1 Today's economic challenges require organizations to find new ways to not only reward top performers, but to motivate all workers to improve performance while maintaining or increasing business value. Both must be done as cost-effectively as possible. Traditional methods for keeping and motivating workers utilize compensation and benefits. However, as this report emphasizes, those are only two parts of an organization's " Total Reward " package. In fact, organizations can reward their workers in many ways, including with pay, benefits , work-life improvements, and incentives for predetermined job performance—as well as with various forms of recognition. WorldatWork defines recognition as practices that: Acknowledges or gives special attention to employee actions, efforts, behavior or performance. It meets an intrinsic psychological need for appreciation for one's efforts and can support business strategy by reinforcing certain behaviors (e.g., extraordinary accomplishments) that contribute to organizational success. Whether formal or informal, recognition programs acknowledge employee contributions immediately after the fact, usually without predetermined goals or performance levels that the employee is expected to achieve. Awards can be cash or non-cash (e.g., verbal recognition, trophies , certificates, plaques, dinners, tickets, etc.). This report highlights recognition's role by demonstrating that n Recent studies by Gallup, the Corporate Leadership Council, Towers Perrin and others show that recognition is highly correlated to improved employee engagement with both the employee's work and organization. n Increased employee engagement has a dramatic positive effect on improving job performance and capturing business value. n Organizations actively seeking to improve employee engagement, including through the use of formal and informal recognition, financially outperform their competitors. n Unlike compensation and incentive-based programs, recognition programs potentially can create a positive cycle of ever-increasing employee engagement and motivation with resulting improvements in job performance-related behaviors to optimum levels with a limited investment. In addition, we present three cases stud-ies—Scotiabank, Delta Airlines and MGM Grand—that illustrate how some organizations are restructuring their recognition programs to better align them with employee engagement and business strategy. A key finding, exemplified by these case studies, is that recognition programs need to include multiple forms of awards—e.g., what is recognition for one worker will not necessarily work with all. In addition, recognition programs need not be expensive. In fact, many of the studies we discuss show that non-cash awards, including simple verbal recognition , usually work best. What matters is that the recognition is valuable to the worker and is awarded …


In my recent revision of the genus Stegnogramma s. lat., (Iwatsuki, 1963), I enumerated eleven species from the Old World and stated that the species of the New World were doubtfully included within my concept of that genus. After publication of that paper, C. V. Morton kindly offered me an opportunity to examine several American specimens having linear or oblong, exindusiate sori. Examining these specimens, I concluded that Gymnogramma pilosa Mart. & Gal. may better be considered an American representative of the genus Stegnogramma, and a new combination is proposed, as follows: STEGNOGRAIMA pilosa (Mart. & Gal.) Iwatsuki, comb. nov. Gymnogramma pilosa Mart. & Gal. M6m. Acad. Brux. 15: 27, pl. 4, fig. 1. 1842; Liebmann, Vid. Selsk. Skr. V. 1: 181. 1848. Dryopteris pilosa (Mart. & Gal.) C. Chr., Ind. Fil. 284. 1905; Monogr. Dryopteris I. 196. 1913. Thelypteris pilosa (Mart. & Gal.) Crawford, Amer. Fern Jour. 41: 16. 1951.


We propose a description of how a large, cold black hole (black zero-brane) in type IIA superstring theory evaporates into freely propagating D0-branes, by solving the dual gauge theory quantitatively. The energy spectrum of emitted D0-branes is parametrically close to thermal when the black hole is large. The black hole, while initially cold, gradually becomes an extremely hot and stringy object as it evaporates. As it emits D0-branes, its emission rate speeds up and it evaporates completely without leaving any remnant. Hence this system provides us with a concrete holographic description of black hole evaporation without information loss.


For solving the estimation problem for linear multivariable systems with measurement noises, a descriptor system approach is proposed. An augmented descriptor system is constructed and a new observer design technique, that is PID technique, is then developed. The existence condition of the PID observer is proven mathematically. A comparison between the conventional PI observer and the present PID design is made via numerical simulation results.


The current research describes the evolution of the new coronavirus Covid-19 through the creation of two impact dashboard for its data both globally and in detail for the Latin American and Caribbean region The outbreak of the new coronavirus began in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people in the central Chinese province of Hubei In order to describe the evolution of the virus through the creation of impact dashboards, the Microsoft Power BI business intelligence tool was implemented, where 4 stages were carried out, including the analysis of case system requirements, design of the architecture to be used, data integration and, as a final stage, the visualization and analysis of the data After the creation of the impact tables, the numbers of confirmed cases, deaths, recovered cases and active cases were shown by region, country and globally The creation of these impact dashboard allows good decision-making based on data such as the creation of policies public and fiscal measures by governments to ensure humanitarian risk and impact on the countries' economies


The results of 24-year-old monitoring of the population of birds on the western macroslope of the Barguzinsky ridge are presented. Optimum and suboptimum habitats for 12 lead kinds of birds of a key site are revealed. Incomplete coincidence of sites to high number and the minimum variability of an abundance of kinds is noted. It is revealed for kinds with a wide spectrum of habitats with high population density.


O N May I, i627, Thomas Morton and his men erected a Maypole at Mt. Wollaston, formerly Passonagessit, in Massachusetts Bay. The eighty-foot pole, with a pair of buck horns attached near the top, stood on a hill overlooking the ocean in what is now Quincy, Massachusetts, in sight of ships in the bay. In Morton's words, "it stood as a faire sea marke for directions; how to finde out the way to mine Hoste of Ma-re Mount."1 The pole challenged Plymouth Colony's control of the area by representing the pagan practices of traditional English culture. Governor William Bradford sputtered with disgust: "They also set up a maypole, drinking and dancing about it many days together, inviting the Indian women for their consorts, dancing and frisking together like so many fairies, or furies, rather; and worse practices."2 While the Maypole has come to represent Morton to future generations, it also included a written challenge to his Pilgrim contemporaries, for to it Morton affixed a poem that announced the new name of his settlement: Ma-re Mount.3 The poem "Rise Oedipeus," which Morton published in his book New English Canaan, and the May Day celebration are central in his story and to his interpretation of his own and other Englishmen's experience in New England. Morton mocked the Pilgrims for being unable to decipher the


Purpose: The paper aims, through a literature survey, to study the skill enhancement initiatives of the Government, measures taken by Higher Education Institutions and the role of corporate sector in skill enhancement. The paper also examines the earlier mismatch between industry requirements and academic practices which necessitated skill enhancement efforts and the impact such training programmes have on Quality of Work Life of graduates.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The data for the literature survey is collected from several secondary sources such as research papers, news articles, and websites.
 Results/ Findings: The review paper shows the existence of skill gap between the levels required by industry and the levels acquired by graduates. HEIs have re-modelled course content and teaching methodologies to make degrees corporate integrated. The Government has initiated a large number of initiatives to reach its goal of skill enhancement among the workforce/students. The paper also notes the importance of skilled human resources, positive effects of skill enhancement on employee performance, job satisfaction, and also organizational performance.
Value: Through a detailed analysis of literature on the topic, the paper emphasizes the need for skill enhancement efforts.
Type of Paper: Literature Review


My presentation will focus on host-cell pathogen interactions in tuberculosis. However, I would first like offer a brief introduction to the tuberculosis disease. I believe it is important to remember that merely an estimated 5-10% of individuals exposed or infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria actually develop tuberculosis. In other words, the human population, as a whole, is extremely resistant to the disease. It is extremely interesting to examine the mechanisms responsible for this resistance.


Many professionals have successfully implemented discrete trial teaching in the past. However, there have not been extensive studies examining the accuracy of discrete trial teaching implementation. This study investigated the use of Bug in Ear feedback on the accuracy of discrete trial teaching implementation among two pre-service teachers majoring in elementary education and one pre-service teacher majoring in exceptional education. An adult confederate was used to receive discrete trial teaching. Implementing a multiple baseline across participants design, this study examined whether there was a functional relationship between receiving Bug in Ear feedback and the accuracy of discrete trial teaching implementation. The discrete trial teaching evaluation form was utilized to measure the accuracy of discrete trial teaching implementation. The findings demonstrated an increase in the discrete trial teaching implementation accuracy after Bug in Ear feedback was introduced. Participants agreed that using a self-instruction manual combined with receiving Bug in Ear feedback was beneficial in learning to implement discrete trial teaching.


In his address to the Association's annual congress last week, the outgoing BVA President Carl Padgett described some of the areas in which the Association had been active during his year as president and how the congress programme reflected the theme he had chosen, 'Delivering a healthy future'.


Peak brachial artery dilation post‐nitroglycerin (NTG) administration occurs between 3 and 5 min in adults. The purpose of this study was to identify the time to peak dilation response to sublingual NTG (0·3 mg) in youth. Endothelium‐independent dilation (EID) was measured in 198 healthy (113 males, 85 females) youth (6–18 years) via ultrasound imaging of the brachial artery following NTG administration. Time to peak EID was 268 s following NTG administration, with no significant (P = 0·6) difference between males and females. There was a significant (P<0·001) difference between EID post‐NTG at the 3 versus 4 min, 4 versus 5‐min, and 3 versus 5 min time points. Peak EID (males: 24·8 ± 0·5 versus females: 25·3 ± 0·6%, P = 0·6) was not significantly different after accounting for baseline diameter. Peak response to NTG administration occurs between 4 and 5 min. The results demonstrate the importance of measuring EID up to 5‐min post‐NTG administration in youth.


