Although there are many different waste management options for WEEE, landfilling is probably still the most frequently employed option globally [10] . In the European Union, the reuse and recycling rates are relatively high, the problem being that the collection rate in many countries is low and imposes significant uncertainties in the WEEE management [11] . The main alternatives for waste management of plastics, apart from landfilling, have been presented as energy recovery, feedstock recycling and mechanical recycling [12] . Feedstock recycling has not been commercialized to any significant extent, mainly due to the high costs of the processes and the low quality of the feedstock produced compared to that of normal grade commercial feedstock [13] . It has previously been shown from a life cycle assessment perspective that there are significant benefits in mechanical recycling of waste plastics rather than using the waste for energy recovery, with regard to both resource utilization and greenhouse gas emissions [14] . Considerable efforts have been devoted to the mechanical recycling of plastics by separation of the different plastic types normally occurring in the mixed WEEE stream [15] . The separation of different plastic types has been associated with large investment costs, and many of the separation technologies used have a limited efficiency, often producing substantial residue fractions or partially contaminated materials. For example, density-based separation techniques have limited efficiency in separating plastics containing different amounts of additives, since the additives may have a large influence on the density of the plastic [16] . This means that it is also necessary to consider blending mixed WEEE plastics when performing mechanical recycling, especially when the waste volumes or investment possibilities are limited. One often mentioned drawback of blending mixed WEEE plastics is the variation in composition. To some extent, the variation in composition cannot be avoided, but on the other hand, waste management sampling studies have shown the main components in such a blend to roughly be found in similar amounts in several different studies [6, 8, 9] . Most likely, additives and compatibilisers are also necessary to enhance and even out the properties of mixed WEEE plastic blends. In particular, antioxidants should be important considering recycling of such blends, to avoid premature degradation of the plastics during the reprocessing and use-phase and to not exclude the possibility of repeated recycling.

Although there are many different waste management options for WEEE, landfilling is probably still the most frequently employed option globally.

In the European Union, the reuse and recycling rates are relatively high, the problem being that the collection rate in many countries is low and imposes significant uncertainties in the WEEE management.

The main alternatives for waste management of plastics, apart from landfilling, have been presented as energy recovery, feedstock recycling and mechanical recycling.

Feedstock recycling has not been commercialized to any significant extent, mainly due to the high costs of the processes and the low quality of the feedstock produced compared to that of normal grade commercial feedstock.

It has previously been shown from a life cycle assessment perspective that there are significant benefits in mechanical recycling of waste plastics rather than using the waste for energy recovery, with regard to both resource utilization and greenhouse gas emissions.

Considerable efforts have been devoted to the mechanical recycling of plastics by separation of the different plastic types normally occurring in the mixed WEEE stream.

For example, density-based separation techniques have limited efficiency in separating plastics containing different amounts of additives, since the additives may have a large influence on the density of the plastic.

To some extent, the variation in composition cannot be avoided, but on the other hand, waste management sampling studies have shown the main components in such a blend to roughly be found in similar amounts in several different studies.


Through the analysis of the larval digestive tract in both studied environments, it was possible to observe a lower feeding activity of the larvae in the rapids. Because most of the larvae found in this environment had some vestige of yolk, it can be inferred that the low degree of stomach repletion of larvae in the rapids is because the larvae they are still feeding endogenously. During the first days after eclosion, larvae feed through the endogenous yolk sac and the gradual depletion of this reserve or full nutrition causes the larva to seek an exogenous food source (Kjorsvik et al., 2006) . Consequently, it is possible to infer that the local growth of larval fish should be environments where biological and physicochemical conditions are appropriate for the growth of their larvae, with food availability both for their development and their feeding (Reynalte-Tataje et al., 2008b) .

During the first days after eclosion, larvae feed through the endogenous yolk sac and the gradual depletion of this reserve or full nutrition causes the larva to seek an exogenous food source.

Consequently, it is possible to infer that the local growth of larval fish should be environments where biological and physicochemical conditions are appropriate for the growth of their larvae, with food availability both for their development and their feeding.


When different polymers are blended, the polymer alloy undergoes a phase separation and forms a microdomain structure. The phase separation is the main factor that changes the bulk and surface properties of the polymer alloy. There are possibilities that the blended polymer would have adverse effects on SPU. Thus, it is necessary to control the microdomain and to retain the original structure of SPU that provides the desirable properties for biomaterials. Also, it was reported that SPU of low crystallinity like Tecoflex w EG-60D (aliphatic polyurethane) cracked due to the hard segments [27] . Regarding this point, it is very important to control the blending conditions. Thus it is important to know the domain structures of the SPU/MPC polymer alloy and control the phase separation between the SPU and MPC polymer. We attempted the control of domain structure by varying the molecular weight of the MPC polymers.

Also, it was reported that SPU of low crystallinity like Tecoflex w EG-60D (aliphatic polyurethane) cracked due to the hard segments.


Comparison of performances between these algorithms can be done by using well-known indicators such as the precision (P), recall (R), f1-score (F1-s) and the kappa statistics (Witten et al., 2016) . The performances are expressed in a table containing the global performances of the classifier and the micro-performances per classes. Tables 2-4 show that the random forest algorithm gives the best results for the mineral species classification. Indeed, the global accuracy is respectively +12% and +6% better than CART and k-NN algorithms.

Comparison of performances between these algorithms can be done by using well-known indicators such as the precision (P), recall (R), f1-score (F1-s) and the kappa statistics.


The aim of this study was to apply objective measures to differentiate two analgesic and one no-analgesic treatment group in Bos indicus bull calves following surgical castration performed during halothane anaesthesia. The analgesic treatment groups were lidocaine or meloxicam, and the objective measures were bodyweight, pedometry (activity), and the blood concentrations of three acute phase proteins and iron. The differences that were observed between the treatment groups across the objective measures included in this study were not consistent or convincing. The data presented here were collected as part of a multi-faceted study investigating the electroencephalographic (EEG) response to castration in Bos indicus bull calves during general anaesthesia [26] . In addition to the collection of EEG data, extensive behavioural analyses were undertaken before and after castration.

The data presented here were collected as part of a multi-faceted study investigating the electroencephalographic (EEG) response to castration in Bos indicus bull calves during general anaesthesia.


We have presented observations of mean mesospheric winds over Tirunelveli from December 1992 to August 1996. Altitude pro®les of mean meridional winds reveal features consistent with those associated with the expected transequatorial¯ow. The peculiar intense poleward wind observed during the equinox period of 1993 needs to be examined further. In the zonal¯ow there have been easterlies observed during summer and westerlies during winter over the 70±80 km altitude region. At midlatitudes, the mean wind pattern during solstices is driven by pole-to-pole dierential solar heating and the Coriolis force acting upon the resulting meridional circulation leads to easterlies during summer and westerlies during winter in the mesosphere (Andrews et al., 1987) . The observations carried out at Tirunelveli reveal extension of this feature to low latitudes. The transition at higher levels during winter and the tendency to remain westward during summer indicate possible momentum deposition of internal gravity waves.

At midlatitudes, the mean wind pattern during solstices is driven by pole-to-pole dierential solar heating and the Coriolis force acting upon the resulting meridional circulation leads to easterlies during summer and westerlies during winter in the mesosphere.


Previous work has shown that fitness parameters (e.g., pupal weight, adult longevity, and fecundity) of O. nubilalis completing development on Event 176 plants were not significantly affected (Siegfried et al., 2001) . It was proposed that larvae completing development on these plants either compensated for sublethal exposure later in development or avoided exposure to the toxin by exploiting tissues that do not express the toxin. The present results suggest strongly that there is significant exposure to sublethal doses of the toxin that cause developmental delays in exposed larvae. However, these sublethal effects are compensated for by increased growth rates later in development. Therefore, significant fitness reductions would only be observed if the developmental delay were so severe that the larvae could not complete development before entering diapause. The significance of these findings in terms of resistance management and the high dose/refuge concept is that Event 176 does not appear to satisfy the high dose requirements for second generation larvae.

Previous work has shown that fitness parameters (e.g., pupal weight, adult longevity, and fecundity) of O. nubilalis completing development on Event 176 plants were not significantly affected.


The findings from the WHOQOL-BREF also demonstrate that a large majority of singers rate their quality of life as good or better. However, a minority do give low scores, which indicate that they are not satisfied with their quality of life. For the WHO psychological wellbeing scale, approximately 10 per cent of the sample scored below the scale's midpoint; this suggests that they may be coping with significant challenges to their mental wellbeing. A small gender difference emerges on this scale with women reporting lower average levels of wellbeing. This is in line with previous large-scale normative studies using the WHOQOL-BREF, which report significantly lower means for women compared with men on this scale (Skevington et al. 2004) .

This is in line with previous large-scale normative studies using the WHOQOL-BREF, which report significantly lower means for women compared with men on this scale.


There are a few relevant experiences regarding perishable food recovery in marketplaces in Spain. One is the case of the local marketplaces of Cornella de Llobregat (Barcelona) and Torredembarra (Tarragona), whose councils coordinate all of the necessary steps for food recovery implementation. In the first case, the transport of food is carried out by Red Cross volunteers, and the final recipient is the Botiga Solidaria, which helps more than 600 families [22] . Regarding Torredembarra, this is a weekly marketplace of fruit and vegetables whose surpluses are sent to Rebost dels Aliments Torredembarra, an entity belonging to Caritas, which serves about 200 families [22] . During 2013, 2571 kg of food were collected in Cornella and 5103 in Torredembarra, representing economically € 8237 in the first case and € 10,425 in the second [22] .

