In order to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and in particular to support an appropriate way to the Emergency Department (ED) access, home tele-monitoring patients was strongly recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, paper from numerous groups has shown the potential of using data from wearable devices to characterize each individual's unique baseline, identify deviations from that baseline suggestive of a viral infection, and to aggregate that data to better inform population surveillance trends. However, no evidence about usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applicatives on digitally data collected from patients and doctors exists. With a growing global population of connected wearable users, this could potentially help to improve the earlier diagnosis and management of infectious individuals and improving timeliness and precision of tracking infectious disease outbreaks. During the study RICOVAI-19 (RICOVero ospedaliero con strumenti di Artificial Intelligence nei pazienti con COVid-19) performed in a Marche Region, Italy, we evaluated N129 subjects monitored at home in a six-months period between March 22, 2021 and October 22, 2021. During the monitoring, personal on demand health technologies were used to collect clinical and vital data in order to feed the database and the machine learning engine. The AI output resulted in a clinical stability index (CSI) which enables the system to deliver suggestions to the population and doctors about how intervene . Results showed the beneficial influence of CSI for predicting clinical classes of subjects and identifying who of them need to be admitted at ED. The same pattern of results was confirming the alert included in the decision support system in order to request further testing or clinical information in some cases. In conclusion, our study does support an high impact of AI tools on COVID outcomes to fight this pandemic by driving new approaches to public awareness.


Many authors assume a strong relationship between culture and leadership in organizations. Leaders create, transform and manage organizational cultures. Although this linkage between organizational culture and leadership is often referred to, hypotheses and propositions are often not specific and insufficient evidence has been gathered concerning the relationship between these variables. In this paper, the transformational - transactional leadership paradigm is linked to organizational culture. To show how research into this relationship could be conducted, the transactional - transformational leadership paradigm is combined with a measurement-oriented perspective on organizational culture in order to derive and test hypotheses. Transformational and transactional leadership are linked to the culture model used by the Focus research group, which is based on the competing values model. The paper is concluded by discussing several issues in leadership and organizational culture that need further investigation.


The present research results show the correlation value of accounting earnings.An empirical research is made on the A share listed Companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from the perspective that surplus equal to the sum of operating cash flows and accrued profits.By establishing regression equation to describe the relationship between stock compensation and the accrual profit and cash flows,this essay compares correlation value of accounting earnings and cash flows by the significance of regression coefficient of accrual earnings.The conclusion shows that correlation value of accounting earnings is more significant than that of cash flow.


Introduction: Left‐sided accessory pathway (AP) with atrial insertion away from the annulus is an atypical variation. Conventional mapping and ablation performed along mitral annulus (MA) is usually ineffective.Methods: A 14‐year‐old girl without structural heart disease presented with recurrent episodes of sudden onset palpitations and electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a narrow QRS complex tachycardia.Results: Electrophysiology study (EPS) was done and anterograde atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) with AP was diagnosed. Conventional mapping and ablation performed along TA and MA was failed. 3D‐activation mapping found the retrograde atrial insertion site of AP on the left atrium fossa ovalis (FO), and AP was successfully abolished by radiofrequency ablation at that site.Conclusion: As reported, this patient is the first report of ablating a left‐sided AP with retrograde atrial insertion on the left atrium FO.


Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment compared cyclic and hierarchical concept maps, and measured the impact of concept quantification on the construction of both types of maps. The second experiment examined the preference for the two concept map structures. The results showed that structure does have a significant effect on the extent to which propositions imply a dynamic relationship. However, the quantification of the starting concept did not increase the number of dynamic propositions in any of the structures. The second experiment indicated a preference for a cyclic concept map, primarily for structural reasons. The studies, the theoretical background, and the implications of the findings are discussed.


The molecular basis of embryo-maternal relationship, that leads to proper implantation into a receptive maternal endometrium to successfully establish a pregnancy, is still not fully understood. The human endometrium undergoes morphological and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle in preparation for successful embryo implantation, or menstrual shedding in the absence of implantation. The success of implantation process depends on a receptive endometrium, a blastocyst quality as well as embryo-endometrial interface synchronization. Only 5% of collected oocytes and only 20-25% of transferred embryos can lead to a birth of a healthy newborn.


The paper presents a method of numerically integrating a system of differential equations based on an idea of orthogonal approximation of functions. Here, block-pulse functions are chosen as the orthogonal set. The method gives piecewise constant solutions with minimal mean-square error and is computationally similar to the familiar trapezoidal rule of integration. Design of piecewise constant controls or feedback gains for dynamic systems can be simplified following this approach.


System architectures for data-centric applications are commonly comprised of two tiers: An application tier and a data tier. The fact that these tiers do not typically share a common format for data is referred to as object-relational impedance mismatch. To mitigate this, we develop an actor database system that enables the implementation of application logic into the data storage runtime. The actor model also allows for easy distribution of both data and computation across multiple nodes in a cluster. More specifically, we propose the concept of domain actors that provide a type-safe, SQL-like interface to develop the actors of our database system and the concept of Functors to build queries retrieving data contained in multiple actor instances. Our experiments demonstrate the feasibility of encapsulating data into domain actors by evaluating their memory overhead and performance. We also discuss how our proposed actor database system framework solves some of the challenges that arise from the design of distributed databases such as data partitioning, failure handling, and concurrent query processing.


By employing the Clebsch potentials, the Bateman-type variational formulation for a drop levitating in an acoustic field is proposed when both fluids, liquid drop and external ullage gas, are barotropic, inviscid, compressible and admit rotational flows


We have used GaAs and GaAs:Cr photoconducting detectors (PCDs) to measure the absolute x‐ray output from 1 to 10 keV from Z‐pinch plasma radiation sources. We calibrated the detectors over the spectral range of 900–3000 eV and found the spectral response to be constant to within the accuracy of the measurements. The flat spectral response, increased sensitivity (compared with bolometers), and good time response of the PCDs, coupled with their reliability and long lifetimes, have allowed us to acquire absolute x‐ray data of significantly higher quality than possible with resistive bolometers or x‐ray diodes (XRDs). An added attraction of PCDs is their smooth saturation at high incident x‐ray fluxes. Unlike other types of electrical x‐ray detectors, this feature allows a PCD to operate over a wide range of incident x‐ray powers (10–104 W/cm2 ). We present results from gas puff Z‐pinch experiments on Proto‐II and Supermite comparing PCD, XRD, and resistive bolometer performance.We have used GaAs and GaAs:Cr photoconducting detectors (PCDs) to measure the absolute x‐ray output from 1 to 10 keV from Z‐pinch plasma radiation sources. We calibrated the detectors over the spectral range of 900–3000 eV and found the spectral response to be constant to within the accuracy of the measurements. The flat spectral response, increased sensitivity (compared with bolometers), and good time response of the PCDs, coupled with their reliability and long lifetimes, have allowed us to acquire absolute x‐ray data of significantly higher quality than possible with resistive bolometers or x‐ray diodes (XRDs). An added attraction of PCDs is their smooth saturation at high incident x‐ray fluxes. Unlike other types of electrical x‐ray detectors, this feature allows a PCD to operate over a wide range of incident x‐ray powers (10–104 W/cm2 ). We present results from gas puff Z‐pinch experiments on Proto‐II and Supermite comparing PCD, XRD, and resistive bolometer performance.


The engineering analysis is the foundation of the environmental impact assessment of electro-mechanical industry. This paper briefly expounds some common problems the engineering analysis of environmental impact assessment of electro-mechanical industry, and puts forward corresponding solving methods.


Objective: To deteimine the role of echocardiography in assessing left ventricular function and the effect of mitral blood flow velocity det :cted by Doppler ultrasonic cardiograph in assessing diastolic function of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: The mitral blood flow velocity detected by echocardiography in three groups: DCM patients with mild mitral reflow (DCM-mild-MR, n = 30), DCM patients with serious mitral reflow (DCM-serious-MR. n = 30) and normal persons (control, n = 30). Results: Compared with control group, (1) The FS and EF of both DCM groups decreased significantly (P0. 05, P0. 0001, respectively); (2) The peak E velocity and E/A ratio decreased, the peak A velocity increased in DCM-mild-MR group, but there was no difference between DCM-serious-MR group and c jntrol group. Conclusion: Echocardiography can exactly evaluate systolic function of left ventricular in DCM patients. The parameters of mitral blood flow velocity are valuable in estimating the diastolic function of left ventricular for patients with DCM-mild-MR, but for patients with DCM-serious-MR this methods is disputable.


A 65-year-old man with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections presented after a 3-months of visible hematuria. Physical and laboratory examinations revealed anemia and impaired renal function. Ultrasound and magnetic resonnance imaging (MRI) showed an invasive bladder tumor developing in a large posterior diverticulum (A and B) with rectal deviation (A) and responsible of a left hydronephrosis. First, the patient underwent a blood transfusion and a left percutaneous nephrostomy. Two weeks later, we perfomed a cystoscopy and a transurethral resection of the tumor. Pathology revealed a locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (stage > p T2). The patient had no history of bilharziasis. Since the surgical extirpation was not possible, the patient was treated with chemoradiotherapy, but died 6 months later. Non-bilharzial SCC represents < 5% of vesical tumors, it is caused by chronic irritation of the urothelium and often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The intradiveticular location account for approximately 1% of all bladder tumors and make the prognosis poorer due to lack of muscle barrier. This case combine these two rares conditions.


