure is defined as a network of one-dimensional members that are connected by joints. Two examples are considered to illustrate how transfer matrices and joint coupling matrices may be used to compute natural frequencies of vibration. These two examples indicate that the transfer matrix and joint coupling matrix analysis is numerically accurate over a wide range of frequencies and becomes increasingly efficient, compared to the finite element method, as the frequency increases. Some suggestions for further improvements in computational efficiency and some comments about applicability to numerical analysis of wave propagation problems are given.


A survey of litchi orchards in Kan gra Valley of HimachalPradesh revealed that red  rust problem was more prevalent at 750-950 m altitude and the infestation ranged from 50-90 per  cent. Four sprays of dimethoate (0.03%) or dicofol (0.05%) from February at monthly interval  proved effective in reducing the incidence by 96.3 and 89.2 per cent and increasing the yield by  2.8 and 2.1 times, respectively. Removal and burning of affected parts during January alone  accounted for 40 per cent reduction of red rust incidence over the control. Therefore, four sprays  of dimethoate (0.03 %) or dicofol (0.05 %) from February, at rnonthly interval, pruning and burning  of affected portions in January is recommended for the control of red rust on litchi.


LCA (life cycle analysis) of distribution cables has been presented to utilities and cablemakers. Two major items of environmental impact are: energy loss (I/sup 2/R), while using the cable, and refining metals for the conductors. Multilateral discussions between utilities, KEMA and cablemakers in the Netherlands now pay attention to the first item. The second point has resulted in a drive for technological developments at NKF. Three technological developments were started: recycling of PVC scrap; improving the silane process for LV XLPE; and insulation skin colour coding.


Because of the high speed and large amount of processing consume,an image data transform system based on FPGA is presented by CMOS digital image sensor MT9M001 and Bayer CFA,a design scheme to realize comversion from Bayer to RGB by hardware is proposed,CFA algorithm and real-time linear interpolation algorithm are realized.The structure of the system is facile by using FPGA of altera,the module can work correctly using least time.The efficiency is improved.


Most DRAM interfaces such as GDDR5 and DDR3 use parallel single-ended signaling due to pin-count restriction and backward compatibility. Notwithstanding poor signal and power integrity issues, GDDR5 speed reached beyond 5Gb/s in recent years by utilizing data bus inversion, error-detection coding, data training and channel equalization [1–3]. However, channel crosstalk is becoming a major barrier to further speed improvement. A common solution for channel crosstalk reduction at the system level is to use a shielding line or wide spacing between signal lines, but increasing the number of layers in a chip package and PCB increase system cost. To remove the shielding lines and increase speed, this paper presents a channel crosstalk equalizer with programmable signal ordering capability for the DRAM transmitter. In addition, this paper addresses tri-mode clocking to reduce the system jitter for better timing margin: PLL off, LC-PLL and injection-locked oscillator.


The power harvested by a rectenna (Rx) module is highly dependent on its relative orientation with respect to the dedicated RF transmitter (Tx) which can cause polarization mismatch. Therefore, a polarization insensitive rectenna system is proposed here to address the mentioned problem. A multipolarized circular rectenna array is designed using the conjugate impedance matching technique and a shunt dc combining topology for realizing a completely integrated design. This resulted in a low-cost, miniaturized rectenna array system making it suitable for space constraint sensor nodes utilized in IoT applications.


Toxoplasmosis is a congenital as well as postnatally acquired zoonosis characterized by retinochoroiditis and encephalitis. It causes abortion in pregnant women. Mostly it affects immune compromised individuals particularly very young and very old women. The major sources of human infection are ingestion of raw or lightly cooked meat containing live Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts and ingestion of raw or lightly cooked vegetables contaminated with oocysts or exposure to oocysts derived from cat faeces. Feral cats are recognized as a significant reservoir whereas sheep and goats are the main nonfeline reservoir. The occurrence and prevention of this disease in animals and human are narrated in the article. Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, zoonosis, abortion, women Cite this Article Areshkumar M, DivyaS, Yasotha A. Toxoplasmosis—A Zoonotic Threat to Human Beings. Research & Reviews: Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2018; 7(2): 16–19p


