Different species from the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium are the most commonly used for the production of pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and enzymes [1] . In most cases, these fungal saprophytes are associated with degradation of plant polysaccharides, such as celluloses, hemicelluloses, pectins, starches and other low molecular weight carbohydrates. These enzymes are necessary to convert the natural carbon sources (mainly natural polymers) into small molecules and enable the cell to assimilate it. High cellulose conversion requires high enzyme concentrations and recycling of enzymes is difficult due to adsorption of enzymes to residual lignocelluloses [2] . The hydrolysis of plant polymers decreases rapidly with time and leads to decreased yield and long process times [3] . The surface area of cellulose is an important substrate characteristic for the determination of initial rate of hydrolysis [4] .

Different species from the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium are the most commonly used for the production of pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and enzymes.

High cellulose conversion requires high enzyme concentrations and recycling of enzymes is difficult due to adsorption of enzymes to residual lignocelluloses.

The hydrolysis of plant polymers decreases rapidly with time and leads to decreased yield and long process times.

The surface area of cellulose is an important substrate characteristic for the determination of initial rate of hydrolysis.


Nitrogen recovery in pastures varies from 50 to 65 % of the total N applied through N fertilizer (Schepers & Mosier, 1991) . The N dynamics at a site under grazing, with N application (urine) between 200 and 250 kg ha -1 year -1 showed that one third of total applied N was retained by organic matter (25 %) and by the plant root system (2-5 %). Of the remaining N, a part is lost by ammonia volatilization after application (20 %), ammonia volatilization from the spots of excreta deposition (20-30 %), denitrification (6-12 %) and by leaching or other types of losses, such as excretion outside the pasture (20-50 %). Another fraction goes into animal production, be it meat (7-9 %) or milk (14-18 %) (Kimura & Kurashima, 1991; Whitehead, 2000) .

Nitrogen recovery in pastures varies from 50 to 65 % of the total N applied through N fertilizer.

Another fraction goes into animal production, be it meat (7-9 %) or milk (14-18 %).


Generally, the remaining useful life (RUL) is defined as the number of remaining charge-discharge cycles before the performance degenerates to the setting failure threshold for the first time [5] . Different methods for predicting RUL of lithium-ion batteries have been proposed. The existing methods are mainly divided into three categories: Model-based methods, data-driven methods, and hybrid methods [6, 7] . Model-based methods are further divided into physical failure models and empirical models. Physical failure models need to rely on the analysis of the degradation process and failure mechanism of lithium-ion batteries. Then the relationship between the factors related to battery life and observations is established to simulate the trends in battery capacity degradation [8, 9] .

Generally, the remaining useful life (RUL) is defined as the number of remaining charge-discharge cycles before the performance degenerates to the setting failure threshold for the first time.

The existing methods are mainly divided into three categories: Model-based methods, data-driven methods, and hybrid methods.

Then the relationship between the factors related to battery life and observations is established to simulate the trends in battery capacity degradation.


Precompact groups are Roelcke-precompact, but not vice versa [38] . For example, the unitary group of a Hilbert space or the group Sym(E) of all permutations of a discrete set E, both considered with the pointwise convergence topology, are Roelckeprecompact but not precompact. While the left, right and upper uniformities of a subgroup of a topological group are induced by the corresponding uniformities of the group, this is not so for the Roelcke uniformity, and a subgroup of a Roelckeprecompact group need not be Roelcke-precompact. This justifies Question 1.2.

Precompact groups are Roelcke-precompact, but not vice versa.

This justifies Question 1.2.


Most of the methods currently used to remediate contaminated soils in emerging countries are mere adaptations of technologies originally developed in industrialized regions. However, the imported methods were designed for areas with different kinds of economies, cultural expectations and frequently, different physical and biological environments. The misuse of the imported technologies is often inadequate to the local needs when employed in developing regions. Furthermore, their implementation frequently requires the importation of materials, machinery and know-how. This creates dependence on foreign technology and increases the cost of remediation. Unfortunately, the imported technologies are usually poorly suited to the new socio-economic and physico-biological environments, and fail to succeed (McMillen et al., 2002) . Besides, in many developing regions, especially in humid tropical and subtropical environments, physical, chemical or biological processes occur which can be applied to the remediation of contaminated soils (Adams and Castillo, 2000) .

Unfortunately, the imported technologies are usually poorly suited to the new socio-economic and physico-biological environments, and fail to succeed.

Besides, in many developing regions, especially in humid tropical and subtropical environments, physical, chemical or biological processes occur which can be applied to the remediation of contaminated soils.


A stagnation of the current density capability has been theoretically predicted in forthcoming generations of SuperJunction MOSFETs (SJ-FETs) [1] . In its turn, a limit on lowering SJ-FET parasitic capacitances will be encountered by restrictions in downsizing active area. As a result, a research for alternative silicon solutions, different to shrinking the device cell-pitch, is mandatory in future competition with WideBandgap (WBG) materials.

A stagnation of the current density capability has been theoretically predicted in forthcoming generations of SuperJunction MOSFETs (SJ-FETs).


We have described non-standard finite difference methods for solving self-adjoint singular perturbation problems. The main feature of the methods is that the denominator of the discrete derivative is obtained by taking into account Mickens' second rule [11] . This non-standard denominator is intrinsically related to the qualitative parameters of the governing differential equation. As a result, we have obtained schemes, which are more reliable than the standard ones.

The main feature of the methods is that the denominator of the discrete derivative is obtained by taking into account Mickens' second rule.


Prandtl number compared with air, obtaining solutions for the governing equations gets more complicated since the thermal boundary layer becomes thinner for the same Rayleigh number [9] . Therefore, finer grids are required to capture the smallest scales of the flow. This may be one of the reasons explaining that numerical studies of water-filled DHC are quite scarce when compared with air-filled ones and are generally limited to a two-dimensional domain [10] [11] [12] . Alternatively, large eddy simulations (LES) are an encouraging alternative for the resolution of turbulent natural convection in these cavities as they model the smallest scales of flow while the large scales are solved. The selection of an appropriate subgrid-scale (SGS) stresses model for describing the complex flow behavior is crucial in this cavity flow, where the overall performance of the model is dependent on the accurate prediction of the transition to turbulence phenomenon.

Prandtl number compared with air, obtaining solutions for the governing equations gets more complicated since the thermal boundary layer becomes thinner for the same Rayleigh number.

This may be one of the reasons explaining that numerical studies of water-filled DHC are quite scarce when compared with air-filled ones and are generally limited to a two-dimensional domain.


Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been reported to be found in skin wounds and infected leg ulcers. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus have been associated with biofilm formation on medical devices [17] . There are no methods available for rapid detection of biofilm formation in a clinical setting [17] .

Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus have been associated with biofilm formation on medical devices.

There are no methods available for rapid detection of biofilm formation in a clinical setting.


A biofilm is the accumulation of microorganisms and their extracellular products to form a highly structured bacterial community on a surface of tissue or an implant. Biofilms are present on epithelium and mucous membranes of human tissues, at insertion sites for medical devices, and form from airborne contamination [16] . Their presence leads to medical conditions such as prosthetic value endocarditis, keratitis due to contact lens contamination, bacteremia in urinary catheters, intravascular catheter infections, septic loosening of joint prostheses, prolonged skin wound healing, periodontal disease and caries, ventilator associated pneumonia, lower respiratory infections, and surgical site infections [17] .

Biofilms are present on epithelium and mucous membranes of human tissues, at insertion sites for medical devices, and form from airborne contamination.

Their presence leads to medical conditions such as prosthetic value endocarditis, keratitis due to contact lens contamination, bacteremia in urinary catheters, intravascular catheter infections, septic loosening of joint prostheses, prolonged skin wound healing, periodontal disease and caries, ventilator associated pneumonia, lower respiratory infections, and surgical site infections.


We also detected three patterns regarding the effects of density in micro-environments on crime rates: (1) strong curvilinear effects for the three types of property crime; (2) diminishing positive effects for robbery and homicide; and (3) a strikingly different pattern for aggravated assault. First, the three types of property crime showed a sharp curvilinear pattern, peaking at a much lower level for burglaries and larcenies than for motor vehicle thefts. The burglary and larceny findings raise the question: What about average density levels is criminogenic for these property crimes? One explanation is that potential guardians increase with density more than the other routine activity factors and that at these fairly low densities a lack of guardians (e.g., neighbors) may enhance property crimes. A similar dynamic has been found for methamphetamine in more isolated areas (Roussell, Holmes, and Anderson-Sprecher 2009) . Fear of crime may also be lower in these places due to a misplaced perception that danger is limited to highly urban areas, which may diminish the use of preventative measures such as door locking and alarm systems. These are important directions for future research. Motor vehicle theft rates showed a stronger positive relationship with micro-environment population, exhibiting a curvilinear effect that levels off at higher density levels, suggesting a very different social process. The fact that vehicle thefts begin decreasing at very high levels of density may not be that surprising: New York, for example, as a quintessentially "dense place," maintains one of the world's most effective public transport systems, largely obviating the need for personal vehicles. We controlled for the total number of vehicles, and yet this effect was still observed.

A similar dynamic has been found for methamphetamine in more isolated areas.


