In this essay we describe our work as Chicana and Chicano Studies scholars teaching Latino Cultural Studies to majority students-of-color classrooms. In our courses we examine music as decolonial pedagogical praxis through the use of nueva cancion and hip-hop, both musical forms which have political roots and exemplify counterhegemonic movements against cultural imperialism in the U.S. and in Latin America. We begin with the premise that education is a political act and, as such, we draw from creative forms and styles that problematize what decolonial scholars call the "colonial matrix of power" in shaping the Latino subaltern experience (Mignolo, 1991, 2001; Quijano, 2000). Using music as a political and aesthetic expression against empire (Anzaldua, 2012; Sandoval, 2000; Perez, 1999), we argue that hip-hop and nueva cancion offer students possibilities to critique and delink from coloniality in their everyday lives. Committed to decoloniality as a political, epistemological, and spiritual project, we are intent on creating spaces that value transcultural understanding and solidarity between and across subaltern peoples of the Global North and the Global South, with particular attention to Chicanas and Chicanos and Latinas and Latinos in the U.S. and other peoples in the hemisphere. Musical forms like hip-hop and nueva cancion also provide ways to critically explore and engage in decolonial horizons that break silences, disrupt dominant narratives, and create a transformative consciousness among our students, particularly around issues of economic globalization, immigrant rights, cultural resistance, ethnic relations, poverty, and educational inequality in the Americas


This paper focuses on the state of Web recruiting in government organizations and assesses its use in the 203 municipalities in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan region. The research was completed in five phases: (a) we identified a list of Web recruiting best practices, (b) we conducted an online search to prepare a list of municipalities in the region that have Web sites, (c) we reviewed these Web sites to identify municipalities that used any Web recruiting, (d) we then analyzed the content of these municipalities' Web sites along with the list of Web recruiting best practices, and, finally, (e) we conducted in-depth interviews with a sample of municipalities to understand the challenges of using Web recruiting. Findings suggest that the use of Web recruiting is at best in its infancy in this metropolitan region.


One of the key proficiencies a good leader must possess is the art of giving and receiving feedback. All of the other tools of leadership combined will not allow anyone to be fully effective if feedback is lacking. The vision; talents, and competencies of both the leader and the followers will not interconnect in true synergy without this vital link, this bridge, this lifeline.


The vibroacoustic characterization of an electric powertrain which consists of a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a gearbox for electric vehicles is analyzed in this paper. First, the vibroacoustic origins of the electric powertrain are investigated. The influence of current harmonics on electromagnetic force harmonics is presented. The spatial distribution of electromagnetic force exerting on stator inner surfaces is investigated by a two-dimensional magnetic transient solver. The spectrum of gear meshing force is then presented. After that, the vibration response of the electric powertrain system is predicted by a mode superposition method, based on which the acoustic noise of the electric powertrain is obtained using a direct boundary element method. Furthermore, the influence of electromagnetic force harmonics and gearbox on the vibroacoustic behavior of the electric powertrain is analyzed. To verify the calculating results, a vibroacoustic test is conducted in a semi-anechoic room and the results show that both electromagnetic forces and gear meshing forces contribute to a considerable proportion of the vibroacoustic behavior due to the integrated structure.


A review and analysis of the book 'Things Fall Away: Philippine Historical Experience and the Makings of Globalization' by Neferti M. Tadiar is provided. . Review(s) of: Things Fall Away: Philippine Historical Experience and the Makings of Globalization, by Neferti X. M. Tadiar, Durham: Duke University Press, 2009. 484 pages.


Stock, J., & Cervone, D. (1990). Proximal goal-setting and self-regulatory processes. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 14, 483489. Vallacher, R. R., & Wegner, D. M. (1989). Levels of personal agency: Individual variations in action identification. Journal ofPersonality and Social Psychology, 57, 660-671. Wright, J., & Mischel, W. (1982). Influence of affect on cognitive social learning person variables. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 43, 901-914. Wright, J., & Mischel, W. (1987). A conditional approach to dispositional constructs: The local predictability of social behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 1159-1177.


Abstract:Erwin Mortier's novel Marcel (1999) addresses the still controversial topic of the Flemish collaboration with the Germans during the Second World War, and the way the Belgian state subsequently dealt with it. Told from the perspective of a grandchild of the guilty generation, Mortier's novel has often been read as a narrative of emerging understanding and reconciliation. Seen through the prism of Amy Elias's concept of the historical sublime, the novel in fact suggests that the truth about the past remains inaccessible, even as the child protagonist is driven by a powerful desire to unveil it. Through the use of extended metaphors of signification, concealment and revelation, working in tandem with a narrative of a frequently disturbing sexual awakening, Marcel presents the urge to unveil the truth in and of history as a blind and desperate quest that is doomed to destroy the object of its desire.


The information in this two-volume report is organized as follows: in Volume I, entitled Energy Network Charts for Advanced Fossil Energy Technologies, a series of charts is presented showing the applications of advanced fossil energy technologies to the recovery, conversion, or utilization of fossil energy (coal, oil shale, crude oil, and natural gas). In this Volume II, outcome tables are presented that characterize the probable results of advanced technology research, development, and demonstration (R, D and D) for coal gasification, coal liquefaction, oil shale conversion, electric power generation, enhanced oil recovery, and enhanced gas recovery. Areas are highlighted where such results are not presently available or are incomplete. Tables are also presented that show groupings of technologies; for example, technologies producing high-Btu gas from coal are grouped together. The rationale for groupings is explained.


The effects of sward surface height (SSH) and daily herbage allowance (HA) on the defoliation pattern and grazing mechanics of early lactation dairy cows grazing on irrigated perennial ryegrass–white clover pasture were studied. The hypothesis tested was that SSH and HA affect intake and diet selection through their effects on the pattern of defoliation which is influenced by the resistance to prehension bites. Factorial combinations of two initial SSH (14 and 28 cm) and two daily HA (35 and 70 kg DM cow )1 d )1 ) were examined in a replicated experiment. The peak longitudinal tensile force required to break the sward portion encompassed in a 100 cm 2 area [bite fracture force (BFF100)] was measured as an index of the resistance to prehension. The volume of herbage defoliated and herbage intake increased with SSH (P <0 AE05) and HA (P <0 AE01). Corresponding to an increase in HA from 35 to 70 kg DM cow )1 d )1 , there was a proportional increase in the total defoliation area (TDA) and intake by 0AE24 and 0AE55 in the short sward compared with 0AE16 and 0AE32 in the tall sward respectively. The results of this experiment suggest that a consistent spatial pattern of reduction of the canopy exists during defoliation by cows and that the volume of sward canopy defoliated is the major variable affecting herbage intake. The BFF increased down the sward profile at a rate that was higher (P <0 AE05) for the taller sward than for the shorter sward. It is proposed that a relatively lower resistance to prehension in the short sward compared with the tall sward explains the greater proportionate increase in TDA and intake corresponding to an increase in HA. The rate at which BFF100 increases down the sward profile is suggested as a sward physical variable that can influence the defoliation process. The estimated time and energy costs of prehension bites are discussed in the context that larger bites are handled more efficiently than smaller bites.


In this paper, we prepared Pt/BaTiO3-x catalyst through modified the surface of BaTiO3 perovskite by NaOH aqueous solution and loaded Pt by incipient wetness impregnation method. A series of characterization techniques including XRD, BET and in situ IR was conducted to investigate the physical and chemical properties. We found that NOx storage capacity of the catalyst was significantly improved as the sample was washed in alkali for 2 h, meanwhile NOx conversion was optimal. The surface of the catalyst was modified by alkali washing process, and then Pt was loaded. Further calcination could enhance the interaction between Pt and Ba, which facilitate the formation of a reactive nitrite species during the adsorption process, thus increasing NOx storage reduction (NSR) activity.


1. A tabular synopsis of ninety-five of the principal disturbances of the magnetic declination recorded by the Kew Photograms between January 1858 and December 1862 inclusive; and a comparison of the Laws of the Disturbances derived thereform, with the Laws derived by the more usual method. It seems difficult to understand how any one having the opportunity of examining the daily photographic records of a magnetic observatory, and viewing them with an intelligent eye, can fail to discern in the magnetic disturbances the systematic operation of laws depending upon the solar hours; and to perceive that these laws are different from those which govern the regular solar-diurnal variation (upon which the disturbances, whensoever occurring, are superposed).


In speech signals, a newer type of chaos has been observed. It could be termed as an ''induced chaos.'' In order to see if this type of chaos can be stimulated, in a theoretical setting, the Duffing's equation has been looked at. The parameters of this equation have been chosen in such a way that this would result in an output which is normally nonchaotic. However, the driving amplitude has been modulated, and in turn, the phase and the driving frequency. All of these led to ''induced chaos.'' This chaos differs in certain important characteristics from the usual chaos. It was found that the best way to detect such a chaos was to use the differential trans‐spectrograms, or the ''Caseygrams.'' These are obtained by calculating the difference between two specific types of trans‐spectral coherences, (TSC's) [P. G. Vaidya and M. J. Anderson, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 89, 2370–2378 (1991)]. These two TSC's are specifically developed to measure the interaction of the main harmonics with the subharmonics. These result...


