Analysis of Claims in the Uganda Construction Industry

The increasing cost of infrastructure development risks stifling national investment plans.Many projects in Uganda have suffered because of the frequency and magnitude of claims made by parties involved especially the contractors.As a result,the construction industry is plagued with claims which quite often lead to adversarial relationships.The major grounds for claims were identified through studying the contract documents where claims had been made.Increase in scope;change orders;errors in contract documents;inclement weather;inflation;delay in possessing the site;and change in the tax policy were the most prevalent grounds for making claims.Problems identified in claiming process include delays in getting approval;information on claims not reliable;hostility from the parties involved;pricing of claims;delays in effecting payment when approved;and overzealous contract interpretation leading to misunderstanding and delays Using a survey on project managers for 64 contractors and their corresponding clients or their representatives,the major ways in which it can be reduced were identified as being thoroughness during the design phase;providing for inflation;proper planning of works;using prequalified contractors;and proper documentation of records.Clients have a big role to play in reducing claims.

ON THE STABILITY OF PERIODIC SOLUTIONS OF PIECEWISE SMOOTH PERIODIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

In this paper,we address the stability of periodic solutions of piecewise smooth periodic differential equations.By studying the Poincarémap,we give a sufficient condition to judge the stability of a periodic solution.We also present examples of some applications.

A Brief Introduction to the English Periodical of Contemporary Social Sciences

The English periodical of Contemporary Social Sciences is an English periodical founded by Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences and is published every two months.It was approved by the National Radio and Television Administration of the People’s Republic of China(formerly the State Administration of Press,Publication,Radio,Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China)in March 2016.

Optimal design for rubber concrete layered periodic foundations based on the analytical approximations of band gaps and mapping relations

The seismic performance of rubber concrete-layered periodic foundations are significantly influenced by their design,in which the band gaps play a paramount role.Aiming at providing better designs for these foundations,this study first proposes and validates the analytical formulas to approximate the bounds of the first few band gaps.In addition,the mapping relations linking the frequencies of different band gaps are presented.Furthermore,an optimal design method for these foundations is developed,which is validated through an engineering example.It is demonstrated that ensuring the superstructure’s resonance zones are completely covered by the corresponding periodic foundation’s band gaps can achieve satisfactory vibration attenuation effects,which is a good strategy for the design of rubber concrete layered periodic foundations.

The Periodic Table of Primes

Over millennia, nobody has been able to predict where prime numbers sprout or how they spread. This study establishes the Periodic Table of Primes (PTP) using four prime numbers 2, 3, 5, and 7. We identify 48 integers out of a period 2×3×5×7=210 to be the roots of all primes as well as composites without factors of 2, 3, 5, and 7. Each prime, twin primes, or composite without factors of 2, 3, 5, and 7 is an offspring of the 48 integers uniquely allocated on the PTP. Three major establishments made in the article are the Formula of Primes, the Periodic Table of Primes, and the Counting Functions of Primes and Twin Primes.

Frequency-dependent viscoelasticity effects on the wave attenuation performance of multi-layered periodic foundations

In this paper,layered periodic foundations(LPFs)are numerically examined for their responses to longitudinal and transverse modes in the time and frequency domains.Three different unit-cells,i.e.,2-layer,4-layer,and 6-layer unit-cells,comprising concrete/rubber,concrete/rubber/steel/rubber,and concrete/rubber/steel/rubber/lead/rubber materials,respectively,are taken into account.Also,the viscoelasticity behavior of the rubber is modeled with two factors,i.e.,a frequency-independent(FI)loss factor and a linear frequency-dependent(FD)loss factor.Following the extraction of the complex dispersion curves and the identification of the band gaps(BGs),the simulations of wave transmission in the time and frequency domains are performed using the COMSOL software.Subsequent parametric studies evaluate the effects of the rubber viscoelasticity models on the dispersion curves and the wave transmission for the longitudinal and transverse modes.The results show that considering the rubber viscoelasticity enhances the wave attenuation performance.Moreover,the transverse-mode damping is more sensitive to the viscoelasticity model than its longitudinal counterpart.The 6-layer unit-cell LPF exhibits the lowest BG,ranging from 4.8 Hz to 6.5 Hz.