Objective To explore the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia(AML) and its clinical significance.Methods TNF-α in serum and CSF were measured by radioimmunoassay and CSF samples were obtained from 31 cases of childhood acute leukemia before treatment, on complete remission(CR), and continuous CR.Results Serum TNF-α was in ALL and AML before treatment [(24.35±4.84) pmol/L and(28.65±5.12) pmol/ L],which were significantly higher than those of healthy controls[(11.2 8± 1.69) pmol/L, P0.01].After CR from chemotherapy, TNF-α returned to normal and was kept stable during continuous CR. TNF-α in serum increased again when relapse occurred. Pretherapy CSF TNF-α levels in ALL and AML[(12.35±1.74)pmol/L and ( 14.56±1.92)pmol/L]were also significantly higher than those of healthy controls [(7.54±0.96) pmol/L,P0.01].Higher TNF-α levels of CSF were found in children with central nervous system leukemia(CNSL) than those without CNSL [(25.62±7.14)pmol/L vs (12.15±0.89)pmol/L, P0.01]. There was a positive correlation between increased white blood cell count and TNF-α level in CSF(r=0.942 P0.05).Conclusion TNF-α concentration in serum and CSF may be of value in reflecting leukemic cell burden and the extent of CNS involvement , which can be the index of intrathecal chemotherapy.


The importance of interpersonal and sexual relations and realized sexuality in the concepts of subjective well-being is considered quite often, but the understanding of sexual well-being is presented rather vaguely, mainly in the context of medical issues as the absence of sexual dysfunction, as a component of sexual health, is equated with the satisfaction of sexual life. This article uses theoretical research methods - analysis, generalization, synthesis, conceptualization and modelling. Based on theories and approaches to subjective well-being, is highlights the concept of sexual well-being and presents a psychological model of subjective sexual well-being. We define sexual well-being as the harmonious realization by the subject of his sexuality on the bodily-physical, soul-emotional and spiritual-mental levels; a person's harmonious experience of belonging to the sex and an adaptive way of realizing this belonging. In a broad sense, subjective sexual well-being can be seen as a multifactorial construct that reflects the complex interrelationships of cultural (for example, continuum of norms accepted in culture), social (permissibility of certain thoughts and actions), psychological (cognitive, emotional and behavioral; for example, attractiveness, desirability, satisfaction, self-esteem), physical (physical attractiveness, sexual constitution) and spiritual factors (transcendence, axiological interpretation). Sexual well-being can be considered on at least two levels - non-deficient, from the standpoint of the absence of disorders and problems; and at the level of eudemonic, meaningful, existentially filled. According to the levels of sexual development, sexual well-being can be assessed at the bodily-physical level, soul-emotional and mental-spiritual level. Sexual well-being can be represented in the trinity of cognitive, emotional and conative (motivational, behavioral) components. The cognitive component includes: self-awareness as a representative of the sex, acceptance of one's own self-sexual, acceptance of one's own gender, orientation and attraction, one's own body, corporeality, acceptance of a partner, partnership, trust and openness, communication. The emotional component includes a positive assessment of oneself as a sexual subject, satisfaction with a partner, partnership, intimacy, satisfaction with sexual life. The conative component includes: libido, sexual interest, openness of experience, adaptive sexual scenarios, sexual security (absence of violence, coercion, blackmail, discrimination), freedom of expression, equal partnership. Factors of sexual well-being are individual (permissiveness, sexual interest, realized sexuality), dyadic (relationships as value, sexual communication, intimacy, trust, openness) and evaluation factors (satisfaction with one's own self-sexual, satisfaction with sexual relations, partnership, satisfaction with sexual life in general). We can talk about the levels of determinations of sexual well-being: 1) ) determinants of the personal level or microsystem (socio-demographic characteristics, sexual dysfunctions, personality traits, sexual self-disclosure, attitudes toward sexuality and subjective well-being); 2) determinants of the interpersonal level or mesosystem (characteristics of the relationship itself, sexual communication, intimacy, equality, openness, trust, romantic love, partnership), 3) determinants of exosystems (traditions, family values, social support, pregnancy, parenthood, victimization and victimization) in childhood); 4) determinants of macrosystems (religiosity and political ideology, public morals and values, freedom of expression). Further study of sexual well-being requires empirical verification of theoretical assumptions, clarification of empirical criteria of sexual well-being with the help of our developed psychological tools for psychodiagnostic measurement of this indicator.


Background: Dyspareunia is one of the most common but neglected female health problems which has a significant negative impact on a woman's sexual function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of application of PLISSIT counseling model on sexuality among women with dyspareunia. Design : A quasi experimental design was used. Setting: This study was conducted in outpatient clinic of obstetrics & gynecological department at Benha University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of all admitted women for a period of 6 months (280) woman: 200 out of them without dyspareunia and 80 with dyspareunia completed the PILLIST model. Tools: three tools were used I): A structured Interviewing Questionnaire Sheet. II): Dyspareunia assessment tool. III): Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results: showed that the mean age of studied women were (35.21±9.03)years. More than one quarter of them complains of dyspareunia. there were statistically significant differences of the FSFI mean score between pre and post application as regard to elements of FSFI including desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction and pain (P 0.4). Conclusion: PLISSIT counseling model had significant effect in improving sexuality among women with dyspareunia. The study recommended that the PLISSIT model should be used in a tailored and patient-centered approach in conducting sexual assessment and management of female dyspareunia.


Studied here is the Kawahara equation, a fifth order Korteweg-de Vries type equation, with time-delayed internal feedback. Under suitable assumptions on the time delay coefficients we prove that solutions of this system are exponentially stable. First, considering a damping and delayed system, with some restriction of the spatial length of the domain, we prove that the Kawahara system is exponentially stable for $T>T_{\min}$. After that, introducing a more general delayed system, and by introducing suitable energies, we show using Lyapunov approach, that the energy of the Kawahara equation goes to zero exponentially, considering the initial data small and a restriction in the spatial length of the domain. To remove these hypotheses, we use the compactness-uniqueness argument which reduces our problem to prove an observability inequality, showing a semi-global stabilization result.


One of the authors (Shigeru Ikuta) has organized a collaborative learning community with schoolteachers to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities using newly developed multimedia-enabled dot codes. He created "Post-It-like" sticker icons on which dot codes were printed; each sticker icon could be linked with up to four multimedia mediums, in addition to up to four voices/sounds. Touching a dot code icon with a speaking-pen enables audios to be replayed and touching a dot code icon with a dot-code reader enables multimedia to be replayed. Four software packages to create self-made contents were developed by Gridmark Inc. The sticker icons, a speaking-pen and dot-code reader, and software packages are distributed to schoolteachers for free; they can now create original teaching materials for students in classes. The present newly developed software and tools are quite useful to support the students with various difficulties in inclusive learning settings.


This article assesses the changing nature of the contemporary political economy of Equatorial Guinea. It provides an overview of the complex and dynamic web of elite rent-generation and explores the extent to which the development of an oil industry has contributed to a monoculture of accumulation. It is concluded that, despite the oil windfall, other, 'illicit', modes of elite rent-generation persist and have even intensified. DUBBED THE KUWAIT OF WEST AFRICA, the former Spanish colony of Equatorial Guinea has experienced extremely rapid growth as a result of the discovery and exploitation of major offshore oil reserves.1 Less enviably, the country has a well-deserved reputation for gross human rights abuses and corruption. Whilst accumulation centring on a tiny elite is widespread on the African continent, the concentration and nature of the activity have had particularly adverse consequences in Equatorial Guinea. Indeed, in his classic account, Small is notAlways Beautiful, Max Liniger-Goumaz suggests that the closest comparable examples can be found in the former clan dictatorships of Latin America, including the Duvaliers' Haiti, the Somozas' Nicaragua, Porfirio Diaz's Mexico and Batista's Cuba.2 Equatorial Guinea's 'family caudillismo' Nguemist regime matches or exceeds earlier Latin American manifestations both in rapacity and brutality; President Obiang Nguema Mbasago is regularly named as one of the worst despots in the world.3 This article analyses the political economy of Equatorial Guinea, which has been largely neglected in recent Africa-related research.4 It provides an Geoffrey Wood is Professor, Middlesex University Business School, Middlesex University, London. The fieldwork for this article was conducted with George Frynas, whose insights and depth of knowledge of the West African oil industry proved invaluable. The conclusions reached are, however, the author's own. 1. Max Liniger-Goumaz, Small is Not Always Beautiful: The story of Equatorial Guinea (Rowman and Littlefield, Savage, MD, 1989). 2. Ibid. 3. Ibid.; 'Afrol Country Report'. America Online News (Oslo, 2003). (www.afrol.com). 4. Liniger-Goumaz's classic account, Small is Not Always Beautiful, represents a standard albeit dated reference work on the subject. Other published studies include the similarly dated work by Randall Fegley, Equatorial Guinea: An African tragedy (P. Lang, New York, 1989). Robert Klitgaard's Tropical Gangsters: One man's experience with debt and decadence in


Abstract Objectives: This analysis deals with the ecologic relationships of dietary fatty acids, food groups and the Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI, derived from 15 food groups) with 50-year all-cause mortality rates in 16 cohorts of the Seven Countries Study. Material and methods: A dietary survey was conducted at baseline in cohorts subsamples including chemical analysis of food samples representing average consumptions. Ecologic correlations of dietary variables were computed across cohorts with 50-year all-cause mortality rates, where 97% of men had died. Results: There was a 12-year average age at death population difference between extreme cohorts. In the 1960s the average population intake of saturated (S) and trans (T) fatty acids and hard fats was high in the northern European cohorts while monounsaturated (M), polyunsaturated (P) fatty acids and vegetable oils were high in the Mediterranean areas and total fat was low in Japan. The 50-year all-cause mortality rates correlated (r= −0.51 to −0.64) ecologically inversely with the ratios M/S, (M + P)/(S + T) and vegetable foods and the ratio hard fats/vegetable oils. Adjustment for high socio-economic status strengthened (r= −0.62 to −0.77) these associations including MAI diet score. Conclusion: The protective fatty acids and vegetable oils are indicators of the low risk traditional Mediterranean style diets. KEY MESSAGES We aimed at studying the ecologic relationships of dietary fatty acids, food groups and the Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI, derived from 15 food groups) with 50-year all-cause mortality rates in the Seven Countries Study. The 50-year all-cause mortality rates correlated (r = −0.51 to −0.64) ecologically inversely with the ratios M/S [monounsaturated (M) + polyunsaturated (P)]/[saturated (S) + trans (T)] fatty acids and vegetable foods and the ratio hard fats/vegetable oils. After adjustment for high socio-economic status, associations with the ratios strengthened (r = −0.62 to −0.77) including also the MAI diet score. The protective fatty acids and vegetable oils are indicators of the low risk traditional Mediterranean style diets.