In order to utilize a licensed spectrum in an opportunistic way, first spectrum sensing is applied to detect the potential unused spectrum. Spectrum sensing improves the spectrum efficiency and reduces the interference [13, 14] . Welch's periodogram is a widely used energy based detection technique. Welch's Periodogram improved the Bartlett method and it reduces the noise in the estimated power spectra with the help of FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) [26] . Using this technique, spectrum estimation performance is improved by applying the arbitrary window on the data segments. It can be used as an easy and simple solution for detection of the spectrum holes and mitigation of noise in cognitive radio systems, and it requires less prior information of the source signal and channel. This technique can detect successfully the narrow-band signals up to −25 dB. However, it will be more interesting to evaluate its performance at very low Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) values.

Spectrum sensing improves the spectrum efficiency and reduces the interference.

Welch's Periodogram improved the Bartlett method and it reduces the noise in the estimated power spectra with the help of FFT (Fast Fourier Transform).


In this paper, the system design approach to meet the challenges of detecting very weak signals with the help of machine learning technique, is presented. Our goal is to present a practical system design for spectrum sensing functionality to improve the spectrum sensing performance [9] . Support Vector Machine (SVM) based classifier is used for detection of very weak signals. According to statistical ma-chine learning theory, SVM works based on the structural risk minimization principle [10] . SVM has an advantage that can provide better generalization and improve performance for a small number of training samples. Recently spectral correlation analysis and feature detection have been used for the communication parameter detection using SVM [11, 12] . A mapping function known as a kernel is used by SVM to map the input space to high-dimensional feature space [15, 16] . SVM performance mainly depends on the chosen kernel function that makes the kernel a key part of SVM.

Our goal is to present a practical system design for spectrum sensing functionality to improve the spectrum sensing performance.

According to statistical ma-chine learning theory, SVM works based on the structural risk minimization principle.

Recently spectral correlation analysis and feature detection have been used for the communication parameter detection using SVM.

A mapping function known as a kernel is used by SVM to map the input space to high-dimensional feature space.


The study was structured in two main phases: the first one was dedicated to the design and implementation of the interface, and extended for a period of three years, involving six pre-school classes (ages five) and six preschool teachers [3] . Following the implementation, the researchers carried out three interventions at preschool for a period of around one year. The first one, (which we report here) was performed with 24 pairs of children from two preschool classes, who interacted with the interface during freeplay time for a period of four months, and aimed at investigating how children used the system and the kind of activities in which they involved during free-play time. The second intervention was carried out in collaboration with a preschool teacher with a group of 20 children during three months, and investigated to which extent the use of the digital manipulative system promoted the development of language abilities that are relevant for formal literacy learning. Finally, the last intervention studied the narratives created by 27 pairs of pre-schoolers, while using the interface for a period of six months [4] .

The study was structured in two main phases: the first one was dedicated to the design and implementation of the interface, and extended for a period of three years, involving six pre-school classes (ages five) and six preschool teachers.

Finally, the last intervention studied the narratives created by 27 pairs of pre-schoolers, while using the interface for a period of six months.


In relation to agitation conditions, fermentation of bacterial cellulose production can be conducted in either static or stirred conditions. Different forms of cellulose are produced under these conditions. Three-dimensional interconnected reticular pellicle was reported under static condition while stirred condition produced irregular shape sphere-like cellulose particle [67] . The sphere-like cellulose particle has lower crystallinity, mechanical strength and degree of polymerization compared to pellicle from static culture [68] .

Three-dimensional interconnected reticular pellicle was reported under static condition while stirred condition produced irregular shape sphere-like cellulose particle.

The sphere-like cellulose particle has lower crystallinity, mechanical strength and degree of polymerization compared to pellicle from static culture.


Carbon source can affect the bacterial cellulose production. In general, glucose has been used as a carbon source for cellulose production by Acetobacter xylinum. It has been reported, however, that cellulose was also synthesized from other carbon sources, such monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, starch, alcohol and organic acids [69] - [73] . Fructose and glycerol gave almost the same cellulose yield as glucose [74] . However, galactose and xylose generated smaller yields, mostly because of slower growth rates [75] . The microfibrils obtained from xylose are also less regular than those obtained from glucose.

It has been reported, however, that cellulose was also synthesized from other carbon sources, such monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, starch, alcohol and organic acids.

Fructose and glycerol gave almost the same cellulose yield as glucose.

However, galactose and xylose generated smaller yields, mostly because of slower growth rates.


The usage of glucose as carbon source is associated with the formation of gluconic acid as by-product, which decreases the pH of the culture and negatively affects the quantity of bacterial cellulose production [58] . The amount of cellulose from D-arabitol by Gluconacetobacter was more than 6 times as much as that from D-glucose in the work of Oikawa, Morino and Ameyama [59] . In D-arabitol medium, the final pH did not decrease and D-gluconic acid was not detected, this seems to be one of the reasons for high productivity of cellulose from D-arabitol. On the other hand, the presence of antioxidant and polyphenolic compounds manages to inhibit the gluconic acid formation [76] .

The usage of glucose as carbon source is associated with the formation of gluconic acid as by-product, which decreases the pH of the culture and negatively affects the quantity of bacterial cellulose production.

The amount of cellulose from D-arabitol by Gluconacetobacter was more than 6 times as much as that from D-glucose in the work of Oikawa, Morino and Ameyama.

On the other hand, the presence of antioxidant and polyphenolic compounds manages to inhibit the gluconic acid formation.


Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and methods have attracted considerable attention in the information industry and in society as a whole, due to the large amount of data and the imminent need to transform this data into useful knowledge and practical solutions [1] [2] [3] . However, the effective use of data in some areas is still under development, as is the case in sports. As in most other areas of society, increasing volume of data has been gathered in all kinds of sports, and automated data analysis became an important and fast developing field. Careful analyses of these large data sets can enhance our knowledge in sport sciences while at the same time assist in the decision-making of the practitioners who work on the optimization of training and competition strategies [4, 5] .

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and methods have attracted considerable attention in the information industry and in society as a whole, due to the large amount of data and the imminent need to transform this data into useful knowledge and practical solutions.

Careful analyses of these large data sets can enhance our knowledge in sport sciences while at the same time assist in the decision-making of the practitioners who work on the optimization of training and competition strategies.


As these sulfide compounds have been directly related to diverse biological effects of roots and stem extracts of P. alliaceae, we then analyzed the leaf extracts by GC-MS and compared these with the standard sulfide compounds (Sigma Aldrich). Standard compounds dibenzyldisulfide (t R = 11.22 min) and dibenzyltrisulfide (t R = 13.66 min) were not detected in three different extracts (ethanolic, ethyl acetate and hexanic) of P. alliaceae leaves. Instead, we observed phytol (t R = 12.09 min) as the major component. This metabolite has been reported as an important component of the essential oil of Salvia splendens, such essential oil has also shown larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus larvae with a LC 50 value of 59.2 ppm (Mathew and Thoppil, 2011) . Therefore, our findings suggest that phytol might be one of the responsible metabolites for the insecticidal activity of P. alliaceae extracts.

This metabolite has been reported as an important component of the essential oil of Salvia splendens, such essential oil has also shown larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus larvae with a LC 50 value of 59.2 ppm.


In this paper we have explored a simple quarter-car model with a suspension modelled with a nonlinear restoring force and a polynomial damping term. We have investigated the resonance curves by means of analytical methods (retaining the lowest order in the harmonic balance method) and direct numerical simulations for various signs of the cubic nonlinearity in the vehicle spring, k 2 . Figure 3 showed that the case of a softening spring characteristic (k 2 < 0) not only has a sightly larger maximum amplitude in the resonance region, but also has an amplitude jump phenomenon. This effect should be investigated further in the context of vehicle optimization [9, 10] . The coexistence of two stable solutions and a saddle point leads to the appearance of chaotic vibrations via a homoclinic bifurcation [4] . Here, in contrast to other models, the stochastic like harmful vibrations of the vehicle originate from the nonlinear dynamics rather than random excitations of the road profile [8] .

This effect should be investigated further in the context of vehicle optimization.

The coexistence of two stable solutions and a saddle point leads to the appearance of chaotic vibrations via a homoclinic bifurcation.

Here, in contrast to other models, the stochastic like harmful vibrations of the vehicle originate from the nonlinear dynamics rather than random excitations of the road profile.