Clinical Application of Sex Hormone in Different Physiological Periods in the Diagnosis of Infertility Patients

Background: Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sex hormone levels during different physiological periods in the diagnosis of infertility patients. Methods: From December 2019 to May 2021, a total of 93 infertility patients were admitted and selected as the observation group. Among them, 31 cases were in the follicular stage, 31 cases in the ovulation stage, and 31 cases in the luteal stage. Ninety-three healthy women for fertility evaluation due to male infertility were selected as the control group. The control group included 31 women in the follicular phase, 31 women in the ovulatory phase, and 31 women in the luteal phase. The levels of sex hormones (prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P)) during different physiological phases were compared between the observation and control groups. Results: The follicular phase showed no significant difference in LH levels between the observation group and the control group. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL and P compared to the control group, while the levels of FSH, E2, and T were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. The ovulation phase showed no significant difference in PRL levels between the two groups. The observation group showed lower levels of LH, FSH, E2, T, and P compared to the control group. The luteal phase showed no statistical difference in E2 levels between the two groups. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL, LH, and FSH compared to the control group, while the levels of T and P were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Infertile women show variations in hormone levels compared to the normal levels during the follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase.

Existence of a Hölder Continuous Extension on Embedded Balls of the 3-Torus for the Periodic Navier Stokes Equations

This article gives a general model using specific periodic special functions, which is degenerate elliptic Weierstrass P functions whose presence in the governing equations through the forcing terms simplify the periodic Navier Stokes equations (PNS) at the centers of cells of the 3-Torus. Satisfying a divergence-free vector field and periodic boundary conditions respectively with a general spatio-temporal forcing term which is smooth and spatially periodic, the existence of solutions which have finite time singularities can occur starting with the first derivative and higher with respect to time. The existence of a subspace of the solution space where v3 is continuous and {C, y1, y12}, is linearly independent in the additive argument of the solution in terms of the Lambert W function, (y12=y2, C∈R) together with the condition v2=-2y1v1. On this subspace, the Biot Savart Law holds exactly [see Section 2 (Equation (13))]. Also on this subspace, an expression X (part of PNS equations) vanishes which contains all the expressions in derivatives of v1 and v2 and the forcing terms in the plane which are related as with the cancellation of all such terms in governing PDE. The y3 component forcing term is arbitrarily small in ε ball where Weierstrass P functions touch the center of the ball both for inviscid and viscous cases. As a result, a significant simplification occurs with a v3 only governing PDE resulting. With viscosity present as v changes from zero to the fully viscous case at v =1 the solution for v3 reaches a peak in the third component y3. Consequently, there exists a dipole which is not centered at the center of the cell of the Lattice. Hence since the dipole by definition has an equal in magnitude positive and negative peak in y3, then the dipole Riemann cut-off surface is covered by a closed surface which is the sphere and where a given cell of dimensions [-1, 1]3 is circumscribed on a sphere of radius 1. For such a closed surface containing a dipole it necessarily follows that the flux at the surface of the sphere of v3 wrt to surface normal n is zero including at the points where the surface of sphere touches the cube walls. At the finite time singularity on the sphere a rotation boundary condition is deduced. It is shown that v3 is spatially finite on the Riemann Sphere and the forcing is oscillatory in y3 component if the velocity v3 is. It is true that . A boundary condition on the sphere shows the rotation of a sphere of viscous fluid. Finally on the sphere a solution for v3 is obtained which is proven to be Hölder continuous and it is shown that it is possible to extend Hölder continuity on the sphere uniquely to all of the interior of the ball.

Resilience assessment and optimization method of city road network in the post-earthquake emergency period

The post-earthquake emergency period,which is a sensitive time segment just after an event,mainly focuses on saving life and restoring social order.To improve the seismic resilience of city road networks,a resilience evaluation method used in the post-earthquake emergency period is proposed.The road seismic damage index of a city road network can consider the influence of roads,bridges and buildings along the roads,etc.on road capacity after an earthquake.A function index for a city road network is developed,which reflects the connectivity,redundancy,traffic demand and traffic function of the network.An optimization model for improving the road repair order in the post-earthquake emergency period is also developed according to the resilience evaluation,to enable decision support for city emergency management and achieve the best seismic resilience of the city road network.The optimization model is applied to a city road network and the results illustrate the feasibility of the resilience evaluation and optimization method for a city road network in the post-earthquake emergency period.

