TTFields are a new physical cancer treatment modality that has recently been demonstrated to be highly effective when applied to cell cultures, animal cancer models, as well as patients suffering from locally advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] . TTFields are alternating electric fields of low intensity (1-3 V/cm) and intermediate frequency (100 -300 kHz) that are generated by special insulated electrodes applied to the skin surface. These specially tuned fields have no effect on quiescent cells while having an anti-proliferation and destructive effect on mitotic cells. This effect is due to the fact that during cytokinesis, TTFields exert forces that move charged or polar macromolecules and organelles towards the narrow neck, separating the newly forming daughter cells [8, 9] . They also interfere with the polymerization processes of the microtubule spindle during cell division. Thus, TTFields disrupt the cell structure, inhibit cell division and result in cell death. In contrast to most anti-cancer agents, TTFields are not associated with any meaningful systemic toxicity [9] [10] [11] [12] . Furthermore, it was recently shown that TTFields may be used clinically, not only as an anti-proliferation agent, but also as effective adjuvant to currently used chemotherapeutic agents [9] .

TTFields are a new physical cancer treatment modality that has recently been demonstrated to be highly effective when applied to cell cultures, animal cancer models, as well as patients suffering from locally advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors.

This effect is due to the fact that during cytokinesis, TTFields exert forces that move charged or polar macromolecules and organelles towards the narrow neck, separating the newly forming daughter cells.

In contrast to most anti-cancer agents, TTFields are not associated with any meaningful systemic toxicity.

Furthermore, it was recently shown that TTFields may be used clinically, not only as an anti-proliferation agent, but also as effective adjuvant to currently used chemotherapeutic agents.


The recordings from the audiovisual experiment were analyzed by the proposed biologically-inspired auditory sensory saliency model. The model is based on the fact that the human auditory cortex is sensitive to a range of spectrotemporal modulations [15, 30, 32] . Thus, the model evaluates the similarity of the input to the spectrotemporal modulation content. Finally, at the last stage, the model utilizes sensory activation to interplay the excitation and inhibition processes taking place in the neural circuits [40] [41] [42] .

The model is based on the fact that the human auditory cortex is sensitive to a range of spectrotemporal modulations.

Finally, at the last stage, the model utilizes sensory activation to interplay the excitation and inhibition processes taking place in the neural circuits.


Vibrio cholerae lives naturally in riverine, brackish and estuarine ecosystems, and V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 is frequently isolated from aquatic environments as well as in seafood. In Malaysia, cholera due to V. cholerae poses a public health problem as sporadic outbreaks occur periodically [8] . The recruitment of foreign labour force from other cholera-endemic countries may foster the migration of strains into Malaysia, thus causing further outbreaks [9] .

In Malaysia, cholera due to V. cholerae poses a public health problem as sporadic outbreaks occur periodically.

The recruitment of foreign labour force from other cholera-endemic countries may foster the migration of strains into Malaysia, thus causing further outbreaks.


The positive impact of EU membership on the migration behaviour in the CEE countries was also confi rmed by the difference-indifference approach. Actually, the political context after 1990s when CEE states made the transition from communist regime to a market economy and a democratic society changed the migration behaviour. Since 1990 these CEE countries sent many emigrants to developed states from the West of Europe. The 2004 EU enlargement intensifi ed the labour mobility from seven of the CEE countries to the UK. The 2007 enlargement increased the number of immigrants from Romania and Bulgaria in the UK (Pemberton & Scullion, 2013) .

The 2007 enlargement increased the number of immigrants from Romania and Bulgaria in the UK.


As we know, paper is made from cellulose in wood fiber. There is great difference between the traditional paper and the novel nanostructured paper. Under the same deposition conditions, traditional papers consisting of microsized pulp fibers produce very low conductivity lines with nonuniform boundaries because of their larger pore structures. Although they are both composed of lignocellulose, CNFs paper, as low-cost substrate for flexible electronics and energy devices, has gained extensive attention because of its flexibility, thermostability and low thermal expansion, highly ultrahigh transparency and ultrahigh haze, conductivity, biodegradable, reproducible and low pollution environment friendly. The novel paper application in optoelectronic devices is an emerging research area gathering significant attention. Many recent advances in application of nanofiber involve The three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structures show the hierarchical structure of cellulose from the wood cell wall to microfibril to nanofibril to a cellulose molecule [7] .

Many recent advances in application of nanofiber involve The three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structures show the hierarchical structure of cellulose from the wood cell wall to microfibril to nanofibril to a cellulose molecule.


We distinguish between three types of time-dependent covariates (Types I, II and II) and show that when a covariate is of Type I or II, there are valid estimating equations available that are not exploited by GEE with the independent working correlation. Our approach makes use of these additional estimating equations not exploited by GEE with the independent working correlation. Type I and Type II time-dependent covariates are covariates for which there is no "feedback" from the response process to the covariate process. For Type I and Type II covariates, the additional valid estimating equations not used by GEE with the independent working correlation involve future values of the covariate being uncorrelated with current residuals from the marginal regression model. Type I time-dependent covariates have the additional feature that past values of the covariate are uncorrelated with current residuals. In order to make optimal use of the valid estimating equations, we use the generalised method of moments (Hansen, 1982) . We also provide a test for whether a timedependent covariate is of a certain type. In a simulation study, we show that our approach provides substantial efficiency gains over GEE with the independent working correlation when a time-dependent covariate is of Types I or II, while our approach remains consistent and comparable in efficiency to GEE with the independent working correlation when a time-dependent covariate is of Type III. We apply our approach to analyze the association between body mass index and future morbidity among children in the rural Philippines.

In order to make optimal use of the valid estimating equations, we use the generalised method of moments.


The proportion of infants exclusively fed with breast milk upon hospital discharge in very premature children in the Hospital 12 de Octubre neonatology department is approximately 55% for exclusive breast milk and 80% if we include any breast milk. Both remained constant throughout the study period. These results are satisfactory; however, we have to offer the same support to mothers who decide to breastfeed their premature children with their own milk, despite having donor milk available [20] .

These results are satisfactory; however, we have to offer the same support to mothers who decide to breastfeed their premature children with their own milk, despite having donor milk available.


Coverage of BCG, DPT, and polio (except "at birth" polio dose) is much higher than all other vaccines. BCG, DPT-1, and polio-1, -2, -3 dose has been received by at least 76% of children, while only 55% of children have received all three doses of DPT. Although DPT and polio vaccinations are given at the same time as part of routine immunization programme, the coverage rates are higher for polio than for DPT (all three doses), undoubtedly because of the pulse polio campaigns. Not all children who begin the DPT and polio vaccination series go on to complete them. The difference between the percentage of children receiving the first and third doses is 2 Advances in Preventive Medicine 21% for DPT and 15% for polio. Around 59% of children aged 12-23 months have been vaccinated against measles. The relatively low percentage of children vaccinated with the third dose of DPT and measles is mainly responsible for the low percentage of fully vaccinated children [3] .

The relatively low percentage of children vaccinated with the third dose of DPT and measles is mainly responsible for the low percentage of fully vaccinated children.


Nevertheless, to authors' knowledge, no model has been reported yet on the progressive cracking and the stress state of a circular torsion bar with multiple cracks in surface coatings. Therefore, in this work, we initiate the study in determining the free-edge stresses and the criterion of progressive cracking in cracked coating layer of a circular torsion bar. We limit our formulation within the framework of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). By assuming linear distribution of the shear stresses in the cross-section of the torsion bar, the free-edge stresses near crack tip of the coating layer and the entire shear stresses in the cross-section are determined through the variation of the complementary strain energy (Washizu, 1968; Hu, 1984) . Criterion of progressive cracking and the resulting cracking density are established in the sense of strain energy conservation. Effects of the aspect ratio and the mechanical properties of the coating system on the free-edge stresses and the cracking density are examined numerically. Application of the present method is further addressed in the end of the paper.

By assuming linear distribution of the shear stresses in the cross-section of the torsion bar, the free-edge stresses near crack tip of the coating layer and the entire shear stresses in the cross-section are determined through the variation of the complementary strain energy.


By using equation 6, we estimate the number of 'missing women' in the UK among Indian immigrants. The estimation is carried out for two time periods : 1970-2006 and 1993-2006 . For our main results provided in Tables 4, 5 and 6 column 1, we assume that the coefficients are the same for all time periods. However, this is not true as we know that sex-determination was not possible before the 25 th week of pregnancy until the late 1980s (Dubuc and Coleman 2007) . Also in the period 1980-1992 consumers were uncertain about the quality of the "new product" and the prices of sexdetermination procedures were significantly higher. In the last period consumers overcame their hesitation regarding the safety of the procedure and prices fell significantly. Consequently, the latter period 1993-2006 captures the peak of the use of the technology for sex-selective abortion. We construct Table 7 where Panel (A) contrasts the numbers of boys and girls that Indian families actually gave birth to (Actual), with the corresponding number in the case where they are endowed with English characteristics (Predicted), noting how many Indian households would have essentially changed their fertility decision from boys to girls, holding the number of children constant. Equivalently, Panel (B) depicts the relevant figures for English families.

However, this is not true as we know that sex-determination was not possible before the 25 th week of pregnancy until the late 1980s.


