These platforms record and store all the user activity, from entry to exit, like access to files and folders, performed tasks, messages read and sent, assignments submitted, etc [2] . Teachers have access to this data but it is mostly researchers that apply concepts of Data Analysis, Big Data and Learning Analytics to analyze it [3] - [6] . The main reason is because most teachers do not have the required knowledge to apply these techniques. Therefore they need friendly tools, still non-existent, to do that analysis and provide them with the processed information.

These platforms record and store all the user activity, from entry to exit, like access to files and folders, performed tasks, messages read and sent, assignments submitted, etc.

Teachers have access to this data but it is mostly researchers that apply concepts of Data Analysis, Big Data and Learning Analytics to analyze it.


A great number of chemical industrial parks have been constructed, with the development of the chemical industry, in recent years [1] . According to statistics, there have been thousands of provincial and national chemical industrial parks in China. Chemical industrial parks have become major sources of accidents and environmental pollution which threaten human life and property safety, when they promoting the development of China's chemical industry [2] . The trend of companies focusing ever stronger on their core businesses has led to outsourcing of certain activities, e.g. maintenance, and even to selling out parts of industrial plants. In these multi-company parks safety and environmental responsibilities are not always clear and the risk map has changed [3] . Besides, In order to seek more benefits, many enterprises expand the scale of production immoderately. In this case, the quantity of hazardous chemicals is far beyond the safety capacity of the park. Some researchers have pointed out that the number of chemicals hazardous chemicals is the main cause excessive serious consequences of the accident. Therefore, how to determine the safety capacity of a chemical industrial park scientifically and reasonably become a serious problem in china.

A great number of chemical industrial parks have been constructed, with the development of the chemical industry, in recent years.

Chemical industrial parks have become major sources of accidents and environmental pollution which threaten human life and property safety, when they promoting the development of China's chemical industry.

In these multi-company parks safety and environmental responsibilities are not always clear and the risk map has changed.


Evidence from clinical studies suggests that a pivotal function of metformin is to inhibit gluconeogenesis and thus decrease HGP in patients with type 2 diabetes [2, 26] . The basal rate of glucose production and of gluconeogenesis has been reported to be higher in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with healthy individuals [2] . In the present study, it was therefore to some extent unexpected that EGP increased significantly when the fasting healthy individuals were treated with metformin. It appeared that this increase in EGP was a counterregulatory response to the observed stimulation of glycolytic glucose utilisation and lactate production, including increasing levels of the glucose counter-regulatory hormones, glucagon and cortisol. This interpretation is supported by evidence that metformin accumulates in the intestine and stimulates anaerobic glucose metabolism to lactate [4] . Moreover, to our knowledge, there is no evidence that metformin directly stimulates EGP or that an increased EGP per se is capable of driving an increased glycolytic flux. Thus, under the given study conditions, it is reasonable to assume that the glycogen-depleting fast combined with the metformin-induced peripheral glucose utilisation caused a rise in EGP rather than the reverse to protect against hypoglycaemia. Although further studies are warranted, our study suggests that metformin may not inhibit EGP in healthy individuals. However, our study does not exclude that the glucose-lowering effect of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes is mainly due to inhibition of HGP, e.g. by blocking glucagon-dependent hepatic glucose output [7, 8] . In patients with type 2 diabetes this could involve increased circulating glucagon levels and enhanced hepatic sensitivity to glucagon, which is believed to contribute to an elevated HGP [27] [28] [29] . Furthermore, the counter-regulatory system may not be fully intact in patients with type 2 diabetes, and, therefore, further studies are needed to verify these mechanisms in the target cohort.

Evidence from clinical studies suggests that a pivotal function of metformin is to inhibit gluconeogenesis and thus decrease HGP in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The basal rate of glucose production and of gluconeogenesis has been reported to be higher in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with healthy individuals.

This interpretation is supported by evidence that metformin accumulates in the intestine and stimulates anaerobic glucose metabolism to lactate.

However, our study does not exclude that the glucose-lowering effect of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes is mainly due to inhibition of HGP, e.g. by blocking glucagon-dependent hepatic glucose output.

In patients with type 2 diabetes this could involve increased circulating glucagon levels and enhanced hepatic sensitivity to glucagon, which is believed to contribute to an elevated HGP.


In this review, c-kit mutations were compared between two AML groups, including cases with t(8;21) and those with inv (16) . These two categorizations were present in all the reviewed articles except for those listed in Table 2 . The majority of the studies applied a direct sequencing method and different forms of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including reverse-transcription PCR, methyl-binding PCR, and real-time PCR to detect c-kit mutations. In addition, four studies used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for c-kit mutations detection (Table 2) [16, 24, 34, 35] .

In this review, c-kit mutations were compared between two AML groups, including cases with t(8;21) and those with inv.

In addition, four studies used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for c-kit mutations detection (Table 2).


In early studies and applications of this technology, synthetic oils with operating temperatures below 400°C were used as the HTF in prototype plants [1] [2] [3] [4] . For instance, the Solar Electric Generating Stations (SEGS) I plant used Caloria® as the HTF. Caloria® is in a liquid state at atmospheric pressures at temperatures below 315°C. Although higher HTF operating temperatures are desired in order to achieve higher Rankine cycle efficiencies, currently available candidate oils are limited to operating below approximately 400C; the pressurization needed to operate at higher temperatures is prohibitively expensive. Hence, fossil fuels need to be used to further superheat the steam generated by the oils to the higher temperatures desired in the turbine.

In early studies and applications of this technology, synthetic oils with operating temperatures below 400°C were used as the HTF in prototype plants.


Our study also entails practical implications for consortium managers. First, it suggests that owing to the diversity and heterogeneity of specializations and organizational contexts, understanding the configurations and dynamics associated with these boundaries is important both for consortium managers and partner organizations. Second, the findings suggest that individual organizations should develop a flexible interface with dedicated boundary spanners to successfully mediate their relationship with the consortia (Tortoriello, 2015) . This is particularly important for exploratory and transformative stages when partner organizations modify their pre-existing structures and processes in order to comply with the consortium requirements. Finally, in order to exploit the full benefits of R&D collaborations, it is imperative for organizations to actively support the intra-organizational transfer of knowledge and new practices during and post-collaboration.

Second, the findings suggest that individual organizations should develop a flexible interface with dedicated boundary spanners to successfully mediate their relationship with the consortia.


All in all, the present NA survey proposes a rethinking of the structure, management and content of the classroom, inviting Ls/participants within the learning context to become engaged in the process, to the benefit of all. In particular, this NA helped the teacher understand the "local needs" of a particular group of Ls and make practical decisions in pedagogy and assessment for improvement (Tarone & Yule, 1989) . In other words, this NA survey created an opportunity to locate individual differences and, through a process of negotiation between the EFL teacher and Ls, the teacher was allowed to reach the 'teacherlearner negotiated learning objectives' in order to be able to satisfy the actual FL needs of individual Ls (Brindley, 1989; Finney, 2002) . What is more, there were useful implications for curriculum development, course and materials design towards adopting a more learnercentered approach to EFL learning (Seedhouse, 1995; Spratt, 1999; Young, 2000) .

In particular, this NA helped the teacher understand the "local needs" of a particular group of Ls and make practical decisions in pedagogy and assessment for improvement.

In other words, this NA survey created an opportunity to locate individual differences and, through a process of negotiation between the EFL teacher and Ls, the teacher was allowed to reach the 'teacherlearner negotiated learning objectives' in order to be able to satisfy the actual FL needs of individual Ls.