To build and apply Temporal Geographic Information System (TGIS), to manage mining land spatio-temporal data is a key research aspect for present production administration and ecological environment protection. Spatio-temporal database, whose foundation is spatio-temporal data model, is the core of TGIS. Considering the feature of land use to change, this paper builds up a model of mining land spatio-temporal data based on ground-state amended model with some improvements. This data model stores space information and time information of mining land in spatial database. From judging the spatio-temporal information in historical and current database, the land use situation at different historical period can be recurred very conveniently. At the same time, the mutual transforming situation among lands at different periods can be educed from overlaying the lands by use of the related analyzed function of GIS. Accordingly, that will give an important reference to open out the rule of mining land evolution.


In this paper, a new approach toward material detection and classification, based on the spectral analysis of millimeter-wave images, using machine learning technique is proposed. The focus of this paper is to detect concealed dangerous materials. It is shown that by using adequate number of training data captured from different materials of interest, the trained machine could detect concealed dangerous materials with an acceptable accuracy. The training phase is performed with materials of varying thickness, shape, background, covering layers and distance. The training data is collected with laboratory experiments in the frequency range of 27–31 GHz with 51 frequency samples. The results show more than 92 percent accuracy in differentiating various materials based on the true-alarm-rate (TAR) metric.


Nowadays, we are increasingly exposed to applications with conversational agents or virtual humans. In the psychology literature, the perception of human faces is a research area well studied. In past years, many works have investigated human perception concerning virtual humans. The sense of discomfort perceived in certain virtual characters, discussed in Uncanny Valley (UV) theory, can be a key factor in our perceptual and cognitive discrimination. Understanding how this process happens is essential to avoid it in the process of modeling virtual humans. This paper investigates the relationship between images features and the comfort that human beings can feel about the animated characters created using Computer Graphics (CG). We introduce the CCS (Computed Comfort Score) metric to estimate the probable comfort/discomfort value that a particular virtual human face can generate in the subjects. We used local spatial and spectral entropy to extract features and show their relevance to the subjects' evaluation. A model using Support Vector Regression (SVR) is proposed to compute the CCS. The results indicated approximately an accuracy of 80% for the tested images when compared with the perceptual data.


We report a patient with acute myeloblastic leukaemia who presented with a pneumonia and herpes simplex viraemia associated with primary herpes simplex virus‐1 infection. The importance of detecting and treating viral infections in haematology patients is discussed.


Although generally recognized as a cross-cutting issue during the negotiations, traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources has eventually been addressed in various, occasionally stand-alone, provisions in the Protocol. This chapter serves as an overarching and wide-reaching provision enshrining: a general clause concerning indigenous and local communities' customary laws, that is applicable in the implementation of all other obligations under the Protocol; two broadly framed obligations for Parties to support understanding and fairness in ABS transactions involving traditional knowledge; and a prohibition for Parties to restrict communities' customary use and exchange of genetic resources and traditional knowledge that are in accordance with the CBD. It applies in particular to those provisions expressly related to traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, namely on benefit-sharing, access, the multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism, transboundary cooperation, compliance with domestic ABS frameworks and MAT, awareness-raising and capacity.Keywords: CBD; customary laws; domestic ABS frameworks; genetic resources; MAT; multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism; traditional knowledge


Between the eighteenth century and the early twentieth, the Russian stock exchange developed from a fledgling institution to an important player in the international financial arena.


A method for establishing a communication via a public IP network between a 1st user U1 (110) belonging to a private IP network (111) and a 2nd user U2 (112), wherein the 1st user U1 is associated with a 1st signaling device SD1 (116) for performing a signaling session to request a multimedia session, the 1st user U1 is also associated with a 1st edge device ED1 (120) having a public IP address in the public IP network and participating in the requested multimedia session between the 1st user U1 and the 2nd user U2. The method gives a solution for a case where at least the U1 has a private IP address. The method, to be performed on the site, requires providing the ED1 with an additional functionality to handle requests of U1 and to behave as an intermediate device between the user U1 and the signaling device SD1.


In this paper, we suggest and analyze some new iterative method free from second derivative for solving nonlinear equations for PV cell. By iteration, first one requires nine evaluations while the second one needs seven evaluations of the function and one of its first derivative with good efficiency. Many experiments are presented for showing the performance and efficiency of these numerical techniques. Proposed method perhaps sighted as an alternative to the standard and known methods.


A great deal of information about the motion of dislocations in solid helium has been obtained from ultrasonic and internal friction measurements. A brief review is given and representative data for 3He are presented, showing dislocation resonance and damping as well as pinning effects.


Collection of computer programs developed for expert computer system performing complicated, tedious, and repetitive portions of analysis of telemetry data from spacecraft. Provides nonstop, accurate surveillance of incoming data, also frees operators to concentrate their expertise on unexpected abnormal operating conditions. When unable to explain discrepancies with certainty resulting from data out of synchronization or other falso-alarm conditions, triggers alarm devices to request assistance from designated individuals. Concept useful in such terrestrial systems as production lines, power-distribution networks, chemical processes, large airplanes, and other assemblies of interdependent equipment.


Tax incentives have become a popular policy instrument to boost research and experimental development (R&D) activities of businesses. They offer a reduction to a firm's tax burden depending on the volume, or increase, of the expenditure the firm devoted to R&D. The popularity of this instrument arises from the fact that it is rather simple to implement through the existing system of corporate taxation, implying low additional administrative costs both at the side of authorities and firms. R&D tax incentives do not burden the budget of research ministries (as the costs are borne by lower revenues of the Treasury), and they can easily be altered in size and scope without much change in the administration of the measure (as compared to a grant or loan programme where a doubling or halving of the measure often implies an according change in the resources to run the scheme). In addition, R&D tax incentives are neutral in terms of the content of R&D activity being supported, and they reach out to all types of firms, including small firms and service firms. When run on a long-term legal base, this instrument provides a reliable base for financial planning and R&D decisions of companies. R&D tax incentives offer a wide range of design features to policy makers that allow a flexible use for different policy objectives. They can be targeted to specific types of R&D activities (including innovation activities other than scientific research), they can be varied by firm size, region or sector, and they can be applied differently to different types of R&D expenditures. By using carry-forward or cash refund options, R&D tax incentives can be effective also for firms with no payable taxes in a certain fiscal year. Depending on the system of corporate taxation, tax incentives may be designed either as an allowance or a credit, though one could also choose other taxes such as withholding tax on wages in the Netherlands. In recent years, some Governments have expanded tax incentives to income from intellectual property generated by R&D (the so-called "patent box"). They main disadvantage of the measure is potentially very high costs for the Government, the extent of the costs being difficult to determine in advance. This is particularly true for volume-based tax incentives that offer tax reduction for any amount of R&D spending. Governments can limit these costs by opting for an incremental tax incentive that provides tax reduction only for the amount of R&D expenditure that exceeds a certain baseline. Another way to limit costs is to apply a cap per company. R&D tax incentives have been used by many Governments for a long period of time, providing a wide empirical base for evaluating the effectiveness of this instrument. This report summarises the findings of more than 20 econometric studies on the effectiveness of R&D tax incentives, covering programmes in 12 countries from the 1970s to the 2000s. Most studies look at input additionality, i.e. the change in business R&D expenditure resulting from R&D tax incentives. Most evaluations find a significant input additionality in the short run. The magnitude of positive input effects varies a lot, depending on the country, the period considered and the econometric method applied. Positive effects are found for different types of R&D tax incentives, including both volume-based and incremental schemes as well as for tax credits and tax allowances. One may conclude that R&D tax incentives are a useful tool to stimulate private R&D and raise the level of business R&D expenditure to a higher level. With respect to design features of R&D tax incentives, volume-based incentives and tax credits tend to produce higher additionality, as holds for more generous schemes. Incremental schemes turn out to be little effective in situations when the market environment for additional R&D activities is unfavourable, e.g. during recessions. The higher positive effects of volume-based and more generous schemes have to be balanced against their higher costs. The net welfare effects of R&D tax incentive have not been studied extensively, however. A recent longitudinal study on the welfare effects of a volume-based tax credit programme in the Netherlands suggests that input additionality diminishes over time, and that crowding out of private R&D can only be avoided for small firms while for large firms the scheme turned out to be ineffective. This finding would suggest to differentiating R&D tax incentives by firm size or the volume of R&D expenditure, e.g. through introducing caps or applying different rates for small and larger firms. In addition, a tax incentive could be lowered for firms that have used the credit for some time. While increasing the volume of R&D activities is the primary objective of R&D tax incentives, Governments also often expect impacts on the competitiveness of their industry, and regard fiscal incentives as a tool to improve the international attractiveness of their country as a location for innovation. Evaluations of output additionality of tax incentives are rather scarce, however. Among the few studies on the effects of R&D tax incentives on innovation success and firm performance some find positive effects on a firm's probability to introduce new products and new processes. At the same time, there is no clear evidence on the firm level that using an R&D tax incentive raises productivity


In many situations, available data are sufficient to permit the direct use of material balance techniques for purposes of determining recoverable gas when water movement is not present. In the example given, the procedure involved in the calculation first converts the measured surface casing pressure to sand face conditions. Tubing pressures also are available, but are not used since their conversion normally involves a greater chance of error. In this case, the 3 measured bottom-hole pressure surveys supplied the data necessary to prepare a graph of pressure vs. pressure gradient used in converting the casing pressures to sand conditions. Values of kh are assumed and related values of q/hk are computed for each field measured flow rate. Since the sand face pressure, skin, and q/kh together with the reservoir temperature and gas gravity are either known or assumed, values of average reservoir pressure can be read from the basic graph illustrated. Knowing the average reservoir pressure, corresponding values of p/z can be read from the second graph shown. Such values of p/z may be plotted against cumulative gas produced for each assumed q/kh shown in the illustration.