In the paper characteristics of pulse-modulated radiation emitted from radars have been presented and a brief overview of interaction of such microwave fields with biological body has been revealed. Thermal and non-thermal effects of pulsed fields evoked in the organisms were discussed and thresholds for these effects in humans and animals were pointed out. Polish standards and Directive recommendations and guidelines providing protection of people against adverse health effects have also been presented.


The growing complexity of manufacturing along with the need for higher efficiency, greater flexibility, better product quality and lower cost urged the use of simulation in manufacturing systems. The number and variety of simulation software packages on the market increased as well. Consequently, the varieties of these packages led to some bewilderment on the part of potential users when faced the selection process. The present article addresses an overview of material addressed in journals, conferences, and textbooks on the selection of appropriate simulation software. It also suggests a classification of main criteria to be considered in evaluating simulation software packages. Moreover, a checklist of simulation software features with five levels of indication will be included. A proposed methodology has been employed in interpreting the checklist. Finally, future trends towards the provision of more effective selection tools will be discussed.


Background: Hardiness as one of the personality traits is an important factor in predisposing risky behaviors including addiction. Objectives: This research examines the relationship between hardiness and addiction potential and identifies socio-economic determinants of hardiness and tendency to addiction among medical students in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, 577 medical students selected based on the convenience sampling method were examined. They were selected from five faculties of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected on hardiness scale, addiction potential scale and demographic variables. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics powered by SPSS (v. 22). Results: Research results showed that there was a negative relationship between hardiness and addiction potential (r = -227, P < 0.001). Males had a higher level of hardiness (P < 0.05) and lower addiction potential than females (P < 0.01). Respondents who had an addicted person in their family showed a lower addiction potential than those who did not have an addicted family member (P < 0.01). Being in a family with cold relationships was associated with higher levels of hardiness; they showed less addiction potential compared to persons who enjoyed a warm family with friendly relationships (P < 0.01), but lower levels of hardiness. Conclusions: Hardiness had a significant negative relationship with tendency to addiction. Regarding demographic factors that were found to be the predictors of hardiness and addiction potential, a consistent pattern was observed in which those who had high tendency for addition were low in hardiness. This is not surprising since hardiness is a shield that provides a defense mechanism for coping behavior when a person is faced with negative life events or adverse life conditions. Based on the results, individuals high in hardiness are perhaps less likely to resort to drugs. However, further researches are recommended on this subject.


Over 90% of the roads in the United States are paved with hot mix asphalt (HMA). These asphalt pavements include many mix types, such as permeable friction course (PFC), stone mastic asphalt (SMA), performance design mixes, and conventional dense graded mixes. The performance of the HMA is an important factor in pavement design programs used by many Departments of Transportation. The type of HMA selected not only greatly impacts the performance of the pavement structure but also the pavement's life-cycle cost analysis. In order to select a HMA that is most suitable for the location's loading and environmental conditions, all information related to construction, reconstruction, and maintenance jobs are incorporated in pavement analyses and design. Currently, the performance life of an HMA mix is recommended based on experience due to very limited empirical data. The study presented in this paper proposes a more objective and data-driven process for estimating the HMA service lives. To improve the prediction of HMA performance life, an approach was developed that involves data mining and integrating several pavement management databases to obtain mixture performance data along with other relevant information. Through an online graphical-user-interface (GUI), the approach then facilitates decision-making in terms of the performance of an HMA mix for a specific job or a specific mix. A description of the tool and its benefits in transportation as related to pavement design and maintenance is presented in this paper.


People with newly acquired and existing disability have one of the highest rates of physical inactivity compared with any other subgroup in the United States. For more than 50 million Americans with disabilities, lack of regular exercise increases their risk for developing the health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Professionals in rehabilitation and exercise science must join forces in promoting higher levels of physical activity among people with newly acquired or existing disability after they are discharged from rehabilitation. Establishing a strong and cohesive relationship between rehabilitation providers and exercise professionals at the 'infection point' when rehabilitation ends and sustainable exercise must begin will capture individual awareness and knowledge of how and why extending the recovery process into community-based exercise facilities has substantial potential for improving their health and quality of life.


Foodways in Singapore embody the anxieties of the island-state—namely heritage, race, identity, and authenticity. Hawking in Singapore was initially seen as a nuisance that had to be tolerated and later regulated by both the colonial administration and newly independent government. The relocation of hawkers to centralized food centers marked the imposition of order and hygiene onto a squalid industry. Street peddlers, once an administrative problem, were refashioned into a potent symbol of Singapore9s heritage. Hawker food has also been used as a trope of multiculturalism to unite a racially diverse people. The influx of foreign workers from the mid-1980s presented new tensions that shed light on the cultural power of food to articulate inclusion and exclusion. Markers of authenticity, namely historical traditions and artisanal expertise, map haphazardly onto the realities of actual foodways. Finally, a breed of connoisseurs, who grew up in a cosmopolitan nation-state, was birthed in the 1990s. Embracing the low culture of hawker food, local foodies impute new cultural meanings to hawker food that embody the tension between distinction and democracy.


Currently mastery of digital marketing has become a must for business people. However, there arestill many parties who have not mastered it. In order to provide briefing and enrichment on digitalmarketing strategy, this community service activity (PKM) was carried out in collaboration withDekopinda - North Jakarta. Starting with the formulation of the problem, followed by the formulation ofthe material and the determination of the form of activity, this PKM was carried out on June 26, 2021using an online platform, because it took place in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic and theimplementation of the PPKM Mikro in DKI Jakarta. This activity was attended by 35 participants whoare the Managements and Members of Dekopinda – North Jakarta. The material presented includesthe understanding of digital marketing, digital marketing channels, internet marketing and its mainchannels, how to start digital marketing, strategies for choosing social media as a promotional tool,and how to choose a marketplace for beginners. After participating in this activity, participants feltgreat benefits and suggested similar activities with different topics. The proposed topics areleadership and identification of business opportunities during a pandemic.


This study examines the role of organizational trust in the relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB). A total sample of 191 employees was selected from Syrian private banks. The research findings indicate that there is a significant positive impact of organizational justice dimensions (distributive, procedural, and interactional) on OCB. Similarly, organizational trust positively affects OCB. Furthermore, this study shows that organizational trust plays a mediating role in the relationship between the organizational justice and OCB.


In the article there are presented experimental models of electro-conductivity and productivity agricultural maps obtained on soil type chernozem Cambic, obtained in the the western area of Romania on the experimental plots belonging to USAMVB Timisoara. Monitoring of the two soil characteristics (electroconductivity and productivity) was made through complex experiments that took place with specific tools and equipment for precision farming concept. Electro-conductivity datas were obtained using a system for determining the soil elctro-conductivity VERIS 3150 MSP, and those of productivity with a monitoring system for grains production type MICRO TRAK mounted on the MDW 527 STS combine with which the experiments were performed. Also we took soil samples in order to realize and a physical and chemical characterization of soil type chernozem Cambic specific to the area analyzed within the article. Key-Words: electro-conductivity, agricultural productivity, precision agriculture, agricultural map


Our laboratories have recently calculated a set of collision coefficients characterizing the efficiency of energy transfer between helium and/or hydrogen and a large variety of interstellar molecules. We have considered with molecules ranging from light hydrides, observed by the Herschel Space Observatory, to medium size molecules, observed by mm antennas, to heavy complex organic molecules, observed also in the cm range. We present a review of recent theoretical results obtained in our laboratories, for various kinds of commonly observed molecules.


The aim of the study was to check the role of support from grandparents for the mother's autonomy-control relationship and difficulties in communicating with peers in adolescents from the single mother's family living with and without grandparents. Using selected subscales from the Berlin Social Support Scale, the Family Relations Questionnaire, and a selected subscale from the author's Scale of Communication of Adolescents with Peers, 317 people were examined. The results showed that perceived and received support are important mediators for the mother's autonomy-control relationship and difficulties in communicating with peers in each group of adolescents examined.


nature of this construct makes it difficult to quantify (Hooley & Parker, 2006). The more consistent reduction in critical comments as opposed to other elements of expressed emotion may be reflective of the increased sensitivity of outcome measures to this factor. For example, the measure of critical comments is perhaps more concrete than capturing other aspects of expressed emotion such as warmth, emotional over-involvement and hostility. Furthermore, these concepts are perhaps open to a greater level of subjectivity. While the reduction in critical comments towards service users is not explicitly representative of a beneficial outcome to family members, it is possible that this may be influenced by a reduction in stress, increased communication skills and understanding. Given the lack of representation of studies measuring outcomes relating to quality of life, coping, psychological distress, skills and experience of caregiving, it remains difficult to draw firm conclusions in relation to these factors. Although several studies failed to indicate which family members were included, outcomes focus on parents, adult siblings and partners/spouses. The review therefore highlights a clear lack of representation of children and young people. This


The characteristics of ethnic-minority women's livelihood predestines its high degree of fragility, making it pervious to the impact of external forces. China's entry to the WTO has presented a challenge to the production and sale of the staple farm produce, which is just the main support of women in ethnic-minority areas. The gradual fulfillment of China's agricultural commitment after its WTO entry will, it goes without saying, greatly affect women in those areas. With the Uygur, Mongolian, Chuang and Hezhen Peoples as its targets of research, this paper analyses the losses to ethnic-minority women in economic and social welfare fields after China's WTO entry.