To address the testing of the horrific pandemic disease that has terrified our global society, COVID-19, we have developed an analytical model that an individual can easily apply to determine if he or she tested positive or negative with a very high degree of accuracy. Our analytical model is real data-driven utilizing data obtained from the World Health Organization, WHO, and the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC guidelines. Both WHO and CDC have identified several symptoms or risk factors from individuals diagnosed with the disease, COVID-19. They have identified and published nine symptoms that are associated with the disease, COVID-19. However, our structured analytical model identified only seven of the nine symptoms to statistically significantly contribute to the subject disease. They are fever, tiredness, dry cough, difficulty in breathing, sore throat, pain, and nasal congestion. Each of the symptoms shows highly likelihood of having COVID-19. Our analytical model was carefully developed, very well-validated, and statistically tested to achieve a 93% accuracy in the testing result. If a person is tested positive, we recommend that he/she seek medical evaluation and treatment. That is, once we receive the categorical data from a given individual, and we input into the proposed model, the output result will be the individual is tested positive or negative for COVID-19. The developed model identifies (estimated) the different weights of each of the seven symptoms or risk factors that play a major role in the decision process of the testing results. Our findings seek to enhance testing efficiency, treatment, control, and prevention strategy for the COVID-19 disease. Research Article


There have been proposed criteria for constructing deniable encryption algorithms to implement mechanisms of protecting information such as fake catchers; the developed algorithms have been presented. New implemented requirements are the following: indistinguishability from probabilistic encryption, the same decryption procedure and use of all bits of a cryptogram for all possible values of a key. The proposed methods of deniable encryption provide high performance; they are prospective to expand a set of cryptographic data protection mechanisms used in complex computer security systems.


Interpretation of landscape structure from remote sensing is, in part, dependent on the spatial resolution of the data. A challenge facing ecologists is to consider how landscape structure measured at one resolution relates to measurements made at another. Our work examines the correlation of pixel size with patch size, shape, and interspersion measurements of post-wildfire and clearcut landcover. We have measured landscape structure using remotely sensed data at spatial resolutions of 1, 2, 4 and 25 m pixel sizes at the stand level (ca. 100 ha) to determine which landscape metrics are scale dependent and which are scale invariant. Our results show that patch size measurements are strongly correlated with pixel size, that shape measurements are moderately correlated with both pixel size, and that interspersion is invariant of pixel size. We recommend use of interspersion and area weighted mean shape index as a robust metric for describing landscape structure across spatial scales.


In this contribution we report on measurements of space charge compensation (alternatively called "neutralization" here) in one of the injector beam lines of the Coupled Cyclotron Facility (CCF) at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) using a retarding field analyzer (RFA). The beams were produced by the superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) SuSI. The measured neutralization values were between 0% and 60% and agreed reasonably well with a theoretical prediction using an adaptation of the formula presented by Gabovich et al. [1]. A dependence on beam intensity, radius and pressure could be observed.


Of major concern herein is the possibility that the purported empirical suport for Model II of field theory is supirous. Model II focuses on only the variation in behavior within dyadic sets and is empirically supported when this behavior is some function of target magnitude. It is shown, however, that other linkage mechanicms also assume the variation in behavior within dyadic sets is a function of target magnitude. Thus, it is logically possible that the empirical patterns interpreted as proof of Model II's validity actually are the product of other general models. Such a general model, which focuses on the behavior best explained by Model II, is advanced and tested using the DON data. This general model is empiricaly supported and is more attractive than Model II because it explains variation not only within dyadic sets, but also across dyadic sets. There is thus serious question as to the degree of empirical support for Model II.


Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening medical condition resulting from an individual's immune system's attack on the peripheral nerves. It is the result of an auto-immune response leading to axonal degeneration or demyelination. Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) is a variant of GBS with the poorest prognosis. It is characterized by rapid-onset motor weakness, loss of deep tendon reflexes and sensory changes. Immunotherapy is considered a standard treatment for GBS. Here, the reported case is of AMSAN variant of GBS in a 42-year-old patient, who developed bilateral facial nerve palsy and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).


A number of recent monitoring project of steel box girders in Belgium have indicated that daily temperature variations can be an important load condition. The resulting behavior is not always included in the design loads according to the codes. As part of a large-scale project in order to improve the accessibility of the Belgian capital by train, the existing railway line between Brussels and Ghent is expanded from 2 to 4 tracks over a length of 25 km. This line crosses the valley of the river Pede by a 523 m long historic viaduct, built in the 1930"s. In those days the viaduct was chosen over large backfills in the valley due to poor soil conditions. With respect to the protected work of art, two additional lateral fly-overs consisting of steel box girders with variable hollow section are integrated in the existing viaduct. This paper shows the results of the detailed monitoring program verifying the design and behavior of the newly built superstructure. Extensive strain measurements were performed during a two-day load test, together with acceleration measurements in order to evaluate the dynamic response of the structure. In addition long term strain monitoring was carried out in order to study the effects of temperature gradients on the closed steel box girders of the fly-overs. The measured temperatures are introduced into a finite element model. Stresses resulting from this model are compared with measured stresses and stresses based on calculation using the same model but based on Eurocode load combinations. While the size of temperature variations is more or less as was expected the resulting behavior is more complex and less homogeneous than is generally assumed.


Background: Hafnium Dioxide (HfO2) represents a hopeful material for gate dielectric thin films in the field of semiconductor integrated circuits. For HfO2, several crystal structures are possible, with different properties which can be difficult to describe in detail from an experimental point of view. In this study, a detailed computational approach has been shown to present a complete analysis of four HfO2 polymorphs, outlining the intrinsic properties of each phase on the basis of atomistic displacements. Methods: Density functional theory (DFT) based methods have been used to accurately describe the chemical physical properties of the polymorphs. Corrective Hubbard (U) semi-empirical terms have been added to exchange correlation energy in order to better reproduce the excited-state properties of HfO2 polymorphs. Results: the monoclinic phase resulted in the lowest cohesive energy, while the orthorhombic showed peculiar properties due to its intrinsic ferroelectric behavior. DFT + U methods showed the different responses of the four polymorphs to an applied field, and the orthorhombic phase was the least likely to undergo point defects as oxygen vacancies. Conclusions: The obtained results give a deeper insight into the differences in excited states phenomena in relation to each specific HfO2 polymorph.


We thank Dr. Murat Tavlasoglu and colleagues for their comments regarding our case report (Anna Sonia Petronio et al. ''Antegrade Percutaneous Valve Implantation for Mitral Ring Dysfunction, A Challenging Case''). Although the encouraging results of transcatheter valve implantations in native aortic valves, percutaneous valve implantation in mitral prosthesis dysfunction are not a clinical reality yet, due to several technical problems. In fact, the large size and irregular shape of the mitral valve annulus may result in dislocation of the transcatheter bioprosthesis and the occurrence of perivalvular leak. The transcatheter valve-in-valve concept is now a viable option for high-risk patients requiring re-operative procedures due to degenerative failure of previously implanted bioprostheses in mitral and aortic position. The sewing ring of the mitral bioprosthesis is rigid and circular and the transcatheter Edwards-Sapien aortic valve can successfully be deployed within the failed bioprosthesis [1]. On the other hand, little is known about the feasibility of this technique in patients with failing mitral valve annuloplasty [2,3]. We agree with Dr. Murat et al. that the transcatheter valve in ring procedures may be a safety and feasibility treatment alternative only in carefully selected patients. As we know the classic mitral ring have an oval shape to conform adequately to the anatomic mitral annulus. It is even correct to specify that when annuloplasty rings are dysfunctioning and mitral regurgitation is severe the shape has changed becoming more circular. In our case report, the CarpentierEdwards Physio Annuloplasty Ring had acquired a circular geometry probably due to the left ventricular remodeling showing a severe regurgitation (Fig. 1, panel B). The adequate implantation of the percutaneous prothesis within the mitral annuloplasty ring as in our experience showed a mild residual paravalvular leak (Fig. 3, panel A). In addition, according to Dr. Murat et al., the valve-in-ring procedure should be performed in patients with a flexible ring as described in our experience. In fact, our days rigid structure are less used. In conclusion, this case illustrates the safety and feasibility of a transfemoral valve-in-ring procedure in a dysfunctional mitral ring in selected patient underlying the important role of multimodality imaging for an accurate choice of the best technique.


In recent years in Taiwan, scholars who study financial bankruptcy have mostly focused on individual listed and over-the-counter (OTC) industries or the entire industry, while few have studied the independent electronics industry. Thus, this study investigated the application of an advanced hybrid Z-score bankruptcy prediction model in selecting financial ratios of listed companies in eight related electronics industries (semiconductor, computer, and peripherals, photoelectric, communication network, electronic components, electronic channel, information service, and other electronics industries) using data from 2000 to 2019. Based on 22 financial ratios of condition attributes and one decision attribute recommended and selected by experts and in the literature, this study used five classifiers for binary logistic regression analysis and in the decision tree. The experimental results show that for the Z-score model, samples analyzed using the five classifiers in five groups (1:1–5:1) of different ratios of companies, the bagging classifier scores are worse (40.82%) than when no feature selection method is used, while the logistic regression classifier and decision tree classifier (J48) result in better scores. However, it is significant that the bagging classifier score improved to over 90% after using the feature selection technique. In conclusion, it was found that the feature selection method can be effectively applied to improve the prediction accuracy, and three financial ratios (the liquidity ratio, debt ratio, and fixed assets turnover ratio) are identified as being the most important determinants affecting the prediction of financial bankruptcy in providing a useful reference for interested parties to evaluate capital allocation to avoid high investment risks.