Although proteolytic enzyme treatment in the presence of sodium sulphite causes significant damage to wool, it makes the fabric light with a soft handle as well as improving its shrink resistance. It was considered whether enzyme pretreated knitted wool could be treated with a subsequent solgel coating potentially holding damaged wool fibres together and preventing further weight loss during washes. Knitted wool fabric which had been pre-treated with Esperase in the presence of sodium sulphite was subsequently treated with sol-gels containing either GPTMS or MPTMS. The subsequent sol-gel finishing showed excellent shrink resistance, with shrinkage levels of less than 1 % achieved after 3x 5A washes (see Table 2 ). The significant loss in weight during washing was reduced significantly suggesting less damage to the fabric. The SEM shown in Figure 3 confirms that severe damage to wool fibre treated with Esperase in the presence of sulphite occurs after repeat washing but that solgel coating can hold together the fibres damaged by the enzyme pre-treatment preventing further damage from occurring during repeat washing. The burst strength, although improved after subsequent sol-gel treatment, was still poor and would not have met commercial machine wash care standards [25] . This would suggest that too much damage was done to the wool fibre during the enzyme pre-treatment stage. Therefore, the concentration of reducing agent and enzyme in the pre-treatment liquor was lowered to 0.02 M and 50 μl/l respectively, giving a weight loss of 4.96 % (see Table 3 ). Less damage to the fibre was observed and only a further 2.17 % weight loss was incurred during washing, giving a burst strength 275 kPa and the shrink resistance was 8.7 %. Subsequent treatment with sol improved the shrink resistance with the 1:1 dilution achieving less than 2 % and the 2:1 dilution achieving less than 1 %, both with an improvement in strength achieved. The SEM images in Figures 4 and 5 confirm less damage to the wool fibre when the concentrations of enzyme and reducing agent in the pretreatment liquor were lowered. These results again show that durability on wool of sol-gel containing MPTMS was better than sol-gel containing GPTMS, with a greater quantity of the MPTMS based sol-gel remaining on the wool fibre surface after washing in comparison to the quantity of GPTMS based sol-gel remaining on the wool fibre surface after washing. The SEM images coupled with EDX elemental analysis for silicon, illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 showed uniformity of elemental silicon on the wool fibre surface suggesting a uniform sol-gel finish. After washing, the SEM-EDX image in Figure 6 (b) for wool treated with a GPTMS based sol-gel showed a reduction in elemental silicon content, while washing did not appear to effect the elemental silicon content on the wool treated with a MPTMS based sol-gel as illustrated in the SEM-EDX image in Figure  7 (b). The individual coating particles from sol-gel finishing deposited on the treated wool fibre can be observed in the SEM images illustrated in Figure 5 , especially after treatment with a 2:1 dilution of sol. The particles are of different size due to aggregation and further work is required in developing a deposition of uniformly sized particles.

The burst strength, although improved after subsequent sol-gel treatment, was still poor and would not have met commercial machine wash care standards.


Unbaked earth bricks exist in all the continents for centuries [1] . But, the availability of starting material, the low energy consumption and the simplicity of production process justified their great usage as primary housing material in developing countries. Such constructions have good thermal comfort and sound insulation properties, but low durability [2, 3] . Thus, during the last three decades, in central Africa for instance, the cement-based housing was preferred. The cement housing was more durable and appeared as a sign of modernity and prosperity [4] .

Unbaked earth bricks exist in all the continents for centuries.

Such constructions have good thermal comfort and sound insulation properties, but low durability.

The cement housing was more durable and appeared as a sign of modernity and prosperity.


The growing pressure from both housing shortage and the environment concern have triggered a renew interest for earth brick, chiefly because of their low environment impact [5, 6] . In comparison with fired brick or concrete, the compressed earth blocks (CEBs) have a lower compressive strength and are less resistant to water. This high sensibility to water is a major drawback in the equatorial area.

The growing pressure from both housing shortage and the environment concern have triggered a renew interest for earth brick, chiefly because of their low environment impact.


In this paper, we have used oxidation technique for the modification of SWCNT surface and studied the effect of the chemical treatment on CNT structure using Raman, FTIR and UV-Vis-NIR Spectroscopy. In our studies we have observed that acid treatment duration of only about 6 -8 hours is sufficient to functionalize the CNTs by introducing COOH group at the CNT surface. But to the best of our knowledge most literature cites a reaction duration ranging from 12 -24 hours. The Raman spectroscopy is a perfect tool for the characterization of carbon nanotube to get important information about their properties without damaging the CNT surfaces [13] .

The Raman spectroscopy is a perfect tool for the characterization of carbon nanotube to get important information about their properties without damaging the CNT surfaces.


When applying the current study's results to the elecromyographical investigations in the literature, EMG peaks relative to FS of 6.8 ± 2.8 ms for the rectus femoris, and 9.5 ± 4.7 ms for the tibialis anterior muscles were found [4] . Based on the current study's results, it can be stated that M3 is the only method which can be used to define these EMG peaks accurately relative to FS. When using the other methods (M1, M2, or M4) to detect FS, the relative moment of EMG peaks will not be detected accurately, which can result in errors when comparing different conditions (e.g., footwear conditions). Furthermore, considering muscle activity within a defined time range relative to FS, incorrect FS detection can result in misinterpreted muscle activity relative to the gait cycle: too early-no activity during swing phase; or too late-muscle activity during mid-stance.

When applying the current study's results to the elecromyographical investigations in the literature, EMG peaks relative to FS of 6.8 ± 2.8 ms for the rectus femoris, and 9.5 ± 4.7 ms for the tibialis anterior muscles were found.


Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTs) are one of the important devices in electrical power systems. Its main function is to optimize power flow along the transmission lines and to improve the damping power oscillations [1] . TCSC is an important FACTs device that is increasingly applied to the modern power systems with long transmission lines. It is used to change the effective reactance of the transmission line, thereby controlling the real power flow in the transmission lines [2] . The existing research has shown that, the effectiveness of TCSC controller depends on its location and input signal.

Its main function is to optimize power flow along the transmission lines and to improve the damping power oscillations.

It is used to change the effective reactance of the transmission line, thereby controlling the real power flow in the transmission lines.


Model for computational analysis of heat absorbed by hydrogen peroxide solution (relative to the weight of iron oxide ore added) has been derived [20] . The values of the heat absorbed Q as predicted by the model were found to agree with those obtained from the experiment that the leaching process is endothermic in nature hence the positive values of Q and the absorbed heat. The deviations of the predicted Q values from the experimental values were found to be within the acceptable range. The model was found to be dependent on the weight of iron oxide ore added to solution in the course of leaching.

Model for computational analysis of heat absorbed by hydrogen peroxide solution (relative to the weight of iron oxide ore added) has been derived.


The model is dependent on the value of the final pH of the leaching solution which was found to also depend on the concentration of iron dissolved in the acid. The prevailed process conditions on which the validity of the model depended on include: initial pH 2.5, leaching time; 30 minutes, leaching temperature; 25 o C, average ore grain size; 150µm and hydrochloric acid concentration at 0.1mol/litre. The mixed potential model of leaching assumes that the charge transfer processes occurring at the mineral surface are those that control the rate of dissolution [14] .

The mixed potential model of leaching assumes that the charge transfer processes occurring at the mineral surface are those that control the rate of dissolution.


Brands and distribution are very important in the purchase and consumption of tangible products because in most cases consumers cannot have an acquaintance with manufacturers and can only infer from brands and distribution for what manufacturers are like, whereas corporate images (rather than tangible products or brands) are very important to service enterprises in service industry where consumers can see service enterprises themselves as well as the sources of service businesses and the way of operation without the shelter of brands and distribution. Berry found that the corporate image was the driving factor of the successful service enterprises through researching 14 high-performance service businesses (including banks); he also suggested that positive images should be shaped by means of increasing customers' experiences of service and put forward the ways of constructing corporate images by boosting the reputation enterprises, establishing emotion relationship with customers, internalizing brands (which is to deepen the idea of brands in the staff) and so on (Berry, L. L., 2000) . Mr. Liu Jun found that the images and service quality of Chinese-funded banks and foreign-invested banks equally affected the cognition of service value. Corporate images, which affect Technical Quality and Process Quality, are accumulated consequences after customers' long-term service experiences (Jun, L., 2004) . For this reason, corporate images and quality cognition affect each other.

Berry found that the corporate image was the driving factor of the successful service enterprises through researching 14 high-performance service businesses (including banks); he also suggested that positive images should be shaped by means of increasing customers' experiences of service and put forward the ways of constructing corporate images by boosting the reputation enterprises, establishing emotion relationship with customers, internalizing brands (which is to deepen the idea of brands in the staff) and so on.

Corporate images, which affect Technical Quality and Process Quality, are accumulated consequences after customers' long-term service experiences.


Neuroplasticity can be defined as the natural tendency of the brain architecture to shift in negative or positive directions in response to intrinsic and extrinsic influences. Positive psychology strives to achieve "a scientific understanding and effective interventions to build thriving individuals, families, and communities" (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000) . Indeed, positive psychology "may covertly be a central component of good psychotherapy as it is done now" (Duckworth, Steen, & Seligman, 2005) . The purpose of the paper is to review recent research on neuroplasticity with consideration for the several ways that positive psychologists can facilitate driving brain plasticity in a positive direction at any age.

Positive psychology strives to achieve "a scientific understanding and effective interventions to build thriving individuals, families, and communities".

Indeed, positive psychology "may covertly be a central component of good psychotherapy as it is done now".


In keeping with the recommendations of Thomas Insel, these and other studies can be used in clinical practice to educate, motivate and reinforce consumers in efforts to "build thriving individuals, families and communities" as is the goal of positive psychology (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000) . Adding new brain cells by virtue of one's own lifestyle choices could be a more powerful incentive than we often have to offer. That's especially true when these findings have been associated with improved cognition in animals and in humans; with continued neuroplastic as well as cognitive gains across the lifeline of rats that lived fifty percent longer in enrichment; and with fivefold increase in neurogenesis associated with significant cognitive gains in rats afforded enriched environments.

In keeping with the recommendations of Thomas Insel, these and other studies can be used in clinical practice to educate, motivate and reinforce consumers in efforts to "build thriving individuals, families and communities" as is the goal of positive psychology.


When they learn that lifestyle choices can enhance their brain function as well as prolong their life, many people are more inclined to do at least some of those things that can make the combined purchase. Thus, this education coupled with strategic positive psychological practices including reinforcement, celebration and increasing happiness could address the essential goal of changing the field of mental health in ways that can reduce the related healthcare burden (Lojovich, 2010) . It is significant that exercise and some forms of cognitive training target the brain sites considered most vulnerable to the so-called "normal decline of aging". Since these types of intervention have shown gains in the chemistry, architecture and performance of human and other animal brains, the call of Thomas Insel to facilitate the profound shift in how we promote enhancing mental health is timely, perhaps even urgent with the global trend of humans living longer.

