The aim of this paper is to study the performance of Mobile IP hand-offs. It is determined that the key issue is the movement detection method (i.e. Lazy Cell Switching, Prefix-Matching, Eager Cell Switching). In this paper all three movement detection methods are studied. The study involves single agent subnetworks and simple movement patterns, i.e. straight movement from one subnetwork to another with no comeback. It is assumed that the wireless technology is unable to pass link-layer information to the IP layer and that it also restricts the mobile node from contemporarily participating in multiple subnetworks when in their overlap area (e.g. IEEE802.11). The principle findings are two formulas that determine the average mobile IP hand-off delay. These formulas are verified by real mobile IP hand-off results. It is also shown that Eager Cell Switching based Mobile IP hand-offs complete faster than their Lazy Cell Switching counterparts. Finally, it is shown that TCP communications suffer more than UDP communications because of the exponential back-off and the path maximum transmission unit discovery algorithms of TCP.


An adaptive generalized predictive controller based on Laguerre-filter modeling is commissioned using the expert shell G2. The resulting expert system is used to orchestrate the operation of the controller, to provide an interactive user interface, to adjust the Laguerre-filter model using AI search techniques, and to evaluate the performance of the controller online. Based on the performance evaluation, the tuning parameters of the controller are adjusted online using fuzzy-logic rules. A simulation example demonstrates the operation of the system.<<ETX>>


The serum requirement for the human lymphoblastoid cell line MICH can be replaced by iron, methylcellulose and bovine serum albumin. Fatty acid free preparations of albumin are inactive.


Suitable and divergent questions can create a good "conditions of questions",which can help the students not only to resolve the issues with old knowledge and methods but to improve their ability of divergent thinking.


SuperNEMO takes advantage of the tracking calorimetry technique successfully used by NEMO3. This technique reduces the backgrounds and allows for excellent discrimination of different 0νββ mechanisms. SuperNEMO can simultaneously observe different double beta emitters, 48Ca, 82Se and 150Nd are currently under consideration. The demonstrator will employ 7~kg of enriched 82Se shaped in thin foil installed in the centre of the detector. The R&D for new techniques of foil fabrication will be described, focusing on materials choice and background reduction at the level of 2μBq/kg and 10μBq/kg for 208Tl and 214Bi respectively. New developments with innovative purification methods will also be discussed with the aim of comparing the radio-purities at a later stage.


The Electronic Nose (ENose) sensor developed at JPL for environmental monitoring in a crew habitat of a spacecraft uses arrays of polymer-carbon black composite sensing films. The optimum weight percentage of conducting filler that is blended with the insulating matrix polymer is critical in achieving dielectric properties in order to get a stable sensor response. The percolation curve of polymer-carbon composite is affected by many factors including carbon filler surface conducting properties, conditions for matrix plasticization by solvent(s), polymer morphology (crystalline vs. amorphous nature) and the molecular weight of the polymer. We report an experimental and molecular modeling based theoretical approach to evaluate the influence of polymer matrix plasticizing conditions as well as filler interfacial properties on the percolation curve of the polymer-carbon composites. The polymers under consideration for the composite formation include poly(4-vinylphenol), polyethylene oxide (1 OOK and lOOOK M W ) and ethyl cellulose. The carbon fillers investigated include carbon black (Cabot Black Pearls 2000) and graphite whiskers, which differ in surface area, surface functionality and conductivity. The film resistivities as a function of carbon loading are evaluated. The results will be evaluated to determine the percolation curve for varying filler interfacial properties and polymer solvent plasticizing conditions (solvent polarity and compositions). The polymer composite films will then also be tested for their selectivity, sensitivity and stability of response to detect acetone and isopropanol. Molecular modeling strategies will be used to provide an insight for the percolation studies by calculating the filler-filler, matrix-matrix, and matrix-filler interactions as well as composite-analyte interactions. Predicted composite-analyte interactions will also be compared to sensor response to validate the molecular model.


Recently there have been differing viewpoints on how to evaluate the curvature power spectrum generated during inflation. Since the primordial curvature power spectrum is the seed for structure formation and provides a link between observations and inflationary parameters, it is important to resolve any disagreements over the expression for the power spectrum. In this article we discuss these differing viewpoints and indicate issues that are relevant to both approaches. We then argue why the standard expression is valid.


. Yamamoto, T., K. Mochida and T. Hayashi. 2003. Shanhai Suimitsuto, one of the origins of Japanese peach cultivars. J. Japan. Soc. Hort. Sci. 72: 116–121. Yamamoto, Y., C. Ogaki and Y. Tatsuno. 1953. Experiments and investigations on the bacterial spot of peach. 1) Effects of weather condition on outbreak of the disease, and susceptibility in the varieties of peach. Bull. Kanagawa Agri. Exp. Sta. 1: 57–62 (In Japanese with English summary).


A versatile goniometer system with associated electronic components and mechanical instruments has been assembled. It is designed to measure spectral, specular reflectances of highly reactive liquid or solid substances over a spectral range of 0.3 to 9 ..mu.. and incidence angles of 12 to 30/sup 0/ off the normal direction. The capability of measuring reflectances of liquid substances clearly distinguishes this experimental design from conventional systems which are applicable only to solid substances. This design has been used to measure the spectral, specular reflectance of liquid sodium and preliminary results obtained are compared with those of solid sodium measured by other investigators.


Drying behaviors of brown coal are affected by internal water diffusion, which is controlled by pore structures. To diminish the effect of functional groups on drying, drying behaviors and pore str...


The purpose of the present research is to examine and compare product and logistics competencies in supplier selection decisions, which can serve as a crucial building block for competitive differentiation, in the context of the unique private label (PL) supply chain. This study also hypothesizes about the impact of product and logistics competence on the retailer's financial performance. Lastly, the moderating role of the product type in the proposed research model is explored. Partial least squares path modelling is used to analyze the dataset drawn from major South Korean retailers, due to the exploratory nature of the research and the use of both reflective and formative construct measurement items. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that relationships between the desire for a particular strategic intent and performance are more complex than previous studies have implied. The findings of this research offer possible explanations on an important but understudied aspect of PL success: why not all PLs (even of the same retailer) are thriving even in a rapidly growing PL industry. We further elicit strategic recommendations for retailers in selecting PL suppliers and for PL manufacturers to differentiate themselves and achieve a superior performance.


A synthetic zeolite having the offretite structure free of faulting has been examined by X-ray powder photography and electron micrography. The distribution of cations in the structure has been considered and forms enriched in various cations have been examined from the viewpoint of molecule sieving. This property of unfaulted offretite can be regulated according to the size of cation introduced into the main channels.


Early intervention programs aim to identify children who are growing in disadvantaged environments and to improve or change those disadvantaged circumstances that children are faced with and children's interactions with others in that environment. Because of this, it is very important for educators of these disadvantaged children to have knowledge about early inetrvention programs' objectives and contents. Thus, current study aims to understand pre-service early childhood teachers and child developmentalists' level of awareness related to the aim and the content of early intervention programs. Sample of the study includes 210 students from 3 rd and 4 th grade pre-service early childhood teachers and child developmentalists. The data of the study were gathered through a questionnaire prepared by the researchers and were analyzed through descriptive analysis (frequency, percentage) and Chi-Square analysis. The findings indicated that taking courses related to early intervention has an effect on candidate's awareness levels about the aims and contents of early intervention. Possible reasons of the findings and suggestions to improve the current situation were provided.


We propose a framework for quantifying delay externalities in airline networks. Using a large comprehensive data set on actual delays and a model-selection algorithm (elastic net) we estimate a weighted directed graph of delay propagation for each major airline in the US. We then use these estimates to describe how network topology and other airline network characteristics (such as aircraft fleet heterogeneity) affect the expected delays. Using data on capacity utilization, we then quantify the cost of delays and discuss their evolution over time and across airlines.


This document reports, the results of a survey and evaluation of thermodynamically coupled gas and steam-turbine plants. A comparative cost analysis of combined cycle plants vs. two-heater steam plants is included in an appendix.


The present invention broadly relates to a UV (ultraviolet) light sensitive bulk glass, particularly to a batch meltable alkali boro aluminosilicate glass and germanium silicate glass. The photosensitive bulk glass of the present invention exhibit sensitive to UV wavelengths below 300 nm. Of alkali boro aluminosilicate bulk glass and germanosilicate silicate bulk glass, by the sensitivity to UV wavelength of less than 300nm, can produce a refractive index pattern in the glass. The radiation source of 300nm, such as a laser, the refractive index pattern in the glass is formed. The photosensitive refractive index pattern forming the bulk glass of the present invention, can form a pattern in the glass, it can be manufactured devices using glass formed of such a pattern.


Based on the analysis of concept of logistics socialization,this paper puts forward that separate of Logistics assets is the fundation of logistics socialization,and innovation in run mechanism is the key to logistics socialization.Finally,taken setting up logistic industry group as an example,this paper illuminates the route of logistics socialization.


The four species of the genus Oxycarenus Fieber, 1837 present in the Iberian Peninsula are studied: O. (Oxycarenus) lavaterae (Fabricius, 1787), O. (Oxycarenus) hyalinipennis (Costa, 1843), O. (Euoxycarenus) pallens (Herrich-Schaffer, 1850) and O. modestus (Fallen, 1829). The last one, O. modestus, is ascribed to the subgenus Pseudoxycarenus Samy, 1969, as it has the essential characteristics of this subgenus. Figures of the habitus of all four species, together with the aedeagus of O. (Pseudoxycarenus) modestus (Fallen, 1829), are included.


We have calculated the Kolmogorov entropy for three‐ and seven‐particle clusters bound by Lennard‐Jones potentials and for three‐particle clusters bound by Morse potentials of various ranges. We have used two quite different methods, one of which is new, which give consistent results. We find that all of these systems are classically chaotic over a wide range of energies surrounding the estimated quantum‐mechanical zero point energies. Furthermore, for the three‐particle clusters, we can rationalize the variation in the degree of chaos with total energy in terms of the local structure of the clusters' potential energy surface.