The gtucc}cortieoid receptor (GR) is one ot' trariscriptional regulators and that cnnLr{,] broad physiolegical gene networks. Upon ligand hinding, GR tr"nslocaLes inte the nuc]cuti from thc cytoptasm, and then regulates trEtnsactivaLiun by associat[on as dimmer with specific glucocurLicuid rcspense elements (GRE) in DNA. Althougl] varieus fLmctional domains and many cofactors of GR have been identifie[1, a dynamics ef GR in thc livSng ccll is not ctear. Using fluorescence


This article discusses the reform of teaching method on Engineering Drafting course and the establishment of new course system in higher vocational education.


Have you asked yourself how you will look over 15 years? At the Bosch factory in Jucu, we saw a time machine that can help you to travel for 15 years in the future. And the technologies used seem to have come from the reality of the next decades. This "time machine" is, in fact, part of Bosch's Engineering, Quality and Validation Laboratory (EQV). It's the test room, where the products are "aged" for 15 years to analyze how they can withstand the passage of time and the action of natural phenomena - storm, equatorial rain or frost. The EQV lab concept was created from the idea of synergy between R&D departments and production, a configuration that can provide a holistic view of Bosch products that are being analyzed from the initial development phase of the product until the product returns to the laboratory to investigate possible defects that occurred during their use. "We test the product's resistance to equatorial rain, for example. If it is an electronic component mounted on a machine that will go to South America and we know that there is very high humidity in that area, here we simulate the aging of samples in a more accelerated way, "explains Grasim Robert, head of the analysis group of the EQV lab. But they are not the only tests the products are subjected to. The water resistance of the samples is also done with a very strong 6 bar jet and the water has a force similar to that coming from a fire hose. Other tests check for resistance to different types of dust - for example, Arizona powder is more abrasive and worn plastic components, while ash-containing dust can lead to short-circuits - or saline mist, which activates corrosion mechanisms. In the climatic rooms, explains Grasim Robert, there are several parameters: Time, temperature and humidity. Depending on ISO standards and customer requirements, the test team varies these three physical parameters. There are tests that last for 10-12 months. In other words, a 15-year journey in the future still takes a few months, but taking into account the pace with which technology evolves, it is obvious that this duration is reduced.


Sir Arthur Fleming's earliest plans for research suffered from the 1920 depression; they received a further setback in the 1930s. His concept of a laboratory for long-term research was realised in the late 1940s at Aldermaston Court, in the Associated Electrical Industries (AEI) Group, but at arms length from the Laboratories of the two constituent companies, Metropolitan-Vickers and British Thomson-Houston Co. Ltd. (BTH). The programmes and achievements are outlined, up to the time of closure due to the decline of AEI in the early 1960s. There is much to be learned from this account of how industrial research might benefit from more effective collaboration with, and better management of, the businesses that it serves.


Objectives To explore the psychological status of the network game crowd of the undergraduates,and to provide theoretical basis for universities taking effective intervention measures.Methods Using the questionnaire to survey undergraduates in five universities in Guangzhou,carrying out related analysis on psychological status of the network game crowd in different sex,different grades and different age levels.Results The proportion of the schoolboy playing online games was higher than that of the schoolgirl,and the proportion of sophomores playing online games was higher than that of freshmen and juniors to undergraduates.And there were apparent differences between schoolboys and schoolgirls in psychological condition,including addicted to the internet,needing to extend the internet time,feeling irritable when stop using the network.In addition,some network psychological status between different grades and different ages also had statistical significance.Conclusions The network game has apparent negative effect on undergraduates' psychological health condition,we should guide them to use the network rationally.


Reliability theory and corrosion life testing techniques were applied to the prediction of the service life of a bright Ni-Cr electroplating system on steel. For three thicknesses of Ni and three temperatures, a set of fifteen panels was subjected to the CASS test. For each panel, the time to failure was estimated from the smoothed curves of the percent area of corrosion. To each sample life distribution, a Weibull distribution was fitted. The failure mode was wear-out type of failure. The maximum service life, B 10 life, increased linearly with increasing Ni thickness but decreased with increasing the temperature of the CASS test. For each thickness of Ni, the B 10 life was related to reciprocal absolute temperature via an Arrhenius model.


In this paper, we present some first results in the extraction of semantic features from video sequences. Our approach is based on the classification of Mpeg DCT macro-blocks. Although it is clear that using macro-blocks imposes severe restrictions on the analysis accuracy of the image, it has the advantage of avoiding the complete decoding of the Mpeg stream. Our objective is to evaluate the quality of the Semantic Feature Extraction that can be obtained with this direct approach, to serve as a comparative baseline with more elaborate approaches.


Purpose – The article aims to present the findings of research relating to the document supply practices of member libraries of the Consortium of Independent Health Information Libraries in London. It concentrates on developments between 2002 and 2004 and explores whether there has been a discernible reaction to the BLDSC tiered charges.Design/methodology/approach – The research was originally carried out as part of a Master's dissertation submitted at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth in 2005. The study was based on a survey of the member libraries of the Consortium.Findings – Some discrepancies with general trends and previous research findings are identified. The unique nature of the Consortium and the variety amongst its members, in terms of both their size and their audience, is seen as the primary reason for these findings. Internal factors are recognised as playing a crucial role in influencing the demand and service levels that an individual institution is able to offer. The research does ident...


Teachers and learners use spoken language in the three part mathematics lesson advocated by the National Numeracy Strategy (NNS). This document recognises the importance of language by emphasising 'the correct use of mathematical vocabulary' in the raising of standards. Research into the use of vocabulary in science suggests that the use of scientific words does not necessarily demonstrate conceptual understanding. Pupils and teachers appear to ascribe different meanings to scientific words because of their relative positions on the novice/expert continuum. To explore whether mathematical words could cause similar problems, data collected from six groups of teachers and learners was subjected to discourse analysis to provide evidence of how spoken language was used and how meaning and understanding were achieved. The implications of the findings on the use of language by both teachers and learners in the NNS mathematics lesson, including vital areas for reflection by teachers, are fully considered.


The severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms has been described by different investigators as varying directly or inversely with the severity of dysmenorrhea. In a large population of women undergoing comprehensive psychological and medical evaluation for premenstrual syndrome complaints, the authors examined the relationship between menstrual cycle parameters and premenstrual syndrome. The severity of premenstrual symptoms varied directly with the severity of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual spotting but was not associated with any other menstrual cycle parameter. Multivariate analysis revealed that social and psychological variables are more strongly associated with variations in premenstrual symptoms than are any menstrual cycle parameters. (Obstet Gynecol 65:398, 1985)


This paper discusses the combination rules of Korean grapheme and character from the point of view of character recognition. The essential components and combination rules of Korean grapheme are analyzed by adopting the structured identification code(ID code), and the time space characteristics are analyzed with character generation diagram(CGD) and character structure diagram(CSD). The source of character complexity and a strategy of off line handwritten Korean character recognition are also discussed.


The present work allows us to draw a psychological profile of patients suffering from hypertension, tachycardia and angina pectoris. It confirms the fact that patients affected by cardiovascular symptoms are not relevant to one and the same structure of personality. It lays stress on the necessity to differentiate the studied symptoms and to homogenize the cardiovascular samples.


Twenty genotypes of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) were evaluated to study the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in radish at Experimental Farm of Horticultural Research Centre, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand (India) during Rabi season 2010–11. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for almost all the traits. Both genotypic as well as phenotypic coefficients of variation were high for number of leaves, leaf weight, total plant weight, root yield/plant, acidity, ascorbic acid. Heritability in broad sense was high for leaf weight, number of leaves, total plant weight, root weight, total soluble solid and ascorbic acid. Genetic advance in per cent of mean was maximum for root yield/plant followed by leaf weight.


During a long time about four semesters in English language education, we conducted continuous reform to implement experiment on the students to make them be autonomous in the teaching and learning model based on multimedia and network. The statistics of collecting data are analysed by the tow famous English test including NMET and CET 4 in two compared groups for testing and investigating. The analysis results demonstrate that the system for teaching and learning is helpful and effective for both fresh and advanced learners. The system is useful to improve learners' English skill.


The huge development of the information systems in the last decades has, in many aspects, not been followed by the medical industry mainly due to legal and ethical issues that influence this specific area. Information sharing is in fact difficult and often impossible when we deal with patients data. Therefore, the creation of large centralized databases containing information about all the patients is hard to conceive and probably will never be possible. As a proposal for an alternative data sharing model we developed MAMIS Multi-Agent Medical Information System – that is a completely distributed system where each healthcare unit containing medical information is autonomous and controls entirely its data. Data sharing is achieved by request, with each agent that requiring information about a patient requesting it to the other agents trough adequate messages that when received by the peers are evaluated and replied only when adequate. This model preserves the independence of the different entities but creates the possibility for selective sharing of medical information. In this paper we will present the general architecture of the system and the first experiences on patient's Bioprofile collection and analysis.


In this paper, Hydride Vapour Phase Epitaxy (HVPE) of GaN layers under reduced pressures is reported. First results show that the HVPE grown GaN layers exhibit excellent electrical, crystallographic and optical quality. By reducing the reactor pressure from 950 to 250 mbar, improvements in background doping (down to 2 × 1016 cm—3) and Hall mobility (up to 300 cm2/Vs) are observed. Experiments on MOVPE overgrowth on HVPE GaN layers show excellent results. Low temperature PL spectra of the overgrowth MOVPE layer reveal all three free exciton levels (FE A, FE B, FE C) without any visible bound excitons.