The control strategies of Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) system output current unbalance and distortion suppression have been well investigated in detail, with the implementation of two kinds of resonant regulators, i.e., conventional Resonance (R) regulator or Vector Proportional Integral (VPI) regulator. Nevertheless, these two resonance regulators have never been compared from the perspective of suppression capability of output current unbalance and distortion. In this paper, the impedance based analysis method is adopted to theoretically explain and compare the DFIG system impedance reshaping though the introduction of R and VPI regulator. It is pointed out that, when implemented in the DFIG system output current unbalance and distortion suppression, the VPI regulator (equivalent to the combination of virtual positive inductor and virtual positive resistor) has two advantages over R regulator (equivalent to the combination of virtual positive resistor and virtual negative inductor), i.e., better high order harmonic distortion suppression. The theoretical analysis and MATLAB simulation results have validated the correctness of this conclusion.


We explore the dynamics of neutrinos in a vacuum dominated cosmol-ogy. First we show that such a geometry will induce a phase change in the eigenstates of a massive neutrino and we calculate the phase change. We also calculate the delay in the neutrino flight times in this geometry. Applying our results to the presently observed background vacuum energy density, we find that for neutrino sources further than 1.5 Gpc away both effects become non-trivial, being of the order of the standard relativistic corrections. Such sources are within the obsevable Hubble Deep Field. The results which are theoretically interesting are also potentially useful, in the future, as detection techniques improve. For example such effects on neutrinos from distant sources like supernovae could be used, in an independent method alternative to standard candles, to constrain the dark energy density and the deceleration parameter. The discussion is extended to investigate Caianiello's inertial or maximal acceleration (MA) effects of such a vacuum dominated spacetime on neutrino oscillations. Assuming that the MA phenomenon exists, we find that its form as generated by the presently observed vacuum energy density would still have little or no measurable effect on neutrino phase evolution. In the last few years there have been two very interesting developments in the field of physics. On the one hand, recent observations [1] strongly suggest that the Hubble expansion does depart from that for a purely matter dominated universe. The leading explanation is that the universe is dominated by a mysterious low energy density vacuum ρ Λ ∼ 1.6 × 10 −3 eV 4 whose dynamical effects are similar to those of a cosmological constant Λ. On the other hand, recent experiments at several research centers, such as the Super-Kamiokanda Collaboration [2], have provided compelling evidence that the neutrino may have a non-zero mass. Such evidence, coupled with the fact that they can traverse very large 1


Purpose: The aim is to reflect on how best to design, implement and assess accounting reforms in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach: A cross-disciplinary literature review

Findings: Whilst neopatrimonialism inhibits optimal development some forms do not block it. Such governance often permeates African politics and reforms directed at its elimination may fail due to lack of political will. Thus accounting reforms should recognise their political feasibility and be directed at areas congruent with strengthening attributes of a developmental state.

Research limitations/implications: There is a need to evaluate accounting reforms with respect to the level of a country's development, relate them to its political governance, and evaluate them with respect to incremental rather than absolute achievement of their aims.

Practical implications: Rather than relying on imported 'best practice' accounting standards and systems, there is a need for greater indigenous involvement to create systems that meet local needs and circumstances to increase indigenous accounting capacity and will to reform.

Social implications: Whilst the push to good governance is a desirable ideal, reforms need to be pragmatic with respect to feasibility.

Originality/value: The paper relates recent work on development to accounting reform in Africa which has been neglected by accounting scholars and practitioners.


Fe(II)-poly(D-glutamic acid) (PGA) complex in aqueous solution has been investigated as functions of pH and concentration of Fe(II) by using absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopies. The helix-breaking interaction occurred at pH 4.3 while the helix-directing one occurred at pH 5.7 after forming complex between PGA and Fe(II). The relationship between conformation change of PGA by forming complex with Fe(II) and complex constants for the above system was studied. As a result, stability constants in random coil structure of PGA are larger than those in -helix structure. This result indicates that the random coil structure of PGA-Fe(II) complex shows more stable complex than -helix one.


In this paper we analyze the economic impacts of two important direct income transfer programs in Brazil, the Bolsa Familia and the Beneficio de Prestacao Continuada programs, using a CGE model of Brazil, the TERM-BR. The real value of those transfers between 2005 and 2012 were calculated and the shocks imposed to the model as shocks to household consumption. Three scenarios were analyzed, with different closures. Results show a fall in GDP when the transfers have to be funded by taxes on the domestic economy. Real household consumption increases in all simulations, as well as GDP in the poorest regions, what shows an income redistribution effect associated to those programs. The paper concludes that transfer programs can t be regarded as economic growth programs, but as poverty alleviation programs only.


Colorless heteropoly molybdosulfate was isolated as sodium tetramethylammonium (Me4N+) salt Na[(CH3)4N]3S2Mo5O23·3H2O from the Mo(VI)/H2SO4/C2H5OH system. The presence of C2H5OH in the system favored the formation of the colorless complex rather than the previously reported yellow complex. The colorless complex was characterized by chemical analysis and IR spectroscopic measurements.


Tumor cell interaction with the extracellular matrix is defined as the critical event of tumor invasion that signals the initiation of a metastatic cascade. Sesquicillin has been identified as an inhibitor of melanoma cell adhesion to the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cultured broth of fungal strain F60063. Sesquicillin strongly inhibited the adhesion of B16 melanoma cells to laminin, fibronectin, and typeIV collagen. It also inhibited B16 melanoma cell invasion of reconstituted basement membrane Matrigel in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that sesquicillin is a new class of nonpeptidic ECM adhesion inhibitor having anti-invasive activity.


Nanoparticles of europium doped yttrium oxide (Y2O3:Eu3+) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method using oleic acid as a surfactant in the presence of other additives. Incorporation of additives like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and NaCl in the reaction mixture drastically affects the particle size, size homogeneity, and emission behavior of the nanophosphors. Photoluminescence emission of the nanophosphors drastically enhances and quenches on addition of NaCl and EDTA in the reaction mixture, respectively. Such emission behaviors of the nanophosphors are explained considering the nephelauxetic effect induced by the incorporated ions in the reaction solution.


: Sherwood Anderson's capture of the subtlety of inner worlds in his short story "Queer" collected in Winesburg, Ohio shows great insights into the complexity and paradoxes of human psychology, in terms of his deep exploration into issues including identity, neurosis and speech impairment, which demonstrate surprising coincidence with symptoms examined by Lacan. Elmer Cowley's queer behaviors suggest that he has developed "self-punishment paranoia," a mental disorder Lacan found and examined in his doctoral thesis. The term illustrates the paradoxical and alienating nature of the relationship between subjects and their identities. Elmer's attacking of George Willard, the only newspaper reporter of Winesburg and the incarnation of the big Other, is equivalent to the attacking of himself, for George serves as Elmer's ego-ideal through the mechanism of symbolic identification. Besides, the Cowley father and son also show a certain degree of aphasia. The seemingly nonsensical expression about laundry, which the Cowleys often utters unintendedly when they try to confront Winesburg residents, discloses the truth of the unconscious subject that they desire to be normal like other town folks. The Cowleys' aphasia indicates their failure of being integrated into the Winesburg community. Anderson's foresights of Lacanian psychoanalysis yet to be born in his time prove the prophet role a truly insightful writer can assume.


Summary Storage in a deep geological layer is the final destination for radioactive waste (ILW). In these conditions, the organic waste can be in contact with the infiltrated water and can release new hydrophilic oragnic products, which can complex and remobilize radionuclides. In this work, we are looking for investigate the release of organic ligand from plastics (PVC and PE) at 2 temperatures.


This study was to determine whether the vigor of the Zygophyllum xanthoxylon seeds can be maintained at a higher level and their storage characteristics can be improved by ultra-dry storage. The results showed that the Zygophyllum xanthoxylon seeds became more tolerant to aging condition if they could be dried to below 5% of moisture content. Under the same aging condition, the germination energy of seeds with 11.43% of moisture content has decreased greatly, while that of ultra-dry seeds still kept a high level. The dehydrogenase activity of ultra-dry seeds was higher than that of the control (moisture content 11.43%, aging treatment). Malonadehyde (MDA) and relative electric conductivity were decreased in ultra- dry seeds. Therefore ultra-dry seeds could improve the storability of Zygophyllum xanthoxylon seeds.