Postpartum depression and partner support during the period of lactation:Correlation research and its influencing factors

BACKGROUND Postpartum depression(PPD)not only affects the psychological and physiological aspects of maternal health but can also affect neonatal growth and development.Partners who are in close contact with parturient women play a key role in communication and emotional support.This study explores the PPD support relationship with partners and its influencing factors,which is believed to establish psychological well-being and improve maternal partner support.AIM To explore the correlation between PPD and partner support during breastfeeding and its influencing factors.METHODS Convenience sampling was used to select lactating women(200 women)who underwent postpartum examinations at the Huzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from July 2022 to December 2022.A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the basic information(general information questionnaire),depression level[edinburgh postnatal depression scale(EPDS)],and partner support score[dyadic coping inventory(DCI)]of the selected subjects.Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between PPD and DCI in lactating women.Factors affecting PPD levels during lactation were analyzed using multiple linear regression.RESULTS The total average score of EPDS in 200 lactating women was(9.52±1.53),and the total average score of DCI was(115.78±14.90).Dividing the EPDS,the dimension scores were:emotional loss(1.91±0.52),anxiety(3.84±1.05),and depression(3.76±0.96).Each dimension of the DCI was subdivided into:Pressure communication(26.79±6.71),mutual support(39.76±9.63),negative support(24.97±6.68),agent support(6.87±1.92),and joint support(17.39±4.19).Pearson’s correlation analysis demonstrated that the total mean score and individual dimension scores of EPDS during breastfeeding were inversely correlated with the total score of partner support,stress communication,mutual support,and cosupport(P<0.05).The total mean score of the EPDS and its dimensions were positively correlated with negative support(P<0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the main factors affecting PPD during breastfeeding were marital harmony,newborn health,stress communication,mutual support,negative support,cosupport,and the total score of partner support(P<0.05).CONCLUSION PPD during breastfeeding was associated with marital harmony,newborn health,stress communication,mutual support,negative support,joint support,and the total DCI score.

Impact of Alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff expression on the prognosis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The Alcian blue(AB)and periodic acid Schiff(PAS)stains are representative mucus markers in gastric signet ring cell carcinoma(SRCC).They are low-cost special staining methods used to detect acidic mucus and neutral mucus,respectively.However,the clinical importance of the special combined AB and PAS stain is unclear.AIM To investigate AB expression,PAS expression and the AB-to-PAS(A/P)ratio in gastric SRCC patients and to assess patient prognosis.METHODS Paraffin-embedded sections from 83 patients with gastric SRCC were stained with AB and PAS,and signet ring cell positivity was assessed quantitatively.Immuno-histochemical staining for Ki67,protein 53(P53)and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)was performed simultaneously.The cancer-specific survival(CSS)rate was estimated via Kaplan-Meier analysis.Cox proportional hazards models were used for univariate and multivariate survival analyses.RESULTS Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the 3-year CSS rate was significantly greater in the high-PAS-expression subgroup than in the low-PAS-expression subgroup(P<0.001).The 3-year CSS rate in the A/P≤0.5 group was significantly greater than that in the A/P>0.5 group(P=0.042).Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the factors affecting prognosis included tumor diameter,lymph node metastasis,vessel carcinoma embolus,tumor stage,the A/P ratio and the expression of Ki67,P53 and the PAS.Cox multivariate regression analysis confirmed that low PAS expression[hazard ratio(HR)=3.809,95%confidence interval(CI):1.563-9.283,P=0.003]and large tumor diameter(HR=2.761,95%CI:1.086-7.020,P=0.033)were independent risk factors for poor prognosis.CONCLUSION A/P>0.5 is potentially a risk factor for prognosis,and low PAS expression is an independent risk factor in the prognosis of gastric SRCC.PAS expression and the A/P ratio could help in predicting the clinical prognosis of patients with SRCC.

Frictional contact analysis of a rigid solid with periodic surface sliding on the thermoelectric material

Understanding and characterizing rough contact and wavy surfaces are essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate wear,optimize lubrication,and enhance the overall performance and durability of mechanical systems.The sliding friction contact problem between a thermoelectric(TE)half-plane and a rigid solid with a periodic wavy surface is the focus of this investigation.To simplify the problem,we utilize mixed boundary conditions,leading to a set of singular integral equations(SIEs)with the Hilbert kernels.The analytical solutions for the energy flux and electric current density are obtained by the variable transform method in the context of the electric and temperature field.The contact problem for the elastic field is transformed into the second-kind SIE and solved by the Jacobi polynomials.Notably,the smoothness of the wavy contact surface ensures that there are no singularities in the surface contact stress,and ensures that it remains free at the contact edge.Based on the plane strain theory of elasticity,the analysis primarily examines the correlation between the applied load and the effective contact area.The distribution of the normal stress on the surface with or without TE loads is discussed in detail for various friction coefficients.Furthermore,the obtained results indicate that the in-plane stress decreases behind the trailing edge,while it increases ahead of the trailing edge when subjected to TE loads.