ABSTRACT Given the emergence of a specific trope in social network services, whereby individuals upload an image that includes a passport and/or a boarding pass to index their status as a traveller, this article explores multilingual and multimodal creativity in the construction of identity by a body of individuals who pass through Paris' Orly airport. In particular, collecting data from the mobile photo-sharing platform Instagram permits the analysis of the authorial control exerted by the Original Poster (OP) over their discursive practices from two distinct perspectives. One line of enquiry is the examination of preferred readings of the images by the OP, which is either affirmed or contested by the poster's friends, followers, and others, with the view to assessing trends in language practices amongst users. A second vector is the (re)creative approach, where the OP often uses expensive branded goods in the image in a ludic way to convey a sense of their identity. To this end, we discuss how individuals draw on visual resources to hand to present themselves to others. Based on a corpus of images uploaded and geotagged at Orly airport, we explore here the approaches to self-representation on social media in order to typologize the resources – including languages – that twenty-first-century French nationals draw upon to create their individual but simultaneously collective identity.


Six Apollo missions landed on the Moon from 1969-72, returning to Earth 382 kg of lunar rock, soil, and core samples. These samples are among the best documented and preserved samples on Earth that have supported a robust research program for 45 years. From mission planning through sample collection, preliminary examination, and subsequent research, strict protocols and procedures are followed for handling and allocating Apollo subsamples, resulting in the production of vast amounts of documentation. Even today, hundreds of samples are allocated for research each year, building on the science foundation laid down by the early Apollo sample studies and combining new data from today's instrumentation, lunar remote sensing missions and lunar meteorites. Much sample information is available to researchers at curator.jsc.nasa.gov. Decades of analyses on lunar samples are published in LPSC proceedings volumes and other peer-reviewed journals, and tabulated in lunar sample compendia entries. However, for much of the 1969-1995 period, the processing documentation, individual and consortia analyses, and unpublished results exist only in analog forms or primitive digital formats that are either inaccessible or at risk of being lost forever because critical data from early investigators remain unpublished.


The publications of the Sippar tablets during the past ten years have noticeably increased the corpus of known texts. Consequently, the number of documents that may be attributed to female scribes has also increased. One of them, Inanna-ama-mu, wrote nearly twenty texts, during the reigns of Immerum, Bunta-hun-ila, Sumu-la-El and Sabium. The personality of this scribe is poorly known, but her activities show that she works especially for the nad?tum of the Samas Temple.


Dear Sir, With great interest we read the article 'Paramedian Extraperitoneal Approach for Combined Nephrectomy and Augmentation Ureterocystoplasty in Children with Neurovesical Dysfunction' by Talic [1]. We have also found that the extraperitoneal approach to ureterocystoplasty offers many advantages. Not only does this approach reduce post-operative morbidity, but it also allows for great flexibility in its implementation. In conjunction with a ureterocystoplasty, it is possible perform transureteroureterostomy, ureteric reimplant, ureteropyelostomy in a duplex system and construct a ureteric Mitrofanoff, all via the extraperitoneal approach [2, 3]. The extraperitoneal approach via a paramedical incision described by Talic is certainly a novel method, and indeed has an advantage in not requiring the repositioning of the patient. However, we dispute that it 'provides all the benefits of the extraperitoneal approach via two incisions'. All patients in this series had a nephrectomy in conjunction with their ureterocystoplasty. If a transureteroureterostomy were to be employed for renal preservation, a paramedian incision would be less suitable. From an anterior approach it would be difficult to mobilize the peritoneum sufficiently to provide access for this procedure which crosses the midline. However, via a flank incision it is relatively straightforward to develop a plane between the posterior peritoneum and the great vessels in order to access the contra-lateral ureter.


. According to the relevant standards, measurements of suitable test pieces are analysed with the two established methods to determine the spatial resolution of CT data (MTF and contrast of line-pairs). The results are compared and differences are discussed.


Flavoperla basomarginata sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a new species of the genus Flavoperla Chu, 1929 from Sichuan Province of southwestern China. The new species is characterized by the male having an unpigmented head, a "butterfly-shaped" epiproct sclerite, a boot-shaped hammer in lateral view, and the basolaterally sclerotized paraprocts. Morphology of the new species is compared with similar taxa. A provisional key is provided for known Flavoperla males. Relevant taxonomic information and a distribution map for described Flavoperla species are discussed.