The standard errors are clustered at the level of ethnicity and geographic area. Clustering at the level of ethnicity allows for the possibility that the behavior of households originating from the same home country may be correlated due to ethnic-specific norms (Clark 2003) . However, as cluster robust standard errors require the number of groups to go to infinity in order to be consistent, we choose to cluster on the interactions of the ethnicity groups reported in Table 1 and geographic area. This strategy allows for the English (or any other ethnic group) that live in London to behave differently compared to the English (or any other ethnic group) that live in other regions. Additionally, this increases our group numbers to 31 rather than 3.

Clustering at the level of ethnicity allows for the possibility that the behavior of households originating from the same home country may be correlated due to ethnic-specific norms.


The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a member of the Punicaceae family native to Asia (from Iran to northern India) and cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, the East Indies, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the United States (Jurenka 2008) . Pomegranates have been grown as an important widespread crop for centuries in the central regions of Iran. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the commercial production of the pomegranate fruit (18,555 tons in a year) in this region (Shakeri 2008) . The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is one of the most significant pests of pomegranate trees due to the carob moth's widespread distribution in all pomegranate-producing regions of Iran (Shakeri 2008) . The carob moth lays its egg in the calyx of the flower of the pomegranate, at or immediately after flowering, and the larva bores into the fruit. Infested fruit either rots and drops, or remains on the trees until the end of the season. But larva feeding can encourage the growth of saprophytic fungi.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a member of the Punicaceae family native to Asia (from Iran to northern India) and cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, the East Indies, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the United States.

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the commercial production of the pomegranate fruit (18,555 tons in a year) in this region.

The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is one of the most significant pests of pomegranate trees due to the carob moth's widespread distribution in all pomegranate-producing regions of Iran.


Developing effective technologies to retain nutrients in soils is important because they can increase soil fertility and reduce repeated fertilizer application cost. Depleted soils are regularly amended with products that provide nutrients and organic matter. Land application of biochar, sometimes referred to as "agrichar", has received attention over the past decade to improve soil properties and thus improve overall soil quality (Van Zwieten et al., 2009) . Enhancing soil properties such as water holding capacity, organic matter content, and nutrient retention dynamics are key to improving soil quality. The application of agrichar derived from organic feedstocks has the potential to improve soil fertility and crop production by reducing the leaching of nutrients, and in most cases by supplying nutrients to the plants (Ding et al., 2016; Gao, Hoffman-Krull, Bidwell, & DeLuca, 2016; Glaser, Lehmann, & Zech, 2002; Madiba, Solaiman, Carson, & Murphy, 2016; Major, Rondon, Molina, Riha, & Lehmann, 2010; Ngatia, Hsieh, Nemours, Fu, & Taylor, 2017; Randolph et al., 2017) .

Land application of biochar, sometimes referred to as "agrichar", has received attention over the past decade to improve soil properties and thus improve overall soil quality.

The application of agrichar derived from organic feedstocks has the potential to improve soil fertility and crop production by reducing the leaching of nutrients, and in most cases by supplying nutrients to the plants.


It is important to consider that the concentration and time of application adopted for the Biosillicate® solution in this study most likely facilitated the initial reaction with dentin. In addition to the chemical interaction between the substrates through the formation of apatite, the phenomenon may have created a mechanical interaction between the bioglass and dentin particles, increasing adhesion between the substrates [12] . Therefore, there may have been not only a micromechanical interaction between the decalcified dentin substrate and adhesive system but also a micromechanical interaction between Biosilicate® particles that had already reacted with the dentin substrate and the polymerized adhesive system, enhancing adherence. Thus, particle size may have been a facilitating aspect for the penetration of Biosilicate® into the dentinal tubules, rather than the reverse [20] .

In addition to the chemical interaction between the substrates through the formation of apatite, the phenomenon may have created a mechanical interaction between the bioglass and dentin particles, increasing adhesion between the substrates.

Thus, particle size may have been a facilitating aspect for the penetration of Biosilicate® into the dentinal tubules, rather than the reverse.


Statistically, resistance increased significantly only when Biosilicate® was associated with self-etching adhesive, although it is suggested that this result may have been due to the presence of phosphate methacrylates that favored hydrolytic stability of the system over the period tested [20] . In contrast to expectations, the use of Biosilicate® did not reduce conducted light, which could impede penetration of the adhesive system, even with the use of phosphoric acid in the conventional system [20] . In contrast, this study found a significant increase in bond strength resulting from the application of Biosilicate® prior to conventional adhesive and self-etching adhesive. This result suggests that bonding between the substrates was facilitated by the probable formation of the hydroxycarbonate apatite layer and not just by the presence of specific adhesive monomers.

Statistically, resistance increased significantly only when Biosilicate® was associated with self-etching adhesive, although it is suggested that this result may have been due to the presence of phosphate methacrylates that favored hydrolytic stability of the system over the period tested.

In contrast to expectations, the use of Biosilicate® did not reduce conducted light, which could impede penetration of the adhesive system, even with the use of phosphoric acid in the conventional system.


As shown in the flowchart (Additional file 1: Table S1 ), after dentin exposure, two groups received the application of adhesive systems (controls -CV); two groups received the prior application of an arginine-based desensitizing agent (AR) using an impregnated rubber cup for 3 seconds, removing the excess with deionized water and reapplying the agent; and two groups received the prior application of 10% Biosilicate® solution (BG), which was rubbed in two 30 second stages with an interval of 3 minutes. Three transparent cylindrical matrices (Tygon Tube, Norton Performance Plastic Co, Cleveland OH, USA) were then positioned on the dentin surface after hybridization, and filled with composite resin (Filtek Z350 XT -3 M-ESPE, St Paul, USA), based on the literature [11] . After composite resin polymerization using a halogen light apparatus The surfaces of the specimens were examined under a microscope with 40X magnification to determine the fracture pattern, which was classified as adhesive, cohesive in dentin, cohesive in resin or mixed.

Three transparent cylindrical matrices (Tygon Tube, Norton Performance Plastic Co, Cleveland OH, USA) were then positioned on the dentin surface after hybridization, and filled with composite resin (Filtek Z350 XT -3 M-ESPE, St Paul, USA), based on the literature.


Despite being an aminoacid found in saliva, arginine, when administered in combination with calcium carbonate in the form of a prophylactic paste, potentiates its natural action mechanism, facilitating the sealing of exposed dentinal tubules by depositing material similar to dentin, producing immediate and lasting desensitization [8, 9] . Among the active bioglasses, Biosilicate®, which by nature is an osteoconductive material, can bind chemically to the dentin surface and obliterate the tubules, preventing the movement of fluid within them and thus eliminating the cause of pain [10] . In this case, chemical bonding occurs by the formation of hydroxycarbonate apatite on the dentin surface, resulting in a longer lasting interaction with dental tissue [10] .

Despite being an aminoacid found in saliva, arginine, when administered in combination with calcium carbonate in the form of a prophylactic paste, potentiates its natural action mechanism, facilitating the sealing of exposed dentinal tubules by depositing material similar to dentin, producing immediate and lasting desensitization.

Among the active bioglasses, Biosilicate®, which by nature is an osteoconductive material, can bind chemically to the dentin surface and obliterate the tubules, preventing the movement of fluid within them and thus eliminating the cause of pain.

In this case, chemical bonding occurs by the formation of hydroxycarbonate apatite on the dentin surface, resulting in a longer lasting interaction with dental tissue.


In addition, as we see from Figure 2 , it was also found that the glass transition temperature ( ) of the PLA/LNR nanocomposites is higher at 4 wt% NiZn, which is due to the nanofiller (NiZn) being more uniformly dispersed in the matrix. Therefore, the interfacial area is larger, and the interaction between the matrix and nanofiller is stronger. The rise in in any polymeric system is associated with a restriction in molecular motion, reduction in free volume and/or higher degree of crosslinking due to the interactions between the polymer chains and the nanoparticles, and the reduction of macromolecular chain mobility [16] . When the dispersion of the filler is higher in the matrix, it will create a network of nanoparticles which make the macromolecules move hardly, and the of the matrix is increased. In other words, the presence of NiZn has such a dramatic effect on the relaxation processes, typical for the glassy state of PLA/LNR, that the dominating deformation mechanisms become totally different. These relaxation processes are also often associated with the ductile-brittle transition, which manifest themselves in a rather sharp reduction of local mobility of polymer chains [17] . However, after 4 wt%, the conglomerations and matrix holes existing in the network of NiZn may perform as defects, which enable the macromolecules to move easily; therefore, the of the matrix is lower.

The rise in in any polymeric system is associated with a restriction in molecular motion, reduction in free volume and/or higher degree of crosslinking due to the interactions between the polymer chains and the nanoparticles, and the reduction of macromolecular chain mobility.

These relaxation processes are also often associated with the ductile-brittle transition, which manifest themselves in a rather sharp reduction of local mobility of polymer chains.


Polymer blend was prepared along with liquid natural rubber (LNR). The addition of low molecular weight reactive LNR can improve fracture toughness and impact strength of PLA [8] . Other than that, it will act as compatibilizer and toughening agent. The LNR with some active terminals like −OH is expected to react with the plastic particles and thereby bond the plastic particles to the natural rubber matrix [9] . Thus, the assistance of LNR is expected not just to improve the bonding between the polymer matrix and NR but also between the PLA and NiZn. Tensile properties of the blend are determined by the homogeneity of mixing; that is, the properties are better with higher homogeneity [10] . In addition, mechanical properties of polymer blends are also strongly dependent on the processing method and sample. As for that, for polymer blending which is usually an immiscible blend, the components are compatibilize to improve its physical properties.

The addition of low molecular weight reactive LNR can improve fracture toughness and impact strength of PLA.

