One of the most often discussed aspects related to the tribology of cartilage, hydrogels, tissues, tissue microenvironments, and cell layers is poroelasticity and the role of water in supporting loads and providing low shear sliding interfaces [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] . Numerous sophisticated models of poroelastic deformation and predictions of tribological behaviors have been developed over the past 50+ years, often with the expressed purpose of determining the evolution in friction and contact area over time under conditions of either constant or dynamic applied loads [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] . In biological tissues, the permeability, modulus, and anisotropic mechanics add numerous levels of complexity and challenges https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotri.2018.01.002 Received 22 October 2017; Received in revised form 17 January 2018; Accepted 24 January 2018 (including opacity) making complementary measurements and model validations exceedingly difficult, and often preclude direct experimental quantification of the phenomena being modeled.

One of the most often discussed aspects related to the tribology of cartilage, hydrogels, tissues, tissue microenvironments, and cell layers is poroelasticity and the role of water in supporting loads and providing low shear sliding interfaces.

Numerous sophisticated models of poroelastic deformation and predictions of tribological behaviors have been developed over the past 50+ years, often with the expressed purpose of determining the evolution in friction and contact area over time under conditions of either constant or dynamic applied loads.


In this work, a magnetic field as the fundamental element for the stars equilibrium will be introduced. It is proposed as a basic hypothesis, that all gaseous stars generate an intense magnetic field at an early stage of their evolution. Thus, a large mass of compressible gaseous fluid, viscous and conductor isolated in space and at very high temperature and pressure conditions that remain together by its own gravitational attraction and at dynamic equilibrium with the force produced by the sum of the pressures of radiation and the hot gases are considered. The source of power generation lies on the central part of this huge mass of gas and a little closer to the surface the so called convective zone [3] [4] . The convective streams generated there are responsible of removing the heat produced and the ashes of the thermo nuclear process, feeding at the same time the power source with new nuclear fuel [5] . It is assumed that these convective streams are made up by neutral atoms and a lot of electrically charged particles both positive and negative. It is also assumed that these convective streams contain a steady-state current distribution localized in some region inside the convective zone, produced by a process of maximum ionization, which by hypothesis is the generator of the magnetic field that in a first approximation, may be considered similar to the bipolar magnetic field produced by a magnetized bar. Irregularities observed in the magnetic field should be attributed to the fact that the structure of the localized steady-state current distribution is not always the same; this is because the condition of the convective streams is not always the same either, and can be dependent on the magnitude of the thermonuclear explosions produced in the oven. The solution of the problem of the magnitude and topology of the self-generated magnetic field by gaseous stars can be seen in Appendix II. It is significant to emphasize the importance that the self-generated magnetic field has for the equilibrium and the stability of this object. Additionally, this enormous concentration of matter is found distributed in a configuration that has spherical symmetry. A heavenly object with the above mentioned characteristics is a star.

The source of power generation lies on the central part of this huge mass of gas and a little closer to the surface the so called convective zone.

The convective streams generated there are responsible of removing the heat produced and the ashes of the thermo nuclear process, feeding at the same time the power source with new nuclear fuel.


Delay detonators are extensively employed in mining, quarrying and other blasting operations. They are used to facilitate sequential initiation of explosive charges in a pattern of boreholes [1] . The timing of the sequential initiation events is carefully chosen in order to control the fragmentation and throw of the rock being blasted. This approach also reduces ground vibration and air blast noise [1] . Both chemical and electronic time delay detonators are used to achieve the required time delays. The simplicity, ruggedness and low cost of pyrotechnic delays make them particularly attractive for high volume mining applications.

They are used to facilitate sequential initiation of explosive charges in a pattern of boreholes.

This approach also reduces ground vibration and air blast noise.


Although energy is a significant cost of production, this research demonstrates that it is not managed in either an especially effective, thorough or pro-active manner. Standard approaches to business administration may not have anticipated this result; however, it is broadly consistent with the body of knowledge on SMTEs that suggests managers and employees in such businesses lack the time, skills and knowledge to introduce the latest management thinking and techniques (Thomas et al 2011) . Moreover, they resonate Hence, these results contribute notable counterpoints to some of the existing views on energy-related issues in tourism businesses reviewed in Section Two.

Standard approaches to business administration may not have anticipated this result; however, it is broadly consistent with the body of knowledge on SMTEs that suggests managers and employees in such businesses lack the time, skills and knowledge to introduce the latest management thinking and techniques.


Hence, it is through this second episode that a much greater richness of insight was generated. There are multiple methods by which case-studies may be reported (Yin 2014) . Perhaps most common in business and management studies is the case-by-case basis. Here this would have been infeasible. Instead, as the quantitative and qualitative material had been entered into several database tables in order to facilitate comparison, Framework Analysis was employed (Barbour 2008) . Framework Analysis is a technique used in qualitative research for handling large volumes of data in a relatively structured format (i.e. relating to certain interview questions or emergent themes), ostensibly by tabulation to facilitate cross-comparison. In this research, the technique was an effective means for managing and triangulating the wide range of qualitative and quantitative data that were generated. In fact, from the authors' readings and discussions of the various data, three main cross-cutting themes emerged about the energy practices of the SMTEs, and it is to those we turn in the next section. However, because of the method of data collection, this is for the most part without extensive verbatim quotations. Moreover, this paper does not employ 'quantisization' (i.e.

There are multiple methods by which case-studies may be reported.

Here this would have been infeasible.

Instead, as the quantitative and qualitative material had been entered into several database tables in order to facilitate comparison, Framework Analysis was employed.


Nevertheless, Stage One heavily influenced the design of Stage Two and some baseline data from Stage One are used to corroborate findings in later sections of this paper. As context, it is important to note that the sample size for Stage One was far larger than any other previous research on environmental management or climate change as it relates to tourism businesses, comprising as it did 2.8% of the population of accommodation providers in the region. Instead, this paper focuses mainly on the results from Stage Two which comprised the compilation of a series of more extensive case-histories of energy management and mitigation behaviour. These combined hard quantitative metrics with rich qualitative data. The use of detailed case-studies informed by multiple data sources is widespread in business and management studies (Yin 2014) . At the time of writing, 29 had been completed and no businesses participated in both stages. Details and thumbnail sketches of the subject businesses are provided in Table 2 . A purposive sample was derived from businesses expressing interest to participate in a demanding review of their energy use and management. Access to each business, its premises, staff and data was initially requested for two day-long episodes.

The use of detailed case-studies informed by multiple data sources is widespread in business and management studies.


In this paper we consider compact rank one manifolds, that is, smooth compact nonpositively curved manifolds where the curvature can vanish, but where there exists at least one rank one vector, that is, a vector whose geodesic orbit does not bound any (even infinitesimal) flat strip (see Section 2 for details). The regular set R is the set of all rank one vectors and the higher rank set H is its complementary set. In this situation, the above potentials and their equilibrium states behave quite differently. The potential ϕ (u) is still continuous, but probably not Hölder continuous in general. Besides the Liouville measure, it admits trivial equilibrium measures, supported by the periodic orbits staying in the flat part H of the manifold. Moreover, the ergodicity of the Liouville measure remains up to now a difficult open question. The measure of maximal entropy is known to exist (as does, in fact, the equilibrium measure of any continuous potential) and to be unique [21] . Beyond these few examples, little is known about uniqueness and further properties of equilibrium states.

The measure of maximal entropy is known to exist (as does, in fact, the equilibrium measure of any continuous potential) and to be unique.


The present work is centered on the characterization for disposal of different Fe-based oxygen carriers used in a CLC unit. The leaching properties of three of the most recently used oxygen carriers in CLC units burning coal are evaluated: ilmenite, a bauxite waste and an iron ore. All these oxygen carriers were tested for coal combustion in a continuous 500 W th CLC unit at the Instituto de Carboquimica (ICB-CSIC-s1) [6] [7] [8] . Leaching tests according to the CEN 12457-3 standard will be conducted to characterize these residues and to evaluate the possibilities of disposal for these materials. Moreover, a global mass balance of the CLC process for coal considering the oxygen carrier lifetime and the oxygen carrier lost with the ashes will be also carried out in order to have an estimation of the amount of solid waste generated in the process.

All these oxygen carriers were tested for coal combustion in a continuous 500 W th CLC unit at the Instituto de Carboquimica (ICB-CSIC-s1).


One of the aspects that should be taken into account in a further scale up of this technology is the possible generation of solid residues from the CLC unit due to oxygen carrier losses. On the one hand, the oxygen carrier may suffer attrition and therefore be lost by elutriation (F 1 and F 2 in Figure 1 ). The elutriated material would be recovered to avoid emissions of particulate matter to the atmosphere or damage to the equipment placed downstream. On the other hand, when a solid fuel (especially coal) is burned, it may be necessary to eliminate ashes from the CLC system to avoid accumulation in the reactors leading to operational problems. In principle, ashes can be separated from the oxygen carrier on the basis of density and particle size differences. Nevertheless, in the drainage of the ashes, some oxygen carrier particles may be lost despite the efficiency of the separation system used [2] . This is represented by F 3 in Figure 1 . Therefore, to maintain a constant inventory in the CLC system a makeup flow of new material should be fed (F 0 ) and the used particles that were recovered should be characterized in order to be disposed.

Nevertheless, in the drainage of the ashes, some oxygen carrier particles may be lost despite the efficiency of the separation system used.