The staurosporine analogues CGP 41251, UCN‐01 and Ro 31‐8220 are specific inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). CGP 41251 and UCN‐01 exert anti‐neoplastic activity against human tumours grown in rodents, and CGP 41251 reverses multidrug resistance. The hypothesis was tested that these agents can induce drug resistance and alter cellular levels of target kinases. Human‐derived A549 lung carcinoma cells were exposed for 6 months to CGP 41251, UCN‐01 or Ro 31‐8220 at gradually increasing concentrations. Cells acquired resistance against these agents, 4.3‐fold against CGP 41251 (A549/CGP cells), 4.0‐fold against UCN‐01 (A549/UCN cells) and 14‐fold against Ro 31‐8220 (A549/Ro cells). Cells were neither collaterally cross‐resistant towards the PKC inhibitors nor resistant against the growth‐inhibitory properties of 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate. However, cross‐resistance was observed in A549/CGP cells against staurosporine (13‐fold) and in A549/Ro cells against doxorubicin (26‐fold). All 3 cell types expressed multidrug resistance–associated protein, and A549/Ro cells expressed P‐glycoprotein, as adjudged by Western blot analysis. Phorbol ester–stimulated PKC activity in these cells was decreased by between 57% and 96% compared to wild‐type A549 cells. Levels of the PKC isoenzymes α and θ in all 3 resistant cell types and of PKC‐ϵ in A549/UCN cells were concomitantly reduced. Cells regained drug sensitivity after culture in the absence of drug for 6 (A549/Ro cells), 5 (A549/CGP cells) and 1 (A549/UCN cells) months. Our results suggest the following features of this type of anti‐signalling drug: (i) they can induce drug resistance, (ii) they may be potentially useful in combination because of the lack of cross‐resistance between them and (iii) they can down‐regulate PKC, which may have pharmacological or toxicological consequences. Int. J. Cancer 73:763–768, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


This text represents the proceedings of a conference, Rheumaderm, that was held in December 1997. The meeting was a dialogue between the specialties of Rheumatology and Dermatology, exploring and discussing areas of common interest. The aim was to present problems common to both specialties, thereby emphasizing the team approach to such problems and helping to combine various skills.


Being a Project submitted to the
Postgraduate School, Ahmadu Bello
University, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA).
Department: Business Administration
Faculty: Administration
University: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
NOVEMBER, 1989


On-demand resource provision can play a significant role in shielding the Grid middleware complexities and leading towards an invisible Grid. However, in the Grid, on-demand provision has been mostly ignored due to the dynamic Grid behavior, multi-constrained environment, and lack of support for a powerful description, discovery, and correlation mechanism. These problems force the Grid users to perform an impractical manual selection of the resources. A remedy is proposed as a dynamically scalable and customizable resource management, with an ontology-based resource description and correlation mechanism. The classic syntax-based symmetric resource description model is replaced with an extensible semantics-based asymmetric model. Now the resources can be clearly described, unambiguously interpreted, and automatically delivered on-demand. A WSRF-based implementation and an OWL-based semantics enhancement is provided with the demonstrations to prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.


This paper primarily addresses the role of Reliability Engineering in the multidisciplinary process used by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in the Integrated Design Center and a description of the estimating tool that is used. This estimating tool may have expanded applicability in the proposal of new designs in many industries. Understanding key contributors to Mission Success or Failure is necessary to assure a successful proposal is developed. Additionally, this preliminary analysis needs to contain recommendations for future use in later stages of project development for the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR).


The purpose of this classroom-based study was to discover the kinds of skill integration tasks that were employed by English teachers in Kuwait and to measure their attitudes toward implementing the skill integration technique in their classrooms. Data collection involved recording 25 hours of classroom-based observations, conducting interviews with the same group of teachers, and distributing a survey to further explore the teachers' attitudes toward the skill integration technique. Data analysis involved categorizing skill integration tasks, analyzing the interview data, and counting the means and standard deviations of the survey data. Findings indicated that the participating teachers performed a wide range of transactional and interactional tasks that involved the simultaneous integration of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in their classrooms. The findings also revealed that even though the skill integration technique was adopted by most of the English teachers, they were ambivalent toward its implementation in their classrooms. This was partly due to the negative washback effect of traditional English tests that measure students' accurate application of grammar rules but not their fluency and ability to use the L2 as a tool for communication. Implications for L2 pedagogy were drawn regarding the need for teachers to expose students of all proficiency levels to both transactional and interactional tasks in the classroom. To counter the negative washback effect of conventional discrete-point tests, English teachers were encouraged to develop communicative tests that involve skill integration and emphasize the development of the four language skills in their daily classroom activities.