What is more, there were useful implications for curriculum development, course and materials design towards adopting a more learnercentered approach to EFL learning.


A first limitation of this study is that a convenience sample was selected which is often used during preliminary research efforts to get a gross estimate of the results, without incurring the cost or time required to select a random sample (Cohen et al, 2000) . This study is also limited by the small sample used in the survey (only 17 Ls/participants). Therefore, further research with larger samples is needed to reveal more findings regarding 5 th grade Ls' EFL needs which may verify the present ones. The survey did not follow a multiple collection method and various techniques such as interviews, observation, case studies, authentic data collection, tests, consultation of qualified informants which could give more valid results. Moreover, although most of the data gathered in this study should be reliable, it should be acknowledged that there may be instances where human error or the class teacher/researcher's involvement in the survey may affect the objectivity and validity in the interpretation of the results (Cohen et al, 2000) .

A first limitation of this study is that a convenience sample was selected which is often used during preliminary research efforts to get a gross estimate of the results, without incurring the cost or time required to select a random sample.

Moreover, although most of the data gathered in this study should be reliable, it should be acknowledged that there may be instances where human error or the class teacher/researcher's involvement in the survey may affect the objectivity and validity in the interpretation of the results.


The present paper is a small-scale/class-specific NA survey conducted by a single teacher to investigate the needs that the 5 th grade Ls of a Greek state school want to fulfill in the EFL classroom. The NA survey was conducted in the middle of the 2012-13 1 school year by the EFL teacher/researcher following the non-probability sampling method, as the participants were selected from the school population in some non-random manner (Cohen, Manion, & Morrison, 2000) . From a statistical point of view, it is a convenience sample, as the participants were selected because they were 'convenient', that is, the teacher/researcher taught English to the 5 th grade Ls who are the participants of this survey.

The NA survey was conducted in the middle of the 2012-13 1 school year by the EFL teacher/researcher following the non-probability sampling method, as the participants were selected from the school population in some non-random manner.


To gather the research data, a NA questionnaire was designed and administered to the 5 th grade Ls, considering that it is the most practical research tool to collect information, as it is both cost-and time-effective to design, and easy for children to fill in with the necessary instructions, especially if simple wording is used (Appendix A). Regarding data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to describe numbers in a meaningful way. The descriptive analysis of data allowed the author to reach conclusions through meaningful discussion and interpretation of the findings in accordance with the research questions of the study (Cohen et al., 2000) .

The descriptive analysis of data allowed the author to reach conclusions through meaningful discussion and interpretation of the findings in accordance with the research questions of the study.


Vessel injury results in a primary haemostatic response, which includes vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and platelet aggregation. VWF binds to the glycoprotein Ib and IIb/IIIa receptor on platelets and to the subendothelial matrix, and thereby plays a pivotal role in facilitating platelet adhesion and subsequent aggregation [9] . In addition, VWF circulates bound to FVIII:C preventing enzymatic degradation and localizing FVIII to the sites of vessel injury. Therefore, a qualitative or quantitative defect in VWF results in impaired primary haemostasis (platelet adhesion and aggregation) and, in addition, may be associated with a decrease in circulating FVIII:C [10] . The diagnosis of VWD requires laboratory and clinical assessment. The measurement of the VWF pro®le (VWF:Ag, VWF:Ac and FVIII:C) is the primary laboratory investigation for diagnosing VWD [1] . The diagnosis of VWD is complicated by the¯uctuations in the baseline VWF pro®le under the in¯uence of hormonal changes that accompany the menstrual cycle, with lowest values occurring on days 7±14 of the cycle [11, 12] . The diagnosis of VWD has important implications for the management of the patient and their family members. Treatment options include desmopressin infusions, intermediate purity factor concentrate that contains high concentrations of VWF, anti®brinolytic therapy and, more recently, nasal DDAVP [8, 13] . Home treatment with nasal DDAVP, at the time of menstruation, has been associated with a reduction in MBL in patients with VWD [14] .

VWF binds to the glycoprotein Ib and IIb/IIIa receptor on platelets and to the subendothelial matrix, and thereby plays a pivotal role in facilitating platelet adhesion and subsequent aggregation.

Therefore, a qualitative or quantitative defect in VWF results in impaired primary haemostasis (platelet adhesion and aggregation) and, in addition, may be associated with a decrease in circulating FVIII:C.

The measurement of the VWF pro®le (VWF:Ag, VWF:Ac and FVIII:C) is the primary laboratory investigation for diagnosing VWD.

The diagnosis of VWD is complicated by the¯uctuations in the baseline VWF pro®le under the in¯uence of hormonal changes that accompany the menstrual cycle, with lowest values occurring on days 7±14 of the cycle.

Treatment options include desmopressin infusions, intermediate purity factor concentrate that contains high concentrations of VWF, anti®brinolytic therapy and, more recently, nasal DDAVP.

Home treatment with nasal DDAVP, at the time of menstruation, has been associated with a reduction in MBL in patients with VWD.


The long-term effect of ketamine therapy as it might relate to neurotoxicity in humans is not currently known. The maximal rates of ketamine infusion described in this review ranged from 25-50 mg/hr. Others have explored the use of much higher infusion rates of ketamine (5-7 mg/kg/hr for durations up to 7 days) in patients with intractable CRPS with no reported longterm neurotoxic effects [29, 30] . Nevertheless, based on animal studies, a concern for potential neurotoxic effects caused by NMDA-receptor antagonists has been raised (Appendix 1) [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53] [54] [55] [56] [57] [58] . In light of these raised concerns, the occasional use of longer durations of low-dose ketamine therapy, described herein, is not now something we recommend. What relationship the neurotoxic effects seen in animals (after a high dose of ketamine) have in terms of any potential similar effect in humans (after a prolonged low-dose infusion of ketamine) is not known. Thus, for now, it seems prudent that practitioners weigh any interest in using this inpatient treatment against the potential for any possible long-term effects of this therapy in humans. Likewise, for now, it may also be prudent to avoid using higher dose infusions as well as longer duration treatments.

Others have explored the use of much higher infusion rates of ketamine (5-7 mg/kg/hr for durations up to 7 days) in patients with intractable CRPS with no reported longterm neurotoxic effects.

Nevertheless, based on animal studies, a concern for potential neurotoxic effects caused by NMDA-receptor antagonists has been raised (Appendix 1).


Additionally, this article seems to contribute to the literature in a research perspective. First, the article utilized a CE technique to look into the economic value of the attributes of improving NG supply reliability and found that the application was successful because the estimation results were statistically meaningful and the respondents actively participated in the CE survey. Improved power supply reliability is not just a problem for South Korea but an important issue for the worldwide, especially for developing countries [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] . Thus, comparison of the results from our work with those from future works that will be applied in other countries will yield new implications.

Improved power supply reliability is not just a problem for South Korea but an important issue for the worldwide, especially for developing countries.


Therefore, the application of specially designed economic techniques is required to value a multi-attribute good. A typical way to do this is a choice experiment (CE). CE is the most prevalent methodology for a multi-attribute good and is almost always applied in some previous studies dealing with the valuation of energy supply reliability [3] [4] [5] [6] . In this study, the CE is applied to economic value of improving NG supply reliability for residential consumers in South Korea. The four attributes of NG supply reliability considered in this study are the duration of interruption, the season of interruption, the time of day, and the day of the week.

CE is the most prevalent methodology for a multi-attribute good and is almost always applied in some previous studies dealing with the valuation of energy supply reliability.