We also compared our results to predictions based on the analytical peak-background split. Once a specific barrier B is assumed, the PBS allows for a derivation of all local bias parameters b n from a given halo mass function. The simplest and most common choice is B = δ c , which we have applied to the ST99 and T08 mass function prescriptions. We found that even though the latter provides a very accurate mass function, the linear bias derived via the PBS and simple collapse threshold is only accurate at the ∼ 10% level, in agreement with previous results [43] . Things are even worse for b 2 , with up to 50% discrepancy at low mass, although the absolute difference between the PBS predictions and the measurements is similar to that in b 1 . For b 3 , the simple PBS predictions are consistent with the measurements (at least at high masses), but this is not a very strong statement given the large error bars on b 3 .

We found that even though the latter provides a very accurate mass function, the linear bias derived via the PBS and simple collapse threshold is only accurate at the ∼ 10% level, in agreement with previous results.


We have presented a new method to measure the large-scale, renormalized local density bias parameters b n of dark matter halos, with n = 1, 2, 3, by running simulations which simulate an infinite-wavelength density perturbation of arbitrary amplitude. This method can be seen as an exact implementation of the peak-background split. This method has several advantages, including a simple implementation applicable, in principle, to arbitrarily high n. The most important advantage, however, is that the measured biases are not affected by the modeling of scale-dependent or nonlinear corrections, and there is no ambiguous choice of k max , with the associated risk of overfitting, as when fitting halo N -point functions. The most significant disadvantage of the method is that it needs a set of dedicated simulations with varying cosmological parameters to generate a range of δ L (note however that once the simulations are done, they can be used for various studies, such as for example the nonlinear power spectrum response [25] ).

The most significant disadvantage of the method is that it needs a set of dedicated simulations with varying cosmological parameters to generate a range of δ L (note however that once the simulations are done, they can be used for various studies, such as for example the nonlinear power spectrum response).


As key players in the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells constitute one of three major lymphocyte subsets in all vertebrates. Since their first identification in a mouse study in 1975, NK cells have been ranked in the primary position as one of the most extensively studied subjects in immunology, and the focus has been on their ability of natural cytolytic activity against host-derived malignant cells in the absence of prior sensitization [10, 11] . Because of the results from accumulated studies on the crucial functions of NK cells in tumor immunosurveillance, clinicians have started paying attention to the potential implications of NK cells for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in tumor development and progression [12] . In vitro measurement of NK cell cytolytic activity by using cancer cell lines have been performed for a long time as one of the more reliable methods to assess cellular innate immunity in a variety of cancer diseases [13] . However, strictly speaking, the conventional method of NKcell-based cytolytic activity measurement is likely to merely represent in vitro single-cell activity rather than the total cellular immunity generated from cellular interactions in the actual environment of the blood stream.

Since their first identification in a mouse study in 1975, NK cells have been ranked in the primary position as one of the most extensively studied subjects in immunology, and the focus has been on their ability of natural cytolytic activity against host-derived malignant cells in the absence of prior sensitization.

Because of the results from accumulated studies on the crucial functions of NK cells in tumor immunosurveillance, clinicians have started paying attention to the potential implications of NK cells for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in tumor development and progression.

In vitro measurement of NK cell cytolytic activity by using cancer cell lines have been performed for a long time as one of the more reliable methods to assess cellular innate immunity in a variety of cancer diseases.


Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) is working to develop engineered structural materials made from wood-fiber-based composites that have enhanced performance for some engineered applications such as air pallet, tactical shelter, transportation, or building construction materials [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] . In an initial study, phenolic laminated paper was used for a tri-axial core configuration within a structural composite panel. The mechanical behavior for these tri-axial core panels were obtained using static bending and compression tests [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . The results showed these woodbased structural panels had good mechanical performance. However, debonding at the interface between the structural core and face caused premature failure during the mechanical tests. Failure was due to insufficient epoxy resin bond strength at the rib and face interface. For our configuration, the epoxy could not provide enough capacity to resist core:face interface shear failure. One method to strengthen the interface and avoid premature debonding failure was to develop a slot and tab (S/T) construction technique at the core:face interface. The purpose of slot and tab construction technique was to improve the load transfer between the core and faces utilizing both increased surface area and mechanical interlock load transfer. In this paper, the S/T construction was used to compare the static bending and fatigue bending behavior for the tri-axial core wood-based structural panels.

Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) is working to develop engineered structural materials made from wood-fiber-based composites that have enhanced performance for some engineered applications such as air pallet, tactical shelter, transportation, or building construction materials.

The mechanical behavior for these tri-axial core panels were obtained using static bending and compression tests.


For many, Mahjong is an opportunity for socialization, and the monetary reward for winning may be a relatively unimportant motivation or one that is absent altogether (Leung, 2003; Li, 2007) . However, many players use the game as a means to earn quick money, and anecdotal evidence suggests that a proportion of retrenched workers in China play to make a living. In this respect, it has been suggested that a large percentage of the Chinese population suffer poverty. A big win at gambling represents a hopeful option that may turn one's life around (Chien & Hsu, 2006) . Unfortunately, players often lose life savings, with newspaper accounts describing fathers selling daughters and mothers prostituting themselves to feed their gambling habits (Papineau, 2000) .

For many, Mahjong is an opportunity for socialization, and the monetary reward for winning may be a relatively unimportant motivation or one that is absent altogether.

A big win at gambling represents a hopeful option that may turn one's life around.

Unfortunately, players often lose life savings, with newspaper accounts describing fathers selling daughters and mothers prostituting themselves to feed their gambling habits.


Many Chinese recognise problem gambling as an issue within the community. Problem gambling brings shame and stigma, putting into question parenting skills and even genetic purity of a person's ancestry (Scull, 2003) . Professional counselling is not regarded as a viable solution for sufferers of mental health problems in the Chinese community. Talking to a stranger about one's personal problems is actively discouraged. All family business should be kept within the confines of the immediate family (McMillen et al., 2004) . Hence, it is interesting that over half of the current sample prefer resolving problem gambling (should it arise) through professional counselling. It may be that raising children within a Western society has encouraged parents to educate them to voice their concerns and seek help from trained professionals. Alternatively, integration into the mainstream community may well have revealed the benefits of effective counselling. However, it is also possible that responses may be biased as a reflection of snowball sampling. Almost two thirds (n = 144, 62.9%) of participants prefer Chinese counselling services as opposed to mainstream facilities, perhaps because of an absence of trust and fear of the possible connection between mainstream bodies and government departments such as Centrelink (social security). Those who favoured mainstream services over Chinese services were found to be significantly more Western in acculturation. It is likely that, for some, the language barrier and the lack of acculturation may greatly reduce the effectiveness of the counselling experience. Even with interpreters, some expressions and ideas may be lost in translation, and a counsellor who speaks the language and understands the cultural etiquettes may be the only way these problems can be avoided.

Problem gambling brings shame and stigma, putting into question parenting skills and even genetic purity of a person's ancestry.

All family business should be kept within the confines of the immediate family.


During the last decades important efforts are ongoing to reduce fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. Among the different possibilities to find a viable option, the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is considered to be an interesting alternative for the future and could have a crucial role in reducing atmospheric pollution. Biomass is considered as one of the most attractive renewable source for hydrogen production and numerous studies are being directed toward the development of novel technologies to produce hydrogen from biomass [1] [2] [3] [4] . Steam reforming of glycerol is an important approach for hydrogen production from biomass. Glycerol is the main by-product generated in the biodiesel production. Biodiesel is one renewable biofuel obtained by catalytic trans-esterification of triglycerides with methanol [5] .

Biomass is considered as one of the most attractive renewable source for hydrogen production and numerous studies are being directed toward the development of novel technologies to produce hydrogen from biomass.

Biodiesel is one renewable biofuel obtained by catalytic trans-esterification of triglycerides with methanol.


Co-linearity between variables can reduce the precision in estimating the variable coefficients and their significance. For this reason, we identified a subset of uncorrelated predictors from candidate variables through an iterative process. Because several of the predictors were based on expert opinion, the first step was to also apply expert opinion to identify correlated variables (Wintle et al. 2005) . Secondly, we identified relationships between variables with (1) chi-squared cross-tabulation tests for categorical versus categorical variables, (2) Kruskal-Wallis tests for categorical versus ordinal variables, (3) ANOVA for categorical versus numerical variables, (4) Pearson's correlation among numerical variables, and (5) Spearman's rank correlation analysis for ordinal versus ordinal and ordinal versus numerical variables (compare Table 1 for variable types). Lastly, we conducted a multivariate ordination of the variables, based on hierarchical cluster analysis of Bray-Curtis similarities.

Because several of the predictors were based on expert opinion, the first step was to also apply expert opinion to identify correlated variables.