The utility model discloses a novel environment-friendly energy-saving stove, and relates to the technical field of kitchen equipment. An external cooking range and an internal cooking range are arranged on the cooking range, wherein a heat collector is arranged inside a space formed between one side of a hearth of the internal cooking range and the external cooking range; a water inlet is formed at the other side of the hearth and connected with an intake pipe; the intake pipe forms a bent shape, passes through the heat collector, and penetrates out of the heat collector to extend into a water tank; a water outlet is formed at the upper part of the water tank; an electric heater is arranged at the lower end inside the water tank. Two different cooking ranges are arranged, so that the novel environment-friendly energy-saving stove is strong in practicability, afterheat of a flame can be recycled, the water inside the water tank on the integrated cooker is heated by the afterheat of the flame or the electric heater and then is applied to a kitchen or a bathroom, pollution to air is not easily caused, an energy source is saved, the gas utilization rate is improved, and the targets of saving energy and protecting environment are really achieved.


Purpose. The purpose of our research was to study the level of manifestation of productivity elements based on biometric parameters of plant growth and development of determinant varieties of buckwheat selected by the Institute of Agriculture of Northern East NAAS. Methods. The research was conducted during 2019–2021. The object of the research was three determinant and one indeterminant (control variant) buckwheat varieties selected by the Institute of Agriculture of the Northern East NAAS. Field and laboratory methods of research involved determination of biometric parameters of buckwheat plants and elements of their productivity. The establishment of experiments, the determination of biometric parameters, the analysis of the obtained results, and the mathematical and statistical processing were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods. Results. As a result of the study, the superiority of determinant varieties over indeterminant varieties was established in terms of parameters related to the leaf surface. Indeterminant varieties form a greater number of flowers and the number of inflorescences on branches of the first order, however, the peculiarities of the structure of the determinant varieties (increased assimilation area, placement of flowers on the plant, etc.) led to an increase in the percentage of realization of flowers into grains by 13 %. The latter made it possible to obtain an equal number of full-fledged grains on the plant in comparison with the control variant, and due to the formation of larger seeds in the determinant varieties, to exceed the individual productivity of the control variant by 17 %. Conclusions. The features of the habit of determinant plants were identified, which consist in the formation of lowgrowing bushes with a well-developed assimilation area, which increased the leaf supply of plant flowers by 40 % compared to indeterminant ones. It was established that the formation of generative organs and their location on plants of determinant varieties is significantly different from the usual morphotype. Despite a certain advantage in the number of flowers on plants of the indeterminant variety, their location and size allowed the formation of the same number of grains through greater implementation of flowers into full-fledged fruits. Thus, the biometric features of the determinant varieties made it possible to form a mass of grain on the plant, which exceeded the usual variety by 8–25 %. The basic factor influencing the productivity of buckwheat plants is the number of full-fledged fruits per plant (r=0.97) and the weight of 1000 grains (r=0.91).


Primary tumors of the brain constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with biological behavior and with a very different prognosis. Its incidence has increased in recent years in all age groups. A prospective descriptive study of 58 patients with primary brain tumors was performed, attended in the Radiotherapy office of the Vladimir Ilich Lenin Hospital Oncology in the period from November 2014 to May 2017, with the objective of determining the physical symptoms and Cognitive manifestations in patients treated for primary brain tumors. The variables of age and sex, histological diagnosis, cancer treatment, physical symptoms and cognitive manifestations were characterized. The age group between 40 and 59 years was the most affected (51.72%), being in the most frequent male sex this pathology (65.52%). The histological type that predominated was astrocytoma in 77.11%. Radiation therapy was used in 100% of patients, and concurrent to nimotuzumab in 43 patients. The most frequent physical symptoms were sleep disorders (39.28%), and within the cognitive manifestations identified visual problems reached 35%. The physical symptoms and cognitive manifestations produced, either by the primary tumor or by the cancer treatment in patients with primary brain tumors, are factors that negatively influence the quality of life of these patients.


Developments in CAD and FEA software have increased the range and functionality of teh tools available to the designer. As a result, the line between conceptual design development and detailed production design has never been more blurred. It is essential that designers are made aware of the tools available to them, and are given the time and the training required to allow them to use these tools effectively if they are to maintain a competitive edge. This paper will highlight a number of teh functional capabilities of current design based software tools and their application in two design case study scenarios.


Submitted to the faculty of the School of Public Health
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
Master of Science in Kinesiology
in the Department of Kinesiology of Kinesiology
Indiana University


Support groups for people with AIDS have proliferated, but there hasn't been a handbook for AIDS group work for the mental health professional, until now. AIDS Trauma and Support Group Therapy by Martha Gabriel is the first book to offer practitioners and students in training the essential practice knowledge and theory about planning, forming and facilitating support groups for people living with AIDS/HIV. Dr. Gabriel, a leading expert and former senior clinical group supervisor at Gay Men's Health Crisis in New York City, empowers clinicians to effectively harness the enormous resource of support groups for people with AIDS/HIV. By emphasizing the traumatic aspects of AIDS, the book provides a deep understanding of the psychological issues individuals with AIDS bring to the group. Gabriel introduces a new framework for understanding trauma along with rich practice examples from diverse PWA groups. The reader learns how to deal effectively with issues unique to AIDS/HIV clients including social stigma, confidentiality and disclosure, rational suicide and suicidality related to psychiatric disturbance, dementia, and tuberculosis among group members. Dr. Gabriel addresses special considerations in group formation, issues for group therapists in the middle phase, crisis stages, and special termination issues. The impact of multiple deaths on individual members, on the group-as-a-whole and on group facilitators is explored through case narratives and discussion. And Gabriel makes specific treatment suggestions to care for these caregivers - AIDS/HIV group practitioners - who may themselves experience the symptoms of secondary traumatic stress. AIDS Trauma and Support Group Therapy: MutualAid, Empowerment, Connection is essential reading for a wide range of mental health professionals, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, pastoral counselors, and a diverse group of paraprofessionals working with people with life threatening il


Objective:To survey the relationship between serum adiponectin level and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods:348 newly diagnosed patients of T2DM and 574 controls from Jiangsu area were investigated,and the serum adiponectin levels were determined with ELISA. The information of healthy condition and behavior was gotten by examination and inquiry. Results:The serum adiponectin of T2DM group (6.01±2.43 mg/L)was significantly lower than that of control group (8.59±2.88 mg/L);In stratified analysis,compared with the group with high level of serum adiponectin,the low level groups (less than median level) had more risk of susceptibility to T2DM,and the OR values of age≤50[OR (95% CI):13.80(5.48~34.74)],smoking[10.74(5.58~20.68)]and abdomen obesity[7.27 (4.55~11.62)] were top three; By multiple Logistic regression analysis,the T2DM risk for the low level of serum adiponectin,was increased[OR(95%CI):2.22(1.91~2.58)] compared with the higher level of serum adiponctin(graded by quartile range). Conclusion:There was an association between low level of adiponectin and high risk of susceptibility to T2DM.


Summary: Resume: Zusammenfassung

The possibility of increasing the activity of glyphosate, imazapyr, sulfonylurea herbicides and triclopyr against Rhododendron ponticum L. was investigated using container-grown plants. Glyphosate, imazapyr and triclopyr alone and metsulfuron-methyl with added surfactant were all phytotoxic, imazapyr and triclopyr being the most effective at the doses used. Thifensulfuron-methyl and tribenuron-methyl with 'Mixture B' were ineffective. The surfactants 'Mixture B' and 'Silwet L77' consistently increased the activity of imazapyr and metsulfuron-methyl. Mixtures of the herbicides did not lead to synergistic activity, and mixing imazapyr and triclopyr depressed the activity of each component. There was some enhancement of activity on R. ponticum when imazapyr and metsulfuron-methyl were applied sequentially, 48 h apart.

Effets de melanges d'herbicides et d'adjuvants au Rhododendron ponticum

La possibilite d'accroitre l'activite du glyphosate, de l'imazapyr, des sulfonylurees et du triclopyr contre Rhododendron ponticum a eteetudiee en utilisant des plantes cultivees en containers. Le glyphosate, l'imazapyr et le triclopyr seuls et le metsulfuron-methyl additionne d'un surfactant ont tous ete phytotoxiques: l'imazapyr et le triclopyr etant les plus efficaces aux doses utilisees. Le thifensulfuron-methyl et le tribenuron-methyl avec 'Mixture B' ont ete inefficaces. Les surfactants 'Mixture B' et'Silwet L 77' ont considerablement augmente l'activite de l'imazapyr et metsulfuron-methyl. Les melanges des herbicides n'a pas abouti a une activite synergistique et les melanges avec l'imazapyr et le triclopyr ont diminue l'activite de chaque compose. Il y a eu un certain renforcement de l'activite sur R. ponticum quand l'imazapyr et le metsulfuron-methyl etaient appliques de facon sequentielle, a 48 heures d'intervalle.

Wirkung von Herbizidmischungen und Additiven auf Rhododendron ponticum

An Container-Pflanzen von Rhododendron ponticum L. wurden versucht, die Wirksamkeit von Glyphosat, Imazapyr und Sulfonylharn-stoff-Herbiziden zu verstarken. Glyphosat, Imazapyr und Triclopyr allein und Metsulfuron-methyl nach Zugabe von Netzmitteln waren phytotoxisch, besonders Imazapyr und Triclopyr. Thifensulfuronmethyl und Tribenuron-methyl waren mit dem Netzmittel 'Mixture B' wirkungslos. Die Netzmittel 'Mixture B' und 'Silwet L77' erhohten die Wirksamkeit von Imazapyr und Metsulfuron-methyl durchweg. Mischungen der Herbizide liesen keinen Synergismus erkennen, und die Mischung von Imazapyr mit Triclopyr verringerte die Wirksamkeit der Einzelkomponenten. Die Wirkung auf R. ponticum lies sich erhohen, wenn Imazapyr und Metsulfuron-methyl 48 h nacheinander angewandt wurden.