We consider the effective functioning of the commercial check point of the trains and wagons. An improvement of technical equipment and technology work, through the introduction of automated systems for commercial check of trains and wagons.


The automotive industry is faced with a significant impending regulatory and environmental challenge: dramatically and cost effectively reduce brake dust emissions. To meet this challenge at scale, a high performing wear and corrosion resistant solution is needed that combines the advantageous economics of cast iron with a cost effective and indualizable coating. Alternative technologies such as composite brake discs are untenable for mass production, due to high costs and poor mass market value. The solution is to leverage Oerlikon's patented and big data driven Rapid Alloy Design (RAD) platform to engineer disruptive new materials specifically tailored for the application and intended deposition methods.Oerlikon has recently developed two new materials using the RAD platform balancing the corrosion, wear, mechanical, substrate, manufacturing, cost, and environmental parameters demanded by the brake disc application. This development leveraged two promising and industrialized deposition methods, extra high-speed laser cladding (EHLA) and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spray. From a performance standpoint, the materials combine high corrosion performance and high wear resistance in a crack free solution. The materials are manufactured using low cost conventional atomization techniques and deposited as a single layer coating, significantly reducing processing costs. Environmental constraints are incorporated into the material design by eliminating carcinogenic Cobalt, Nickel, and Copper.This article communicates the latest results on the deposition and performance of the new materials on brake discs using EHLA and HVOF technologies.


Solids precipitation from liquid solvents, with dissolution by high‐pressure CO2 as an antisolvent to create supersaturation, is a potentially attractive crystallization process. Solids can be recrystallized and easily isolated from the liquid solvent. The gas antisolvent solvent (GAS) process was used to separate and purify β‐carotene from a mixture containing carotene oxidation products. Total β‐carotene was successfully separated from oxides, and an enriched traras‐β‐carotene was obtained from its cis isomers. The separation was carried out in both batch and continuous modes. Relative solubility of the analytes and the antisolvent (CO2) have a dramatic influence on the absolute yield and purity of the product.


We exploit differences in casualties sustained in pre-modern wars to estimate the impact of fiscal capacity on economic performance. In the past, states fought different amounts of external conflicts, of various lengths and magnitudes. To raise the revenues to wage wars, states made fiscal innovations, which persisted and helped to shape current fiscal institutions. Economic historians claim that greater fiscal capacity was the key long-run institutional change brought about by historical conflicts. Using casualties sustained in pre-modern wars to instrument for current fiscal institutions, we estimate substantial impacts of fiscal capacity on GDP per worker. The results are robust to a broad range of specifications, controls, and sub-samples.


The Marginal Border Series of the Skaergaard intrusion (East Greenland) crystallized in situ on the vertical walls of the magma chamber. It is subdivided into an outer Unbanded Division and an inner Banded Division. The Banded Division contains abundant centimetre- to decimetre-thick bands dominated by fine-grained mafic minerals, with a morphology evolving from almost planar to deeply scalloped and fingered with increasing distance from the intrusion margin. The morphology of these bands is reminiscent of the reaction fronts described in sedimentary basins infiltrated by reactive fluids. We propose that the banding in the Skaergaard Marginal Border Series is produced by chemical disequilibrium resulting from the suction of primitive liquid from the main magma body into the crystal mush, driven by shrinkage of the mush during solidification. Liquid porous flow results in partial dissolution of evolved pre-existing mafic minerals in the mush. This changes the mush liquid composition to one capable of crystallizing mafic rocks with a very minor plagioclase component. Abrupt solidification of this liquid, resulting in the formation of the colloform bands, is explained by supersaturation of some mafic mineral components (e.g. olivine, clinopyroxene, Fe–Ti oxides) in the infiltrating melt. We suggest that the morphological evolution of the colloform bands is a consequence of increasing crystal mush thickness with progressive differentiation.


Thermodynamic calculations show that all solar cells can convert solar photons into electricity or fuel with higher theoretical power conversion efficiencies under concentrated sunlight. For conventional (viz, present day) single-junction solar cells that produce at most one electron–hole pair per absorbed photon, the theoretical increase in efficiency is relatively small (absolute values of 38% at 500× vs 33% at 1×). However, when solar concentration is combined with multiple exciton generation (MEG) in semiconductor quantum dots, the increase in theoretical power conversion efficiency is greatly enhanced. For the ideal MEG case, where the threshold for exciton multiplication is twice the bandgap, Eg, the maximum thermodynamic efficiency increases to 75% at 500×, but the optimum Eg shifts to smaller values. If Eg is fixed at the 1-sun optimal level, then the maximum theoretical efficiency still increases markedly, becoming 62% at 500× for the staircase MEG characteristic (defined as producing N electron–...


Graphic design as a visual design discipline provides pre-print solutions by organizing the main two elements: type and image. Every graphic design presents a product or a service, and an album cover as a graphic design product presents the music and the musician besides protecting the recorded medium. Music as an art form based on sound and silence has been recording since the end of the 19th century for collecting and distributing the music to the masses. The primitive sleeves created for titling and protection turned into tools of labeling, offering and presenting as form they got and the materials they have been made of. Among its similar the 1986 released compilation album of the English rock band The Cure, Standing on a Beach / Staring at the Sea certificated by five times with platinum and six times with gold and critically acclaimed as the one of the finest albums of the "80s.The aim of this paper is to put forth the making of the sleeve art of the singles of the band The Cure with its unique attitude, which also shows the tight bonds among various graphic design elements like line, color, tone, light and shades and music. Does the sea as black and white in the background, the Figure old and thorn and the lettering in far behind have a relation of the music the band The Cure is made?


In the Islamic studies beyond being a tool science, logic is also a specific discipline that reflects the metaphysical and ontological assumptions of the scholars who used it as a tool. One of the features that best reflects the perceptions of the scholars who use logic as a tool science is the parallelism between the matter-form (mādda-sūra) and the genus-differentia (jins-fa l). The genus-differentia are the reflections of the Avicennian matter-form theory in epistemology. In this article, I examined how Ibn Sīnā accepting the matter-form ontology, approached to the relationship between the genus-differentia and the matter-form. Moreover, I analyzed, how Fakhr al-dīn al-Rāzī, applying an atomic ontology, explained the genus differentia as on the contrary of the matter-form theory.


In recent years, a growing number of studies have been carried out regarding the benefits of corporate social responsibility (CSR), while very little attention has been paid to how the perceived external and internal CSR initiatives influence the employees'positive work-related attitudes with regard to employee engagement. Furthermore, employee engagement is a crucial factor for companies in order to gain sustainable business results. Nevertheless, the percentage of the engaged employees in organizations around the world, especially in Asia is not satisfactory. In spite of the fact that CSR is considered as one of the significant drivers of employee engagement, little is known about the effect of CSR on employees, their attitudes and reactions to, as well as their role in the success of CSR programs in motivating workplace. Besides, most of the studies have been carried out in Western context and the employees' attitude toward CSR has been largely remained unexplored in developing countries, including Iran. Furthermore, a few recent studies demonstrated that CSR initiatives may foster organizational identification, but there is a lack of empirical support about the mechanism of the mediation effect of organizational identification between CSR and engagement. In addition, considering that developing countries face dramatic changes in economic and social issues, it can be anticipated that increasing employees' deficiency needs play an important role in employees' reactions toward company policies. Therefore, probably, if they feel that organization policies are not in line with to meet their deficiency needs, some employees may oppose to CSR initiatives and react with negative behaviours. This study aims to investigate the effect of perceived external and internal CSR on employee engagement by considering the role of employees' lower order need strength (LONS) and identification as well as to identify the employees' opinion towards CSR programs. This study involves a sample of 1080 employees from four selected organizations in Iran which are pioneers in conducting CSR activities. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the proposed model and testing hypothesis. The analysis of hypothesis supports the positive effect of the perceived external and internal CSR on employee engagement as well as the mediating role of organizational identification and moderating role of employees' LONS are proven in the above relationship.Twelve interviews were further conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding in the subject and further knowledge development. This thesis also contributes to the theoretical and practical knowledge, for the first time in providing the evidence on the relationship between perceived external and internal CSR (as a second order construct) and employee engagement. These findings extend the application of the underpinned theories (e.g. social identity theory, social exchange theory and justice theory) in explaining the relationships between CSR, employee engagement, and organizational identification. Practically, this research provides a deeper understanding and further insights for business managers in developing countries provided they consider the strength of employees' LONS and identification in determining their CSR policies.


The IUPAC Commissions on the Nomenclature of Inorganic and of Organic chemistry (CNIC and CNOC) have recently provided, in the "DRules"'I'1, recommendations for naming a large number of organic compounds containing phosphorus. Many such compounds are extremely important in biochemistry and hence in nearly all branches of biology and medicine. Most of the biochemically important ones are esters and/or anhydrides of various phosphorus-containing acids with complex organic alcohols and organic acids. Strict application of the "D-Rules"I'] to such compounds would result, in many cases, in rather complicated names, and these would be inconvenient for most biochemists and biologists to use.