Discounted cash flow analysis provides a means of relating the magnitude of expected future cash profits to the magnitude of the initial cash investment required to purchase an asset or to develop it for commercial production. The objectives of discounted cash flow analysis are to determine: < The net present value of a stream of expected future cash revenues and expenditures. < The rate of return which the expected future cash flows will yield on a given level of initial cash investment. In the case of mineral properties, discounted cash flow analysis is generally accepted as the preferred method of valuation, whenever sufficient data are available to permit its reasoned application. Sufficient data are required to support estimation of all of the individual elements of cash revenue and cash expenditure which will be associated with the development and operation of the property, up to the end of its estimated life. It is the accuracy of these input estimates which determines the validity of the resulting determinations of profitability and rate of return on invested capital. In undertaking any discounted cash flow analysis, it is important to recognize certain fundamental attributes of the mining industry: < The basis of any mineral development is the existence of an ore reserve. < Costs are determined by the number of tonnes mined and processed, while revenues are determined by the number of pounds or ounces of metal produced. The two are related by the recovered grade of the ore. < Profit is typically more sensitive to changes in revenue than it is to changes in cost. < Commodity price is a principal determinant of revenue, but it is also the factor with which is associated the greatest level of financial risk. In the end, of all of the factors which must be considered in the discounted cash flow valuation of a mineral property, the most significant are the reliability of the reserve estimate, particularly with respect to recovered grade, the price at which the product is to be sold, and the risk of not maintaining the projected level of price.


Objective To resolve the conflict between clinical care and research,and ensure data safety.Methods A clinical research information integration system was developed,and a set of data processing strategies as data association and digital certificates was employed.Results The clinical research information integration system was applied in Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of TCM.Conclusion The system improves the work efficiency of medical staff and research specialist staff,and realizes the integration between clinical care and research.


This study focuses on assessing the socio economic impact from investments in the field of cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (c-ITS) in Greece. For quantifying the impacts of c-ITS, a survey-based study was designed and executed. The questionnaire encompassed questions on: i. technology awareness, ii. general economic, environmental and system performance factors and threats, and iii. respondent's socio-economic characteristics. Findings revealed the degree of uncertainty of Greek people on the spectrum of c-ITS applications and their implementation in Greece. Other findings revealed the perceived effect of c-ITS to public transport, the maximum amount of money that users are willing to invest for owning a c-ITS ready vehicle and the future degree of penetration of such technologies in the Greek market. The statistical model estimation results indicated that the perceived impacts of c-ITS to the economy were reflected on trade, production of goods and services, real estate and fuel prices (ranked based on their importance).


At present, searching for new efficient red light-emitting phosphors remains extremely relevant for obtaining warm white light from phosphor-converted white LEDs (pc-WLEDs). Appropriate phosphors should have significant absorption in the blue spectral range and emit in the red range of 620 ÷ 650 nm. Mn 4+ -doped luminescent materials with narrow-band emission due to the Mn 4+ d-d electronic transition have been subjected to intensive studies in the last years as promising red-emitting phosphors efficiently excited with blue LEDs.


The equine nasal cavity and associated paranasal sinuses are subject to a variety of disorders that primarily cause nasal airflow disorders or unilateral nasal discharge. Nasal paralysis, "false nostril flutter" and alar fold collapse can all cause loud respiratory noise production during exercise and these noises must be differentiated from each other, and also from noises caused by significant nasopharyngeal and laryngeal airflow obstructions. Most nasal haemorrhage (epistaxis) is not nasal in origin and when it occurs, most traumatic nasal and sinus epistaxis is self limiting. Progressive ethmoid haematoma lesions can be suspected by the chronicity and low grade, unilateral nature of the epistaxis and then confirmed endoscopically. Most unilateral purulent nasal discharge in Published in IVIS with the permission of the editor Close window to return to IVIS


After investigating the present situation of sport health education and using a combination of scientific research methods,we find the sport health education in our country's higher vocational and technical college or institute can't meet the students'needs.So we want to give scientific basis and theoretical support to perfect the system of sport health education and make it meet the needs of social development with our investigation and research.


AbstractThe wave-coherent momentum flux and velocity variances are investigated using a theoretical model and open-ocean measurements. The spectrum-integrated wave-coherent (SIWC) momentum flux and...


Brevard College is a small liberal arts college in Western North Carolina committed to experiential education. The Teacher Education Program prepares future teachers to lead the next generation of learning communities by nurturing values and skills necessary for inquiry-based teaching. Darling-Hammond (2005) reaffirms that one critical aspect of school reform is "preparing accomplished teachers who can effectively teach a wide array of learners to high standards . . . essential to economic and political survival" (p. 238). Admittedly, this is no easy task. Newly licensed candidates face a convergence of politics, economics, and demographic 21 st century realities. Faculty and candidates need a deep understanding of constructivist theory to prepare for inquirybased teaching. This knowledge must not just be a tagline on a syllabus but embedded in heads and hearts. Reflecting on how theory is put into practice, through explicit minds-on|hands-on field experience in diverse community partnerships, teacher candidates are empowered. The lessons learned by a newly-licensed constructivist based teacher boldly sharing his passion for inquiry-based teaching in a public school setting offers a glimpse of potential hope.


In the English teaching and learning process, there are four skills that are identified as
very important; listening, speaking, reading and writing. The Indonesian government
places English as a compulsory subject for junior and senior high school. But in practice,
teaching English is not too maximal. Reading skills in this case reading English texts is
very important because by reading it is open the opportunity to absorb other existing
knowledge. Reading comprehension is an advanced level of reading skills. Senior high
school students are expected to have mastered the comprehension skills of reading
English texts at an advanced level. This is because most likely at the level of lectures
these students are required to read English reference books. Therefore, research
that reveals the problems that exist in the teaching and learning process of Reading
Comprehension English texts needs to be done. Data sources were the articles about
teaching English, focusing in the problem of reading comprehension. Data were words
and sentences from the articles. The analysis technique used was thematic analysis.
Based on the research, problem face by student in reading comprehension of English
text was majoring in three theme; 1. Problems from the student self, 2. Problems from
the teacher, and 3.External problems. Problems from the student self consist of three
part; student basic English ability, less attraction on the subject and not motivated.
Problems from the teacher were not using any method while teaching and used
inappropriate method. External problems were material and environment.


The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of soil amendments (i.e., phosphogypsum and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)) separately or their combination on exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), soil enzymes' activity (urease and dehydrogenase), pigment content, relative water content (RWC), antioxidant enzymatic activity, oxidative stress, productivity, and quality of quinoa under deficient irrigation conditions in two field experiments during the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 seasons under salt-affected soil. Results revealed that ESP, soil urease activity, soil dehydrogenase activity, leaf chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids, leaf K content, RWC, SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), and POD (peroxidase) activities were declined, resulting in overproduction of leaf Na content, proline content, and oxidative stress indicators (H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage) under water stress and soil salinity, which negatively influence yield-related traits, productivity, and seed quality of quinoa. However, amendment of salt-affected soil with combined phosphogypsum and seed inoculation with PGPR under deficient irrigation conditions was more effective than singular application and control plots in ameliorating the harmful effects of water stress and soil salinity. Additionally, combined application limited Na uptake in leaves and increased K uptake and leaf chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids as well as improved SOD, CAT, and POD activities to ameliorate oxidative stress indicators (H2O2, MDA, and electrolyte leakage), which eventually positively reflected on productivity and quality in quinoa. We conclude that the potential utilization of phosphogypsum and PGPR are very promising as sustainable eco-friendly strategies to improve quinoa tolerance to water stress under soil salinity.


Energy awareness and management are two vital concepts essential to the successful operation and application of embedded computing systems. Furthermore, embedded systems need to be equipped with high performance processors under specific embedded environmental conditions. The purpose of this project is an in-depth technical comparison of energy and performance for the ARM PXA processor operation vs. Conventional DSPs, via digital signal processing code development. The parameters and tools for our comparison included: memory and cache management (primarily the effects various data set sizes have on the use and misuse of cache). We will quantify these metrics using In-Line Assembler to access the ARM PXA Performance Monitoring Registers. Initially we tested out these parameters via a basic FIR filter design. Our testing scenarios then involved a more elaborate signal processing algorithm, namely, a fixed point 1-D and 2-D FFT, thereby conclusively proving the origins and strategies for optimization within this reference frame.


Objective
To transfect the dog bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with lentivirus-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and observe the expressions of VEGF165 and BMP-2 in BMSCs.

Methods
Lentivirus vectors carrying VEGF165 and BMP-2 genes were constructed and used to transfect dog third-generation BMSCs, including untransfected group, VEGF165 group, BMP-2 group and double-gene (VEGF165+ BMP-2) group. Expressions of VEGF165 and BMP-2 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR 7 d after the transfection.Expressions of VEGF165 and BMP-2 protein were detected by Western blotting 5 d and 28 d after the transfection. Cell growth was detected by MTT assay.

Results
RT-PCR showed high expression of VEGF165 mRNA in VEGF165 and double-gene groups, and BMP-2 mRNA in BMP-2 and double-gene groups, but there was no significant difference in group comparison(P>0.05). Western blotting showed specific performance of VEGF165 protein in VEGF165 and double-gene groups, and BMP-2 protein in BMP-2 and double-gene groups. In MTT assay cells were found to have 2-3 d relatively stationary phase in the early period, proliferated rapidly at 3 d, reaching the logarithmic growth, and entered the plateau phase with slow propagation. There was no significant difference in absorbance value before and after the transfection (P>0.05).