In the first case, the transport of food is carried out by Red Cross volunteers, and the final recipient is the Botiga Solidaria, which helps more than 600 families.

Regarding Torredembarra, this is a weekly marketplace of fruit and vegetables whose surpluses are sent to Rebost dels Aliments Torredembarra, an entity belonging to Caritas, which serves about 200 families.

During 2013, 2571 kg of food were collected in Cornella and 5103 in Torredembarra, representing economically € 8237 in the first case and € 10,425 in the second.


On the one hand, marketplaces belong to the processing and packaging step in the food supply chain, where food recovery or redistribution is really relevant. Food recovery is the collection of wholesome food for distribution to the poor and hungry. On the other hand, food banks are the recovery organizations responsible for collecting and transporting food donations, although food ready for donation does not always match the needs of food recovery organizations [5] (p. 14).

On the other hand, food banks are the recovery organizations responsible for collecting and transporting food donations, although food ready for donation does not always match the needs of food recovery organizations(p. 14).


As a large length-to-diameter ratio transportation vehicle, high speed trains (HST) run quicker and quicker. The speed of HST that running on the Beijing-Shanghai railway has already reached 300 km/h. In high speed conditions, the flow around the train reveals distinct unsteady characteristics due to the influence of the exposed structures (bogies, pantographs, etc.) and the ground effect [1] . Furthermore, the unsteady characteristics of the wake flow for a slender body are more predominant, which may lead to high fluctuations of aerodynamic loads, especially for the lift and side force of the trailing car. Large aerodynamic lift force will decrease the contact force between the wheels and the rail, which will lead to derailment in certain circumstance. For the flow around a slender body, asymmetric wake flow will emerge in crosswind conditions, and the shedding vortices around the nose of the trailing car will result in high lift and side force. Meanwhile, enough space should be ensured not only for the placement of equipments but also for the operation convenience of the drivers.

In high speed conditions, the flow around the train reveals distinct unsteady characteristics due to the influence of the exposed structures (bogies, pantographs, etc.) and the ground effect.


The investigations in many directions also point to the fact that face milling is characterized by inhomogeneity of roughness and its values differ in the different planes and surface elements of the surface. There are different roughness values measured in the direction of feed in the direction of the rotational axis of the tool and at different distances to the symmetry line. Theoretically, the highest roughness of the milled surface is in the symmetry plane. Therefore, in this study, the effect of increasing the feed is examined for the topography of the surface in the symmetry plane while analysing the change in the roughness values for single and multi-point milling operations. In the meantime, the axial setting errors of the inserts were also considered. For estimating roughness parameters, surface topography modelling is used that allows the determination and analysis of the theoretical values of 2D and 3D roughness parameters and that can take setting errors into account [20] . This article focuses on how the two-and three-dimensional surface roughness characteristics are affected when using a constant depth of cut. The considered 2D roughness parameters are the following: Ra-arithmetical average of the profile heights; Rz-average value of the absolute values of the heights of five highest profile peaks and the depths of five deepest valleys; Rq-root mean square average of the profile heights. The investigated 3D roughness parameters are the following: Sa-arithmetic mean height of the surface; Sz-maximum height of the surface; Sq-root mean squared height of the surface.

For estimating roughness parameters, surface topography modelling is used that allows the determination and analysis of the theoretical values of 2D and 3D roughness parameters and that can take setting errors into account.


Until about 25 years ago, it was thought that a circadian pathway did not exist in humans, but, rather, was only found in phylogentically older species. Indeed, until about four years ago the photopigments responsible for circadian phototransduction in humans, as well as other species, were essentially unknown [1] . Such research would only be of academic interest, except that applied and clinical research is beginning to demonstrate that disruption of the time-of-day information from the retina to the circadian system in the brain can have significant implications for the human condition.

Indeed, until about four years ago the photopigments responsible for circadian phototransduction in humans, as well as other species, were essentially unknown.


To assist progress in both science and commerce, a prototype device for measuring radiation for the circadian system, the Daysimeter, was designed, constructed, calibrated, and utilized in one scientific investigation with more to follow. The conceptual framework for the Daysimeter reflects the unique nature of optical radiation for the circadian system in contrast to that for the visual system. Unlike the visual system, the circadian system has a much higher threshold to optical radiation, it has a peak spectral sensitivity at much shorter wavelengths, it is indifferent to image formation, it requires longer radiation exposures for activation, and perhaps most important, it is differentially sensitive to optical radiation over the 24-hour day [12] . These fundamental differences between the visual and the circadian systems were specifically addressed in the design and development of the Daysimeter described here. Moreover, because activity patterns provide an indication of the circadian timing unique to each person, the instrument also incorporates detection and recording of head motions [23] .

Unlike the visual system, the circadian system has a much higher threshold to optical radiation, it has a peak spectral sensitivity at much shorter wavelengths, it is indifferent to image formation, it requires longer radiation exposures for activation, and perhaps most important, it is differentially sensitive to optical radiation over the 24-hour day.

Moreover, because activity patterns provide an indication of the circadian timing unique to each person, the instrument also incorporates detection and recording of head motions.


Measurement is at the core of progress in both science and commerce. Light as a specific stimulus for vision and as a commodity for sale has been well-established and readily used for nearly a century [32] . Only recently has the role of optical radiation as a stimulus for circadian regulation in all species, including humans, become better understood [1] . Even today, work is ongoing toward the development of a detailed understanding of phototransduction of optical radiation by the circadian system. Due to the very recent nature of these scientific developments, the specification and sale of optical radiation for the circadian system has yet to take place in a systematic way. Once an internationally sanctioned system of measurement of circadian radiation is established, however, products that generate and control light for the circadian system will become much more prevalent.

Light as a specific stimulus for vision and as a commodity for sale has been well-established and readily used for nearly a century.

Only recently has the role of optical radiation as a stimulus for circadian regulation in all species, including humans, become better understood.


Currently in South Africa, as in most countries around the world, only in vivo methods are used to determine the GI of a food. This method entails that a specific food is ingested by human subjects and the glycemic response of the food is presented as a percentage of a reference food, namely white bread. A specific GI value is then given to the food (Goni et al., 1997) . The current in vivo methods, which are expensive and time consuming, might not be feasible in delivering on such a task at a country level as required for labeling.

A specific GI value is then given to the food.


Surveys were conducted in June and July 2007-2009 in 38 commercial and experimental stone fruit orchards from seven geographical locations within Poland (Poznan, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Lodz, Lublin, Kielce, and Zielona Gora regions). The orchards' area ranged from 0.5 to 3 ha and the age of the trees ranged from 6 to 15 years. To test the trees for virus presence, leaf samples were collected separately from 4-22 symptomatic trees from each orchard dependent on its area. There were 145 sweet cherry and 102 sour cherry trees tested for Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV) and Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), both unassigned species in the Flexiviridae family, Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1), an unassigned species in the Closteroviridae family, Little cherry virus 2 (LChV-2) classified as Ampelovirus in the Closteroviridae family, and Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV), a Trichovirus species in the Flexiviridae family (Fauquet et al. 2005) . Sixty peach and 20 apricot trees showing disease symptoms were also tested for CGRMV. Samples of shoots from 145 sweet cherry, 102 sour cherry, 128 peach, 37 apricot, five nectarine and 20 European as well as Japanese plum trees were collected to be tested for phytoplasmas (Table 1) .

There were 145 sweet cherry and 102 sour cherry trees tested for Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV) and Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), both unassigned species in the Flexiviridae family, Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1), an unassigned species in the Closteroviridae family, Little cherry virus 2 (LChV-2) classified as Ampelovirus in the Closteroviridae family, and Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV), a Trichovirus species in the Flexiviridae family.


Stone fruit trees are the hosts of more than 30 viruses and virus-like pathogens. Among them, Prunus necrotic ring spot virus (PNRSV) and Prune dwarf virus (PDV) are the most common worldwide and also widely present in Polish orchards. One of the lesser known pathogens in Poland are Little cherry virus 1, 2 or 3 (LChV-1, LChV-2 or LChV-3) causing Little cherry disease (LChD). Sweet cherry fruits of some cultivars affected by LChV are small, pointed, imperfectly coloured, and tasteless, and leaves show a red-brown colouration of the surface (Welsh and Cheney 1976) . Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV) infects sweet cherry, sour cherry, peach, apricot and other Prunus species, causing yellowing and dark mottling of the sour cherry trees leaves, whereas sweet cherry trees are latently infected (Desvignes 1999) . Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV) induces irregular and chlorotic mottling, leaf distortion and puckering, reduced yield, and smaller and tasteless fruits (James and Mukerji 1993) . Trees infected with Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV) show brown, angular necrotic spots, shot holes on the leaves, gum blisters and necrosis of the bark (Wadley and Nyland 1976) .

Sweet cherry fruits of some cultivars affected by LChV are small, pointed, imperfectly coloured, and tasteless, and leaves show a red-brown colouration of the surface.

Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV) infects sweet cherry, sour cherry, peach, apricot and other Prunus species, causing yellowing and dark mottling of the sour cherry trees leaves, whereas sweet cherry trees are latently infected.

Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV) induces irregular and chlorotic mottling, leaf distortion and puckering, reduced yield, and smaller and tasteless fruits.

Trees infected with Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV) show brown, angular necrotic spots, shot holes on the leaves, gum blisters and necrosis of the bark.