Thus, this education coupled with strategic positive psychological practices including reinforcement, celebration and increasing happiness could address the essential goal of changing the field of mental health in ways that can reduce the related healthcare burden.


Two types of data were derived from the raw attractiveness ratings: (1) the importance of individual features and their interactions in each sub-block, as quantified by the overall F scores associated with each type of effect; and (2) the relative importance of idiosyncratically more and less influential features and their interactions, as determined by F scores reordered in terms of magnitude (Levine et al., 1996) . These data were analyzed in mixed model analyses of variance (ANOVAs), using a critical p value of .01 (unless otherwise noted) because of the large number of tests involved. Incomplete data from eight participants in each experiment were not included in the analyses.

Two types of data were derived from the raw attractiveness ratings: (1) the importance of individual features and their interactions in each sub-block, as quantified by the overall F scores associated with each type of effect; and (2) the relative importance of idiosyncratically more and less influential features and their interactions, as determined by F scores reordered in terms of magnitude.


Information and communication technology (ICT) permeates human actions, observing effects of this presence in various social segments. The fast ICT development, especially the Internet and its appropriation by the people have caused substantial changes in organizations and work, changing and transforming the socioeconomic order (education, industry, trade, tourism, telecommunications etc). Currently, companies invest about 7.6% of their revenue in information technology (IT), a value which has tripled in the last 18 years (Meirelles, 2016) . This intensive IT use in all sectors has also spread in the Public Administration, becoming indispensable in this area. The use of IT combined with the internet as a public management tool is called e-government/e-Gov and aims to better qualify the provision of services (e-Service) and maximize the Public Administration efficiency (e-Administration), enabling citizens to a so desired more effective participation (e-Democracy) in the political process.

Currently, companies invest about 7.6% of their revenue in information technology (IT), a value which has tripled in the last 18 years.


Understanding a sentence requires more than just decoding its syntactic and semantic structure. Even when supplied with proper syntactic and semantic interpretations of a sentence, current natural language processing systems still lack the common sense inference capabilities required to interpret it in the way humans do. Given a sentence like "John missed that Mary had left", we are inclined to infer that Mary had indeed left. In contrast, given "John pretended that Mary had left", we are inclined to presuppose the opposite. Although both sentences share a common structure, involving verbs with sentential complements, there are clear differences in the types of implicative commitments the author is making. Such differences have been studied in detail by recent studies that have attempted to develop a classification of verbs (and verb-noun collections) that take sentential complements [1] . Similar analyses can be made with respect to other constructions, e.g. to study adjective constructions like "It is confusing that Mary has left" vs. "It is improbable that Mary has left" [2] . Likewise, one can also study implicative commitments regarding the existence of entities. For instance, "She cancelled the meeting" generally leads us to believe that there was no meeting, while "They caused a strike" means that a strike did occur [3] .

Such differences have been studied in detail by recent studies that have attempted to develop a classification of verbs (and verb-noun collections) that take sentential complements.

Similar analyses can be made with respect to other constructions, e.g. to study adjective constructions like "It is confusing that Mary has left" vs. "It is improbable that Mary has left".

For instance, "She cancelled the meeting" generally leads us to believe that there was no meeting, while "They caused a strike" means that a strike did occur.


For sufficiently high temperatures, the gravity dual of this system is a two-sided black hole [18] . This is a wormhole geometry with two asymptotic AdS regions. The L and R theories are completely decoupled and live, respectively, on the left and right asymptotic boundaries of the geometry. The wormhole connecting the two sides of the geometry is not traversable. This is consistent with the fact that the two boundary theories are decoupled. The total amount of entropy between the two sides of the geometry is given by the BekensteinHawking entropy of the black hole, which is equal to the cross sectional area of the wormhole. At t = 0, the thermofield double state (1.3) displays local correlations between subsystems of L and R, which signalize a highly atypical left-right entanglement pattern [14, 15, 19] . The butterfly effect can be characterized by the disruption of this local pattern of entanglement when a small perturbation is added to the system in the asymptotic past [14] . From the point of view of the boundary theory, this perturbation scrambles the left side Hilbert space, whereas, from the point of view of the bulk theory, a small perturbation applied early enough gets blue-shifted as it falls into the black-hole, generating a shock wave geometry. In both perspectives, the perturbed system no longer has two-sided local correlations at t = 0 1 .

For sufficiently high temperatures, the gravity dual of this system is a two-sided black hole.

At t = 0, the thermofield double state (1.3) displays local correlations between subsystems of L and R, which signalize a highly atypical left-right entanglement pattern.

The butterfly effect can be characterized by the disruption of this local pattern of entanglement when a small perturbation is added to the system in the asymptotic past.


Livestock is an integral component of the complex farming system and socioeconomic life of the rural population in India, Nepal and Bangladesh [13] [14] [15] . The livestock sector contributes significantly towards employment in Bangladesh, providing full time employment for 20% of the total population and part-time employment for another 50% of the total population [16] . Its contribution to national income, however, is modest and is in the region of 2.6% per annum during the 1990s [17] . However, the growth rate of this sector is much higher, estimated at 5.0% per annum during the period 1991-2006 as compared to the agricultural growth rate of only 2.6% per annum for the same period [15] . The sector is also an important source of meat protein. Poultry meat alone contributes a substantial 37% of total meat production in Bangladesh [16] .

Livestock is an integral component of the complex farming system and socioeconomic life of the rural population in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The livestock sector contributes significantly towards employment in Bangladesh, providing full time employment for 20% of the total population and part-time employment for another 50% of the total population.

Its contribution to national income, however, is modest and is in the region of 2.6% per annum during the 1990s.

However, the growth rate of this sector is much higher, estimated at 5.0% per annum during the period 1991-2006 as compared to the agricultural growth rate of only 2.6% per annum for the same period.

Poultry meat alone contributes a substantial 37% of total meat production in Bangladesh.


Different types of G×E interactions, combining small or large genotype and environmental sources of variation, have been described in farm animals (Montaldo, 2001) . In absence of great environmental changes we expected a weak or moderate interaction in our study. The presence of G×E interaction has been mainly indicated by two complementary results. Different heritability values for premium cuts percentages and IMF content were obtained for each system. Moreover, the estimated genetic correlations between records of the same trait from each system were clearly lower than one, except for the percentage of loins. The range of these values evidences weak or moderate interactions for IMF or hams and shoulders percentages (Table 5) , as it was expected because of the possible source is only the distribution of sire families in two open-air environments. Hence, the analysis with models fitting the feeding system as a f ixed effect (PROC 2) must be rejected because it assumes an identical expression of the traits in both systems and prevents to evaluate the G×E interaction.

Different types of G×E interactions, combining small or large genotype and environmental sources of variation, have been described in farm animals.


Two datasets from the AECERIBER breeding scheme were used in this study. The first one contained data recorded from 4,348 pigs born in 32 herds and fattened in the M free-range system, and the second one with records of 1,818 pigs tested on the C system and born in 22 herds. Most of animals were assigned to the different Iberian pig varieties (named Retinto, Entrepelado and Lampiño) following the criteria of the breed Herdbook, although the Lampiño variety is scarcely represented because it is nowadays in danger of extinction. The remaining ones lack of a clear adscription to any variety standard, because they proceed from ancient admixture of some varieties (Mixed group). Table 1 shows the distribution by variety and feeding system of the sires, dams and progenies with records. Only 21 out of the 493 boars sired progenies fattened in both production systems, and their distribution by variety and feeding system is The following traits were recorded at diverse slaughter plants: carcass weight and the percentages on the carcass of trimmed hams, shoulders and loins. Samples of longissimus dorsi were obtained from the caudal end of this muscle and stored at -20°C. The percentage of IMF was measured in these samples by near infrared spectroscopy (De Pedro et al., 1992) . Table 2 summarizes the number of observations, means and coefficients of variations (CV) of all the traits in each system. The slaughter age showed a wide extent in the campo system (from 11.8 to 26.3 months, CV = 19.5) because some animals had problems to reach the commercial weight. Likewise the CVs of loin percentages were twice than those of hams and shoulders percentages.

The percentage of IMF was measured in these samples by near infrared spectroscopy.


It is conceived that e-commerce is a phenomenon of developed country and new technology generally put challenges for developing countries that lack the requisite capabilities, as well as the economic and financial resources to cope with the developed countries. Especially internet presents both opportunities for economic and social development, and a threat to further increasing the gap between developed and developing countries [2] . The experience of most developed countries shows that price and availability of the telecommunications infrastructure are clearly associated with competition and market access [3] . Tanzanian Government has withdrawn import duties from computers and computer related peripherals. Due to the withdrawal of duties prices of computers and related products have become affordable to general communities. This to some extent has increased the use of computer for general purpose though effective applications of computers are still underutilized due to particularly government policy. However, it is revealed from recent survey that nearly 90% of the computers are Dar-es-salaam based and there is little scope for decentralization of these PCs to different regions of Tanzania [4] .

Especially internet presents both opportunities for economic and social development, and a threat to further increasing the gap between developed and developing countries.