This paper describes a study of the application of energy management including electric demand limit control in a 6656 ft/sup 2/ table service restaurant located in Minneapolis, which contained 30 tons of rooftop air conditioning, a 74 kW electric dishwasher, and natural gas space heating. Strategies were developed for applying demand-limit and time-of-day controls on rooftop air-conditioning units, refrigeration equipment, ventilation equipment, and a dishwasher electric booster heater. This study was conducted over a one-year period using a week-on/week-off test procedure in which the energy management controls were in operation alternately for one week and then manually disconnected for the following week. This testing method was chosen to reduce the effects of changes in the business operating procedures, changes in the connected electrical loads and irregularities in the climate that tend to distort results based on a year-to-year comparison. Extensive instrumentation was installed to monitor the operation of controlled loads, the impact on the space temperature, the operation of overrides and limit controls on critical loads, peak electric demand, and total energy consumption. The study demonstrated that electric demand charges were reduced 19.7% and that electric energy usage charges were reduced 8.7%. The total annual savings was $2440 which represented more » a 13% savings on the total energy bill and a 48% return-on-investment on a system installed cost of $5083. « less


Ab initio calculations were performed on proton bound formic acid and acetic acid clusters, (RCOOH)nH+ at various levels of theory. Three types of competitive structures were deduced:  Open-chain structures are favored energetically for lower members (n ≤ 5) of the cluster series, chains terminated with a cyclic dimer unit at one end for intermediate n and chains terminated by cyclic dimer units at both ends are favored for high n (n ≥ 6). The computational results corroborate previously reported experimental results from this laboratory, according to which there is a changeover from monomer evaporation from clusters of low n to dimer evaporation at n ≥ 6 for R = H. Fairly good agreement was obtained between calculated and experimental binding energies.


............................................................................................................... xi ABBREVIATION OF TERMS .................................................................................... xii DEFINITIONS OF CONCEPTS ................................................................................ xiii CHAPTER 1 BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION .................................................................... 1 1.


Government micro-blog is an effective platform for the construction of service-oriented government in the respect of smoothing the channels of public opinion expression,developing civil sense of democracy and narrowing the gap between government and public.Currently government microblog has played an important role in information disclosure,quelling rumors and promoting righteousness.But in the face of public demands,it lacks effective and affectionate communication,and even exists a large number of shell or dead micro-blog.Government micro-blog has not yet been fully utilized.One reason is that the sense of service is not due;another is that the system is not perfect.Solution to this problem is to establish a set of sound government micro-blog operation management and supervision mechanism to improve the government micro blog quality and enhance the credibility of the government,so as to establish the image of government service and promote the construction of service-oriented government.


A new technique of glow discharge ionized surface alloying with arc source was used to treat Ti5Al2 5Sn alloy The microstructure and constituent distribution in diffusion layer were studied The wear resistance and the galvanic corrosion susceptibility of the alloyed surface layer contacted with titanium alloy Ti5Al2 5Sn were evaluated It is found that a composite modified surface of NiCr coating over nickel chromium diffusion layer can be quickly formed with the new technology The alloyed surface consists of Ni 3Ti, Ni 3Al, Cr 2Ti and other phases The hardness and the wear resistance of the alloyed surface are higher than that of nitrided surface The modified titanium alloy has high corrosion resistance in Cl 1 environment and low galvanic corrosion susceptibility contacted with Ti base metal


By the mathematical model of a new power supply:12 phase generator,its discrete-time state space equation was obtained,and by application of EKF,12 phase generator stator parameters identification was achieved.Using PSCAD and MATLAB software,simulation and identification of the generator was implemented.Under the two conditions of noise-free and noise,the results indicate the effectivity of the method.


Effect of pretreatment of TiO 2 film with trichloroethylene on gas-phase photocatalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was investigated by FT-IR and GC-MS techniques, and the surface state of TiO 2 film catalyst was studied by XPS. The photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs on TiO 2 film was enhanced by the pretreatment with trichloroethylene. The chlorine resulted from the pretreatment was one of surface species adsorbed on TiO 2 film, which induced the chain reaction for photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs and accelerated the reaction rate. In addition,the chlorine adsorbed on TiO 2 film promoted the hydroxyl groups adsorbed on the surface of TiO 2 film to form anions and inhibited the recombination of electrons and holes.


A two-bladed 17-metre Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbine was field-tested at the Sandia Laboratories wind-turbine site. Performance results for seven constant operating speeds are presented along with a discussion of the trends. Predicted performance and experimental test data for two constant speeds are also compared. Distribution Category UC-60


The development of urban community sports' public services has become one of the livelihood issues and common concerns paid attention to by the government and society. It is the important premise to construct and improve the public sports service system by scientifically understanding and accurately grasping the structural elements and their relationships. This study believes that the structure of urban community sports' public services includes the three-dimensional structural elements of the service providers,the service beneficiaries and the service itself,with the relationship between each being a kind of dynamic adjustment process of social battle between the providers and beneficiaries based on the service itself as the link. The providers,the beneficiaries and the service itself will make timely adjustment based on the actual supply of sports products,the satisfaction of public sports' demand before providing the communities with quality sports services.


Abstract. In this paper we consider the stability of a type of stochastic McKeanVlasov equations with non-Lipschitz coefficients. Firstly, sufficient conditions are given for the exponential stability of the second moments for their solutions in terms of a Lyapunov function. Then we weaken the conditions and furthermore obtain exponentially 2-ultimate boundedness of their solutions. After that almost surely asymptotic stability of their solutions is proved. Finally we give an example to motivate the choice of Lyapunov conditions.


For scalability, reliability and cost reduction, virtual environment has been evolved from the client-server model, peer-to-peer model, to the virtual node-based hybrid model. When objects are hosted by unreliable nodes, replication is applied for reliability. An important problem is to maintain replica consistency in interaction, while to minimize interaction latency in play. We propose a fast state machine replication model to address this issue. Besides correctness, our simulation shows the achievable high responsiveness. The work can also be applied in augmented and mixed reality systems, where hundreds of users interact with virtual elements on a common platform.


The invention relates to a method for treating wastewater and discloses a method for treating wastewater in an automobile manufacturing plant. A method of pretreatment, two-stage physicochemical treatment, biochemical treatment and advanced treatment is adopted to treat wastewater. The method for treating wastewater in the automobile manufacturing plant has little investment, small occupied area and low operating cost and has good integrated treatment effect on industrial wastewater and domestic sewage discharged from the automobile manufacturing plant.


Online secondary path modeling with higher modeling accuracy and faster convergence is desirable in active noise control systems. This paper proposes a method based on variable step size LMS algorithm for modelling filters and Multiple Error Filtered-X LMS (MeFxLMS) algorithm for noise control filter in 1×2×2 multichannel active noise control systems. The proposed idea uses a novel three stage approach for step size selection of modeling filters in order to improve the performance of secondary paths modeling. Consequently, a faster initial convergence and less steady state error are achieved in comparison with existing online secondary path modeling methods for multichannel ANC systems. The number of computations per iteration of the proposed method is comparable to the existing computationally efficient method for multichannel ANC with online secondary path modeling. The performance of the proposed method is verified through simulation results.


Introduction President George W. Bush's decision to create the Africa Command (AFRICOM) in 2007 might have signaled the end of what Abel Esterhuyse has described as a "very cautious and defensive" US approach to its national security involvement in post-World War II Africa. Instead of adopting "a more proactive and preventative approach in protecting and extending US security and other interests in Africa," Washington "very often lost interest in Africa and, indeed, had to "rediscover" Africa at several junctions during the post-World War II era." In this paper, I extend Esterhuyse's analytical framework to examine the critically important pre-1945 era during which the US laid the foundation for its post-World War II relations with Africa. (1) This involves the interrogation of three inter-related factors that underscore AFRICOM's creation, stand-up as a unified combatant command, and relevance to Africa's contemporary security issues. First, I historicize US relations with Africa from the Barbary Wars of the early 19th century, when America's military complex began to take shape, to the onset of the Cold War. (2) In this period the US Navy was engaged in Africa in pursuit of strategic, commercial, trade, and humanitarian interests that included the interdiction of slave ships headed for the Americas. (3) America's military and diplomatic engagements with Africa continued during World Wars I and II. After World War II, Africa became a Cold War battleground between the US and its western allies on the one hand and, on the other, the then Soviet Union and its communist bloc allies. All of these events and interactions should have accorded Africa a place in the strategic thinking of Washington planners. And when policy makers did begin to recognize the continent's strategic importance, their reactions were uncoordinated between the Department of State (DOS) and the Department of Defense (DOD), two of the most important diplomatic and national security departments of the US government. Second, President Bush's decision to establish AFRICOM followed somewhat bleak assessments of Africa as a continent that is strategically important but that it "continue[s] to pose the greatest security stability challenge" to the area of responsibility (AOR) of the European Command (EUCOM) to which over two-thirds of the continent was wedded at the time. The Pentagon, led by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, had concluded that Africa needed its own combatant command because its security challenges were impinging on EUCOM's ability to carry out its traditional warfighting responsibilities in Europe. Since Africa's challenges were mainly developmental ones, AFRICOM would utilize scarce resources and personnel from the DOD, DOS, and other US government departments and agencies to carry out its mission. (4) AFRICOM's establishment also shed light on what US-Africa security experts have often overlooked, which is that the DOD, through reorganization of its command structure between 2007/08, accomplished what the DOS had achieved by 1958 when it separated African affairs from European affairs with the ere ation of the Bureau of African Affairs with an Assistant Secretary of State. By establishing both the Bureau of African Affairs with geographic responsibilities for Africa and AFRICOM, colonial ties and Cold War imperatives that once justified the lumping together of European and African responsibilities in one command structure were severed. But while the DOS slowly loosened Africa's institutional and structural ties to Europe as decolonization gained momentum after World War II, the DOD, beginning in 1952, selected only North Africa for inclusion in EUCOM. The rest of the continent remained outside of America's military command structure until 2008. (5) Third, moving forward I examine the extent to which AFRICOM's mission to promote US national security interests cohere with contemporary Africa's multifaceted security challenges. …