The LNR with some active terminals like −OH is expected to react with the plastic particles and thereby bond the plastic particles to the natural rubber matrix.

Tensile properties of the blend are determined by the homogeneity of mixing; that is, the properties are better with higher homogeneity.


The optimization of PLA/LNR-filler interfacial interaction is significant for the enhancement of thermal transport of PLA/LNR composite. Figure 1 transport in the NiZn nanocomposites includes phonon diffusion in the matrix and ballistic transportation in the filler. The improving of thermal conductivity in PLA/LNR/4 wt% NiZn may stem from the improved percolation because of better dispersion and formation of a network [13] . A key issue in producing superior PLA/LNR/NiZn nanocomposites for thermally conductive applications appears to be the ability to control aggregation of NiZn in PLA/LNR matrix to obtain an interconnecting network suitable for heat transfer [14] . Therefore, the large amount of junctions among the NiZn which forms a conducting path in the matrix is believed to be the reason causing the increase in thermal conductivity by obtaining close molecular contact and corresponding to a relatively high efficiency in transferring thermal energy from the PLA/LNR to the PLA/LNR. The effect reducing the thermal conductivity is the transfer of phonons from NiZn to NiZn. This transition occurs by direct coupling between the nanofiller, in case of the agglomeration of NiZn, or via the matrix. In all these cases, the transition occurs via an interface, and thus the coupling losses can be assorted to an intense phonon boundary scattering. At the same time, the thermal conductivity decreased with increasing the temperature (if the temperature is near from the melting point of the matrix). This indicates that the thermal conductivity of the composites is mainly dominated by the interface thermal transport between NiZn/matrix or NiZn/NiZn interface. Thus, it is believed that the decreased effective thermal conductivity of the studied composites could be due to high interface thermal resistance across the NiZn/matrix or NiZn/NiZn interfaces [15] .

The improving of thermal conductivity in PLA/LNR/4 wt% NiZn may stem from the improved percolation because of better dispersion and formation of a network.

A key issue in producing superior PLA/LNR/NiZn nanocomposites for thermally conductive applications appears to be the ability to control aggregation of NiZn in PLA/LNR matrix to obtain an interconnecting network suitable for heat transfer.

Thus, it is believed that the decreased effective thermal conductivity of the studied composites could be due to high interface thermal resistance across the NiZn/matrix or NiZn/NiZn interfaces.


Scientific evidence on the health benefits associated with the consumption of probiotic bacteria continues to accumulate at a rapid rate. As both consumer and medical interest in the use of probiotics as prophylactic and therapeutic treatments increases, a vast need to adapt these microorganisms for industrial-scale production has arisen. It has been suggested that up to 10 6 colony forming units (cfu)·g −1 of probiotic bacteria should be present in a fermented food product at the end of its shelf-life [7] . Thus, the development of concentrated viable starter cultures is required to successfully incorporate these microorganisms into food products at the required numbers. For this reason, the generation of live cultures in powder format is an attractive option. Indeed, both freeze drying and spray drying can be used for the manufacture of probiotic powders on a large scale. However, in both processes the cultures are exposed to extremely harsh environmental conditions, such as dehydration, compromising both the viability and functionality of the dried probiotic culture. Thus, major efforts have been invested in modifying the drying process to eliminate cellular damage and increase viability of the dried product.

It has been suggested that up to 10 6 colony forming units (cfu)·g −1 of probiotic bacteria should be present in a fermented food product at the end of its shelf-life.


Subsequent survival studies of L. rhamnosus in the presence of the disaccharides at different RVPs indicated that trehalose was the most effective cryoprotectant at all RVPs tested. However, surprisingly, the lactose + maltose mix was more effective than lactose + trehalose. Indeed, lactose + maltose provided the same level of protection as trehalose itself. The effectiveness of trehalose is hardly surprising, considering that it is a natural cryoprotectant present in both plant and yeast cells [25] . Indeed, several studies have highlighted the effectiveness of trehalose in promoting dessication tolerance [11, 15, 21, 29, 35] . It is therefore inviting to assume, that rather than exert an additive effect on the cryoprotective capabilities of trehalose, lactose compromised them.

The effectiveness of trehalose is hardly surprising, considering that it is a natural cryoprotectant present in both plant and yeast cells.

Indeed, several studies have highlighted the effectiveness of trehalose in promoting dessication tolerance.


The successful exploitation of probiotic bacteria for functional food products depends on the ability to produce concentrated preparations of the probiotic culture that can withstand the harsh conditions encountered during food processing, and remain viable for the shelf life of the product. As mentioned previously live cultures in powder format are an attractive option, however, sustaining viability during storage can be challenging. The use of a silica gel-carrier salt admixture has previously been deemed effective in maintaining viability of dried lactic acid bacterial cells [38] . The method of freeze drying is deemed particularly suitable for producing powders of biological materials as drying takes place at low temperatures, reducing chemical reaction rates and heat degradation [20, 23] . This study examined the role of the disaccharides trehalose, lactose, maltose, lactose + trehalose and lactose + maltose as potential cryoprotective additives during the freeze drying process and subsequent storage of the probiotic strain, L. rhamnosus GG. In particular, the effect of RVP and glass transition of the disaccharides on cell viability over the storage period was assessed. Previous results have indicated that RSM is a relatively effective freeze drying medium [25] . Remarkably, our results showed that it was most beneficial when the cells were stored at 11.4% RVP, with survival rates of 22.0% and 65.4% for L. paracasei NFBC 338 and L. rhamnosus, respectively. However, at all other RVPs tested, viability was compromised.

The use of a silica gel-carrier salt admixture has previously been deemed effective in maintaining viability of dried lactic acid bacterial cells.

The method of freeze drying is deemed particularly suitable for producing powders of biological materials as drying takes place at low temperatures, reducing chemical reaction rates and heat degradation.

Previous results have indicated that RSM is a relatively effective freeze drying medium.


Freeze drying is especially appealing as it results in the production of a powder with a high specific surface area and therefore a fast re-hydration rate [20, 26, 33] . Initially the product is frozen to below the critical temperature of the formulation, at which maximum water is frozen. This is followed by a primary drying step, where unbound water is removed by sublimation, and finally a secondary drying stage where bound water is removed by desorption [26, 33] . Freeze drying has some undesirable effects, resulting in a change in the physical state of membrane lipids and a change in the structure of sensitive proteins [29] . However, the presence of a suitable cryoprotective additive usually increases the survival considerably [25] .

Freeze drying is especially appealing as it results in the production of a powder with a high specific surface area and therefore a fast re-hydration rate.

This is followed by a primary drying step, where unbound water is removed by sublimation, and finally a secondary drying stage where bound water is removed by desorption.

Freeze drying has some undesirable effects, resulting in a change in the physical state of membrane lipids and a change in the structure of sensitive proteins.

However, the presence of a suitable cryoprotective additive usually increases the survival considerably.


Concerning the machine accuracy, calibration is required to eliminate the positioning errors due to manufacturing and assembly errors. On the designed Gough platform, the calibration is very simple as explained above. Other sources of errors exist as compliance which can be modeled and identified [13] . In our case, the compliance of the Gough platform is neglected since the elements of Gough platform are supposed not to be stressed (except the weight of the struts which is neglected).

Other sources of errors exist as compliance which can be modeled and identified.


Two control schemes are presented in this section. Both of them use a PI control and a velocity feedforward. The first control scheme, called operational measured space control, uses the Gough platform as a "black box" in the feedback loop which gives the TCP pose (Tool Center Point, equivalent to the end-effector controlled point). In the second control scheme, called sensor space control, the strut length measurements are directly used for the feedback. These control schemes are respectively equivalent to the position-based visual servoing (PBVS) and the image-based visual servoing (IBVS) [24] .

These control schemes are respectively equivalent to the position-based visual servoing (PBVS) and the image-based visual servoing (IBVS).


Recently, a radically different approach has been explored in some European and Latin American laboratories. This new approach is based on the combination of fracture and damage mechanics with the concept of plastic hinge [7] [8] [9] . In this paper, the branch of fracture mechanics that supports this family of constitutive laws is called lumped damage mechanics. The main idea is the introduction of an internal variable, also called damage, in order to characterize the loss of stiffness and strength of reinforced concrete (RC) structural members. The damage and the structural analysis are coupled and must be performed simultaneously since the local and global stiffness matrices of the structure depend on the damage variables.

This new approach is based on the combination of fracture and damage mechanics with the concept of plastic hinge.


In the interest of clarity, it is also instructive to emphasize the fundamental underlying use case that motivates this work. It is to provide a robust and effective complement to search. Along with search, navigation and personalization, the recommendation approach we implement can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an otherwise comprehensive information retrieval system for legal research. Given a nontrivial legal domain-specific query, when a user performs a professional search, in addition to receiving ranked lists of search results delivered across multiple content types, the recommendation component of the system presents a supplemental list of ranked clusters, one for each of the key issues present in the selected document from the search results. In short, this cluster recommendation system is enabled by the document-to-cluster association process described in Section 4. The process by which the clusters have been topically defined and populated is described in an earlier work (Lu et al., 2011) .

The process by which the clusters have been topically defined and populated is described in an earlier work.