The primary objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between college math entry placement scores, required college math courses and the final program GPA of the students who have completed a diploma in a business or a technical program at an Ontario college (in Toronto, Canada) from 2000 to 2008. The correlation analysis did demonstrate a significant positive correlation between college math entry placement scores and final grades from the math courses of the students that have completed the program. A significant positive correlation was also demonstrated between the college math placement scores and the final program GPA of the same sample of students. All of these findings support the use of math placement tests to predict the success of students in a post-secondary environment. Introduction It is common practice to use standardize tests to set admission requirements for acceptance into a postsecondary program. Standardized tests have also been used within the post-secondary environment as knowledge assessments and predictors of college achievement. As knowledge assessments, these types of tests have found considerable success (Armstrong, 2000, McFate & Olmsted, 1999, Bunce & Hutchinson, 1993, Tai et. al, 2006, Russell, 1994) and unlike admission tests, the goals of these tests are to measure a student's academic ability and then properly stream students to courses to ensure academic success and improve institutional outcomes. Post-secondary institutions use standard placement tests that tend to focus on math and English assessment and are used to place the incoming student in an appropriate learning stream to promote student success at that institution. Susan Callahan (1993) presented a paper that concluded that math placement tests provide accurate course recommendations for incoming students and also showed that these placement tests assist with curriculum improvements within Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. Roth, Crans, Carter, Ariet and Resnick (2000) did a similar study with a sample of almost 20,000 high school graduates in Florida and found that placement tests were beneficial to students who might have difficulties in college math courses and thereby providing the proper support to meet students' needs. This study agreed with the Callahan work (1993) and supported the ability to identify areas of an academic weakness or gaps in student knowledge; begin to stream the students early in their post-secondary career into the appropriate learning stream; and will ultimately improve student success at a post-secondary institution. In yet another study (Leopold and Edgar (2008)) a math test taken during the first week of the students' secondsemester introductory college chemistry class was used to predict success within the chemistry class and showed a high degree of direct correlation between the math tests scores and final chemistry grade. This work demonstrated mat math ability can be a predictor to other post-secondary non-math course grades. Routinely, post-secondary institutions administer entry-level placement tests that are critical to a student's academic options, high stakes and are used to give the students an appropriate context for the level of learning that is expected in the class. Armstrong's work (2000) supports the use of placement tests to support student learning outcomes, but he cautions the use of streaming of students based only on one measure. This message is echoed in McFate «Sc Olmsted's paper (1999) which suggests that institutions find a middle ground by using placement-test results only as an advising tool or including additional placement factors. Both studies demonstrate that placement tests support student outcomes, but that their results must be balanced with other factors that are part of the students' background that influences their success in a course. Previous work (Armstrong, 2000, Callahan, 1993, Bunce & Hutchinson, 1993, Tai et al, 2006, Russell, 1994, McFate & Olmsted, 1999) has demonstrated that placement testing can be beneficial to the students' learning, college outcomes and institutional retention numbers. …


The available methods of braking a modern aeroplane with its high landing speed are not entirely satisfactory. This difficulty in braking is particularly noticeable with pure jet aircraft. Owing to the absence of propellers, reversible pitch propellers are no longer a solution to this problem and the under-carriage can be simplified so that it occupies a smaller fraction of the all-up weight of the aeroplane.