Although many social indicators suggest that problems exist among the American Indian population for which counseling and .Amental health services should be provided, there are relatively_few AmericaL Indian counselors in the conventional mental health system Or in schools: therefore, the training of non-Indian counselors who Work amongAmerican Indians must be improved. Current literature suggests that counselors working with Indians should be culturally sensitive, should have_an awareness of Indian culture, -and should be able to interpret specific bebaviors in terms of possible cultural meaningfulness. A major implication of current literature is that there is a lack of communication and mutual understanding between counselors and Indian students. Results of a study comparing communication styles (Dauphinais, Dauphinais, and Rowe) indicate that the facilitative style, which is most commonly taught in counselbr. andtherapisttraining, is seen as least effective by Indian students. Preliminary resultS ofanother -study in which the authors are involved indicate that 15 out of 25 Indian students perceive the cultural-experimental Style as being more helpftl._Thus, efforts to specify counseling practices which Indian people find helpfdl shodld be intensified in training non-Indian counselors. (CM) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be rade from the original document. **************************************** ****** *********************


As the Brexit referendum has demonstrated, public support for the European Union (EU) is important for the future of the EU. The existing research shows that young citizens tend to be more supportive of the EU than old citizens. How stable, however, is this support? Do individuals who grew up in a strongly integrated EU have more stable support for the EU? Analysis of six-wave panel data from The Netherlands reveals that support for the EU is about equally stable among all generations, young and old. Given the higher level of support for the EU among younger generations, these findings suggest that support for the EU may increase as older, more skeptical generations are replaced by younger generations.


Terror Management Theory (Greenberg, Pyszczynski, & Solomon, 1986) depicts humanity as fundamentally driven by the motivation to escape or transcend mortality concerns. Recent research shows that close relationships serve as anxiety buffers against death-related thoughts (Hirschberger, Florian, & Mikulincer, 2002; Smieja, Kalaska, & Adamcyzyk, 2006). The current research investigated whether mortality salience prompts individuals to exhibit preferences for those other who share their attachment styles. Participants were assessed on their own attachments styles and were randompy assigned to mortality salience or control conditions. Participants then rated their levels of attraction toward vingettes that exhibited secure, fearful, preoccupied, or dismissive characteristics. Results indicated that participants rated self-matching attachment vignettes significantly more favorably than non-matching vignettes, but only in the mortality salience condition. The current research suggests that attachments style may serve as a component of one's subjective worldview that predicts interpersonal preferences when confronting mortality concerns.


Galectins are a family of low molecular weight i¢ i€  i€ galactoside specific endogenous lectins with functions in cell growth, cell activation, cell–cell, cell–matrix adhesion including binding to carcinoembryonic antigen, laminin and metalloprotenase. Gal-3 by interacting with T- antigen has been found to enhance metastatic potential of human tumors in a number of experimental studies. We correlated the endogenous expression patterns of Gal-1, Gal-3 along with their respective binding sites and T- antigen expression of breast cancer tissues of lymph node positive cases with that of lymph node negative cases. A lower cytoplasmic expression of Gal-3 and a higher expression of T- antigen were found to differentiate lymph node positive cases from node negative cases, suggesting that Gal-3 and T- antigen expression analysis can have a role to predict lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. Further detailed analysis to explore the significance of these markers in breast cancer is warranted.


The tobacco caterpillar Spodoptera litura Fabricius has emerged as a serious and dominant pest on many agricultural crops causing enormous losses. The use of plant extracts of various medicinal plants against the different developmental stages of S. litura to test their efficacy in organic farming is the need of the day. A cold ethyl alcohol extract of leaves of Carica papaya at different concentrations from 0.5 to 25 per cent was administered to lab-reared; pre starved fourth instar larvae topically as well as through food. The fourth instar larvae treated topically with the 25 per cent extract exhibited a total larval mortality of 68.33+ 1.66 per cent and the maximum total per cent mortality was 76.66+ 1.66 during its development to the adult stage. The larvae that were administered the plant extract through their food showed a per cent total mortality of 83.33 + 1.66 at 25 per cent concentration, of which 71.66 + 1.66 per cent was at the larval stage itself. Deformities and mortality were observed in the dead larvae and pupae for both the tests. However, deformities in adults appeared for topical treatment alone. The LCso and coo for topical application was 17.34 and 36.65 respectively.The same for leaf application was 22.68 and 61.03. The botanical also exhibited phagodeterrent properties.


The aim of this study was to establish a co-culture of bovine hoof keratinocytes and fibroblasts in different types of perfusion chambers under defined conditions. The perfusion chamber PCS3c (Oligene, Berlin) was used to culture dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes separated by a Millicell® Insert (Millipore, Schwalbach). In addition novel perfusion chambers developed by Dirk Hoffmann were used in combination with S & S membrane filters (Schleicher & Schuell, Dassel). First, fibroblasts were seeded onto one side of the insert/membrane and allowed to grow for 4 days. Subsequently keratinocytes were seeded onto the other side and allowed to adhere for one day. Then the chambers were connected to the tubing system with an attached 8-channel pump and a gas permeable media bag. We worked with different media and flow rates ranging from 0.035 ml/min to 0.35 ml/min. The system was run for up to 20 days. After a few days in culture the cells had grown to confluence. Then keratinocytes began to differentiate and built up stratified colonies. Within these colonies the cells showed the characteristic morphology of a stratified squamous epithelium. The use of perfusion chambers allows three-dimensional cultures to grow and survive for weeks, because of an unlimited medium supply and gas exchange. Additional, perfusion chamber systems enable the co-cultivation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes separated by membranes, which permit the exchange of molecules like growth factors. Furthermore, it is possible to perfuse the two different parts of the perfusion chamber with various and even different types of media. This provides the opportunity to add a growth factor to the medium for only one cell type and to study the effect of this factor to the other cell type. This work was supported by the European Communities under the Lamecow project QLK5-CT-2002-00969.The authors are solely responsible and the work does not necessarily represent the opinion of the European Communities.


Embodiment of the theme in Joyce's novel Ulysses,Criticism of Irish culture,relies not only on the creation of images of the main characters,but also on the description of alien images.This paper deals with the images of alien races and the background where they were created from the perspective of image studies based on the text of Ulysses,aiming to reveal the relationship between the creation of alien images and Joyce's intention in this novel,that is,construction of Irish cultural identity.


Introduction. Tourism activities are important development drivers of regional economies. Regional tourism has gained special significance in the last year, when restrictions on international travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic diverted tourist flows to domestic travel. The research topic is of relevance because of the peculiarities and uneven development of tourism and tourism infrastructure in different regions of Russia and because of the need to identify the causes and consequences of the emerging imbalances. Based on the results of the conducted research, the article identifies the regional features of development of tourism infrastructure and the factors affecting them.

Materials and Methods. The study was based on the analysis of official statistical data from Russian Federal State Statistics Service and the Federal Agency for Tourism regarding the development of tourism and tourism infrastructure in the federal districts of the Russian Federation. To identify the level of development of the tourism infrastructure, economic and statistical methods were used, as well as specific indicators characterizing the tourist infrastructure, including the Baretje-Defert and Schneider indices, etc. A horizontal and structural analysis of statistical data on the development of tourism and its infrastructure was carried out, which made it possible to identify the features of regional development of tourism infrastructure.

Results. The authors have analyzed statistical data characterizing tourism activities, studied regional imbalances in the development of tourism infrastructure, identified the causes and consequences of uneven development of regional infrastructural support for tourism activities, and formulated proposals for taking them into account when developing strategic master plans for development of tourist areas.

Discussion and Conclusion. The results obtained can be used when devising strategies for development of regional infrastructural support for tourism activities, as well as when preparing master plans for tourist destinations, which will contribute to increasing the scientific validity of managerial decisions regarding tourism development at the regional level.


11025 Background: Hematology/oncology fellowship has a steep learning curve. Foundational knowledge at the start of fellowship is essential, given limited exposure to key disease-specific concepts in prior training. We have previously employed an expert faculty-led "introductory boot camp" during the first 2 months of fellowship training. Trainees provided feedback that this was not best meeting fellows' needs. We hypothesized that a near-peer teaching model, led by senior fellows, would better align lecture content and scope with the needs of new fellows and improve senior fellows' mastery of clinical knowledge and comfort with teaching skills. Methods: Using a constructivist theory of learning, we selected the most relevant topics from the curriculum and assigned each senior fellow 1-2 hour-long sessions on clinical areas of interest, paired with expert faculty. A one-hour workshop on lecturing techniques and instructional design was held for all senior fellows. Educational sessions led by senior fellows and expert faculty occurred July-September 2022 in a hybrid format. An IRB-exempt anonymous survey was sent to participating fellows and faculty regarding effectiveness of the educational sessions and the process of preparing to lead sessions. Results: 15 of 17 fellows (88%) and 12 of 15 faculty (80%) completed the survey. Overall, 71% (95% CI 33-82) of fellows and 75% (95% CI 43-95%) of faculty felt the new series was taught at an appropriate level for new fellows. All fellow respondents felt the approach was helpful for clinical practice and board preparation. All participating senior fellows felt equipped to teach and that the exercise improved confidence in the content and their teaching skills. No fellows proposed a return to the prior model, and 80% of faculty felt the near-peer approach should be continued in future years. Qualitative analysis of narrative responses identified several strengths, including emphasis on focused, introductory frameworks and the generation of living resources for future reference. Areas identified for future improvement include providing more guidance and structure for pre-lecture faculty-fellow preparations. Conclusions: A near-peer model of introductory lectures is feasible to implement, produces improved satisfaction with the curriculum, and can be a means of presenting foundational content in hematology and oncology concordant with the learners' needs. This method has important implications for developing learner-concordant, expert-driven curricula in large and rapidly changing content areas within hematology/oncology.