Models. Behaving. Badly: Why Confusing Illusion with Reality Can Lead to Disaster on Wall Street and in Life Emanuel Derman New York: Free Press, 2011 (230 pages)


Objective To explore the characteristics of the brain regional homogeneity (ReHo)alterations in patients with low back pain disorders using resting-state functianal magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Methods Resting-sate fMRI 3.0T scans were separately performed on 15 age-and gender-matched healthy subjects at rest as baseline and during pain of the back muscle (intramuscular injection of 3 g/L hypertonic saline).The ReHo maps were analyzed with paired t-test to compare the changes between the pain and healthy status.Results As compared with the health subjects,the subjects with low back pain showed significantly increased ReHo levels in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC),left inferior frontal gyrus,right middle frontal gyrus,cerebellum posterior lobe-cerebellar tonsil,right pons,fight insula,right caudate,right precuneus,fight parahippocampa gyrus and posterior cingulate gyrus,and decreased ReHo levels in the right superior temporal gyrus,left middle temporal gyrus,left precentral gyrus,left postcentral gyrus,left parahippocampa gyrus,left fusiform gyrus,left anterior cingulate,left superior parietal lobule,right inferior parietal lobule (P<0.005,cluster threshold ≥10).Consulsion People with low back pain show abnormal spontaneous activity in certain brain regions.

Key words:
Pain; Resting-state; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Regional homogeneity


OBJECTIVE: Clinical data with T1 lesion load and regional atrophy, quantified by a fully automated and hence operator independent MR postprocessing method.
 BACKGROUND: To reveal brain atrophy due to axonal loss even in the early stage of the disease an accurate cross sectional single subject MRI analysis is required. We developed and validated a postprocessing method to quantify T1 lesion load combined with regional brain atrophy in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) using routine MRI sequences (Spies et al. 2013).
 DESIGN/METHODS: The design is controlled, prospective and blinded. 44 consecutive patients (32 rrMS, 12 spMS (33 female, 11 male; mean age rr MS 39y, spMS 51y; mean disease duration rr MS 6,7y, spMS 19y; mean EDSS rr MS 1,7y, spMS 6,3y) were included. 28 normative subjects served as controls. From clinical examinations EDSS score was derived. Clinical evaluation included a neuropsychological assessment. All patients and controls were acquired using the same 3T MR scanner. The postprocessing method applies to high resolution T1 weighted image data(MPRAGE).Variance analysis was applied on EDSS, cognitive impairment, disease duration, MS subclassification, lesion load and regional brain atrophy.
 RESULTS: Regional brain atrophy was observed in early disease stage. Patients with rrMS had regional WM atrophy in 64%, GM atrophy in 32%. The percentages for spMS were 100% for WM and 17% for GM only. Mean WM lesion load in rrMS was 14 ml and in spMS 37 ml. Cognitive impairment significantly correlated with GM and WM atrophy.
 CONCLUSIONS: Regional brain atrophy in early MS stages spreads to WM and GM in rrMS whereas atrophy remains focussed to WM in spMS. The method may contribute to clinical routine as well as to MS treatment studies. Disclosure: Dr. Raji has nothing to disclose. Dr. Winkler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Spies has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tewes has nothing to disclose. Dr. Opfer has nothing to disclose.


e17555 Background: Survival of head and neck cancer is impacted by known clinical factors, including anatomic subsite, stage of presentation, and treatment modality. An important clinical factor less explored is comorbidity burden. While it is known that a greater comorbidity burden is prognostic for poorer outcomes, it is unclear how the odds of presenting with increased comorbidity score is associated with head and neck cancer anatomic subsite. This study aimed at estimating the cumulative odds of increased comorbidity in head and neck cancer based on anatomic subsites. Methods: Data queried from National Cancer Database (2004-2015). Study sample (N = 328,504) consisted of Stage I-IV, Head and neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, with no missing demographic variables (age, sex, race, insurance status, local income, local population density). Multivariable cumulative logit model was used to estimate outcome of interest: odds of higher Charlson-Deyo comorbid condition score(CDCC) at HNSCC diagnosis. Results: Compared to patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer (mostly HPV-related HNSCC), patients diagnosed with more tobacco-related HNSCC, such as laryngeal cancer (aOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.65-1.73), hypopharyngeal cancer (aOR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.28-1.38), oral cavity (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.23-1.29), and sinonasal cancer (aOR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.19) had greater odds of presenting with a higher CDCC. Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer did not statistically differ from oropharyngeal patients in odds of higher CDCC presentation. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with cancers of larynx, hypopharynx and oral cavity (typically associated with tobacco and alcohol use) present with greater comorbid burden compared to patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer (typically associated with HPV). It is important that the role of comorbidity burden be recognized in head and neck cancer prognostication.


Based on the fatigue crack,propagation and experimental research,analysis the relationship between the fatigue crack propagation and fatigue life combining with the fatigue test data. Experimental results and analysis show that,spheroidal graphite iron crankshaft with the fillet rolling strengthening occur cracks at pin fillet after ten million cycles. This crack is the non propagating crack. So this specimen is not failure in the load.


Mobile phone makers compete for market shares through domination in media advertisements. These include domination of advertisements (Ads) in TV and the internet. However, the abundance and complexity of the competitions of Ads in TV does not guarantee advertising success which can influence consumers' emotion and the purchase intention towards the brand. This research analyses the case of a directional model on Attitude-towards-the-Ad model as a baseline into a new proposed correlation models (MacKenzie, Scott, &Lutz,1989). The survey targets the involvements of Asian smartphone owners' attitude on advertisements, brands and purchase intentions. CFA (Confirmatory factor Analysis) was used in the research experiments, including hypothesis testing, the outcome of model fit which revealed significant levels and were successful. The study revealed that all three paths have consistently high coefficient paths (Attitude to Ads – Attitude to Brands – Purchase Intention), showing significant value of (β=>.80), which supported each correlation factors. Therefore, this structural model, could set standards for creative managers and advertising teams to improve.


The author examines the impact of NAFTA renegotiations on established processes for trade disputes between investors and states; between states and states; and regarding unfair trade practices.


Human visual evoked potentials are potentiated by long-term visuo-gustatory conditioning. Aim: The taste of food items and beverages can be recalled on the basis of their visual appearance using long-term visuo-gustatory associative memory. This raises a question concerning the processes in the human brain that take place when visual appearance (conditioned stimulus, CS) is combined with flavor (unconditioned stimulus, US). Possible learning-induced plastic changes of the CS-evoked visual potentials were investigated using high-density EEG scanning. Effects of associations with both an appetitive and an aversive flavor were examined. Methods: 12 healthy subjects participated, age 20-41, mean 29.6±6 (S.D.). 118 EEG-channels were used (ANT Neuro, Enschede, the Netherlands). Electrode cables were actively shielded and electrodes were placed according to the standard "5 % system" [1] referenced to the average potential of all electrodes. Two pairs of bipolar electrodes recorded EOGs. Sampling rate: 512 per s per channel. Before image-taste association, subjects were presented with two unfamiliar images. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded for each of them (60 presentations of each in semirandom sequence; stimulus duration: 1 sec). In a subsequent training session, one of the images was associated with the taste of an appetitive apple juice, and the other with an aversive version of the same juice containing NaCl, glutamate and ferro-sulphate. Three presentations of each CS-US pair were given in semirandom sequence. Each of the two images was presented before the appetitive US to half of the subjects and before the aversive US to the other half. One day after training, memory of the image-taste associations was tested (100% correct answers required) and VEPs were


Objective To explore the diagnostic value of thin image and multiplanar reconstruction(MPR) for preoperative T staging on different regions and various pathological staging of colorectal cancer.Methods A total of 163 colorectal cancer patients underwent 64-slice CT examination,then cross section image with thickness of 5 mm(5 mm interval) and 0.5 mm(0.4 mm interval) were reconstructed.The lesions were evaluated and T staged with 5 mm,0.5 mm and MPR image,respectively.Patients were divided according to the region of lesions: groupⅠ: the anterior wall of lower rectal or near dentate line;groupⅡ: the posterior or lateral wall of lower rectal;group Ⅲ: upper middle rectal or clone.Patients in group Ⅲ were divided into 4 subgroups according to postoperative pathological staging: group A: Tis and T1;group B: T2(B1: T2a;B2: T2b);group C: T3;group D: T4.The accurate diagnostic rates of different regions,different imaging techniques and different pathological staging were analyzed compared with postoperative pathological results.Results CT accurate T staging diagnostic rate for group Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ was 44.44%,61.54% and 66.67% respectively with 5 mm;51.85%,61.54% and 69.92% respectively with 0.5 mm;51.85%,76.92% and 78.86% with MPR.There was significant difference of CT accurate diagnostic rates only between group Ⅰ and group Ⅲ(5 mm P=0.031,MPR P=0.004).MRP was better then 5 mm and 0.5 mm only in group Ⅲ(P=0.008,P=0.019).The sensibility of diagnostic T staging of A,B,C and D subgroup in group Ⅲ was as follows: 53.85%,30.00%(B1: 57.14%,B2: 6.25%),84.00% and 60.00% with 5 mm;76.92%,33.33%(B1: 76.92%,B2: 18.75%),84.00% and 60.00% with 0.5 mm;92.31%,53.33%(B1: 78.57%,B2: 31.25%),86.67% and 80.00% with MPR.CT accurate T staging diagnostic rate of subgroup B2 was significantly lower than those of other groups,and most of the errors were over valuated.Conclusion CT has good sensitivity,specificity and accuracy for diagnostic T staging for early colorectal cancer.MPR can raise the accurate diagnostic rate of upper middle rectal and colon tumor.CT diagnostic value for T staging of lesions at the anterior wall of lower rectal or near dentate line tumor is limited,and the primary cause is over diagnosis of T2b lesions.