Conclusion
BMSCs with highly expressed VEGF165 and BMP-2 can be successfully obtained by lentiviral transduction.

Key words:
Tissue engineering; Mesenchymal stem cells; Lentivirus; Transfection


Nonaccidental trauma from child abuse presents unique challenges to the anesthesiologist. Diagnosing abuse is difficult because children may present with nonspecific symptoms and vague clinical histories. Multiple organ systems may be involved, but the greatest risk of death stems from abusive head trauma. Anesthesiologists must know the pediatric traumatic brain injury treatment guidelines and be prepared to treat the complex disease processes of child abuse and abusive head trauma. This chapter discusses anesthesia for nonaccidental pediatric trauma, including abusive head trauma. Topics covered include cervical instability, intracranial hypertension, seizures, and anesthetic agents. Debriefing after a poor outcome is also covered.


Through a chronological examination of each piece of Thomas Mann's short fiction, this sweeping study analyzes the continuous flow of Mann's work and thus traces his emotional and intellectual development. It draws heavily on Mann's letters and diaries, and reveals the relationship of his short fiction to his major novels.


In 1994, General Electric (GE) took the strategic decision to provide satellite communications services outside their traditional market in the US. GE Capital Satellites International was established to build on the experience and resources of GE Americom and provide a full range of satellite communications services in the European, African, and Asia-Pacific regions. The company's first venture is in Europe, where from late 1997 GE Capital Satellites Europe will provide European-wide services via the new Sirius 2 Ku-band satellite owned and operated jointly with NSAB of Sweden. The author discusses the characteristics of this satellite, the market it is aimed at and applications. (6 pages)


The Three Synchronizations Policy requires that the design, construction, and operation of a new factory, or an existing factory that expands or changes production processes, be synchronized with the design, construction and operation of appropriate waste treatment facilities. Under this policy, when a new factory is designed, wastewater treatment facilities must be included as part of the overall factory design: when the factory is constructed, the wastewater treatment facilities must be constructed along with construction of the production facilities; and finally, when the factory begins to operate, the waste treatment facilities must begin operation as well. This research includes case studies of wastewater treatment measures at sixteen factories in the Pearl River Delta Region of China. Implementation of the Three Synchronizations Policy is examined in detail for two of the factories: Fengfu Weaving and Dyeing Plant and Zhongguan Printing and Dyeing Plant. The results of this research suggest that the Three Synchronizations Policy has been an effective means of forcing new and renovated factories to comply with wastewater discharge standards, mainly because the Three Synchronizations Policy gives environmental protection bureaus authority to regulate at each step of a new industrial facility`s development. In practice, this authority has been exercised through more » formalizing the {open_quotes}synchronizations{close_quotes} into a management system with specific regulatory requirements, each of which requires EPB approval. EPBs ran stall operation by withholding its approval of certification of a factory`s wastewater treatment facilities; EPBs also use fines and limited time treatment orders to enforce the Three Synchronizations Policy. The research results demonstrate that the Three Synchronizations Policy was more important than the Pollutant Discharge Fee Program in motivating existing factories to build wastewater treatment facilities. « less


0.78, p<0.004). Furthermore, RLS predicted significant stenosis in corresponding coronary arteries (Figure 1). Conclusion: In patients with suspected SAP GLS at rest is an independent predictor of significant coronary artery disease and significantly improves the diagnostic performance of exercise ECG. Additionally, RLS can identify which coronary artery that suffers from significant stenosis.


The objective of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 08-36, Task 95 was to plan and conduct a Virtual Conference on Transportation Planning Research Needs. This report documents the structure of the virtual conference, the resulting research needs statements, and lessons learned from the experience of utilizing a virtual conference format. The research needs and challenges identified through this effort may be a useful starting point for developing research statements for submission to the Transportation Research Board (TRB), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), or other research funding entities.


to elu cidate the possibility of intensification of specific immunity against plague. Comparative morphometric analysis of immune system organs of white mice inoculated with live plague vaccine (LPV) and its combination with immunomodulators was performed. Experimental data indicate that ara- binogalactane and its nanobiocomposites used in combination with LPV in crease immunocytopoetic function of immune system organs to larger extent than LPV.


Background: Left ventricular (LV) twist represents a main aspect of ejection. It is defined as the difference between the apical and basal rotation and can be assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Twist may be underestimated when assessed by two‐dimensional‐echocardiography due to the difficulty of identifying the real apex. Aim of this study was to evaluate the LV twist by means of three‐dimensional (3D)‐STE and verify if the inclusion of the apex can modify the assessment of the global twist. Methods: LV volume acquisition with a fully sampled matrix array transducer was performed in 30 healthy subjects and 79 patients with cardiomyopathy secondary to different etiologies. Thirty‐nine patients had a LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥50% (Group A), 16 showed an EF between 40 and 50% (Group B), and 24 patients had an EF ≤40%(Group C). LV rotation was assessed by 3D‐STE at basal, medium, apical, and apical‐cap levels. Twist was computed considering the apex either at the apical level (TwistApi) or at the apical‐cap level (TwistAC). Results: LV rotation resulted to be progressively higher from base to apical‐cap (P < 0.0001) with a significant difference between the apex and the apical‐cap level (6.20 ± 3.90° vs. 10.23 ± 7.52°; P < 0.001). Such a difference was constantly found in all Groups (P < 0.01 for Group A, P < 0.05 for Group B and C). TwistApi was also significantly lower than TwistAC both in the overall population (6.2 ± 3.89° vs. 10.23 ± 7.51°; P < 0.001) and in the different subgroups (Controls: 9.61 ± 3.39° vs. 13.75 ± 6.51°; Group A: 10.49 ± 4.77° vs. 16.37 ± 8.49°; Group B: 6.67 ± 3.44° vs. 9.14 ± 5.55°; Group C: 33 ± 2.62° vs. 5.26 ± 3.74°; P < 0.05 for all the comparisons). Conclusions: Identification and inclusion of apical‐cap is relevant for twist assessment and can be carried out efficiently by 3D‐STE. The inclusion of the true apex in the calculation significantly affects the analysis of twist both in normal individuals and patients with different myocardial diseases.


Much research has been conducted on the management of outdoor moving objects. In contrast, relatively little research has been conducted on indoor moving objects. The indoor setting differs from outdoor settings in important ways, including the following two. First, indoor spaces exhibit complex topologies. They are composed of entities that are unique to indoor settings, e.g., rooms and hallways that are connected by doors. As a result, conventional Euclidean distance and spatial network distance are inapplicable in indoor spaces. Second, accurate, GPS-like positioning is typically unavailable in indoor spaces. Rather, positioning is achieved through the use of technologies such as Bluetooth, Infrared, RFID, or Wi-Fi. This typically results in much less reliable and accurate positioning. This paper covers some preliminary research that explicitly targets an indoor setting. Specifically, we describe a graph-based model that enables the effective and efficient tracking of indoor objects using proximity-based positioning technologies like RFID and Bluetooth. Furthermore, we categorize objects according to their position-related states, present an on-line hash-based object indexing scheme, and conduct an uncertainty analysis for indoor objects. We end by identifying several interesting and important directions for future research.


The invention provides battery charging control method and device as well as a terminal device, wherein the method comprises the following steps of: acquiring the ambient temperature and the surface temperature when a battery is charged; generating a first charge closing instruction if the ambient temperature is lower than a preset working lower-limit temperature value; generating a second charge closing instruction if the ambient temperature is higher than a preset working upper-limit temperature value and the difference value of the surface temperature and the ambient temperature of the battery is larger than a preset battery heating-limit temperature value; and controlling a charging circuit of the battery to be closed according to the charging closing instruction or the second charging closing instruction. The invention can prevent the battery damage or other harms as the charging method is incorrectly used.


Weather and climate models struggle to represent lower tropospheric temperature and moisture profiles and surface fluxes in Arctic winter, not least because they lack or misrepresent physical processes that are specific to high latitudes. The Arctic boundary layer in winter has been observed to be in either a radiatively clear or cloudy state: The radiatively clear state is characterized by strong surface radiative cooling leading to the build-up of surface-based temperature inversions, whereas the cloudy state occurs when cloud liquid water is present in the atmospheric column, allowing little or no surface radiative cooling and leading to weaker and typically elevated temperature inversions. Many large-scale models have been shown to lack the cloudy state, and some do substantially underestimate stability in the clear state. We here present results from the first Lagrangian ARCtic air FORMation experiment (Larcform 1), a GASS (Global atmospheric system studies) single-column model intercomparison which reproduces these biases of large-scale models in an idealised setup.