In particular, EVM is a widely accepted method to compute cost estimate at completion (CEAC) of an ongoing project based on current progress and performance. Major contributions to EVMbased CEAC were established in the 1990s within U.S. defense projects. Comparatively, the construction industry experienced small applications of these findings and during the past decade little advancement in CEAC forecasting research for construction projects has been reported (De Marco and Narbaev 2013) .

Comparatively, the construction industry experienced small applications of these findings and during the past decade little advancement in CEAC forecasting research for construction projects has been reported.


In the writers' regression analysis, the levels of the confidence interval (CI) are set, i.e., lower and upper CI, which are lower and upper 100% (1-0.05) endpoints of the estimates, respectively. The CI gives a range of estimate values between two limits in which the actual values are more likely to fall. The CI represents the accuracy of an estimate and the 95% confidence level is regarded as an accepted standard (Seber and Wild 1989) .

The CI represents the accuracy of an estimate and the 95% confidence level is regarded as an accepted standard.


Eq. (8) has three parameters, as follows: (1) the α-asymptote represents the never-attained value of the final cost as time tends to infinity, (2) β is the y-intercept (which represents the initial size of a project cumulative cost), and (3) the γ-scale parameter that governs the rate of the cost growth. The maximum cost growth rate is G max ¼ aγ=4 and it occurs when the time x ¼ β=γ and the cumulative cost LMðxÞ ¼ α=2. In Eq. (8) the predictor x represents normalized time points with its maximum value equal to 1.00 (100% time-complete); i.e., the PD of a project. The corresponding value of the response variable is normalized points of the combined-to-date AC (from a project beginning to AT) and PV (from AT and onto 100%) with its maximum value (BAC) of 1.00. This allows building the combined dataset of AC and PV with respect to time points used in the model-fitting and determining the three parameters for the LM nonlinear equation. The last task in this step is to define an equation for the writers' LM through nonlinear regression analysis. For this purpose, best-fit values of model parameters were obtained to fit the model data and then compared with the other three models (Bates and Watts 1988) . The Minitab software package is used. Unlike linear regression, building a nonlinear regression model requires specifying the starting values for a model parameters and the algorithm for approximation of these values (Bates and Watts 1988) . However, no standard procedure exists to define good starting values. Unless one knows the starting values of the model parameters based on prior information, to define a good set of these values in nonlinear model fitting is difficult because it is because of the existence of a nonlinear relationship between a predictor and a response variable and the phenomena the model represents. To estimate values of these parameters, both linear and nonlinear regression use the least squares (LS) method of approximation. The most common assumption in curve-fitting is that data points are randomly scattered around an ideal curve with the scatter in accordance with a Gaussian distribution (Bates and Watts 1988) . Taking into account this consideration, the LS approach minimizes the sum of the squared errors (SSE, the difference between the estimated values and actual input values of the parameters) of the vertical distances of the points from a curve. The research reported in this paper applies a Gauss-Newton algorithm for the LS approximation, which obtains convergence iteratively close-to-linear regression that are not heavily dependent on the starting values. The iteration process continues until the algorithm converges to determine the parameter values within the specified tolerance on the minimum SSE (Bates and Watts 1988) . In the research reported in this paper, the candidate model is regarded as statistically valid if the NewtonGauss algorithm of the LS approximation converges to estimate values of the growth model's parameters within specified convergence tolerance. When the minimization algorithm fails to perform this task, the model is rejected from further CEAC comparative study.

For this purpose, best-fit values of model parameters were obtained to fit the model data and then compared with the other three models.

The Minitab software package is used.

Unlike linear regression, building a nonlinear regression model requires specifying the starting values for a model parameters and the algorithm for approximation of these values.

The most common assumption in curve-fitting is that data points are randomly scattered around an ideal curve with the scatter in accordance with a Gaussian distribution.

The iteration process continues until the algorithm converges to determine the parameter values within the specified tolerance on the minimum SSE.


The most reported alternative techniques to index-based cost forecasting formulas are those that use linear or nonlinear regression analysis to develop regression-based models (Christensen et al. 1995) . These methods are regarded as more sophisticated in calculating a project's CEAC than index-based methodologies but are able to generate better estimates early in a project life (Tracy 2005) . Nonlinear formulas better describe nonlinear relationships between input and output variables and are frequently used to build the nonlinear cost growth pattern. Furthermore, the s-shaped curve of this cumulative cost is produced by the sigmoid models, also termed growth models. These methodologies extend the application boundaries of the traditional index-based CEAC methods and overcome the three previously noted limitations. In the literature, growth models with nonlinear regression have been widely applied to study cumulative cost growth (Christensen et al. 1995) .

The most reported alternative techniques to index-based cost forecasting formulas are those that use linear or nonlinear regression analysis to develop regression-based models.

These methods are regarded as more sophisticated in calculating a project's CEAC than index-based methodologies but are able to generate better estimates early in a project life.

In the literature, growth models with nonlinear regression have been widely applied to study cumulative cost growth.


The increasing use of power electronic converters in power systems has drawn more attention to the control and stability of converter-grid interactions. In general, the stability issues can be categorized into two types, i.e. the small-signal stability and the large-signal stability (transient stability) [1] . Over the past few years, many research efforts have been made to study the small-signal stability of grid-connected converters [2] - [6] . However, the transient stability issue, which is the ability of grid-connected converters to maintain synchronism under severe grid disturbances, has not drawn much attention. The major difficulty in this area lies in extracting the large-signal dynamic behavior of grid-connected converters, where the small-signal modeling method and the linear control theory do not apply.

In general, the stability issues can be categorized into two types, i.e. the small-signal stability and the large-signal stability (transient stability).

Over the past few years, many research efforts have been made to study the small-signal stability of grid-connected converters.


A major strength of the present study, is that it is one of the first to assess blended treatment instead of internet-based interventions used as standalone or addons, in the treatment of depression in routine practice. The assumption underlying the integrated approach within blended treatment, is that the benefits of online treatment are combined with the advantages of FTF therapy. However, many questions regarding a blended treatment format are still unanswered, e.g. on how to best blend the two modes of delivery, on program structure and flexibility or on frequency and content of therapist support [24, 25] . This study will contribute in yielding meaningful answers to these questions. It will also become clear to what extent the blended intervention suits patients in specialised mental healthcare, by looking at adherence, dropout and satisfaction with treatment.

However, many questions regarding a blended treatment format are still unanswered, e.g. on how to best blend the two modes of delivery, on program structure and flexibility or on frequency and content of therapist support.


Drying is extracting liquids in a matter. In technical drying, external interference is applied to the drying process and the moisture in the matter is extracted through various methods. Thus, drying is described as the reduction of product moisture to the required dryness values at a definite process. All of the units that enable the product to reach the drying values at the definite process and which consist of various units (heating, dehumidifying) are described as the drying system [1] .

All of the units that enable the product to reach the drying values at the definite process and which consist of various units (heating, dehumidifying) are described as the drying system.


From the results summarized in Table 1 the proposed algorithm is vital to evaluate the chaotic behavior of PWL multidirectional multiscroll chaotic oscillators at electronic system level. The positive LE (LE1 in Table 1 ) of Chua's circuit computed with this algorithm is quite similar in ∼0.3% of relative error to that reported in previous paper [29] . This verifies our numerical results. Meanwhile the Lyapunov spectrums of chaotic oscillators of Figure 4 , considering electronic design requirements, are introduced here.

The positive LE (LE1 in Table 1 ) of Chua's circuit computed with this algorithm is quite similar in ∼0.3% of relative error to that reported in previous paper.

This verifies our numerical results.


Furthermore, the impact in the Lyapunov spectrum is studied when both the frequency bandwidth and voltage dynamic range of chaotic signals are varied. By keeping the voltage dynamic range of ELS design, the frequency bandwidth of 1D 6-scroll chaotic oscillator of Figure 4 (a) is increased from 1 rad/s to 65e3 rad/s. This redesign, labeled as FS-ELS design, was obtained by modifying the capacitors with the value shown in Table 1 . As the absolute minimum eigenvalue depends inversely on the time-constant defined by capacitors, the Lyapunov spectrum of Figure 8 (b) was computed by using a RNF of 0.000004. This means that there exists a rapid growth of the dynamical solution of 1D 6-scroll chaotic oscillator. Associated with this, the chaotic system in (16) is multiplied by an equivalent constant to the magnitude of RNF affecting all elements of the modified state-matrices and its associated Jacobians in (20a), (20b), (20c), (20d), (20e), (20f), (20g), (20h), (20i), (20j), and (20k). Therefore, RNF increases as a function of the frequency bandwidth. It is important to remark that, at this oscillation frequency, the chaotic circuit is practical to be used in engineering applications, for example, analog communications for encrypted voice transmission [13] .

It is important to remark that, at this oscillation frequency, the chaotic circuit is practical to be used in engineering applications, for example, analog communications for encrypted voice transmission.