Geogenic chlorides anomalies in groundwater of useful aquifers in Central Poland. A b s t r a c t . Zones of Cl anomalies in Mesozoic and Cenozoic aquifers, defined as groups of wells with concentration of the chloride ion in groundwater exceeding 60 mg/dm3, were mapped on the basis of 12 000 archival chemical analyses. These zones are predominantly developed in tectonic conditions enabling the inflow of Mesozoic salt waters into useful aquifers: 1) fault zones, 2) hydrogeological windows above salt anticlines and elevated tectonic blocks, and 3) salt diapirs. As a result, significant decline in groundwater quality has been reported from many intakes due to the elevated concentration of chlorides, sodium and the amonium ion.


Abstract We have investigated the magnetoresistance of small Au rings, which surround smaller Ni disks. The magnetic field from the Ni has a very substantial effect on the weak localization behavior of the Au. While the magnetoresistance of such Au rings is normally positive, we find that the presence of a Ni disk can cause it to change sign. The origin of this effect is not clear; we speculate that it may be due to the Berry phase shift produced by a magnetic field which is spatially inhomogeneous.


Mobile Ad-hoc Networks are a collection of two or more devices equipped with wireless communication and networking capability. These devices can communication with other nodes that immediately within their radio range or one that is outside their radio range. The transient failure probability of the computing process increases greatly with the enlarging of system scale. If a failure occurs in a process and there is not an appropriate method to protect it, more cost will be wasted for restarting the program. Coordinated checkpointing can be used to introduce fault tolerance in mobile ad-hoc wireless networks environment. In this paper we propose a new minimum process checkpointing scheme for ad-hoc networks. We assume that Cluster Based Routing Protocol (CBRP) is used which belongs to the class of Hierarchical Reactive Routing Protocols. The number of coordinated messages between a cluster head and its ordinary members is small. The recovery scheme has no domino effect and the failure process can rollback from its latest local consistent Checkpoint. We capture the transitive dependencies among processes by piggybacking dependency vector of the sending process along with the computation messages. Keywords— Mobile Ad Hoc Network; Checkpointing; Fault tolerance; Coordinating Checkpointing.


The comparative study of laser welding opportunities under low pressure in the controlled atmosphere of protection gas and electron beam welding has been performed. It has been established that the application of the fine-focused laser irradiation source during welding in the low pressure atmosphere allows to increase the process velocity more than 3 times compared to the electron beam welding equal to heat source in power.


In the past 20 years, the area of Recommender Systems (RecSys) has gained significant attention from both academia and industry. We are not in short of research papers on various RecSys models or online systems from industry players. However, in terms of model evaluation in offline settings, many researchers simply follow the commonly adopted experiment setup, and have not zoomed into the unique characteristics of the RecSys problem. In this tutorial, I will briefly review the commonly adopted evaluations in RecSys then discuss the challenges of evaluating recommender systems in an offline setting. The main emphasis is the consideration of global timeline in the evaluation, particularly when a dataset covers user-item interactions that have been collected from a long time period.


Power system monitoring, protection and modal identification typically rely on the accuracy of phasor parameters, thus quickly and accurately extracting phasor is crucial. Based on matrix pencil (MP) method, this paper proposes a fast matrix pencil (FMP) method to estimate parameters of electrical signals. A square matrix was formed by two time domain coupling matrices of input sampling signal. Its eigenvalues represent the changing information of fundamental and harmonic phasors, as well as the pole information of all components. Under the premise of initial phasors, the concerned phasors can be obtained by solving the square matrix eigenvalues. In order to reduce computation, this paper uses the Krylov subspace of square matrix to construct a phasor minimal polynomial, which can be used to quickly calculate concerned eigenvalues of specific components. Theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the FMP method significantly reduces the calculation workload and has a simple way to achieve, compared to the MP method. It is immune to the effect of non-target components and frequency offset, also keeps a high accuracy with short data window.


Objective:To analysis the epidemiological char acteristic of sexually tr ansmitted diseases (STDs) in Guangzhou from 2000 to 2003,and to provide scientif ic e vidence for the control and prevention.Methods:STD reporte and demographic data in guangzhou 2000~2003 were collected and analysed.Results:T he total incidence rate of STD was decreased. The incidence of syphilis,gonorrhea and condyloma a c uminata had decreased yearly from 41.71/100 000,70.13/100 000 and 83.02/100 000 in 2000 to 32.36/100 000,54.35/100 000 and 67.03/100 000 in 2003 respective ly .The incidence of HIV/AIDS was increasing yearly. Nongonococcal urethritis(ce rv icitis)was the most preualent STD.Conclusions:The STD in Guan gzhou are on the d ecrease,but the incidence of HIV/AIDS tended to ascend ,and there is a change in STD epidemic patten.Control and prevention of HIV/AIDS should be strengthen in Guangzhou city.


The precise sequence of events leading to carotid plaque vulnerability is as yet unknown, and the majority of ischemic strokes seem to result from atherosclerotic plaque rupture or thrombus propagation at the carotid bifurcation.1 Traditionally, the surgical approach of carotid endarterectomy is well accepted for the treatment of symptomatic and severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis.2,3 More recently, carotid artery stenting has arisen as the preferred, less invasive technique for the treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic severe stenosis in patients with anatomically or physiologically high-risk features.4,5 To date, the mechanisms of recurrent stroke after carotid artery stenting have not been well characterized.

A 79-year-old woman with a history of recurrent left hemispheric strokes underwent surgical resection of her left carotid artery 3 years after its stenting. The patient initially presented with recurrent ischemia after a left hemispheric stroke. Carotid ultrasound revealed a severe unilateral left internal carotid stenosis (peak systolic velocities were measured to be 408 cm/s with an internal carotid artery/common carotid artery ratio of 8.87). The patient was enrolled in the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial and randomized to receive a stent.6 A tapered 8 mm to 6 mm×40 mm open cell self-expanding stent (Acculink, Abbott Vascular, Abbott …


In this paper,we construct a simulation laboratory to demonstrate the REES's probable development scenarios stimulated by special regional developing polices based on dynamic modeling(DM). The results of the modeling could offer some advise for sustainable development of Gansu Province.The core of DM in this paper is a Cobb-Douglas production function.There are six variables in the production function,which denote production,Technology,Human capital,Man-made capital,Input of renewable natural resource,Input of unrenewable natural resource separately,and they are corresponded to the six sub-systems separately in the whole REES.In addition to the six sub-systems,there are two other sub-systems in parallel,which are Population and Environment.The eight sub-systems determine the REES's probable scenarios together by interaction with and feeding back each other.The results could tell three points,which are: the temporal development mode of Gansu province is not sustainable;the substitution rate of technology for natural resources is lower;and,the only way to realize sustainable development of Gansu province is to change the economic development mode.


THIS book began as a third edition of Dr. Diamond's pioneering work, Primitive Law, which was first published nearly 40 years ago and won widespread and well deserved acclaim. But this has now been so completely rewritten and extensively expanded that it is substantially a new book; so its new and longer title aptly indicates both its ancestral origin and its contemporary metamorphosis. Dr. Diamond is that rara avis, a practising lawyer of distinction who is primarily a scholar—and who is a Fellow (and currently a Council Member) of the Royal Anthropological Institute. Now that he has retired from his work as a Master of the Supreme Court, moreover, he has proved himself even more indefatigable than before, if this were possible, in his research and literary output His knowledge is encyclopaedic; and in this book he paints a canvas—or series of murals—which covers a vajt expanse in both time and space, history and geography, and in which an abundance of detail is never allowed to divert attention from the broad sweep of the landscape as a whole. Tho book is divided into two parts. The first (pages 1-154) examines the evidence afforded by the legal legacy of the past: the earliest literature and codes of law—" early," " central" and " late." These are not classified, however, by reference to the date at which they appeared, but to the stage of economic development which they respectively reflect. In the second part (pages 157-400), Dr. Diamond then turns to " the legal usages of present and recent peoples and the light they throw on past laws and legal systems "; and these, too, are classified according to economic criteria. In effect, moreover, this arrangement corresponds with the " difference -between the laws of literate and pre-literate peoples," which—as he observes—has a certain importance of its own. One of the most fascinating—and, inevitably, controversial—features of this book is the way in which Dr. Diamond relates the ancient codes of the Near East, India and China to similar stages in the evolution of law and economics in England, Europe, the Americas and Africa. His review, he tells us, " ends at the stage of development of law represented by that greatest of legal monuments, the Code of Hammurabi (1752 B.C), which almost begins the history of the world's law, and at the economy of his day, and therefore similarly ends at the parallel degrees of development of law and economy in England about A.D. 1250 and at other dates in several civilisations of the past and in a few places in modern Africa." As a result, " we can observe in the present and in the records of the past most of the stages, which constitute one story, being approached and reached and passed in the same people. We can also see large culture areas in the past and present sharing similar law and economics, and on their outskirts descending gradations of law and economy as we move towards more backward areas." But Dr. Diamond is too good a scholar to allow the remarkable resemblances to obscure the significant differences which characterise the many countries and cultures which he surveys. The only way to get any adequate view of this very well-written book, which represents almost a life time of study and reflection, is to read it I


In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dramatically achieved into a global phase with the influence of foreign collaborations and innovations, facilitated by the development of the digital and robotic technologies. As with many organizations worldwide, staff retention problems affect organizational production and performance. Managers face the challenges to remove the retention problems in the stage of enhancing competition in the world market. It is against this background that this research will look into employee retention problems within the cross cultural scenario of the UAE. This study brings into focus the extent to which human resource management (HRM) practices and organizational culture in the UAE affect employee retention in private organizations. The purpose of this study is to identify HR practices and other factors such as job satisfaction, organizational commitments that affect employee retention in the UAE with emphasis on private organization, in Dubai.