The invention relates to a peptide ligand sequence target-binding to lipase, and an application thereof, and belongs to the field of polypeptide design and virus antigen detection. A peptide ligand binding to the lipase is finally obtained by searching optimum peptide ligands binding to a target protein and having optimum affinity in a virtual polypeptide database through a molecular docking technology on the basis of the crystal structure of the lipase by means of molecular docking and virtual screening technologies, and the sequence of the peptide ligand is RRRDCW, that is P19. The P19 is artificially synthesized, the P19 and the lipase undergo affinity identification, and the interaction balance dissociation constant KD between the sequence of the P19 and the artificially expressed lipase is 3.653 * 10 M, that is 36.53 nM, so the affinity is good. The synthesized P19 sequence can bind to artificially expressed proteins and artificially purified proteins, has high response to the lipase, has no cross response to other proteins, and has good specificity.


Two enatiomers of indole ring derivatives have been chiral separated on amylase-tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase(CSP),using hexane as the mobile phase with various alcohols as modifiers.The influence of the mobile phase composition on the enantioselectivity was discussed.By comparing the results from amylase-tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase and cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase,the separation abilities are different on the two stationaries.


Scientific Technical Centre Reactor together with SC Aluminy carried out the number of investigations in the field of aluminum solution decomposition new technology development. It was based on large prime ratio on one hand, and liquid-solid countercurrent flow movement on the other hand. Practically the suggested technology was considered to be the result of unstationary, mass-transfer theory, which had been checked up at 100 m3 plot scale plant. Hydrate washing was accomplished at the first stage under the condition of countercurrent flow and less than 1 m3 water discharge. The experiments of 3.2--3.3 caustic module aluminate solution decomposition were carried out at the second stage. While full reactor 20 hour regime operation the caustic module increased till 4.1. Usually it accounts 3.7 under the analogous conditions and time.


Start-up of the first portion of the Gippsland Basin Development project was begun in March, 1969, when gas was delivered into Victorian metropolitan markets. The gas and crude producing system which spans a pipeline distance of some 200 miles will ultimately include five offshore producing platforms and two onshore plant complexes capable of producing and processing 400 MMCFD of natural gas, 300,000 BPD of crude oil, fractionating 45,000 BPD of LPG, and terminalling both crude and LPG including marine tanker operations. The major portion of the plant complexes and three of the platforms have been successfully placed in operation to date. Detailed analysis and planning of all aspects resulted in safely placing these facilities in operation at the earliest possible time with maximum safety and minimum lost production. However, inter-relation of multi-product commitments for natural gas, ethane, LPG and stabilized crude oil compounded the burden of the segmented system start-up, necessitating prompt and frequently overlapping start-up of more than one segment at a time. Furthermore, initial conditions were necessarily quite different from design. Throughput of crude was in the order of 100,000 BPD with significantly different properties from the mix ultimately expected. The gas absorption plant was initially operated with a throughput of approx. 25 MMSCFD, some 8 percent of design. To provide process set points and optimize start-up procedures, computer simulation models of each of the plants were made, and the results integrated into a comprehensive plant start-up plan. This presentation will discuss the simulation techniques used, together with the development and application of the start-up plan.


:  This paper investigates the public role of the Lutheran churches in general. It also explores the role played by the Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe in its quest to rehabilitate female ex-prisoners. The outcome of the study reveals that the Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe has been conspicuous in its absence regarding the rehabilitation of female ex-prisoners. This negates the legacy of Martin Luther on the Church's public role; hence I recommend that the Zimbabwean Lutheran Church must take its rightful place in public discourse.


Millimeter-wave signal generation devices using difference frequency generation based on the second order nonlinear optical effect in rectangular waveguide circuits were studied in detail theoretically and experimentally. 60GHz-band signals were successfully obtained from fabricated proto-type devices using a straight rectangular waveguide with z-cut LiTaO3 crystal. T-branching waveguide devices are also proposed to obtain an enhanced output signal.


The layers of the factors of effecting landslides were got with Geographical Information Technology(GIS) by the method of contributing rate.The research will provide potent gist to the construction of Yucheng Area in future.


In this paper, A multi-sensor technique integrated tag is presented. This tag is integrated with UHF (920-925MHz) RFID tag, HF (13.56 MHz) RFID tag and magnetic card. This multi-sensor technique integrated tag can meet the demands for application of long range RFID identification, short range RFID identification and payment with insurance or bank.


Rate adaptation is critical to the system performance of wireless networks. In spite of rate adaptation being a MAC layer parameter, potential decisions can be made from the rate of transmission being chosen by the layer. On such decision is the encoding rate of the video at the application layer. Classical rate adaptation algorithms are good at choosing rate for best case scenario, while most fail for the worst case or average case scenario due to uncertainty and mobility of the wireless link. We propose a rate adaptation algorithm that can learn about the channel state from the SNR and delivery information of previous transmissions and choose the most optimal transmission rate. Each rate so selected mapped on to a corresponding encoding rate at the application layer. This maximizes the overall throughput of the system. We have simulated our algorithm in ns-3.19.


The paper investigates the problem of approximation of stochastic θ-integrals and the solutions of stochastic differential equations. The complete classification of the methods of approximation of stochastic θ-integrals in the convolution algebra is proposed. It is proved that the solutions of stochastic integral equations with θ-integral can be approximated by the solutions of finite-difference equations with averaging.


Objectives-To examine whether roadtraffic ina bigcity hasadirect effect onpulmonary function and respiratory symptoms inchildren. Design-Cross sectional study. Setting-Of all 7445fourth grade children (aged 911years) inMunich, 6537wereexamined. Ofthe children withGermannationality andthesame residence duringthepastfiveyearsandknown exposure data,4678questionnaires and 4320 pulmonary function tests could beanalysed. Mainoutcome measures-Variables ofpulmonary function byforced expiration andrespiratory symptomsreported inaquestionnaire; census data oncar traffic collected intheschool district. Results-Density ofcartraffic ranged from7000 to125000carsper24hours. Multiple regression analysis ofpeakexpiratory flow showed asignificant decrease of0x71%(95%confidence interval 1x08% to 0.33°/o) perincrease of25000carsdaily passing through theschool district onthemainroad. Maximum expiratory flowwhen25%vital capacity had beenexpired wasdecreased by0.68%(1.11% to 0.25%). Incontrast, response tocoldairchallenge wasnotincreased. Theadjusted oddsratio forthe cumulative prevalence ofrecurrent wheezing with thesameexposure was1-08(1.01 to1-16). Cumulative prevalence ofrecurrent dyspnoea wasincreased, withanoddsratio of110(1.00 to1.20). Lifetime prevalence ofasthma(odds ratio 1-04; 0-89to1.21) andrecurrent bronchitis (1.05; 0-98 to1.12) werenot significantly increased. Conclusions-High rates ofroadtraffic diminish forced expiratory flowandincrease respiratory symptoms inchildren.


The introduction of the personal regime of King Alexander on January 6, 1929 caused different reactions among Serbian, Croatian, and Muslim political elites in Sarajevo, but there was no open resistance towards the regime. On the basis of available archival sources, it can be concluded that the introduction of the dictatorship in the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the region of Sarajevo, was approved by the majority of population and a certain number of political and public workers, regardless of their religion, nationality or political orientation. On the other hand, the leading figure of Yugoslav Muslim Organisation, Mehmed Spaho, officially approved the new regime, but also unofficially used every single opportunity to express his dissatisfaction with it. But unlike him, Dr Juraj Šutejex-member of Parliament and member of Croatian Peasant Party, who was considered a leader of that party in Bosnia and Herzegovina-was openly sceptical towards a new political state in the country. At about the same time, he was actively leading secret political action in consultation with the party leadership in Zagreb. When it comes to Serbian political elites in Sarajevo, they honestly supported the new regime and some of them even actively took part in the new political system.


Victor E. Smith's notes on William Jaffe's lectures on the history of economic thought from Plato to Adam Smith (prepared by W.J. Samuels). Victor E. Smith's analysis of rent (prepared by W.J. Samuels). Crosland's future: the missing chapter on Burnham's managerial revolution (prepared by D. Reisman). Notes from lectures by Hans H. Gerth on democratic and totalitarian societies (prepared by W.J. Samuels). Thorstein Veblen studies in Japan: a bibliography (prepared by T. Tanaka).


A simple statistical treatment of the constitutional and configurational monomer enchainment of substituted olefins for use in NMR spectroscopy is given.


This paper presents the methodology and results of a feasibility study for design and analysis of PKM robots suitable for high speed blanking applications in a press shop. A concept of a robotic blanking line is used to extract requirements on the robots. The scalability of PKM robots are investigated using model-based design methods. CAD models of the PKM robots are prepared to extract parameters for the models that are implemented in Dymola for dynamic simulation and visualization/animation. Robot movements for blanking are simulated and various design quantities are extracted, which give input for drive train design, and thus give good indications of the feasibility of the design solution, considering known drive train components that are available. Evaluations and comparisons of designs for different PKM configurations are made as well as a benchmark against a serial robot. The results show the great potential of the PKM concept for high speed blanking application.


ZnO nanocrystals were prepared by favorable hydrothermal method with sodium dodecyl sulphonate (SDS) as additives. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), infrared absorption spectra (IR), UV-Visible absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra (PL). HRTEM results show that the nanocrystals have wurtzite (hexagonal) structure with good crystal state. The diameter is about 40-60 nm and disperse well. The photoluminescence spectrum (PL) mainly show two bands: violet emission at 405 nm and red one at 604 nm. We think the violet emission is caused by zinc vacancy and the red one is resulted in by oxygen interstitial.