Thus, NG is an essential source of energy to households in South Korea, and a stable NG supply in the residential sector contributes to social welfare. Residential NG is used for cooking and heating (hot water) at home. The percentage of households using NG exceeded 80.7% of total households in South Korea in 2016. Furthermore, the proportion of households using NG in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, exceeded 98% of its total households in 2016 [1] . If NG is not supplied properly to households, massive damage will take place.

Furthermore, the proportion of households using NG in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, exceeded 98% of its total households in 2016.


Learning is a process of changing conceptual understanding of science. The process of changing the understanding of the concept in question is an integral part of the transferring process, the level of understanding, the predicting ability, problem solving and the process of translating knowledge [16] . Learning is a system that has the aim to increase students' learning desires [17] . The teaching knowledge of the educators must be supplemented by technology, not just content or pedagogical knowledge. The Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework has three main sources of educator ICT integration knowledge, including (1) technology knowledge (TK) -knowledge of technological tools; (2) pedagogy knowledge (PK) knowledge of teaching methods; and (3) content knowledge (CK) -knowledge of subject matter [18] .

The process of changing the understanding of the concept in question is an integral part of the transferring process, the level of understanding, the predicting ability, problem solving and the process of translating knowledge.

Learning is a system that has the aim to increase students' learning desires.

The Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework has three main sources of educator ICT integration knowledge, including (1) technology knowledge (TK) -knowledge of technological tools; (2) pedagogy knowledge (PK) knowledge of teaching methods; and (3) content knowledge (CK) -knowledge of subject matter.


Basic science process skills include observing, classifying, measuring and using numbers, making conclusions, predicting, communicating and using time and space relationships. Integrated science process skills consist of interpreting data, operational definitions, control variables, making hypotheses [12] . Science process skills are processes in a practicum activity that are expected to exist when carrying out classroom learning. Observation and predicting skills were easier than other skills in science process skills. While fewer of the target students chose the correct option for items related to variable and experimental control skills [13] .

Integrated science process skills consist of interpreting data, operational definitions, control variables, making hypotheses.

While fewer of the target students chose the correct option for items related to variable and experimental control skills.


The order of the smartphone addiction index is as follows: excessive use of smartphones, technological dimensions, social-psychological dimensions, smartphone preoccupation, and health dimensions [3] . The teaching and learning process does not only apply to students in utilizing electronic information. Teachers can also use electronics for teaching purposes in the classroom [16] . Mobile learning can improve the learning quality of students by providing access to learning in the form of content or content information without regard to social status, residence, and culture [17] . Android itself is part of a smartphone.

The order of the smartphone addiction index is as follows: excessive use of smartphones, technological dimensions, social-psychological dimensions, smartphone preoccupation, and health dimensions.

Teachers can also use electronics for teaching purposes in the classroom.

Mobile learning can improve the learning quality of students by providing access to learning in the form of content or content information without regard to social status, residence, and culture.

Android itself is part of a smartphone.


Comics are a good educational tool to improve knowledge. The comic book features humour, narrative and visual representation and is a potential medium for science communication [14, 15] . Comics are a good educational tool to increase knowledge [14] . Comics consisting of simple and concise illustrations are superior learning tools compared to other learning tools. Comic clarity helps convey the message that give impact, especially with a strong story [10] . Comics have been used in various fields of educational research. These results show that comics are also effective in education. In addition, students who read comics show an increased level of interest in the material [10] . Comics can be used to replace LKS (student worksheets). Comics are attractive media because they are easy to understand by students, so they are effective in preventing student boredom [7] .

The comic book features humour, narrative and visual representation and is a potential medium for science communication.

Comics are a good educational tool to increase knowledge.

Comic clarity helps convey the message that give impact, especially with a strong story.

In addition, students who read comics show an increased level of interest in the material.

Comics are attractive media because they are easy to understand by students, so they are effective in preventing student boredom.


Technological developments affect the addiction to smartphones. The low academic achievement has a negative influence on learning in school [1] . Smartphones are now a mandatory item for everyone [2] . Students view smartphones as entertainment devices with very frequent usage time [3] . Trends in the development of technology and information can be utilized in the world of education to be used as a mean of learning outside and in the classroom [4] . Teachers are expected to utilize smartphones in the learning process at school Smartphones can be used inside and outside the classroom in the learning process.

The low academic achievement has a negative influence on learning in school.

Smartphones are now a mandatory item for everyone.

Students view smartphones as entertainment devices with very frequent usage time.

Trends in the development of technology and information can be utilized in the world of education to be used as a mean of learning outside and in the classroom.


Based on the analysis in Table 1 , the Learning Implementation Plan (RPP) has a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 1 (very good). The RPP is said to be feasible to be used in learning in the material of Law 1 thermodynamics. The results of the Student Worksheet (LKS) have a CVI of 1 (very good) and the PA value obtained is 88.33%. It can be categorized as reliable because PA> 75%. Android-assisted physics comic media has a CVI of 1 (very good). Whereas the questionnaire and observation sheet on cooperative attitudes have a CVI of 1 (very good). The results of all devices in the development of comic learning media have a CVI value of 1 with a very good category, it is said to be feasible to use in physics learning in the classroom. The results of data analysis of science process skills based on observations when modelling classes conducted by observers obtained a percentage of 30.43% is very good; 56.52% good; and 13.04% is enough. Whereas based on observations when the implementation class is obtained results a percentage of 21.74% is very good; 65.22% is good; and 13.04% is enough. KPS for students of class XI Science in one of the senior high schools in Yogyakarta are categorized as good, because when conducting experiments in the laboratory some students fulfil indicators on aspects of science process skills. However, not all aspects are fulfilled, because students in the learning process still rarely conduct experiments in the laboratory. Comic media is an effective educational tool at various levels of education. Comics have been used in various fields of educational research and show that comics are effective in the field of education [10] . The comic storyline is more interesting than LKS, so it is effective in preventing student boredom [7] . Practicum activities in the classroom are fun when physics comics are applied in the classroom. Students are more interested in using comic media. Students can see the learning videos contained in the comics, so that the enthusiasm of the students gets bigger.

Comics have been used in various fields of educational research and show that comics are effective in the field of education.

The comic storyline is more interesting than LKS, so it is effective in preventing student boredom.


Presentations are made by students and the teacher acts as a facilitator. The teacher can test students' abilities to describe science process skills through question and answer sessions. Question and answer sessions between students and teachers, helping to improve student interpersonal skills and fine skills. They can be formed in addition to attracting students to use their science process skills [12] . Teachers are more intensively guiding to improve aspects of skills. Students are more accustomed to learning themselves discovering concepts, scientific principles, and developing creativity in solving scientific problems [19] . Students must be directly involved in the learning process [20] [21] [22] [23] . Students become more active and enthusiastic in the learning process. Practicum activities in the classroom can bring the attitude of students' science process skills. The use of physics comic media can attract students to conduct thermodynamic practicum activities. Mapping of science process skills can be displayed in tables and figures in Table 2 , Table 3 , Figure 2 , and Figure 3 . Gender has no effect and there is no difference in knowing the science process skills of students.

They can be formed in addition to attracting students to use their science process skills.

Students are more accustomed to learning themselves discovering concepts, scientific principles, and developing creativity in solving scientific problems.

Students must be directly involved in the learning process.