The experience of most developed countries shows that price and availability of the telecommunications infrastructure are clearly associated with competition and market access.

However, it is revealed from recent survey that nearly 90% of the computers are Dar-es-salaam based and there is little scope for decentralization of these PCs to different regions of Tanzania.


Very few standard IT institutions are providing high quality IT education in Tanzania, but the costs are very high and consequently remain beyond the reach of ordinary people. Some IT related private institutions opened and started to offer IT courses but again they are centered around big cities such as Dar-es-salaam, Mwanza and Arusha. These institutions suffer from lack of coordination and quality course materials, and inadequate technical facilities. In course of time, eventually a situation has been improved as the government withdrew duties on computers. At present there are more than 50 ISPs operating in the country including the government initiatives of putting in place the fiber optical connecting the whole country [4] .

At present there are more than 50 ISPs operating in the country including the government initiatives of putting in place the fiber optical connecting the whole country.


The government programme of the first AKP cabinet included several references to the EU accession process (Doğan, 2005) . In terms of relations with the EU, the undertakings of the AKP administration have been in accordance with the government programme. On 17th December 2004 the EU council has decided to start membership negotiation talks with Turkey. Regarding EU matters, IIBA's standpoint parallels the current administration. IIBA not only views Turkey's membership in the EU from an economic and geopolitical point of view, but also considers it as a u attempt towards consolidating democracy in the country. Although IIBA's foundations lean on a 'pro-Islamist ideology', the position it currently follows on issues of democracy and the EU resonates with secular ideology.

The government programme of the first AKP cabinet included several references to the EU accession process.


Globally, 70% of water use is applied in irrigation of crops, making irrigation the largest consumptive user of fresh water [1] . Over 80% of freshwater withdrawals in developing countries is applied in irrigation [2] . Irrigated agriculture provides 40% of the world's food from less than 20% of the cultivated area highlighting the importance of irrigation in global food security [3] .

Globally, 70% of water use is applied in irrigation of crops, making irrigation the largest consumptive user of fresh water.

Over 80% of freshwater withdrawals in developing countries is applied in irrigation.

Irrigated agriculture provides 40% of the world's food from less than 20% of the cultivated area highlighting the importance of irrigation in global food security.


Conventional irrigation practice involves applying water uniformly over every part of the field without taking into account the spatial variability in soil and crop water needs; this consequently leads to overirrigation in some parts of the field while other parts of the field are underirrigated [8] . The risks associated with overirrigation include surface runoff, deep percolation and leaching of nitrates and nutrients. Those associated with underirrigation are more subjective and include reduction in crop yields and quality, as well as inefficient use of fertilizer and other supplemental inputs for crop production [9] .

Conventional irrigation practice involves applying water uniformly over every part of the field without taking into account the spatial variability in soil and crop water needs; this consequently leads to overirrigation in some parts of the field while other parts of the field are underirrigated.

Those associated with underirrigation are more subjective and include reduction in crop yields and quality, as well as inefficient use of fertilizer and other supplemental inputs for crop production.


In this article we present a methodology for measuring and modeling response latency, which in a survey context is the elapsed time between the moment an interviewer finishes reading a survey question and the moment the respondent begins to answer. While political scientists have used survey data for more than half a century to measure political attitudes and behavior, recent computer-assisted survey technology provides researchers with new opportunities to tap into the cognitive processes that underlie public opinion and political behavior. Measures of response latency in public opinion polls are one such technological development. Response latency has been used most widely in this context as an index of attitude accessibility, which is the relative ease with which an attitude comes to mind when a respondent is presented with a survey question. Attitude accessibility is theorized to reflect the strength of the linkage in memory between an attitude object and an evaluation of the object (Fazio 1995) . Recent research that uses response latency as a measure of attitude accessibility has added and will continue to add to our understanding of political attitudes and behavior.

Attitude accessibility is theorized to reflect the strength of the linkage in memory between an attitude object and an evaluation of the object.


Previously we reported the effects of wearing a 5% BW vest on the peak lower-extremity joint moments produced during walking in older men and women (Salem et al., 2001) . During walking at a self-selected pace, the addition of the 5% BW vest increased the peak knee-extensor and ankle plantar-flexor moments by 13.8% and 5.7%, respectively. Peak hip-extensor moments, however, were not affected. In the present study, peak knee-extensor (8.5%), ankle-plantar-flexor (9.8%), and hip-extensor (6.7%) moments increased when participants wore the 5% BW vest during FS and LS activities. These aggregate findings indicate that the effects of wearing a 5% BW vest on lower-extremity peak joint moments during exercise depend on the type of activity utilized (e.g., walking vs. step-up activities). Moreover, if the mechanical demand on the hip extensors is to be increased using a 5% BW weighted vest, practitioners should prescribe an activity such as step-up exercise in addition to walking.

Previously we reported the effects of wearing a 5% BW vest on the peak lower-extremity joint moments produced during walking in older men and women.


The mechanism that we use to produce mixing is sometimes known as stretching of Birkhoff sums. The stretching of Birkhoff sums for Heisenberg nilflows is derived from a theorem on the growth of Birkhoff sums of functions which are not coboundaries with a measurable transfer function. This result is quite general and can be proved for all nilflows. In fact, it is essentially based on a measurable Gottschalk-Hedlund theorem, which holds for any volume preserving uniquely ergodic dynamical system, and on the parabolic divergence of orbits (although in a quite explicit form). Finally, we prove a theorem on cocycle effectiveness for the Heisenberg case, which states that if a smooth function is a coboundary with a measurable transfer function, then the transfer function is in fact smooth. This result is based on sharp bounds for ergodic sums which are only available in the Heisenberg case [9, 28, 11] . The cocycle effectiveness allows a concrete description of mixing time-changes in terms of the non-vanishing of any of the distributional obstructions to the existence of smooth solutions of the cohomological equation.

This result is based on sharp bounds for ergodic sums which are only available in the Heisenberg case.


On the one hand, T3 and T8 conditions were chosen because these two thermal ageing treatments allowed generation of distinct precipitate microstructures whose strengthening effect is more or less pronounced, but without modification of the grain sizes. On the other hand, the severe dynamic recrystallization that occurs during a FSW (a new solid-state joining process) allowed generation of much smaller grain sizes in the nugget. The behaviour of a FSW nugget under laser-shock loading was also expected to be an interesting topic to address as a few recent studies have considered the ability of laser-shock peening to improve mechanical or corrosion resistance of FSW Al-Zn-Cu-Mg or Al-Cu-Li aluminum joints [18, 19] .

The behaviour of a FSW nugget under laser-shock loading was also expected to be an interesting topic to address as a few recent studies have considered the ability of laser-shock peening to improve mechanical or corrosion resistance of FSW Al-Zn-Cu-Mg or Al-Cu-Li aluminum joints.


In engineering education, it is essential to provide the necessary resources that allow the student putting into practice all the knowledge acquired during the theoretical study of the different subjects. In this sense, students are highly motivated to make use of and benefit from the resources available in remote environments through Internet (Stafford, 2005) . Traditionally the element that makes possible this fact is the laboratory, where the student can make the necessary training to become accustomed with the tools and equipments he will find in real situations. However it requires the physical presence of the students and the professors in a pre-established timetable, and the available time is also limited. Besides, the cost of the setting and maintenance of the laboratory is usually high, so, the contents of the practical lessons will be strongly conditioned by the number of available equipments.

In this sense, students are highly motivated to make use of and benefit from the resources available in remote environments through Internet.


The estimated global prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is 2.2 %, corresponding to about 130 million HCV-positive people worldwide, most of whom are chronically infected [1] . HCV is one of the main causes of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver transplant in Western countries. HCV-related burden of disease data referred to the USA and Europe and indicate that hepatitis C is a major health problem whose mortality rate exceeds that of human immunodeficiency virus infection, highlighting the importance of timely antiviral treatment [2] .

The estimated global prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is 2.2 %, corresponding to about 130 million HCV-positive people worldwide, most of whom are chronically infected.

HCV-related burden of disease data referred to the USA and Europe and indicate that hepatitis C is a major health problem whose mortality rate exceeds that of human immunodeficiency virus infection, highlighting the importance of timely antiviral treatment.


In our previous work on Priority-based Parallel Multi-scheduler (PPMS) for the Grid, we noted that the effect of grouping machines and jobs before scheduling was promising but the group cardinality (i.e. number of groups) we used was constant [1] . We needed to investigate further by employing methods that can vary the number of groups. In that same work, we equally noted that the Priority method does not necessarily distribute jobs equally among the job groups. This phenomenon degraded the general performance. We needed to develop a method that equitably distributes jobs amongst the groups which we have called Group-based Parallel Multi-scheduler (GPMS) for the Grid. The method employs various grouping strategies to exploit the multicore. It offers a platform of parallelism to the scheduling algorithm itself to improve the computation and scheduling times and also provide answers to some of the questions thrown up in our earlier work.

In our previous work on Priority-based Parallel Multi-scheduler (PPMS) for the Grid, we noted that the effect of grouping machines and jobs before scheduling was promising but the group cardinality (i.e. number of groups) we used was constant.