In our recent experimental charge density studies, we noticed residual density close to hydrogen positions that could be modelled as anisotropic displacement. To justify this treatment, we collected neutron data for two benchmark structures and compared the derived anisotropic hydrogen displacement parameters to our refined parameters against the X-ray data, results obtained from the SHADE-server [1], the software APD-Toolkit [2] and from HARt [3]. The smallest deviations from the neutron values were achieved by the refinement of anisotropic hydrogen displacement parameters against the X-ray data. With that, the refinement of bond-directed quadrupole parameters turned out to be important. The main discrepancies were observed for hydrogen atoms that are attached to carbon atoms that were refined with Gram-Charlier coefficients. Furthermore, we investigated also the free refinement of the C-H bond distances after anisotropic refinement of the hydrogens. While HARt yields the most reliable C-H bond distances, it overestimated the hydrogen anisotropic displacement parameters [4].


As the ecological and environmental problems become increasingly severe, Payments for Environmental Services (PES) has now become an effective means of resolving the issues of natural resource management. Based on considerations of social equity and effect of poverty alleviation in the PES schemes, it becomes the common concern issue for the research on the poor's effect in the research of PES scheme in recent years. This article reviews and analyzes this issue both at home and abroad, and then presents a research framework of the relationship between PES and poverty alleviation in China, including three aspects: the selection process of the poor's participation, the effects of PES scheme on the poor's participation and its research method. In addition, the paper summarizes some issues in the process of study on the relationship between PES and poverty alleviation, which urgently needs improving in China.


Abstract In this paper we study necessary und sufficient conditions for well-posedness of scalar, singular (i.e., with a difference operator which is nonatomic at zero) neutral functional differential equations (SNFDEs) in the state space C (− r , 0). We also discuss an ill-posed SNFDE in order to illustrate how the addition of a singularity away from zero (in our case we have a perturbing atom at − r ) can destroy well-posedness.


In 1930, John Ringling purchased the Goya painting "portrait of the Duchess of Alba". Problematic in attribution, provenance, and condition, the painting is an excellent test case to highlight research performed by art librarians and how their research assists other professionals at a museum. This article considers the importance of presentations to different types of audiences to emphasize the roles of and collaboration among professional librarians, conservators, and registrars. The Ringling presentations focused on museum and library ethics, modern methods in registration, conservation, archives, the art library, museum technology, and the history of a painting's provenance and collectors.


Abstract We report and describe a new population of the endangered Aleutian shield fern (Polystichum aleuticum C. Christens.) discovered on Mount Reed, Adak Island, Alaska. The new population is located at a lower elevation than the other known populations, placing the species' known elevational range between 338 m and 525 m. The discovery of this population is significant because it increases the total number of known populations and individuals for the species.


ITS applications throughout the United States use a variety of mapping technologies to efficiently relay traffic information to both traffic agents and the general public. This paper describes the findings of a nationwide survey of the mapping approaches taken by traveler information websites. The technologies used within the Oklahoma ITS architecture are also presented within the context of this survey. The mapping technologies discussed include ArcGIS, MapServer, HTML-based techniques, Google Maps, Bing Maps, and OpenLayers. The tradeoffs that would be considered when evaluating the use of mapping technologies in new or existing ITS applications are presented for comparison.


Certainly head positioning provides a recording apparatus and recording method of the signal for head positioning that can avoid the overlap between the signals. The recording apparatus so-called servo track writer for head positioning signal is able to follow the read gap 29 is already in an established track 57 on the recording medium. Once this way establishing the tracking of the read gap 29 and the image path (58) extending in parallel to the track (27) can move the recording gap (32). A head position signal, that is, servo signals (59) determined during this movement may be recorded. For example, the recording medium may be exposed to vibration or other small displacement, the read gap 29 will continue to follow the track (57). Thus, the servo signal 59 is at the correct position on the recording medium may be recorded. Head, slider, and a signal recording device


Chemically bonded ceramics appear to be a promising alternative route for near-net shape fabrication of multi-phase ceramic matrix composites (CMC`s). The hydraulic (and refractory) properties of fine mono-calcium aluminate (CaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}) powders were used as the chemically bonding matrix phase, while calcia stabilized zirconia powders were the second phase material. Samples containing up to 70 wt% (55 vol%) zirconia have been successfully compacted and sintered. Various processing techniques were evaluated. Processing was optimized based on material properties, dilatometry and simultaneous thermal analysis (DTA/TGA). The physical characteristics of this novel CMC were characterized by hardness, density, and fracture toughness testing. Microstructures were evaluated by SEM and phase identification was verified using XRD.


Introduction: Mars surface bears traces of many fluvial-like features, geomorphic identified as outflow channels, valley networks etc. Among these a particular one stands above others from the dimensional point of view. Outflow channels bear unique water erosion characteristics, that led Baker and Milton (1974) [1] to believe that are caused by a surface runoff of large amounts of water, in short geological time. Water origin, necessary for these processes was the topic of many works. Among these theories one generally accepted idea considers that water is originating from melting of permafrost layers positioned in the places of today chaos'. Here is an investigation that takes into account the exoergic salt-ice dissolution reaction, along with freezing point depression of formed salty solutions, as a complentary or a stand-alone process in chaos-outflow channel formation mechanism. This model is trying to best fit the observation of Iani Chaos-Ares Vallis-Chryse Planitia system. Water source: Currently there are three more or less widely accepted ideas concerning the formation of outflow channels and the origin of water necessary for outflow " carving " : 1. Massive release of subsurface confined aquifer; first proposed by Carr [2]. Release of the aquifer water involves some catastrophic event (e.g. meteorite impact, faulting etc.) in such a manner that the groundwater should be released at surface through permafrost layer. 2. Dehydration of hydrates evaporites, having as caloric energy source volcanic activity of Tharsis [3]; evaporitic minerals present in source places for outflow channels, such as gypsum, epsomite, kieserite in the presence of a geothermal gradient would release the structural water at critical points specific for every mineral, hence all the water is structural water, implying huge amounts of evaporitic deposits being prior deposited. 3. Melting of permafrost ground ice. There are many morphologic evidences that the Martian soil bears large amounts of water trapped in ice form (permafrost). Ogawa et al. [4] pointed out that permafrost melting could be powered by the heat released from associated magmatic intrusions, that raise the thermal gradient around specific places, most of them being connected to Tharsis volcanic activity. Salt occurrences: Early evidences about the presence of sulfates on Mars dates back to Viking landers in 1976 [5]. X-ray fluorescence data collected, led to recognition of Mg-S, and latter to the concept that MgSO 4 class salts, could be the cementing agent in Martian soils at two widely separated landing places (Chryse Planitia and …


Wave-power gradient studies along the mainland in the St. Joseph Bay area (panhandle coast of Florida) indicate that the dominant wave approach direction, responsible for littoral drift toward the south-southeast, is from the west. Using this information, attempts have been made to arrive at a relative depositional sequence in this region consisting of: bay, shoal, spit with beach ridges, and mainland beach ridges. On a smoothed coast without the beach ridges, but with the present bathymetric conditions, the wave-power gradient was determined. There was no noticeable drift component indicating deposition. Then, the bathymetry was made smooth by the removal of the offshore shoal, the longshore component of wave power was computed and plotted to get an idea of the littoral drift. As a third stage, successive beach ridges were deleted from the spit one after the other and the drift component was determined in each case. At a certain stage, after the removal of a specific number of ridges in the spit and making the bathymetry smooth, the longshore component showed a strong south-southeast drift, accounting for deposition, and in turn leading to the growth of the mainland beach ridges (which original y had been smoothed out). This model produced one possible depositional history of this region: initially, the simultaneous growth of the mainland beach ridges after the closing of the channel east of Cape San Blas and the northern part of the spit and associated beach ridges extending northward from the cape. This growth is followed by the development of the remaining part of the spit and the formation of the shoal attached to it; and finally the termination of growth of the mainland beach ridges. The age of the beach ridges on the mainland is thought to be between 400 and 600 years. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1835------------


The practice of plant operation under outage conditions has proved to work in a large number of successful plant outages, and optimization measures have led to excellent results benefitting plant operation. Within the level-2 probabilistic safety analysis (PSA) project, the Gesellschaft fur Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS) conducted a study to this effect of no-load operation (NLO) of the Neckar II (GKN II) nuclear power plant as the reference plant. The plant operator performed an analysis based on the PSA of GRS for the other unit on site, GKN I. Know-how was permanently exchanged among the participants, including information about specific knowledge of technical devices and technical process sequences. Sequences of steps in the period of time particularly relevant to safety in the first mid-loop operation were considered in detail in the NLPSA. The analyses resulted in measures which greatly contribute to a major reduction of the frequency of systems damage states as originally indicated. These measures mainly related to the administrative sector. There was no need for any new technical systems, and the effectiveness of existing installations was increased systematically by a closed concept. In this way, the safety level of the plant in the status examined was raised considerably at little overall expense.


In view of the bearing profession development situation and the request in our country at present,we manufactured the automatic detection system do the bearing examination with higher efficiency and the precision,the function are more formidable.This system enabled to examine bearing geometry parameters and so on addendum circle diameter,roundness and cylindricity simultaneously.This article discussed the data processing method in the bearing examination system.It has given there method: the diameter error calculated,the error computational method and the error computational method.This made the examination in the inside and outside ferrule of the bearing become automatically,highly effective and with high accuracy and the graduation.