A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pure stands of tree species and poplar-based agroforestry system on soil organic carbon (OC) and available N, P and K contents. Depthwise soil samples were taken from 13-year-old Eucalyptus tereticornis (eucalyptus), Azadirachta indica (neem), Melia azedarach (dek), Dalbergia sissoo (shisham), Albizia lebbeck (siris), Leucaena leucocephala (subabul) and Acacia nilotica (kikar) spaced at 6 x 3 m and adjoining open area (control) from PAU Regional Station at Bathinda. Similarly, samples were taken from an agroforestry system having poplar at 5 x 4 m spacing intercropped with pearlmillet-wheat rotation for six years and sole pearlmillet-wheat rotation from PAU Ludhiana. Soil OC and available nutrients were significantly higher in the surface soil depth (0–15 cm) than the lower depths irrespective of tree species. Organic carbon and available nutrients were significantly more under all the tree species compared to control in the surface layer. Organic carbon increased by 90.3 per cent under siris followed by kikar (84.5%), shisham (82.2%) and subabul (80.8%) over control (3.81 g/kg). The available N, P and K contents in surface layer were higher under subabul, siris, shisham and kikar than the other tree species. In poplar-based agroforestry system, the average contents of OC, N, P and K were higher by 22.2, 10.2, 33.6 and 4.5% respectively, than pure pearlmillet-wheat rotation. However, the interaction effects of soil depths and cropping systems were significant only for OC and available P.


Mathematics plays a vital role in science and technology development. Its usefulness cannot be denied but most of the Filipino students perform poorly in the subject. Several factors were identified to influence student's achievement in mathematics and one of the identified factors in the student's attitude towards it. This study examines the influence of gender, mathematics anxiety which has to have attitudinal component, and the interaction of these two variables on the mathematical achievement of the student. 390 freshmen college students were surveyed to determine their anxiety scores when grouped according to grade, future, in-class and assignment factors. Independent sample t-test result showed that no statistically significant difference in the mathematics achievement between the male and female respondents can be concluded. Regression analysis reveals that mathematics anxiety is a predictor of achievement in mathematics and Analysis of covariance result implies that the influence of gender and mathematics anxiety when taken together on the mathematical achievement of the students is not significant.


This study explores the geologic peculiarities of the Niger Delta region, which creates a propensity for the significantly high cost of highway development. The heterogeneous geologic configuration of the area, in terms of its landscape, geomorphology and hydrology are descriptively and techno-economically analysed, based on available local literature, supplemented by geotechnical field work data. The study discusses and analyses the construction cost implications of the inherent geo-variability of the terrain, and the financial implications as it relates to the practicalities of carrying out road construction in the Niger Delta. The analysis outlines the cost considerations associated with highway pavement and drainage construction in view of the hydro-geomorphological setting of the Niger Delta. The analysis reiterates the predominance of fined grained subgrade soils, which will require remedial re-engineering measures and significant construction costs. Furthermore, the study highlights the increased costs of drainage construction in view of the significant volume of precipitation surplus and relief of the region. The study submits that recognising the challenges and cost associated with the adverse geo-configuration of most parts of the Niger Delta, is a necessary starting point to maximise value for money in highway projects.


Objective : Studies have suggested that beer is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to investigate how types of alcoholic beverage are related to high risk acute harm. Methods : Data from the 1997 Korea's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, collected through telephone questionings, were analyzed based on multi-stage stratified random sampling(N=1,045). Among those who had drunk at least one type of alcoholic beverage in the last month, one episode where the drinker had consumed the highest level of ethanol was selected, and the alcohol consumption per drinking day categorized into four risk levels of short-term, 'acute' harm, according to the WHO guidelines. Employing ordered logistic regression analyses, as the explanatory variables, types of alcoholic beverage, with and without socioeconomic characteristics, were considered. Results : Spirits and soju were more than ten and three times, respectively, more likely than beer, while makkolli and wine were almost as likely as beer, to involve high risk drinking, irrespective of controlling for the socioeconomic characteristics. Conclusions : Unlike most Western countries, in Korea, beer, rather than spirits or soju, is generally less likely to be associated with high risk drinking for acute harm, The influence of beverage types on high risk drinking for acute harm appears to vary between countries.