Financial support: None. Conflict of interests: None. The brachial plexus palsy is a rare complication of a clavicle fracture, occurring in 0.5% to 9.0% of cases. This condition is caused by excessive callus formation, which can be recovered by a spur resection and surgical fixation. In contrast, only seven cases have been reported after surgical reduction and fixation. A case of progressive brachial plexus palsy was observed after fixation of the displaced nonunion of a clavicle fracture. The symptom were improved after removing the implant.


Abstract : A summary has been made of the available experimental data on division of normal-force loads between the wing and fuselage of aircraft. Comparison of the experimental values with theoretical calculations which include interference effects show good agreement in general with the greatest differences occurring near a Mach number of 1.0. At high angles of attack, above the range of linear lift curves, the proportion of the total wing-fuselage load carried by the wing decreases and this effect occurs throughout the subsonic- and transonic-speed regions.


In this paper,on the analysis of geochemical characteristics of Thallium and the close paragenesis of Thallium with Gold as well as they both controlled by same mineralizer and depositing enrichments in mineralization,the significance of Thallium for prospecting gold deposits has been put forward. The significance not only for microfine dissminated gold deposits but also for all the gold deposits that have features of epigenetic hydrothermal mineralization. On the basis of enrichment regulation of Thallium, the prospecting significance of Cl, F, C, S have been proposed also. The main contents of evaluation and the problems in Thallium exploration geochemistry have been summarized


The weakly damped low frequency oscillation is one of the main factors that influence the stable operation of interconnected power grids.Observed from the wide area measured data,small fluctuations caused by load random changes exist continuously in power grids,which can be called ambient signals.A method is proposed to identify the low frequency oscillation characteristics from ambient data,using the random decrement technique and Prony method.First,the free-damped signal is extracted from ambient signal by the random decrement technique,and the applicability of three triggering conditions is discussed.Then the electromechanical properties are estimated from the free-damped signal using Prony method.This approach is applied to the simulation data from the 36-node benchmark system and the measured data in China Southern power grid,and the feasibility of this method is validated.


and virulence-associated proteins. These proteins presented two (LIC13321-E1; LIC13321-E2) and four (LIC10715-E1, LIC10715-E2, LIC10715-E3, LIC10715-E4) predicted B-cell linear epitopes. Regarding the natural immunogenicity of predicted epitopes, about 8% and 25% of LG presented antibodies against LIC13321-E1 and LIC13321-E2, respectively. Moreover, while only 6% of LG presented antibodies against LIC10715-E2, other LIC10715 epitopes were specifically recognized by more than 25% of studied individuals. Conclusion: Four naturally immunogenic B-cell epitopes were identified in Leptospira thermolysins and will be evaluated about their protective potential to further compose novel multi-epitopes vaccines.


Western, mechanistic clock-time versus the traditional African organic, natural concept of time: How should this conflict be solved? This article is an effort to resolve the tension and conflict between (traditional) African and (modern) Western concepts of time. In order to do so, the salient characteristics of African and Western concepts about time are explained. Because the way in which time is measured reveals a lot about one's viewpoint about time, special attention is given to time measurement in both Africa and the West. In the case of the West the historical development and character of mechanical clocks are investigated. The result of the investigation is summarised in a comparative table. The conclusion is that both Western and African perspectives on time are, albeit in different ways, one-sided. They have to be broadened and enriched by an intercultural and Christian-philosophical perspective. Time should neither be our enemy or boss (as in the case of the West) nor are we the masters of time (Africa). Time is a gift of God to be enjoyed, as well as a task we as stewards should use responsibly.


To measure the force which act on a mechanical equipment on—line and make the fault diagnosis, a kind of the non-contact force sensor with three magnetic pole based on magnetoelastic effect was designed and its operation principle and the mathematical model of induced voltage output were also derived out in this paper. The output characteristic of the sensor affected by field current intensity, frequency, and the gap between the probe of the sensor and the surface of the material tested was analyzed by testing. The calculation result based on the output model found by the paper accord basically with the test result. The results of the test have showed that the measuring precision and sensitivity of the sensor can meet the demands of the general practical application.


— Large wireless network infrastructures experience concurrent or overlapping service outages due to equipment and link failures. The frequency, duration, and impact of such episodes are of interest to users and network operators alike. Here, a research project which investigates through simulation the characteristics of concurrent network outages in large wireless network infrastructures is presented. The dependability attributes used to gain a perspective on this issue are network reliability, availability, maintainability and survivability. To assess these attributes in this setting, a new term, called an "impact epoch", is introduced. Epochs are defined as single, concurrent, or overlapping outages in time, consisting of n different outages. A wireless network is expanded in size and epochs observed as the network grows. The new proposed metrics offer valuable insights into the management of restoration resources. Simulations proved invaluable in identifying multi-outage epochs, as well as modeling their occurrence, frequency, duration, and size – results which are analytically intractable for assessing large networks.


Observational determinations of the functional relationship between star formation rate surface density and molecular gas surface density, commonly known as the star formation law, in galaxies require taking into account a number of factors. Extinction, contributions from non star-forming populations affect many measures of star formation, the treatment of the diffuse emission, and the statistical methodologies employed all have impacts on the precise relation between gas and star formation. Using CARMA STING data-set, a 3mm (CO J = 1-0) survey of nearby galaxies, we recently investigate the relationship at the sub-kpc level. We find that precise observational constraint on the linear or non-linear functional form of the relationship requires an accurate estimate of the fraction of the diffuse emission. Our results show that the treatment of the diffuse emission has significant impact on the intrinsic scatter in the Schmidt-Kennicutt type star formation law. The scatter varies substantially with the choice of the star formation tracer used. For example, the mid-infrared non-linear 24 μm star formation tracer shows the tightest correlation with the molecular gas content whereas (azimuthally averaged) extinction corrected Hα as a tracer appears to be the noisiest. Measuring the relationship in the bright, high molecular gas surface density (ΣH2∼ 20 M⊙ pc ) regions of the disks to minimize the contribution from diffuse extended emission and using 24 μm emission as a tracer of star formation, we find an approximately linear relation between molecular gas and star formation rate surface density with a molecular gas depletion time ∼2.30 Gyr.


There has been no published research in the United Kingdom specific to the promotion of occupational therapy as a career among secondary schoolchildren. A two-part questionnaire was administered to 110 schoolchildren (age 14–16 years) at three schools in England. The questionnaire investigated awareness about occupational therapy as a potential career and opinions about various promotional materials: a video, radio advertisements and careers leaflets issued by the College of Occupational Therapists. The findings indicate that awareness of occupational therapy is low; careers teachers are the first choice and the Internet the second choice when finding out about a career in occupational therapy. All participants chose the video as the best promotional material. Schoolchildren need to be informed about occupational therapy before the age of 14 years if they are to consider it as a career; careers teachers need ready access to promotional materials; and the College of Occupational Therapists' web pages need to be developed specifically for secondary school-age children.


The requirements for a subsurface geothermal subsidence instrument were reviewed. Available instruments for monitoring subsurface displacements, both vertical and horizontal, were studied and the most capable instruments identified. Techniques and materials for improving existing or developing new instruments were evaluated. Elements of sensor and signal technology with potential for high temperature monitoring of subsidence were identified. Drawing from these studies, methods to adapt production wells for monitoring were proposed and several new instrumentation systems were conceptually designed. Finally, four instrumentation systems were selected for future development. These systems are: triple sensor induction sensor probe (with casing collar markers); triple sensor gamma ray detector probe (with radioactive markers); triple sensor reed switch probe (with magnet markers); and triple sensor oscillator-type magnet detector probe (with magnet markers). All are designed for use in well casing incorporating slip couplings or bellows sections, although the gamma ray detector probe may also be used in unlined holes. These systems all measure vertical moement. Instruments to measure horizontal displacement due to geothermal subsidence were studied and the required instrument performance was judged to be beyond the state-of-the-art. Thus, no conceptual designs for instruments to monitor horizontal movement are included.


The required or expected quality of a coating system depends on the suitable choice of a substrate and a coating system or lining. It is determined with the purpose of use and the expected durability of the product as a whole. If there are no obstacles in evaluating the quality of surface systems (their physical, mechanical and chemical properties), these arise in the final choiceof coating systems. From among many available and qualitatively assessedcoating systems, one has to decide for the best one. The multi-criteria decision-making model is presented herein, that can help solve the problem of choosing the most appropriate coating system from among many alternatives successfully.