The perturb and observe (P&O) method is the most common MPPT approach applied in commercial PGSs [4] . This method determines the system control commands according to the difference in the power output between the current system state and previous system state. Consequently, determining the perturbation step applied to a system is an essential topic. When a substantial perturbation step is utilized by a system, the time required for the system to track the maximum power point (MPP) and achieve a steady state is short, but the amount of power loss caused by the perturbation is high. By contrast, a small perturbation step can alleviate the power loss caused by the perturbation but decrease the tracking speed of the system. This phenomenon is generally known as the trade-off between tracking speed and tracking accuracy [5] [6] [7] . Generally, MPPT methods that apply the fixed-step size method are affected by the trade-off. Therefore, researchers have proposed numerous variable step size MPPT methods to alleviate this complication. The core concept of variable step size MPPT is that, when the OP of a system is distant from the MPP, a substantial perturbation step is introduced to the system control, thereby increasing the tracking speed of the system. Alternatively, when the OP approximates the MPP, a small perturbation step is introduced to the system control to improve the effectiveness of the system in achieving a steady state [8] [9] [10] . The variable step MPPT methods mentioned in previous studies mainly determine the perturbation step according to the OP in the power-voltage (P-V) curve of solar cells. However, the characteristic curves of solar cells can vary according to the operating environment; thus, determining a perturbation step size applicable to all types of operating condition is a vital topic regarding variable step MPPT. Alternatively, fuzzy logic controller (FLC)-based techniques can be applied to nonlinear systems. Moreover, such techniques do not require accurate system parameters or complex mathematics models to achieve superior control performance. Therefore, FLC-based MPPT methods have become a worthy research topic .

The perturb and observe (P&O) method is the most common MPPT approach applied in commercial PGSs.

This phenomenon is generally known as the trade-off between tracking speed and tracking accuracy.

Alternatively, when the OP approximates the MPP, a small perturbation step is introduced to the system control to improve the effectiveness of the system in achieving a steady state.


CC-related expression profile (GSE63514) was obtained from GEO, which identified GREM1 as being highly expressed in CC. GREM1 has been well established to be an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein, which is usually silenced by promoter hyper-methylation in human malignancies [5] . The functional relevance of GREM1 has been linked with the progression of multiple tumors, like colorectal cancer and basal cell carcinoma [6, 7] . Furthermore, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), acting as a multifunctional cytokine, which has been highlighted to influence malignant behaviors of tumor cells [8] . It is interesting to note that the TGF-β/smad pathway has also been verified as a critical mediator during the EMT process in CC [9] . The present study also demonstrated that GREM1 was actively involved in the regulaory process of TGF-β/smad pathway. However, its specific mechanism remains to be defined.

GREM1 has been well established to be an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein, which is usually silenced by promoter hyper-methylation in human malignancies.

The functional relevance of GREM1 has been linked with the progression of multiple tumors, like colorectal cancer and basal cell carcinoma.

Furthermore, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), acting as a multifunctional cytokine, which has been highlighted to influence malignant behaviors of tumor cells.

It is interesting to note that the TGF-β/smad pathway has also been verified as a critical mediator during the EMT process in CC.


The difference between the farmed or wild origin of the products leads to an explanation in terms of supply uncertainty. Uncertainty is far more important for fishing than for aquaculture, whose control over production is higher (Anderson 2002) . A decrease is more likely to be perceived as permanent in the farming sector and will be therefore transmitted to the consumer more rapidly than an increase which can be easily dealt with by an adjustment of supply. For the retailers, the decrease of the unit margin will be offset by an increase of sales.

Uncertainty is far more important for fishing than for aquaculture, whose control over production is higher.


Symmetrically, wild fish landings are subject to natural conditions and can be so chaotic (particularly groundfish species like North Atlantic cod-G. morhua-whose stock is severely depleted) that a decrease is seen as a transitory change in a structural context of excess demand or shortage of supply. Supermarkets are reluctant to pass on to consumers instantaneously a decrease of the upstream price because the whole supply chain may not be able to meet the requirements of the additional level of consumption. In this case, the retailers prefer to reduce the quantity on the market, sending a negative signal to the consumer. Indeed, the search costs must be considered as important adjustment costs in the fishing industry and motivate asymmetry in the price-through (Peltzman 2000) .

Indeed, the search costs must be considered as important adjustment costs in the fishing industry and motivate asymmetry in the price-through.


Of course, the aim of nearly all medical, nursing or social care interventions is indirectly related to maintaining reserve or providing some compensatory support. Unfortunately, in some spheres we still know relatively little about the effectiveness of interventions. A recent review of studies of bereavement counselling found, for example, that there was insufficient evidence to make specific recommendation about how bereaved people should be supported (Forte et al. 2004) . The widespread extension of the schemes that are designed to reduce vulnerability in the expanding older population will undoubtedly require both money and vision. We also need to invest in research to learn what is most effective, recognising that the heterogeneity of the older population may often mean that different approaches are needed for particular groups. Given the changing demographic composition of Europe's population, such planning is now essential.

A recent review of studies of bereavement counselling found, for example, that there was insufficient evidence to make specific recommendation about how bereaved people should be supported.


Spermatogenesis is dependent of hypothalamicpituitary-testicular axis performance. Local factors and sometimes immunologic factors are very important here. Nourishment is from affecting factors of these hormones and factors. Since CLA exist in diet it may affect reproduction parameters. There isn't any study about CLA effect on spermatogenesis affecting factors of non-ruminant animals and then we tried to do this. Present study on mouse showed that measured factors The most important androgen of male sex is testosterone which spermatogenesis and stimulation of sertoli cells activity are from its effects. Testosterone was affected by CLA of diet and was increased in serum. Gonadotropine releasing hormone of hypothalamus increases LH and FSH secretion (by affecting the anterior pituitary) and therefore simulates testosterones secretion (Santos et al., 2008) .

Gonadotropine releasing hormone of hypothalamus increases LH and FSH secretion (by affecting the anterior pituitary) and therefore simulates testosterones secretion.


According to results of this study Fig. 1 to 3, simultaneous increase of serum level of testosterone, LH and FSH hormoness how effect of CLA on hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. This effect can be because of increase in testosterone level in serum. So, increase in testosterone level in this study has been secondary effect of gonad stimulating hormones especially LH. Also, increase in FSH, LH and testosterone can be due to existing compounds in CLA which affect hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and increase mentioned hormones . This axis itself can be affected by concentration controlling factors (negative and positive). By reduction in stem cells and spermatocytes feedback effect of inhibin will be decreased and then FSH will be increased (Squires, 2003) .

By reduction in stem cells and spermatocytes feedback effect of inhibin will be decreased and then FSH will be increased.


Although WBSNs share many of challenges and opportunities with general wireless sensor networks (WSNs), many WBSN-specific research and design questions have emerged that require new lines of inquiry. For example, a WBSN must have fewer and smaller nodes relative to a conventional WSN. Smaller nodes imply smaller batteries, creating strict tradeoffs between the energy consumed by processing, storage, and communication resources and the fidelity, throughput, and latency required by applications [4] . Therefore, the energy cost of the security designs for WBSNs should be lower than those of general WSNs. It is very necessary to investigate energy efficient data secrecy for WBSNs.

Smaller nodes imply smaller batteries, creating strict tradeoffs between the energy consumed by processing, storage, and communication resources and the fidelity, throughput, and latency required by applications.


But the parameters estimation is often ill-posed and beset by instability and nonuniqueness, particularly if the parameters are distributed in space and time domain [33] [34] [35] [36] . The parameters in the general chemical transport model are often distributed complexly; even they are not understood fully. So reducing the number of control variables in the process of parameters estimation is a good way to increase the well-posedness of the inverse problem and improve the estimated results. In this paper, an independent point scheme (IPS) is employed in which a subset of the full grid points is chosen as the independent points and the parameters at the other gird points are obtained through interpolation of the values at the independent points.

But the parameters estimation is often ill-posed and beset by instability and nonuniqueness, particularly if the parameters are distributed in space and time domain.


We have demonstrated the calculation of the cross-relaxation energy-transfer coefficients for the prepared thulium-doped aluminosilicate optical fiber. From the results of the calculation of the cross-relaxation energy-transfer coefficients in Tm-doped fiber it follows that the ratio between k1130 and k3011 is in accordance with the values reported previously by other research groups. Our method provides lower estimation of the k1130. More precise evaluation of the energy transfer coefficient k3011 can be obtained by fitting the measured fluorescence decays with numerical model. The Subsequently, the length of the active fiber was shortened. The laser setup was fully investigated with the following Tm-doped fiber lengths: 74 cm, 55 cm and 34 cm. In all cases the stable mode-locked operation was obtained (the Tm-doped fiber was further shortened to 20 cm, however the pulse operation was no longer supported). The detailed information on the obtained laser performance are summarized in the Table 4 . The repetition frequency in all investigated setups were~32.6 MHz. In terms of pulse duration and FWHM in all cases the lasers presented similar performances. The pulse durations ranged from 905-990 fs while the FWHM from 4.3-5 nm. The change of the active fiber length did not significantly affect the average output power and the pulse energy because the pump power is almost completely absorbed even in the shorter fiber. Shortening of the active fiber length mostly influenced on the central wavelength of the generated solitons. It was changed from 1929.3 nm (the 98 cm long Tm-doped fiber) to 1886 nm (the 34 cm long Tm-doped fiber). The change had almost linear character. The central wavelength shifts with fiber length because fiber length influences the average population of thulium ions that are excited to metastable level. For given pump power, the shorter fiber has higher average population inversion than the longer fiber and the spectral gain peak shifts to shorter wavelengths with higher inversion population [35] . Taking into account that the other laser parameters, like pulse duration, average power, and pulse energy are almost not affected by active fiber shortening, this approach can be used as a very simple mechanism of laser wavelength tuning.

The change had almost linear character.

For given pump power, the shorter fiber has higher average population inversion than the longer fiber and the spectral gain peak shifts to shorter wavelengths with higher inversion population.