Our findings are consistent with, and extend those of, prior reports. To date, the efficacy and safety of URS compared with ESWL has been evaluated in a few RCTs and several cohort studies. Recently, five RCTs and two out of three meta-analyses confirmed the superiority of URS in patients with lower pole kidney stones [8] [9] [10] [14] [15] [16] [17] . For non-lower pole kidney stones, however, only limited evidence exists. Only two RCTs included non-lower pole stones. The first study failed to accrue a sufficient number of patients [18] . The second RCT included only 46 obese patients and showed a significantly higher stone-free rate in the URS group (90.4% versus 68%) [19] . The low number of patients and/or patient selection limits the validity for both studies. Thus, the available RCTs are inconclusive regarding treatment of non-lower pole stones.

Recently, five RCTs and two out of three meta-analyses confirmed the superiority of URS in patients with lower pole kidney stones.

The first study failed to accrue a sufficient number of patients.

The second RCT included only 46 obese patients and showed a significantly higher stone-free rate in the URS group (90.4% versus 68%).


A centrifugal pump is a critical fluid transportation device and an important part of the petrochemical process loops. However, it is well-known that cavitation, which is inevitable in a centrifugal pump, can decrease the head-flow curve and increase noise and vibrations. In addition, blade surfaces have been eroded by the collapse of cavitation bubbles, which results in long-term damage [1] . In this study, particular attention will be given to the topic of unsteady flow and structural behaviors of a centrifugal pump under cavitation conditions. In doing so, we will review previous studies.

In addition, blade surfaces have been eroded by the collapse of cavitation bubbles, which results in long-term damage.


Regulators and firms are concerned about the welfare impact of ex ante disclosure policies. Because it is difficult to empirically measure investors' welfare, a great deal of recent efforts have focused on the relationship between disclosure quality and cost of capital, as an intermediate step to the ultimate goal of understanding the welfare impact of disclosure quality. For example, Arthur Levitt, the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, has claimed, "The truth is, high [accounting] standards lower the cost of capital. And that's a goal we share" (Levitt (1998) ). This remark, as well as many similar arguments pervasive in policy discussions, has been frequently cited as the motivation for studying the relationship between disclosure quality and cost of capital. One interpretation of this remark is that cost of capital summarizes the impact of disclosure quality on investors' welfare. This paper explicitly examines this underlying assumption.

And that's a goal we share").


The CO 2 concentration is not considered a key parameter for CH 4 biofi ltration. However, high concentrations of CO 2 in the range from 30% to 65% (v/v) are often reported in landfi ll gas emissions [6, 8] . Previous studies report diverging results. A reduction of 16-30% in CH 4 uptake was observed in a forest soil continuously enriched with CO 2 at 200 ppmv above ambient levels [22] . In a different study, no signifi cant effect in the rates of CH 4 oxidation was noticed for CO 2 concentrations ranging from 400 to 400,000 ppmv in laboratory experiments with landfi ll biocover [23] . However, the CO 2 respiration rates decreased with the high CO 2 concentrations.

However, high concentrations of CO 2 in the range from 30% to 65% (v/v) are often reported in landfi ll gas emissions.

A reduction of 16-30% in CH 4 uptake was observed in a forest soil continuously enriched with CO 2 at 200 ppmv above ambient levels.

In a different study, no signifi cant effect in the rates of CH 4 oxidation was noticed for CO 2 concentrations ranging from 400 to 400,000 ppmv in laboratory experiments with landfi ll biocover.


Similarly, the moisture content infl uences the CH 4 biooxidation rate as microorganisms require moisture to carry out their normal metabolic activity [16] . An optimal water level range should be sought for each fi lter material to prevent the drying-out of the fi lter bed or reversely, water clogging. The fi rst event causes a signifi cant reduction in the biodegradation rate while the second inhibits the transfer of oxygen and CH 4 and promotes the development of anaerobic zones [17, 18] . Several studies have dealt with the optimal range of moisture for CH 4 biofi ltration using different fi lter beds. However, relatively few studies have analyzed the effect of the amount of nutrient solution (NS) supplied to the biofi lter. According to our knowledge, one study was reported for toluene biofi ltration, in a lab-scale fungal biofi lter of 2.9 L, where the watering fl ow rate was decreased from 344 L NS /m 3 V bed /d to 34 L NS /m 3 V bed /d and also interrupted for 5 days [19] . The effect of nutrient addition is also important. In fact, some fi lter beds already contain the necessary macro and micronutrients to maintain an adequate microbial population [20] . However, an extra-addition of NS is needed in certain cases, particularly for inorganic fi lter bed [21] .

Similarly, the moisture content infl uences the CH 4 biooxidation rate as microorganisms require moisture to carry out their normal metabolic activity.

The fi rst event causes a signifi cant reduction in the biodegradation rate while the second inhibits the transfer of oxygen and CH 4 and promotes the development of anaerobic zones.

According to our knowledge, one study was reported for toluene biofi ltration, in a lab-scale fungal biofi lter of 2.9 L, where the watering fl ow rate was decreased from 344 L NS /m 3 V bed /d to 34 L NS /m 3 V bed /d and also interrupted for 5 days.

In fact, some fi lter beds already contain the necessary macro and micronutrients to maintain an adequate microbial population.

However, an extra-addition of NS is needed in certain cases, particularly for inorganic fi lter bed.


The low yield strength observed for lower annealing temperatures might be a direct consequence of the transformation strain associated to the β → α martensitic transformation. It might indeed lead to the formation of free dislocations within the α matrix. This behavior is also well known in DP steels [32] . This hypothesis requires additional investigations that go beyond the scope of this study.

This behavior is also well known in DP steels.


In the case of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the workhardening rate appears to be directly related to the volume fraction of α martensite retained in the material. In the range of annealing temperatures investigated here, an optimum is obtained for a volume fraction of about 38%, that is, after performing a treatment at a temperature of 900°C. Indeed, at lower annealing temperatures, that is 850°C, although the hardening rate remains high, a decrease in uniform elongation is observed. It should be highlighted that the optimal fraction of martensite reported here is considerably larger than what is traditionally reported in DP steels [25] [26] [27] . This is most probably due to the fact that the mechanical contrast between the two phases in the present alloy is much less pronounced than in DP steels.

It should be highlighted that the optimal fraction of martensite reported here is considerably larger than what is traditionally reported in DP steels.


In recent time, lateral flow immunochromatographicbased rapid diagnostic test (RDT) has been developed for the diagnosis of suspected malaria patients and are widely used in remote areas across the world [7] . Most RDTs are intended to react with antigens commonly released from or enzymes present in parasitized red blood cells. In the case of P. falciparum, the water soluble histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP-2) antigen is commonly used as it is specific to P. falciparum associated infection. Non-falciparum malaria or mixed infections with P. falciparum are commonly detected by Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) [8, 9] . In the Global Fund sponsored malaria control programme RDT is recommended and being widely used for detecting malaria cases in the endemic areas of Bangladesh [1] .

In recent time, lateral flow immunochromatographicbased rapid diagnostic test (RDT) has been developed for the diagnosis of suspected malaria patients and are widely used in remote areas across the world.

Non-falciparum malaria or mixed infections with P. falciparum are commonly detected by Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH).

In the Global Fund sponsored malaria control programme RDT is recommended and being widely used for detecting malaria cases in the endemic areas of Bangladesh.


