Hospital-acquired pneumonia is the second most common nosocomial infection in the critically ill patient and is associated with the greatest mortality and increased morbidity and cost of care. Incidence of HAP varies in diVerent populations of critically ill patients and generally ranges from 9 to 20%. The etiologic agents diVer according to the population studied, duration of hospital stay, time after intubation, and prior antimicrobial therapy [2] . Risk factors include nonmodiWable factors like age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe head trauma, and multiple trauma, and modiWable factors like large-volume gastric aspiration, duration of mechanical ventilation, elevated gastric pH, histamine type two blocker therapy, ventilator circuit change frequency, self-extubation, and silent aspiration following scheduled extubation [2] . When patients are admitted to the ICU, they are at increased risk of more frequent aspiration events because of a variety of factors, including depressed level of consciousness (often caused by excess analgesia and sedation), forced supine position, and the presence of nasogastric or endotracheal tubes [3] .

The etiologic agents diVer according to the population studied, duration of hospital stay, time after intubation, and prior antimicrobial therapy.

Risk factors include nonmodiWable factors like age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe head trauma, and multiple trauma, and modiWable factors like large-volume gastric aspiration, duration of mechanical ventilation, elevated gastric pH, histamine type two blocker therapy, ventilator circuit change frequency, self-extubation, and silent aspiration following scheduled extubation.

When patients are admitted to the ICU, they are at increased risk of more frequent aspiration events because of a variety of factors, including depressed level of consciousness (often caused by excess analgesia and sedation), forced supine position, and the presence of nasogastric or endotracheal tubes.


There is a large class of two-dimensional conformal field theories with N = (2, 2) supersymmetry that can be described as infrared fixed points of abelian gauge theories [1] . An interesting observable invariant under the renormalization group flow is the elliptic genus of the theory [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . Recently, the calculation of elliptic genera of these theories has been developed further, in particular through the technique of localization [7] [8] [9] . The results obtained so far have lead to elliptic genera that are holomorphic Jacobi forms with weight zero and index determined by the central charge.

There is a large class of two-dimensional conformal field theories with N = (2, 2) supersymmetry that can be described as infrared fixed points of abelian gauge theories.

An interesting observable invariant under the renormalization group flow is the elliptic genus of the theory.

Recently, the calculation of elliptic genera of these theories has been developed further, in particular through the technique of localization.


There are a number of potential explanations for the difference in the relationship between mimetic fidelity (even when experimentally manipulated) and field survival. Perhaps avian visual acuity is insufficient to be able to discriminate between mimics with similar patterning. Comparative analyses of a range of bird species have demonstrated that contrast sensitivity (CS) in birds is much lower than was previously thought-in particular, much lower than in mammals (Ghim and Hodos 2006) . However, two facts appear to contradict this hypothesis: first, the mimetic signal is aposematic and maximises contrast as far as possible through alternating bands of light and dark pigment (Endler 1992) . This should reduce the impact of limited CS in avian visual systems. Second, we observe a range of hover fly species with different numbers of stripes which we assume are the product of selection by a visual predator.

Comparative analyses of a range of bird species have demonstrated that contrast sensitivity (CS) in birds is much lower than was previously thought-in particular, much lower than in mammals.

However, two facts appear to contradict this hypothesis: first, the mimetic signal is aposematic and maximises contrast as far as possible through alternating bands of light and dark pigment.


Another appealing strategy that allows alleviating the computational effort is based on the use of reduced approximation bases within an adaptive procedure. The new approximation functions are defined in the whole domain and they contain the most representative information of the problem solution. Thus, the number of degrees of freedom involved in the solution of the Fokker-Planck equation is drastically reduced. The construction of those new approximation functions is done with an 'a priori' approach, which combines a basis reduction (using the Karhunen-Loève decomposition) with a basis enrichment based on the use of some Krylov's subspaces. This strategy has been successfully applied, in some of our former works, to solve kinetic theory models defined on the surface of the unit sphere (for simulating short fibers suspensions) as well as 3D models describing some molecular models [3, 15] . The main conclusion of our former works was the fact that an accurate description of a complex system evolution can, in general, be performed from the linear combination of a reduced number of space functions (defined in the whole space domain), the coefficients of that linear combination evolving in time. Thus, during the solution of the evolution problem the coefficients of the approximation are computed at the same time that the numerical algorithm constructs the reduced approximation basis. An important drawback of one such approach is the fact that the approximation functions are defined in the space domain, and until now, the simplest form to represent one such function is given its value in some points of the domain of interest, being its value defined in any other point by interpolation. Sometimes the treated model results highly multidimensional, as described later, and in this case the possibility of describing functions from their values at the nodes of a mesh or a grid in the domain of interest results simply prohibitory.

This strategy has been successfully applied, in some of our former works, to solve kinetic theory models defined on the surface of the unit sphere (for simulating short fibers suspensions) as well as 3D models describing some molecular models.


Furthermore, the usage of approaches to measure JS can also be examined in other areas of work, which has been shown in other studies [76, 77] . In practice, it is recommended to define at first the goals of measuring JS. In workplace health promotion projects or employee surveys, where efficiency is a main aim and a lot of other constructs are explored, a facet-item measurement is preferred. In cases where the facets of JS should be explored and differentiated, the usage of a facet scale measurement is advised. This study showed for practice that short and efficient measurements are appropriate to measure the facets of JS.

Furthermore, the usage of approaches to measure JS can also be examined in other areas of work, which has been shown in other studies.


Composite materials offer superior potential as energy absorbers due to their high specific strength and the multitude of possible different energy-dissipating damage modes of matrix cracking, fibre failure and delamination [5] . However, the effective design of these energy absorbers is a complex undertaking due to the difficulty in predicting the multiple concurrent failure modes and their interactions. This lack of robustness and predictive capability of current numerical modelling tools, has meant that the crashworthiness assessment of composite subcomponents currently relies heavily on physical testing which is both time consuming and expensive.

Composite materials offer superior potential as energy absorbers due to their high specific strength and the multitude of possible different energy-dissipating damage modes of matrix cracking, fibre failure and delamination.


The quality of the milled surface is also influenced by the process dynamics. The relative vibrations between the tool and the workpiece, the rotation of the tool and the feed motion combine an undesirable patterned surface on the workpiece. The deflection of the tool due to its vibrations affects the accuracy of the product. The difference between the desired and the real surfaces created by an ideally stiff and the real flexible tool, respectively, is called surface location error (SLE) [7, [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] .

The difference between the desired and the real surfaces created by an ideally stiff and the real flexible tool, respectively, is called surface location error (SLE).


Usually, there is no single well defined dominant mode of the tool-workpiece system, and the process must be modeled as a multi-DOF system. One example is when the tool is the most flexible part, and it is modeled as a cantilever beam [24] . In this case, a 2 DOF model is considered with the symmetric parameters in the x and y directions and diagonal modal matrices arise in the equation of motion.

One example is when the tool is the most flexible part, and it is modeled as a cantilever beam.


With regard to the differential effect of the two sensory deficits, various explanations can be advanced. First, the two sensory deficits might affect psychosocial variables differently both qualitatively and quantitatively. This possibility is supported by our previous study on the same population [36] . Second, there may be a difference in compensation rates between two sensory deficits in relation to both subjective and objective factors. The former can be based either on individual (psychological) or on social (cultural, attitude and tolerance of the environment) grounds; the latter include the different availability and efficacy of corrective interventions (medical, rehabilitative and surgical options).

This possibility is supported by our previous study on the same population.


While this is a concern for all networked devices, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has noted that "companies entering the Internet of Things (IoT) market may not have experience in dealing with security issues," making them particularly likely to overlook network data encryption [8] . Lack of encryption for consumer IoT devices is especially concerning because many have always-on environmental sensors that constantly record user behaviors, often inside homes or other private spaces, and stream these recordings to the cloud [2] . Additionally, IoT devices often have limited user interfaces, making it difficult for users to determine the extent to which data is being collected, transmitted, or protected.

While this is a concern for all networked devices, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has noted that "companies entering the Internet of Things (IoT) market may not have experience in dealing with security issues," making them particularly likely to overlook network data encryption.

Lack of encryption for consumer IoT devices is especially concerning because many have always-on environmental sensors that constantly record user behaviors, often inside homes or other private spaces, and stream these recordings to the cloud.


Recent years have seen growing interest in highly nutritious safe food products, which include game bird meat. At present, game birds raised commercially around the world for meat production include pharaoh quail (Coturnix coturnix), bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), chukar partridge (Alectoris chukker), ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and northern mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) (Hayes, 2008) . In Poland, pharaoh quail and ring-necked pheasants are kept for meat production. Efforts are also being made in Poland to raise grey partridges for slaughter purposes, which is not possible under the current state of law.

At present, game birds raised commercially around the world for meat production include pharaoh quail (Coturnix coturnix), bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), chukar partridge (Alectoris chukker), ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and northern mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos).


S. aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium, it has an extraordinary ability to colonize and survive for long periods in a wide variety of environmental niches (Ou et al., 2017) . Its presence in food is often attributed to insufficient hygiene when handling the product (Da Silva Malheiros, dos Passos, Casarin, Serraglio, & Tondo, 2010) . The presence of enterotoxigenic strains of S. aureus is a food safety concern because of their ability to produce intoxication or poisoning of food products including meat (Blaiotta et al., 2004) . The partition coefficient at 6 C of phenolics between a phase with and a phase without bovine meat proteins was determined experimentally in order to assess whether antibacterial activity loss of phenolics in the presence of meat proteins at refrigeration temperature was correlated with their affinity for meat proteins. Membrane disruption is the most frequently reported mechanism of antibacterial action of plant phenolics (Rempe, Burris, Lenaghan, & Stewart, 2017) . We considered thus the interactions between phenolics and the surface of S. aureus cells as a key parameter conditioning their antibacterial activity. Therefore, the surface properties of S. aureus CNRZ3 strain used in this study were estimated by microbial adhesion to solvents and zeta-potential measurements. The differences susceptibility to bovine meat proteins addition of antibacterial activity could thus be discussed considering the interactions between each phenolic, S. aureus cells surface, and bovine meat proteins.

S. aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium, it has an extraordinary ability to colonize and survive for long periods in a wide variety of environmental niches.

Its presence in food is often attributed to insufficient hygiene when handling the product.

The presence of enterotoxigenic strains of S. aureus is a food safety concern because of their ability to produce intoxication or poisoning of food products including meat.

Membrane disruption is the most frequently reported mechanism of antibacterial action of plant phenolics.


Charged particles (i.e. protons, helium ions, carbon ions and neon ions) are uniquely suited for the treatment of head and neck tumors, including the orbit and eye [1] . For many years, various ions, including helium and neon beams, were used for medical purposes at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), using the 184-inch synchro-cyclotron and the Bevalac accelerators. However, following the shutdown of the Bevalac in 1992 due to economic reasons, the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) medical program for treating ocular melanoma with charged particles was moved to the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory (CNL) cyclotron at Davis, California. The Bevalac-based control system was modified and integrated with the CNL cyclotron between 1992 and 1994. Since May 1994, we have been treating patients at the Eye Treatment Facility (ETF) at CNL, using the 76-inch cyclotron. Most of the detectors and instruments were transferred from the Bevalac at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to the Crocker cyclotron to continue the ocular therapy program.

Charged particles (i.e. protons, helium ions, carbon ions and neon ions) are uniquely suited for the treatment of head and neck tumors, including the orbit and eye.


The main objective of this work was to test the efficacy of EFE in increasing cell wall digestion in tropical grass. Due to large variation of feed value of these last grasses with their maturity, two extreme regrowth ages (21 vs. 56-days) have been studied. Several studies have shown that EFE can improve the rate of feed digestion but their ability to increase the extent of digestion may be limited by a lack of the enzyme that breaks down the core structure of lignincellulosic complex (Wang and McAllister, 2002) . In our experiment, we used grinding as a means of increasing the total diet particle surface area and the accessibility of potential digestible cell wall to enzymatic activity in the rumen (Journet and Demarquilly, 1967) .

Several studies have shown that EFE can improve the rate of feed digestion but their ability to increase the extent of digestion may be limited by a lack of the enzyme that breaks down the core structure of lignincellulosic complex.

In our experiment, we used grinding as a means of increasing the total diet particle surface area and the accessibility of potential digestible cell wall to enzymatic activity in the rumen.


Below the electroweak scale constraints on the neutrino mixing parameters θ α are a priori much more stringent [74] . However, in the model under investigation the heavy neutrino decays mostly invisibly to either a SM neutrino and the Z 2 (if m 4 > m Z 2 ), or a SM neutrino and a pair of the DM particles (if m 4 < m Z 2 ), assuming g 1. This implies that the existing collider and beam dump constraints 5 should be rescaled with the corresponding branching ratios and become even weaker than the non-unitarity constraints imposed previously for the scalar realisation. The bounds from peak searches in leptonic decays of pions and kaons will however apply, since they rely entirely on the kinematics of a two-body decay. Thus, the non-unitarity constraints actually dominate down to m 4 ≈ m K ≈ 0.5 GeV, where m K is the kaon mass. In the region m 4 ∼ 0.01 − 0.4 GeV, the bounds on U e4 and U µ4 from peak searches are very stringent. We do not display them explicitly in Fig. 10 , because they are m 4 -dependent, while all the constraints shown in the figures have an extremely sub-leading dependence on m 4 , as outlined above. Thus, Fig. 10 is to be interpreted as generally valid for any neutrino mass m 4 > m K .

Below the electroweak scale constraints on the neutrino mixing parameters θ α are a priori much more stringent.


There is a large body of work on designing dynamic and streaming graph algorithms [18, 10, 26, 24, 25] . Such approaches aim to efficiently update the analysis with minimum work, but focus on calculating specific graph metrics. While these approaches are efficient, devising incremental graph mining algorithms remains a difficult task. Instead, GraphInc aims to create a generic mechanism for incremental graph mining on top of which many algorithms can be implemented.

There is a large body of work on designing dynamic and streaming graph algorithms.


Additionally, as Figure 4 .2 shows the gain from incremental degrades as the update size increases. Even though in this study we want to analyze the limitations of our approach by looking at a wide range of workloads with respect to the update size, real graphs like the web graph typically change slowly [19] . Our own measurements with the graph of a large social network in Spain shows also that a typical hourly change in the graph is less than 0.01%. Therefore, at smaller time granularity, for instance minutes, we expect applications on top of real graphs to benefit more from our approach.

Even though in this study we want to analyze the limitations of our approach by looking at a wide range of workloads with respect to the update size, real graphs like the web graph typically change slowly.


Focus groups are well established as a legitimate data collection method within the qualitative research tradition. The method was originally developed in the field of market research, but has become frequently used in social science, health and related disciplines. The rationale behind the use of focus groups is that knowledge is created through the diverse experiences and forms of knowledge of, and interaction between, participants. Focus group participants provide an audience for each other, which encourages a greater variety of communication, and therefore different contents, than other qualitative methods of data collection (Kitzinger, 1995) .

Focus group participants provide an audience for each other, which encourages a greater variety of communication, and therefore different contents, than other qualitative methods of data collection.


Because data are analysed in sequences, it can be argued that conversation analysis is a technical tool that does not take into consideration the "liveliness" of social interaction. Moreover, the fact that transcribed materials of focus group interactions is analysed (as opposed to for example video recordings of verbal and non-verbal language) may limit representation of forms of interaction (Halkier, 2010) . However, analysing sequences of group interaction using adjacency pairs, preference organisation, accounts and so forth, allows and intensifies a different and comprehensive view of the data -allowing for perspectives that may not have emerged in the more traditional form of thematic analysis. For example, the interactional event of coming to a dead-end and making sense of it did not reveal itself as important for the content before analysing the exchanges of adjacency pairs. Thus, scrutinising data with a specific purpose, in this case group interaction, revealed a variety of interactional events that impacted on content, despite any limitations.

Moreover, the fact that transcribed materials of focus group interactions is analysed (as opposed to for example video recordings of verbal and non-verbal language) may limit representation of forms of interaction.


In addition to within-season repeatability, little is known regarding the periodicity or frequency of reproduction (i.e., interannual spawning interval across years) for individuals. The ability to acquire sufficient resources to allocate to reproduction is likely to vary among individuals (van Noordwijk and de Jong 1986) . In particular, gametogenesis and reproductive success is generally thought to be limited by resources to a greater degree in females than in males (Stearns 1992) . Accordingly, individual-based analysis are predicted to reveal that the time required to acquire sufficient resources between reproductive episodes is likely greater for females than for males.

The ability to acquire sufficient resources to allocate to reproduction is likely to vary among individuals.

In particular, gametogenesis and reproductive success is generally thought to be limited by resources to a greater degree in females than in males.


The proposed chatter criterion does impose some restrictions on the numerical methods used to solve the model. Most importantly, the number of simulation time steps per revolution of the tool (N) must be an integer value. This ensures that the periodic vibrations lie on the spectral lines of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), so that they can be isolated from the self-excited vibrations. The value of N also impinges upon the efficiency of the signal processing analysis, since faster DFT algorithms can be used for data sequences with low prime factors [19] . Consequently, the chatter criterion cannot always be used immediately with existing time-domain models, since some modifications to the solution method may be necessary.

The value of N also impinges upon the efficiency of the signal processing analysis, since faster DFT algorithms can be used for data sequences with low prime factors.


The rate of temperature change ΔT/Δt is affected by the number of asperities being in contact with edges of microgrooves of PRMR (or by contact of counter-parting asperities of sample and counterpart if both have no PRMR). The higher the sliding velocity V or the greater F, the greater the number of adhesive weld joints formed per unit time, the more is the energy of interaction of asperities with the edges of microgrooves. This will cause greater amount of heat produced per unit time. From the graphs in Figure 9 it is clear that, at the boundary lubrication, the growth rate of temperature change rises as F c increases. In our opinion, there is an increase in the deformation component of the friction coefficient with increasing F k , even with a small roughness of the counterparts. A decrease in the friction coefficient f and the rate of temperature change T/Δt is observed in section B (Figure 10) , which is associated with a further increase in the thickness of the lubricating film, and in turn leads to a decrease in the number of contacts per unit time of microprotrusions of the counterpart with microgroove edges (Pashechko et al., 2016) . On the oscillograms there are flickering sinusoids, which indicate a mixed lubrication mode (Figure 11, b) .

A decrease in the friction coefficient f and the rate of temperature change T/Δt is observed in section B (Figure 10) , which is associated with a further increase in the thickness of the lubricating film, and in turn leads to a decrease in the number of contacts per unit time of microprotrusions of the counterpart with microgroove edges.