In the Balkans, since the 15th century, two different lodges, namely Otman (Atman) Baba and OsmanBaba, have operated within the boundaries of Haskoy district. Even the advocates have been acceptedas the only institution because they operate in the same geography and their names are similar, butit was determined by a research that these are different lodges. However, it was concluded that thename of the dervish who had custody was Otman. The issue of whether the dervish's name is Otmanor Osman is still unclear in the researches and discourses.The purpose of this study is to reveal that the name of the dervish from the two founders of Osmanand Otman Baba was Osman Baba who was renowned in the Balkan geography, who lived in the periodof Fatih Sultan Mehmet and who met with him, and whose custody is written, not Otman Baba,based on archive records. In the study, the information will be compared with the archive records onthe basis of the knowledge that Osman Baba was single and had no children, the information willbe compared to archive records. The information given in the examination works related to the timewhen Osman Baba was at first seen in the scene of history will either be compared with the documentsof archive. In addition, the periods when the two sheikhs might have lived and the dates when their lodges may have been established, the information about their family records, the financialrecords of their lodges and the quality of their services provided will be analysed. The activities ofOsman Baba lodge, which constitutes the basis of this research, have been continuing and there is amausoleum that is surviving through present day. The issue will become clearer with the knowledgethat there is no information about the activities of the institution of the other sheikh Otman Baba afterthe 16th century.
Keywords: Otman Baba, Osman Baba, Haskovo, custody


The prolific Turkish author Harun Yahya attracted international attention after thousands of unsolicited copies of his large-format and lavishly illustrated book Atlas of Creation were sent free of ...


Research Issue: In Tanzania over 70% of the urban residents live in informal settlements. While informal residential areas or settlements are not the most ideal urban land use planning objectives, their existence benefits a large portion of the urban population especially the poor. Various factors have been put forward in the literature as to why people locate to informal settlements and these focus on urban poverty, location and lack of adequate housing delivery by the government. Others say people living in informal settlements are often there by choice. They may have other housing options but choose to live in informal areas in order to minimize what they can spend on housing in order to maximise other values including life style, proximity to job markets, education or other capital investments (Perlman, 1987). Since informal settlements continue to grow, an understanding as to why people locate to them may assist in planning for effective housing programmes. Context: The paper presents the preliminary findings from a pilot study carried out as part of PhD research work titled Residential Location Choices within Informal Settlements. The main objective of the research is to examine and understand the factors people find important in selecting where to live within informal settlements so as to understand the meaning behind their location choices and the overall development of informal settlements. The study is carried out in Dar es Salaam city the capital of Tanzania. Informal settlements in Dar es Salaam city cannot be treated as a homogeneous mass and their diversity is reflected in the settlements' location in relation to the city centre or Central Business District (CBD). As a basis for the study on the important factors for location choice of households, Dar es Salaam informal areas were divided into three residential zones, namely those in the inner city, in the intermediate areas and those located in the urban periphery. Literature Review: Many researches have been published on the phenomena of informal settlements especially on the institutional, economic and political factors that contribute to their development. And many solutions have been put forward to address informal housing growth, poverty and environmental effects e.g. demolition, slum clearance programmes, upgrading, community participation and so on. Location has been cited as a factor for informal housing (Kironde 1995; ). A study on "Land Tenure and Land Regularization in Informal Urban settlements in Developing Countries", explaining information networks in squatting, has cited proximity to work places, existing infrastructure and the city centre as in great demand. There are however limited studies on the question of location, preferences and demographic factors in the process of informal housing development (Kapoor et al, 2004; Owusu, 2004); Why do urban residents locating to informal residential areas choose one location over another? What factors do they consider important? While housing in informal settlement is sometimes viewed as a lack of alternatives or housing options (Peil, 1975) but there is documented evidence that for instance, resettled residents from squatter areas usually reoccupy their old area (Ruland 1982 in Berner 2000; Kironde 1995; Kapoor et al, 2004). This maybe due to the economic and social benefits derived from living in informal residential areas especially employment. Research Objectives: As mentioned earlier, the main objective of the study is to understand the factors households find important in selecting where to live/build and how the decisions improve or constraint their welfare. Specific Objectives of the Research are: 1. To investigate the factors underlying housing location choices of households in informal residential areas in Dar es Salaam City. Research Question - What are the factors people consider when choosing to locate/build in one informal area over another? 2. To study what contributes to people's residential choice of an informal residential area. Research Question - In what ways, if any, do socio-economic (personal) characteristics contribute to the choice of location? 3. To explore whether there are any links between their choices and their livelihoods Research Question - What are the links between their choices and livelihoods? 4. To investigate the socio-economic implications of their choices. Research Question - Has the choice improved the life of the people? Research Methodology: The methodology used in the pilot study was both qualitative and quantitative. The study areas were purposefully selected and during the selection process, the researcher ensured that an inner city, intermediate and peri-urban informal area was chosen. In order to get more interesting and comparable information, a mixed income area was chosen in the intermediate zone. Face-to-face interviews was done to collect information using a questionnaire (closed and open-ended questions). The interviews were with selected heads of household picked out based on a criterion namely both owners and tenants who had lived in the area for less than 10 years because reasons for choice would be fresh in their minds. A Pilot Study: The preliminary findings of the pilot study in Dar es Salaam indicate that many households locating to the inner city informal areas are mostly tenants and relatively poor. The most dominant reason cited is proximity to work places in the city centre and nearness to their relatives. Many of the households' heads made a living as traders in the city's market. Household's selected for study in the intermediate informal areas belonged to the middle/lower middle-income category. Their reasons for selection were based on the environment/aesthetics of the area. The heads of household in the periphery were concerned with the availability of rooms and plots at a price they could afford as well as lower living costs because the area's proximity to the peri-urban farm areas provided basic produce at affordable prices. All the areas except the one in the inner city had no access to reliable water supply.Lessons Learned: The lessons learned for future PhD work include the carrying out of in-depth interviews to few selected households that will be the cases for the study so as to get significant stories on the meanings behind their location choices within informal settlements.


Objective To investigate the effect of recombinant human endostatin expressed in E.coli on the proliferation of ECV304 cells.Methods pTRX-endo plasmid was expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3).Endostatin was expressed in E.coli by IPTG inducement, ECV304 cell were added to it for culture after purification, and its prolification effect was analyzed by MTT.Results SDS-PAGE analysis showed a specific protein strip,the purity of recombinant human endostatin was over 95% after purification. Endostatin inhibited obviously the proliferation of ECV304 cells. Conclusion Recombinant human endostatin may antagonize the proliferation of endothelial cell.The experiment lays foundation for the research of antiangiogenesis and application of endostatin.


They ARE PRESENTED WITH ISOLATED DNA sequences, expression vectors and cells TRANSFORMING TO ALLOW THE HORMONES mass production of cell growth Vascular Endothelial. GROWTH HORMONE cells is useful for vascular endothelial WOUND THAT REQUIRED OR neovascularization reendothelialization for healing.


Abstract : The paper describes a linear programming model used to perform cost-effectiveness analysis to determine the requirements for military strategic mobility resources. Expenditures for three classes of economic alternatives are considered: purchase of transportation resources, pre-positioning of material, and augmentation of port facilities. For a given investment level the mix of economic alternatives is determined which maximizes the effectiveness of the resultant transportaion system. By repeating the analysis for different levels of investment, a cost-effectiveness tradeoff curve can be developed. (Author)


Governing country with law is china`s governing strategy. It is of great importance for constructing a socialist legislational country which has set up the target of reforming political system and realizing democratic politics. Therefore, governing country with law is inscribed into the constitution of our party. It marks a fundamental change in the strategy of governing our country. Governing with law is the essence of governing country with law. In this article, The author makes an elaboration on connatation, goal and significance of it and makes a deep explosion on the ways and steps of it.


Research Question: To study the current scenario and various determinants of Maternal- Child Health (MCH) services in a rural area of Uttar Pradesh (UP) India. Methods: A house to house survey was conducted from 1st August to 31st December 2007 amongst 72 recently delivered women and 152 mothers of children aging between 12 months to 23 months to collect information relevant to the study in a pre-designed format. Results: Only 1.4% women had all three antenatal check-ups 75% two while 20.8% did not have any antenatal check-up throughout their pregnancy. 62.5% deliveries were conducted at home. 37.5% mothers initiated breastfeeding within first hour of birth. 65.8% children were fully immunized 27 (17.8%) were partially immunized and 25 (16.4%) were unimmunized. Reasons for non immunization of children were fear of fever and infection (38.4%); unaware of value of immunization and lack of time to avail immunization (25% each).


The invention relates to a transport frame for the drive train (16) of a wind turbine, wherein the drive train (16) comprises a gear (17) and a rotor shaft (18). The transport rack is equipped with a gear carrier (15) for the transmission (17) and having a rotor shaft support (21) for the rotor shaft (18). According to the invention the transport frame comprises a first frame part (29) and a second frame part (30). For the transport frame a use position and a transport state is provided. In the use position the first frame part (29) and the second frame part (30) in the longitudinal direction of the drive train (16) are arranged one behind the other. In the use position of the rotor shaft support (21) and the gear carrier (15) to the first frame part (29) and / or connected to the second frame part (30). In the transport state, the first frame part (29) and the second frame part (30) are arranged one above the other. The Caddy invention has the advantage that it is so compact in the transport state that it can be transported easily.


Letter from M.M. Kennard to A.D. Kennard writing about the family doing well, John Fanthorp is getting married, his son died of typhoid fever, and is giving his son's mare to A.D. Kennard's son Mark.