Various efforts have been made to develop retrieval algorithms to infer COD and R eff from ground based passive radiometric measurements. In one approach, a Microwave Radiometer (MWR) is combined with Millimeter-wavelength Cloud Radar (MMCR) to infer droplet diameters. In this case, the radar reflectivity and the MWR LWP provide the information to retrieve R eff [10] . However, the cost of the MMCR can be quite substantial. On the other hand, significant success in combining COD from the Multi-filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR) together with LWP from MWR is a reasonable cost-effective solution [11] [12] [13] . One drawback in this method is obviously the limitation that observations must be made during daytime. However, significant aerosol-cloud interaction signals should exist during daytime especially under conditions of strong convective heating which enhances vertical uptake [14] .

In this case, the radar reflectivity and the MWR LWP provide the information to retrieve R eff.

On the other hand, significant success in combining COD from the Multi-filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR) together with LWP from MWR is a reasonable cost-effective solution.

However, significant aerosol-cloud interaction signals should exist during daytime especially under conditions of strong convective heating which enhances vertical uptake.


H IGHWAY EMBANKMENTS and pavement structural layers such as base/subbase layers, shoulders, asphalt concrete, and Portland cement concrete provide suitable settings to utilize large volumes of secondary materials such as coal fly ash, steel slag, reclaimed asphalt pavement, and recycled concrete (Apul et al., 2003) . A major environmental concern for use of secondary materials in the highway environment is the potential long-term leaching of contaminants, which may result in widespread soil and groundwater contamination. Leaching from embankments may pose an even greater problem than leaching from structural components of the highway considering that much larger volumes of material are used in uncovered embankments. If predictive methods for contaminant release are available, more informed decisions can be made about the use of secondary materials in the highway environment.

H IGHWAY EMBANKMENTS and pavement structural layers such as base/subbase layers, shoulders, asphalt concrete, and Portland cement concrete provide suitable settings to utilize large volumes of secondary materials such as coal fly ash, steel slag, reclaimed asphalt pavement, and recycled concrete.


Ocular infections, if left untreated, can damage the structures of the eye leading to visual impairments and blindness. Even though the eye is hard and protected by the continuous flow of tear which contains antibacterial compounds, inflammation and scarring once occurred may not be easily resolved and requires immediate management [10] . Effective management of such infections demands knowledge of the specific etiology. However, ocular infections are mostly managed empirically and little is known about the specific bacterial etiologies [19, 20] . Therefore, the main goal of this work was to review the bacterial profile of the different forms of ocular infections in order to come up with concrete information for physicians and policy makers who deals with ocular infections.

Even though the eye is hard and protected by the continuous flow of tear which contains antibacterial compounds, inflammation and scarring once occurred may not be easily resolved and requires immediate management.

However, ocular infections are mostly managed empirically and little is known about the specific bacterial etiologies.


In addition to addressing the debates, a cross-disciplinary approach will potentially contribute to the literature in at least three ways. First, by asking questions around people's intersubjective meanings and experiences of corruption, researchers are able to explore the perspective of the 'insiders', one that is often silenced in empirical studies on corruption. Mainstream research has largely treated corruption as having a singular, pre-determined and fixed meaning across contexts (Martin and Parmar 2012; Sonenshein 2007) . It tends to treat social actors as passive entities and to see their own task as being to uncover this pre-existing meaning and behave accordingly (Martin and Parmar 2012) . However, a cross-disciplinary approach treats corruption differently-as a socially constructed phenomenon. In this way, it has the potential to enrich or even challenge existing research by showing the multifarious nature of corruption.

Mainstream research has largely treated corruption as having a singular, pre-determined and fixed meaning across contexts.

It tends to treat social actors as passive entities and to see their own task as being to uncover this pre-existing meaning and behave accordingly.


Second, a cross-disciplinary approach that eschews from moral evaluation has the potential of bringing in the views of certain members of society, such as public servants, politicians, the poor and the uneducated, who are often barraged for their 'corruptness'. Clearly, people's understanding of corruption is influenced by their intersubjective experience of the phenomenon (Znoj 2007) . A cross-disciplinary approach will address the limited attention paid to the lived experience of corruption, especially in management and organization studies (Sonenshein 2007; Torsello and Venard 2016) .

Clearly, people's understanding of corruption is influenced by their intersubjective experience of the phenomenon.

A cross-disciplinary approach will address the limited attention paid to the lived experience of corruption, especially in management and organization studies.


Linear stability analysis shows that there is a region in the parameter space of the controller where perfect control can be achieved, provided the delay τ is not too large [8] . Furthermore, stability is generally lost in a Hopf bifurcation. It is possible to compute the criticality of this Hopf bifurcation, which gives a first idea of how the system behaves beyond the stability boundary [8] [9] [10] . If the Hopf bifurcation is supercritial then the pendulum performs (initially) small oscillations about the upside-down position but with finite velocity of the cart. Such small oscillations have been observed in experiments [10] . They are an example of a relaxed form of stabilization that we call balancing motion (much like what actually happens when you balance a stick). Such a balancing motion is stable and bounded around the upside-down position while the velocity of the cart is also bounded. The question arises whether there are more complex balancing motions apart from perfect stabilization and simple oscillations after the first Hopf bifurcation. Mathematically, such balancing motion corresponds to a symmetric attractor of the system with bounded velocity of the cart.

Linear stability analysis shows that there is a region in the parameter space of the controller where perfect control can be achieved, provided the delay τ is not too large.

It is possible to compute the criticality of this Hopf bifurcation, which gives a first idea of how the system behaves beyond the stability boundary.

Such small oscillations have been observed in experiments.


Bifurcation analysis shows that any such solution, if it exists, cannot be found by simply following the bifurcations of the initial symmetric periodic orbits [12] . In particular, the simple oscillations disappear in a symmetry breaking bifurcation (pitchfork bifurcation of periodic orbits), which results in a complete loss of control [8, 12] . There are now two (symmetrically related) periodic orbits. Each of these nonsymmetric periodic orbits corresponds to the pendulum wanting to fall to one side, which the controller will attempt to compensate for by increasing the velocity of the cart. Hence, the parameter region where nonsymmetric regimes are prevalent is typically not regarded as physically relevant.

Bifurcation analysis shows that any such solution, if it exists, cannot be found by simply following the bifurcations of the initial symmetric periodic orbits.

In particular, the simple oscillations disappear in a symmetry breaking bifurcation (pitchfork bifurcation of periodic orbits), which results in a complete loss of control.


Recently, the interest for quantum plasmonics has increased in the physics community, in view of its unique capabilities to control and manipulate non-classical states of light by using plasmonic resonances. Integrated quantum technologies based on SPPs or localized surface plasmon polaritons (LSPPs) hold great potential for various applications in quantum information processing, since it allows scalability and miniaturization as well as a coherent coupling to single emitters [1] [2] [3] . Additionally, control and manipulation of quantum light using light-matter interactions at the nanoscale could lead to new classes of quantum devices, such as single-photon sources, transistors and ultra-compact circuitry, with potential applications for secure communication and advanced computing [4] [5] [6] . Plasmonic excitations have recently emerged as an interesting carrier of quantum information.

Integrated quantum technologies based on SPPs or localized surface plasmon polaritons (LSPPs) hold great potential for various applications in quantum information processing, since it allows scalability and miniaturization as well as a coherent coupling to single emitters.

Additionally, control and manipulation of quantum light using light-matter interactions at the nanoscale could lead to new classes of quantum devices, such as single-photon sources, transistors and ultra-compact circuitry, with potential applications for secure communication and advanced computing.


Dark matter directional detectors are designed to measure anisotropies in the distribution of nuclear recoil events at fixed target experiments. Specifically, their task is to measure the recoil momentum vector of nuclei scattered off by dark matter particles from the local galactic population [7] . The sense of the recoil momentum vector is also called the "head-tail" of the recoil track.

Specifically, their task is to measure the recoil momentum vector of nuclei scattered off by dark matter particles from the local galactic population.


Though assuming momentum and velocity independent dark matter-nucleon interactions is a reasonable first approximation, it only provides a limited, and to some extent biased description of the actual complexity of the dark matter-nucleus scattering [38] . The most general non-relativistic effective theory for one-body dark matter-nucleon interactions predicts 14 Galilean invariant dark matter-nucleon interaction operators, each with an isoscalar and an isovector component [39, 40] . On purely observational grounds, there is no reason to neglect any of the 14 interaction operators, which motivates the exploration of more general approaches.

Though assuming momentum and velocity independent dark matter-nucleon interactions is a reasonable first approximation, it only provides a limited, and to some extent biased description of the actual complexity of the dark matter-nucleus scattering.

The most general non-relativistic effective theory for one-body dark matter-nucleon interactions predicts 14 Galilean invariant dark matter-nucleon interaction operators, each with an isoscalar and an isovector component.


The solar flares on 14 July 2000 and 28 and 29 October 2003 generated extremely intensive fluxes of the relativistic SEP, which ground level enhancements (GLE) were measured by neutron monitors, while the limb flare on 4 November did not produce GLE (Veselovsky et al., 2004) . The GLE on 28 October was larger (maximum effect of ∼45%) than those of the other two GLEs with maximum effects of ∼35%. The relativistic SEP fluxes were so intense at ∼12 UT on 28 October that they caused a radiation dose enhancement on board the International Space Station .

The solar flares on 14 July 2000 and 28 and 29 October 2003 generated extremely intensive fluxes of the relativistic SEP, which ground level enhancements (GLE) were measured by neutron monitors, while the limb flare on 4 November did not produce GLE.