In this study we aim to assess specific micro and macro determinants of investment. We focus on establishing the effect of foreign equity ownership and of institutions on firms' investment behaviour. These factors contribute to explaining a firm's degree of investment related uncertainty to the extent that foreign equity ownership and e.g. property rights protection may help reduce investment related risk. The relation between investment and uncertainty is described in real option theory. Real options investment theory generally predicts a negative relation between investment and uncertainty because high uncertainty is associated with high risk and therefore uncertainty causes investors to reduce investment in fixed capital (Pindyck, 1991) . Especially when investment is highly irreversible, uncertainty can cause firms to delay investment. Overall, real options theory outlines a micro-mechanism by means of which different factors that influence uncertainty year.

Real options investment theory generally predicts a negative relation between investment and uncertainty because high uncertainty is associated with high risk and therefore uncertainty causes investors to reduce investment in fixed capital.


In BR signal transduction, BRI1 encodes a plasma membrane-localized leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase [13] . BAK1, BRI1-associated receptor kinase, plays a critical role in BR signal perception via dimerization with BRI1 [14, 15] . In the present study, we used root elongation inhibition assay, lamina joint inclination assay and coleoptile elongation promotion assay to show that the d1 mutant was less sensitive to 24-epibrassinosteroid (24-epiBL), a synthetic brassinosteroid that plays a wide variety of roles in plant growth and development. However, d1 mutant plants did not display a canonical de-etiolated phenotype with no elongated mesocotyls, as did the d61-1 mutant (a well-known BR-insensitive rice mutant caused by OsBRI1 mutation) in the dark. In addition, 24-epiBL treatment also suppressed the expression of RGA in a dose-dependent manner. Our direct evidence supports that RGA is involved in affecting brassinosteroid response in rice. The result might be beneficial to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of G protein signaling and also provide a novel perspective to understand BR signaling in higher plants.

In BR signal transduction, BRI1 encodes a plasma membrane-localized leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase.

BAK1, BRI1-associated receptor kinase, plays a critical role in BR signal perception via dimerization with BRI1.


Recently, transgenic plants containing a constitutively active form of RGA were generated via site-directed mutagenesis at position 223, which caused the substitution of glutamine by leucine (Q223L), and showed GTP-binding activity but not GTPase activity. The transformants harboring RGA (Q223L) did not show a slender phenotype but, rather, were essentially normal cultivars, indicating that heterotrimeric G proteins do not directly regulate GA signaling in rice [10] . In contrast, there have been few reports on the function of the G protein in brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathways. OsBLE2 is a novel brassinolide-enhanced gene in rice. The transcript of OsBLE2 was found to be slightly downregulated and less sensitive to BL treatment in the d1 mutant as compared with control plants, and investigators speculated that heterotrimeric G protein might be involved in BL signaling [11] . In Arabidopsis, mutants of G protein α subunit were less sensitive to brassinolide with respect to stimulated germination and inhibition of vegetative growth [12] . However, little direct evidence exists about whether the G protein is involved in BR signaling in rice.

The transformants harboring RGA (Q223L) did not show a slender phenotype but, rather, were essentially normal cultivars, indicating that heterotrimeric G proteins do not directly regulate GA signaling in rice.

The transcript of OsBLE2 was found to be slightly downregulated and less sensitive to BL treatment in the d1 mutant as compared with control plants, and investigators speculated that heterotrimeric G protein might be involved in BL signaling.

In Arabidopsis, mutants of G protein α subunit were less sensitive to brassinolide with respect to stimulated germination and inhibition of vegetative growth.


In analysing the persistent growth slowdown that got under way in Kenya around the 1980s, a shortlist of plausible determinants include the global recession, commodity price decline, delayed structural adjustment policies, and political succession in the country, as well as slow-moving candidates such as institutional quality and distributional politics (O'Connell 2008) . The country also experienced several negative shocks that, for example, undermined growth and contributed to the weak performance. Measures to reduce Kenya's susceptibility to exogenous shocks hence are necessary for improved economic growth (World Bank 2013) . However, the scope for untangling the contributions of a large number of potentially relevant determinants is limited in a country case study (O'Connell 2008) . For this reason, we focus on a few factors that will help to explain the current period.

In analysing the persistent growth slowdown that got under way in Kenya around the 1980s, a shortlist of plausible determinants include the global recession, commodity price decline, delayed structural adjustment policies, and political succession in the country, as well as slow-moving candidates such as institutional quality and distributional politics.

Measures to reduce Kenya's susceptibility to exogenous shocks hence are necessary for improved economic growth.

However, the scope for untangling the contributions of a large number of potentially relevant determinants is limited in a country case study.


This section explains Kenya's economic growth performance since 2000, updating an earlier study that covered the period from the 1960s to the 1990s (Mwega and Ndung'u 2008) . This earlier study attempted to explain why the good economic performance in the 1960s and early 1970s was not sustained in the 1980s and 1990s. The latter period was characterized by persistently low growth and limited economic transformation, despite the fact that the country maintained a large measure of political stability and pursued a fairly consistent development strategy. In the 1960s, growth averaged 5.7 per cent, accelerating in the 1970s to 7.2 per cent. It declined in the 1980s to 4.2 per cent and in the 1990s to 2.2 per cent (World Bank 2015) .

This section explains Kenya's economic growth performance since 2000, updating an earlier study that covered the period from the 1960s to the 1990s.

It declined in the 1980s to 4.2 per cent and in the 1990s to 2.2 per cent.


Gummosis symptoms consist of trunk and woody branch cankers and dieback. Cankers may eventually ooze a gum-like resin. Dark brown-to-black region above the bark, reaching the cortical layer of vascular cambium, is seen when transverse or longitudinal cuts are made in the trunk and woody branches (Freire et al. 2002 (Freire et al. , 2004 Freire and Cardoso 2003) . If canker spread remains unchecked, it eventually leads to the death of the whole tree. Diseased plants are observed after 12 months from planting and are easily identified on the orchard by slow growth, yellowing of branches and bleeding cankers ). Recommended control measures are removal of infected branches by pruning, surgical removal of cankers followed by copper fungicide application. Cashew clones resistant to gummosis have recently been identified (Cardoso et al. 2006; Paiva et al. 2008) .

Dark brown-to-black region above the bark, reaching the cortical layer of vascular cambium, is seen when transverse or longitudinal cuts are made in the trunk and woody branches.

Cashew clones resistant to gummosis have recently been identified.


The focus compactness (ICF) decreased by increase in disease incidence in FAGA 11, similarly to what was observed in studies on citrus diseases (Laranjeira et al. 1998; Jesus Junior and Bassanezi 2004) . The ICF for Embrapa 51 and BRS 226 increased to close to 1.0 as disease incidence increased. This might be consequence of disease resistance of these clones, whereas aggregation of diseased plants is low as greater number of isolated diseased plants is observed (Ferreira 2006) .

The focus compactness (ICF) decreased by increase in disease incidence in FAGA 11, similarly to what was observed in studies on citrus diseases.

This might be consequence of disease resistance of these clones, whereas aggregation of diseased plants is low as greater number of isolated diseased plants is observed.


One important factor which influences the use of educational technology in classes is the attitudes of teachers toward integrating Internet in their language classes. Teachers' attitudes toward technology use can be concerned as a facilitating or hindering factor, which give them more comfort or obstacle to utilize technology in their educational environments (Kim, 2002) . Computers and Internet technology are the most effective tools among various existing technological aids in teaching and learning languages. Integrating and applying computers and Internet in a learning environment can strengthen the way that students acquire a foreign language effectively. Hence, teachers' attitudes play a fundamental role in the real utilization of technologies in classrooms.

Teachers' attitudes toward technology use can be concerned as a facilitating or hindering factor, which give them more comfort or obstacle to utilize technology in their educational environments.


We did not find support for strict Guttman scaling, indicating that the SES-SFV does not have a cumulative structure. This is in contrast to previous research using the original SES to assess women's sexual victimization although this may be related to the different methodology (Karabatsos, 1997) . The present findings suggest that when a man reports rape one cannot assume they also experienced less severe forms of sexual victimization. Extrapolating from this finding, it is possible that different types of sexual victimization may have different etiologies. Alternatively, this finding may reflect an inherent bias in the SES-SFV; this instrument was originally designed to assess women's experiences of sexual victimization and therefore may not capture men's experiences accurately.

This is in contrast to previous research using the original SES to assess women's sexual victimization although this may be related to the different methodology.


It is well known that dough is a viscoelastic material. Therefore it is surprising that most studies of its extensional rheology have been confined to a single or a limited range of strain rates. These strain rates are also often far larger than those associated with bread making. The reason being that it is extremely difficult to maintain regular extensional deformation at the slow rates characteristic of bread making. Baking typically features strain rates of the order e ·~ O(10 -3 s -1 ), while proofing leads to even slower deformations with e ·~ O(10 -4 s -1 ) [3] .

Baking typically features strain rates of the order e ·~ O(10 -3 s -1 ), while proofing leads to even slower deformations with e ·~ O(10 -4 s -1 ).


To date, despite its great potential in GIR and information integration, geo-semantic relatedness has been only marginally studied. In this article, we have discussed a notion of geo-semantic relatedness based on Lehrer's theory of semantic fields, contrasting it with the widely studied geo-semantic similarity. Despite the variety and importance of computational measures devised in natural language processing, the evaluation of such measures remains a difficult and complex task [12] .

Despite the variety and importance of computational measures devised in natural language processing, the evaluation of such measures remains a difficult and complex task.