To develop a sensitive,rapid and simple colour latex particles immunochromatography assay for determination of foot-and-mouth disease virus(FMDV) O,Asia 1 type from the field samples,Mondispersed polystyrene Microspheres with two distinct dyes and carboxyl group in the size rang of 380 nm were prepared with seed polymerization and swelling.The purified anti-FMDV strain Asia 1/China 05,O/China99 rabbit antibody were coupled with blue and red latex particles.The purified anti-FMDV Asia 1,O type guinea pig antibodies were wrapped on to nitrocellulose membrane as two test line.The FMDV serotype diagnosis kit was then performed and conditions were determined.The seriate results indicated that sensitivity of the test kit reached 3.90×104LD50.No cross reaction was found with SVD,VS,VES antigen by cross tests.In the clinic test,a total 74 field samples were detected with the test list.The corresponding rate between the strip test kit and traditional methods of positive samples for FMDV Asia 1,O type and negative samples were 96.30%,95.24%,100%,respectively.In this study,the established color latex particles immunochromatographic strip test kit is sensitive,specific for detecting FMDV Asia 1,O type and is potentially useful for the high throughput screening,the test for the diagnosis of food-and-mouth disease virus O and Asia 1 type.


Sensor service ranking for effective resource allocation is a well studied problem in service oriented wireless sensor networks. Existing sensor service ranking mechanisms fail to maintain a trade-off between meeting application requirements and minimizing the scarce network resource consumption. Moreover, a common usage context of the sensor data is considered while ranking the sensor services for different application queries. This results in a large number of applications not able to meet their specific quality of service requirements. This paper proposes an energy-aware value of information based sensor service ranking mechanism that models the rank of a sensor service as a value of information attribute while taking into account its usage context in the corresponding application. Integration of the proposed ranking mechanism with existing gateway service suggests its efficiency in maintaining a trade-off between application specific quality of service requirements and overall energy consumption in the network. Simulation results show that the proposed mechanism outperforms existing sensor service ranking mechanisms in terms of meeting applications' quality of service requirements. In addition to this, the proposed mechanism shows an impressive 13 percent improvement in network lifetime.


Through a reflective practitioner -led perspective, this paper looks at five conferences in which creative learning processes were incorporated and used as participative experiential learning community building processes.  The paper explores how creative interventions were designed and used to connect conference participants and to encourage mutual inquiry, reflection and other ways of knowing.


. We deal with Hensel minimal, non-trivially valued fields K of equicharacteristic zero, whose axiomatic theory was introduced in a recent article by Cluckers–Halupczok–Rideau. We additionally require that every definable subset in the imaginary sort RV be already definable in the pure valued field language. This condition is satisfied by the majority of classical tame structures on Henselian fields (including Henselian fields with analytic structure and V-minimal fields), and ensures that the residue field is orthogonal to the value group. The main purpose is to carry over many results of our previous papers to the above general axiomatic settings including, among others, the theorem on existence of the limit, curve selection, the closedness theorem, several non-Archimedean versions of the Lojasiewicz inequalities as well as the theorems on extending continuous definable functions and on existence of definable retractions. We establish an embedding theorem for regular definable spaces and the definable ultranormality of definable Hausdorff LC-spaces. In the case of Henselian fields with analytic structure, a more precise version of the theorem on existence of the limit (a kind of Puiseux's theorem) is provided. Further, we establish definable versions of resolution of singularities (hypersurface case) and transformation to normal crossings by blowing up, on arbitrary strong analytic manifolds in Hensel minimal expansions of analytic structures. Also introduced are meromorphous functions, i.e. continuous quotients of strong analytic functions on strong analytic manifolds. Finally, we prove a finitary meromorphous version of the Nullstellensatz.


As a result of demographic change, Canadian governments face a net liability of $1.4 trillion for healthcare, education, seniors' and children's programs. Meeting this challenge will require fiscal discipline, partial prefunding and growth-friendly policies.


Low temperature has been utilized to keep living cells and organs dormant but potential alive (i.e. cryopreservation) for tremendous scientific and biomedical applications, including biobanking, cellular/gene therapy, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, stem-cell/organ transplantation, artificial organs, new drug development, and conservation of endangered species. However, there is a critical contradiction between the purpose of cryopreservation and the experimental findings that the living cells can be killed by the cryopreservation process itself. Contrary to popular belief, the challenge to cells during the cryopreservation is not their ability to endure storage at cryogenic temperatures (below -180 °C); rather it is "the lethality" of heat-mass transfer process coupled with phase transitions within an intermediate zone of low temperature (-15 to -130 °C) that a cell must traverse twice, once during cooling and once during warming. The central theme of this presentation is to report the speaker's research work on: (1) fundamental mechanisms of cryoinjury and cryoprotection, (2) micro-heatmass transfer and its great impact on cell survival during the cryopreservation processes; and (3) development of optimal and novel technology for the cryopreservation to prevent the cryoinjury and to ensure the survival of living cells and organs.