In recent years, a number of studies have been performed to determine the vehicle and mission requirements that would enable the human exploration of Mars [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . The vehicle geometries of these proposed high-mass Mars vehicles were based on 70-degree sphere cones, Apollo-type capsules, or a slender, mid lift-over-drag ratio (L/D) vehicle referred to as an Ellipsled. High-mass Mars vehicles would be significantly larger than the unmanned robotic spacecraft due to the requirement of carrying both astronauts and the larger payloads the astronauts would need to live on the surface of Mars. High-mass Mars vehicles would likely have diameters of 10-15 m and might have entry mass values as high as 80-100 metric tons [1] .

In recent years, a number of studies have been performed to determine the vehicle and mission requirements that would enable the human exploration of Mars.

High-mass Mars vehicles would likely have diameters of 10-15 m and might have entry mass values as high as 80-100 metric tons.


Since the mid-1970's there have been a number of successful unmanned robotic missions to Mars including the Viking, Pathfinder and MER missions [1] . The capsules for these missions were all based on 70-degree sphere cone geometries with diameters ranging from 2.65 to 3.5 m. The highest entry velocity was achieved by the Mars Pathfinder vehicle at 7.26 km/s. The proposed Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, currently scheduled to land on Mars in 2012, is the largest unmanned Mars robotic vehicle currently planned and features a 4.5 m diameter 70-degree sphere cone capsule [2] . The MSL will have an entry velocity in the range of 6.0 km/s.

Since the mid-1970's there have been a number of successful unmanned robotic missions to Mars including the Viking, Pathfinder and MER missions.

The proposed Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, currently scheduled to land on Mars in 2012, is the largest unmanned Mars robotic vehicle currently planned and features a 4.5 m diameter 70-degree sphere cone capsule.


Enabling student independence was a theme touched on by many authors. Linking to textbook examples and questions to try, as well as using textbook graphics in the screencast aimed to emphasise the role of the textbook for students in their study as a useful resource to further explore a topic (Seery, 2015) . There was some indication that students were taking ownership of their own learning in a flipped class approach (Fautch, 2015) .

Linking to textbook examples and questions to try, as well as using textbook graphics in the screencast aimed to emphasise the role of the textbook for students in their study as a useful resource to further explore a topic.

There was some indication that students were taking ownership of their own learning in a flipped class approach.


Because V. inaequalis sensitivity to DMI fungicides and dodine has not been investigated since the 1990s, this study sought to update sensitivity information for Hawke's Bay orchards, where 60% of New Zealand's export apple production occurs. It also investigated relationships between fungicide sensitivity, fungicide use and fungicide resistance management guidelines. Of five DMI active ingredients currently registered for use on apples in New Zealand, myclobutanil and penconazole were chosen because they have been widely used in New Zealand since the early 1980s and their sensitivity has previously been quantified (Whelan et al. 1992; Bakker et al. 1995; Bakker 1999) .

Of five DMI active ingredients currently registered for use on apples in New Zealand, myclobutanil and penconazole were chosen because they have been widely used in New Zealand since the early 1980s and their sensitivity has previously been quantified.


This study experimentally examines how the length of a spring attached to the drain valve and the drain pipe angle, which are major components of the water hammer pump among other form factors around the drain valve, affect the performance of the water hammer pump. Figure 1 shows an overall schematic diagram of a water hammer pump system, which is the same as the one used in the experiment for the previous study [8] . Figure 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of the water hammer pump, including the valve chamber and its associated parts, illustrating the arrangement of the spring ⑧ attached to the drain valve ④ and the drain pipe ⑨ adjustable at three angles θ d .

Figure 1 shows an overall schematic diagram of a water hammer pump system, which is the same as the one used in the experiment for the previous study.


It is worth noting that the quality of the fit for the POPC liquid phase obtained by increasing the number of beads of the model to seven was improved compared to the previous analysis [25] . Furthermore, we observe that the values of 1 decrease nonlinearly as the position of carbon atoms in alkyl chain increases, showing a substantial reduction starting from the fourth bead. This indicates higher motional freedom of the acyl chain in the region below the doublebond position of the unsaturated chain of POPC. This finding suggests that the conformational sampling of the molecules is correctly represented in the level of resolution of the sevenbead model.

It is worth noting that the quality of the fit for the POPC liquid phase obtained by increasing the number of beads of the model to seven was improved compared to the previous analysis.


In Figure 7 (a) the experimental EISF and the fitting curves for the phase at and below the main transition are reported and compared with the results for the liquid phase obtained by the continuous diffusion model inside a cylinder [25] . In Figure 7 (b) the best-fit values for ‖ and ⊥ as a function of temperature are shown. Note that the displacements for the liquid phase reported here are the diameter and the height of the confining cylindrical region.

In Figure 7 (a) the experimental EISF and the fitting curves for the phase at and below the main transition are reported and compared with the results for the liquid phase obtained by the continuous diffusion model inside a cylinder.


In this scheme, the intermediate time scale motion is described in terms of two processes: a two-site jump transition between trans and gauche conformation of carbon atoms in the CH 2 groups and a rotation of the CH 3 methyl groups [25] . It is worth noting that in the present paper the "bead model" was improved by increasing the number of beads modelling the chains. Increasing the number of beads results in the increase of spatial resolution and in the possibility to consider in a more realistic way the chain dynamics of POPC, which shows a rigid cis double bond in the middle of one of the two hydrocarbon chains.

In this scheme, the intermediate time scale motion is described in terms of two processes: a two-site jump transition between trans and gauche conformation of carbon atoms in the CH 2 groups and a rotation of the CH 3 methyl groups.


The intermediate dynamics are characterized by a time ( = ℏ/Γ) of 6-7 ps, which is the typical time of both the conformational dynamics in the lipid chains and the rotational diffusion of methyl groups [11, 35, 36] . In Figure 4 , the experimental EISF med , derived by the line shape analysis, for the POPC at = 248 and 273 K, are shown and compared with the results obtained at = 298 K for the liquid phase. These data were fitted by means of a simple "bead model": the phospholipid molecule was built up with several linked beads representing head groups, chain segments, head methyls, and tail methyls (see Figure 5) .

The intermediate dynamics are characterized by a time ( = ℏ/Γ) of 6-7 ps, which is the typical time of both the conformational dynamics in the lipid chains and the rotational diffusion of methyl groups.


Solar PV systems are typically installed in a wide open area to maximise their surface areas and prevent shading effects, which can reduce their performance. Often encountered near towers, buildings, telephone and electric poles, and trees, shading can result in multiple peaks in P-V characteristics [5] . Open areas are vulnerable to high solar radiation and air humidity, which promote lightning events; notably, solar radiation, air humidity and frequency of lightning discharge are associated with one another [6] .

Often encountered near towers, buildings, telephone and electric poles, and trees, shading can result in multiple peaks in P-V characteristics.

Open areas are vulnerable to high solar radiation and air humidity, which promote lightning events; notably, solar radiation, air humidity and frequency of lightning discharge are associated with one another.


The growth of technology and the economy is heavily dependent on energy consumption and the demand for energy is increasing steadily every year. Environmental issues such as global warming and eco-friendliness have begun to attract attention in mainstream society. In addition, the consumption of fossil fuels also seriously affects our global environment; therefore, seeking other, environmentally friendly energy resources has become a worldwide priority. Solar energy, due to its green nature, and its easy acquisition at low cost, has demonstrated great potential as one of the top clean energy sources. According to a marketing report from the US marketing research and analysis company, BCC Research, the global markets for industrial and utility solar thermal technologies amounted to $929 million in 2008, which increased further to $3.7 billion in 2009 [1] . Therefore, the market for solar energy has great future potential.

According to a marketing report from the US marketing research and analysis company, BCC Research, the global markets for industrial and utility solar thermal technologies amounted to $929 million in 2008, which increased further to $3.7 billion in 2009.


Due to its wide industrial applicability, desorption of penetrants from saturated polymer matrices is of keen interest to experimentalists and scientists. One unusual feature of such systems is the change in the polymer from a rubbery state when it is nearly saturated to a glassy state when it is nearly dry. As part of the drying process, a glassy region often develops at the exposed surface of a polymer. If this region is dry enough, it can form a glassy skin whose properties are significantly different from the rest of the polymer-penetrant solution. One typical system where this occurs is in the desorption of acetone or methanol from poly(methyl-methacrylate), or PMMA [1] [2] [3] [4] .

One typical system where this occurs is in the desorption of acetone or methanol from poly(methyl-methacrylate), or PMMA.


We examine the desorption of a semi-infinite saturated polymer film exposed to a drying environment. Figure 1 shows a schematic of the various regions in the problem. Though the glass-rubber interface moves like √t , wheret is time, the system exhibits several nonFickian behaviors. Because of the strong dependence ofσ onC, the polymer is dry to leading order in the glassy region; hence the solutions exhibit the unusual phenomenon of desorption overshoot, where the minimum in the concentration occurs in the interior of the domain. Such behavior has also been seen in models with nonlocal viscoelastic effects [33] . This behavior causes the problem to be singularly perturbed, and boundary and interior layers are necessary in the glassy region, as shown in Figure 1 . Numerical and phase-plane arguments are used to construct the solutions in the layers, while the outer solutions are found analytically. Reasonable conditions on the pseudostress are derived in order to ensure solutions. Some discussion is presented of an initial layer in the system where the full set of equations must hold.

Such behavior has also been seen in models with nonlocal viscoelastic effects.