Otherwise, it is important to note that, if the Lyapunov spectrum is not renormalized, the maximum and zero Lyapunov exponents converge to inaccurate magnitudes and it will conduct an imprecise estimation of dynamics. This is more evident in the maximum and zero Lyapunov exponents, for example, without renormalization of Chua's circuit they are LE(+) = 230700 and LE(0) = 3100, respectively, where these variations are induced by the time-constants of the electronic circuits, causing rapid evolution of the chaotic trajectories. This issue is addressed by using a renormalization factor (RNF), which is dependent on the absolute minimum eigenvalue of Jacobian matrices. Evidently, this attenuation factor changes as a function of the frequency scaling done by a circuit designer. Furthermore, as mentioned in Section 2, the error of the algorithm is intrinsically associated with the orbital period used to orthogonalize the Lyapunov vectors by using Gram-Schmidt method. In Figures 3(b) , 6(b), and 7(b), it is noted that the error also varies as the complexity of the PWL chaotic systems grows. In this case, complexity refers to the increasing number of equilibrium points in the attractor. For instance, the error for 2D 4-scroll chaotic oscillator with 47 equilibrium points is greater than Chua's circuit with only three equilibrium points, as shown in Table 1 . This behavior agrees with previous papers [5, [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] .

This behavior agrees with previous papers.


We use a scanner data set collected by A.C. Neilson, which contains information on four supermarket chains located in one of the major capital cites in Australia. In total, over 100 stores are included in this data set with these stores accounting for approximately 80% of grocery sales in this city (Jain and Abello, 2001) . The data set contains 65 weeks of data, collected between Within each item category the data set contains price and quantity information on all of the brands which belong to an item category sold in all stores; for example, from table 1 there were 1,322 brands of biscuits traded in all stores over the period. Additional information includes the product brand name, a unique 13 digit identifier (known as the European Article Number/Australian Product Number (EANAPN)) and, where relevant, the physical weight of the item.

In total, over 100 stores are included in this data set with these stores accounting for approximately 80% of grocery sales in this city.


Besides the shuffle-based approach, in the MDP model, there is also another interesting direction that uses homomorphic encryption [16] . In particular, each user homomorphically encrypts his/her value using one-hot encoding. The auxiliary server then multiplies the ciphertexts in each location to get the aggregated result (i.e., a histogram), and adds noise to the histogram to provide DP privacy guarantee. Finally, the results are sent to the server. As one-hot encoding is used, the communication cost is large for big domains.

Besides the shuffle-based approach, in the MDP model, there is also another interesting direction that uses homomorphic encryption.


Recently, researchers introduced settings where one can achieve a middle ground between DP and LDP, in terms of both privacy and utility. This is typically achieved by introducing additional parties [7, 15, 16, 23] . One such setting is called the shuffler model, which introduces another party called the shuffler. Users perturb their information minimally, and then send encrypted version of the perturbed information to the shuffler, who shuffles the users' information, and then sends them to the server. The server then decrypts the reports and aggregates the information. If the shuffler and the server collude, there is no privacy amplification, and the user obtains privacy only from perturbation. If the shuffler and the server can be trusted not to collude, then the shuffler learns nothing about the reported data (because of semantic-security of the encryption scheme), and the server learns less about each individual's report because it cannot link a user to a report. In short, the role of the shuffler is to break the linkage between the users and the reports, thus providing some privacy boost. Due to the privacy boost, users can add less noise, while achieving the same level of privacy for the server. This boost, however, requires trusting that the shuffler will not collude with the server. This new model of LDP, which we call Multi-party DP (MDP), offers a different trade-off between trust and utility than DP and LDP.

This is typically achieved by introducing additional parties.


An interesting approach to assessing elasticity is to use the acoustic radiation force of an ultrasonic focused beam to remotely generate mechanical vibrations in organs [23] . The acoustic force is generated by the momentum transfer from the acoustic wave to the medium. The radiation force essentially acts as a dipolar source. A spatio-temporal sequence of the propagation of the induced transient wave can be acquired, leading to a quantitative estimation of the viscoelastic parameters of the studied medium in a source-free region [10, 11] .

An interesting approach to assessing elasticity is to use the acoustic radiation force of an ultrasonic focused beam to remotely generate mechanical vibrations in organs.

A spatio-temporal sequence of the propagation of the induced transient wave can be acquired, leading to a quantitative estimation of the viscoelastic parameters of the studied medium in a source-free region.


In this paper, we study a general class of difference equations (covering many equations studied by other authors or that have never been studied before), as a means of establishing general theorems, for the asymptotic behavior of its solutions. Here, we state new necessary and sufficient conditions for local asymptotic stability of Equation (1) . In addition, by using new technique in Theorems 4 and 5, we establish new necessary and sufficient conditions and these conditions are very useful in studying the existence of periodic solutions of period two and three. Our results here extend and complement many recent ones in the literature. Suitable illustrative examples have also been provided.

Here, we state new necessary and sufficient conditions for local asymptotic stability of Equation.


The social group in this study (women who manage their household's energy use) shared the same set of meanings about some of the difficulties of using electricity: demand being high, heavy usage often leading to power outages, electricity units finishing quickly, and electricity being too expensive, especially for the unemployed. The participants, however, managed to overcome some of these challenges by employing local knowledge (strategies) in the choices they made, minimising harm when using various fuels and educating household members on energy efficiency. Further interventions to optimise the use of multiple fuels in this context are suggested:  For heating, sunlight was seen by participants as a source of energy that is clean, free and readily available. Solar water heaters would contribute positively to the alleviation of energy poverty in these households through providing a constant source of heated water (Wlokas, 2011) .

Solar water heaters would contribute positively to the alleviation of energy poverty in these households through providing a constant source of heated water.


Using electricity saving strategies, or closure mechanisms, has enabled the participants to redefine the lack of availability of electricity as an opportunity to use their indigenous knowledge to allow their households to function. Understanding multiple fuel use requires the inclusion of a wider context (the broader socio-cultural and political environment) where the practice itself takes place. Socially, the practice of using multiple fuels is understood as a way of survival and coping with electricity increases, for example, when the participants discuss their fuel use with their neighbours and offer practical support (i.e. sharing wood fuel and drievoet cooking pots). Culturally, the practice is a way of life that is tied to the participants' heritage. The preference for cooking traditional foods using wood fuel illustrates their need to continue with this practice. From a political perspective the study highlighted the need for government to intervene to alleviate energy poverty and to support the 23 community in addressing energy supply issues. This would include evaluating some of its existing energy interventions, for example, whether 100 units of free electricity is sufficient to meet household needs. The participants are open to the idea of installing solar geysers, provided the government meets them half way with subsidies, a mechanism that is regularly used to convince homeowners to invest in energy-efficient heating technologies (Aune, 2007) . The participants' perceptions about electricity purchasing prices from the municipalities compared to buying directly from Eskom also need to be addressed.

The participants are open to the idea of installing solar geysers, provided the government meets them half way with subsidies, a mechanism that is regularly used to convince homeowners to invest in energy-efficient heating technologies.


The need for a damage control caused by wild species has been considerably growing in the last years, mainly due to the expansion of human activities and the intensive land use (Dolbeer et al., 1996) . The alteration process of the original landscape can have a direct or indirect influence on the pattern of distribution and abundance of the species (Wiens, 1996) . Therefore, some wild species tend to find favorable conditions to their survival, increasing their populations and causing damage to agriculture and pastures.

The need for a damage control caused by wild species has been considerably growing in the last years, mainly due to the expansion of human activities and the intensive land use.

The alteration process of the original landscape can have a direct or indirect influence on the pattern of distribution and abundance of the species.


Quantitative estimates of mortality rates for squid species are virtually non-existent. However, they have been vaguely defined as higher than mammals, similar to marine plankton and lower than fish (O'Dor 1998) . This description arises purely as a function of the logistical and technical complexities associated with reliably sampling the squid species through the egg, paralarval and juvenile phases in the wild. Nevertheless, the need to quantify early mortality rates and identify processes responsible is important, especially from a fisheries management perspective, as it can potentially be used to predict recruitment strength.

However, they have been vaguely defined as higher than mammals, similar to marine plankton and lower than fish.


The spatial extension of Chl a coastal blooms has been shown to be controlled by the residual horizontal components of the ocean velocity field, and particularly by the meridional horizontal component acting off the Malaga and Almeria coasts. Correlation with the residual part of Chl a and the meridional velocity EOFt component shows these driving mechanisms of ocean velocity on Chl a. A possible interpretation of this phenomena can be given in terms of the role and time scales of the upwelling blooms. Once a bloom occurs in the coastal upwelling area, horizontal velocities (and particularly meridional ones) will transport the Chl a-rich water off-shore until it meets ocean surface structures such as the EAG, WAG and AOF, which act as dynamic barriers to surface-advected Chl a. This is also in good agreement with the patterns observed in satellite images of ocean colour (Solé et al. 2012) .

This is also in good agreement with the patterns observed in satellite images of ocean colour.


The biocompatibility of nanomaterials is an important problem; however, evaluation of a systematic testing method of safety for nanomaterials is not currently established. In this study, we evaluated biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo through proliferation assay, SEM observation, and histopathologic evaluation of scaffolds. After cell seeding, good cell viability and spreading on the sample were confirmed. By histological observation, inflammatory cells were rarely seen around the nano-modified sample. Based on this evidence, we propose that the nano--TCP/collagen scaffold has good biocompatibility. In addition, collagen sponge, consisting of atelocollagen, was recognized as a compatible material [46, 47] . Recently, many studies have demonstrated the high compatibility of nanobioceramics in vitro [48, 49] . On the other hand, intravenous injection of nanohydroxyapatite resulted in vacuolar degeneration of nephric tubule epithelium, indicating that size of particle might play a significant role in biocompatibility [50] . Furthermore, there was evidence of long-term residue of nonabsorbable nanomaterials in the cell lysosomes following phagocytosis [51] . Although aberrant healing was not detected in this study, negative biological action resulting from nanomaterial use is an important point to be considered in the future.