In this paper, we presented an arbitrary modulation format and flexible bandwidth-capable transmission system based on a dynamic OAWG transmitter and an OAWM receiver that relies on the parallel synthesis and detection of multiple spectral slices. Experimental demonstrations utilized 6 Â 10 GHz spectral slices to generate optical waveforms with 60 GHz of contiguous bandwidth, which were then detected in 2 Â 30 GHz spectral slices. Experimental results yielded error-free transmission of single carrier waveforms, five-subcarrier CoWDM waveforms, 15-subcarrier CoWDM waveforms, and 54-subcarrier OFDM waveforms. These results provide experimental examples of how an OAWG transmitter and an OAWM receiver can satisfy the needs of flexible bandwidth networking by creating waveforms with arbitrary bandwidth that can be in either single carrier or multicarrier modulation formats. Also, in systems implemented with dynamic OAWG and OAWM, the transmitter and receiver spectral slice bandwidths are completely independent from each other and from the baud rate of the generated subcarriers. Furthermore, spectral slice based transmitters and receivers are a bandwidth-scalable technology, which enables an efficient matching between optical and electrical bandwidths. Further maturation of integrated device technology will enable Terahertz bandwidth flexible bandwidth-capable systems using dynamic OAWG transmitters and OAWM receivers on a single photonic chip [26] , [27] .

Further maturation of integrated device technology will enable Terahertz bandwidth flexible bandwidth-capable systems using dynamic OAWG transmitters and OAWM receivers on a single photonic chip.


It has been suggested that dietary intake of natural products rich in flavonoids from citrus fruits may play a role in the prevention of cancer [8] . Tangeretin, nobiletin, hesperetin, hesperidin, naringenin, and naringin are just a few examples of citrus flavonoids that have the potential to be used as chemotherapeutic agents. Research has shown that these flavonoids possess inhibition activity on certain cancer cells' growth through various mechanisms [8] .

It has been suggested that dietary intake of natural products rich in flavonoids from citrus fruits may play a role in the prevention of cancer.

Research has shown that these flavonoids possess inhibition activity on certain cancer cells' growth through various mechanisms.


Drought is a major stress factor which limits crop production in most areas in the world. Even temporary drought can cause substantial losses in crop yield [22] . The greatest challenge for the coming decades will be the task of increasing food production with less water, particularly in countries with limited water and land resources. Water productivity in terms of out put per unit of food per m3 of water used needs to be increased in both irrigated and rain fed agriculture substantially: in short: more crop per drop [9] .

Even temporary drought can cause substantial losses in crop yield.

Water productivity in terms of out put per unit of food per m3 of water used needs to be increased in both irrigated and rain fed agriculture substantially: in short: more crop per drop.


In difference to metamaterial absorbers where the energy is absorbed by structures tuned to have an impedance matched to the wave impedance in free space, our proposed mechanism is to harvest the energy stored within the gap of the resonator at the resonance frequency by inserting a resistive load across the gap of the resonator. The resistor represents a load that is the end recipient of the harvested energy. Here, we show that when an array of SRRs is used, a higher collection efficiency and a wider bandwidth can be achieved when compared to a single unit cell. This is because when placed in close proximity to each other, electrically small resonators interact (couple) in a manner different from coupling between conventional antennas [7] .

This is because when placed in close proximity to each other, electrically small resonators interact (couple) in a manner different from coupling between conventional antennas.


The results show that critical thinking skills can give teachers deep insights into the impact of contextual constraints on their teaching effectiveness. Teachers with higher critical thinking abilities are more careful about choosing teaching techniques and materials that can guarantee effective teaching and better learning outcome. Critical thinking skills also help teachers to utilize more creative thinking and become more productive and innovative in their classes. As creative teachers have a wide repertoire of routines and strategies, they are more flexible and can switch between different styles and modes of teaching during the lesson (Richards, 2013) . Thus, they adapt and modify their teaching to better match the learners' needs.

As creative teachers have a wide repertoire of routines and strategies, they are more flexible and can switch between different styles and modes of teaching during the lesson.


For these reasons, attention has been turning towards scientifically conducted trawl surveys as alternative, more dependable sources of information about fish stocks (Cook 1997; Porch et al. 2006; Trenkel 2008) . In the Mediterranean, monitoring of landings was sparse at least until 2002 (when the EC data collection regulation was applied) and fish surveys have for many years served as the primary assessment tool (Abella et al. 1999) . More generally, trawl surveys can provide information about many non-commercial species and therefore, potentially, about the health of the overall marine ecosystem.

For these reasons, attention has been turning towards scientifically conducted trawl surveys as alternative, more dependable sources of information about fish stocks.

In the Mediterranean, monitoring of landings was sparse at least until 2002 (when the EC data collection regulation was applied) and fish surveys have for many years served as the primary assessment tool.


Issues of long waiting times at health facilities due to high patient loads, staff shortages, and shortages of third-line ARV drugs were identified as health systems related factors affecting retention in care. Similar findings from the previous studies reported long waiting hours at health facilities due to high patient loads which affected patient access to treatment. Long waiting hours is among the key drivers of attrition for patients on ART [22, 29, 30] . It is recommended that adopting extended clinic hours to provide care after working hours or weekend could address the issue of clinic congestion especially for those patients that are employed [30] . Weekend clinics have been found to reduce clinic congestion and help retain patients in care.

Long waiting hours is among the key drivers of attrition for patients on ART.

It is recommended that adopting extended clinic hours to provide care after working hours or weekend could address the issue of clinic congestion especially for those patients that are employed.


Although these trials made some useful progress towards developing spray programmes using insecticidal soap and vegetable oil, further progress was limited by the fruit marking problems. Insecticidal soaps and natural oils are known to be phytotoxic, with plants possessing hairy leaves more prone to phytotoxic damage by soap (Moore et al. 1979) . It is therefore possible that the hairy fruit of kiwifruit may be particularly susceptible to marking by soaps.

Insecticidal soaps and natural oils are known to be phytotoxic, with plants possessing hairy leaves more prone to phytotoxic damage by soap.


Operating in a natural-resource-constrained environment businesses are forced to mitigate and adapt [1] . Water scarcity risk alleviation presents a highly complicated issue. Emerging from an imbalance in resource supply and demand the water scarcity phenomenon is also shaped by a number of inter-connected socio-economic, political, and environmental elements, which in turn increases the uncertainty levels in the business environment. Water-scarcity induced factors are further discussed.

Operating in a natural-resource-constrained environment businesses are forced to mitigate and adapt.


Recently, we concluded that the new mosaic management performs better than the average regional and national trends (Oosterveld 2006) . In the first 5 years after its introduction, Northern Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Redshank showed an annual increase of 6-7%. This compares to an annual decrease of 2-6% within the Friesian regional and the national trends. In the same period, Black-tailed Godwit fluctuated without a clear trend in the mosaic areas and decreased 4-9% per year within the regional and national trends. This paper considers how the mosaic management has performed after 8 years and whether this new approach is indeed ecologically more effective for grassland breeding shorebirds than the 'traditional' management prescriptions contained in individual management agreements with farmers. To answer these questions, we focus on the trends in breeding bird numbers of Northern Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit in areas with the mosaic management compared with those on regular farmland, on areas with individual management agreements and on nature reserves. Because the mosaic management is focussed on the Black-tailed Godwit, especially positive effects on this species were expected.

Recently, we concluded that the new mosaic management performs better than the average regional and national trends.


It is obvious that there has been an extensive and large collection of oil palm genetic materials from the main oil palm belt. However, these collections are not exhaustive, hence the need for further collection especially in areas which previous mission paid no attention in the Eastern part of Nigeria where the greatest diversity of oil palm exists (Hartley, 1977; Maizura et al., 2001) . These areas include the highland palms and ecotypes of Afikpo, Abakaliki, Okigwe and Umuahia which do not form part of the continuous stretch of the oil palm belt and hitherto unexploited. The need for further collection to broaden the genetic base of the breeding material and as a safeguard against crop vulnerability inherent in growing of uniform and closely related cultivars over wide areas has become imperative. This study highlights the oil palm germplasm collections from the highland areas of Afikpo and the variations observed in the collections.