An even more unusual phenomenon, called trapping skinning, can also occur. In trapping skinning, an increase in the force driving the desorption will actually decrease the accumulated flux through the boundary [3, 11, [17] [18] [19] . These various anomalous features of the skinning process cannot be explained by simple Fickian diffusion, which postulates that the chemical potential of the system is a function only of the penetrant concentrationC.

In trapping skinning, an increase in the force driving the desorption will actually decrease the accumulated flux through the boundary.


A preinclusion patient form will be designed to hold patient pathology results together with exclusion criteria. A data collection book (DCB) will be prepared to include information about interviews, primary health care and hospital clinical records. A pilot study with 15 patients in each sub-project will be undertaken to standardize data collection and solve any conflicts. We will also carry out a training workshop for field workers and interviewers. Patient interviews will be centered mainly on CRC symptoms, perceived attitudes to initial symptoms and demographic data. Each patient will be asked how long he/she has been feeling unwell and the type of symptoms noted [23] . Symptoms spontaneously mentioned by the patient will be considered the initial symptoms for that patient and the date recorded. The patient will be asked to indicate whether he/she had experienced any additional symptoms summarized in a check-list. Symptoms perceived up to 2 years prior to the first consultation will be considered. Nonsymptomatic patients will be recorded as a casual finding. Information on examination test dates, results and clinical departments involved will be collected by reviewing medical records. Variables are summarized in Table 1 . The study has received written approval from the Ethics Committee of Clinical Research of each participating region.

Each patient will be asked how long he/she has been feeling unwell and the type of symptoms noted.

Variables are summarized in Table 1 .


Despite a major contraction in the wake of the US subprime crisis and the European debt crisis global current account imbalances, in particular outside of Europe, persist. They contribute to a further widening of the stock of global imbalances in form of diverging net foreign asset positions (Lane and Milesi-Ferretti 2014) . Whereas dire adjustment programs within the European (Monetary) Union have mainly eliminated crisis-prone current account deficits within Europe, in most other emerging market economies the current account positions have remained an economic policy concern. This has been in particular the case for a set of emerging market economies such as Brazil, Turkey or India, because their current accounts constitute the breeding ground for classical balance of payments and foreign debt crisis due to risky foreign exchange exposure. But also the current account surpluses in East Asia, particularly China, continued to be the origin of trade conflicts and concerns about currency wars.

They contribute to a further widening of the stock of global imbalances in form of diverging net foreign asset positions.


Current and emerging technologies not only allow remote administration of traditional assessments but may also offer new or improved capabilities and methods of assessment. In particular, the growing field of mobile device apps has created opportunities for self-care assessments and symptom screening that were not possible just a decade ago (Luxton, McCann et al., 2011) . Assessment apps on smartphones and tablet PCs can also be useful for measuring the dynamic characteristics of a person. For instance, subjective mood or anxiety levels can be tracked in real-time and data from bio-feedback equipment can be tracked and analyzed remotely. The small size and touch screen features of smartphones and tablet PC devices are factors that may influence the psychometric characteristics of assessments provided on these devices. Preliminary data, however, have suggested that these devices may be a feasible platform for assessments that is comparable to paperand-pencil and computer-based assessments (Bush, Skopp, Smolenski, Crumpton & Fairall, in press ). More research is needed, however, regarding the psychometric properties of psychological assessments administered via mobile devices.

In particular, the growing field of mobile device apps has created opportunities for self-care assessments and symptom screening that were not possible just a decade ago.


The use of telehealth technologies for remote psychological assessment has several benefits for both patients and practitioners. For example, telehealth-based assessments allow practitioners to conveniently monitor symptoms and other health variables between in-person or telehealth treatment sessions. Further, telehealth-based psychological assessment may improve care satisfaction and overall health outcomes by providing services that are specialized for the patient's needs. In particular, telehealth technologies may provide access to clinical specialty assessments (e.g., neuropsychological assessments) that are not available in the patient's locale. Telehealth-based psychological assessment may also increase access to services among patients who speak different languages. For example, a non-English speaking patient could engage in mental health assessment and treatment with a clinician who speaks their native language, regardless of physical location, which may minimize potential misunderstanding and misdiagnosis of a patient's symptom report (Yeung et al., 2011) . This would also be true for the use of American Sign Language and would remove the need for a third-party translator who may unintentionally change the meaning of a communication during the translation process. The use of telehealth technologies also allows patients to connect with providers that are trained in specialized assessments and who also have experience working with particular cultural groups (e.g., military culture, the elderly, specific ethnic groups, etc.).

For example, a non-English speaking patient could engage in mental health assessment and treatment with a clinician who speaks their native language, regardless of physical location, which may minimize potential misunderstanding and misdiagnosis of a patient's symptom report.


The ideal surgical option is the drainage of the cyst to the GI tract, through a cystojejunostomy, cystogastrostomy, or cystoduodenostomy. However, when ruptured, the local conditions often make the internal drainage impossible [4] . In those situations, it is imperative to perform a complete peritoneal toilette and a good external drainage.

However, when ruptured, the local conditions often make the internal drainage impossible.


Servers consume 70% of power even at low utilization. In such cases virtualization plays an important role in minimizing the power consumption ). Virtual machines (VM) are used for the energy efficiency in computing devices because VM can be executed on just one hardware platform and hence lessens the overall hardware requirement. This in turn reduces the energy needed to cool the hardware when it is excessively used (Rivoire et al. 2007) .

This in turn reduces the energy needed to cool the hardware when it is excessively used.


The Republic of Korea has made significant economic progress in the past 50 years, as demonstrated by the increase in its per capita income from just $80 in 1960 to over $24,000 in 2013. A critical factor for the Republic of Korea's economic success has been its fast-growing, well-educated labor force. From 1960 to 2010, the share of adults who had completed secondary schooling or higher soared from 20% to an impressive 87% in 2010 (Barro and Lee 2013) . This abundance of well-educated workers has brought about higher levels of labor productivity and higher returns on investment and has developed capabilities for facilitating technological adoption and innovation. Low-cost and goodquality labor thus became the foundation for the Republic of Korea's successful export-oriented development strategy.

From 1960 to 2010, the share of adults who had completed secondary schooling or higher soared from 20% to an impressive 87% in 2010.


In addition to the ERGM analysis, we also calculated the subgroup cohesiveness ratio (Alba, 1973) . According to Alba, if the cohesive subgroup ratio is equal to 1 then the strength of ties within the subgroup does not change compared to the outside of subgroup. However if this ratio is greater than 1, then the ties within the subgroup is stronger than the ties outside the subgroup. Based our findings, both non-facilitated networks have a cohesive subgroup ratio of greater 1 and neither of the facilitated networks achieve this condition. Thus, while highly cohesive hypothesized network subgroups form in non-facilitated networks, it is not the case that cohesive subgroups form in facilitated networks. Therefore, when process facilitators cross into knowledge domains where they have no specialization, they impede the formation of cohesive subgroup among the 3D, 4D and organizational modeling teams. The test for subgroup cohesion can be considered as a means to internally validate the findings produced through the ERGM analysis. We also calculated the subgroup cohesiveness ratio of two-mode networks without including facilitators. By removing the facilitators from the network, we transformed the original experimental data from two-modes to one-mode. The results show that if facilitators were not involved in N T , then a cohesive subgroup focused on task interactions would most likely form.

In addition to the ERGM analysis, we also calculated the subgroup cohesiveness ratio.


Half the patients died during the first year of the study, which included the induction and maintenance dosing periods (median OS for IPI þ DTIC ¼ 11.2 months vs 9.1 months for PLA þ DTIC) (Robert et al, 2011) . Q-TWiST results during the same period favored ipilimumab therapy for most hypothetical utility levels, but differences between groups were small. These results are consistent with previously reported HRQoL data collected before progression. During the first 12 weeks of dosing, small to moderate declines in HRQoL scores were observed in both treatment arms, and no significant differences in EORTC-QLQ-C30 functioning scales or symptom scales were detected between treatment groups (Kotapati et al, 2011) . Although the threshold utility analyses shown here rely on a hypothetical range of utility values, we also conducted the Q-TWiST analyses using utility values derived from previous studies of patients with advanced melanoma. These results are indicative of the average Q-TWiST difference we would expect among patients with this disease taking these treatments.

Half the patients died during the first year of the study, which included the induction and maintenance dosing periods (median OS for IPI þ DTIC ¼ 11.2 months vs 9.1 months for PLA þ DTIC).

During the first 12 weeks of dosing, small to moderate declines in HRQoL scores were observed in both treatment arms, and no significant differences in EORTC-QLQ-C30 functioning scales or symptom scales were detected between treatment groups.


The mapping class group Mod(Σ g ) of a closed connected orientable surface of genus g is known to be perfect, i.e. equal to its commutator subgroup, when g ≥ 3 [11] . We prove the following peculiar result: Theorem 1. The mapping class group Mod(Σ g ) is generated by two commutators if g ≥ 5, and by three commutators if g ≥ 3.

The mapping class group Mod(Σ g ) of a closed connected orientable surface of genus g is known to be perfect, i.e. equal to its commutator subgroup, when g ≥ 3.