In this paper, I have tried to steer the discussion away from a simple contrast between rival systems, and between action (soulless capitalism) and reaction (ethical consumers), to suggest that current norms and practices of ethical consumerism are part of a longer genealogy. Fair trade has emerged from the soil of historically changing moral landscapes. These have included not only antislavery and cooperative movements, but also empire, free trade and progressive ideas of global social justice. The ideas and practices of men and women who shaped this ethical field deserve recognition. To conduct the debate about`fair trade' in bipolar terms of markets versus morals is problematic and unhelpful, historically and politically. It fails to see that globalising commerce and consumption has been moralised throughout modernity, and it is blind to more complex forms of moral reflection about trade and sympathy. As recent work on the possibility of suffering at a distance in our own media-saturated society suggests, such older languages of morality and`the spectator' are far from obsolete (Boltanski, 1999) .

As recent work on the possibility of suffering at a distance in our own media-saturated society suggests, such older languages of morality and`the spectator' are far from obsolete.


In addition, a key finding from this review was a lack of research examining self-management approaches tailored to specific socio-demographic sub-groups (e.g., age, income, gender, ethnicity, geography) [49] . There were few studies among younger populations aged 18 to 35 years old. Only one study focused on older adults who were aged 60 and above [69] . Older adults have their own unique concerns that may affect how they use self-management strategies and the types of strategies that they prefer (e.g., access to and familiarity with technology) [76] . Only one study examined participants with low-income backgrounds [43] . While many studies had mixed-sex samples only one study considered a gendered approach to self-management strategies. One study reported that, within Asian culture, families use a variety of mechanisms to enforce responsible gambling (e.g., family exclusion orders) [69] . Research is needed to understand what self-management approaches may be appropriate and effective for a variety of populations.

In addition, a key finding from this review was a lack of research examining self-management approaches tailored to specific socio-demographic sub-groups (e.g., age, income, gender, ethnicity, geography).

Only one study focused on older adults who were aged 60 and above.

Older adults have their own unique concerns that may affect how they use self-management strategies and the types of strategies that they prefer (e.g., access to and familiarity with technology).

Only one study examined participants with low-income backgrounds.

One study reported that, within Asian culture, families use a variety of mechanisms to enforce responsible gambling (e.g., family exclusion orders).


Optical transport networks are increasing their complexity due to the use of heterogeneous transmission technologies and the support of services with different requirements [1] . One solution to efficiently control such heterogeneous optical networks comes from the use of cognitive techniques [2] . A cognitive network is defined as "a network with a process that can perceive current network conditions, and then plan, decide, and act on those conditions. The network can learn from these adaptations and use them to make future decisions, all while taking into account end-to-end goals" [2] . Cognitive networks involve the utilization of three types of elements: monitoring elements, which enable the network to be aware of current conditions; software-adaptable elements, which enable the network to adapt to changing conditions; and cognitive processes, which learn or make use of past history to improve performance.

Optical transport networks are increasing their complexity due to the use of heterogeneous transmission technologies and the support of services with different requirements.

One solution to efficiently control such heterogeneous optical networks comes from the use of cognitive techniques.

The network can learn from these adaptations and use them to make future decisions, all while taking into account end-to-end goals".


Tamsulosin hydrochloride (TSH), as a model drug, is a highly selective a 1A -adrenoreceptor antagonist. It has been developed to treat lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUPS/BPH) [1] . It is reported that TSH is absorbed rapidly and completely in intestinal and eliminated slowly after oral administration, which may bring many adverse effects. Therefore TSH is a perfect candidate drug for modified-release dosage form to modulate the release rate of drug and the absorption in GIT [2] .

It has been developed to treat lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUPS/BPH).

Therefore TSH is a perfect candidate drug for modified-release dosage form to modulate the release rate of drug and the absorption in GIT.


Pellets, as carrier of active ingredient, have been applied extensively in sustained-release (SR) formulations. Compared with conventional single-unit drug delivery system, pellets are believed to represent many bio-pharmaceutical advantages. For example, pellets can homogeneously distribute in gastrointestinal (GIT), increase the contact area between drug and GIT, decrease local drug concentration and irritation, and provide stable plasma profiles and high bioavailability. In addition, pellets are more reproducible and repeatable because of its small unit, especially in the stomach [3] .

In addition, pellets are more reproducible and repeatable because of its small unit, especially in the stomach.


The release homogeneity of commercial product Harnual ® was not good because of the particle size distribution of its pellets. To overcome the defect, we employed a different preparation craft to prepare uniform drug-loaded pellets and we gained a formulation with nice release homogeneity. The self-made TSH sustained-release (SR) pellets consist of uniform blank pellets, the layer of drug-loading and two-layered coating membranes. So far, there are many approaches to make SR formulations [4e8] . In our study, centrifugal granulator was employed to prepare blank pellets and drug-loading pellets while fluidized-bed coater was used for coating. Considering the lower toxicity and less environmental concern, aqueous polymeric dispersions were chosen as coating materials. In general, through varying the type or weight gain of coating material, we could achieve the desired release profile. However, one single type aqueous polymer dispersion is not enough to produce a wonderful drug release behavior sometimes. Binary blends of polymers were proposed to make up the defect. This technique can not only provide broad range of drug release patterns, but also improve film thermo-sensitivity [9] . Eudragit ® NE30D and Eudragit ® L30D55 were utilized as the inside coating material to achieve a particular pH-sensitive release [10, 11] . Eudragit ® L30D55, as the enteric coating material, can prohibit drug release in the simulated gastric fluid and easily be dissolved in the intestinal environment as pore-forming agents, which is also the reason for selecting Eudragit ® L30D55 as the outside coating polymer [3] . The model of TSH SR pellets is depicted as Fig. 1 .

This technique can not only provide broad range of drug release patterns, but also improve film thermo-sensitivity.

Eudragit ® NE30D and Eudragit ® L30D55 were utilized as the inside coating material to achieve a particular pH-sensitive release.

Eudragit ® L30D55, as the enteric coating material, can prohibit drug release in the simulated gastric fluid and easily be dissolved in the intestinal environment as pore-forming agents, which is also the reason for selecting Eudragit ® L30D55 as the outside coating polymer.


Subsidy has been used as a method to internalize positive externalities in the market for a particular good. Ideally, the subsidy is distributed to targeted households. In reality, however, subsidy may be given to a particular goods and can be accessed equally by both poor and wealthy households. In the context of consumer's welfare, subsidy to private goods creates inefficiency. Subsidy drives consumers to purchase a good cheaper than the cost of producing it (Rosen, 2010) . Consequently, the subsidy to consumer goods may distort income distribution as those who consumed the goods more received more benefits of the subsidy. Obviously those who can consume more consumer goods are those who are affluent.

Subsidy drives consumers to purchase a good cheaper than the cost of producing it.


While the results of this study are encouraging, a number of limitations have been identified in relation to the methodologies used in the research design. First, there is no control group with which to compare the observed intervention effects. Many of the positive changes reported by participants, parents and teachers could have been achieved over a similar time period without a cognitive behavioural group intervention. In order to draw firm conclusions about the positive effects of the intervention, the results would have to be compared to a matched group of adolescents who received no intervention. Second, the relatively small sample size makes it difficult to generalize the findings to other adolescents, and to answer questions such as whether the intervention outcomes are the same for boys and girls. Third, the study's focus on a specific age group and a wholly white-Irish population places a caveat on applying the results to other age groups and populations. Fourth, selfreport measures can underrate the presence of difficulties if adolescents are unwilling to divulge that their behaviour causes a problem in school (Ybrandt & Armelius, 2010) . Fifth, the researcher not only implemented, but also evaluated the intervention. Efforts were made to reduce researcher bias through the use of standardized measures.

Fourth, selfreport measures can underrate the presence of difficulties if adolescents are unwilling to divulge that their behaviour causes a problem in school.


Many researches on the dynamic responses of WPPs for grid faults have been reported [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] . A detailed analytical analysis of a DFIG was implemented for a comprehensive understanding of its fault response [7, 8] . The effect of a grid fault on a DFIG was demonstrated, and control strategies for its stable recovery were suggested [9, 10] . The response of a DFIG-based WPP was analyzed in terms of the reactive power support capabilities, in compliance with a grid code [11] . These studies assumed that a WPP behaves like a single WG. However, the modeling of a WPP as multiple units of WGs and the consideration of the wake effect are essential in order to obtain a realistic dynamic response of a WPP for a grid fault.

Many researches on the dynamic responses of WPPs for grid faults have been reported.

A detailed analytical analysis of a DFIG was implemented for a comprehensive understanding of its fault response.

The effect of a grid fault on a DFIG was demonstrated, and control strategies for its stable recovery were suggested.

The response of a DFIG-based WPP was analyzed in terms of the reactive power support capabilities, in compliance with a grid code.


Due to the technical advances and financial viability of wind generation, wind power installations have been increasing in size globally [1] . The installed capacity of wind generators (WGs) worldwide is expected to increase to 832 GW by 2020 [2] . Variable-speed wind generators (VSWGs) have been widely used to maximize energy extraction from the wind [3, 4] . A doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) shares approximately 50% of the wind energy market [5] .

Due to the technical advances and financial viability of wind generation, wind power installations have been increasing in size globally.

The installed capacity of wind generators (WGs) worldwide is expected to increase to 832 GW by 2020.

Variable-speed wind generators (VSWGs) have been widely used to maximize energy extraction from the wind.

A doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) shares approximately 50% of the wind energy market.


A virtual plague is a process in which a behavior-affecting property spreads among characters in a Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG). The MMOG individuals constitute a synthetic population, and the game can be seen as a form of interactive executable model for studying disease spread, albeit of a very special kind. Previous work has shown that sixth grade student players ascribe virtual plagues the same properties as real diseases [13] . Therefore, some players can be expected to try to use their knowledge about disease spread when confronted with a virtual plague.