HE PROBLEM of the reorganization of the executive branch of state government has been "kicked around" for very nearly half a century. After much talk and some action resulting in improvements in a good many states, the situation is still highly unsatisfactory, even in those states which have acquired a reputation for a fairly high degree of competence and efficiency in their administrative operations. It seems appropriate, therefore, to attempt to ascertain "how we got where we are," and what might be done to improve the present situation.


The report discusses the costs and benefits of facilities for improving pedestrian circulation, safety, and environment. The report categorizes the various types of facilities and improvements for pedestrains in downtown areas and at grade separation projects. A general framework for estimating total facility cost over time is developed and examples of costs are provided. The nature of pedestrian travel is examined as an aid to determining the requirements for and impacts of pedestrians, vehicles, and abutting properties. Finally, examples of cost and benefit analyses of highway crossings are provided along with case studies of grade separated facilities in central business districts.


An AlGaInP/AuBe/glass light-emitting diode (LED) was fabricated by a wafer bonding technique. The AlGaInP LED was grown on a temporary GaAs substrate by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. By bonding the AuBe/glass substrate on top of epitaxial layers, the temporary GaAs substrate was removed. The luminance of this wafer-bonded device is about 3050 cd/m2 (600 nm wavelength) at an operating current of 20 mA. It is about three times brighter than a conventional device with an absorbing GaAs substrate. This could be due to the fact that the AuBe/glass substrate serves as a reflective mirror, improving the light extraction efficiency.


The design principle, measurement method and key teches of the measurement system are presented.Dual functional sensor is applied to measure the changing signals of temperature and pressure, and the developed sampling software is used to sample and display the real-time multi-signals. The system can carry out the automatic and real-time data acquisition of injection molding, and data processing and analyzing by the computer.


In knowledge intensive industries, a firm needs to develop new products as a participant inside a manufacturing network since knowledge has become a critical factor affecting industry dynamics. Suitable forms of organization for knowledge management (KM) related to the above issue have not been comprehensively addressed in existing research literature. This paper first determines critical success criteria, and then recommends suitable forms of organization for KM by using a fuzzy analytic network process (ANP). A central KM function is recommended for the highest hierarchical level of the organization, a project-decentralized KM task force should be arranged for the cascaded region, and functionally located KM cells should be applied inside each NPD phase.


In the Republic of Serbia, there are more than thirty penitentiary institutions in which convicted offenders serve their prison sentences. These are prisons of different types: closed, semi-closed and open prisons. At the same time, convicts are not the only ones placed in prisons, but also other persons deprived of their liberty by law. Apart from offenders convicted for the commission of criminal offences, these penitentiary institutions also house other persons who are lawfully deprived of liberty under the law for the commission of a misdemeanour or for the failure to pay a fine or do community service. A common feature shared by all these categories of people is the liability for the committed offence but, depending on the specific type of liability, they are subject to different treatment in penal institutions. In such circumstances, penal institutions have to take relevant measures to maintain order and security in prisons. The paper explores a number of issues related to convicts and other inmates in prisons. The authors first focus on three different types of liability: criminal liability, disciplinary liability, and material liability, which clearly imply different treatments of convicts and inmates in the course of serving their term of imprisonment. Then, the authors address the problems of maintaining order and security in prisons. Generally speaking, the law that applies to persons serving their sentences in a penal institution is the Act on the Execution of Criminal Sanctions but, depending on the committed crime, they may also be subject to the Act on the Execution of Imprisonment for Organized Crime. Thus, the authors discuss the legal solutions pertaining to this subject matter as contained in both legislative acts.