The Resilience and Flexibility of Asia-Pacific Regional Economic Cooperation in the Period of Worldwide Turbulent Changes

The world today is undergoing a new period of turbulent changes,with the post-war trade and economic system dominated by neo-liberalism facing complex challenges.The political and economic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region also fluctuates from time to time due to various factors.Meanwhile,the willingness of Asia-Pacific countries to promote regional economic cooperation remains strong,as the experience and lessons of"prosperity for all,loss for all"learned over the past few decades of development have convinced countries that continued strengthening of regional cooperation is the only right choice to ensure sustainable economic growth for their own countries.

Study on the Efficacy Claim and Evaluation Method of Lip Cosmetics

To study the efficacy of lip moisturizing cosmetics and explore the methods for evaluating their efficacy.The claimed efficacy and number of claimed efficacy of 44 lip moisturizing cosmetics were investigated,and a combination of in vitro and human testing was used to evaluate the efficacy of the lip moisturizing cosmetics.The efficacy claims of lip cosmetics mainly included 4 categories of moisturizing,repairing,soothing and anti-wrinkle,with 79.55%of the products claiming 3~4 categories of efficacy.In the in vitro test,the cell morphology of the skin damage model improved and the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors decreased significantly.In the human trial,the water content,skin softness and brightness L value of the cuticle of the lips increased significantly in 31 subjects,and the transepidermal water loss,redness a value,and the area and volume of lip wrinkles decreased significantly;the dryness of the lip skin and the uniformity of the skin texture improved significantly.The dryness of lip skin and the uniformity of skin texture were significantly improved.The results show that the moisture content of the stratum corneum can be used to evaluate the moisturizing efficacy of lip products.The transepidermal water loss,skin color,skin softness and expert assessment can be used to evaluate the repairing efficacy.The observation of cell morphology of skin damage models and the detection of pro-inflammatory factor content can be used to evaluate the soothing efficacy.The area and volume of lip wrinkles can be used to evaluate the anti-wrinkle efficacy of products.

Effect of temperature gradientinduced periodic deformation of CRTS Ⅲ slab track on dynamic responses of the train-track system

Purpose-Temperature is an important load for a ballastless track.However,little research has been conducted on the dynamic responses when a train travels on a ballastless track under the temperature gradient.The dynamic responses under different temperature gradients of the slab are theoretically investigated in this work.Design/methodology/approach-Considering the moving train,the temperature gradient of the slab,and the gravity of the slab track,a dynamic model for a high-speed train that runs along the CRTS Ⅲ slab track on subgrade is developed by a nonlinear coupled way in Abaqus.Findings-The results are as follows:(1)The upward transmission of the periodic deformation of the slab causes periodic track irregularity.(2)Because of the geometric constraint of limiting structures,the maximum bending stresses of the slab occur near the end of the slab under positive temperature gradients,but in the middle of the slab under negative temperature gradients.(3)The periodic deformation of the slab can induce periodic changes in the interlayer stiffness and contact status,leading to a large vibration of the slab.Because of the vibration-reduction capacity of the fastener and the larger mass of the concrete base,the accelerations of both the slab and concrete base are far less than the acceleration of the rail.Originality/value-This study reveals the influence mechanism of temperature gradient-induced periodic deformation in the dynamic responses of the train-track system,and it also provides a guide for the safe service of CRTS Ⅲ slab track.

A Case Study of Periodical Terminologies’Mis-translations in History of Chinese Journalism by Ko Kung-chen under Analysis-Synthesis Translation Mode

From the perspective of analysis-synthesis translation mode,this paper discusses the translator’s responsibility and the translator’s role in the translation of historiography,based on the case of Ko Kung-chen’s History of Chinese Journalism.Missionary J.S.Roberts believed that translation is the logical combination of two processes of analysis and synthesis.The analysis process is characterized by understanding,emphasizing accurate understanding and professional analysis of the source text,while the synthesis process focuses on the transformation of language and culture.The two processes are dependent,forming the whole process of translation altogether.As the indisputable subject of translation,the translator should assume his own subjective responsibility in the two processes.The translator should be responsible for the fact and professional academics in the analysis process,and language and culture and translation itself in the synthesis process,playing the role of a reviewer,disseminator and translator to ensure that the translation text would be correct,accurate and professional so as to realize the value of himself and translation.