Some other works are accomplished for modeling fractional order real-world systems using fractional-order operator. For example, an operator without a singular kernel is implemented for modelling a fractional order steady heat flow process which developed an analytical solution of dynamic equations [22, 23] . An integral transform operator is also designed and implemented on the heat-diffusion problem [24] . Another type of fractional operator with a variable order is developed using monotonic increasing function and justified the usefulness for transport process [25] . Again, non-differentiable elements based LC circuit is studied using local fractional calculus, and obtained results were compared with the relaxation oscillator (RO) circuit [26] . Besides, fractional calculus based improved adaptive particle swarm optimization(DOADAPO) algorithm is proposed to solve gate assignment problem of airport [27] .

For example, an operator without a singular kernel is implemented for modelling a fractional order steady heat flow process which developed an analytical solution of dynamic equations.

An integral transform operator is also designed and implemented on the heat-diffusion problem.

Another type of fractional operator with a variable order is developed using monotonic increasing function and justified the usefulness for transport process.

Again, non-differentiable elements based LC circuit is studied using local fractional calculus, and obtained results were compared with the relaxation oscillator (RO) circuit.

Besides, fractional calculus based improved adaptive particle swarm optimization(DOADAPO) algorithm is proposed to solve gate assignment problem of airport.


The four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) method is considered ideal for this purpose, and some encouraging results with both simulated and real radar data have been obtained (Sun et al. 1991; Crook 1997, 1998; Sun 2005) . However, the difficulty of getting the adjoint code and the high cost of computation are limiting its use in research and operation. Another relatively new technique is the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation, which can produce a quality assimilation of thunderstorms similar to the 4DVAR when tested with simulated single-Doppler radar data (Snyder and Zhang 2003; Zhang et al. 2004; Tong and Xue 2005; Xue et al. 2006) . While also expensive in computation, the EnKF method is easier to implement and more flexible because no complex adjoint code is needed and the algorithm can be rather simple.

The four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) method is considered ideal for this purpose, and some encouraging results with both simulated and real radar data have been obtained.

Another relatively new technique is the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation, which can produce a quality assimilation of thunderstorms similar to the 4DVAR when tested with simulated single-Doppler radar data.


This method has been validated with experiments available in literature (Chen and Wambsganss, 1972) . Regarding the frequencies the calculations showed a very good agreement with the experiments. The modal damping ratios predicted by the numeric method agreed even better with the experimental damping ratios. The modal characteristics in these turbulent simulations were not very dependent on the molecular viscosity.

This method has been validated with experiments available in literature.


The goal of this article is to compute modal characteristics of a single tube subjected to turbulent axial flow without empirical formulations for the viscous forces. The results for this geometry are readily compared to experimental results and existing theories. A methodology which allows the determination of modal characteristics from partitioned fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations will be proposed in the first part of this paper. These FSI-simulations are based on a combination of computational structural mechanics (CSM) and computational fluid mechanics (CFD). In the second part, the results of the computational method will be validated with modal characteristics of water experiments available in literature (Chen and Wambsganss, 1972) . Finally the methodology will be applied to a hollow tube, vibrating in liquid Pb-Bi eutectic. This configuration originates from the design of the MYRRHA reactor, which is currently being developed as a prototype nuclear reactor of the 4th generation (Abderrahim et al., 2010) .

In the second part, the results of the computational method will be validated with modal characteristics of water experiments available in literature.

This configuration originates from the design of the MYRRHA reactor, which is currently being developed as a prototype nuclear reactor of the 4th generation.


There is little information regarding the taxonomy of the above-mentioned cultivated species [3] . Lately, a huge database has been developed aiming at improving the taxonomy of Araceae, including data on chromosome number, morphology, and molecular biology [10] . Molecular studies have been useful in establishing genetic differences between species. One mechanism that has had considerable success in helping to identify different taxa is the use of Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers [11] .

There is little information regarding the taxonomy of the above-mentioned cultivated species.

Lately, a huge database has been developed aiming at improving the taxonomy of Araceae, including data on chromosome number, morphology, and molecular biology.

One mechanism that has had considerable success in helping to identify different taxa is the use of Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers.


Left atrial and pulmonary vein thrombi are a high risk for thromboemboli with a high mortality rate [2] . Surgical extirpation of the thrombus is strongly advised. Anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapies do not appear to have a role in the acute management of left atrial ball thrombus [8] . Surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is a safe method for treatment. The patient should be medicated with warfarin, especially in the presence of atrial fibrillation.

Left atrial and pulmonary vein thrombi are a high risk for thromboemboli with a high mortality rate.

Anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapies do not appear to have a role in the acute management of left atrial ball thrombus.


In this paper, we argue that the direct effect -transformation of incentives for potential targets of punishment -alone is limited in its ability to explain the robust effect of punishment. The limitation arises from the fact that punishment incurs a cost to the punisher, whereas the benefit of punishment -public welfare generated by greater cooperation -is shared equally by all members. Thus, the provision of punishment involves a free-rider problem in itself; self-regarding individuals should not pay the cost associated with imposing penalties on free-riders. This problem is called the secondorder public good dilemma (Oliver, 1980) . Faced with this difficulty, some researchers have argued that the cost of punishment becomes smaller in higher-order public good dilemmas (e.g., punishment of non-punishers; punishment of those who don't punish non-punishers; etc.) than in the original public good dilemma (Boyd & Richerson, 1992; Boyd, Gintis, Bowles, & Richerson, 2003; Henrich & Boyd, 2001; Henrich, 2004; Sober & Wilson, 1998) . Once the cost is reduced sufficiently for the provision of punishment at a higher level, it should eventually stabilize cooperation in the original public good dilemma.

This problem is called the secondorder public good dilemma.

Faced with this difficulty, some researchers have argued that the cost of punishment becomes smaller in higher-order public good dilemmas (e.g., punishment of non-punishers; punishment of those who don't punish non-punishers; etc.) than in the original public good dilemma.


Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated a relationship between the expectation of cooperation and cooperative behaviour; the stronger the expectation that others will cooperate, the more likely it is that a player will choose to cooperate him or herself (Charness & Dufwenberg, 2006; Dawes, 1980; Pruitt & Kimmel, 1977) . Conditional cooperators seek mutually beneficial opportunities, but only when their effort is unlikely to be exploited by free-riders. For them, the expectation that others will cooperate is a necessary (though not sufficient) antecedent for a cooperative venture.

Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated a relationship between the expectation of cooperation and cooperative behaviour; the stronger the expectation that others will cooperate, the more likely it is that a player will choose to cooperate him or herself.


One possible explanation for cooperation in human groups is the punishment of free-riders. Experimental studies have consistently demonstrated that punishment (monetary and symbolic alike) promotes cooperation (Fehr & Fischbacher, 2003; Fehr & Gächter, 2002; Masclet, Noussair, Tucker, & Villeval, 2003) . Not only do people show a propensity to cooperate under the threat of punishment in experimental games, they are also willing to absorb costs for administering punishment to free riders (Anderson & Putterman, 2006; Casari & Plott, 2003; Price, Cosmides, & Tooby, 2002) .

Experimental studies have consistently demonstrated that punishment (monetary and symbolic alike) promotes cooperation.

Not only do people show a propensity to cooperate under the threat of punishment in experimental games, they are also willing to absorb costs for administering punishment to free riders.


Recently, nanocomposites have received great attention because of their improved physical properties compared to pure polymers or conventional microcomposites [1] . The addition of a nanometer scale filler may significantly improve the selected properties of the related polymer, namely mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. It also provides a flame retardant character of polymers [2] .

Recently, nanocomposites have received great attention because of their improved physical properties compared to pure polymers or conventional microcomposites.

It also provides a flame retardant character of polymers.


An effective approach towards lessening the effects of drought on sugar beet is selection within cultivated and wild types for tolerant varieties and their use in future crossing programs. Taking these measures would not be successful, unless a comprehensive knowledge of interrelationship among traits would be available. Simple correlation studies might be informative in selection steps, but fails to produce a rather perfect picture about relative importance of each trait. Furthermore, it does not reveal how the other traits affect the target trait, usually yield; is it through direct effects? or considering that we are living at the era of systems biology, does it affect indirectly and via other biological networks or traits? To address these matters, a multivariate statistical analysis such as path analysis may unravel the interrelationships of these traits. In path analysis, the direct and indirect shares of each trait on yield are being revealed according to the relative magnitude of correlation coefficients (Board et al. 1997; Hobbs and Mahon, 1982) . Our aim here was to develop selection indices for higher white sugar yield at normal and drought stress condition via both simple correlation analysis and sequential path analysis and further to demonstrate the advantage of this method over single-step path analysis.

In path analysis, the direct and indirect shares of each trait on yield are being revealed according to the relative magnitude of correlation coefficients.


The most popular service design technique is service blueprinting [4] . In essence, a (service) blueprint is a graphical tool to visualize the different parts of a given service and the interactions between the stakeholders of such service. In contrast with BPMN, an organization-focused notation for business process modeling, service blueprinting is a user-centered approach to business process modeling. This has turned to be key for service designers in the digital age, where most of the innovation has to happen at the touch points between provider and consumer.

The most popular service design technique is service blueprinting.


In this section, we describe the implementation of our algorithms on top of Spark [1] . As explained in Section 4, in the computation of the diagonal correction matrix D and the SimRank scores, we mainly use the Monte Carlo method which needs to simulate random walks frequently. To sample a random walk on the underlying graph, a walker repeatedly walks from one node to its neighbors. To achieve the best possible performance, we consider two different cases when implementing our approach on Spark.

In this section, we describe the implementation of our algorithms on top of Spark.