Sleep is a process that must happen at night, obeying the circadian rhythm, whose main synchronizer is light. This dream changes throughout life and is different during the night, we go through four sleep phases characterized according to changes in brain activity, eye movements and muscle tone. Each stage has a specific function and in children and adolescents one of the most significant functions is the preservation of cognitive processes, specifically memory, there are different types of memory and for the acquired information to be encoded, an integral cognitive state is required that it depends on a good sleep and when learning we need sleep to optimize the learning and memory processes. Spending enough time sleeping and taking adequate sleep measures can make a difference in proper cognitive performance.


Simple Summary High MET copy-number variation (CNV) and high MET protein expression via MET exon 14 skipping mutation (METex14SM) are associated with tumorigenesis; however, METex14SM is rare in GC, so target therapy is rarely applicable. In this study, we analyzed GC panels using targeted next-generation sequencing in GC cell lines and found that tepotinib demonstrated therapeutic effects in MET-amplified GC and those with high expressions of PD-L1, CD44, and METex14SM. Our in vitro findings indicate that tepotinib prevents GC-associated MET amplification and MET mutation. Abstract Both MET exon 14 skipping mutation (METex14SM) and high copy-number variation (CNV) lead to enhanced carcinogenesis; additionally, programmed-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is often upregulated in cancers. In this study, we characterized the expression of MET (including METex14SM), PD-L1, and CD44 in human gastric cancer (GC) cells as well as the differential susceptibility of these cells to tepotinib. Tepotinib treatments inhibited the growth of five GC cells in a dose-dependent manner with a concomitant induction of cell death. Tepotinib treatments also significantly reduced the expression of phospho-MET, total MET, c-Myc, VEGFR2, and Snail protein in SNU620, MKN45, and Hs746T cells. Notably, tepotinib significantly reduced the expression of CD44 and PD-L1 in METex14SM Hs746T cells. By contrast, tepotinib was only slightly active against SNU638 and KATO III cells. Migration was reduced to a greater extent in the tepotinib-treated group than in the control group. Tepotinib may have therapeutic effects on c-MET-amplified GC, a high expression of both PD-L1 and CD44, and METex14SM. Clinical studies are needed to confirm these therapeutic effects.


Objective To observe the effect iv eness of two controlled hypotension methods for bringing down blood pressure in cerebral aneurysm excision surgeries. Methods 30 patients undergone the cerebral ane urysm excision surgeries were randomly allocated to a Nitroglycerin (Group Ⅰ) a n d a Nitroglycerin combined with Esmolol Group (Group Ⅱ). When blood pressure re duction was required, they were injected with syringe pumps, respectively. Obser vations and comparisons were made on the changes of haemodynamics and dosage req uired during the process. Results Both groups achieved satisfactory bloo d pressure-reduction results. During decompressin, the HR and RPP increased sign ificantly in Group Ⅰ than those in Group Ⅱ (P0.01 or 0.05). After adminis terin g blood pressure-reduction medication, blood pressure of Group Ⅱ rose slowly to the level before surgery within 10~30 minutes while blood pressure of Group Ⅰ b ounced back to the level before operation within five minutes and blood pressure saw obvious increase after 10 minutes. High differences were indicated in MAP b etween the two groups 10 minutes after the neoplasms were clipped (P0.01). The dosage required when administering Nitroglycerin saw decrease in Group Ⅱ than i n Group Ⅰ (P0.01). Conclusion Nitroglycerin combined with Esmolol is more efficient and stable than Nitroglycerin alone in reducing blood pressur e and bringing down RPP, and the blood pressure dose not bounce back after suspe nsion of medication. It is the first selected method for reducing blood pressure in cerebral aneurysm surgeries.


The industrial boom in twenty first century is very much related with the usage and production of metals in production and construction. With increasing cost of fuel and increased international demand has led the cost of metals upwards. Worldwide the demand of iron has increased tremendously. Demand is further pushed by mushroom growth of constructions in India and China which has ultimately increased the prices of iron related products. With the increasing prices of iron the search for alternative sources of iron has increased. Dependency on iron scrape as an alternative iron source has increased in past few years. Aging of huge ships has allowed creation of a new industry called ship breaking industry.


The Cretaceous Edwards Limestone in south-central Texas was deposited in alternating shallow-marine, intertidal, and supratidal environments and underwent normal early diagenesis. First-stage calcites include calcitic shell material, unaltered marine micrite, submarine cement, and meteoric phreatic or shallow subsurface cements. The first-stage calcites yield isotopic values of ^dgr13C from -1.0 to +3.5 and ^dgr18O from -6.0 to +3.0. Dolomite in the Edwards occurs in a variety of forms. These forms range from "dirty" rhombs (1 to 5 µm), petrographically very similar to but isotopically slightly lighter than modern tidal flat dolomites (^dgr18O of 0.5 and ^dgr13C of 3.0 for the most hypersaline dolomites), to perfectly formed rhombs (30 to 40 µm) interpreted as freshwater dolomite (^dgr18O of -5.7 and ^dgr13C of 1.7). The Edwards was divided into two diagenetic zones by Miocene faulting along the Balcones fault zone. On the upthrown side of the fault, an oxidized freshwater aquifer developed. This water is now saturated with calcite, but undersaturated with dolomite and gypsum. Relatively stagnant brackish and reduced water on the downthrown side of the fault is saturated with calcite, dolomite, and gypsum. Differences in the chemistry of the interstitial fluids in these zones are related to different types of diagenesis. Second-stage calcites, which can be separated regionally and petrographically from first-stage calcites, formed after faulting and result from reactions between first-stage calcites and dolomites and fresh water introduced after faulting. These reactions can be written generally as: Fresh Water + Dolomite + Gypsum ^rarr Brackish Water + Calcite. Second-stage calcites are as light as -7.5 ppm ^dgr13C and -10.0 ppm ^dgr18O, and these values vary inversely while the ratios of first-stage calcite cements are heavier and vary together. The second-stage calcites are considerably lighter because they have grown in equilibrium with meteoric water containing some organically derived carbon, and sometimes at considerable depth. End_of_Article - Last_Page 749------------


This paper outlines the successful use of NiFe/(Co90Fe10)ioo-~Bx (x = 510%) for soft magnetic, thermally stabilized spin-valves. The GMR effect in the NiFeKoFeB spin- valve increases after annealing. The annealing effect of CoFeB on CoFeB/Cu interfaces is investigated by high resolution TEM- EDX analysis. Merged inductive NiFe/CoFeB spin-valve heads with a read gap length of 0.18 pm and a write gap length of 0.28 pm having Ni0(400W)/NiFe(10~)/CoFeBs(lO~)/Cu(32~)/ CoFeBs(20A)/Ta(lOOW) spin-valve film and high Bs laminated FeZrNiNiFe top poles were fabricated. Their read/write performance were tested on a low noise CoCrigPtgTa2Nb~ thin- film disk with an Mrt of 0.6 memukm2 and a coercivity of 2600 Oe. A normalized output per track-width of 1000 pVpp/pm and a 50% rolloff linear density (Dso) of 182 kFCI is obtained. This performance well exceeds the performance of 5 Gbit/in2 spin- valve heads. The measured SIN was 26.8 dB for a spin-valve head with with a narrow read track-width of 0.68 pm, and the feasibility of 8 G bit& recording density is studied using a 1/7 code Narrow Band PRML channel. I OOA)CTa( I WA) (b) Ta(SOA INIF~(~~~~/COF~B ~~(~O~~/C~(~~~)I COF~B~~(~O~)~N~F ~( 1 OA)/ FeMn( I Wf!j;a( 1 %A). (c) N~O(S~~A~/C~F~E~ (~OA)/CU(~~~~/CO F~B~(~O~~~~F~(S~ ~)~~( 1 WA)


SummaryA relationship between the pH of the spermathecal fluid and the age of Apis mellifera virgin queens was found. When the queens were 5 days old the pH was 9·7 and it is at this age that mating flights start. It is suggested that spermatozoa migrate to the spermatheca by chemotoxis, due to the difference in pH of the semen (7·) and spermathecal fluid. Coconut water, pH 7·, was a very good preserving agent and diluent of A. mellifera sperm.


To establish and implement the environment and occupational health and safety integrated management system would be beneficial in reducing the management cost and enhancing management benefit for enterprises.The revision of the standard of environment management system strengthens its coordination and compatibility with other management systems,which would be favorable to promote the establishment and implementation of integrated system.After reviewing in detail the variation of structure framework,technical terms,names of essential factors and contents of GB/T24001-2004,suggestions on planning of environment and occupational health and safety policies,the goal,indexes and the scheme,the assurance of resources especially the infrastructure,the perfection of rationality assessment,the implementation of correction and preventive measures,as well as to carry out integrated interior audit,and so on are made,all of which could be referred by enterprises.To improve environment and occupational health and safety integrated system to adapt the development and change of system standards so as to uninterruptedly raise the level of modern management of occupational health and safety is an important factor for sustainable development of the enterprise.