Risk Behaviors Among Adolescents — Continued H gh proportions of U.S. high school students engage in behaviors that place them at increased risk for the leading causes of death and morbidity (e.g., motor-vehicle crashes and other unintentional injuries, homicide, suicide, heart disease, and cancer [1 ]), unintended pregnancy, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (2 ). Because efforts to measure health-risk behaviors among adolescents throughout the United States have not included those who do not attend school, the prevalences of those behaviors are probably underestimated for the total adolescent population. To characterize more accurately the prevalence of selected health-risk behaviors among adolescents aged 12–19 years who do and do not attend school, CDC analyzed self-reported national data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), conducted as part of the 1992 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This report summarizes the results of the analysis. The 1992 NHIS was conducted among a representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population using a multistage cluster-area probability design of approximately 120,000 persons representing approximately 49,000 households. The YRBS was conducted as a followback survey to the NHIS among a representative sample of adolescents in the sampled households. In each household with at least one person aged 12–21 years, the current school enrollment status of each adolescent was determined as either "in-school" (i.e., attending school or on vacation from school at the time of the interview) or "out-of-school" (i.e., not attending school and had not graduated from high school or attained General Educational Development credentials at the time of the interview). Out-of-school adolescents were over-sampled. During April 1992–March 1993, adolescent respondents listened to a tape recording of the questionnaire and recorded their responses on a standardized answer sheet. Questionnaires were completed by 10,645 (77.2%) eligible adolescents. Information was analyzed for the 6969 respondents who were aged 12–19 years and had not completed high school. Among these respondents, 91% were classified as in-school and 9% as out-of-school. Results were standardized by age by using the age distribution of the total population participating in the YRBS. SUDAAN was used to compute all standard MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT March 4, 1994 / Vol. 43 / No. 8


In this paper, we propose a method of genetic algorithm (GA) for text clustering based on singular value decomposition technique. The main difficulty in the application of GA to text clustering is its long string representation in high dimensional space. Because the most straightforward and popular approach represents texts with vector space model (VSM), that is, each unique term in the vocabulary represents one dimension. Singular value decomposition (SVD) is a successful technique arising from numerical linear algebra that is used in latent semantic indexing (LSI). Employing the SVD-based document representation, LSI can overcome the problems by using statistically derived conceptual indices instead of individual words and provide a dimension reduced space. Genetic algorithm belongs to search techniques which could automatically exploit the optimal solution for objective or fitness function of an optimization problem. GA can be used in conjunction with the reduced latent semantic structure and improve clustering efficiency and accuracy. Our algorithm is performed on Reuter documents collection. The results show that the performance of SVD-based GA is significantly superior to that of conventional GA in vector space model.


SlJ]v{MARY .. A quasi-linear oscillating system always contains weak factors (negative and positive frictions, exciting forces in resonances, non-linearities of restoring forces) usually c-haracterized by a small parameters e. Recently, s~me articles have distinguished the degree of smallness of different factors and interesting phenomena have been found [3, 4]. In the present paper, using the same manner, we shall consider a quasi-linear parametrically-excited system and the difference between the quadratic non-linearity and the cubic one, will be observed.


At least since John Cowell's Interpreter was adjudged by the Committee on Grievances of the House of Commons in 1610 to be "very unadvised, and undiscreet, tending to the disreputation of the honour and power of the common laws" have law dictionaries been objects of occasional controversy.1 Yet legal dictionaries, as well as dictionaries more generally, have remained a constant resource in American law for those seeking to give meaning to the words of both statutes and constitutional provisions. They have appeared in the pages of the reports since the beginning of the republic;2 a majority of the justices of the Supreme Court, at one time or another, have turned to them;3 they have not been simply the refuge of the lesser sorts who have ascended the highest bench, but have been relied upon by those justices generally held in greatest esteem;4 and their use has never been the preserve of any particular


Summary Bovine prothrombin was prepared by adsorption on barium sulfate. After elution, it was passed through thick filter-cakes of Standard Super-Cel, which removed some venom substrate (factor X). Almost all the remaining venom substrate was removed by repeated passage through columns of DEAE-cellulose. Finally, the ratio of venom substrate to prothrombin was considerably less than 1/1,000 that of plasma. The prothrombin was also poor in factor V. It yielded very little thrombin upon incubation with Russell's viper venom, factor V, phospholipid and calcium chloride. However, inclusion of bovine plasma at a final dilution of 1/10,000 caused the mixture to produce thrombin rapidly. This system offers promise for the assay of venom substrate in plasma. Thrombokinase derived from bovine plasma was able, at 0.000071 mg/ml, to substitute for both the venom and its substrate in thrombin-producing systems. However, with this small amount of thrombokinase, phospholipid was indispensable. The system was sensitive to 0.00001 mg phospholipid/ml. With 1,000 times as much thrombokinase, prothrombin was activated without addition of accessory factors, in the presence of oxalate. Removal of venom substrate did not affect this response of prothrombin. Nor did removal of venom substrate from the prothrombin prevent its activation by crystallized trypsin in the presence of oxalate.


Abstract The main objective of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic factors affecting social capital development, continuity and sustainability among microfinance adopting households in Nyanga, Zimbabwe. The specific objective was to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics of the microfinance adopters. One hundred and forty-six respondents were purposely and randomly selected for questionnaire-based conducted interviews among members of the Kufusa Mari microfinance programme. The data were captured into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed through an SPSS program. The results were determined through a perception-based approach. Respondents were asked to identify the factors that would have impacted on their membership in the group. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents were older married Shona-speaking women who had attained secondary education, followed by those with primary and tertiary education. Ethnic identity, marital status, ownership of assets, social status in the community, political affiliation and religiosity would have major impact on social capital.


A total of 273 virus samples of SMV were collected from 28 locations distributed in 13 counties of Hebei province in2012. The isolates were biologically purified from collected samples and detected by ELISA and RT-PCR. Then,SMV isolates were classified by the unified national identification system. Finally,67 virus isolates were obtained and 56 virus isolates were identified to be SMV isolates by ELISA and RT-PCR. Base on the differential host responses to these isolates,these SMV isolates were classified into 9 strains. Compared with previous studies,composition and distribution of SMV strains in Hebei had showed some changes,however SC7 and SC11 were still popular strain; the percentage of SC8 strain decreased; SC12,SC13 and SC15 were undetected; three new strains SC1,SC3 and SC18 were first discovered in Hebei,and the development of SC3 strains should be given more attention.


Lean Six Sigma is a systematic approach to reduce or eliminate activities that do not add value to the process. The Lean Six Sigma helps in removing unwanted steps in process. It ensures great quality of customer satisfaction in the manufacturing industries. There has been a plethora of literature review carried out on implementation of lean six sigma in manufacturing industries. Implementation of lean six sigma among small or medium scale enterprises[ SME'S], has not been so extensively researched. For this Study 15 research papers has been reviewed, These were collaborated from specific databases that included: Emerald, Sage, Inderscience, BSCO Business Source Premier, Science Direct and Scopus.The main purpose of this research is to explore the Lean Six Sigma [LSS] in manufacturing industries, along with Six Sigma tools and their Implementation, challenges faced by [SME's] and critical success factors as well which we will study ahead in this paper. This Research focuses on Improvement of [SME's] and major aspects of [LSS]. Turning to Lean Six Sigma can bring profound improvements in quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction.


Over since the new period, there have existed two solutions to the discussion of the theory of art reflection in the field of aesthetics of art and literature. The first is to substitute the Aesthetic response theory and the theory of Image-thinking for the theory of Art reflection. The second is to deduce the theory of Aesthetic reflection through the reflection theory of Marxism philosophy or to seek the concept category of the theory of art reflection such as the theory of art work, theory of Aesthetic medium, theory of artistic mastery from the classical works of Marxism. The above two have gained great achievement, however there is still much room for improvement--whether the theory of Aesthetic response can contain or substitute for the theory of Aesthetic reflection and whether the latter is only the object-response in aesthetic response. These are all involved in solution to the vital problems of art beauty. If there is only narrow understanding of the active reflection theory of Marxism, it's impossible to avoid one-sided viewpoints toward reflection problem between the theory of Aesthetic reflection and the theory of Aesthetic response.


In this article, by using the fractional order PIλ controller, we propose a simple and effective method to compute the robust stability region for the fractional order linear time-invariant plant with interval type uncertainties in both fractional orders and relevant coefficients. The presented method is based on decomposing the fractional order interval plant into several vertex plants using the lower and upper bounds of the fractional orders and relevant coefficients and then constructing the characteristic quasi-polynomial of each vertex plant, in which the value set of vertex characteristic quasi-polynomial in the complex plane is a polygon. The D-decomposition method is used to characterise the stability boundaries of each vertex characteristic quasi-polynomial in the space of controller parameters, which can obtain the stability region by varying λ orders in the range (0, 2). These regions of each vertex plant are computed by using three stability boundaries: real root boundary (RRB), complex root boundary (CRB) and infinite root boundary (IRB). The method gives the explicit formulae corresponding to these boundaries in terms of fractional order PIλ controller parameters. Thus, the robust stability region for fractional order interval plant can be obtained by intersecting stability region of each vertex plant. The robustness of stability region is tested by the value set approach and zero exclusion principle. Our presented technique does not require sweeping over the parameters and also does not need linear programming to solve a set of inequalities. It also offers several advantages over existing results obtained in this direction. The method in this article is useful for analysing and designing the fractional order PIλ controller for the fractional order interval plant. An example is given to illustrate this method.


A numerical study based on the κ-e two-equation turbulent model, was conducted to broaden our knowledge of the flow features in a U-beam tube bundle. U-beam tube bundle could be arranged stagger to play a role of inertial gas-solid separator in Circulating Fluidized-Bed Boiler system. This paper presented the velocity, velocity streamlines, pressure loss, turbulent kinematics energy, turbulent intensity of the fully developed flow field, and analyzed the distributions and variations rule. The paper also transferred the parameters to dimensionless group, discussed the changing law and magnitude of the dimensionless physical quantities when inlet velocity changed. Figs 8 and refs 10.