One more interesting feature reported by is the remarkable difference between the TEC enhancements and EUV (as well as X-ray) time profiles. Firstly, the TEC peaks are slightly (∼10 min) delayed from the flare peaks. Secondly, the duration of TEC enhancements is lasting several hours, that is much longer than the flare duration. On the other hand, a high correlation was found between the rate of TEC variations and hard X-ray variations observed by Yohkoh in the band of 53-93 keV (Afraimovich et al., 2001; Zhang and Xiao, 2003) . In other words, the fast TEC variations are closely related to the solar hard electro- magnetic emission while their gradual changes are different.

On the other hand, a high correlation was found between the rate of TEC variations and hard X-ray variations observed by Yohkoh in the band of 53-93 keV.


A much more prominent solar radiation impact to the ionosphere is revealed on 28 October (Fig. 6) . The dayside ion density and temperature vary well with the X17 flare dynamics and the peak density is estimated to be >80%. From ∼12:00 UT to 24:00 UT, on 28 October, the spectral indices of the enhanced SEP fluxes change slowly. The index γ 10 stays about 0.7 and γ 60 increases gradually from 2 to 2.5. Such spectral dynamics indicates that the SEP fluxes are effectively accelerated to very high energies by the interplanetary shock ahead of an extremely fast CME (Dmitriev et al., 2005) . At that time the ion temperature and density increase at both sunlit and nightside hemispheres. Since 00:00 UT, on 29 October, the SEP spectrum is softening with the CME approaching the Earth. The high-energy SEP flux is decreasing and the ionospheric density and temperature are dropping.

Such spectral dynamics indicates that the SEP fluxes are effectively accelerated to very high energies by the interplanetary shock ahead of an extremely fast CME.


Core exercises are recommended for healthy individuals as well as for rehabilitation purposes, and to enhance functional capacity and improve sporting abilities of individuals (Willardson, 2008) . Core stability allows the simultaneous development of arm and leg strength. It is a dynamic concept that changes constantly to adjust the body's position or lift the load from the outside. In terms of sport performance, the greater the core stability, the greater the power output in the arms and legs. In particular, athletes who perform activities such as throwing may benefit from this. For example, a baseball player with more core stabilization may hit a baseball faster (Willardson, 2007) .

Core exercises are recommended for healthy individuals as well as for rehabilitation purposes, and to enhance functional capacity and improve sporting abilities of individuals.

For example, a baseball player with more core stabilization may hit a baseball faster.


Studies about core training and athletic performance suggest that if the core workout is influenced by performance, this is too small. If the goal is to improve performance, force and conditioning specialists may not need to spend much time on core training. Performance improvement can be achieved by using multiple joint exercises such as clean, snatch, jerk, pull, deadlift and squat (Cissik, 2011) .

Performance improvement can be achieved by using multiple joint exercises such as clean, snatch, jerk, pull, deadlift and squat.


The standing broad jump is a widely used test that requires multiple joint involvements and evaluates the explosive power of the leg muscles (Moresi, Bradshaw, Greene and Naughton, 2011) . The triple jump test requires a combination of muscle strength, strength, and balance (Noyes, Barber and Mangine, 1991) . This test reflects the soccer player's lower limb muscle strength and power (Hamilton et al., 2008) . As a result of the 8-week core training program, the standing broad jump performance with non-dominant leg increased but mean differences of pre -and post-test scores did not differ between the training and the control groups. The core training improved triple-hop performance of soccer players. It might be said that the core training improves repeated jumping like the triple-hop.

The standing broad jump is a widely used test that requires multiple joint involvements and evaluates the explosive power of the leg muscles.

The triple jump test requires a combination of muscle strength, strength, and balance.

This test reflects the soccer player's lower limb muscle strength and power.


Core training is necessary for optimal sporting performance and cannot be ignored. Determining the role of core strength/stabilization requires additional research, and its effectiveness needs to be determined in the context of sports branches. A single test may determine the core stability/strength of an individual, but in terms of sports performance, a correct understanding of the role of core training in all body movements requires a sportspecific test (Nesser et al., 2008) .

A single test may determine the core stability/strength of an individual, but in terms of sports performance, a correct understanding of the role of core training in all body movements requires a sportspecific test.


Core muscles include the muscles of the abdominal lower and back regions and are responsible for the transfer of force between the lower and upper half of the body. Core muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing the spine during weight lifting exercises, as well as daily activities in terms of the health of the lower back (Fig, 2005) . Core training can improve body control and balance; reduce the risk of disability by strengthening many large and small muscles; and increase efficiency in interactions between movements or interactions, depending on the increase in balance (Herrington and Davies, 2005) .

Core muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing the spine during weight lifting exercises, as well as daily activities in terms of the health of the lower back.

Core training can improve body control and balance; reduce the risk of disability by strengthening many large and small muscles; and increase efficiency in interactions between movements or interactions, depending on the increase in balance.


The core muscles include the abdominal muscles, hip and back muscles. These muscles are responsible for supporting posture, performing movement, controlling muscle activities, providing stability, absorbing strength, generating power, and transmitting power throughout the body (Handzel, 2003) . This study was aimed to determine the effect of an 8-week core training program on agility, jump and balance performance in young soccer players. A total of 30 soccer players (mean age: 16.24 ± 0.69 years, height: 173.76 ± 4.98 cm, and body weight: 59.17 ± 8.85 kg) were included in the study.

These muscles are responsible for supporting posture, performing movement, controlling muscle activities, providing stability, absorbing strength, generating power, and transmitting power throughout the body.


To test the impact that annual accountability ratings have on school district as well as individual school financial allocations, we utilize a regression discontinuity (RD) design to compare the budgetary response to annual changes in rating for schools marginally on either side of each rating boundary. The sharp discontinuity occurs because school grades are based on the percentage of students that pass the accountability exam-if the school misses the cutoff by just one student it receives a lower accountability grade. Due to random factors, schools that just barely receive a higher rating should be a valid comparison group for schools that just barely receive a lower rating (Lee, 2008) . To implement the RD strategy, therefore, we carefully re-create the scoring matrix and identify schools where the rating is marginal based mainly on exam performance. Our RD strategy thus tests for whether there are annual budgetary changes in response to a school's success or failure to surmount the marginal rating hurdle independent of any change in underlying school quality.

Due to random factors, schools that just barely receive a higher rating should be a valid comparison group for schools that just barely receive a lower rating.


Commercial processes for dewaxing and deoiling of residual feedstocks are complex and laborious. The greatest difficulties are related to the stage of filtering slurries of solid hydrocarbons that tend to form an inter-crystalline structure. Improving the filtration rate for obtaining solid hydrocarbons, use was made of various additives that have a modifying effect on the crystal structure of solid hydrocarbons. The modifiers offer a means for a considerable improvement in the basic indices of the process and in the quality of the end-product without any additional costs, using existing equipment. The effect of a modifier on the crystallization of solid hydrocarbons is usually rated on the basis of the melting point of the microcrystalline wax, the oil content in the microcrystalline wax, and the slurry filtration rate such as ionic and non ionic modifiers, surfactants and additive [1] .

The effect of a modifier on the crystallization of solid hydrocarbons is usually rated on the basis of the melting point of the microcrystalline wax, the oil content in the microcrystalline wax, and the slurry filtration rate such as ionic and non ionic modifiers, surfactants and additive.


A second remarkable finding of the study is the higher motivation of gifted students. Gifted students, in comparison to regular students, perceive the artistic task much more as a challenge and show a tendency of higher interest and less anxiety of the imminent creative situation. In addition, all measures of creativity self-efficacy, i.e. creative selfefficacy, working style and cognitive style, reveal a motivation advantage for the gifted students. The results cannot be explained by higher artistic competencies of the gifted students as their grades in the arts do not differ from the regular students. Rather, it is a question of general attitudes towards creative situations. Gifted students seem to interpret the artistic situation more in terms of an achievement situation where they can make use of their competencies. The research findings are supported by former motivation studies that found a large spectrum of motivation variables in which gifted students are superior to ordinary students [26] [27] [28] .

The research findings are supported by former motivation studies that found a large spectrum of motivation variables in which gifted students are superior to ordinary students.


The extrapolation methods are better than the interpolation methods at band crossings [8, 16] . The interpolation methods interpolate the frequency (or energy) data from the nearest-neighbor momenta for linear interpolations and requires more neighboring data points for high-order interpolations. At the band crossings, interpolation methods sample the points across the degeneracy, resulting in the increase of errors.

The extrapolation methods are better than the interpolation methods at band crossings.


For example, the non-singular plane curves of degree 3 and 4, and trivial Σ g -knots in CP 2 are flexible [7] . On the other hand, there is no flexible surface in S 4 (see Remark 3.2) . In this paper, we investigate a sufficient condition for a smooth 4-manifold M to include flexible knotted surfaces (Section 3), and introduce a local operation called stabilization to obtain a flexible knotted surface from any knotted surface (Section 4).

For example, the non-singular plane curves of degree 3 and 4, and trivial Σ g -knots in CP 2 are flexible.