Published studies on OA children's oral health in Malaysia are still very limited. A study in 1987 found that periodontal disease was present in 25.1% (15.7% had Community Periodontal Index (CPI) Score 1, 9.4% had CPI Score 2) of an OA population sample aged 6-15 years [15] . Another study conducted in the state of Selangor in 1990 showed that caries prevalence in the primary and permanent teeth of 6-15 year old OA children was 87.3 and 53.5%, respectively [16] . Despite of high oral disease burden, no study has been conducted to assess the impact of oral health on OA children's quality of life. Such information is essential as it would complement the clinical data and provide a comprehensive record on the oral health need assessment of OA children. It may also help to inform decision-making and influence policy-makers to deliver regular oral health-related programmes and services to OA communities. Our study was the first study conducted to assess the impact of oral health on the OHRQoL of OA children in Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to assess the oral health status, oral health behaviours, and OHRQoL among 11-12 year old OA children in Cameron Highlands (CH), Malaysia, and to identify factors associated with their OHRQoL.

A study in 1987 found that periodontal disease was present in 25.1% (15.7% had Community Periodontal Index (CPI) Score 1, 9.4% had CPI Score 2) of an OA population sample aged 6-15 years.

Another study conducted in the state of Selangor in 1990 showed that caries prevalence in the primary and permanent teeth of 6-15 year old OA children was 87.3 and 53.5%, respectively.


Many models are developed to simulate hydrological effects and watershed-scale processes of various management scenarios. Watershed models are powerful tools for examining the complex nature of those processes that influence surface and groundwater hydrology in watersheds (Singh et al. 2005) . A watershed model can be utilised for better understanding the impact of different management practices on these hydrological processes. Recently, semiand fully-distributed hydrological models have gained more applications owing to the increased availability of spatial data. Choosing suitable models to simulate the hydrological processes of a specific watershed has continuously been a challenging task.

Watershed models are powerful tools for examining the complex nature of those processes that influence surface and groundwater hydrology in watersheds.


In presenting the methodological approach utilized in the Generations Study, our goal was to highlight the unique potential for a qualitative approach-employing life course, narrative, and intersectionality perspectives through a combination of component methods previously used in isolation from one another-to provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex lived experiences of diverse sexual minority individuals in the context of social change. At the center of this methodological approach is a novel multicomponent interview protocol, the first to integrate lifeline methods, life story methods, identity mapping methods, and comparative temporal reflection about personal identity, social change, minority stress, and health. Through this integration, this new methodological approach was able to investigate generational similarities and differences in the experience of minority stress processes in tandem with identity development processes for the first time in a single study. This approach also achieves an understanding of the experience of sexual identity and minority stress at the intersection of multiple social identities and forms of oppression related to sexual orientation, gender, and race/ethnicity, rather than falling into the methodological "trap" of using simplistic additive combinations of demographic characteristics as a proxy for an intersectionality approach (Bowleg, 2008) .

This approach also achieves an understanding of the experience of sexual identity and minority stress at the intersection of multiple social identities and forms of oppression related to sexual orientation, gender, and race/ethnicity, rather than falling into the methodological "trap" of using simplistic additive combinations of demographic characteristics as a proxy for an intersectionality approach.


Over the past decade, research at the University of Nottingham has been investigating how the consumption of primary aggregate material for road construction and bulk fill applications can be minimised [12, 13] . Research has focused on assessing the suitability of reused and recycled alternative aggregate materials as a substitute for primary materials. This research has investigated both mechanical and environmental hindrances, and some of this work is reported here. Minimising the use of all resources in this application has also been addressed through research into good design and construction practise [3] .

Over the past decade, research at the University of Nottingham has been investigating how the consumption of primary aggregate material for road construction and bulk fill applications can be minimised.

Minimising the use of all resources in this application has also been addressed through research into good design and construction practise.


The vagal nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system and innervates many organs. The vagal nerve is a possible source of information about these organs. The response of fibers in the vagal nerve to electrical stimulation has been studied in both animals and humans [1] [2] [3] [4] . Compound action potentials (CAPs) with components coming from thick, myelinated fibers to thin, unmyelinated fibers are identified. The thickest fibers have the highest conduction velocity, up to 70m/s [3] . The thinnest fibers have the lowest conduction velocity, as low as 1.2m/s [1] .

The response of fibers in the vagal nerve to electrical stimulation has been studied in both animals and humans.

The thickest fibers have the highest conduction velocity, up to 70m/s.

The thinnest fibers have the lowest conduction velocity, as low as 1.2m/s.


Haemangiomas present in our and other patients may be secondary to the disturbed placental formation and function [2] . Placental abnormalities in TALDO deficiency have been described by other authors [1, 3, 6, 7, 11] . Symptomatic treatment can be proposed. Liver transplantation in the early stage of the disease could perhaps be useful.

Haemangiomas present in our and other patients may be secondary to the disturbed placental formation and function.

Placental abnormalities in TALDO deficiency have been described by other authors.

Symptomatic treatment can be proposed.


Our agent-based model stands in contrast to most previously developed models: We allow cells to follow first-order dynamics rather than assuming cells achieve their growth rate in each time step. Thus cells effectively monitor their environment and respond to mechanical interactions by modulating growth, and, potentially, other aspects of their interior dynamics. It is unclear whether a cell that is prevented from growing stores this potential. However, mechanical interactions certainly impact cell growth even when nutrient supply is adequate. This is confirmed by experiments performed in osmotic shock, where not only do cells no longer grow, they also return to the cell length they would have achieved, had shock not occurred [15] . Thus, growth is "stored," and this also supports the use of increased spring compression in our model under constraint.

This is confirmed by experiments performed in osmotic shock, where not only do cells no longer grow, they also return to the cell length they would have achieved, had shock not occurred.


The third criterion, relevant characteristics for adoption, encompasses those characteristics of an innovation that work out positively for a broad diffusion of the innovation. Important are above all those characteristics that were described by Rogers: high comparative advantage, low complexity, high compatibility, high provability and high visibility [45] . The possible existence of an already functioning comparable innovation and of success factors can enhance the compatibility and visibility of the innovation. A high compatibility can also be reached when the innovation fits well within everyday use, i.e. has a symbiotic relationship with existing practices. Transparency and the ability to transfer the innovation to other sectors are the other characteristics important for adaptation. Transparency is particularly important for the participation in, and transfer of, an innovation; the question from what phase onwards the innovation should be transparent is still open though.

Important are above all those characteristics that were described by Rogers: high comparative advantage, low complexity, high compatibility, high provability and high visibility.


Social innovation initiatives can be very diverse [21] . It may therefore not be altogether surprising that the MLP does not offer a one-size-fits-all heuristic for the analysis of the diffusion of the innovations. But then why do some social innovations provide a better fit with the MLP than others? And under which conditions may the MLP prove helpful to understand the spread (or lack thereof ) of social innovations?

Social innovation initiatives can be very diverse.


Especially with an eye on a transition towards a more sustainable energy system, both approaches are promising: the multilevel perspective because it provides a heuristic to better understand how innovations can grow out of a petty niche and into the mainstream; social innovation because sustainable innovations often take the shape of, or at least involve, a change of social practice. A major challenge to social innovation research, however, is to understand the diffusion process of social innovations into a mainstream practice. It therefore seems natural to consider both concepts in parallel and to analyze to what extent the lessons from the multilevel perspective can be applied to social innovations and to learn to better understand the complexity of the diffusion of social innovations. In this paper, we examine in how far a multilevel perspective approach is suited to analyze, explain, and better understand the diffusion of social innovations (or lack thereof ), taking a social practice theory perspective-such a link has been recognized as fruitful for transition research [1] .

In this paper, we examine in how far a multilevel perspective approach is suited to analyze, explain, and better understand the diffusion of social innovations (or lack thereof ), taking a social practice theory perspective-such a link has been recognized as fruitful for transition research.


Before turning our attention to the social innovations, we must return to the key elements of the MLP. Two crucial characteristics of a transition were identified. One, transitions were defined as 'shift[s] from one sociotechnical system to another, i.e., a system innovation' ( [2] , p. 682). We should therefore start by asking whether the social innovation is actually a system innovation, or merely impacts the system. Two, the three analytical levels of niche, regime and landscape should be present. This means that when the social innovation is considered a niche, or has the potential to develop into a niche, there should be a matching regime to which the niche either competes or with which it can form a symbiotic relationship.

One, transitions were defined as 'shift[s] from one sociotechnical system to another, i.e., a system innovation' (, p. 682).


Central in these criteria are the diffusion potential and extent to which the innovation can actually lead to change. Less crucial is therefore whether the innovation is radically new. Following Rogers, three criteria were developed: broad potential, relevant impact on the system and relevant characteristics for adoption [45] . These criteria will shortly be addressed before moving on to the description of the results of the five cases we analyzed.

Following Rogers, three criteria were developed: broad potential, relevant impact on the system and relevant characteristics for adoption.