However, these collections are not exhaustive, hence the need for further collection especially in areas which previous mission paid no attention in the Eastern part of Nigeria where the greatest diversity of oil palm exists.


The subsequent sections in this paper explain the two-phase approach for the generation of better quality requirements. In the next section (Section 2), we decompose the Local and Global Analysis phases into their constituent activities and discuss them in detail. Section 3 describes the proposed approach as an integral component of the Requirements Generation Model (RGM) [1] .

Section 3 describes the proposed approach as an integral component of the Requirements Generation Model (RGM).


For additional quantitative perspective on Hypothesis 2, we conducted a hierarchical regression analysis using implementation success as the dependent variable (Table 5) . As expected, entry of the control variables (Model 1) indicated the significance of percentage completion. When the change process variables were entered in Model 2, the beta coefficients of each change process variable were found highly significant (p < .01 or better). Overall fit of the model was highly significant (adjusted R 2 = .565, F = 14.8, p < .001). Note also the significant negative relationship between change scope and implementation success in the full model. Given the correlated nature of the change process variables (see Table 2 ), the regression results are particularly interesting. It is often difficult for correlated predictor variables to demonstrate incremental validity upon entry into a regression model (Stevens, 2002) . Model 2 suggests that despite the intercorrelation, each change process variable uniquely accounts for a significant amount of variance in implementation success.

It is often difficult for correlated predictor variables to demonstrate incremental validity upon entry into a regression model.


The Dirac equation is one of the mathematically most important and fruitful structures from physics. As the name indicates, it was first introduced by Dirac [26] . Dirac's original equation is hyperbolic, but the elliptic version, which this paper is concerned with, appears naturally in geometry. Both solutions on closed manifolds and on manifolds with boundary have found important applications. In this paper, we shall systematically investigate the boundary value problem and derive results that are sharper and stronger than all relevant results known prior to our work. We shall then provide a new application which depends on our regularity, existence and uniqueness results and which could not have been derived with the results known in the literature.

As the name indicates, it was first introduced by Dirac.


Measurements of model deformation using image based techniques have been successfully demonstrated by several teams [3, 4, 5] . The direct measurement of model geometry has several benefits. Utilization of image based measurements of pressure requires that the two-dimensional image be mapped onto the three-dimensional geometry for comparison to computational models. Furthermore, the direct measurement of the experimental geometry is of significant value when comparing theoretical or computational results to actual experimental measurements. Combined measurements of pressure using PSP and geometry have been demonstrated however, these measurements were accomplished using independent systems. A single system capable of performing simultaneous measurements of pressure and model geometry would be of significant value. Such a system should lower the overall cost of each technique and improve tunnel productivity. The goal of the current work is to combine measurements of pressure and model geometry into a single system.

Measurements of model deformation using image based techniques have been successfully demonstrated by several teams.


At that time, the rest of electrodes are connected to virtual earth potential and act as the detector. During the process, the capacitance of the dielectric will be measured and transferred to the measuring circuit. Each electrode will take their turn to become excitation electrode until the complete cycle is done. The signal will be obtained by the measuring circuit which will condition the signal, collect the data and convert it to digital signal before it is being transferred to the image reconstruction computer [6] . There are a lot of image reconstruction techniques and the most common technique which is being used is linear back projection technique. Actually this technique come directly from the medical imaging and is suit according to the application in the process industry. Linear Back Propagation (LBP) is well known for its simplicity and it is computational fast. However, there are other common reconstruction algorithm such as iterative reconstruction algorithm and hybrid reconstruction algorithm [9] . There are many types of ECT sensors and the most common types is the circular with electrodes in a single plane or twin planes.

The signal will be obtained by the measuring circuit which will condition the signal, collect the data and convert it to digital signal before it is being transferred to the image reconstruction computer.

However, there are other common reconstruction algorithm such as iterative reconstruction algorithm and hybrid reconstruction algorithm.


The in vitro gas production (GP) method is a relatively simple and inexpensive tool to study potential effect, mechanism of action and fate of phytochemicals in the rumen (Makkar, 2005) . This method coupled with PEG uses as a specific binding agent and provides useful information on the biological activity of tannins (Ammar et al., 2004) . However, the in vitro GP must be completed by other measures of endproducts fermentation such as the amount of degraded matter for obtaining more complete information. This experiment was carried out to assess the effect of adding PEG [molecular weight (MW) 6000] on in vitro GP of P. cineraria, rich in tannins, at different growth stages.

The in vitro gas production (GP) method is a relatively simple and inexpensive tool to study potential effect, mechanism of action and fate of phytochemicals in the rumen.

This method coupled with PEG uses as a specific binding agent and provides useful information on the biological activity of tannins.


The aim of this research was 2-fold. Firstly, the growth and stomatal conductance of three varieties of maize parasitized by S. hermonthica was characterized. Maize was chosen as it is one of the most widely grown and preferred cereal crops in Africa and is known to be highly sensitive to parasitism by S. hermonthica (Press and Graves, 1991) . Secondly, tissue ABA concentrations were determined for both maize and Striga. In order to determine whether Striga is capable of mobilizing or synthesizing ABA in isolation from the host, leaves of S. hermonthica were detached and allowed to lose a percentage of their fresh weight before carrying out ABA analysis on the tissue.

The aim of this research was 2-fold.

Maize was chosen as it is one of the most widely grown and preferred cereal crops in Africa and is known to be highly sensitive to parasitism by S. hermonthica.


When attempting to obtain the location of an interface, an alternative to using sensing technologies is to utilise a technique driven by user input. An example of this approach is where users measure the locations of the interface directly and input the information into the system through text entry. User input approaches have the disadvantage of relying on the accuracy of the human input, whereas sensing technologies can be relied on to be precise within certain parameters. The accuracy of users can be influenced by a range of factors which would not affect the accuracy of sensing technologies, such as the magnitude of the distances being measured [15] . An inaccurate user-generated measurement, input as part of a location determining technique, would result in the calculated position of the interface being incorrect. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration the accuracy of human-generated input when utilising techniques which rely on this approach.

The accuracy of users can be influenced by a range of factors which would not affect the accuracy of sensing technologies, such as the magnitude of the distances being measured.


The increased popularity of direct marketing has been a result of these developments, especially in the sectors of finance, banking, insurance, and telecommunication. Direct marketing ultimately aims to establish cost-effective, two-way and one-to-one communications with individual customers, which is not restricted to the internet; most direct marketing communication is still performed via traditional channels, such as direct mail, sms, email and inbound and outbound calls. To achieve efficient direct marketing, possessing information about the present and estimating future customer preferences is a fundamental requirement. In the current business climate, customer preferences change dynamically, and they are too complicated to derive direct conclusions [2] .

In the current business climate, customer preferences change dynamically, and they are too complicated to derive direct conclusions.


Both unicast-and multicast routing in MANETs have been well-studied and, as a result, a number of protocols have been proposed [2, 16] . Several research efforts have also focused on transport-layer approaches to achieve end-to-end reliable point-to-point communication. This includes the work on improving TCP performance in "last-hop" wireless networks and MANETs [3] [4] [5] [6] .

Both unicast-and multicast routing in MANETs have been well-studied and, as a result, a number of protocols have been proposed.

This includes the work on improving TCP performance in "last-hop" wireless networks and MANETs.