In addition, collagen sponge, consisting of atelocollagen, was recognized as a compatible material.

Recently, many studies have demonstrated the high compatibility of nanobioceramics in vitro.

On the other hand, intravenous injection of nanohydroxyapatite resulted in vacuolar degeneration of nephric tubule epithelium, indicating that size of particle might play a significant role in biocompatibility.

Furthermore, there was evidence of long-term residue of nonabsorbable nanomaterials in the cell lysosomes following phagocytosis.


Among these four identified genes, three (CANK2D, AK1 and DIDO1) and nine others (ADK, PKLR, PKM2, STAT1, CAMK2B, CREB1, GRIN2B, GRIA1 and ACTN2) were grouped into a network of functional relevance. All proteins are connected with each other by the subnets kinase activity, synaptic transmission, cell projection, programmed cell death and genes involved in activation of NMDA receptor upon glutamate binding and postsynaptic events. The NMDA or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels widely expressed in the central nervous system which play key roles in excitatory synaptic transmission (Dingledine et al., 1999) .

The NMDA or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels widely expressed in the central nervous system which play key roles in excitatory synaptic transmission.


For the same miRNA we have two other target genes (CAMK2D and SLC25A34). The CAMK2D, which is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II delta chain, is a multifunctional protein kinase, with complex structural and autoregulatory properties. Evidence suggests a structural diversity in CaMKII isoform variants, as an important determinant of cellular function (Hudmon and Schulman, 2002; Bayer and Schulman, 2001) . The SLC25A34 is a member of solute carrier family 25, which consists of proteins with function as transporters of a large variety of molecules (Pebay-Peyroula et al., 2003) . All these molecules originate from macromolecules that constitute the energy sources of cells and which are broken down into less complex molecules by cellular enzymes (Palmieri, 2004) . The fourth gene, DIDO1, is a target of hsa-miR-665, and encodes for death inducerobliterator 1 protein, which is identified as a gene upregulated early in apoptosis by several stimuli. The overexpression of DIDO-1 in cells induces massive apoptosis without any apoptotic stimuli (Garcia-Domingo et al., 1999) .

Evidence suggests a structural diversity in CaMKII isoform variants, as an important determinant of cellular function.

The SLC25A34 is a member of solute carrier family 25, which consists of proteins with function as transporters of a large variety of molecules.

All these molecules originate from macromolecules that constitute the energy sources of cells and which are broken down into less complex molecules by cellular enzymes.

The overexpression of DIDO-1 in cells induces massive apoptosis without any apoptotic stimuli.


Let G be a set of an odd number of players. In MG, all players in G synchronously repeat a round, and receive a profit from the field when it becomes a winner of a round. In each round, each player selects one of two groups (e.g., 0 or 1). Then, the minority of players with respect to the selected groups is determined as the winner of the round. The objective of each player is to maximize the total profits received from the field. By definition, in order to maximize the total profits, we have to maximize the number of winners in each round (e.g., it must be as close to half the total number of players as possible). In fact, under an appropriately designed MG, we could observe an emergence of cooperative behavior of players such that the number of winners converges to half the number of players in spite of the selfish behavior of each player [2] .

In fact, under an appropriately designed MG, we could observe an emergence of cooperative behavior of players such that the number of winners converges to half the number of players in spite of the selfish behavior of each player.


Groundwater resource protection has become a critical issue worldwide. One of the approaches widely used to protect groundwater quality and reduce human health risks consists in assessing and mapping groundwater vulnerability to contamination. The term groundwater vulnerability includes two basic parameters: intrinsic vulnerability (IV) and specific vulnerability [1] . The former defines the vulnerability of groundwater to contaminants generated by human activities, taking into account only the inherent hydrogeological characteristics of the area, and is independent of the nature of the contaminants. The latter is specified for a particular contaminant or group of contaminants. The most common vulnerability assessment techniques used is the DRASTIC system [2] . This model has been widely used in many countries because the inputs required for its application are generally available or easy to obtain. It is based on seven parameters to be determined as input for computing the DRASTIC index number, which reflects the pollution potential for the aquifer [2] [3] [4] [5] . However, the major drawback of this method is the subjectivity of the determination of the rating scale and the weighting coefficients. The combination of GIS and MCA is a powerful tool to solve the groundwater vulnerability problem. Indeed, GIS provides efficient manipulation and presentation of the data and MCA provides consistent ranking of the groundwater vulnerability based upon a variety of criteria. This combination of GIS and MCA has already been used for solving the groundwater potential zone delineation problem and landfill site selection [6] [7] [8] .

The term groundwater vulnerability includes two basic parameters: intrinsic vulnerability (IV) and specific vulnerability.

The most common vulnerability assessment techniques used is the DRASTIC system.

It is based on seven parameters to be determined as input for computing the DRASTIC index number, which reflects the pollution potential for the aquifer.

This combination of GIS and MCA has already been used for solving the groundwater potential zone delineation problem and landfill site selection.


A similar approach to the management of PULs was proposed using a single-visit strategy based on the initial serum progesterone and hCG levels (Condous et al., 2005b) . When tested prospectively on a total of 518 PULs, this approach correctly eliminated 84% of low-risk PULs from further follow-up but simultaneously misclassified 67% of EPs (Condous et al., 2005b) . Another single-visit strategy was described in a recent prospective interventional study in which a single measurement of serum progesterone ,10 nm/l at presentation was used to discharge women with a PUL (Cordina et al., 2011) . Using this approach, Cordina and colleagues classified 37% of their PUL population as low risk. Fifteen (6.6%) out of 227 discharged women returned to the unit because of worsening symptoms and 4 (1.7%) needed surgical intervention of which 2 of the 5 were discharged EPs. While the single progesterone approach has the advantage of giving a result on the basis of one blood test, using M4 enables significantly more women to be classified as low risk. It is important to emphasize that the Cordina study is interventional, and so while M4 may have theoretical advantages, an interventional study is needed to enable us to compare these approaches to PUL triage appropriately.

A similar approach to the management of PULs was proposed using a single-visit strategy based on the initial serum progesterone and hCG levels.

When tested prospectively on a total of 518 PULs, this approach correctly eliminated 84% of low-risk PULs from further follow-up but simultaneously misclassified 67% of EPs.

Another single-visit strategy was described in a recent prospective interventional study in which a single measurement of serum progesterone ,10 nm/l at presentation was used to discharge women with a PUL.


Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system attacks self-antigens. This induces prolonged inflammation and subsequent tissue destruction. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a common systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by chronically inflamed synovial joints and subsequent destruction of cartilage and bones. Despite decades of research, the pathogenesis of RA is still unresolved. One of the hallmarks of RA is the presence of a broad spectrum of autoantibodies against aberrantly expressed autoantigens. The discovery of autoantibodies to citrullinated proteins such as fibrin and vimentin in patients with RA was one of the most important findings in rheumatology research [1] . Advances in protein array technologies have enabled large-scale analysis of proteins to identify significant biomarkers that contribute to disease pathogenesis. A recently published paper describing 8,268 protein arrays using RA sera indicates that the catalytic domain of vraf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) is a new autoantigen for RA [2] .

The discovery of autoantibodies to citrullinated proteins such as fibrin and vimentin in patients with RA was one of the most important findings in rheumatology research.

A recently published paper describing 8,268 protein arrays using RA sera indicates that the catalytic domain of vraf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) is a new autoantigen for RA.


Highway design that ensures successive elements are coordinated in such a way as to produce harmonious and homogeneous driver performance along the road is considered consistent and safe. On the other hand, an alignment which requires drivers to handle surprising events and does not meet driving simulators has some possible shortcomings, including: physical limitations and realism, simulator sickness, and most importantly validity [35, 36] . The issue of validation must be addressed before the experimental results can be applied to real life situations, thus only a validated simulator can be considered as a useful research tool. Fortunately, validation of using driving simulators in highway research can be achieved.

On the other hand, an alignment which requires drivers to handle surprising events and does not meet driving simulators has some possible shortcomings, including: physical limitations and realism, simulator sickness, and most importantly validity.


A significant proportion of those with late stage HIV (27.8%) had received care at a medical clinic and a similar proportion (29.9%) had previously received treatment from a pharmacy/drug store. Fewer individuals had prior encounters with traditional healers (7.8%) or home health workers (2.0%). These findings highlight several gaps and missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis, including: 1) Failure to diagnose HIV infection for infected individuals who attended medical clinics; and 2) A missed opportunity to make a diagnosis for HIV (or any other illness) for those who received care at the pharmacies and drug shops, since these outlets only sell drugs largely on request from sick individuals. Strengthening and expansion of PITC to all health units may reduce missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis, for those individuals who do make contact with these facilities. The initial scale-up of PITC focused more on the high HIV prevalence facilities, including medical and tuberculosis wards [22] . We found that two thirds of the participants in the medical wards had late stage HIV compared to one third of the outpatients. In comparison to the medical wards, HIV testing in outpatient units may provide a better opportunity for earlier HIV diagnosis [23] .

The initial scale-up of PITC focused more on the high HIV prevalence facilities, including medical and tuberculosis wards.

In comparison to the medical wards, HIV testing in outpatient units may provide a better opportunity for earlier HIV diagnosis.