In order to investigate the composition and the actual status of extractive nitrogenous compounds in the fresh 'Gae-bul' (echiuroid), a kind of echiurida (Urechis unicinctus), the extract was analyzed separately into extractive nitrogen, free amino acids (FAAs), oligopeptides, nucleotides and related compounds, quaternary ammonium bases, and guanidino compounds, using specimens collected at fish market in April 1988. The extractive nitrogen of echiuroid was . Thirty-two kinds of FAAs were found, and the total of them in it was . Glycine, alanine, taurine, and serine were the major FAAs in the echiuroid extracts. The large amount of glycine was noted in the extract. The sum of ATP and its related compounds was , and predominant compound was the AMP. Besides, CTP, GTP, UTP and their related compounds were also detected, and the total amount of them was . The lower homarine, trigonelline, TMAO, TMA, and creatine were detected in the extracts. The extractive nitrogenous constituents of medium size and large size echiuroid were almost the same level each other. The total nitrogens of the compounds analyzed for each samples accounted for more than 90% of the extractive nitrogen in this study.


This paper reviews the development of paratransit services in Canada since 1970 in dial-a-bus, privately operated systems, transportation pooling options and specialized services for the handicapped. It also outlines the role of the federal, provincial and municipal governments as well as the private operators in fostering paratransit systems implementation. The paper deals with the difficulties of evaluating paratransit projects since evaluation relies mostly on subjective judgement due to a lack of quantifiable performance criteria. It outlines a list of criteria against which all the Canadian paratransit projects are evaluated. These criteria can be summed up in five main categories: systems performance, operational efficiency, economics, social impact and environmental impact. Finally, the paper attempts to predict the future paths of paratransit development in Canada. /TRRL/


This paper describes the results of studies of habitats of the West Siberian Arctic in the following areas: forest, forest-tundra, tundra for the species composition of oribatid mites ticks and mosquitoes, which are the representatives of the soil microfauna, taking an active part in the decomposition of organic matter. Of particular interest to the members of this group (oribatid mites) due to the fact that they constitute about 90% of all the microscopic arthropods that live in the soil. The highest species diversity of oribatid mites have been reported in forest areas and areas of tundra, least of all species was observed in the tundra.


INTEREST has been centred not only on the effect of maturity on the calcifying properties of grains [Templin and Steenbock, 1933] but also on changes effected by the process of germination. Stepp [1925] observed that the substitution of sprouted grains for the cereal component of McCollum's rachitogenic ration 3143 [McCollum et al., 1921] did not alter its rickets-producing effect. Mellanby [1926] reported that the rachitogenic property of oats was not materially altered by exposure to a temperature of 100° for 18 hours or by germination for as long as a week, but the combined application of these treatments distinctly reduced interference with bone calcification. He further stated that the same relations held for barley, making the kilned grain a comparatively good cereal product from the point of view of bone formation and much better than the original barley. Gy6rgy and Schall [1929] extended the study of the rickets-producing property of seeds germinated in the dark to include wheat, barley, oats and beans (Puffbohnen). He used extracts of these germinated seeds prepared with a mixture of alcohol, ether and chloroform of such concentration that 0-1 g. of extract represented 1 g. of seed. No evidence of healing was obtained when daily doses of 0-1 g. of extract were administered to rachitic rats over a period of 8 to 14 days. These workers were also unsuccessful in their attempt to activate ergosterol by exposing it to mitogenetic rays from the roots of hyacinth bulbs. The observations of Schittenhelm and his co-workers stand in opposition to the results just reviewed. Rubner and Schittenhelm [1926] expressed interest in the promotion of the therapeutic use of preparations made from dried sprouts obtained as a by-product of barley malted in the dark. Schittenhelm and Eisler [1928, 1] claim to have demonstrated the presence of vitamin D in these sprouts by feeding rats with an extract obtained with alcohol, light petroleum and chloroform. They found that 1 or 2 mg. of extract daily were sufficient to induce healing in 8 days. They further state that the active principle foliows the phytosterol fraction and is sensitive to oxygen and to light. However, the incompleteness of the data reported as well as the inadequate use of controls make it difficult properly to evaluate these results.


In the 1980s and '90s, companies like Apple and Microsoft introduced the world to products that, by the early 2000's, enabled each of us to be artistic creators in ways that were unimaginable mere decades ago. The internet revolution of the early aughts has allowed us to be instantaneous global self-distributors of that work. Although copyright thugs—those who use litigation or the threat of it to snuff out what is clearly fair use—are not a new problem, their ranks are ever-increasing in today's world of music mashups, YouTube cover videos, and viral Facebook memes that build upon and transform existing works. Creators must feel free to make fair use of others' work. But the fair-use doctrine has arguably become little more than "the right to hire a lawyer" to defend your actions in court. That defense can costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, so standing up to copyright bullies is not cheap.State legislatures have combated a similar type of bullying in defamation cases by enacting what are known as "anti-SLAPP" statutes. Litigants and judges can utilize existing rules of civil procedure, along with the attorney-fee-shifting provision in the Copyright Act, to simulate an anti-SLAPP effect in federal copyright actions. If these procedures are followed by copyright defendants and courts, we may begin to see a decrease in bullying, and creators will begin to feel free to make fair use of existing media.


This paper discussed the relationship between Olympic and folk culture from the view of history and culture.The research result showed that ancient Olympic and ancient Greece had close relationship with beliefs and worships between heaven and earth,animal and plants.However,the religious belief of Olympic sports formed in ancient Greece was connected with the particularity of geography and primitive production structure.Olympic sports of ancient Greece also had close relationship with worship of customs with superman power.These rich folk beliefs can still be seen in the modern Olympic Games.


A novel real-time interrogation technique based on an SMF-TMF-SMF (STS) structure and wavelength-to-time (WTT) mapping is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. An ultrashort optical pulse is first spectrally shaped by the homemade STS comb filter, which is formed by inserting a section of two-mode fiber (TMF) into single-mode fibers (SMF) using core-offset splicing. Linear WTT mapping is realized by employing a dispersive element and the spectrally-shaped waveform is mapped to the time domain. By monitoring the strain-encoded time shift, an ultrafast strain interrogation system with a measurement speed of 100 MHz and a strain sensitivity of 0.3 ps/ $\mu \varepsilon $ is obtained.


The aim of this research work is to find the EFGM solutions of the unsteady magnetohydromagnetic natural convection heat transfer flow of a rotating, incompressible, viscous, Boussinesq fluid is presented in this study in the presence of radiative heat transfer. The Rosseland approximation for an optically thick fluid is invoked to describe the radiative flux. Numerical results obtained show that a decrease in the temperature boundary layer occurs when the Prandtl number and the radiation parameter are increased and the flow velocity approaches steady state as the time parameter t is increased. These findings are in quantitative agreement with earlier reported studies.The aim of this research work is to find the EFGM solutions of the unsteady magnetohydromagnetic natural convection heat transfer flow of a rotating, incompressible, viscous, Boussinesq fluid is presented in this study in the presence of radiative heat transfer. The Rosseland approximation for an optically thick fluid is invoked to describe the radiative flux. Numerical results obtained show that a decrease in the temperature boundary layer occurs when the Prandtl number and the radiation parameter are increased and the flow velocity approaches steady state as the time parameter t is increased. These findings are in quantitative agreement with earlier reported studies.


By selecting suitable constitutive relations, we established 21 finite element models of prestressed high-strength concrete piles in ABAQUS. After verifying the correctness of the models, we investigated the shear span ratio, axial compression ratio, reinforcement rate of cube compressive strength of concrete and the prestressed reinforcement ratio influence parameters, such as the ultimate shear capacity of components and P−Δ relation curves. The results show that the shear span ratio has an effect on the shear performance of the piles, and that the ultimate shear capacity increases with the decreasing shear span ratio and the increasing ratio of prestressed bars. Compared with the prestressed members with ordinary reinforcement, the ultimate strength of the pile is higher, and the curve change rules under different shear span ratios are basically the same with the latter. Increasing the concrete strength can improve the shear strength of the pile, but the P−Δ relation curve at the elastic stage is almost the same. The ultimate shear capacity of the component increases with the increasing axial compression ratio.


Abstract:  Recent findings associate periodontal disease with established coronary heart disease (CHD) and with disorders of the carotid artery. Besides measures of the carotid artery, a number of other noninvasive subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease exist and are summarized here. Included are computed tomography (CT) of the coronary arteries, ultrasound of the carotid arteries, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ankle–brachial index, microalbuminuria, and other biochemical measures of kidney dysfunction, flow‐mediated dilation in the brachial artery, and pulse wave form analysis. Use of these measures may simplify and add depth to studies of oral health and cardiovascular disease. However, it is noted that the measures are not highly correlated with each other (based on 6,814 persons in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, Pearson correlations among the above subclinical measures, range from about 0.1–0.4), do not include propensity for the important atherosclerotic phase of plaque rupture, and do not fully substitute for studies of clinical cardiovascular disease endpoints.


HighlightsA chain-driven mesh belt sorting system for machine-plucked fresh leaves was developed.The sorting system are evaluated with respect to provide the quality and consistency necessary to produce famous green tea.The Grade-A-, Grade-B, and Grade-C leaves can be sorted out from raw Grade-D machine-plucked fresh leaves.Abstract. Due to the varying contents of machine-plucked fresh tea leaves when harvesting in summer/autumn green tea at different times, they can only be used to produce bulk green tea, it is difficult to produce famous high-quality green tea, limiting the economic benefits of using mechanical plucking technology. In this study, a chain-driven mesh belt sorting system was developed to address the uneven quality grade of machine-plucked fresh leaves in order to grade high-quality leaves for famous green tea according to their shape and consistency. The operating parameters and the sorting effectiveness of the proposed method were evaluated using separation experiments. The results show that raw collected Grade-D machine-plucked fresh leaves can be sorted into Grade-A-, Grade-B, and Grade-C material by a series of four collectors. The mass of debris (old stems, leaves, fragments, or buds) in the final collector accounted for 94.38% of the remaining material, while 47.65% of leaves from the initial collector were separated out as one-bud-multi-leaves. The application of additional separation cycles using the same stage collector was found to further increase the classification of the separated high-quality tea leaves from Grade-A- to Grade-A to Grade-A+. The results of these experiments reveal that the proposed system can classify fresh leaves according to their shape and tenderness, providing high-quality leaves for subsequent mechanized tea production and improving the economics of tea production. These findings are of considerable theoretical significance for the design of high-efficiency and low-damage automatic grading devices for machine-plucked fresh tea leaves. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Chain-driven mesh belt, Grading, Machine-plucked fresh leaves, Tea sorting.