On the other hand, creating and manipulating web applications is, in general terms, an awkward task for non-expert users. In fact, nowadays there is a growing need for ITS authoring tools [10] . However few approaches exist for evaluation and generalisation because they are very difficult and expensive to build. The development of these tools is always driven by pragmatics and usability issues. In this direction, some authoring tools try to make easier the way of coding and processing course and educational information on the web, using an ontology for structuring contents and presentation. An ontology is an explicit specification of a shared conceptualisation. Its usefulness for information presentation, information integration and system development has been demonstrated recently [12] .

In fact, nowadays there is a growing need for ITS authoring tools.

Its usefulness for information presentation, information integration and system development has been demonstrated recently.


MDCM is highly susceptible to rancidity due to the large area in contact with oxygen and obtention manner, displaying high levels of fat, lipids and calcium in its composition. Antioxidants are widely used to retard or inhibit lipid oxidation in foods. The antioxidants' mechanisms of action happen when competitively binding to oxygen, slowing the initiation step, interrupting the propagation step by destroying or binding the free radicals, inhibiting the catalyzers or stabilizing the hydroperoxides. Antioxidants should not be toxic, display high activity at low concentrations, should concentrate on the surface of the food grease phase, should withstand food processing, and also contribute to the stability of the final product [21] .

Antioxidants should not be toxic, display high activity at low concentrations, should concentrate on the surface of the food grease phase, should withstand food processing, and also contribute to the stability of the final product.


We have determined the phenolic composition and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of L. delicatulum, a halophyte found in a semi-arid region of Tunisia. The phenol content depended on the solvent used and its polarity. Acetone extracts gave the highest yield of total polyphenols, while methanol gave the highest yield of tannins. The highest yields of flavonoids were obtained with acetone from plants at the flowering stage and with methanol from plants in the vegetative stage. In previous studies, methanol, ethanol, acetone, propanol, ethyl acetate and dimethylformamide have been used to extract phenols from fresh produce in water [23] . The recovery of polyphenols from plant materials is influenced by their solubility in the extraction solvent, the type of solvent, the degree of polymerization of phenols, the interaction of phenols with other plant constituents and the formation of insoluble complexes [24] . Differences in the polarity (and thus the extractability) of antioxidants may explain differences in extraction yield and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, solvent polarity plays a key role in increasing phenolic solubility [25] . It is therefore difficult to define a standard procedure for the extraction of plant phenols. The least polar solvents are generally considered to be suitable for extracting lipophilic phenols, unless very high pressure is used, and polar solvents are used for hydrophilic phenols [26] .

In previous studies, methanol, ethanol, acetone, propanol, ethyl acetate and dimethylformamide have been used to extract phenols from fresh produce in water.

The recovery of polyphenols from plant materials is influenced by their solubility in the extraction solvent, the type of solvent, the degree of polymerization of phenols, the interaction of phenols with other plant constituents and the formation of insoluble complexes.

Furthermore, solvent polarity plays a key role in increasing phenolic solubility.

The least polar solvents are generally considered to be suitable for extracting lipophilic phenols, unless very high pressure is used, and polar solvents are used for hydrophilic phenols.


Saline soil accounts for 9.5 billion hectares of the world's soil [1] . Salty areas are the habitats of a number of shrubby plants and trees, including halophytes, which are naturally salt-tolerant plants that might be useful economically to absorb salt from the earth and serve as new sources of natural antioxidants in food [2] . These habitats are exposed to various abiotic constraints, such as salinity, drought, high and low temperatures, high luminosity and other harsh environmental conditions, which induce oxidative stress in plants, thus generating reactive oxygen species. Higher plants often produce such species even under normal conditions during metabolic processes via the Mehler reaction, in chloroplasts, electron transport in mitochondria and photorespiration in peroxisomes [3] . At low levels, reactive oxygen species may function as signalling molecules; however, overexpression of these reactive compounds can cause protein denaturation, DNA mutation and lipid peroxidation [4] . To cope with harmful compounds, halophytes are equipped with a powerful antioxidant system that has enzymatic and non-enzymatic components [5] .

Saline soil accounts for 9.5 billion hectares of the world's soil.

Salty areas are the habitats of a number of shrubby plants and trees, including halophytes, which are naturally salt-tolerant plants that might be useful economically to absorb salt from the earth and serve as new sources of natural antioxidants in food.

Higher plants often produce such species even under normal conditions during metabolic processes via the Mehler reaction, in chloroplasts, electron transport in mitochondria and photorespiration in peroxisomes.

At low levels, reactive oxygen species may function as signalling molecules; however, overexpression of these reactive compounds can cause protein denaturation, DNA mutation and lipid peroxidation.

To cope with harmful compounds, halophytes are equipped with a powerful antioxidant system that has enzymatic and non-enzymatic components.


Water repellency is a problem that presents itself in a variety of soils. It is the incapacity of soil to re-absorb water after an extended dry period. This results in the reduction in the soil moisture content and difficulty in maintaining a vegetative cover, and finally, soil erosion (Jaramillo 2006) . There are certain species of plants which are more resistant to these dry conditions and that could possibly maintain themselves established in the soil. For example, ''Alicia'' grass (Cynodon dactylon), which is used in tropical and subtropical areas, is very tolerant to a variety of problems including dryness, salinity, etc. However, this species does not produce much pasture and is not very nutritious for cattle (FAO 2005) .

This results in the reduction in the soil moisture content and difficulty in maintaining a vegetative cover, and finally, soil erosion.

However, this species does not produce much pasture and is not very nutritious for cattle.


Understanding the nature of LV failure is key to improving network reliability. The many detailed studies of medium and high voltage (HV) cables are not readily transferable, since failure occurs in LV cable insulation at fields over an order of magnitude lower than in HV cables [2] . Generic characterization of an oil-impregnated-paper (OIP) insulated cable is not easy, since a network may contain cables installed at any time over the past hundred years, and materials used and quality control may have varied radically over this period. Studying microscopic material properties may, therefore, not be as fruitful as considering macroscopic generic properties such as moisture transport and conductivity [3] .

The many detailed studies of medium and high voltage (HV) cables are not readily transferable, since failure occurs in LV cable insulation at fields over an order of magnitude lower than in HV cables.

Studying microscopic material properties may, therefore, not be as fruitful as considering macroscopic generic properties such as moisture transport and conductivity.


In recent years, a high-resolution recombination map of the human genome has provided and increased the information on the genetic order of polymorphic markers and the SNP map of the human genome [61] . It is hoped that the map of SNPs in the human genome will provide powerful molecular tools to decipher the role of nutrition in human health and disease and help defining optimal diets [10] . Advanced genetic analysis in combination with twin studies may provide opportunities to understand the basis of complex traits and the role of individual genotypes on the development of polygenic diet-related diseases such as cancer and CVS [62] .

In recent years, a high-resolution recombination map of the human genome has provided and increased the information on the genetic order of polymorphic markers and the SNP map of the human genome.

It is hoped that the map of SNPs in the human genome will provide powerful molecular tools to decipher the role of nutrition in human health and disease and help defining optimal diets.

Advanced genetic analysis in combination with twin studies may provide opportunities to understand the basis of complex traits and the role of individual genotypes on the development of polygenic diet-related diseases such as cancer and CVS.


This paper provides an overview of frequent characteristics of school shooting incidents, as well as common characteristics of the offenders. School shooting incidents cause fear in communities due to their unpredictable and sudden nature (Palermo & Ross, 1999) . As such, it is important to understand the individual attributes of the offenders, as well as the characteristics of the offence, so that risk factors can be identified and prevention strategies can be developed.

School shooting incidents cause fear in communities due to their unpredictable and sudden nature.


The 'Unrestrained' theme was not found to be dominant in any of the cases. This might be due to the small number of variables that were entered in the analysis. The lack of control and unrestrained activity stands in contrast to the careful planning that many offenders put into their offence (McGee & DeBernardo, 1999; Meloy et al., 2001; Vossekuil et al., 2002) .

The lack of control and unrestrained activity stands in contrast to the careful planning that many offenders put into their offence.


As stated in the outset of this article, we investigated whether stability (i.e., timing and duration) of bullying among Korean early adolescents related to changes in their social-psychological as well as educational outcomes. Findings from the analyses on the timing effects of bullying revealed that both the onset and cessation hypotheses were supported for Korean youth. That is, the negative effects of bullying generally increased when victimization emerged and declined once victimization receded with little lasting effects. These results were consistent with findings from studies using Western datasets which have shown that for middle school students, the negative effects of bullying are mostly concurrent (Juvonen et al., 2000) . However, given that the present study was based on a 2-year longitudinal dataset, future investigation should be conducted on a longer time frame to better identify such mechanisms.

These results were consistent with findings from studies using Western datasets which have shown that for middle school students, the negative effects of bullying are mostly concurrent.


In the process of signal processing and analysis, how to use fewer components to represent the original signal is a very important research topic. The traditional signal decomposition method is mainly orthogonal decomposition, such as fourier transform and cosine transform. The signal is decomposed in a set of complete orthogonal basis. But due to the orthogonality of the base, the decomposition is usually unsparse. This limits the application range of signal decomposition [1] . Therefore, in order to get the sparse representation of signal, decomposition basis must be expanded. And then, the complete orthogonal basis converts to over-complete redundant dictionary, and this is sparse decomposition. Sparse decomposition need to search out the most proximal atom with the decomposed signal from the over-complete dictionary, so the process of decomposition is very complex.

This limits the application range of signal decomposition.