We demonstrated an enhancement of the ideal laser-cooling efficiency in Yb-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, (Yb:Y)AG, and Er-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, (Er:Y)AG, ceramic discs above 300 K. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectrum indicates that the phonon-assisted energy transfer from the narrowband, resonant state into the inhomogeneously distributed energy states is enhanced with increasing the temperature. The enhanced ideal cooling efficiency of the (Yb:Y)AG ceramic disc and the (Er:Y)AG ceramic disc at 470 K is 1.7 times higher than that at 300 K. The enhanced ideal cooling efficiency of (Er:Y)AG at 470 K marked 4.0% which is 1.8 times higher than that of (Yb:Y)AG.


This paper shows how the state variable description of linear dynamical systems can be used to develop a general digital computer program for frequency response calcula tions. State variables are first introduced in the time domain, and a straightforward application of the Fourier Transform yields equations suitable for programming on a digital computer. Data input is discussed, and an algorithm given which will allow this data to be the coefficients of polynomial transfer functions. The selection of frequency values at which the response is to be calculated is covered, and an indication of possible numerical pitfalls is given. An example is presented.


Head-out water immersion (HOI) has been employed as a remedial treatment for various ills and ailments for many millennia, and total body immersion even longer as protective encapsulation for the mammalian fetus. Two discrete differences between stimuli induced by true microgravity (10(exp -4) g) and HOI are readily apparent. External water pressure on the skin and accompanying negative pressure breathing cause blood to shift headward. Secondly, the gravitational force is ever present during immersion and microgravity, but its effect is essentially neutralized during Earth orbital flight. Thus, the physiological responses to immersion should not be expected to match those during microgravity. Immersion has been used mainly to study and understand kidney function and associated cardiovascular responses for control of body fluid volume and osmotic content, with some application to and simulation of microgravity responses. There is a plethora of data from human HOI studies, but relatively few controlled data from microgravity studies. In general, it appears that physiological responses occur more quickly with water immersion than in microgravity, but this may be due to less rigorous control (voluntary and involuntary) of the preflight state of crew members. The central venous pressure-vasopressin (Gauer-Henry) reflex control for fluid balance may not be of prime importance in microgravity. Gross functions such as reduced body weight and water, level of hypovolemia, decreased isokinetic strength, and lower nitrogen balance found during immersion are qualitatively similar in microgravity, but the mechanisms controlling these and other functions are, for the most part, unclear. Only acquisition of data from well-controlled microgravity experiments will resolve this discrepancy.


ABSTRACT Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are widely represented on mobile genetic elements as well as in bacterial chromosomes. TA systems encode a toxin and an antitoxin neutralizing it. We have characterized a homolog of the ccd TA system of the F plasmid (ccd F) located in the chromosomal backbone of the pathogenic O157:H7 Escherichia coli strain (ccd O157). The ccd F and the ccd O157 systems coexist in O157:H7 isolates, as these pathogenic strains contain an F-related virulence plasmid carrying the ccd F system. We have shown that the chromosomal ccd O157 system encodes functional toxin and antitoxin proteins that share properties with their plasmidic homologs: the CcdBO157 toxin targets the DNA gyrase, and the CcdAO157 antitoxin is degraded by the Lon protease. The ccd O157 chromosomal system is expressed in its natural context, although promoter activity analyses revealed that its expression is weaker than that of ccd F. ccd O157 is unable to mediate postsegregational killing when cloned in an unstable plasmid, supporting the idea that chromosomal TA systems play a role(s) other than stabilization in bacterial physiology. Our cross-interaction experiments revealed that the chromosomal toxin is neutralized by the plasmidic antitoxin while the plasmidic toxin is not neutralized by the chromosomal antitoxin, whether expressed ectopically or from its natural context. Moreover, the ccd F system is able to mediate postsegregational killing in an E. coli strain harboring the ccd O157 system in its chromosome. This shows that the plasmidic ccd F system is functional in the presence of its chromosomal counterpart.


An automatic drill pipe mounting and dismounting device in small hydraulic drill rig was designed. In the device, the hydraulic manipulator was applied to move the drill pipe from the drill pipe storage to the power head, so as to realize the automatic mounting and dismounting of the drill pipe with the aid of drill pipe holding unit. The manipulator moved along the guide rail of the drill and had no interference with the drilling operation of the drill, thus the operation effi ciency and safety property of the drill improved.


The intramolecular N-alkylation of β-bromopropionamides (1) under phase transfer conditions afforded monocyclic N-substituted β-lactams (2) in high yields. In a similar manner, cyclization by N1-C4 bond formation gave 4-benzoyl-2-azetidinones (4) from 3-benzoyl-3-bromopropionanilides (3).


Automation of decision support is proposed by including special criteria with the overall configuration of an automated decision support system for creative universities. A prototype of an automated decision support system for creative universities has been developed, which will allow assessing the achievements particularly talented students and identifying the needs in the learning process in order to help organize the educational process in accordance with identified capabilities. Use of a decision support system based on the Bayesian classifier is suggested to assess and evaluate factors contributing to the progress in teaching students particular techniques, and in perspective to assess the possible resources that will be required to make changes to the learning plan. The existing approaches to the assessment of students academic performance are analyzed. The list of specific performance indicators, which are important to be taken into account when assessing the achievements of students of creative specialties, is given. The system should contribute to the formation of the learning plan, taking into account the capabilities of both a group art workshop as a whole, and special needs of an individual to develop, if necessary an individual approach.


BACKGROUND: Changes in the morphological composition of the blood are among the most important criteria for diagnosing and predicting the course of diseases, allowing to assess the physiological state of the body. Calculated indices that can catch minimal changes in the indicators of the leukocyte blood formula in the early stages of the development of the pathological process make it possible to judge complex changes, sometimes imperceptible during the clinical examination of the patient. A well-known method characterizing the state of homeostasis is a method for assessing the state of homeostasis by adaptation reactions, which has been successfully used in patients with various pathologies.
AIMS: Study of the state of homeostasis of outpatients of the dermatovenereological profile to assess the severity of the disease and determine the tactics of their management and further treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood of 58 patients of dermatovenereological profile was examined. As a control ― peripheral blood of 24 practically healthy individuals. A complete blood test was performed on the device ABX Micros ES 60 (France) with kits of the same company. The state of homeostasis was assessed according to adaptation reactions determined on the basis of the leukocyte blood formula by the method of L.H. Harkavy and E.B. Kvakina (1998). To increase the diagnostic value of the method, calculated integral hematological indicators were simultaneously used, characterizing the severity of the inflammatory process, intoxication, allergic reactions, and the state of the immune system.
RESULTS: In most outpatients of the dermatovenereological profile, physiological adaptation reactions prevail (90%, Z58;0.05=6), represented mainly by reactions of high levels of adaptation ― reactions of increased and calm activation (77%, Z40;0.05=12), which indicates a high functional activity of protective and adaptive mechanisms and the preservation of the constancy of homeostasis. In patients who made an outpatient appointment for problems from the urogenital tract, physiological adaptation reactions were observed more often (95%). At the same time, the physiological adaptation reactions in the majority (57%) of patients showed signs of tension, which indicates a violation of the harmony and functioning of the bodys subsystems and a decrease in the level of reactivity that require attention from the attending physician when prescribing treatment, choosing the appropriate drug and individually selecting doses. Signs of tension were more common (67%) observed in patients with a dermatological profile. Pathological reactions were observed in 6 (10%) patients and were represented by reactions of reactivation (4 patients), as well as reactions of acute (1 patient) and chronic (1 patient) stress. Among patients with pathological adaptation reactions, persons with skin diseases prevailed.
CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive assessment of the state of homeostasis by adaptation reactions and calculated leukocyte indices significantly expands the diagnostic capabilities of a clinical blood test and allows assessing the course, severity of the inflammatory process and endogenous intoxication, the level of immunoreactivity of the body in outpatients of a dermatovenereological profile.


The evaluation of the surface form quality of large-scale optical components in general and large cylindrical components in particular is most challenging. Such surfaces can be measured with planar Fizeau-type interferometers equipped with computer generated holograms. This article provides an overview of the measurement process using sub-aperture stitching techniques, the degrees of freedom of the measuring system, the requirements on input data and the importance of error-corrected holograms.


The Cascadia subduction zone, where the young and thin oceanic Juan de Fuca plate sinks beneath western North America, represents a thermally hot endmember of global subduction systems. Cascadia exhibits complex and three-dimensional heterogeneities including variable coupling between the overriding and downgoing plates, the amount of water carried within and released by the oceanic plate, flow patterns within the mantle wedge and backarc, and the continuity and depth extent of the subducting slab. While recent research has benefitted from extensive onshore and offshore deployments of geophysical instrumentation, a consensus on many important aspects of Cascadia's magmatic, tectonic, and geodynamic setting remains elusive.


Direct elections for regional heads by the people began after the issuance of Law no. 32 of 2004 concerning Regional Government. After the implementation of direct regional head elections by the people for 12 years, there were pros and cons regarding the implementation of direct regional head elections so that Law No. 22 of 2014 concerning the Regional Head Election in a representative manner by the DPRD which was later canceled through Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perpu) No. 1 of 2014 concerning Direct Regional Head Election by the People. The issuance of a Government Regulation in Lieu of a Law is intended so that democracy at the regional or local level can develop where regional people can directly elect their leaders at the regional or local level. This research is a normative legal research where the focus of the study is the norms contained in Perpu No. 1 of 2014 which returns the regional head elections directly elected by the local people. This research approach uses a qualitative juridical approach, namely examining from the legal side in addition to providing explanations regarding the considerations issued by the president's Perpu and the public's response to direct regional head elections. The purpose of this study is to determine the process of regional head elections that are directly elected by the local people so that the development of democracy at the local level can run well. The results obtained from this research are that direct regional head elections by the local people reflect more of a democratic nature than through representation and are in accordance with the wishes of the constitution that sovereignty is in the hands of the people.