In a hospital setting, patients with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin are often diagnosed and treated according to specific guidelines and to some extent clinical decision rules. The pre-test probability of IHD is greater ("high prevalence setting") than in primary care ("low prevalence setting") and diagnostic tools are readily available to make more definitive diagnoses. Previous studies have shown that Norwegian out-of-hours services generally are well-equipped with laboratory and diagnostic tools, but the selection of tests are mainly adapted to a primary care setting [12, 13] . One study reported that ECGs were taken in 4% of all consultations [12] . Another study showed that 99% of all Norwegian casualty clinics had an ECG-device, while only 6% of the casualty clinics could measure d-dimer and/or troponin locally [13] .

Previous studies have shown that Norwegian out-of-hours services generally are well-equipped with laboratory and diagnostic tools, but the selection of tests are mainly adapted to a primary care setting.

One study reported that ECGs were taken in 4% of all consultations.

Another study showed that 99% of all Norwegian casualty clinics had an ECG-device, while only 6% of the casualty clinics could measure d-dimer and/or troponin locally.


In the present study, the incubation period was found to be the same for all the animals studied. The incubation period in brachyuran crabs was found to increase with the decrease in temperature and vice versa (Wear, 1974) . However, the temperature conditions were maintained the same and constant through out here, which might have resulted in the uniform incubation period in all the females studied. Alterations in the egg colour during embryogenesis are common in crustaceans (Sigana, 2002; Pinheiro and Hattori, 2003) . The colour change is caused by the absorption of yellow yolk and the development of dark pigment in the eyes (Parimalam, 2001) . The availability of yolk in the egg is the chief factor that determines the stage at which the young are to be hatched out (Adiyodi and Subramoniam, 1983) .

The incubation period in brachyuran crabs was found to increase with the decrease in temperature and vice versa.

Alterations in the egg colour during embryogenesis are common in crustaceans.

The colour change is caused by the absorption of yellow yolk and the development of dark pigment in the eyes.

The availability of yolk in the egg is the chief factor that determines the stage at which the young are to be hatched out.


EMCDB propellant is a smokeless propellant used in the space industry, which is known for being able to overcome problems of brittleness which can occur in CDB propellants at low temperatures. There has been no published research regarding the laser ignition of EMCDB propellant, although some research has been carried out relating to other propellant materials, e.g. CDB and extruded DB propellants [15] . It has been shown that CDB propellant has high optical absorption (~95%) across the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum and responds well to laser ignition in its manufactured state. This paper presents results and analysis of systematic tests on laser ignition of EMCDB propellant and the effects of laser parameters. A diode laser of continuous wave (CW) was selected as the igniting source due to its miniature size, low cost and ease of system integration for future applications in the space industry. The results from this study would help determine whether EMCDB propellant would respond well to any laser-based ignition mechanism developed in the future and build on the limited knowledge of laser ignition of propellants by testing the ignition characteristics of a propellant which has not yet been studied.

There has been no published research regarding the laser ignition of EMCDB propellant, although some research has been carried out relating to other propellant materials, e.g. CDB and extruded DB propellants.


Spirometry is an effort dependent test that requires the cooperation between the subject and the examiner, and the results obtained will depend on technical as well as personal factors. Also, full inspiration or expiration is difficult to achieve for subjects who suffer with difficulties in breathing. It has been shown in the literature that 50% of the results obtained from spirometric measurement were unacceptable due to failure to complete the test [8] . Since spirometry is the most widely used screening test to investigate the pulmonary function abnormalities, there is a requirement that a large database is to be analyzed by a physician. The spirometric data would also have missing values and patients with lung abnormalities might not be able to repeat the test for acquiring the missing data [9] . Hence, there is a need for prediction of FEV 1 which is the most significant parameter that helps in defining the risk of pulmonary complication in cases where measurements fail to record the parameters.

It has been shown in the literature that 50% of the results obtained from spirometric measurement were unacceptable due to failure to complete the test.

The spirometric data would also have missing values and patients with lung abnormalities might not be able to repeat the test for acquiring the missing data.


FEV 1 is the volume of air that is forcibly exhaled in the first second, whereas FVC is the total volume of air exhaled after a full inspiration. Airflow obstruction can be diagnosed using spirometry alone by demonstrating a low FEV 1 /FVC ratio. A low spirometric FVC together with a normal or high FEV 1 /FVC ratio has been classified as a restrictive abnormality [6, 7] . FEV 1 is the most significant parameter for identifying both the restrictive and obstructive respiratory diseases. The value of FEV 1 is very essential in quantifying airflow limitation. It is also a powerful predictor of increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The American Thoracic Society has developed a scale to rate the severity of disease based on the values of FEV 1 [3] .

A low spirometric FVC together with a normal or high FEV 1 /FVC ratio has been classified as a restrictive abnormality.

The American Thoracic Society has developed a scale to rate the severity of disease based on the values of FEV 1.


SVM can be applied to both classification and regression. In the case of classification, an optimal hyperplane is found that separates the data into two classes, whereas in the case of regression a hyperplane is to be constructed that lies close to as many points as possible. Support vector regression is different from conventional regression techniques because it uses structural risk minimization (SRM) but not empirical risk minimization (ERM) induction principle which is equivalent to minimizing an upper bound on the generalization error and not the training error. Due to this feature it is expected to perform better than conventional techniques which may suffer from possible overfitting. SVM have other desirable properties such as efficient solutions, relatively few adjustable parameters and the interchangeable use of kernel functions [15] - [18] . In this work, an attempt has been made to predict FEV 1 using support vector machines and the results are validated using the average prediction error statistics.

SVM have other desirable properties such as efficient solutions, relatively few adjustable parameters and the interchangeable use of kernel functions.


The prediction of FEV 1 has already been carried out using Radial basis function neural networks [10, 11] . However, conventional neural network methods have demonstrated difficulties finding a good generalization performance. Recently it has been shown that Support vector machines (SVM) have been efficiently employed in various prediction and classification problems. The support vector machines were proposed by Vapnik. The principle of SVM is to find a maximum margin hyperplane for classification by mapping the instances to a higher dimensional space using the kernel function. Kernel function maps the input to a higher dimensional space without computing all elements, which reduces computational complexity and connects the input space and the higher dimensional space directly. SVM then choose a maximum soft margin separating hyperplane in this higher dimensional space, which separates the training instances by their classes [12] - [14] .

The prediction of FEV 1 has already been carried out using Radial basis function neural networks.

SVM then choose a maximum soft margin separating hyperplane in this higher dimensional space, which separates the training instances by their classes.


We observe two counteracting forces. On the one hand, the prospect of yielding monopoly profits provides an incentive to set up a firm. On the other hand, risk averse agents are concerned with avoiding the income risks being associated with self-employment. The latter negative incentive effect prevails, such that the market equilibrium is characterized by a suboptimally low number of monopoly firms in the intermediate goods sector. This carries over to the long-run growth rate of the economy, which is a function of the population share of entrepreneurs. Hence, our approach also provides an explanation for the empirically documented negative relationship between risk and growth (Ramey and Ramey, 1995) .

We observe two counteracting forces.

Hence, our approach also provides an explanation for the empirically documented negative relationship between risk and growth.


In order to tackle this challenge, we introduce a functional approach to test for treatment effects. NPARC compares two competing models by their goodness-of-fit instead of testing on a single parameter. This enables detection of treatment effects for proteins where a (de-)stabilization cannot be captured by the T m . In addition, it increases the coverage of testable proteins and allows ranking of proteins by p-values without the ad hoc thresholds on which the original workflow relied [5] . Its flexibility allows adaptation to more complex experimental designs by including additional covariates, or by allowing multiple levels (e.g. drug concentrations) per covariate.