When the ratio amount of CH 4 to TiCl 4 was lower than a critical value (about 2), despite the presence of TiCl 4 in the reactor and high temperature and instead of TiC deposition, a black layer consisting of iron carbide was formed. The peaks that were generated in this test in degrees of 43.9 and 51.34 were related to austenitic iron carbide phase and the rest of the peak was corresponding to the substrate. But the standard TiC peaks were at 36.9, 42.6, 62, 74.48, and 78.18 degrees. When the flux ratio of CH 4 to TiCl 4 changed from 2 to 6, the sample showed different colors from gray-copper to graysilver. As CH 4 /TiCl 4 ratio increases to 9, the color becomes gray-black, this was reported by Archer [12] . Thus, color of the samples was related to solubility of carbon in the space network of titanium. From the GIXRD test results, these diffraction patterns show the orientation in the direction of crystalline planes (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0), (3 1 1), and (2 2 2). The (2 0 0) plane was revealed to be the preferred structure and this plane is thermodynamically stable relative to the (2 2 0) and (1 1 1) planes. The temperature had no effect to change the preferred crystalline plane.

As CH 4 /TiCl 4 ratio increases to 9, the color becomes gray-black, this was reported by Archer.


Three-dimensional surface topography of the samples is shown in Figure 6 and their surface roughness is summarized in Table 4 . The surface roughness was about 20 nm for samples 2 and 5. But the surface roughness of samples 3 and 4 with lower temperature was lower and was about 15 nm. In other papers, the amount of TiC coating surface roughness was reported less than 10 nm, this may be related to the higher temperature (500 ∘ C) with different mechanism [5, 23] . The effect of temperature on the grain growth was very severe. In this paper, the AFM images values showed that a lower deposition temperature decreased the surface roughness, due to the grain growth when the deposition temperature increased. The surface roughness was also independent of flux ratio of important gas when this ratio is proper to deposit TiC coating. Higher coefficient of friction was seen for TiC coatings with high deposition temperature and this result was related to the lower surface roughness.

In other papers, the amount of TiC coating surface roughness was reported less than 10 nm, this may be related to the higher temperature (500 ∘ C) with different mechanism.


The present H-13 samples with composition listed in Table 1 were heat treated in order to increase the hardness. Then samples were prepared by grinding up to 2000 grit and cleaned with an alkali solution in ultrasonic bath in temperature of 100 ∘ C for 10 minutes. In order to increase adhesion of the coating to the substrate and increase the load bearing of coatings, a plasma nitriding operation with the parameters listed in Table 2 was performed. In plasma nitriding process, the flow ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen was fixed to about 3 in order to prevent white layer formation [10, 11] .

In plasma nitriding process, the flow ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen was fixed to about 3 in order to prevent white layer formation.


The total wear observed in the ceramic can be divided into two main broad categories such as (a) mechanically activated wear which includes abrasion, adhesion, plastic deformation, and fracture and (b) chemically activated wear also called tribochemical wear which includes diffusion or dissolution wear [21] . At higher speeds (to produce higher temperature), under dry or semidry conditions, chemical wear becomes the predominant mode of wear [22] . Thus, the speed of the mechanical mechanism is the dominant mode of wear for all coated samples.

The total wear observed in the ceramic can be divided into two main broad categories such as (a) mechanically activated wear which includes abrasion, adhesion, plastic deformation, and fracture and (b) chemically activated wear also called tribochemical wear which includes diffusion or dissolution wear.

At higher speeds (to produce higher temperature), under dry or semidry conditions, chemical wear becomes the predominant mode of wear.


There was a need to further restrict the search, as the spoken corpus contained vast numbers of wh -words and auxiliaries, which required meticulous manual fi ltering; this fi ltering involved the examination of each utterance in the context of its surrounding discourse. To restrict the results to a number conducive to such analysis, the purpose-designed Perl program targeted particular combinations of wh -elements ( what / who / why / when / how ); auxiliaries or modals, henceforth AUXs ( am / is / are / was / were / does / do / did / can / could / will / would / have / has / had ); subject pronouns ( he / she / they ); and interrogative complementizers ( if / whether ). An initial search for these elements in isolation resulted in more than 30,000 hits, but searches for specifi c combinations resulted in manageable subcorpora. The selection of such elements in a search of this type will always be somewhat controversial, but I assume that the patterns that hold for each of these fi ve wh -elements will also hold for others such as where , which , whose , and whom , just as the behavior of the 15 selected AUX targets, I assume, can be generalized to elements such as may , might , shall , and should. Note that patterns of inversion remain the same (a) across contexts of wh -extraction from complements and adjuncts and (b) across types of modals. Thirdperson pronouns were chosen due to their predominance in indirect speech, as the fi rst and second person are often changed to third person when speech is reported (Henry, 1995 ) .

Thirdperson pronouns were chosen due to their predominance in indirect speech, as the fi rst and second person are often changed to third person when speech is reported.


Few researchers have mobilized the nonparametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure efficiency of Islamic banks (Yudistira, 2004; Sufian, 2007; Danesh, 2007; Sufian, 2009; Kamaruddin et al., 2008; Hamim et al., 2008) . Based on the approach DEA, we will try, at a first level, to measure the efficiency scores of Islamic banks operating in the GCC region. At a second level, with linear regression, we will try to explain the efficiency of these banks here based on various macroeconomic factors (environment and characteristics of the country) and micro (Specific bank).

Few researchers have mobilized the nonparametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure efficiency of Islamic banks.


The length of time passed between the incident and expert SFOs' recall was substantial in some cases and therefore could present a methodological issue; however, the recall of unverified retrospective events must be considered as a possible limitation of both CTAs. Previous studies have used the CDM technique to interview participants regarding the decisions made during an observed event (Brezovic, Klein, & Thordsen, 1990) . Therefore, to combat the possibility of memory fragility in the recall of unverified retrospective armed confrontations, a follow-up study is proposed to examine the decisional processes occurring during the completion of a recorded firearms training exercise.

Previous studies have used the CDM technique to interview participants regarding the decisions made during an observed event.


Acromegaly is potentially a very severe condition because chronic GH hypersecretion lead to cause cardiometabolic complications that reduce life expectancy and increase morbidity. While several studies have attempt to correlate cardiometabolic complications with the presence of the d3-GHR polymorphism, the role of two isoforms remains controversial. While the presence of the d3-GHR allele has been related to clinical manifestation of acromegaly in some studies, these results are controversial [7, 13, 14] .

While the presence of the d3-GHR allele has been related to clinical manifestation of acromegaly in some studies, these results are controversial.


The insulin resistance observed in obese T2DM patients is secondary to changes in insulin receptors signal transduction, arising from genetic and/or environmental factors, such as excessive caloric consumption, sedentary lifestyle and obesity [9] . T2DM emerges when these change are associated with a progressive decrease in the secretory capacity of pancreatic beta cells (relative insulinopenia). It is a silent disease, in which the loss of secretory capacity begins years before the clinical diagnosis. In the phase of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance or glycaemia rise may occur in the unfed state. As long as the β-cells are able to augment insulin secretion to compensate insulin resistance, glucose tolerance remains normal. However, with time, the β-cells begin to fail and the postprandial plasma glucose levels (initially) and the fasting plasma glucose concentration (subsequently) begin to rise, leading to the onset of overt diabetes [9, 10] .

The insulin resistance observed in obese T2DM patients is secondary to changes in insulin receptors signal transduction, arising from genetic and/or environmental factors, such as excessive caloric consumption, sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

However, with time, the β-cells begin to fail and the postprandial plasma glucose levels (initially) and the fasting plasma glucose concentration (subsequently) begin to rise, leading to the onset of overt diabetes.


The fundamental group can also be used to construct K-contact non-Sasakian manifolds. Fundamental groups of Sasakian manifolds are called Sasaki groups, and satisfy strong restrictions. Using this it is possible to construct (non-simply connected) compact manifolds which are K-contact but not Sasakian [10] . Also it has been used to provide an example of a solvmanifold of dimension 5 which satisfies the hard Lefschetz property and which is K-contact and not Sasakian [8] .

Using this it is possible to construct (non-simply connected) compact manifolds which are K-contact but not Sasakian.

Also it has been used to provide an example of a solvmanifold of dimension 5 which satisfies the hard Lefschetz property and which is K-contact and not Sasakian.


Our algebraic computations over motivic A(1) are similar to the classical computations over A (1) . One of the fundamental differences between classical homotopy theory and motivic homotopy theory is that η 4 is zero classically, but η k is non-zero motivically for all k ≥ 0. Our calculations over A(1) detect this difference.

Our algebraic computations over motivic A(1) are similar to the classical computations over A.


Warning labels on cigarette ads and packages have been a traditional, visible and cost-efficient source of risk information about cigarettes [1] . Cigarette warning labels have been associated with smokers' increased knowledge about tobacco health risks, motivation to quit, use of cessation services and smoking abstinence [1, 2] . Previous research and recommendations suggest that these warnings should be specific, direct, and prominent, use pictorial images and take up significant pack space in order to maximize their effectiveness [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . Warnings with graphic or shocking imagery of health effects or human suffering that can stimulate negative emotions such as fear seem to be particularly effective [1] . However, research on warning labels for other tobacco products has been very limited to date, and the content and style of these may need to be unique given the potential differences in their health effects and use [1] . This may be particularly true for tobacco products which may pose lower risks to individual users than combustible cigarettes. Indeed while the 2009 Tobacco Control Act mandated that cigarette warnings be updated to graphic warnings covering the top 50 percent of the front and rear panels of cigarette packages, it did not similarly require pictorial warnings for smokeless tobacco products and increased its required text warning size to 30% rather than 50%. Another newer non-cigarette product for which warnings may be considered are electronic cigarettes or "e-cigarettes".