Of course, one of the reasons we see such a strong effect of intergenerational advice is because we purposely selected the most cooperative advice to transmit to the subsequent generation, in order to examine the maximum possible cooperative impact of intergenerational advice. This type of experimental design is analogous to early experiments in artificial selection designed to breed varieties of corn with both very high and very low oil content (Dudley and Lambert 2004) . The results here are thus representative of the maximum cooperative potential of intergenerational advice. This suggests an obvious extension to our experiment involving either advice evolving freely over time or selecting for the most negative advice with respect to cooperative content. This would facilitate a fair comparison of the strength of the effect of advice and cooperation, and thus, vertical and horizontal social learning, as well as an examination of potential asymmetries between the evolution of cooperation and defection via intergenerational cultural transmission.

This type of experimental design is analogous to early experiments in artificial selection designed to breed varieties of corn with both very high and very low oil content.


Marine tourism in the Arctic has been growing as tourism demand increases and accessibility is improved [1] [2] [3] . Much of this activity involves smaller expedition cruise ships and the larger vessels common in more accessible cruise destinations. Sailboat and luxury yacht travel has also grown. But there are distinct differences in tourism within the Arctic region that reflect particular geographic and political contexts. It is important to consider these particularities in order to understand sustainable tourism and natural resource protection as it relates to marine tourism development in the Arctic.

Marine tourism in the Arctic has been growing as tourism demand increases and accessibility is improved.


Diseased yam tubers (D. alata and D. rotundata) were obtained from Bodija market in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Leaf and fruits of X. aethiopica and S. aromaticum were collected from the Botanical garden, University of Ibadan, Oyo state. Pieces of diseased white and water yam obtained from different markets in Ibadan were surfaced sterilized and cultured on acidified petri plates of potato dextrose agar (APDA) following standard procedures. Incubation at room temperature was done for 7 days. After pathogenicity tests and preparation of the plant extracts (leaf and fruits of X. aethiopica and S. aromaticum), their antifungal assay was examined at three different concentrations viz; 35, 50 and 75% following standard procedures (Sobowale et al., 2015) . There were two controls; 0% *Corresponding author: E-mail: delesobowale@yahoo.com. with agar and 0% with ethanol. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD). All experiments were done in triplicates. Incubation was done at 28°C and diametric growths of the fungi were measured at 24 h interval using meter rule and recorded (Sobowale et al., 2015) . The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using generalized linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS (version 9.2). Means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at P≤0.05.

After pathogenicity tests and preparation of the plant extracts (leaf and fruits of X. aethiopica and S. aromaticum), their antifungal assay was examined at three different concentrations viz; 35, 50 and 75% following standard procedures.

Incubation was done at 28°C and diametric growths of the fungi were measured at 24 h interval using meter rule and recorded.


Sixteen cohorts (12 clinical and four interval) contributed validated cancer diagnoses and smoking data for the present analysis. The human patient research activities of NA-ACCORD and each participating cohort study were reviewed and approved by their respective local institutional review boards and by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Individual cohorts validated cancer diagnoses through medical records, including pathology reports, or through linkage with cancer registries [17] .

Individual cohorts validated cancer diagnoses through medical records, including pathology reports, or through linkage with cancer registries.


This retrospective analysis was performed with all consecutive patients receiving a V-A ECMO for either refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest between January 2015 and December 2017 in a tertiary state hospital. In this study, only patients undergoing at least 48 h of ECMO therapy were included to allow assessment of serial lactate measurements during ECMO support. Patients undergoing V-V ECMO support and patients requiring ECMO support for respiratory failure and patients dead before 48 h were excluded from the analysis. An extra formal consent other than the patients had given prior to the admission to intensive care unit (ICU) as a routine procedure, was not required for the current study because it was a case-control medical record review. Since our study was in the category of non-interventional clinical research with its retrospective structure, no ethics committee approval was applied. This situation is in line with the National Code of Clinical Research which was published on 13th April 2013 [8] .

This situation is in line with the National Code of Clinical Research which was published on 13th April 2013.


Fusion categories appear in conformal field theory, operator algebras, representation theory, and quantum topology. They underly models of fractional quantum Hall quasiparticles, the proposed raw material for topological quantum computation. Fusion rules can be viewed as nondeterministic groups. Every fusion category has a fusion rule up to isomorphism. Thus the problem of classifying fusion categories splits into two difficult subproblems: understand fusion rules, and given a fusion rule, understand the associated fusion categories-of which there are only finitely many up to equivalence over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0 (Ocneanu rigidity [6] ).

Thus the problem of classifying fusion categories splits into two difficult subproblems: understand fusion rules, and given a fusion rule, understand the associated fusion categories-of which there are only finitely many up to equivalence over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0 (Ocneanu rigidity).


With advanced technologies available in the market, however, text-based electronic media still dominate social communication in the online courses. Among the text-based electronic media, the online discussion board is the most widely used medium for facilitating learner-learner interaction. In this platform, instructors expect to construct a collaborative learning environment where learners can share their intrinsic learning experiences and negotiate with a common understanding for certain tasks (Moore & Kearsley, 2005) .

In this platform, instructors expect to construct a collaborative learning environment where learners can share their intrinsic learning experiences and negotiate with a common understanding for certain tasks.


The phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K), AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal transduction pathway is frequently de-regulated and activated in human cancer and is an important therapeutic target [1] . Activation can occur by a variety of mechanisms including mutations in PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and AKT, loss of PTEN, or amplification of receptor tyrosine kinases such as HER2 [2] . Mutations in PIK3CA are estimated to be present in approximately 40% of hormone receptor positive breast cancers [3] .

The phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K), AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal transduction pathway is frequently de-regulated and activated in human cancer and is an important therapeutic target.

Activation can occur by a variety of mechanisms including mutations in PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and AKT, loss of PTEN, or amplification of receptor tyrosine kinases such as HER2.

Mutations in PIK3CA are estimated to be present in approximately 40% of hormone receptor positive breast cancers.


A key element in the clinical success of agents, such as AZD8835, is the use of robust sensitive pharmacodynamic biomarkers giving accurate information on target engagement to provide confidence that the candidate drug exposure and pharmacological activity in the target organ is being achieved [9] . As well as target engagement, pharmacodynamic biomarkers can also provide important information in guiding the dose escalation process and determining the optimum biological dose of the candidate compound. To have a robust surrogate marker to define and select a biologically active dose is currently one of the key gaps in the development of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors [4] .

A key element in the clinical success of agents, such as AZD8835, is the use of robust sensitive pharmacodynamic biomarkers giving accurate information on target engagement to provide confidence that the candidate drug exposure and pharmacological activity in the target organ is being achieved.

To have a robust surrogate marker to define and select a biologically active dose is currently one of the key gaps in the development of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors.


Advances in modern medicine have led to a rapid increase in the aging population with a subsequent increase in the number of elderly population requiring medical care [16] . An increase in the annual incidence of NHAP of up to 1.9 million cases is expected over the next 3 decades [14] . Despite its prevalence, there is currently little literature focusing on the course and management of NHAP in the ED. Similarly, little is known regarding the early predictors of mortality in these patients in the ED. Our objective was to investigate the ED presentation, course, management, outcomes, pathogens, appropriateness of ABX, time to first ABX administration and efficacy of ABX in relation to mortality and length of stay (LOS) as well as early predictors of mortality and LOS in patients admitted through the ED with NHAP. An understanding of the risk factors and outcomes of these patients is critical in the design of prevention and treatment strategies.

Advances in modern medicine have led to a rapid increase in the aging population with a subsequent increase in the number of elderly population requiring medical care.

An increase in the annual incidence of NHAP of up to 1.9 million cases is expected over the next 3 decades.


Weather generators (WG) are parametric stochastic models (i.e., mathematical formulations that explicitly include elements of randomness) emulating weather data [1] . In other words, they are algorithms that are devised with the intention to synthesize time series that are conditioned by external factors-of (in principle) unlimited length and number. The emulation encompasses the capability to generate daily weather that is statistically similar to the observed weather [2] . This approach is necessary, e.g., to add climatic signatures to these series, particularly the signatures of a changing climate.

Weather generators (WG) are parametric stochastic models (i.e., mathematical formulations that explicitly include elements of randomness) emulating weather data.

The emulation encompasses the capability to generate daily weather that is statistically similar to the observed weather.


The paper is unique in terms of definite investigation for the optimal capital structure of firms by testing the influence of individual rating scales on the level of leverage. Therefore, to be more precise, this investigation tests the contemporary utilization of costs and benefits of rating scales in capital structures. This study also suggests that companies should not focus just on ratings and non-ratings aspects, but within rating scales and related costs and benefits, with these rating scales also being crucial for drawing accurate results for establishing optimal capital structures. The prevailing study complements and expands the exploratory research on the relationship of credit ratings and capital structure decision (Kisgen 2006; Faulkender and Petersen 2006) . It is asserted by past researchers that credit ratings are helpful for entering into debt market. Consequently, a direct relationship is observed for capital structure and credit rating scales. The study also suggests that credit rating decreases information asymmetries because of the scrutiny by outside rating agencies and the production of detailed firm-level data in their rating reports. Credit ratings can help to identify financial constraints and can be used for investing and financing policies not only at firm level but also at the country level. Further research should be conducted on this topic to explore more ideas. Cross-comparison between European companies and Asian companies can be examined for further insight. Credit ratings issued by different international and local rating agencies can also be used in future research.

The prevailing study complements and expands the exploratory research on the relationship of credit ratings and capital structure decision.