Previous work has shown that sixth grade student players ascribe virtual plagues the same properties as real diseases.


Another example is the gray plague in the game Kingdom of Loathing which was initially spread from contaminated comfy blankets, no doubt a pointer to the infamous (and some claim deliberate) spread of smallpox to the native Americans in the siege of Fort Pitt in 1763. In the game, the plague spread via the chat and the messaging between the players, regardless of player positions on the map. This has no correspondance to real world spread of disease, but rather to rumor diffusion. Since the chat and the message passing are the main tools for networking, it was a successful channel for spread. After a few weeks, a serum was given to the players in a special quest, which wiped out the plague [9] . To a game developer maintaining an MMOG, recognizing, monitoring, and ultimately controlling a virtual plague is important, regardless of how it was initiated. The prospect of using tools, methods and theory from the field of epidemiology to do this seems natural and appealing. We will address the feasibility of such a prospect, first by considering some basic measures used in epidemiology, then by pointing out the differences between real world epidemics and virtual plagues. We will finally suggest directions for MMOG developer control through epidemiological modeling. Our aim is understanding the properties of virtual plagues, rather than trying to eliminate them, protect individuals, or mitigate their effects, as in the case of real infectious disease. This is in part due to our stance that the effects of a virtual plague are not necessarily unwanted. We will not discuss computer viruses, since these are already well understood, but more importantly they are an example of a virtual phenomenon crossing the bridge to the real world. We therefore stick to the mapping between on the one hand a purely synthetic population subjected to a virtual plague and,on the other hand, a real population subjected to epidemiological studies pertaining only to real disease.

After a few weeks, a serum was given to the players in a special quest, which wiped out the plague.


Due to the heuristic-based nature of query optimization, there have been many attempts to improve query optimizers through learning over the last several decades. For example, almost two decades ago, Leo, DB2's LEarning Optimizer, was proposed [54] . Leo learns from its mistakes by adjusting its cardinality estimations over time. However, Leo still requires a human-engineered cost model, a handpicked search strategy, and a lot of developer-tuned heuristics, which take years to develop and perfect. Furthermore, Leo only learns better cardinality estimations, but not new optimization strategies (e.g., how to account for uncertainty in cardinality estimates, operator selection, etc.).

For example, almost two decades ago, Leo, DB2's LEarning Optimizer, was proposed.


Reducing sodium (commonly referred to as salt) intake is generally considered as one of the most pressing health challenges when it comes to food and beverage consumption (Kloss, Meyer, Graeve, & Vetter, 2015) . Initiatives to tackle this challenge include, amongst others, food reformulation (i.e., the action of changing the composition of processed foods) and a traffic light system (used in the UK) to indicate sugar, fat, and salt contents (e.g., 'red' meaning that a product should be consumed with caution). However, so far, the recommended intake level of < 5 g salt/day has not been achieved across European countries. And although consumer awareness of health risks associated with sodium intake (high blood pressure in particular) is steadily growing, people generally entertain a preference for salted foods, and are apt to experience low-sodium foods as bland or tasteless (Stein, Cowart, & Beauchamp, 2012) .

Reducing sodium (commonly referred to as salt) intake is generally considered as one of the most pressing health challenges when it comes to food and beverage consumption.

And although consumer awareness of health risks associated with sodium intake (high blood pressure in particular) is steadily growing, people generally entertain a preference for salted foods, and are apt to experience low-sodium foods as bland or tasteless.


A major limitation of this study was its crosssectional setting, which did not permit causal conclusions. It seems plausible to assume that the relationship between stress-perception and negative emotion is bidirectional; increased perceived stress leads (partially through changes in cognitive emotion regulation) to higher levels of anxiety, which in turn causes differences in stress-perception. The e ect of chronic stress on executive functions and on the underlying neural activity has been shown to be reversible [48] .

The e ect of chronic stress on executive functions and on the underlying neural activity has been shown to be reversible.


Trusted computing infrastructure systems have expected predictable ways of behaving. Therefore, to enforce these behaviours, hardware and software works are both needed. Also, there is a consistency of behaviors across computing on servers, networks, and storage elements in the data center [7] . Based on the specifications developed by Trusted Computing Group, six key technology notions are included in trusted computing to have a trustable system. These six keys are as follows: secure input and output, remote attestation, memory curtaining/protected execution, sealed storage, Trusted Third Party (TTP) support, and endorsement keys. The goal of these techniques is to provide security for the resources of the system by authenticating the validity of the endpoints of communication and providing guarantee for the integrity of running processes. Also, trusted computing has found uses in distributed firewalls, mobile third party computing, and preventing distributed Denial of Service (DOS) Attack [8] . In practical industrial applications, the key performance indicator-(KPI-) related prediction and diagnosis are quite important for the product quality and economic benefits. To meet these requirements, many advanced prediction and monitoring approaches have been developed which can be classified into model-based or data-driven techniques which should be noticed in the cloud framework [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] .

Also, there is a consistency of behaviors across computing on servers, networks, and storage elements in the data center.

Also, trusted computing has found uses in distributed firewalls, mobile third party computing, and preventing distributed Denial of Service (DOS) Attack.

To meet these requirements, many advanced prediction and monitoring approaches have been developed which can be classified into model-based or data-driven techniques which should be noticed in the cloud framework.


Using the cloud has numerous advantages such as savings, service flexibility, and configurable computing resources; however, privacy and security are the essential concerns to a wide adoption of clouds. Resource sharing, multitenancy, and outsourcing are the new concepts that clouds introduce. Consequently, this creates new challenges to the security community to whom these challenges are addressed: the ability to promote and tune the security measures developed for traditional computing systems, proposing new models, security policies, and protocols to address the exclusive cloud security challenges [2, 6] .

Consequently, this creates new challenges to the security community to whom these challenges are addressed: the ability to promote and tune the security measures developed for traditional computing systems, proposing new models, security policies, and protocols to address the exclusive cloud security challenges.


OpenID in comparison with Security Assertion MarkUp Language (SAML) is authentication exchange protocol for identity management in the Internet, but SAML is designed for limited or small scale identity management, and also OpenID is much easier to be deployed and implemented. SAML's parties are based on trust while the parties in OpenID basically trust on DNS system to find the address of IDP and rely on it at any time is called. Therefore, DNS cache poisoning and DNS hijack are common impersonation attacks in OpenID environment [57] .

Therefore, DNS cache poisoning and DNS hijack are common impersonation attacks in OpenID environment.


Some of the toxicants such as lead and cadmium cause acute injury to the kidney, while others produce chronic changes that can lead to end-stage renal failure or cancer (Amdur and Doull, 1996) . Uric acid is made in the liver and excreted by the kidney. Uric acid is a waste product that results from the break down of purine (a nucleic acid). If the liver produces too much uric acid, the patient will have too much of it in the blood (Janis, 2002) . Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is an important molecule of the muscle. Moreover, a serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. The test is performed to evaluate the kidney's function. If the kidney function is abnormal, creatinine levels will increase in the blood, due to decreased excretion of creatinine in the urine (Nissl and Terra, 2004; Hecht, 2006) .

Some of the toxicants such as lead and cadmium cause acute injury to the kidney, while others produce chronic changes that can lead to end-stage renal failure or cancer.

If the liver produces too much uric acid, the patient will have too much of it in the blood.

If the kidney function is abnormal, creatinine levels will increase in the blood, due to decreased excretion of creatinine in the urine.


During the process of hydration, the compounds of cement react with water to acquire stable lowenergy state, and the process is accomplished by the release of energy in the form of heat. The quantity of heat evolved upon complete hydration of a certain amount of un-hydrated cement at a given temperature is defined as heat of hydration [9, 10] . The temperature of concrete mix due to hydration process is mainly controlled by materials, mix properties and by environmental factors. The heat of hydration is also related to the chemical composition of the cement. The major component of Portland cement is calcium; therefore the expansion of total heat will be affected by the amount of calcium in the cement. High cement content may be useful to obtain higher strengths of concrete at early ages, but the larger heat generated due to the chemical reactions causes undesirable durability problems like shrinkage and thermal cracks in the concrete [11, 12] .

The quantity of heat evolved upon complete hydration of a certain amount of un-hydrated cement at a given temperature is defined as heat of hydration.

High cement content may be useful to obtain higher strengths of concrete at early ages, but the larger heat generated due to the chemical reactions causes undesirable durability problems like shrinkage and thermal cracks in the concrete.


Two-stage concrete (TSC) or prepacked concrete drives its name from the unique placement method by which it is made. Unlike traditional concrete, it is made in two stages. In the first stage the coarse aggregates are filled in the form work, and a cement based grout is injected or pumped into the aggregate mass in the second stage [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . In the gravity method, the grout penetrates through the aggregates from the top surface to the bottom of the formwork under its own weight and mostly useful for grouting concrete sections with a depth up to 300 mm [6] . In the pumping method, the mixed grout is pumped from the bottom of the mould into the aggregates through a pipe [7, 8] . The prepacked aggregate concrete has proved particularly useful for plain or reinforced concrete in a number of applications like underwater construction, concrete and masonry repair, works where placement of concrete by normal traditional methods is difficult, large mass concrete where low cement content and low heat of hydration are required [1, 6] .

In the first stage the coarse aggregates are filled in the form work, and a cement based grout is injected or pumped into the aggregate mass in the second stage.

In the gravity method, the grout penetrates through the aggregates from the top surface to the bottom of the formwork under its own weight and mostly useful for grouting concrete sections with a depth up to 300 mm.