Warning labels on cigarette ads and packages have been a traditional, visible and cost-efficient source of risk information about cigarettes.

Cigarette warning labels have been associated with smokers' increased knowledge about tobacco health risks, motivation to quit, use of cessation services and smoking abstinence.

Previous research and recommendations suggest that these warnings should be specific, direct, and prominent, use pictorial images and take up significant pack space in order to maximize their effectiveness.

Warnings with graphic or shocking imagery of health effects or human suffering that can stimulate negative emotions such as fear seem to be particularly effective.

However, research on warning labels for other tobacco products has been very limited to date, and the content and style of these may need to be unique given the potential differences in their health effects and use.


We have not investigated how the modified catalogues will affect the reconstruction technique [35] [36] [37] . The modified catalogues alter the over-density in an anisotropic way thus will distort the reconstruction displacement vectors. The effects should be investigated before applying reconstruction to the modified catalogues.

We have not investigated how the modified catalogues will affect the reconstruction technique.


The results regarding social relationship and CCP membership were less consistent. We found that social relationship was significantly associated with healthy diet, physical activity, sleeping well and being nonoverweight, but not with smoking. An unexpected finding is that individuals with good relationships were more likely to be overweight. This stands in contrast to previous studies which indicated that social relationship was a deterrent to obesity [46] . A possible explanation is that, in China, people are more collectively-oriented. Social relationship (especially with neighbors) forms an important part of daily life, and are frequently centered around food and drink. During the process of interaction, social relationship can affect health behavior through peer effects (role model). These behaviors can be good or bad depending on the lifestyle of the neighbors. Some studies have suggested that obesity is contagious through social networks with intimate relations [57] . CCP membership was significantly associated with higher levels of physical activity and lower likelihood of being non-overweight, but it was an insignificant factor in healthy diet, smoking and sleeping. Participation in organizations can be conducive to generating beneficial effects via the transmission of knowledge and increased trust between members of society [58] . However, like social relationship, participation in organizations may also encourage unhealthy behaviors and exert psychological pressure. All three dimensions of social capital were positively and significantly associated with SRH in our Chinese sample. These results are consistent with previous studies on China [8, 9, 17, 18] . However, while social trust and social relationship were positively and significantly associated with PWB, CCP membership was not significantly related to PWB. It may be that CCP membership provides access to material resources that support physical health, but are not effectual for mental health [17, 18] .

This stands in contrast to previous studies which indicated that social relationship was a deterrent to obesity.

Some studies have suggested that obesity is contagious through social networks with intimate relations.

Participation in organizations can be conducive to generating beneficial effects via the transmission of knowledge and increased trust between members of society.

These results are consistent with previous studies on China.

It may be that CCP membership provides access to material resources that support physical health, but are not effectual for mental health.


It is generally accepted that injection rate profile and injection nozzle geometry are known to have a major influence on both the penetration and distribution of the fuel spray within the cylinder [12] . A reduction in the nozzle orifice diameter has also been shown to have an effect on the emissions [9] . This was concluded to be caused by the decreased size of droplets produced by smaller diameter nozzles. These smaller droplets mix and evaporate faster leading to shorter ignition delays. The internal flow structures within the nozzle are also thought to affect the spray performance. Hence different spray structures may not be attributed to differences in nozzle diameter only, but also to the nozzle type. Investigations into these flow process have been undertaken in both large scale and full size nozzles [10, 11] . The effects of cavitation within the nozzle have been identified as a major influence on the subsequent liquid/droplet behaviour. The variation in the behaviour of various nozzle types and the influence of injection rate may go some way to explaining the apparent differences in the correlations for penetration with time and dispersion found in the literature. This again highlighted the strong dependence of the fuel spray behaviour on the nozzle geometry and hence the dangers of applying generic correlations derived from experiments based on a limited specific nozzle type.

It is generally accepted that injection rate profile and injection nozzle geometry are known to have a major influence on both the penetration and distribution of the fuel spray within the cylinder.

A reduction in the nozzle orifice diameter has also been shown to have an effect on the emissions.

Investigations into these flow process have been undertaken in both large scale and full size nozzles.


From the above, many of the experiments investigating spray characteristics have been undertaken with specially manufactured nozzles to facilitate data gathering. This normally means that a special single orifice nozzle is used or that all but one orifice discharge is captured. Measurements are then concentrated on one particular hole. The validity of such an approach is often questioned, as the adoption of this practice may influence the behaviour of the injection process. The data available in the literature pertaining to the investigation of multiple orifices versus single orifice nozzles is sparse. In addition, the information available on the hole-to-hole variation of sprays from particular injectors is contradictory and often appears to be dependent on the particular experimental approach adopted [12, 13] .

In addition, the information available on the hole-to-hole variation of sprays from particular injectors is contradictory and often appears to be dependent on the particular experimental approach adopted.


Transportation, industrial and electricity production (with fossil fuels combustion) are the main sectors identified to contribute to the emission of CO 2 in Cameroon. The electric power installed in Cameroon for the production of electricity is 1593 MW and 18 percent of this power is occupied by thermal power plants [4] . Currently, in Cameroon, the issue of CO 2 emissions in thermal power plants is the focus of environmental policies of the country. Note that Cameroon has a fleet of electricity generation plants (thermal power) with a value of 285 MW which operates using fossil liquid fuels [4] . Among the thermal power plants that have this park, the Dibamba Power Development Company (DPDC) is the largest with 88 MW of installed power. This paper estimates CO 2 emissions in DPDC, comprising national emission factors for fossil liquid fuels consumption [5, 6] . CO 2 emissions considered in this study are from the fossil liquid fuels consumption needed for electricity production. It is the emission from stationary combustion (thermoelectric power station) and mobile combustion (vehicles) of the DPDC. The paper also calculates the national emission factors for electricity generation (kilogram CO 2 per kilo watt hour) in 2012. In addition, the paper shows a perspective mitigation of CO 2 emissions of DPDC from 2015 using the alternative fossil fuels and the carbon neutral model.

The electric power installed in Cameroon for the production of electricity is 1593 MW and 18 percent of this power is occupied by thermal power plants.

Note that Cameroon has a fleet of electricity generation plants (thermal power) with a value of 285 MW which operates using fossil liquid fuels.

This paper estimates CO 2 emissions in DPDC, comprising national emission factors for fossil liquid fuels consumption.


The increase of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions is an important and most concerned issue. Human activities are currently based on high consumption of fuels, and are actually the major cause of GHG emissions, which can undoubtedly be related with climatic changes [1] . There are six greenhouse gasses (GHGs) with their respective radiative forcing and global warming potential (GWP) [2] . However, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions are the most important of the GHGs that are increasing in atmospheric concentration because of human activities [3] .

Human activities are currently based on high consumption of fuels, and are actually the major cause of GHG emissions, which can undoubtedly be related with climatic changes.

There are six greenhouse gasses (GHGs) with their respective radiative forcing and global warming potential (GWP).

However, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions are the most important of the GHGs that are increasing in atmospheric concentration because of human activities.


Of course one can now ask, whether the Standard Model including the Higgs is valid and perturbative up to arbitrarily high energies. The measured Higgs mass of 125 GeV already points to the possibility that the Higgs potential becomes meta-stable at a scale of about 10 10 GeV, unless new stabilising effects appear [2] . However, this scale is unobtainable in particle collider experiments.

The measured Higgs mass of 125 GeV already points to the possibility that the Higgs potential becomes meta-stable at a scale of about 10 10 GeV, unless new stabilising effects appear.


A large portion of microelectronic and optoelectronic components are made of polymeric materials including die attach materials, molding compound, underfill materials, etc. Polymeric materials are susceptible to moisture absorption which may yield significant amount of volume expansion. For multi-material systems as in electronic packages, such deformations can cause hygroscopic swelling and stresses. During the solder reflow process, moisture turns into highpressure vapor that can result in cracking coined as "popcorn cracking" [1] . Hence, it is essential to analyze the effect of moisture to ensure the reliability of the electronic packages.

During the solder reflow process, moisture turns into highpressure vapor that can result in cracking coined as "popcorn cracking".


In this paper, the design of a unified opinion mining and sentiment analysis framework is proposed that facilitates subjectivity/objectivity analysis, feature and opinion extraction, anaphora resolution for feature-opinion binding, polarity determination, review summarization and visualization in an integrated manner. In the first phase of the proposed approach, supervised machine learning technique is applied for subjectivity and objectivity classification of review sentences, as distillation of objective sentences improve mining performance by preventing noisy and irrelevant extraction [2] . Thereafter, natural language processing techniques are applied, covering subjective sentences of customer reviews to mine information components, which can be described as a triplet of the form <f, m, o>, where f represents a product feature, o represents an opinion expressed over f, and m is an optional modifier used to model the degree of expressiveness of opinion o [3, 28] . It has been observed that various opinions are left unnoticed due to lack of co-occurrence of features and opinions at sentence level. This occurs, when the features mentioned in a sentence are referenced in succeeding sentences using anaphoric pronouns. In order to identify the associations of such features with correct opinions, a backtracking-based anaphora resolution approach is presented for correct binding of feature-opinion pairs. Further, wordlevel sentiment classification scheme is exercised with the aid of statistical approach and supervised machine learning technique to determine the polarity values (negative, positive and neutral) of opinionated words [4] . Extracted information components with polarity values are stored in a structured format for review summary generation and visualization. Also, one of the crucial requirements when developing an opinion mining system is the ability to browse through the customer review collection and to visualize various information components present within the collection in a summarized form. A visualization technique is proposed that facilitates both customers and manufacturers in easy navigation through the pile of review documents and mining results using graphical user interfaces.