The accounting measurement for stock options is always the disputable issue.This paper introduces recent debates on stock compensation pricing,including the debates among the academic circle,responses from business circle and related researching findings from home and abroad.It hopes to provide research reference of accounting standards about stock compensation pricing in China.


The space competition and cooperation in tourism destinations is currently a hot topic of concern among academic circle.The space competition and cooperation of industry and products among different tourism destinations located in the same travel route is typical representative of regional tourism competition and cooperation.However,fewer scholars have carried on such research.The paper,based on the review of the past research result,intends to analyze the impact of the positioning of tourism industry and spatial layout between tourism destinations and transit venues on tourism development and investment.


The green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is an eco-friendly and promising approach for various applications including silver nanopesticides with seaweed extract. The aim of the research has been to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), using extract of red seaweed Chondracanthus chamissoi and evaluate their antifungal properties. The methodology consisted in the aqueous extraction of the seaweed and combination with an AgNO 3 solution in hot. The crystallinity, morphology and chemical composition were studied by XRD, SEM and EDS. Antifungal tests were carried out againt the fungus Fusarium Solani , three doses of AgNPs (10 %, 20 % and 30 %) were applied under laboratory conditions. The diffractogram revealed AgCl as the main phase and Ag as the secondary phase. The SEM showed cubes de AgCl with a size of ~350 nm and Ag spherical nanoparticles (NPs) with a size of ~55 nm, while AgNPs decorated the AgCl cubes. This AgCl size could be related to partial reductions or unreacted ions. The antifungal activity showed a greater efficacy of AgNPs the increase in the AgNPs dose decreased the growth of F. solani , the 30 % AgNPs dose did not record the diameter of the fungus. It is concluded that the AgNPs produced by green synthesis using the red seaweed Chondracanthus chamissoi turns out to be an effective process for its application as an antifungal product


over the last fifteen years, the largely American tradition of process theology has moved in new directions as it has been lured into sustained engagements with french poststructuralism. roland faber's The Divine Manifold is perhaps the most impressive example of this new shape that process thought is taking on in the twenty-first century. for those who would dismiss Whitehead's philosophy as outdated or irrelevant to our present context, faber's Manifold offers a startlingly novel interpretation of the great metaphysician and a series of complex arguments for his continuing importance. by entangling Whitehead's metaphysics with the poststructuralism of gilles deleuze, faber reveals what process thought could become. i am tempted to declare that what slavoj Žižek has done to renew interest in hegel by reading him through lacan, faber might do for Whitehead by reading him through deleuze. before discussing the Manifold any further, it will be helpful to situate it within process-poststructuralist discussions. until recently, most Whiteheadians were critical of what they labeled "deconstructive postmodernism," which includes the work of derrida, levinas, and others. While these thinkers rejected metaphysics as totalizing projects that do violence to differences, many Whiteheadians argued that refusing metaphysics often leads to nihilistic relativism. Thus process thinkers like david griffin proposed "constructive postmodernism" as a Whiteheadian alternative to deconstruction, arguing for postfoundationalism over antifoundationalism, relational realism over relativistic antirealism, panentheism over atheism, and a greater emphasis on ecology after the linguistic turn. yet in 2002, contributors to the edited volume Process and Difference: Between Cosmological and Poststructuralist Postmodernism questioned the opposition of "constructive" and "deconstructive" postmodernism. featuring essays by process theologians like catherine Keller and faber, the contributors argued that a closer reading of many poststructuralists reveals more common ground with process thought than had been previously explored. for example, both styles of philosophy reject essentialism and substance thinking while often emphasizing notions of becoming, events, and multiplicity. As these connections were noted, the possibility of a mutually enriching process-poststructuralist conversation was opened up and a new form of process theology began to emerge.


Deadenylate or activate? When cells are quiescent, they undergo reversible cell cycle arrest and evince low basal metabolism. Naïve T cells are normally quiescent until they recognize cognate antigens through T cell receptor–costimulatory molecule signaling. T cell quiescence appears to be an active process, but the mechanistic details are poorly understood. Hwang et al. report that the transcription factors BTG1 and BTG2 are selectively expressed in quiescent T cells. In mice, T cells conditionally knocked out for both factors showed enhanced proliferation and a lowered threshold of activation both in vitro and in response to Listeria monocytogenes infection. Deficiency of BTG1 and BTG2 resulted in increases in global messenger RNA half-life, suggesting that messenger RNA deadenylation and degradation are important processes for maintaining T cell quiescence. Science, this issue p. 1255 Naïve immunological T cells maintain their quiescent state by actively minimizing their general mRNA levels via deadenylation. T cells maintain a quiescent state prior to activation. As inappropriate T cell activation can cause disease, T cell quiescence must be preserved. Despite its importance, the mechanisms underlying the "quiescent state" remain elusive. Here, we identify BTG1 and BTG2 (BTG1/2) as factors responsible for T cell quiescence. BTG1/2-deficient T cells show an increased proliferation and spontaneous activation due to a global increase in messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance, which reduces the threshold to activation. BTG1/2 deficiency leads to an increase in polyadenylate tail length, resulting in a greater mRNA half-life. Thus, BTG1/2 promote the deadenylation and degradation of mRNA to secure T cell quiescence. Our study reveals a key mechanism underlying T cell quiescence and suggests that low mRNA abundance is a crucial feature for maintaining quiescence.


This paper describes an integrated tool for monitoring distributed systems continuously during operation. A hybrid monitoring approach is used. As special hardware support a test and measurement processor (TMP) was designed, which is part of each node in an experimental multicomputer system. Each TMP runs local parts of the monitoring software for its node, while all the TMPs are connected to a central test station via a separate TMP interconnection network. The monitoring system is transparent to users. It permanently observes system behavior, measures system performance and records system information. The immense amount of information is graphically displayed in easy-to-read-charts and graphs in an application-oriented manner. The tools promote an improved understanding of run time behavior and performance measurements to derive qualitative and even quantitative assessments about distributed systems. A prototype of the monitoring facility is operational and currently experiments are being conducted in our distributed system consisting of several MC68000 microcomputers.


The performance of isolated word speech recognition systems has steadily improved over time as more is learned about how to represent the significant events in speech and how to capture these events via training algorithms. In particular, algorithms based on both template matching and hidden Markov models (HMMs) have been developed that yield high accuracy on several standard vocabularies including the ten digits (zero to nine) and the set of letters of the English alphabet. Results are presented here that show the effect of analysis parameters (e.g., frame size, frame rate) on recognition performance for a speaker trained system and the performance of both template and HMM‐based recognizers (both speaker trained and speaker independent) on the digits and the alphabet vocabularies.


Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is characterised by musculoskeletal symptoms, and patients (pts) with PsA usually experience psoriasis concurrently. Real-world data reflecting impact of skin symptoms on PsA disease burden are limited.Analyse effectiveness of ustekinumab (UST) and tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy on extent of skin involvement, and the impact this has on PsA disease burden and drug persistence.PsABio (NCT02627768) is a prospective, observational study of 1st/2nd/3rd-line UST or TNFi treatment in PsA in 8 European countries. Extent of skin involvement was categorised as body surface area (BSA): clear/almost clear; <3% but not clear/almost clear; 3–10%; or >10%. Pt-reported disease impact was evaluated by PsAID-12, including assessment of two skin-related domains (D): D3 (skin problems, including itching) and D10 (embarrassment and/or shame because of appearance). Estimated persistence at 1 year was assessed across baseline (BL) BSA categories.At BL, significantly more pts receiving UST than TNFi had BSA >10% (Figure 1). BL disease impact (PsAID-12) was worse in pts with BSA >10% than <3% in D3, D10 and total (non-overlapping 95% CIs suggest significance) (Table 1). BSA improved from BL to 1 year with both treatments. At 1 year, 64% of pts in both groups had clear/almost clear skin and only 3% had BSA >10% (Figure 1). At 1 year, both treatments significantly reduced disease impact (PsAID-12 total), and D3 and D10 scores, irrespective of BL BSA category, but most markedly in pts with higher BL BSA (Table 1). Worse BL psoriasis was generally associated with longer persistence for both treatments; however, at 1 year, pts with BSA >10% had significantly shorter persistence with TNFi (mean [95% CI]: 361 [336; 387] days) than with UST (410 [394; 426] days).In PsA, interleukin-12/23 inhibition (UST) and TNFi therapy in routine care rapidly and substantially reduced extent of skin involvement and related disease impact. Pts with highest BL skin involvement had significantly longer drug persistence with UST than with TNFi. Together, PsABio data suggest that successful treatment of skin involvement in PsA with biologics reduces disease burden and may improve persistence, especially in pts with worse BL psoriasis.Figure 1Table 1.PsAID-12 scores at BL and change from BL scores at 6 months and 1 year, by BL BSA categoryMean (95% CI)Domain 3(skin problems, including itching)Domain 10(embarrassment and/orshame because of appearance)Total PsAID-12USTTNFiUSTTNFiUSTTNFiPsAID-12 score at BL by BL BSA <3%4.2 (3.7; 4.8)3.1 (2.7; 3.6)3.9 (3.3; 4.4)3.1(2.6; 3.6)5.7(5.3; 6.0)5.0 (4.6; 5.3) 3–10%6.4 (5.9; 6.8)5.8 (5.3; 6.3)4.1 (3.5; 4.7)4.5 (3.9; 5.1)5.4 (5.1; 5.8)5.8 (5.4; 6.1) >10%7.9 (7.5; 8.3)6.7 (6.0; 7.5)6.1 (5.4; 6.8)5.8 (4.8; 6.8)6.2 (5.7; 6.6)6.1 (5.6; 6.7)Change from BL in PsAID-12 score at 6 months by BL BSA <3%-1.5 (-2.1; -0.9)-0.8 (-1.3; -0.3)-1.5 (-2.0; -0.9)-1.2 (-1.6; -0.7)-1.6 (-2.0; -1.2)-1.9 (-2.2; -1.5) 3–10%-3.2 (-3.8; -2.7)-2.4 (-3.0; -1.9)-1.9 (-2.5; -1.3)-2.0 (-2.5; -1.5)-2.0 (-2.4; -1.6)-2.4 (-2.8; -2.0) >10%-4.2 (-4.9; -3.6)-2.5 (-3.2; -1.9)-2.9 (-3.5; -2.2)-1.6 (-2.4; -0.8)-2.4 (-2.8; -2.0)-2.2 (-2.7; -1.7)Change from BL in PsAID-12 score at 1 year (LOCF) by BL BSA <3%-1.5 (-2.1; -0.9)-0.8 (-1.3; -0.3)-1.6 (-2.2; -1.1)-1.2 (-1.7; -0.7)-1.6 (-2.0; -1.2)-1.9 (-2.3; -1.5) 3–10%-3.5 (-4.0; -2.9)-3.2(-3.7; -2.7)-2.0 (-2.6; -1.4)-2.5 (-3.0; -2.0)-2.2 (-2.6; -1.7)-3.0 (-3.4; -2.6) >10%-4.9 (-5.5; -4.3)-3.1 (-4.0; -2.3)-3.5 (-4.2; -2.8)-2.7 (-3.7; -1.8)-2.9 (-3.4; -2.4)-2.9 (-3.5; -2.2)PsAID-12 total score ≤4 is considered a patient-acceptable symptom state.BL, baseline; BSA, body surface area; CI, confidence interval; LOCF, last observation carried forward; PsAID-12, 12-item Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease questionnaire; TNFi, tumour necrosis factor inhibitor; UST, ustekinumabThis study was funded by Janssen.Josef S. Smolen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Astro, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis- Sandoz, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Lilly, Novartis, Roche, Tatiana Korotaeva Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biocad, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biocad, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Michael Nurmohamed Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen (previously Celgene), Biogen, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen (previously Celgene), Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paul Bergmans Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen, Kurt de Vlam Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Paid instructor for: Amgen, Galapagos, UCB, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: Celgene, Elisa Gremese: None declared., Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Wim Noel Employee of: Janssen, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: AbbVie, Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Enorasis, Farmaserv-Lilly, Genesis, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Faran, Janssen, Pfizer, Roche, Elke Theander Employee of: Janssen, Laure Gossec Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bioepis, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Samsung Sanofi-Aventis, UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi.