In the pumping method, the mixed grout is pumped from the bottom of the mould into the aggregates through a pipe.

The prepacked aggregate concrete has proved particularly useful for plain or reinforced concrete in a number of applications like underwater construction, concrete and masonry repair, works where placement of concrete by normal traditional methods is difficult, large mass concrete where low cement content and low heat of hydration are required.


It is generally known that the conductivity and the heat transfer coefficient have relatively greater influence on the temperature gradient along with the concrete structure. Heat transfer of concrete is greatly affected by mix proportions, type of aggregate and cementitious materials. In contrast to study on thermal properties of normal concrete, works on thermal conductivity and the specific heat of two-stage concrete, however, are not many [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] .

In contrast to study on thermal properties of normal concrete, works on thermal conductivity and the specific heat of two-stage concrete, however, are not many.


With the development of concreting techniques and materials, utilization of different pozzolanic materials in concrete construction has also been increased. These pozzolanic materials are used in the concrete industry for their technical, economic and ecological benefits. One of the latest inclusion in the ash family is palm oil fuel ash (POFA), a byproduct of thermal power plants in which palm oil kernel shell and husk are burnt in palm oil mills as fuel. Amongst the oil palm growing countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is the second largest producer of palm oil and palm oil products in the world. In 2007, approximately 3 million tons of palm oil fuel ash have been generated in Malaysia, and this production rate is expected to rise due to the increased plantation of palm oil trees [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] .

In 2007, approximately 3 million tons of palm oil fuel ash have been generated in Malaysia, and this production rate is expected to rise due to the increased plantation of palm oil trees.


For the transformer isolated inverter topologies, there are two popular approaches. The first approach utilizes the single stage flyback inverter or isolated buck-boost inverter, which is able to replace the electrolytic capacitor with high voltage low capacitance film capacitor for the energy storage. This approach usually uses less switches with low cost, the high frequency transformer is the major design issue for these topologies to achieve high efficiency. The second approach is two-stage approach with a transformer isolated dc-dc converter as the first stage and a full-bridge inverter as the second stage [8] . A high efficiency dc-dc converter with soft switching is usually designed for the first stage. A full bridge inverter with line frequency switches or PWM is usually used for the second stage. The dc-dc converter in the first stage is the major design issue to achieve low cost and high efficiency. Fig. 2 shows the block diagram of conventional two stage isolated solar microinverter.

The second approach is two-stage approach with a transformer isolated dc-dc converter as the first stage and a full-bridge inverter as the second stage.


A recent study has demonstrated that IHC has a low sensitivity in identifying pathogenic MSH6-mutations, as almost 24% of adenocarcinomas in carriers of pathogenic MSH6 mutations showed normal staining of this gene [23] . The explanation for this finding remains unknown. We observed that in carriers of PMS2 c.989-1G > T 83% of cancers included in the AMS1/AMS2/Bethesda clinical criteria had normal expression of PMS2. Whether the sensitivity of IHC to identify carriers of PMS2-mutations is similar to MSH6 or to the high sensitivity reported for tumours caused by MLH1-or MSH2-mutations cannot be addressed in the present study where carriers of only one mutation were included, but needs further clarification.

A recent study has demonstrated that IHC has a low sensitivity in identifying pathogenic MSH6-mutations, as almost 24% of adenocarcinomas in carriers of pathogenic MSH6 mutations showed normal staining of this gene.


Another pigmentation variation in mammals is leucism, which is characterized by individuals with partial or total discoloration of the skin and/or fur. However, the pigmentation of eyes and claws is normal. Leucism has on occasion been confused with partial albinism and results from a reduction in all types of pigment, while albinism results from only a reduction in melanin production (MILLER, 2005) .

Leucism has on occasion been confused with partial albinism and results from a reduction in all types of pigment, while albinism results from only a reduction in melanin production.


The fact that only a relatively small percentage of problematic lottery gamblers are involved in treatment may be due to diagnostic difficulties, the low cost of lottery tickets, and a lack of dominance of negative consequences that may motivate seeking treatment. Furthermore, the lottery is very popular and generally seen as a socially acceptable form of gambling (Brenner & Brenner, 1990; Wolfson & Briggs, 2002) . Therefore, no awareness of the addictive potential exists.

Furthermore, the lottery is very popular and generally seen as a socially acceptable form of gambling.


Lottery gambling has enjoyed appeal around the world for many years and is very popular (Brenner & Brenner, 1990; Wolfson & Briggs, 2002) . It is relatively inexpensive to play and offers enormous and attractive jackpot prizes, but with very low odds of winning. Furthermore, it is generally seen as a socially acceptable form of gambling.

Lottery gambling has enjoyed appeal around the world for many years and is very popular.


Finally, it is important to note that we do not need to know the number of criteria but which criteria are fulfilled by abnormal pathological gambling activities in order to come to an adequate diagnosis (Rosenthal, 2003) . Despite the criteria for disorders, which serve as a guideline, clinical judgment must be exercised. Therefore, it is important to detect the dominance of the gambling behavior as well as negative and adverse consequences of gambling behavior in the life of the gambler that are not covered when using only the criteria of pathological gambling.

Finally, it is important to note that we do not need to know the number of criteria but which criteria are fulfilled by abnormal pathological gambling activities in order to come to an adequate diagnosis.


There is a recognized need to monitor the health of civil, mechanical and aerospace structures [1] . Recently, there has been strong interest in leveraging wireless technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) applications [2] . Wireless sensor technology has the potential to have a great impact on this field including reducing the cost, increasing the adoptability of SHM systems, and increasing the density of data that can be collected from a given structure. However, the availability of renewable energy is a key challenge in the realization of wireless SHM and other remote sensing systems. Wired energy is not a good option because wires are physically vulnerable and expensive to install and to maintain [3] . In fact, this is one of the reasons why wireless technology is so attractive in SHM applications. Batteries and other stored energy means can be used; however, multiple replacements will be needed through the lifetime of the system. Each replacement will carry with it a significant cost. Since typical applications require a dense network of sensors, the cost of non-renewable energy is a formidable barrier to the adoption of wireless monitoring systems.

There is a recognized need to monitor the health of civil, mechanical and aerospace structures.

Recently, there has been strong interest in leveraging wireless technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) applications.

Wired energy is not a good option because wires are physically vulnerable and expensive to install and to maintain.


In order to further investigate the precipitation of particles in the region poleward of the auroral oval observed by the IMAGE FUV WIC sensor but equatorward of (a) the OCB observed by Cluster 1 and 3 and (b) the poleward boundary of 130-140 nm (SI-13) UV emission, we shall compare the intensity of the emissions measured by WIC with the equivalent images recorded by the SI-13 channel of the IM-AGE FUV instrument. Since the atmospheric O 2 absorption varies in the wavelength intervals over which the WIC and SI-13 detectors operate, the ratio of the WIC and SI-13 measurements is sensitive to the depth at which the precipitating particles cause some excitation. Consequently, the ratio of the WIC and SI-13 measurements is sensitive to the average energy of the precipitating particles; for instance, large SI-13 to WIC intensity ratios signify soft electron precipitation (Hubert et al., 2002) . Clearly, the ratio of SI-13 to WIC intensity was highest outside of the main auroral oval where the WIC intensities fall to zero. As has been noted above, the "dark" polar cap was significant smaller in area when viewed in the SI-13 channel than with WIC. For example, at 15:50:31 UT (Figs. 8f, l and r) , the Cluster 3 spacecraft was ∼6 • poleward of the auroral oval observed by WIC, but still mapped into auroral emission measured by the SI-13 detector, suggesting that the particles responsible for this auroral excitation (i.e. the subset of particles presented in Fig. 5b that lay within the loss cone) were of relatively low energies. This interpretation is confirmed by a comparison of the electron energy flux in the downward-going look direction observed at Cluster 3 and the auroral intensity at the spacecraft's magnetic footprint. Such a comparison is presented in Fig. 11 . This figure clearly illustrates the relationship between the energy flux associated with precipitating hard electrons (in this case >5 keV) and the wideband UV emission observed by WIC during the first 30 min of the interval presented. By ∼15:24 UT Cluster 3 had traversed the main auroral oval observed by WIC, however, significant auroral emission was observed at the footprint of Cluster 3 by the SI-13 detector for over 40 min after this time. The implication that this excitation was a consequence of "soft" electron precipitation is supported by the relative energy fluxes of electrons above and below 5 keV. Following the departure from the oval observed by WIC, the energy fluxes of electrons with energies <5 keV, although small, exceeded the energy fluxes of higher energy electrons until the spacecraft crossed the OCB at ∼16:04 UT (some auroral luminosity is evident after this time, most likely a consequence of the significantly lower temporal resolution of the IMAGE FUV sensors when compared to the Cluster PEACE instrument). Consequently, we suggest that the poleward boundary of wideband UV auroral emission (to which the WIC instrument is sensitive) is, in this case, an unreliable indicator of the OCB location. However, the efficacy of this proxy appears to be highly variable over relatively small regions. For instance, we note that the boundaries of auroral luminosity observed by the WIC and SI-13 sensors were approximately co-located (at least to within 1-2 • of latitude) in the MLT sectors traversed by the FAST and DMSP spacecraft during this case study, as indicated in Fig. 10 . Therefore, in order to confidently estimate the location of the OCB, it seems that it is necessary to consider the location of the poleward boundary of the auroral oval when viewed in more than a single wavelength passband.