The invention discloses graphene oxide modified compound type heat conducting silicone rubber and a preparation method thereof. According to the preparation method, the compound type silicon resin with high heat conduction property and low expansion factor is prepared by using 0.5-1 part of graphene oxide as heat conducting stuffing and an inorganic crosslinking agent, 10-50 parts of nanometer SiO2 as the heat conducting stuffing, 5-30 parts of compound of two MQ silicone resin containing hydroxyl and vinyl and different in viscosity as a special bonding modifying agent, 1-10 parts of organic hydrogen polysiloxane as an organic crosslinking agent, 0.1-2 parts of platinum complex as a catalyst, 0.01-0.001 part of alkynol substance as an inhibitor and 60-100 parts of polysiloxane resin as base rubber and adopting a nanometer compounding method, wherein the graphene oxide is partially modified by a silane coupling agent, and the nanometer SiO2 is prepared by a sol-gel method. The compound type silicon resin can be widely applied to encapsulation of various electronic components and plays a role in shock absorption and heat dissipation.


The time-dependent solution of the two-dimensional linear water-wave problem is presented, in which a semi-infinite fluid region is bounded on one side by a vertical elastic plate. Utilizing the mode-expansion method for the elastic deformation of structure, an analytical solution of the problem is constructed by decomposing the hydroelastic problem into three parts. Numerical experiments show that the validity of the present method by comparing it with other time domain methods.


Abstract Background Lyme borreliosis (LB) is an infectious, vector-borne disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and mainly transmitted by the Ixodes species ticks. Public surveillance of LB occurs in 9 of 16 federal states of Germany and remains a critical facet of disease epidemiology and trends. We describe the incidence, time trends, seasonality, and geographic distribution of LB in Germany using publicly reported surveillance data. Methods We obtained LB cases and incidence (2016-2020) from the online platform SurvStat@RKI 2.0, maintained by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Cases and incidence of LB were extracted by year, geographic area, week of notification, sex, age and by 2 case definition categories (clinically diagnosed LB, clinically diagnosed and laboratory-confirmed LB) reported by 9 states where LB notification is mandatory. The nine states include Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. Results During 2016-2020, the 9 federal states reported 63,940 LB cases, of which 60,570 (94.7%) were clinically diagnosed, and 3,370 (5.3%) also had laboratory confirmation, with an average of 12,789 cases annually. LB incidence rates were mostly stable over time. The average annual LB incidence was 37.2/100,000 person-years, ranging from 22.9 to 64.6/100,000 person-years among 9 states; from 16.8 to 85.6/100,000 person-years among 19 regions; and from 2.9 to 172.8/100,000 person-years among 158 counties. Incidence was lowest among persons 20‒24 years old (16.1/100,000 person-years) and highest among those aged 65‒69 years old (60.9/100,000 person-years). Most cases were reported between June and September, with a peak in July of every year. Annual incidence (per 100,000 person-years) of overall Lyme borreliosis notified in 158 counties (NUTS3), 2016-2020 Conclusion The risk of LB varied substantially at the smallest geographic unit and to a lesser degree by age group. Our results underscore the importance of presenting LB data at the most spatially granular unit and by age to allow implementation of efficient preventive interventions and reduction strategies. Disclosures Jozica Skufca, Epidemiologist, p95: Paid by Pfizer to perform the study Thao Mai Phuong Tran, Ph.D., P95: P95 was paid by Pfizer to perform the study Gordon Brestrich, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Andreas Pilz, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Andrew Vyse, Ph.D., Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Claudius Malerczyk, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Mendwas Dzingina, Ph.D., Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Elizabeth Begier, M.D., M.P.H., Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Maxim Blum, Ph.D., P95: Paid by Pfizer to perform the study Margarita Riera, MD, MPH, P95: Paid by Pfizer to perform the study Bradford Gessner, MD, MPH, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds James Stark, Ph.D., Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds.


In order to study the PD detection and location in GIS, the dynamic propagation process of Partial discharge signal (gauss pulse) in GIS cavity is simulated based on XFDTD software, the influence of the existence of the basin insulator on the UHF signal propagation characteristics of the sensors at different positions in GIS is studied. The experimental results show that the amplitude of UHF electromagnetic wave of GIS cavity with basin-type insulator is only half of that without basin-type insulator, that is, the basin insulator in the GIS cavity will cause the obvious attenuation of UHF electromagnetic wave signal. Therefore, when the sensor in the cavity of GIS checks the defect, there should be no basin-type insulator around the measuring position, which can improve the detection sensitivity.