However, in the second stream, credit assessments are categorized into investment and speculative grade. Firms in an investment-grade category receive benefits by bringing down the cost of capital due to high ratings. Firms in the speculative-grade category have a generally low level of leverage due to the high cost of debts (Cantor 2004; Bolton et al. 2012) .

Firms in the speculative-grade category have a generally low level of leverage due to the high cost of debts.


The inspiration for this investigation started with the perception that an organization's financial managers, regulatory authorities, investors, and speculators are concerned by credit ratings when making their investment and financing choices. An ideal capital structure is the best proportion of debt and equity of a firm that augments its value. The optimal capital structure of an organization is one that reduces the relative cost of capital by establishing a harmony between the perfect debt-to-equity ratio. Debt financing normally offers the smallest cost of capital because of its tax shield benefits. Deciding an ideal capital structure is a central necessity of any company's corporate fund division. A couple of years ago organizations in Europe, Asia and around the globe altogether reinforced their capital structure by deleveraging and reducing liquidity risk due to the financial crisis (Frank and Goyal 2003) . Today, various outside variables including credit ratings and macroeconomic elements exist as impetuses for a correction of the financing and speculation choices of European, Asian and worldwide firms. The economy is gradually recuperating, credit spreads are still at verifiable lows, and organization balance sheets have been rebuilt. Firms are concentrating on refinancing risk by increasing cash flows to maintain a strategic distance from future emergencies and expanding securities exchange valuations. All these changes have increased the need for the credit rating to measure financial constraints.

A couple of years ago organizations in Europe, Asia and around the globe altogether reinforced their capital structure by deleveraging and reducing liquidity risk due to the financial crisis.


Next, we can also compare to results from lattice simulations [26] . Lattice simulations for the SU(2) 0 gauge theory provide strong evidence for Sp(N f ) symmetry breaking for N f ≤ 2, and for its absence for N f ≥ 8. We thus conclude that N ≤ 8 when k = 0. This should be compared to our result for k = 0, which was N = N bound f = 13. We find that while our bounds are comparable to results from lattice simulations, they can definitely be improved.

Next, we can also compare to results from lattice simulations.

We thus conclude that N ≤ 8 when k = 0.


Instead, in this paper we will be using the following trick [12] . We will take a supersymmetric (SUSY) theory and calculate the F-coefficient at its IR fixed point. We will then show that we can flow from this fixed point to the theory A, which proceeds to flow to our IR theory. This solves our problem, since we no longer need to calculate UV Fcoefficients for gauge theories. Additionally, since our theory is supersymmetric, we can also try to use localization in order to calculate the F-coefficient. Using this new RG flow, the F-theorem states F SUSY ≥ F IR , and so if this inequality is not obeyed, then we can conclude that the theory A cannot flow to the IR theory, leading to a constraint on the RG flow. Of course, our bound will be better the "closer" the SUSY theory is to theory A in RG space.

Instead, in this paper we will be using the following trick.


The failure of a machine bearing commonly leads to serious problems including the need for a complete overhaul. The early detection of the symptoms of faults that could lead to failure in journal bearings is crucial to allow remedial action to be taken to prevent possible catastrophic failure. By undertaking bearing condition monitoring, early faults and symptoms of failure can be detected, so that catastrophic failure can be avoided. Based on the interaction contact between two surfaces in relative motion, monitoring techniques can be deployed in the early wear regime, such as lubricating oil analysis (fluid property, fluid contamination and wear debris analysis), vibro-acoustic analysis (vibration, vibro-acoustic and acoustic emission analysis) and bearing performance analysis (temperature, pressure and thermograph analysis). Lubricant analysis has been applied for many years. The railway companies in the United States started using this approach in the late 1940s [7] .

The railway companies in the United States started using this approach in the late 1940s.


Bearings are critical parts of rotating machines, which are key machine components ensuring safety and efficient operation. The function of this element is to support the load and transfer power and rotation. There are two broad types of bearing widely used in machinery: journal and roller bearings. The self-aligning spherical journal bearing consists of a spherical plain bearing which has a spherical contact surface and permits the bearing to move freely in all directions. This gives the capability to self-align, which means it can accommodate a degree of misalignment. This bearing uses an oil ring lubrication system. The self-aligning spherical journal bearing (SASJB) is a relatively new type of journal bearing [1] .

The self-aligning spherical journal bearing (SASJB) is a relatively new type of journal bearing.


Based on the time frame in which the event occurs failure can be classified as maladjustment, out of tolerance intermittent, and catastrophic, based on their severity [5] . The presence of contaminants in the bearing system is the most common cause of bearing failure. The contaminant can be solid, liquid or gas, and it may originate from external and/or internal sources for examples from the environment such as sand and wear particles. It can cause high friction, wiping damage and loss of clearance. Wiping damage is the rubbing of the journal bearing in the absence of a hydrodynamic lubricating film, possibly at start-up before a film has developed. Loss of clearance in the journal bearing causes wiping at bearing centre.

Based on the time frame in which the event occurs failure can be classified as maladjustment, out of tolerance intermittent, and catastrophic, based on their severity.


The analysis of intergenerational transfers is usually made by using an overlapping generation model (Azariadis, 1993; de la Croix and Michel, 2002) . We assume that our economy is small and open on the rest of the world. This assumption, or more precisely the possibility of international borrowing and deficits of the balance of trade, is necessary to make the transfers from future to current generations possible. We will see that the problem is not so much the increase in the public debt as the share of this increase, which leads foreign debt up. Successive governments and generations of consumers will participate in a dynamic game where governments will adopt Markov strategies, and where the private sector will adapt its decentralized decisions to the current and expected decisions of governments.

The analysis of intergenerational transfers is usually made by using an overlapping generation model.


The competitive environment and the challenge to limit environmental impact while air traffic demand is increasing, aircraft manufacturers and suppliers are under continuous pressure to improve the performance of their products. Since it becomes increasingly difficult to improve the global system performance by independent optimization of subsystems, the need to instead aim for an optimized global system performance during development has been identified [1] . New and unconventional aircraft systems architectures such as the "More Electric Aircraft" (MEA) are the subject of past and ongoing European research programmes [2, 3] .

Since it becomes increasingly difficult to improve the global system performance by independent optimization of subsystems, the need to instead aim for an optimized global system performance during development has been identified.

New and unconventional aircraft systems architectures such as the "More Electric Aircraft" (MEA) are the subject of past and ongoing European research programmes.


Buquinolate prevented microsporidosis caused by Nosema michaelis in most specimens of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, fed infective spores. The need to prevent infections in the blue crab is especially pronounced when considering the economic potential for rearing the crab for the soft-shelled crab industry, presently an underexploited fishery (Overstreet and Cook, 1972) . Infection occurs when one crab feeds on spores from an infected individual. After the spore is ingested, vegetative growth of the parasite ensues in hemocytes located in sinuses in the connective tissue surrounding the midgut, followed by sporogenesis in the sarcoplasm of the striated muscle cells (Weidner, 1970) . Dissolution of both infected and adjacent uninfected muscle fibers is considerable and, under certain conditions, the host becomes immobilized (Overstreet and Weidner, 1974) . Infected crabs die quickly when under severe stress.

The need to prevent infections in the blue crab is especially pronounced when considering the economic potential for rearing the crab for the soft-shelled crab industry, presently an underexploited fishery.

After the spore is ingested, vegetative growth of the parasite ensues in hemocytes located in sinuses in the connective tissue surrounding the midgut, followed by sporogenesis in the sarcoplasm of the striated muscle cells.

Dissolution of both infected and adjacent uninfected muscle fibers is considerable and, under certain conditions, the host becomes immobilized.


Alumina is one of the most commonly studied supports for nickel catalysts [18, 21] . It is relatively cheap and offers high specific surface area, basic character and its α-Al 2 O 3 phase possesses high thermal stability. However, the catalytic properties of Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst in DRM reaction and its resistance to carbon formation depend on the catalyst structure, composition, calcination conditions and preparation method.

Alumina is one of the most commonly studied supports for nickel catalysts.


The addition of CO2 into the feed allows a more accurate control of product distribution, i.e., generally resulting in lower H2/CO molar ratios. Depending on their application, the different processes differ in operating parameters and feed composition (e.g., SPARG-Sulfur Passivated Reforming or CALCOR-CO through CO2 Reforming processes) [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . Their main goal is, however, to adjust syngas quality to the needs of its subsequent use, and not the valorization of CO2 itself. The particular conditions needed for DRM, are a direct consequence of its thermodynamic and kinetic barriers and hinder its practical industrial application. The commercialization of DRM process for syngas production and CO2 valorization is yet dependent on the offer of a new active and stable catalyst.

Depending on their application, the different processes differ in operating parameters and feed composition (e.g., SPARG-Sulfur Passivated Reforming or CALCOR-CO through CO2 Reforming processes).


Hydrogen production in the field from natural gas is one of key factors for the industrialization of distributed PEMFC power station [1] . Amount of CO generation is unavoidable during hydrogen production through natural gas steam reforming route. A small amount of CO could cause the poison of PEMFC electrodes and decrease the power generation efficiency and PEMFC service life [2] . Thus, CO deep removal as exist of CO 2 in H 2 -rich gas is a key technique. Usually CO should be removed below 10 ppm (V/V).

Hydrogen production in the field from natural gas is one of key factors for the industrialization of distributed PEMFC power station.

A small amount of CO could cause the poison of PEMFC electrodes and decrease the power generation efficiency and PEMFC service life.