Analysis of the Effect of Intensive Nursing Care on Improving Sleep Quality During the Perioperative Period of Severed Finger Reimplantation

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of perioperative intensive nursing on patients who underwent severed finger reimplantation and its influence on sleep quality.Methods:62 patients who underwent severed finger reimplantation between January 2023 and December 2023 were included.They were divided into two groups:the observation group(n=31)and the control group(n=31).The control group received basic nursing interventions,while the observation group received intensive nursing care.The comparison parameters included visual analog pain score(VAS),incidence of vascular crises,length of hospitalization,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),Hamilton Depression Score(HAM-D),Hamilton Anxiety Score(HAM-A),and patient satisfaction.Results:Postoperative VAS score,incidence of vascular crisis,hospitalization time,PSQI score,and HAM-A and HAM-D scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Meanwhile,the patient satisfaction of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Perioperative intensive nursing care for patients undergoing severed finger reimplantation demonstrates significant benefits.It reduces postoperative pain,lowers the incidence of vascular crises,shortens hospitalization durations,enhances sleep quality,alleviates negative emotions,and improves nursing satisfaction.These findings underscore the importance and applicability of such care practices.

Analysis of Meteorological Conditions during the Blossom Period of Apple and Peach in Haiyang City

Through observing the phenology of two kinds of fruit trees,apple and peach trees,during their flowering periods in the past seven years,the meteorological conditions in the flowering stages were analyzed and summarized in this paper.The late frost weather situation occurred in late April in Haiyang City also was elaborated in the paper.According to the data analysis,the terrain effect had induced a large temperature differences between north and south in April in Haiyang.Early flowering of fruit trees is as early as 5 to 8 days in the northern region than that in the southern region;accumulated temperature which was greater than or equal to 0 ℃ and the date of the temperature stably through a boundary,were the important meteorological indicators of the fruit trees' early flowering.The late frost in mid-late April is meteorological disasters of the fruit trees flowering period.The weather background of the occurred late frost,the disaster reasons and the measures for the prevention of late frost were proposed.

Cultural Presence of the Cretan Biodiversity in the Minoan Period and nowadays： A Discovery School Teaching Approach

The educational project prepared for students of High School 15-17 years old with the subject of Biodiversity in Minoan Period and Nowadays. It was an interdisciplinary approach of ecological and cultural views of biodiversity. Special educational material was prepared with photos and texts of archaeological excavations and field sampling which was used in real and virtual environment, in t~ discovery teaching of Natural Sciences and History subjects. Students, in a scientific research project with constructive teachings, followed the procedures by which scientists gather, analyze, synthesize, process and evaluate information of organisms of Crete since 4000 years. Crete is located between the natural limits of three continents, having the unique privilege to host permanently or in migration, distinctive species of these three continents. After having the research questions, teachers collected the educational material, organized the work groups, implemented the didactic intervention in the classroom, had the field sampling of plants, recognized the synchronous local and scientific names of the plants, constructed the botany book, photographed the collected organisms and all the concentrated material was delivered to the team members.

Natural Disasters of the Lower Reaches of Yellow River during the Longshan Period——The Natural Background of Dayu's Flood Control

It is very important to study the archaeological culture and origin of civilization in ancient China.The changes of the channels in the lower reaches of the Yellow River in the prehistoric period are part of the natural environmental background of the development of the ancient civilization in that area to be explored.This paper presents a series of legends,indications,scientific evidence,and macroscopic geographical background information of the evolution in the lower reaches of the Yellow River during the Longshan period.At first the river flowed from Northern Henan and Hebei to southwestern Shandong Province and Northern Anhui–Jiangsu provinces,and the mainstream of the Yellow River changed from the southeast to return to the north and flowed into the Bohai Sea in the late Longshan Period.During this period,floods were frequent.Various ethnic groups in the northern China plains suffered natural disasters and made great migrations which also contributed to the ethnic exchanges and integration.The people of the Central Plains made more dynamic adjustments in the relationship between mankind and the land by primitively escaping from the water and self–defensively controlling the rivers then to maintaining the local ecological environment by large–scale flood control measures,which promoted the settlement of Shandong,Henan,Jiangsu and Anhui provinces,the urban cultural development,and social evolution.Based on these events,the culture symbol of Dayu's Flood Control could be formed.