Background of study: Herbal plants such as Solanum macrocarpon may have free radical scavenging activity and is used in the treatment of brain tissue hence this study was aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous extract of solanum macrocarpon leaf on acetaminophen induced brain injury. Materials and Method: Twentyfour adult male wistar rats with average age of 120-215 grams were purchased and used for this experiment. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of four (4) rats each. After 14days of acclimatization, the rats were grouped into control group (group A) and experimental groups (group B, C, D, E and F). The control group were given normal saline and feed. Group B rats were given 0.5ml of acetaminophen with 200mg/kg of aqueous extract. Group C received 0.5 ml of acetaminophen with 400mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract. Group D received 0.5ml of acetaminophen with 600mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract while Group E received 0.5ml of acetaminophen only. Group F were given standard drug, vitamin E orally for 10 days. The animal sacrificed on the 20day, and the organ was harvested for assaying brain function and histopathological test. Brain tissues were excised and fixed in formal saline then processed using the Hematoxylin and Eosin method. Result: Administrations of aqueous leaf extract of S. macrocarpon shows moderate healing with mild condensed neurons (CN), mild microcytic space (MS) and some plasma cell (PC) secondary to acetaminophen (H/E) X (400) induced cortex degeneration with microcystic space (MS), shrinking of the neurons (SN),eosinophilic substance within the vacuolated space (ES) and moderate coagulative necrosis. Conclusion: This present study proved that the aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarpon leaf exhibited a dose dependent significant antioxidant property on the brain against acetaminophen induced inflammation on the experiment rats. It is however recommended that further investigations should be carried on the efficacy and safety of use this extract on the brain and other tissues before recommending its use for certain medicinal.


Spider crabs, Libinia emarginata, were eyestalk-ablated unilaterally and bilaterally to manipulate endogenous methyl farnesoate (MF) to increase during the embryogenesis. Endogenous MF were measured weekly over the embryogenesis of the crab, using HPLC with the aids of GC/MS and MS database (CAS 010485-70-8) for the identification of the hormone. Initial MF titers both in the hemolymph and embryos of intact control were at bottom levels and the hormone concentrations kept unchanged (p


The three-parameter log-elliptical distribution class is developed for the general situation in which the hypothesis of independence for the elements in a sample is not assumed. The parameter estimators are theoretically showed to be invariant under all distributions in the class by considering only a change in the constant of the scale parameter estimator. An estimation procedure based on the three-parameter lognormal distribution is proposed for the parameter estimation problem in any three-parameter log-elliptical distribution. Two classical lognormal data sets are analyzed without assuming independence in the sample in order to illustrate the proposed estimation procedure.


The author analyzed the contradiction between science and human nature from philosophical phase. He thought that Man's predicament now is due to both human nature and science and technology.


AIM
To evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of different types of root canal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The sealers were eluted with culture medium for 1 hour, 7 days, and 14 days. Cell viability was estimated by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and trypan blue exclusion method on human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblast cells. Sealers used are mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based sealer (MTA Fillapex, Angelus), calcium hydroxide-based sealer (Apexit Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent), resin-based sealer (AH Plus, Dentsply), and zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer (Tubli Seal, SybronEndo).

RESULTS
The order of cytotoxicity through MTT assay, at the end of the second week, was observed as MTA Fillapex> Tubli Seal> Apexit Plus > AH Plus. The percentage cell viability obtained after trypan blue exclusion method decreased in the order of Apexit Plus> Tubli Seal> AH Plus> MTA Fillapex, which was similar to the reported cytotoxicity from the MTT assay after 1 hour.

CONCLUSION
Each type of sealer showed moderate-to-severe cytotoxic response when compared with the control. The MTA Fillapex was found to be the most cytotoxic sealer. Use of resin-based material as a root canal sealer may result in a more favorable response to PDL fibroblasts.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Having knowledge of the cytotoxicity of various sealers will help in increasing patient's comfort.


We prove assorted properties of matrices over Z 2 , and outline the complexity of the concepts required to prove these properties. The goal of this line of research is to establish the proof complexity of matrix algebra. It also presents a different approach to linear algebra: one that is formal, consisting in algebraic manipulations according to the axioms of a ring, rather than the traditional semantic approach via linear transformations.


Despite its widespread occurrence globally, wildfire preferentially occupies an environmental middle ground and is significantly less prevalent in biomes characterized by environmental extremes (e.g., tundra, rain forests, and deserts). We evaluated the biophysical "environmental space" of wildfire from regional to subcontinental extents, with methods widely used for modeling habitat distributions. This approach is particularly suitable for the biogeographic study of wildfire, because it simultaneously considers patterns in multiple factors controlling wildfire suitability over large areas. We used the Maxent and boosted regression tree algorithms to assess wildfire–environment relationships for three levels of complexity (in terms of inclusion of variables) at three spatial scales: the conterminous United States, the state of California, and five wildfire-prone ecoregions of California. The resulting models were projected geographically to obtain spatial predictions of wildfire suitability and were also ...


With continuous development and progress of the era, various industries in China have gained great development in recent years. Especially after the 21st century, the influence range of information technology is expanding, thus promoting the development of modern education industry. At present, English has become a worldwide language. China also has paid special attention to English education in recent years. In the college stage, English teaching as a major subject plays a great role in prompting students' professional ability. This paper aims to improve English teaching level in the college stage and gradually develop into college English in the new era. Due to the impacts of some uncertain factors in college English teaching reform, college English teaching quality is affected. College English teaching level can be effectively improved only through proposing positive improvement strategies for the problems existing in English teaching reform. Next, the paper will combine the practical work experience for many years to analyze college English teaching reform path in the new era for reference.


[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A common complaint heard across the nation concerns low values in new appraisals. Is this the result of a real decline in value or appraisers becoming conservative? First, realize that appraisers are the last people to receive factual information on current price levels. Before an appraiser becomes aware of a property being sold, the owner, real estate brokers, and potential buyers have all been involved in setting and arriving at a transaction price. Thus, the market has caused prices to decline over the past two to four years--not appraisers. Appraisers simply reflect and analyze the market. We believe the decline in appraised values seen by most banks can be attributed to two factors: The aforementioned decline in market prices, and a change in appraisal quality. Generally speaking, if we look at a 2006 appraised value of, say, $1 million and a 2010 appraised value of $500,000, we find the change is attributed partially to price decline and partially to the original appraisal being poorly supported, unsupported, or the data itself having been analyzed poorly. Whether acknowledged or not, banks have gone from using marginal appraisers who "hit the number" or quoted the lowest possible fees during the boom days, to using the best appraisers today as they want to know what the property is really worth, so as to make an informed decision. This same mistake occurred during the S&L crisis. Here are some tips that can help ensure this doesn't occur yet again. They boil down to two issues: Are you using the right people, and, are you using them the right way? Update your appraiser roster The foundation of a solid appraisal management program is a roster of well-qualified, approved appraisers. Begin reviewing your bank's program by asking: * Who set up the roster? * When was the last time the roster was updated? Red flags should go up if the answer to the first question is: "Loan officers set part or all of the approved roster," and to the second: "No one has reviewed the roster for many years." An important part of the entire appraisal program is independence. Throughout the appraisal regulations, bank regulatory agencies make it clear that loan officers and borrowers can have no say in which appraisers are considered or used for any assignment. As such, an existing roster that had loan officer involvement in which appraisers were approved to work for the bank needs to be revisited by an independent part of the bank such as Loan Review. The end result may be that many of the same appraisers will remain on the roster. After all, just because an appraiser was recommended by a loan officer does not mean that he or she is not qualified. To the second point, rosters often are assembled from a group of bank affiliates/regions and bank mergers. The result is a melting pot of names that no one has really looked into for years in regard to appraisal quality, timeliness, etc. In our reviews of rosters we have found appraisers that are in a different profession, retired, or even deceased! On average, the contact information for more than 20% of the appraisers is incorrect. …


Previous research has shown time and risk preferences to be important factors when explaining a variety of behavioural patterns, such as smoking, obesity and savings behaviour, while we focus on th ...


ABSTRACT This article examines the contentious issue of land acquisition in India, focusing on the deeply regressive system in operation from independence to the mid-2000s that caused wipeouts for millions of families, the flash of resistance to acquisitions starting around 2006-2007, the creation of a new law in 2013 to enhance justice and rights, and an attempt in 2014-2015 to amend that new law. The central questions that arise from this process are: why did a regressive system last so long? and, why did it die in the last decade? These are best answered in a political-economy framework in which increasing political competition has challenged the electoral mathematics of 'majoritarianism' and increased the viability of 'wedge issue' politics.