Analyzing the examples of social innovations within the MLP framework shows that some of these innovations can certainly best be described at a stage prior to niche-formation. They can be characterized as (local) projects or initiatives, some of which have made steps towards inter-local phases. Replication of such initiatives is a central element in niche-formation [49] . However, given the tendency of social innovations to be modified more readily during their diffusion, a somewhat ambiguous quality should be considered: social innovations can both be imitated and thus replicated more readily in different contexts when they can easily be adapted; however, it is also possible that they are transformed into forms very different from the original ideas. Thus, potentials to challenge existing regimes need to be assessed with care [50] . Furthermore, modifications of novel practices during their diffusion might lead to alignment with regime elements and thus, social innovations might lose their transformative edge and become more symbiotic to the regime. This point exemplifies how the social innovation literature could benefit from more thoroughly taking into account insights from transition studies. Alignment to a symbiotic relation to the regime can ease the diffusion, but it can be questioned in how far the innovation can then still reach targets of, e.g. contributing to sustainable development. Vice versa transition research could benefit from taking social innovation as a concept of its own more seriously to understand the importance of changing practices for transitions. On the other hand, easy modifications to a social innovation based on experiences from local projects can also lead to formation of a more consolidated and concerted niche when information and created knowledge are shared among these initiatives in a proper way. The above named potentials to challenge regimes can then be enhanced.

Replication of such initiatives is a central element in niche-formation.

Thus, potentials to challenge existing regimes need to be assessed with care.


Conventional hierarchical optimization of sequential operations is known to have possible disadvantages, that may result in infeasible, suboptimal or poor solutions. This is because decisions made in earlier steps were made without considering the resultant knock-on eects in the following stages. This paper focuses on two important problems on the quayside of terminal operations: the Berth Allocation Problem (BAP) and the Quay Crane Assignment Problem (QCAP). The rst problem allocates berthing positions and times for vessels, while the second determines the number of quay cranes (QCs) to be assigned for the load and discharge operations. These two problems are mutually dependent. The number of available QCs depends on where and when the vessel is berthed. Concurrently, the berthing time depends on the processing time of the vessel, which in turn depends on the number of cranes assigned. An integration of those two problems was rst introduced by Park and Kim [20] .

An integration of those two problems was rst introduced by Park and Kim.


We cannot simply rely on reducing deforestation to achieve the effects of increasing carbon sinks, because it is likely to generate carbon leakage. This study revealed that increasing domestic timber production and reducing timber imports are two effective methods of reducing carbon leakage for China. The fast growing and high yielding Timber Base Construction Program launched in 2002 has begun to complement market supply. Through sustainable timber management and increasing afforestation areas, these plantations will complement China's domestic timber market in the future. Furthermore, forest tenure reform is almost complete, which will allow farmers more autonomy in forest management decisions, thereby improving timber production. Both increased domestic timber supply policies are beneficial, because they not only ease the shortage of domestic wood, but also allow forest managers to realize a profit. Conversely, people would not prefer increased timber import tariffs. Raising tariffs will increase the cost of imported timber, thereby increasing processing costs for businesses and consumer cost. However, the reduction in imports means less demand for wood. Other countries and regions will reduce their timber production and achieve the goal of reducing carbon leakage. In addition, the first method of increased domestic timber supply also reduces the cost of domestic wood consumption to some extent. Therefore, a good emission-reduction policy should be a combination of a variety of different measures. The co-operation between countries and regions in forest protection will also play a role in reducing carbon leakage [12] . The REDD+ mechanism, which uses forestry as a primary means to reducing emissions is widely recognized. Through establishing a global carbon monitoring system and strengthening international co-operation in the future, the amount of carbon leakage can be effectively controlled.

The co-operation between countries and regions in forest protection will also play a role in reducing carbon leakage.


Pathway predictors have been under research in several application areas, involving navigation on ships, cars and airplanes. Sullivan has investigated a pathway indicator for training surface transport of mid-sized vessels [10] . On-board a ship, steering is complicated, because it takes a long time for a ship to react perceptibly to steering changes. Here a path predictor on a secondary screen indicates where the ship will head in dependence to the current control stick adjustment. Usability tests with unexperienced as well as with experienced participants revealed that all participants were significantly better in pursuing the correct path when using the path predictor. The test furthermore showed that some test subjects focused on the secondary display, neglecting surrounding traffic.

Sullivan has investigated a pathway indicator for training surface transport of mid-sized vessels.


The LTB-based void-wall models considered here contain various simplifications that may misestimate the backreaction of the real universe. Firstly, the models lack globally significant spatial curvature which is known to be important for large backreaction [9] . Large negative spatial curvature can arise in the late universe if its volume becomes dominated by uncompensated voids. This can be seen by realizing that a dense enough network of uncompensated voids is dynamically similar to a huge negatively curved void of size r 0 /t 0 ≃ O(1). Another issue is the spherical symmetry of the voids which is obviously broken in the real universe. Finally, the models considered here do not contain collapsing regions, which have been suggested to play an essential role in the average dynamics of the universe [13, 14] .

Firstly, the models lack globally significant spatial curvature which is known to be important for large backreaction.

Finally, the models considered here do not contain collapsing regions, which have been suggested to play an essential role in the average dynamics of the universe.


In section (6.2) we saw that one could construct stable solutions on the worldvolume of coincident branes representing branes with codimension greater than one without turning on gauge fields. This was possible because the tachyon field theory model used had higher derivative terms for the tachyon, and is why such solutions could be found also in B-SFT [13] . The existence of such solutions, however, is somewhat puzzling as earlier discussions of configurations on the world volume of coincident D-branes leading to a lower dimensional stable branes appear to require non-trivial gauge field backgrounds [1, 33, 34] .

This was possible because the tachyon field theory model used had higher derivative terms for the tachyon, and is why such solutions could be found also in B-SFT.

The existence of such solutions, however, is somewhat puzzling as earlier discussions of configurations on the world volume of coincident D-branes leading to a lower dimensional stable branes appear to require non-trivial gauge field backgrounds.


In order to facilitate SBD (Simulation Based Design), CAD and CAE are expected to be integrated seamlessly. However, design and simulation are usually conducted by different engineers because of their own expertise [1] . Current systems suffer from inconsistency of engineering intent, intensive human intervention and reduced accuracy. CAE solver setup, especially for CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), requires rich experience and strong background knowledge. CFD setup involves flow regime judgement and physical model selection.

However, design and simulation are usually conducted by different engineers because of their own expertise.


In order to improve the CAD/CFD integration, this paper proposes a framework to automate the CFD solver setup and adaptive control. Three novel feature concepts are highlighted in this paper, where fluid physics feature and dynamic physics feature, are used to convey simulation intent; while fluid functional feature is used for defining design intent and propelling the formation of inter-feature associations. This work is a continued effort of CAE boundary feature and effect feature [2] concepts. This paper also presents the mechanism of how design and simulation intents should interact.

This work is a continued effort of CAE boundary feature and effect feature concepts.


The verification of cache coherence under a relaxed memory model is much more complex. First of all, the sequence of memory accesses driving the system cannot just be any arbitrary sequence of loads and stores. Consider the execution of figure 1 in a system with a relaxed memory model [1, 2, 9, 14] . The write by p 0 and the read by p 1 are ordered by paired Test&Set and Unset synchronization accesses. Since the read of p 1 cannot complete before the write of p 0 due to the explicit synchronization, p 0 does not need to block at the write waiting for the invalidation of p 1 's copy. The only requirement for a correct execution is that the value written by p 0 becomes visible to p 1 before p 1 reads it. To enforce this requirement the hardware relies on lock accesses. The invalidation can propagate from p 0 to p 1 when p 0 releases the lock (Unset) and must reach the cache of p 1 when p 1 executes the acquire (Test&Set). To verify cache protocols in such systems, the model must take into account synchronizations on top of regular data accesses. In the execution sequence of figure 1, p 1 is allowed to issue its read only after p 0 and p 1 have performed their Unset and Test&Set respectively. Clearly, the state expansion process of a state enumeration method must be restricted to generate only such legal sequences of reads, writes and synchronizations.

Consider the execution of figure 1 in a system with a relaxed memory model.


Reliable structural information was obtained only for the Cu 2+ complex of Fluazifop. The powder ESR spectra is typical of dinuclear copper(II) complexes in the triplet state (gll = 2.34, g• = 2.08, and zero-field splitting D = 0.34 cm -~) clearly indicating a dimeric, tetra-carboxylate-bridged arrangement for the Cu 2 § ions (therefore different from those formed in the clay), like that occurring in cupric acetate monohydrate (Brown and Chidambaram, 1973) . Accordingly, the IR absorptions of the carboxylate groups were significantly different from those in the clay-Fluazifop complexes. Based on the coincidence of the carboxylate absorptions, the AI (and Fe) structures in the complexes and in the Fluazifop-treated clays may be the same.

The powder ESR spectra is typical of dinuclear copper(II) complexes in the triplet state (gll = 2.34, g• = 2.08, and zero-field splitting D = 0.34 cm -~) clearly indicating a dimeric, tetra-carboxylate-bridged arrangement for the Cu 2 § ions (therefore different from those formed in the clay), like that occurring in cupric acetate monohydrate.


Manufacturers provide, in a Windows application named Rapid Reader, some functionalities to automatically analyze single images. This is done using a suspected blood indicator, that reveals the position in the video of areas with active bleedings. This tool has been reported to produce many false positives while at the same time it misses a large percentage of relevant events [6] . Rapid Reader includes also the localization function, which displays the route and the relative position of the capsule on a graphical torso model. To enable this functionality the viewer must find and mark two important locations in the video: first, the pylorus (the valve between stomach and intestine), and the ileo-caecal valve (between intestine and colon). Finding these two loci is difficult even with direct visual analysis because the tissues before and after them are very similar in both cases. Indeed the method proposed in this paper has been proved helpful to this task.

This tool has been reported to produce many false positives while at the same time it misses a large percentage of relevant events.