Abstract. The knowledge of the geoid undulation, the height of the geoid relative to a given ellipsoid of reference, is fundamental to transform the ellipsoidal heights into orthometric heights. Global geoid undulation models developed from satellite gravity measurements appropriately integrated with other data, are free accessible in internet, but their accuracy may be inadequate for specific applications. Earth Gravitational Model 2008 (EGM2008) is one of those: usually available in grid form 2.5' × 2.5' (a geotif is developed by Agisoft with resolution 1' × 1'), it defines the difference between the WGS84 ellipsoid height and the mean sea level, but in some areas the discrepancies between these geoid undulations and local correspondent measured values are on the order of various decimetres. For consequence, more accurate models are necessary. This article aims to determine a geoid undulation model suitable for Campania Region (Italy), starting from the global model EGM2008 (1' × 1') that is locally adjusted by using geodetic network points (GNPs) and GIS interpolation functions. Three different datasets are considered including respectively 20, 40 and 60 GNPs and three deterministic interpolators are applied in global way to generate geoid undulation grids: Inverse Distance Weight (IDW), Global Polynomial 1st order (GP1), Global Polynomial 2nd order (GP2). The resultant 9 models are tested on 20 additional GNPs. The experiments demonstrate that local geoid can be produced on a little area adapting global geoid by means of GNPs: the model obtained using GP2 and 60 GNPs, the most accurate one, fits the data with ±3.2 cm root mean square error (RMSE).


ABSTRACT Background: Individuals with disabilities are under-represented in STEM education and careers. Research from the US has examined interventions for increasing the interest or participation of youth with disabilities in STEM, but this work has not yet been synthesized. Objective: We reviewed and critically appraised the literature on the impact of programs and interventions for increasing the interest and participation of children and youth with disabilities in STEM education and careers. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of 5 databases (CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and Scopus) for peer-reviewed articles published between 1993 and June 2018 reporting a STEM intervention. Risk of bias across studies and the overall rigour of the studies were assessed with the American Academy of Neurology guideline, and risk of bias within studies was assessed with Kmet and colleague's (2004) standard quality assessment. Results: We identified 17 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. All studies originated from the United States, representing 953 participants, ranging from 9 to 23 years old. Seventy-eight percent of the quantitative studies reported significant improvement in at least one of the following: perceived self-advocacy, self-esteem, social skills, independence, perceived value of the intervention, preparation for college and employment, perceived career options, or interest in taking STEM classes and pursuing STEM careers. Positive outcomes were reported across many delivery formats, including web-based interventions, virtual and face-to-face mentoring programs, and course-based interventions or workshops. Conclusion: More research, with more rigorous, controlled designs, is needed to determine the impact of specific intervention components, and participant characteristics, such as gender, on intervention effectiveness.


An active grounded inductance using a single second generation current conveyor (CC II) as the active element and three passive components is proposed. The inductance is seen to be suitable for moderate-Q applications. For high-Q with independent Q-controlled inductances suitable circuit techniques pertaining to the introduction of a second CC II as a voltage follower are also presented.


Aim To evaluate the long-term effects of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] on the development of coronary atherosclerosis in Wahanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits, to further study the mechanism of Lp(a) in the process of atherosclerosis. Methods Generated human apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] transgenic (Tg) WHHL rabbits were compared with non-Tg WHHL rabbits aged 24 months (fed a standard chow diet). Plasma levels of Lp (a), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoproteins cholosterol (HDLC) and plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured using the methods. Area of intimal lesion and stenosis degree were measured by histologically staining and the components in the lesions were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining. Result The mean levels of human Lp(a) in Tg rabbit plasma were 9.1±3.5 nmol/L at 24 months. Compared to non-Tg WHHL rabbits, Tg WHHL rabbits did not show significant changes in plasma TC, TG, or HDLC. However, Tg WHHL rabbits showed 3.5-fold increased lesions in right coronary arteries than non-Tg WHHL rabbits (P0.05). Increased lesion size in RCA of Tg WHHL rabbits did not result in a proportional increase of lumen stenosis in RCA (26.9±6.6% in non-Tg vs 27.7±5.0% in Tg), suggesting that compensational remodeling occurred as the diameter of RCA of Tg WHHL rabbits were markedly increased (1.8±0.6 mm2 in non-Tg vs 5.3±1.1 mm2 in Tg, P0.05). Human apo (a) immuno-reactive proteins were focally present in the lesions of Tg WHHL rabbits and associated with apolipoprotein B, but mainly located around the extracellular matrix rather than associated with macrophages. Cellular components accounted for less than 10% of the lesions and there were no difference between non-Tg and Tg WHHL rabbits. Three Tg rabbits (33%) and one non-Tg WHHL rabbits (9%) which had apparently extensive myocardial infarction lesions were detected. Conclusion Increased plasma levels of Lp (a) enhance the coronary atherosclerosis in the setting of hypercholesterolemia.


A series of pot and laboratory experiments was carried out to assess the effects of N status of sorghum roots and timing of N application (as NH 4NO3) on the germination of Striga hermonthica seeds. Root N concentrations varied from 10 to 26 mg N g-1. The cut root and the root exudates technique used in assaying S. hermonthica seed germination gave similar results. However, the cut root technique was easier to handle and more discriminating at low germination levels. S. hermonthica seed germination per unit sorghum root mass followed a broken-stick model. It decreased with increasing root N concentrations, reaching lowest levels at a root N concentration of 19.5 mg N g-1, after which no further reduction occurred. It was not possible to reduce S. hermonthica seed germination to a zero level. Timing of N application influenced the time a higher N concentration is reached, not the S. hermonthica seed germination. Both timing and rate of N application are important in maintaining root N concentrations above 19.5 mg N g-1, thereby potentially reducing S. hermonthica germination in the field. Translation of results to reductions in infection levels and yield losses is hampered by density-dependent relations after the S. hermonthica germination stage


The aim of this paper is to conceptualize and identify the relationship between Multinational Corporations' (MNC) international business diplomatic activities and firm performance. The research has been based on a literature review and qualitative studies of five large MNCs that are operating in distinctive industries. Business diplomatic activities have been separated in three particular areas to enable a valuable analysis, namely: (1) MNC-Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) relations, (2) MNC-Host-Government Relations, and (3) MNC-Local Community relations. The main findings suggest that international business diplomacy has a direct positive effect on firm performance in regard to so-called soft or non-financial indicators. These indicators include for example knowledge sharing, reputation, company image and marketing possibilities. These performance indicators can in turn lead to a better financial performance and market stance in the long run. The results of this paper are of high importance in regard to the future awareness and execution of business diplomacy in large MNCs.


Today's, organization downsizing has become one of the most famous and most popular managerial strategies. Nevertheless, still the most important question that discussed in this regard and despite much research which remained unanswered is that whether downsizing can improve organizational performance or not? Although many researchers believe that downsizing leads to improve organizational performance, but it should be noted that downsizing may cause a lot of material and spiritual consequences on employees and even may cause social chaos. Studies show that the most important reason for this is lack of attention to human resources of the organization during downsizing and its relationship with organizational performance. Given the issue, this paper by reviewing the literature related to the topic and by using of dynamic strategic capabilities and strategic human resource management presents a model entitled "a comprehensive model of responsible downsizing strategy" which represents a relationship between downsizing and the organization's performance as well as other factors affecting this relationship.