In recent years, Human activity recognition and research related to it are in high demand owing to its application in various fields such as healthcare systems, assisted living, surveillance etc. Activity recognition system in general aims at identifying activities performed by person in an environment. In this work, skeletal data-based activity recognition system is presented. Microsoft Kinect sensor is a motion capture sensor developed by Microsoft for xbox one. It has become most popular for its effortless operation and low cost. The 3D skeletal joint positions obtained from this kinect sensor are used as raw data for classification purpose. Set of statistical features are computed from these skeletal data. The dimensions of statistical features computed are reduced to eliminate correlated and redundant features among them. Principal component analysis (PCA), a technique used for finding smaller number of uncorrelated data is employed for reducing the feature dimension. The dimensionally reduced features are used as training data for training the classifier. The ability of K-nearest neighbour (KNN) classifier and Support vector machine (SVM) classifier in classifying actions are analysed. The classification method proposed is tested on most popular KARD (Kinect activity recognition dataset) dataset and various classification parameters are computed. Among the two classifiers considered, SVM classifier performed better with an average overall accuracy of 97% which is 3.44% higher than the accuracy produced by KNN classifier.


1. The system controlling the angle of rotation of the aircraft on which the outlet as a control command signal for controllably receiving the nose wheel provided with a control signal corresponding to the rotation angle, the control command occurs for rotation in a predetermined direction of the body taxiing aircraft; wherein said system comprises: a setpoint nominal rotation angle calculating the nominal angle of rotation, assuming no slippage of the airframe; slippage detection device based on the nominal angle of rotation detect slippage of the airframe; switching means that selects and outputs the signal to the control command in conjunction with a device detecting slippage, and upon detection of slippage of the airframe is provided infeed signal output corresponding to the nominal angle of rotation, as a control command signal to the nose steering wheel, without the use and supplied to a control signal output corresponding corner povorota.2. The system according to claim 1, in which is provided a nominal steering angle computation according to the formula L · ω / V, where V corresponds to the speed of the aircraft relative to the ground of the housing; ω corresponds to the yaw rate of the airframe; and L represents the distance between the center of gravity of the body of the aircraft and said steerable nose wheel.


Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in Bangladesh. Antimicrobial agents are used for its treatment. The increase in antibiotic resistance among uropathogens is a global problem.Objective: This study was designed to find out the prevalence of UTI, its causative agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among suspected patients of UTI attending Dhaka Dental College Hospital, Dhaka.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Dhaka Dental College Hospital, Dhaka during the period of November 2014 to May 2017. Clinically diagnosed cases of UTI irrespective of age and sex from out-patient department and in-patient department were selected for the purpose of the study. For culture, the urine samples were inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar and MacConkey's agar media using calibrated loop following standard bacteriological technique. After the incubation period, the plate were examined for bacterial pathogen. The disk diffusion method (Kirby Bauer's) was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates. Standard inoculums were inoculated on Mueller-Hinton agar and incubated at 37oC for 24 hours.Result: Ninety three urine samples were studied. Among the 93 samples most of them were in the age group of 21 to 30 years. Out of 93 samples, 26 (27.95%) samples were found culture positive. Escherichia coli (92.30%) was found to be the predominant organism.  Regarding antimicrobial sensitivity pattern Esch. coli was found to be most sensitive to Imipenem (100%), Amikacin (87.5%), and Nitrofurantoin (83.33%).Conclusion: In conclusion young aged female are commonly suffering from UTI and Escherichia coli is the most common isolated bacteria.Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2017;4(2):40-44


In this article, we present the results on the synthesis and electron emission characteristics of an individual and a carbon nanotube (CNT) bundle on a Si tip. The Si tip with diameter of about 20 nm at the apex and the tip height of 5 μm was fabricated using Si microfabrication process. Individual and carbon nanotubes bundle were selectively grown at the apex of the Si tip using a hot-filament chemical vapor deposition with a mixture of C2H2 and H2 gases under a negative substrate biasing. Electron field emission characteristics of the Si tips with and without the individual CNT on the same substrate were measured in a vacuum of 1.7×10−4 Pa. Threshold or turn on voltages defined at the emission current of 10 pA of approximately 40 V (4 V/μm) and 200 V (20 V/μm) were found for the Si tips with and without the individual CNT, respectively. Emission current and emission light pattern of the emitted electrons from the carbon nanotubes bundle were also studied.


Introduction: It has been estimated that 47% of people with COPD referred to pulmonary rehabilitation programs experience exercise-induced desaturation (EID) (nadir SpO2 Aim: To determine whether there is a difference in functional exercise capacity and PA levels in people with COPD with EID and without EID. Methods: This was an observational study comparing outcomes in COPD people with and without EID. PA was assessed as the average of (i) number of steps per day, and (ii) time spent in sedentary (0 to Results: 65 participants were recruited to the EID group (mean (SD) age 70 (7) years, FEV1 50 (20) %predicted, nadir SpO2 84 (4)%) and 77 participants to the no EID group (age 69 (8), FEV1 48 (14) %predicted). Functional exercise capacity was lower in the EID group compared to the no EID group (6MWD 406 (97) m vs 479 (81) m, mean difference (95% CI) -73m (-43 to -102), p Conclusion: Functional exercise capacity and PA levels were lower in people with COPD who had EID compared to those without EID, despite similar age and disease severity.


This study aims to look at the role of government (political strategy of the budget) inallocating capital expenditure structure by testing the General Allocation Fund (DAU)and revenue (PAD) which dioreintasikan on building / structure Capex (BM) area.This study uses a combination of research methods (mixed method) that combinesquantitative and qualitative research methods. The data were processed usingSPSS. The results showed that the variables simultaneously DAU and PAD do notaffect capital expenditure, but only partially PAD variables that affect predictions oflocal government capital expenditures. The proportion and fund management ishighly dependent on government policy. The funding source is not necessarily a lotlarger nominal allocated to optimize capital expenditure. The function of governmentas an agent can not be separated from the function of the politicization of theparliament. Both as a public agency because of head and MPs both selected andtrusted by the people. Political function of legislative - executive and administrativefunctions at the same executive role in determining the allocation of resources andthe use of capital expenditure penanaan area. Keywords: Proportion of capital expenditure structure


This paper analyzed the manifestation and reason of the infringement of Copyright of Press,and discussed on the legal limit of the transshipment and fair use,and give the countermeasure for dealing with them.


The discrepancy between optimal private and social land use decision based on maximum net benefit induces Chinese government to implement active rural land protection policies (RLPP). The RLPP, consist of total rural land dynamic balancex controling over the land use purposes regulation on rural land requisition, fail to meet the anticipant goals. It is mainly due to the deviation from the RLPP goals and incomplete RLPP implementation. To realize the optimal social land resource allocation, the economic relationships should be identified and some measure, such as improving RLPP contract strength the RLPP performance mechanism, should be taken.


An algorithm is given for constructing an alphabetic binary tree of minimum weighted path length (for short, an optimal alphabetic tree). The algorithm needs $4n^2 + 2n$ operations and $4n$ storage locations, where n is the number of terminal nodes in the tree. A given binary tree corresponds to a computer search procedure, where the given files or letters (represented by terminal nodes) are partitioned into two parts successively until a particular file or letter is finally identified. If the files or letters are listed alphabetically, such as a dictionary, then the binary tree must have, from left to right, the terminal nodes consecutively. Since different letters have different frequencies (weights) of occurring, an alphabetic tree of minimum weighted path length corresponds to a computer search tree with minimum-mean search time. A binary tree also represents a (variable-length) binary code. In an alphabetic binary code, the numerical binary order of the code words corresponds to the alphabetical orde...


The paper considers male and female images in the Yakut fairy tales as a component of cultural programming of gender behavior in a tribal society. The analysis of the Yakut fairy tales reveals that the main male characters whole being integral are represented as a rule by three types – in the image of heroes, hunters and poor men. Female images are more diverse, among them there are girls of the Upper World and udagans (shaman women), endowed with magical powers and the gift of transformation; girls of the Middle World, who can be both passive and active characters; the third group of female images is represented by old women, who are often embodied in the collective image of the old woman Simekhsin. The results of the analysis suggest that the masculine images correspond to the stereotypical male behavior patterns in the patriarchate society, while the feminine images may deviate from the accepted gender stereotypes for various reasons.


The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) aged 75 years or older.


The primary goal of this study is to increase readers' understanding of assessment for language learning and development, particularly as it relates to morphology for students of EFL (English as a Foreign Language). We also consider noting the many assessment methods that might be employed to determine how well EFL students understand morphology. Second, we'll go over a variety of language-improvement strategies that we could use to help EFL students better understand English morphology. We'll look at a few benefits of peer evaluation for EFL learners' vocabulary and morphological comprehension in the third segment. This study will go over peer assessment's benefits, the process of language improvement in English morphology, and evaluation as a critical component of language learning.Keywords: morphology, assessment, affixation, compounding, conversion, etc.