Consequently, the ratio of the WIC and SI-13 measurements is sensitive to the average energy of the precipitating particles; for instance, large SI-13 to WIC intensity ratios signify soft electron precipitation.


Wafer scheduling methods, which determine sequence of wafer movements across chambers, robots and other tool components, play an important role in determining process time. There have been a lot of studies on wafer scheduling methods for cluster tools (Lee 2008) . In this paper, we assume scheduling methods are fixed.

There have been a lot of studies on wafer scheduling methods for cluster tools.


This case-control study was nested within the cohort of 29,126 women 20-74 years of age diagnosed with a first invasive breast cancer from 1996 to 2008 in the catchment area of the Cancer Surveillance System (CSS), the population-based cancer registry serving western Washington state. CSS is a participant in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute, and it is estimated that[99 % of all incident cancer cases in the 13 county area covered by CSS are identified and included in the cancer registry [7] . This study was conducted with institutional review board approval. Potentially eligible cases were the 507 women in the cohort who were subsequently diagnosed with a second primary contralateral invasive breast cancer (CBC) at least 6 months following the diagnosis of their FBC with followup through July 2008.

CSS is a participant in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute, and it is estimated that[99 % of all incident cancer cases in the 13 county area covered by CSS are identified and included in the cancer registry.


Inspired by rapid advances and power of machine learning techniques, learning-based approaches have also been proposed to create 3D caricature models [26, 17] . These approaches require a 3D caricature dataset for training. However, creating a 3D caricature dataset is time-consuming because this usually involves caricaturists and caricatures have richer information such as a large range of deformation possibility and different styles.

Inspired by rapid advances and power of machine learning techniques, learning-based approaches have also been proposed to create 3D caricature models.


How should one interpret the contradictory findings regarding the hypothesized bilingual advantage in executive function abilities? The extent of the lack of replicability of findings is not known, given that null results tend not to be published (Adesope, Lavin, Thompson, & Ungerleider, 2010; de Bruin, Treccani, & Della Sala, 2015) . It is therefore impossible to draw a conclusion based on the balance between results and null results. Matters are complicated further by the methodological differences across studies, and in particular by differences in how possible confounds are taken into account .

The extent of the lack of replicability of findings is not known, given that null results tend not to be published.


The technology of quantum-dot SOAs (QD-SOAs) are very appropriate owing to its remarkably ultrafast response, which, combined with their attractive characteristics, distinguishes them from conventional SOAs [23] [24] [25] . They have larger unsaturated gain than bulk SOAs, resulting in higher power optical amplifiers, but also have enough gain at low injected currents to enable operation with low power consumption. Their saturation power can be controlled by changing the injected current with the unsaturated gain kept constant, thus enabling easy tuning of the operating point for signal amplification and processing. QD-SOAs exhibit much faster gain recovery after gain compression than bulk SOAs, enabling amplification and processing of short pulses with negligible pulse-shape distortion. The all-optical logic gates, optical wavelength conversion, and optical regeneration based on a QD-SOA MZI are promising candidates for faster speed of operation compared with bulk and MQWSOAs due to the comparatively small electron relaxation times in QDs [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] .

The technology of quantum-dot SOAs (QD-SOAs) are very appropriate owing to its remarkably ultrafast response, which, combined with their attractive characteristics, distinguishes them from conventional SOAs.

The all-optical logic gates, optical wavelength conversion, and optical regeneration based on a QD-SOA MZI are promising candidates for faster speed of operation compared with bulk and MQWSOAs due to the comparatively small electron relaxation times in QDs.


Human infections can be reduced by informing and educating farmers/herders about RVF. Preventive methods include precaution for animal milk and meat consumption, as well as avoiding direct contact with infected animal materials during slaughtering and veterinary practices. Concerning animal infections, sentinel herds in combination with disease early warning systems have been successfully utilized to anticipate RVF outbreaks in Kenya [34] . By bridging the gap between meteorological forecasting centers and veterinary services a RVF warning might be issued if a heavy rainfall event following a rainless period is forecasted during the second half of the rainy season over Senegal and Mauritania (using models and others means such as satellite images, radar, local expertise, etc.). But this would have to be complemented by information about the livestock susceptibility to RVF infections and this can vary considerably amongst different animals and breeds. The aggregated information can ultimately be broadcasted to the media, the policy makers and the health practitioners in order to warn the local population. However, the time lag between those events and the first reported human infections might be too short (a few weeks) to plan proper field intervention.

Concerning animal infections, sentinel herds in combination with disease early warning systems have been successfully utilized to anticipate RVF outbreaks in Kenya.


In this study, given that titanium alloys usually show relatively poor tribological properties such as high and unstable coefficients of friction, low abrasive and adhesive wear resistance, we will focus on the investigation on the surface properties of titanium borides reinforced composites such as microhardness, friction and wear properties. To the best knowledge of the authors, the work on surface properties of titanium alloy composites with titanium boride network structure is lacking. More work is also under way to comprehensively evaluate the high temperature mechanical properties of this type of materials. HIPing has been employed to synthesise titanium borides reinforced composites in the present study as HIPing can give 100% density eliminating any negative effects caused by porosity that are usually present in sintered or hot pressed materials [4] [5] . Advanced materials characterization techniques such as SEM together with EDX, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) have also been used to characterize the synthesised materials before and after wear testing to understand the wear mechanism of these materials.

HIPing has been employed to synthesise titanium borides reinforced composites in the present study as HIPing can give 100% density eliminating any negative effects caused by porosity that are usually present in sintered or hot pressed materials.


As can be seen in the Figure 5 the applied load has no impact on the ac conductivity behaviour at the high frequency ranges (>250 kHz) but it severely influences the ac conductivity values at the low frequencies. It becomes clear that the values of the ac conductivity become higher after applying the mechanical load on the specimen. This can be attributed to crack formation and propagation that create additional conductive paths at the crack edges. This phenomenon provides greater freedom of charge motion and consequently higher ac conductivity in the low frequency range. The higher the frequency of the applied ac field the lower is the current flowing along the microcrack and macrocrack edges. The same behaviour is observed for the type-2 specimens (see representative datasets in Figure 6 ). Figure 6 clearly shows a variation of the values of the ac conductivity before (a) and after (b) applying mechanical load. Specifically, this variation becomes evident only in the frequencies below 120 kHz. The ac conductivity measurements of type-1 specimens that had previously been loaded at 7.3 kN was also fitted by the conductivity universal power law and factor n found to be approximately equal to 0.63. This reduction of the factor n indicates that the specimen has been subjected to compressive stress [12] . Similar results were extracted for type 2 specimens (see Figure 6) .

This reduction of the factor n indicates that the specimen has been subjected to compressive stress.


Galileons, however, possess a stronger, diagrammatic non-renormalization theorem that depends on the detailed structure of the galileon interaction terms [30] . We have interpreted the extra strength of the galileon non-renormalization theorem as the statement that the galileon operators are not renormalized even by loops of other heavy fields, as long as they are coupled in a galileon invariant way. In the other theories like GR or P (X), the leading operators are renormalized by these heavy loops.

Galileons, however, possess a stronger, diagrammatic non-renormalization theorem that depends on the detailed structure of the galileon interaction terms.


Results showed that the Greek Version of the SCS can be considered as a reliable and valid psychometric tool. In particular, the item analysis of the 26 items of the scale revealed satisfactory variance ranging from 2-3.5 indicative of a normal distribution and of lack of polarization [18] ). All item-test correlations of the three negative factors (Self-judgement, Isolation, Over identification) were between -0.32 to -0.62 and of the three positive factors (Self-Kindness, Common Humanity, Mindfulness) were ranging from 0.27 to 0.55, suggesting good psychometric properties. Moreover Self-Kindness inter-item correlations ranged from 0.29 to 0.58, Self-judgment from 0.17 to 0.43, Common humanity from 0.27 to 0.47, Isolation from 0.31 to 0.42, Mindfulness from 0.21 tο 0.44 and Over identification from 0.32 to 0.42. Every inter-item correlation was significant (p<0.001). Overall, most of the items showed low to medium inter-correlations inside the different factors.

In particular, the item analysis of the 26 items of the scale revealed satisfactory variance ranging from 2-3.5 indicative of a normal distribution and of lack of polarization).


Biological interpretation.-Our results indicated that black bears on the Kenai Peninsula were genetically distinct from those on the mainland, and further that bears in Prince William Sound appeared to be isolated from other areas. The high male bias in our data set would be expected to overrepresent the dispersing sex and make it more difficult to detect population structure. We can thus be confident that our assessment represents the minimum level of differentiation between these populations. Distinctiveness of Kenai populations has been documented in numerous taxa, particularly in carnivores. Kenai populations of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and wolverine both show genetic distinction from more interior populations (Schwartz et al. 2003; Tomasik and Cook 2005) . Distinction of gray wolves on the Kenai has been attributed to climatic differences and geographic isolation (Geffen et al. 2004; Weckworth et al. 2005) .

Kenai populations of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and wolverine both show genetic distinction from more interior populations.

Distinction of gray wolves on the Kenai has been attributed to climatic differences and geographic isolation.


Climatic history and past glaciations have played a role in shaping the historic levels of separation between black bear groups and continue to affect gene flow in south-central Alaska. Most of south-central Alaska was covered by the Cordilleran Ice Sheet at the last ice age maximum about 25,000 to 13,000 years ago (Muhs et al. 2001; Pielou 1991) . Southcentral Alaska became deglaciated about 10,000 years ago. At that time ocean levels were such that the Kenai peninsula was largely continuous with the Alaskan mainland (Muhs et al. 2001; Pielou 1991) . The Kenai became distinct and was relatively isolated from the mainland by 7,000 years ago. Haplotype distributions in south-central Alaska suggest that connectivity among black bear ranges was high during the initial recolonization of the area. Haplotype 1 t7 appears to be the ancestral sublineage spreading from the continental United States throughout Alaska. Changing ocean levels and increasing isolation of the Kenai may have fostered the development of unique haplotype distributions on the mainland (7 t6 ) and Kenai (7 t7 and 7 t8 ).