On the other hand, IR may be negatively associated with firm valuation because of the cost of proprietary disclosure (Verrecchia, 1990) . IR contains information (on strategy, business models, opportunities and risks) that could give an advantage to competitors, increase costs of regulatory action and legal liabilities, and discourage firms from pursuing profitable business not compliant with claimed values or norms. Moreover, IR can increase direct compliance costs.

On the other hand, IR may be negatively associated with firm valuation because of the cost of proprietary disclosure.


Subsequently, it became less dependent on these and appeared in various media and stand-alone reports. The poor integration of ES disclosure with financial disclosure complicates the reading of policies, practices and impacts by stakeholders (Yongvanich and Guthrie, 2006; Eccles and Krzus, 2010; Cohen et al., 2012) . Although sustainability reports drafted in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards can be full of information on ES and economic policies and practices, the connections between these aspects can be difficult for the reader to discern. The need for a complete picture of all these issues led to integrated reporting (IR) (De Villiers et al., 2014) . In 2010, the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) was established and, in late 2013, it issued the final version of the Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC, 2013a, b) .

The poor integration of ES disclosure with financial disclosure complicates the reading of policies, practices and impacts by stakeholders.

The need for a complete picture of all these issues led to integrated reporting (IR).


A related comment concerns the structure of the derivative expansion of M-theory in 11D flat spacetime. Absent a dimensionless coupling constant, one could either speak of a Wilsonian effective Lagrangian, which is subject to the ambiguity of a floating cutoff scheme, or the 1PI/quantum effective Lagrangian, which amounts to a generating functional for the graviton S-matrix and is nonlocal. It is accidental, thanks to supersymmetry, that low order terms in the derivative expansion of the 1PI effective Lagrangian of M-theory can be separated into local terms, such as t 8 t 8 R 4 , and nonlocal terms that correspond to loop amplitudes. This distinction ceases to exist starting at 20-th derivative order, where the supergravity 2-loop amplitude has a logarithmic divergence that is cut off at the Planck scale and mixes with a local term of the schematic form D 12 R 4 [39, 40] . As mentioned above, it is clearer to phrase all of this directly in the language of the graviton S-matrix, and its expansion at small momenta as given in Eq. (1.2).

This distinction ceases to exist starting at 20-th derivative order, where the supergravity 2-loop amplitude has a logarithmic divergence that is cut off at the Planck scale and mixes with a local term of the schematic form D 12 R 4.


In the present study, various cerium promoted Ni/Al and Ni/Mg/Al hydrotalcitederived materials were studied. The catalytic activity of the unpromoted materials was presented in our previous work [32] . The goal of this study was to establish how ceria promotion influences catalytic activity of Ni/Al and Ni/Mg/Al hydrotalcitederived catalysts in DRM. The properties of the prepared materials were mainly affected by the nickel content and the Ni/Mg molar ratio. However, as shown in previous work, Ce promotion turned out to determine the stability of materials via changing the activity and selectivity of the DRM process. Moreover, for the selected catalysts, which were considered a good representation of Ni/Al and Ni/Mg/Al hydrotalcite-derived materials, the effect of reaction conditions such as temperature and feed gas composition was also examined.

The catalytic activity of the unpromoted materials was presented in our previous work.


Particularly interesting CCU abatement technologies are those that can also be used in the processes of storing energy in chemical products, such as the methanation of CO 2 or the dry reforming of methane. The latter has attracted much attention as it allows the production of synthesis gas with the ratio of CO to H 2 equal to 1, which is required for further chemical processing to fuels e.g. via the FischerTropsch synthesis [9, 10] . The main problem of DRM is, however, the lack of an appropriate catalyst, which is active in this process and simultaneously resistant to carbon deposition [11] .

The latter has attracted much attention as it allows the production of synthesis gas with the ratio of CO to H 2 equal to 1, which is required for further chemical processing to fuels e.g. via the FischerTropsch synthesis.

The main problem of DRM is, however, the lack of an appropriate catalyst, which is active in this process and simultaneously resistant to carbon deposition.


These methods only consider the text portion near the anchor. Other researches use text portions which exist far from the anchor ( [6] , [9] , [10] ). Furnkranz's method and Attardi's method extract the page title and all the headers (H1 to H6) of the original pages ( [9] , [10] ). Roy's method also extracts the page title and specific type of headers [6] . If there are several headers at the same level, it extracts the nearest one to the anchor. It also extracts the nearest decorated text portion to the anchor like strong, bold, italicized, or emphasized if there is no header between this text portion and the anchor. However these methods cannot extract STPs in other objects like list and table.

Other researches use text portions which exist far from the anchor (,,).

Furnkranz's method and Attardi's method extract the page title and all the headers (H1 to H6) of the original pages (,).

Roy's method also extracts the page title and specific type of headers.


In the present article, we have outlined the ability of a highly chirped parabolic pulse to maintain its shape through an arrangement of normally and anomalous dispersive fibres despite the presence of nonlinearity. By avoiding soliton compression and limiting MI deleterious impact, it is then possible to take advantage of the parabolic pulse ability to maintain its shape in normally dispersive fibres. By maintaining high peak-power, enhanced spectral broadening is then demonstrated. We expect this work to open new perspectives in the fields of coherent continuum generation as well as in the comprehension of the dynamics of pulses in self-similar fibre lasers [24] . Controlling the temporal spreading of a parabolic pulse will also be of practical interest in the context of telecommunication applications where pulse-to-pulse interactions can severely damage parabolic self-similar dynamics [25] .

We expect this work to open new perspectives in the fields of coherent continuum generation as well as in the comprehension of the dynamics of pulses in self-similar fibre lasers.

Controlling the temporal spreading of a parabolic pulse will also be of practical interest in the context of telecommunication applications where pulse-to-pulse interactions can severely damage parabolic self-similar dynamics.


While the relatively smaller land use effects of climate change impacts can be explained by the modest yield effects due to climate change, the result that energy price uncertainty dominates GHG emissions regulation is not so obvious. This finding can be explained by two factors. First, the long-run effectiveness of the GHG emissions target is diluted by intertemporal substitution of land resources, the phenomenon known as 'green paradox' [62] . Secondly, our model baseline predicts a declining path of optimal land-based GHG emissions, due to slowing population growth, improving technology, and evolving consumer demands for food. This diminishes necessary changes in land use, as land becomes GHG neutral in the long-run.

First, the long-run effectiveness of the GHG emissions target is diluted by intertemporal substitution of land resources, the phenomenon known as 'green paradox'.


The analysis used here employs FABLE (Forest, Agriculture, and Biofuels in a Land use model with Environmental services), a dynamic optimization model for the world's land resources over the next century. This model brings together recent strands of agronomic, economic, and biophysical literature into a single, intertemporally consistent, analytical framework, at global scale. The model solves for the dynamic paths of alternative land uses, which together maximize global economic welfare, subject to a constraint on global GHG emissions. A brief description of the model follows, with complete information offered in the model's technical documentation [32] .

A brief description of the model follows, with complete information offered in the model's technical documentation.


We argue that the method is especially relevant as social sciences are entering the age of big data (Einav and Levin, 2014; Grimmer, 2015) . Researchers now have access to large datasets from both the public and private sectors and are increasingly able to run experiments on a large number of subjects. Those datasets often contain a large number of potential outcome and control variables which creates great opportunities for exploring previously untestable hypotheses. It appears important to develop methods that deliver credible results (Hainmueller and Hazlett, 2013; Belloni, Chernozhukov and Hansen, 2014; Athey and Imbens, 2015) .

We argue that the method is especially relevant as social sciences are entering the age of big data.

It appears important to develop methods that deliver credible results.


PAPs have two main limitations: reduced ability to learn from the data and complexity. By construction, PAPs can only include hypotheses that the researcher could think about before using the data. In situations where the prior information is limited, it is likely that relevant hypotheses will be left out of PAPs. The pace of new discoveries might slow down. In addition, social scientists are often interested in both the effects of a treatment and in the mechanisms underlying it. As analyses usually proceed sequentially, pre-specifying all possible regressions along the "analysis tree" is likely to be too taxing and inefficient (Olken, 2015) . Some researchers argue that the profession should encourage replications (Coffman and Niederle, 2015; Dunning, 2016) . While filling a PAP offers protection for studies using soon-to-be collected data, it offers less protection in the case of analysis of existing data as researchers might have analyzed the data before writing the plan.

As analyses usually proceed sequentially, pre-specifying all possible regressions along the "analysis tree" is likely to be too taxing and inefficient.

Some researchers argue that the profession should encourage replications.


At a time when companies are looking for ways to trim costs, many are seeking to limit layoffs and to preserve talent. Most will cut employee salaries, hours, and benefits, but they are concerned about preserving talent for the eventual economic recovery (Tuna, 2009) . During the same time period, motor carriers have faced record high fuel costs and litigation attorneys eagerly eyeing trucking accidents as potential billing revenues, but until recently they have also faced the rapid turnover of drivers willing to move to a new motor carrier for almost no salary increases. How does management decide which drivers should be kept at all costs and which drivers should be allowed to leave if they so desire? Even in tough economic times, motor carriers strive to remain profitable and thus sustainable. Two issues are very relevant in a motor carriers' ability to remain profitable: the costs of replacing drivers and the costs associated with the consequences of unsafe drivers.

Most will cut employee salaries, hours, and benefits, but they are concerned about preserving talent for the eventual economic recovery.