The economic difficulties caused the accelerated changes in the various fields of the North Korea society. In this circumstance, particularly, the North Korea women have been enforced to be responsible for supporting their family's livelihood. This role of the North Korea women made them to experience important changes in their family life and social life, and their consciousness. The North Korea women are considering their changed circumstance in a new perspective different from the old one that they should serve their husband obediently without any reservation and keep their household and nursing their child. However, this change can be applied to only the middle and low class who went through many changes in their life mostly caused by the deteriorated economic conditions. And most North Korea women's life is swayed by their husbands' social positions and job security in the economic difficulties.
In this view, we can say that after the economic crisis in the North Korea system the change in the North Korea women's life and consciousness shows a very limited scope of change. The change of the North Korea women's life and consciousness resulted in the collapse of patriarchy that has kept the structure of division of labour by sex. But this change does not completely reform the old patriarchal structure. This limitation of change in the North Korea women's life & consciousness can be explained by the very fact that the social and economic activity of the North Korea women is not for their self-realization but for maintaining their livelihood. More importantly, this is derived from their passive life and the paralysis of their consciousness tamed by the patriarchal authoritarian state for a long time.


This unit brings together aspects of the Northern Ireland (NI) education context which are most pertinent to student teachers who are learning to teach in NI. It outlines some of the major issues which make schooling in NI different from elsewhere in the UK. The unit then provides an overview of the Revised Curriculum for NI, which totally changes the face of teaching from Foundation to Key Stage 4. It explores some of the major aspects of the Revised Curriculum, such as thinking skills and personal capabilities; assessment for learning and learning intentions. Finally, the unit introduces the new teaching competence framework which articulates specific statements of competence which teachers are expected to demonstrate progressively at different stages throughout their career. Throughout the unit, there are tasks which encourage you to reflect on your progress throughout initial teacher education (ITE) and beyond. The importance of such reflection (and acting on it!) cannot be over-emphasised, as you will see from the story in the final paragraph of the unit. 11 2 3 4 5 61 7 8 9 12 1 2 31 4 115 6 7 8 9 20 1 2 3 4 51 6 7 8 9 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 811


OBJECTIVE To study the making of senile model and the evaluating of the effects by injecting D-galactose into the nape of all mice every day.METHODS Random groups were prepared by weight for three groups,which are one bland group,one model group and one masculine group.Inject D-galactose into the nape of all mice and give medicine for 60 days before testing the thymus and spleen index and superoxide dismutase activities in blood.RESULTS The thymus and the spleen of the model group were atrophied and the vitalities of superoxide dismutase in blood was increased obviously.CONCLUSION The effects of injecting D-galactose into the mice is better and can make the senile model and can be appied to anti-aging experiments in mice.


Parallelism is an important rhetorical device. We propose a machine learning approach for automated sentence parallelism identification in student essays. We build an essay dataset with sentence level parallelism annotated. We derive features by combining generalized word alignment strategies and the alignment measures between word sequences. The experimental results show that sentence parallelism can be effectively identified with a F1 score of 82% at pair-wise level and 72% at parallelism chunk level.Based on this approach, we automatically identify sentence parallelism in more than 2000 student essays and study the correlation between the use of sentence parallelism and the types and quality of essays.


OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the real life decision of patients and clinician regarding positive JCV serology in multiple sclerosis patients treated with natalizumab. BACKGROUND: Since March 2011, a relevant JC antibodies diagnostic test is available for clinical practice. However, there is no clear guidelines concerning the best option in case of positive serology. DESIGN/METHODS: Since April 2007, when marketing of natalizumab began in France, 378 multiple sclerosis patients have taken this treatment in our region. Among them, 292 patients consisting of 211 women and 81 men aged between 40.2 more or less 10.1 years, were still being treated when the testing of anti-JCV became available (April 2011). All patient were tested by the same laboratory (Unilabs) with two step enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. After results anouncement, we reported systematically which decision was taken by patients and neurologists. RESULTS: Among the 292 patients, the anti-JCV test was found positive in 150 patients (51%). Hundred and two of the 150 patients received more than 2 years of treatment. Among these 150 patients, 38 (25.3 %) decide to modify the treatment. Fifteen of these 38 patients received an immunosuppressive drug before natalizumab therapy. The therapeutic alternative was first Gilenya (42%), therapeutic abstention (42%), Copaxone (11%) and Rebif (5%). CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, patients were very satisfied with their natalizumab treatment and expressed their desire to continue the treatment, even in patients (n = 23; 15%) with two risk factors (duration and JCV positive), for progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy. A regular monitoring and evaluation including MRI every 6 months due to possible conversion seems necessary in these patients. In negative patients for JCV a one-year control of serology seems also necessary, as about 1-2% of patients may convert to positive serology. Disclosure: Dr. Ongagna has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fleury has nothing to disclose. Dr. Collongues has nothing to disclose. Dr. Blanc has nothing to disclose. Dr. De Seze has received personal compensation for activities with Allergan, Inc., Almirall, Bayer Schering, Biogen Idec, Genzyme Corporation, LFB, Merck Serono, Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Teva Neuroscience.


Demodex folliculorum was first detected in man in 1841. From this year up to the turn of the century many papers have been published dealing with the mite, its anatomy, incidence, and possible pathogenicity. In France Berger on November 2, 1841, found Demodex in a human external auditory meatus. The case was published at a session of the Academy of Sciences in Paris 1945 (quoted by Gmeiner). I n 1841 Professor Henle, Zurich, detected the mite in a case of acne of the face. In December that same year this case was published in Ziiricher NaturforJcher Gesellschaft (quoted by Raehlmann, Ormsby, Simon). Gzistav Simon, a general practitioner in Berlin, observed the mite in a pustule on the face and in 1842 published his finding in an interesting treatise in Miillers Archiv fiir Aaatomie, Physiologie und Wissenschaftliche Medizin. Simon named the mite Acarus folliculorum. Simon examined expressed comedo and noticed that an apparently detached hair follicle moved, being actually a living animal. He examined ten persons and ten dead bodies. He detected the mite in three healthy and cleanly persons and in all the dead bodies, except newborn. The mite can live up to 8-12 hours in oil, shorter in water. The dead mite shrinks. Live mites are detectable in corpses up to 6 days after death. The eight handsome diagrams attending the treatise show details. I t is seen that the adult mite has four pairs of legs, each with three joints and three claws at the end of the distal joint. The animal's abdomen is cross-striped. Ova are heart-shaped. Simon knew intermediate stages between the ovum and the adult animal, but in addition he described a beet-like, very short form, not verified since. Some uncertainty prevails as to whether Berger, Henle, or Simon is to be credited with the first detection of Demodex in man (Simon referred to Henle in a postscript, Gmeiner mentioned Berger as the first, while Raehlmann cited Simon and Henle). Owen described the mites in 1843 and proposed for this mite the genus name of Dernodex folliculorum (demos = lard, and dex = the name of a boring


Abstract We present a first assessment of UAS-derived orthoimagery and digital elevation data in the context of newly-released accuracy standards for digital geospatial data developed by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. We outline results from two case studies using a commercially-available UAS, photogrammetry software, and an array of ground control and check points. Radial horizontal and vertical root-mean-square-errors (RMSE) were calculated as 0.05 m and 0.06 m, respectively, for one site, and 0.08 m and 0.03 m, respectively, for the other. Under the 1990 ASPRS standards, both surveys meet the requirements for Class 1 accuracy at the 1:500 map scale and at the 0.50 m contour interval. Under the newly-developed ASPRS standards, the reported errors fulfill the requirements for both horizontal and vertical mapping at the 10 cm RMSE level. Overall, these results provide initial direction for practitioners considering UAS surveying in the context of accuracy standards.


Social changes directly affect the family and the speed with which the family responds and adapts differs from the speed with which changes occur. Each family takes its time and raises its own strategy, from its survival will depend the survival of its members and of the society; the understanding of the methodology used by families to remain valid, is essential to learn with them, from their successes and their mistakes. It is required the use of various tools and disciplines, which at the rhythm of social pedagogy guide an intervention with the family in their home pedagogy.


Abstract. The exposure schedule model for uniform diffraction efficiency is extended to be suitable for the partially overlapping multiplexing method. The proposed model is based on solving an optimization problem. Fifty holograms were multiplexed using the exposure schedule calculated with the extended model. The material used in the experiment is based on the photopolymerization of a free radical. By comparing the intensity of the reconstructed images during recording with that readout after recording, the calculated exposure schedule is verified to be effective to realize the uniform diffraction efficiency for the multiplexing holographic storage.


Purpose – To present an ongoing research effort based on previous industrial experience in the content management field.Design/methodology/approach – The project began with lessons learned while working in the IT industry. A model was then developed based on these lessons for managing content and enabling searching for content over the internet.Findings – The author has used the proposed model both before and after joining academia a few years ago. The model works fine with some tune‐up from one case to another.Research limitations/implications – As this is ongoing research, the model will be subject to enhancements based on further lessons learned in the future.Practical implications – The proposed model has been used by the author on several projects and has led to good results in most cases.Originality/value – The model itself and the approach followed to integrate content into enterprise systems are both novel.


For statically indeterminate structure, the internal force will be changed with the translation of the supports, because the internal force is related to the absolute value of the stiffness EI. When the tension is different with the compression modulus, EI is the function of internal force and is not constant any more that is different from classic mechanics. In the other words, it is a nonlinear problem to calculate the internal force. The expression for neutral axis of the statically indeterminate structure was derived in the paper. The iterative program for nonlinear internal force was compiled. One case study was presented to illustrate the difference between the results using the different modulus theory and the single modulus theory as in classical mechanics. Finally, some reasonable suggestions were made for the different modulus structures.