Most of south-central Alaska was covered by the Cordilleran Ice Sheet at the last ice age maximum about 25,000 to 13,000 years ago.

At that time ocean levels were such that the Kenai peninsula was largely continuous with the Alaskan mainland.


The paper is organized as follows. In Section 2 we explain the elements of the (much more general) Fedosov construction which we will need. Section 3 contains the construction of the universal deformation formula. Here not only the deformation formula will be universal for all algebras A but also the construction itself will be universal for all Lie algebras g. In Section 4 we construct the Drinfel'd twist while Section 5 contains the classification in the non-degenerate case. Finally, Section 6 discusses the positivity of the Wick-type universal deformation formula. In two appendices we collect some more technical arguments and proofs. The results of this paper are partially based on the master thesis [39] .

The paper is organized as follows.

The results of this paper are partially based on the master thesis.


When the Kismet robot was introduced, individuals could interact with it via conversation or gestures as opposed to typing on a keyboard [18] . Human-robot interaction (HRI) requires the robot to also respond. A robot that gestures and moves can aid an individual in understanding what the robot is doing and aid in the interaction.

When the Kismet robot was introduced, individuals could interact with it via conversation or gestures as opposed to typing on a keyboard.


Analysing the three, functionally divergent organs (fillet, liver, mesenteric fat) the three diets led to basically similar alterations in their fatty acid profiles. Liver was the only organ where the palmitate proportion was altered by all three diets. The reason of this may be not merely the diet, as all experimental diets contained largely similar palmitate proportions (Table 1) . Instead of this in Perciformes liver is one of the main sites of lipid storage and palmitate is generally acting as an oxidisable energy source (Stubhaug et al. 2005) . The dominant palmitate accretion as a result of hepatic lipogenesis is otherwise characteristic for increased energy uptake.

Instead of this in Perciformes liver is one of the main sites of lipid storage and palmitate is generally acting as an oxidisable energy source.


Before the agricultural revolution about 10 000 years ago humans ingested about equal amounts of n-6 and n-3 essential fatty acids. Over the past 150 years this balance has been upset. Current estimates in Western cultures suggest a ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids of 10-20:1 optimal for human health instead of generally recommended 1-4:1 (Simopoulos 1999) . However, in the past 30 years, intakes of animal fats have declined and those of soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed oils have increased in northern Europe. Sunflower oil, with its dominant linoleic acid proportion is now used widely, albeit soybean and rapeseed oils are currently the most plentiful liquid vegetable oils and both have desirable ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids (Sanders 2000) .

Current estimates in Western cultures suggest a ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids of 10-20:1 optimal for human health instead of generally recommended 1-4:1.

Sunflower oil, with its dominant linoleic acid proportion is now used widely, albeit soybean and rapeseed oils are currently the most plentiful liquid vegetable oils and both have desirable ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids.


The rapid compression machine was applied in order to keep a wide observation region [1] . A number of experiments were conducted to study the mixture formation and combustion process performed in Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . RCM is an instrument designed to stimulate a single compression event of an engine cycle of internal combustion engine. The influence of the injection process inside the combustion chamber has to be considered in the analysis of combustion process. Most of the previous studies were conducted at high pressures and temperatures of air in the combustion chamber. The understanding of the interaction phenomenon between fuel spray and surrounding gas prior to ignition can be considered as a major problem while designing the diesel combustion chamber. During this period, combustible mixture caused spontaneous ignition since the air temperatures were above the fuel ignition point and occurred within delay period after fuel injected. Therefore, advanced combustion process, especially fuelair premixing needed to be designed and manufactured to comply with such legislated emissions. Basic studies in the RCM have been used to study the self-ignition characteristics of the fuel mixture under measured conditions [7] [8] [9] [10] . The present study was conducted at the high ambient temperature inside the combustion chamber and injection pressure to analyse the ignition delay in the real diesel engine combustion like environment. The challenges in studying this regime include complex experimental observations to combine the physical-chemical processes that lead to a phenomenon like mixed auto-ignited combustion. Self-ignition was studied experimentally and the effects of ambient temperatures and injection pressures on the ignition delays of ordinary diesel fuels and its blends were considered. Combustion takes place in hot air in the real diesel engine. Hence, in the present study, the effects of high ambient temperatures and injection pressures of fuels developed in diesel engine combustion chamber on the ignition delay of fuels were also analysed. Studies with fuel injection into combustion chamber have shown that the ambient temperature and injection pressure of fuels are the most important parameters for a given fuel composition [11] . The combustion in diesel engines is mixed and the swirl is combined with high injection pressure to the inlet air to assist in the faster air-fuel mixing and better combustion. The high-pressure fuel injection induces a higher level of dispersion of the fuel with better atomisation and fuel-air mixing. The aim of the fuel injection process in a diesel engine is the preparation of a fuel-air mixing to achieve a clean and efficient combustion process [12] .

The rapid compression machine was applied in order to keep a wide observation region.

A number of experiments were conducted to study the mixture formation and combustion process performed in Rapid Compression Machine (RCM).

Basic studies in the RCM have been used to study the self-ignition characteristics of the fuel mixture under measured conditions.

Studies with fuel injection into combustion chamber have shown that the ambient temperature and injection pressure of fuels are the most important parameters for a given fuel composition.

The aim of the fuel injection process in a diesel engine is the preparation of a fuel-air mixing to achieve a clean and efficient combustion process.


In the field of cognitive psychology, social constructivist learning theories have been regarded as an important paradigm for decades (Loyens 2007) . These theories acknowledge the benefits for learners to be actively engaged in constructing their own understanding (Power 2016) . One of the shared assumptions of social constructivist learning theories is the significance of self-regulated learning (SRL) as the key component for successful learning in school and beyond (Boekaerts 1999; Zimmerman 2001) . In general, SRL is defined as 'an active, constructive process whereby learners set goals for their learning and then attempt to monitor, regulate, and control their cognitions, motivation, and behavior, guided and constrained by their goals and the contextual features in the environment' (Pintrich 2000, 453) .

In the field of cognitive psychology, social constructivist learning theories have been regarded as an important paradigm for decades.

These theories acknowledge the benefits for learners to be actively engaged in constructing their own understanding.

One of the shared assumptions of social constructivist learning theories is the significance of self-regulated learning (SRL) as the key component for successful learning in school and beyond.


It is evident to consider the outreach of the presented model. Although the model draws upon empirical studies focusing on the dynamics between TEs and TCs, the conceptual notions stem from an extensive international review study concerning SRL and higher education in general. Therefore, the model is transferable to other higher education programs and professions as well. However, courses in higher education exist within a larger system of practices and norms. As a consequence, successful implementation of the model within higher education courses requires a certain context or surrounding conditional factors (Vrieling, Bastiaens, and Stijnen 2010) . In accordance with the proposed model, this implementation requires attention to the three central perspectives of the model: the teacher, the learner, and the learning task.

As a consequence, successful implementation of the model within higher education courses requires a certain context or surrounding conditional factors.


The practical implication is that PE teachers need to promote the mastery climate in their PE classes and re-examine the way the lessons are structured. The focus needs to be making the mastery or task-involving climate more salient. PE teachers need to keep their 22 values and beliefs in check because their beliefs and perceptions of PE may affect the implementation of the curriculum and student learning (Ennis, 1996) .

PE teachers need to keep their 22 values and beliefs in check because their beliefs and perceptions of PE may affect the implementation of the curriculum and student learning.


In the winter half-year period, when in Poland the average temperature values of flowing waters equal approximately 2.0 °C, the average temperature of the waters of the River Noteć for the multiannual period 1987-2013 equaled 4.4 °C in Pakość and Nowe Drezdenko, and was slightly higher than the temperature of water measured at Ujście and Krzyż Wielkopolski. Higher temperatures of river waters in the winter season (in excess of 2.0 °C) usually point to the presence of pollutants in the river [72] [73] [74] . Pollutants have been channeled to the River Noteć for many years, In certain years of the analyzed multiannual period there was observed the earlier appearance of negative air temperatures (Table 2) , however their number in relation to phenomena typical of the winter half-year period was small. The atmospheric circulation systems appearing in October contributed in all probability to the creation of specific baric conditions that resulted in the occurrence of thermal anomalies. Thermal conditions registered in October did not, however, contribute to the appearance of ice phenomena on the river; these were initiated only under conditions of water over-cooling, which usually occur following a few or a dozen or so frosty days [64] . The first days with frost in the catchment area of the River Noteć occur only towards the end of November [50] .

Higher temperatures of river waters in the winter season (in excess of 2.0 °C) usually point to the presence of pollutants in the river.

Thermal conditions registered in October did not, however, contribute to the appearance of ice phenomena on the river; these were initiated only under conditions of water over-cooling, which usually occur following a few or a dozen or so frosty days.

The first days with frost in the catchment area of the River Noteć occur only towards the end of November.