China is currently promoting the concept of urban ecosystem services, and urban managers are trying to plan more compact and sustainable cities through urban eco-spatial division and land cover/use change. Based on scenario analysis, the benchmark development scenario was not the best development mode. The different scenarios included different land cover/use structures with the main differences being the proportion of forest land, grassland and cultivated land. The benchmark development scenario trend showed that the proportion of cultivated land in the carbon sequestration zone was the highest, accounting for 47.24% of the area of the area, reducing the coverage of forest land and weakening the carbon sequestration capacity compared to the ecological protection scenarios. With the ecological protection scenario, forest coverage could reach 44%, the carbon sequestration capacity is the strongest, and the carbon stock per square meter was 4.27 × 10 −2 Mg. Compared with the benchmark development scenario, carbon density increased by 10 Mg C ha −1 , but, in the carbon sequestration zone, the proportion of cultivated land was lower than the minimum required by government policy. In the cultivated land protection scenario, the size of the ring was unchanged but the internal land cover/use was more balanced. The carbon sequestration capacity improved compared to that in the benchmark development scenario, increasing by 7.1 Mg C ha −1 , and the amount of cultivated land was maintained within the range required by government policy, which promised to meet the requirements of food supplying. To maximize the amount of carbon stocks, both ecological protection and human economic activities should be considered [75] . We cannot blindly change non-ecological lands to ecological land. The sustainable carbon balance is a natural and social combination system. The carbon sequestration capacity of adjacent areas is changed due to these mutual influences, so we should strengthen the spatial link. This allows regions with strong carbon sequestration capacity to spread their ecological effects and improve regions with weak carbon sequestration capacity [76] . Our scenario simulation results verify the correctness of the view that reasonable land use policy to maintain the stability between human well-being and ecosystem is necessary. Reasonable adjustment of land cover/use structure and spatial distribution is necessary to ensure ecological and economic stability and to achieve the sustained change of urban structure and function. Calthorpe, a famous urban planning scholar, pointedly observed that sustainability is to seek a balance among the social, economic and ecological environment, so that it can exist forever [77] . Therefore, to achieve the changes that urban scale (population, land, and production) is getting bigger, urban structure is gradually coordinated and urban function is gradually sustainable, urban sustainable development at a certain time and space scale, through long-term sustainable urban growth and its structural evolution, is necessary to not only meet the needs of contemporary reality, but also to meet the requirements of future development. In terms of the sustainable development of Guang'an, the planning of urban eco-service spatial patterns and land cover/use should take the protection of cultivated, protection of ecological areas and the functional requirements of urban development into consideration at the same time.

To maximize the amount of carbon stocks, both ecological protection and human economic activities should be considered.

This allows regions with strong carbon sequestration capacity to spread their ecological effects and improve regions with weak carbon sequestration capacity.

Calthorpe, a famous urban planning scholar, pointedly observed that sustainability is to seek a balance among the social, economic and ecological environment, so that it can exist forever.


We analyzed the results and concluded that the government's afforestation policy is a direct factor in the expansion of the carbon sequestration service zone. Forested land in the study area increased by nearly 12,000 ha over a two-year period, partly due to the government policy of returning farmland to forests. Forests are primary carbon absorbers, and the carbon sequestration function of plantation forests can help mitigate global climate change [68, 69] . Some scholars have also come to a similar conclusion; that is, an important factor in the change of carbon sequestration eco-services is that the government reduces ecological land area to increase construction land area [70] [71] [72] . Our results also verify the conclusions of these scholars. Based on the land use policy, we also discuss the impact of energy consumption on the spatial distribution of the carbon cycle. Under the environment of emissions reduction policy, the goals of structural and project emissions reduction have been achieved. These policies helped to reduce the total emissions of the province [73] . The results of the carbon sequestration zone evaluation indicate that government policy has not changed the structure of the concentric ring, but the original carbon sequestration zone has widened. Afforestation and forest restoration can increase the carbon sequestration function as well as promote water conservation, climate regulation, and resource supply. The absorption rate of urban carbon emissions in Guang'an was 58.84%. The "China Greenhouse Gases Bulletin in 2013" noted that about 55% of CO 2 is absorbed by the biosphere and ocean around China, so the absorption rate exceeds this average. The C absorption rate in Guang'an is higher than the national average.

Forests are primary carbon absorbers, and the carbon sequestration function of plantation forests can help mitigate global climate change.

Some scholars have also come to a similar conclusion; that is, an important factor in the change of carbon sequestration eco-services is that the government reduces ecological land area to increase construction land area.

These policies helped to reduce the total emissions of the province.


In this paper, the concentric ring theory and the mono-centric model are used to study the spatial distribution of the carbon cycle in mono-centric cities and suburbs. The results show that the spatial distribution of the carbon cycle in Guang'an follows the concentric ring pattern. Our conclusion is consistent with the concentric ecological model proposed by Li, combined with the concentric ring theory. Our results agree that the ecosystem had a concentric ring distribution with the city at the center [67] . Through discussing the influence that regulation of the carbon sequestration zone and land cover/use has on the carbon sequestration capacity of the city, we conclude that it is significant for formulating land cover/use policies that maintain the carbon cycle stability of cities.

Our results agree that the ecosystem had a concentric ring distribution with the city at the center.


Finally, findings pertaining to the relationship between motivational regulations and class membership of exhaustion were not as consistent as findings pertaining to workload variables. Higher levels of introjected and external regulations failed to systematically show associations to classes of higher levels of exhaustion, as they predicted class membership of higher class of exhaustion within one analysis each. Earlier studies have also revealed similar findings where weak and positive associations were found in relationship to exhaustion (McLean et al., 2012; van Beek et al., 2012) . Recently, a study using change in controlled motivation over a season (introjected þ external regulations) as a predictor for change in burnout dimensions for the same time span reported no significant relationships (Bentzen et al., 2015b) . Although findings have been overall inconsistent, both introjected and external regulations might contribute to heightened risk for burnout. Positive associations between controlled regulations and the feeling of being exhausted were recently explored in a qualitative study investigating professional coaches showing high levels of exhaustion (Bentzen et al., 2015a) . The coaches revealed how the combination of having a demanding job with extensive work hours while their motivation for being at work was driven by external reasons led to energy depletion. These experiences are in line with the tenets of SDT, that behavior that is driven by controlled regulations is more likely to be exhausting as the activity is not done of free will and is not found interesting or fun (Ryan & Deci, 2002) . Thus, weaker associations found between controlled regulations and exhaustion is of interest to be discussed in relation to the stronger and more consistent findings of the relation between the autonomous regulations and exhaustion. Higher levels of intrinsic and identified regulations decreased the probability of being in a class of higher exhaustion. These findings are in accordance with previous research, indicating negative and moderate to strong associations between exhaustion and intrinsic and identified regulations respectively and exhaustion (McLean et al., 2012; van Beek et al., 2012) . Evidently, coaches who are doing their work because they find it satisfying, fun, and interesting are less prone to experience high levels of exhaustion.

Earlier studies have also revealed similar findings where weak and positive associations were found in relationship to exhaustion.

Recently, a study using change in controlled motivation over a season (introjected þ external regulations) as a predictor for change in burnout dimensions for the same time span reported no significant relationships.

Positive associations between controlled regulations and the feeling of being exhausted were recently explored in a qualitative study investigating professional coaches showing high levels of exhaustion.

These experiences are in line with the tenets of SDT, that behavior that is driven by controlled regulations is more likely to be exhausting as the activity is not done of free will and is not found interesting or fun.

These findings are in accordance with previous research, indicating negative and moderate to strong associations between exhaustion and intrinsic and identified regulations respectively and exhaustion.


The current study is the first to explore different developmental trajectories for exhaustion for high-performance coaches. Findings indicated that the largest proportion of coaches stayed low in exhaustion throughout the competitive season. This offers a nuanced picture of the exhaustion level of high-performance coaches, which made it possible to explore what characterized the different trajectories in greater depth. There are distinct motivational regulations connected to exhaustion. Coaches who did their job due to higher levels of intrinsic and identified reasons prevented the experience of high levels of exhaustion. Moreover, the current study is the first to explore WHI and recovery for highperformance coaches quantitatively in relation primary prevention of exhaustion (Raedeke & Kentt€ a, 2013) . Variation in WHI and recovery were found to be important factors in an explanation as to why some coaches were either high or low in exhaustion.

Moreover, the current study is the first to explore WHI and recovery for highperformance coaches quantitatively in relation primary prevention of exhaustion.


The Standard Model (SM) describes physics remarkably well at the smallest scales probed so far. With the discovery of the Higgs boson, the SM can be consistently extrapolated to very high energies. However, there are a number of puzzles in the SM that remain. The strong CP problem is one such long standing problem. The QCD Lagrangian Given that CP is badly broken by the weak interactions, we expectθ ∼ 1. However, the QCD θ-angle is constrained to be very small,θ 10 −10 , from limits on the electric dipole moment of the neutron/Hg [1] [2] [3] .

However, the QCD θ-angle is constrained to be very small,θ 10 −10 , from limits on the electric dipole moment of the neutron/Hg.


We propose an advanced rule-based energy management method for Re-EVs; if the user consumes a significant amount of power in a short time, it is possible that the EV battery gets discharged without any fuel remaining to run the generator. The energy management method currently considered for the proposed Re-EV system is the charging-deplete and charging-sustain (CD-CS) method, which is similar to the rule-based method [27] [28] [29] . In addition, when the user consumes low power, it can delay the start-up of the generator and make full use of the merits of an EV. In particular, the proposed method aims at determining the operating point of electric generators based on the power consumption trend of the users, and exploiting the Re-EV energy sources at an appropriate time, using data acquired through actual driving tests.

The energy management method currently considered for the proposed Re-EV system is the charging-deplete and charging-sustain (CD-CS) method, which is similar to the rule-based method.