With an aim at the ink transfer system of modern offset press,the maths model for calculating the steady time of batch ink feeding system and continuous ink feeding system is established mainly from an angle of ink transfer pattern,with steady time as the evaluation index and via the treatment of discretization of ink transfer system.The simulation analysis and study can be made of ink feeding system performances.The simulation results indicate that the steady time of the system can vary with the ink feeding pattern and image coverage rate.


. The study of the Mittag-Leffler function and its various generalizations has become a very popular topic in mathematics and its applications. In the present paper we prove the following estimate for the q -Mittag-Leffler function:


The book of Jeremiah testifies to disputes about theologies on various levels. Comparison of the Hebrew text and the version of the Septuagint shows large differences regarding the manner in which they speak of God. These differences suggest that the Greek translation tried to evade unusual, challenging, or provocative aspects attributed to God by mitigating or omitting them. The opposition between YHWH, with Jeremiah on his side, and the people together with their leaders shapes the main conflict within the book. The latter wish a "comfortable" relationship without liability, whereas God and his prophet require an exclusive liaison and determination. In some passages, Jeremiah has views which differ from those of YHWH. These texts illustrate that even a prophet has to "learn," to open himself to God's broader horizons and distinct plans. (d) Some features of the theological message of the book of Jeremiah are unique and set it apart from all other scrolls of the Bible. Jeremiah thus conveys a particular, independent view of YHWH, which sometimes stands in contrast to Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and other writings, although sharing the same belief in the one and only God. (e) The theological struggles within the book of Jeremiah find a continuation in the conflict of contemporary interpretations. Instead of explaining the various positions with diachronic considerations, it seems sounder to understand the rich variety of theologies therein as due to the different characters, altered situations and circumstances, and to the development of the individuals within the course of history.


Hypertension contributes critically to the development of renal arteriolosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the impact of vascular function indexes including central blood pressure on renal arteriolosclerosis has not been investigated. We determined whether vascular function indexes were related to renal arteriolosclerosis and renal clinical outcomes in CKD.


Objective To understand the concept of cleaning the incision with pure iodine liquid for preventing the incision infection. Method To observe the difference between the effects of preventing incision infection afteroperation, we divide the 386 cases of acute appendicitis patients during operation into two groups; the one uses iodine liquid mixed with natri chloride to clean injured incision; and the other with the pure natri chloride. Result The rate of incision infection of those who cleaned the incision with pure iodine liquid is 0.51%; and with natri chloride is 5.26%. There is an evident difference between the two groups. Conclusion The rate of incision after operation infection decreases more effectively for those who use the pure iodine liquid to clean the incision.


Aim to obtain the values of local mucociliary clearance (MCC) of the middle nasal meatus in normal conditions and in patients with foreign body in the maxillary sinuses.
Material and methods. To assess the local MCC, we used the original method of modern high-speed digital video recording of the microscopic picture of the specimen, followed by its mathematical processing. The study included a group of rhinologically healthy individuals (60 people) and a group of patients with foreign body in the maxillary sinus (90 people).
Results. We obtained the standard values of MCC in rhinologically healthy individuals (11.76 3.01 Hz). In patients with foreign body in the maxillary sinuses, there was a correlation of the local MCC index with the severity of morphological changes, registered by computed tomography (CT), of the paranasal sinuses in the area of the middle nasal meatus and adjacent sinuses. Depending on the results of CT scanning, we identified 3 groups among the patients with foreign bodies in the maxillary sinuses no morphological changes (CT1), changes outside the ostium (CT2) and pronounced morphological changes in the middle nasal meatus and surrounding paranasal sinuses (CT3). In the CT1 group the average values of the local MCC of the middle nasal meatus were 13.53 2.46 Hz; in group CT2 11.71 2.02 Hz; in the CT3 group 6.84 3.48 Hz. The differences in indicators in groups were statistically significant according to the Mann Whitney test. The average value of the local MCC of the middle nasal meatus in patients without maxillary sinus mycetoma was 13.30 2.91 Hz, in patients having maxillary sinus mycetoma 10.74 3.69 Hz; this difference was also statistically significant.


By using quantitative analysis with the information visualization software CiteSpaceII,the paper analyzes a series of overseas academic results and works in the field of personal information management during 1999 to 2011.Relying on analyzing related data which was from the Web of Science,the paper explores foreign important disciplines,knowledge bases,research hotspots and frontier concerning personal information management,which presents some valuable references to the study on personal information management in China


The need of designing and implementing software to prepare robots for the execution of new tasks implies an expensive cost that requires specific hardware, software and knowledge. Learning by demonstration is a paradigm for enabling robots to autonomously perform new tasks learning from previous demonstrations. This project focuses on how to facilitate the learning of new tasks by robots through demonstrations performed by humans. In order to accomplish this goal, this thesis considers two subproblems: imitation and correspondence. Three different algorithms are used in order to solve both subproblems, in addition to a reinforcement learning to improve the final solution through new demonstrations. Moreover, a methodology is proposed to perform experimentation using these algorithms, including a final discussion over their performance and future work.


According to Einstein's theory, time is relative and can be made to move slower by increasing the speed of the observer. In the famous twin paradox, this slowing of time enables one identical twin to live longer than the other. Animals treated with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, also live longer [1-5]. Of course, that does not mean that rapamycin slows time in the Einsteinian sense. Instead, it figuratively slows biological time by slowing seemingly opposite processes. On the one hand, rapamycin (and other mTOR inhibitors) retards cell proliferation, while on the other hand, it retards loss of proliferative potential [6, 7]. In other words, rapamycin decelerates proliferation while preserving the potential to proliferate. In that way, rapamycin suppresses both cell growth and geroconversion (conversion to senescence). It has been calculated that rapamycin slows geroconversion by approximately 3-fold [6]. By doing so, rapamycin slows development and aging, reproduction and menopause, and hyperfunction and functional decline [8]. This is because in each case one process is a continuation of the other (Figure 1, 2). For example, aging is a continuation of developmental growth (Figure 1), and functional decline (loss of function, Figure 2) results from earlier hyperfunction [8]. The slowing of biological time entails "suppression plus preservation." For example, by suppressing betacell function, rapamycin preserves beta-cell function in the long run [9-11]; or by suppressing reproduction, it preserves the oocytes, thereby delaying menopause [1214]. In theory, a woman who wants to have children later in life could postpone reproduction using rapamycin. This can be seen as "freezing the ovaries" until later in life. Rapamycin suppresses cellular hyperfunction and thus delays all diseases of aging, from cancer to Alzheimer's [8]. Pathological processes such as age-related diseases are continuations (or exacerbations) of physiological processes. Geroconversion is a continuation of growth (Figure 1), hyperfunction is a continuation of tissuespecific cellular function (Figure 2), age-related hypertension and presbyopia are continuations of developmental trends (see Figure 3 in ref. 15). Therefore, aging is both hyperfunctional and quasi-programmed [8, 16, 17]. (A quasi-program is a purposeless continuation of a developmental program.) Hyperfunction eventually leads to organ damage and functional decline [8, 15]. By suppressing hyperfunction, rapamycin delays organ damage (e.g., infarction) and loss of organ function [8, 15]. In addition to their therapeutic effects, the side effects of rapalogs are also consequences of slowing down time. For example, by slowing cell proliferation, high doses of rapamycin induce reversible anemia, mucositis and skin rash. So why does rapamycin do all that? Rapamycin is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus, which lives in the soil of Easter island [18]. This wonderful microbe had no intention of slowing time on its mysterious island; instead, it sought to slow down the growth of fungi, its natural enemy. But since rapamycin slows growth, it should also slow aging if aging is a continuation of growth. In fact, it does just that; rapamycin prolongs the lifespan of yeast [19]. Rapalogs (rapamycin, everolimus, temsirolimus and deforolimus) are allosteric inhibitors of mTOR complex 1, a central regulator of RNA translation and cellular growth and metabolism [20-23]. mTOR enhances translation of TOP and TOP-like mRNAs [22, 23]. Rapamycin and, especially, the pan-mTOR inhibitor Torin1 slow this translation [22, 23]. This raises the question, is slowing translation equivalent to slowing time and, if so, can biological time be measured based on the speed of translation? Editorial Essay


Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems have become popular in both academic and industrial circles due to their ability to improve spectral and energy efficiency. One cost-effective way to implement these systems is by using low-resolution digital-to-analog converters (DAC) at each antenna of the massive MIMO array. However, using low- resolution DACs can introduce quantization distortion, which can be mitigated using various quantized precoding algorithms proposed in previous studies. This research suggests an iterative distortion-aware precoder that can be used with oversampling DACs in massive MIMO systems. The proposed precoder performs better than existing oversampling precoders with similar computational complexity in terms of error-rate and out-of- band (OOB) emission performances. Furthermore, the proposed detector performs similarly to the ideal unquantized zero-forcing precoder in many presented cases.


Agricultural development approach is inseparable from the role of technological innovation and agribusiness institution. This study aimed to determine the perception and adoption level of integrated cocoa and livestock integration. Assessment was carried out at the site of m-P2BBI assistance (Innovation-Based Sustainable Agricultural Development Model) in Sausu District, Parigi Moutong Regency with 20 farmer-members of Karya Bersama Farmers Group as respondents. Data was gathered through interview and focus group discussion. Farmers' perception was measured with Likert scale. Adoption process of innovation studied consisted of feed processing technology innovation from cocoa waste, organic fertilizer processing from animal waste, the use of sex pheromones to control pests and diseases, and the use of organic fertilizers in the cocoa fields. The primary and secondary data was analyzed qualitative and quantitative descriptively. The results showed that farmers' perception was high enough for socio-culture aspect (88.6%) and was moderate for technical and economic aspect (72.14%). Furthermore, farmers' adoption of technological innovation in pest and disease control using sex pheromone aspect was high enough (91.35%). The results mean that farmers' perception technological innovation is highly determined by farmers' socio-culture.