The following were the years in which the largest number of days with ice formation on the river were observed at the majority of stations : 1987, 1996-1997, 2003, 2006 and 2010-2011 , which were characterized by a considerable intensity of occurrence of low air temperatures. This situation was connected with changes in atmospheric pressure, which significantly influences the shaping of air temperature variability in Europe. The impact of pressure changes on air temperature is visible in all months of the year, creating a characteristic cycle with a maximum impact in winter [58] . The presence of specific baric systems guarantees the advection of cool air masses, the existence of which is also testified to by negative anomalies (Figure 7) . It is stressed in numerous works that amongst the numerous factors that through their change impact the variability of air temperature in Europe, the foremost is atmospheric circulation [59] [60] [61] [62] . Research carried out hitherto has shown that the occurrence of periods of a few days with frost (so-called frost waves) in Poland may be connected with 3 types of circulation [1, 3, 58] . When type 1 was prevalent, Poland found itself under the influence of a high from the center, which was located on the borders of Estonia, Latvia and Russia. When type 2 was prevalent, the center of the high was situated above Poland, while as regards the prevalence of type 3, Poland found itself under the influence of a ridge of high pressure from over Eastern Europe. The abovementioned baric conditions led to the advection of cool continental air masses from the "eastern sector", in the broadest meaning of the term. An additional important factor impacting the fall in air temperature was the cloudless or only slightly cloudy weather, which resulted in strong heat emission from the surface of the earth. The probability of occurrence of ice cover will depend on the length of time with the advection of cool air masses, and thus on the duration of the period during which a given type of atmospheric circulation occurs in winter.

The impact of pressure changes on air temperature is visible in all months of the year, creating a characteristic cycle with a maximum impact in winter.

It is stressed in numerous works that amongst the numerous factors that through their change impact the variability of air temperature in Europe, the foremost is atmospheric circulation.

Research carried out hitherto has shown that the occurrence of periods of a few days with frost (so-called frost waves) in Poland may be connected with 3 types of circulation.


In the winter half-year period, when in Poland the average temperature values of flowing waters equal approximately 2.0 • C, the average temperature of the waters of the River Noteć for the multiannual period 1987-2013 equaled 4.4 • C in Pakość and Nowe Drezdenko, and was slightly higher than the temperature of water measured at Ujście and Krzyż Wielkopolski. Higher temperatures of river waters in the winter season (in excess of 2.0 • C) usually point to the presence of pollutants in the river [72] [73] [74] . Pollutants have been channeled to the River Noteć for many years, among others water from coal mines, which contains considerable quantities of suspended matter from the strip mine in Konin, and municipal wastewater from various towns and cities.

Higher temperatures of river waters in the winter season (in excess of 2.0 • C) usually point to the presence of pollutants in the river.


The thermal and ice regime of the River Noteć is also strongly modified due to the anthropogenic transformation of the bed and valley of the water-course. This may impact changes in average time and variations in measurement series of river water temperatures, which brings about their instability. In the case of lowland rivers such as the Noteć, these are most frequently regulatory activities and dams, which lead to changes in bed morphology and the artificial control of water flow. The transformed morphology of channeled sections of the river and canals is one of the more important causes of undesirable changes in the temperature of flowing water [68] . In rivers with transformed hydromorphological conditions, changes may concern the physical, chemical and biological elements of waters, which constitute a reference for designating their ecological state [75] . The conditions under which ice phenomena form on a river and under which it freezes up are further dependent on individual features of the water-course and environmental factors [16, 17, 20] . In order to determine the cause of the multidirectional dependences between CDD and the occurrence of ice cover on individual sections of the River Noteć, one should carefully study the impact of local factors influencing the thermal regime of its waters, and in consequence the duration of ice phenomena.

The transformed morphology of channeled sections of the river and canals is one of the more important causes of undesirable changes in the temperature of flowing water.

In rivers with transformed hydromorphological conditions, changes may concern the physical, chemical and biological elements of waters, which constitute a reference for designating their ecological state.

The conditions under which ice phenomena form on a river and under which it freezes up are further dependent on individual features of the water-course and environmental factors.


In Poland, the average times of appearance of ice phenomena on rivers, and also the times of their disappearance, vary considerably [47, 63, 64] . On the majority of rivers in western Poland, the commencement of ice phenomena is observed in the third decade of December and this is confirmed by observations of ice phenomena conducted on the River Noteć in the years 1987-2013. The ice cover appeared most frequently in December and January, and this was connected with the occurrence of high values of the CDD index ( Figure 6 ). For December and January in the multiannual period, the average monthly cumulative negative air temperature degree-days at the station in Piła totaled −80 °C·d and 72 °C·d, respectively, which guaranteed the formation and persistence of ice cover on the River Noteć. The analysis broken down into hydrological half-year periods showed that the distribution of air temperatures for the cool half-year period is also characterized by a slight negative skewness, whereas the distribution for the warm half-year period is approximately normal (Figure 12 ).

In Poland, the average times of appearance of ice phenomena on rivers, and also the times of their disappearance, vary considerably.


The following were the years in which the largest number of days with ice formation on the river were observed at the majority of stations : 1987, 1996-1997, 2003, 2006 and 2010-2011 , which were characterized by a considerable intensity of occurrence of low air temperatures. This situation was connected with changes in atmospheric pressure, which significantly influences the shaping of air temperature variability in Europe. The impact of pressure changes on air temperature is visible in all months of the year, creating a characteristic cycle with a maximum impact in winter [58] . The presence of specific baric systems guarantees the advection of cool air masses, the existence of which is also testified to by negative anomalies (Figure 7) . It is stressed in numerous works that amongst the numerous factors that through their change impact the variability of air temperature in Europe, the foremost is atmospheric circulation [59] [60] [61] [62] . Research carried out hitherto has shown that the occurrence of periods of a few days with frost (so-called frost waves) in Poland may be connected with 3 types of circulation [1, 3, 58] . When type 1 was prevalent, Poland found itself under the influence of a high from the center, which was located on the borders of Estonia, Latvia and Russia.

The impact of pressure changes on air temperature is visible in all months of the year, creating a characteristic cycle with a maximum impact in winter.

It is stressed in numerous works that amongst the numerous factors that through their change impact the variability of air temperature in Europe, the foremost is atmospheric circulation.

Research carried out hitherto has shown that the occurrence of periods of a few days with frost (so-called frost waves) in Poland may be connected with 3 types of circulation.


In the moderate climate zone, river freezing is a common phenomenon in the winter season, and it intensifies in periods that are at least very cool. The formation of ice cover is facilitated on days that are very frosty (t < −10 • C) or with a strong frost (t < −20 • C), the occurrence of which is connected first and foremost with high-pressure weather, which ensures the advection of dry and cool continental air masses from the eastern sector [1] [2] [3] . Under conducive circulatory conditions, cumulation in successive negative air temperature days contributes to the lowering of water temperature and the commencement of the river freezing process, i.e., the formation and longer-term persistence of ice cover.

The formation of ice cover is facilitated on days that are very frosty (t < −10 • C) or with a strong frost (t < −20 • C), the occurrence of which is connected first and foremost with high-pressure weather, which ensures the advection of dry and cool continental air masses from the eastern sector.


Technology process variations introduced during the fabrication of CMOS wafers such as mismatch in doping levels and/or lack of uniformity of the gate oxide cause transistor electrical characteristics to drift from their nominal values. For nanometer technologies (e.g., below 90nm) this is reflected in a stochastic component of variability that becomes much more prominent than any other systematic effects [1] . Due to the extremely small dimensions of the transistors in nanometer technologies, the same variation in the number of dopant atoms have a much higher impact in the electrical properties of the device than in earlier technology nodes. This makes digital circuits and systems more difficult to predict and control.

For nanometer technologies (e.g., below 90nm) this is reflected in a stochastic component of variability that becomes much more prominent than any other systematic effects.


This study is the first calculation of charm elliptic flow in Au + Au at √ s N N ∼ 200 GeV at RHIC from covariant parton transport theory. Both elastic 2 → 2 and inelastic 2 → 2 parton interactions were included using MPC [29] . We show that parton opacities needed to generate a ≈ 10% light quark elliptic flow also imply a charm quark elliptic flow of similar magnitude, at moderately large p T > 2.5 − 3 GeV. At lower transverse momenta charm v 2 is suppressed, analogously to the mass dependence of elliptic flow found in ideal hydrodynamics. Based on hadronization via quark coalescence, we predict that the elliptic flows of D and D s saturate at the same magnitude ≈ 20% as pion and kaon v 2 but at p T ≈ 3 GeV, i.e., 50% higher than the "meson value" of 2 GeV. In contrast, from hadronization via independent fragmentation, charm hadron elliptic flow is only ≈ 10% (same as charm quark v 2 ).

Both elastic 2 → 2 and inelastic 2 → 2 parton interactions were included using MPC.


Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) was first commercialised in the early sixties as a replacement of the poorly biodegradable dodecylbenzene sulphonate-branched alkylbenzene sulphonate (DBS). LAS is a major anionic surfactant used in industrial detergents and the production of household products throughout the world because of its effectiveness. Its presence in wastewaters may cause environmental concern [1] . The widespread and relatively large usage of LAS (1.5 -2.0 million ton/year worldwide and 300,000 ton/yr within EU) has led to extensive research in determining acceptable levels of use and release of LAS, and the environmental impact of this surfactant [2] . The synthetic commercial alkylbenzene sulphonate is one of the most thoroughly investigated with respect to biodegradability.

Its presence in wastewaters may cause environmental concern.

The widespread and relatively large usage of LAS (1.5 -2.0 million ton/year worldwide and 300,000 ton/yr within EU) has led to extensive research in determining acceptable levels of use and release of LAS, and the environmental impact of this surfactant.