In the first phase of the proposed approach, supervised machine learning technique is applied for subjectivity and objectivity classification of review sentences, as distillation of objective sentences improve mining performance by preventing noisy and irrelevant extraction.

Thereafter, natural language processing techniques are applied, covering subjective sentences of customer reviews to mine information components, which can be described as a triplet of the form <f, m, o>, where f represents a product feature, o represents an opinion expressed over f, and m is an optional modifier used to model the degree of expressiveness of opinion o.

Further, wordlevel sentiment classification scheme is exercised with the aid of statistical approach and supervised machine learning technique to determine the polarity values (negative, positive and neutral) of opinionated words.


In Monte Carlo simulations of Yang-Mills gauge theories, correlation functions of gluonic operators suffer from a severe signal-to-noise problem [1] . While the signal of a two-point function itself falls off exponentially with the distance between the operators, the variance is largely independent of their separation. Since the error decreases only like 1/ √ N , with N the number of measurements, this makes their measurement in numerical calculations for large separations exceedingly difficult.

In Monte Carlo simulations of Yang-Mills gauge theories, correlation functions of gluonic operators suffer from a severe signal-to-noise problem.


One way to deal with the signal-to-noise problem is to use multi-level algorithms which rely on the locality of the observable and of the action [9, 10] . If it is possible to decompose the observables in contributions from different parts of the lattice, each of them can be updated independently. Depending on the number of sub-lattices and the efficiency of the decomposition, the signal-to-noise problem can be eliminated or at least reduced substantially. Recently, such type of algorithms have also been adapted to the case of quenched lattice QCD to compute fermionic correlators [11] .

One way to deal with the signal-to-noise problem is to use multi-level algorithms which rely on the locality of the observable and of the action.

Recently, such type of algorithms have also been adapted to the case of quenched lattice QCD to compute fermionic correlators.


In our previous work, a wideband erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is demonstrated using a new type of erbium-doped fiber (EDF), which is fabricated in a ternary glass host, zirconiayttria-aluminum (Zr-Y-Al) co-doped silica fiber. With a combination of both Zr and Al, we could achieve a high erbium doping concentration of 2800 ppm in the glass host without any phase separations of rare-earths [5] . It is found that a zirconia co-doped EDFA (Zr-EDFA) can achieve a better flat-gain value and bandwidth, as well as lower noise figure than the conventional Bismuth-based EDFA [6] . In this paper, a new Zr-EDF with a higher erbium concentration is proposed and developed to improve the attainable gain and reduce the noise figure. An efficient Zr-EDFA with an improved gain is demonstrated using a new gain medium, in conjunction with a double-pass configuration.

With a combination of both Zr and Al, we could achieve a high erbium doping concentration of 2800 ppm in the glass host without any phase separations of rare-earths.

It is found that a zirconia co-doped EDFA (Zr-EDFA) can achieve a better flat-gain value and bandwidth, as well as lower noise figure than the conventional Bismuth-based EDFA.


The capacity of fiber optical communication systems has grown enormously during the last few years in response to huge capacity demand for data transmission. With the available wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) components, commercial systems transport more than 100 channels over a single fiber [1] . The systems can be upgraded many times without adding a new fiber, which makes it possible to build inexpensive WDM systems with much greater capacity [2] . Increasing the number of channels in such systems will eventually result in the usage of optical signal de-multiplexing components with a higher optical attenuation. Additionally, when transmitted over long distances, the optical signal is highly attenuated, and therefore, to restore the optical power budget, it is necessary to implement optical signal amplification. For an optical amplifier, preference is given to an erbium-doped fiber amplifier with a high and flat gain, broad bandwidth, and low noise figure [3] , [4] .

With the available wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) components, commercial systems transport more than 100 channels over a single fiber.

The systems can be upgraded many times without adding a new fiber, which makes it possible to build inexpensive WDM systems with much greater capacity.

For an optical amplifier, preference is given to an erbium-doped fiber amplifier with a high and flat gain, broad bandwidth, and low noise figure.


Our results are consistent with prior cross-sectional data highlighting an association between prior sexual abuse and injection drug use among adults (Cheng et al., 2006) . Indeed, adult IDU with a history of childhood sexual abuse frequently report transitioning to injection earlier (including during adolescence) than those without such a history (Holmes, 1997; Ompad et al., 2005) . However, one of the only other prospective studies of youth injection initiation to date did not demonstrate increased risk for injection drug use among survivors of sexual abuse, although this study did not differentiate abuse during childhood from abuse later in life (Roy et al., 2003) .

Our results are consistent with prior cross-sectional data highlighting an association between prior sexual abuse and injection drug use among adults.

Indeed, adult IDU with a history of childhood sexual abuse frequently report transitioning to injection earlier (including during adolescence) than those without such a history.

However, one of the only other prospective studies of youth injection initiation to date did not demonstrate increased risk for injection drug use among survivors of sexual abuse, although this study did not differentiate abuse during childhood from abuse later in life.


More evidence is needed about the types of competing tasks that will reliably define this timesharing factor before it can be considered a serious candidate for a place in the structure of abilities. This does not mean that the tasks themselves have no psychological interest. On the contrary, there is an increasing body of evidence which indicates that the tasks can shed new light on cognitive functioning (Stankov, 1983a) . There is also a growing expectation in some quarters that individual competing tasks are better indicators of success in complex situations than any of the current range of psychometric instruments (Fogarty & Stankov, 1987) .

On the contrary, there is an increasing body of evidence which indicates that the tasks can shed new light on cognitive functioning.

There is also a growing expectation in some quarters that individual competing tasks are better indicators of success in complex situations than any of the current range of psychometric instruments.


Similarly, there is the suggestion that the returns on works of individual artists and schools may owe much to their interrelationships with other artists within their school and indeed other schools via a certain degree of substitutability. For example, for much of the last thirty years Impressionist, Modern and contemporary paintings have dominated international art markets. However, current trends indicate that Old Masters and Modern pictures are now returning to a longer-term equilibrium (Anonymous, 2000) . This highlights additional prospects for price forecasting in these markets. Finally, if art is to be regarded as a valid (albeit imperfect) addition to traditional investments in stocks, bonds and real estate amongst others, there is the added requirement of examining the prospects for diversification in such portfolios (Flores et al., 1998) . It is also desirous to examine the prospects for diversification in portfolios composed primarily of art held by investors, collectors, dealers and museums, amongst others. If low correlations of returns exist between both individual artists and schools of art, diversifying across various categories of art and artists may allow investors to reduce portfolio risk while holding expected return constant.

However, current trends indicate that Old Masters and Modern pictures are now returning to a longer-term equilibrium.

Finally, if art is to be regarded as a valid (albeit imperfect) addition to traditional investments in stocks, bonds and real estate amongst others, there is the added requirement of examining the prospects for diversification in such portfolios.


However, there have been few studies to date in which the response of the blades has been measured directly. Results from sea trials are commercially sensitive and rarely available. The authors described some preliminary tests on 300mm long instrumented blades under current loads previously, in a study to examine the durability of composite tidal turbine blades [20] . In the present study a set of 400mm blades was instrumented with strain gauges in order to measure blade strains directly during flume tank trials. A three-blade turbine was subjected first to current loads at different speeds and then to combined current and wave loads in order to evaluate loading under conditions as realistic as possible at small scale. In this paper, we will first present the materials and methods, before analysing the experimental results obtained on a 1/20 scale model of 1MW 3-blade horizontal axis turbine.

The authors described some preliminary tests on 300mm long instrumented blades under current loads previously, in a study to examine the durability of composite tidal turbine blades.


Suppose the d-dimensional random variable (Y,; j = 1,..., d) has a joint distribution function F. Multivariate extreme value theory is concerned with the nondegenerate limiting distributions of normalised componentwise maxima of observations from F (Resnick, 1987) . Statistical methods for estimating the joint tail of F, which are our focus here, exploit these asymptotic results and involve estimating the joint tail from an independent and identically distributed sample of vector observations. The limiting results have two separate aspects, marginal structure and dependence structure, and hence so do the statistical models. These aspects can be described separately.

Suppose the d-dimensional random variable (Y,; j = 1,..., d) has a joint distribution function F. Multivariate extreme value theory is concerned with the nondegenerate limiting distributions of normalised componentwise maxima of observations from F.


Human beings are eminently emotional, as their social interaction is based on the ability to communicate their emotions and to perceive the emotional states of others. Consequently, emotions must be taken into account when implementing information systems in order to enable a more social and humanistic computing for our knowledge society. A new paradigm called affective computing works on the detection and response to user's emotions [1] . There is a great variety of theoretical models of emotions which can frame the design of affective applications, and there are different technologies that can be used for their implementation. In addition, although there are many common properties, emotions are not universal.

A new paradigm called affective computing works on the detection and response to user's emotions.


At linear order it is possible to obtain an exact integral expression for the growth of the total perturbation, eq. (29) . This solution relies on the fact that for a quintessence with vanishing speed of sound comoving regions behave as independent FRW universes. This integral expression allowed us to derive simple fitting functions for both the growth function and the growth rate of the total fluctuations.

At linear order it is possible to obtain an exact integral expression for the growth of the total perturbation, eq..