In addition, it increases the coverage of testable proteins and allows ranking of proteins by p-values without the ad hoc thresholds on which the original workflow relied.


In order to enable a report to be made on the results of measurement of physical properties, quantitative results must be submitted in such a way that their reliability may be adequately assessed. Without such values, the results of measurement cannot be compared either with each other or with the reference values submitted in the specifications or standards provided with measurement devices. Therefore, to ensure international consensus in measurement science, there have been developed easily carried-out, understandable and broadly accepted methods of processing the results of measurements -the concept of uncertainty in measurement [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] .

Therefore, to ensure international consensus in measurement science, there have been developed easily carried-out, understandable and broadly accepted methods of processing the results of measurements -the concept of uncertainty in measurement.


First, although it is felt within the Netherlands that the attrition rate of beginning teachers is high, compared to some other countries it appears moderate: percentages in various documents lie between 9% and 25%, whereas research in other countries suggest percentages as high as 50% (Espinoza, 2015; Ewing & Manuel, 2005; Milburn, 2011) . What is more, percentages appear much lower for teachers with teaching qualifications or proven competence in teaching than for teachers without qualifications or low competence in teaching (van der Grift & Helms-Lorenz, 2013) . This finding might be interpreted as a success of teacher education programs, which apparently do prepare graduates such that they are less likely to leave the profession. Teacher education programs for secondary education in the Netherlands often are part of a two-year master's programs at research universities (preparing for teaching in the upper levels of secondary education) or four-year bachelor programs at universities of applied sciences (preparing for teaching in primary and the lower levels of secondary education). More and more programs emerge for specialization via master's degrees, both at research universities and at universities of applied sciences. In all cases, preparation consists of a considerable amount of time spent at practice schools, and many teacher education institutes and schools work together intensively and via so-called professional development school programs. Uncertified teachers leaving the profession might be considered fortunate from the perspective of a wish to have only certified teachers in schools. However, this group consists of teachers who have opted to become a teacher later in their career and are in an alternative teacher education program. For many of these teachers their failure is not only a personal tragedy, but it is also a failure of the policy to attract what are called hidden resources to the teaching profession. It is important to take into account that between 12% and 32% (depending on the teaching program) of the graduates in teacher education never enter the teaching job; this means that of those who complete teacher education, ultimately between at least 20% (primary education) and 40% (secondary education) are not teaching 5 years after graduation. The effectiveness of teacher education in supplying teachers is even worse if one takes into account the dropout rate during the teacher education programs, which may amount for many programs up to 50% or 60% at the universities of applied sciences.

First, although it is felt within the Netherlands that the attrition rate of beginning teachers is high, compared to some other countries it appears moderate: percentages in various documents lie between 9% and 25%, whereas research in other countries suggest percentages as high as 50%.

What is more, percentages appear much lower for teachers with teaching qualifications or proven competence in teaching than for teachers without qualifications or low competence in teaching.


The final data analysis protocol was as follows. Neuston net samples were used to identify taxa that aggregated disproportionately at the surface and exclude them from analysis. MOCNESS samples were used to estimate the mean and standard deviation (SD) of larval vertical distributions. For each taxonomic group, 1000 bootstrapped samples with a sample size equal to the sum of square-root transformed counts of larvae sampled in each net were generated by drawing larvae (with replacement) from the empirical data. The relative probability of each individual larva being picked was equal to 1, corrected by the square root of larvae in the same group and net, and corrected by the volume filtered by the net relative to 1000 m 3 . Each bootstrapped data point was assigned a specific (random uniform) depth inside the range at which the sample was collected. The bootstrapped mean and SD of these depths was used to estimate the population vertical distribution. To test whether larval length, larval stage, cruise, daylight, and tide were related to mean depth, MOCNESS samples were split into subgroups by tree regression (using the R library ''rpart''). A permutation test using randomly shuffled subgroup assignments was performed to test if the difference was statistically significant at p , 0.05 (Hesterberg et al. 2005) . The subgroups resulting in the greatest significant difference were then further split into subgroups of subgroups until no further significant differences were present or until subgroups became too small for further analysis (when the effective sample size fell below 30). The result was a regression tree of nested subgroups, each with significantly different vertical distributions. Finally, each distribution was compared to 1000 random uniform distributions of equivalent sample size. If the estimated SD was lower than 95% of SD values from uniform distributions, then the estimated larval vertical distribution was considered significantly nonrandom at p , 0.05.

A permutation test using randomly shuffled subgroup assignments was performed to test if the difference was statistically significant at p , 0.05.


OIL-PAPER-PRESSBOARD insulation system has been widely applied in electrical industry for very long time and now it is still the main insulation for HVDC equipment, such as convertor transformers. Its dielectric properties are not only affected by the combined stress of electrical, thermal, mechanical and chemical stresses, but also closely related with space charge phenomena [1] . It is well known that space charge accumulation is much easier and more obviously under dc stress, which can result in the distortion of electric field distribution in the dielectric bulk. The localized enhanced electric field can potentially accelerate the degradation of the dielectric material, and even lead to breakdown [2, 3] . Therefore, the research on space charge behavior of oil-paper insulation plays a significant role in improving insulation performance and the reliability of HVDC equipment.

Its dielectric properties are not only affected by the combined stress of electrical, thermal, mechanical and chemical stresses, but also closely related with space charge phenomena.

The localized enhanced electric field can potentially accelerate the degradation of the dielectric material, and even lead to breakdown.


While whole genome shotgun sequencing addresses some of the issues associated with amplicon-based methods, other challenges arise. Amplification-based methods remain a cheaper option, and 16S databases are more extensive than shotgun databases. Also, taxonomic annotation of short reads produced by most standard sequencing platforms remains problematic, since shorter reads are more likely to map ambiguously to related taxa that are not actually present in a sample. Strategies for whole genome shotgun classification rely on several methods, including alignment (to all sequences or taxonomically unique markers), composition (k-mer analysis), phylogenetics (using models of sequence evolution), assembly, or a combination of these methods. Analysis tools focusing on estimation of abundance tend to use marker genes, which decreases the number of reads classified but increases speed [12] . Tools that classify at the read-level have applications beyond taxonomic identification and abundance estimation, such as identifying contaminating reads for removal before genome assembly, calculating coverage, or determining the position of bacterial artificial chromosome clones within chromosomes [13, 14] .

Analysis tools focusing on estimation of abundance tend to use marker genes, which decreases the number of reads classified but increases speed.

Tools that classify at the read-level have applications beyond taxonomic identification and abundance estimation, such as identifying contaminating reads for removal before genome assembly, calculating coverage, or determining the position of bacterial artificial chromosome clones within chromosomes.


We found that combination treatment produced greater increments in LL2 tumor doubling time than 90 Y-DOTA-DAB4 alone. However, despite doubling doses of 90 Y-DOTA-DAB4, the rate of increase in TDT after combination treatment was less than might be expected. Perhaps, as chemotherapy shrinks the tumor, the maximum 12 mm tissue penetration depth of 90 Y-derived bparticles results in much of the energy emanating from DAB4-bound dead tumor cells depositing beyond the confines of the shrinking tumor. Conversely, the maximum 2.5 mm tissue penetration depth and the longer physical half-life of Lutetium-177-derived b-particles suggest that the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy dose escalation may be improved if the deposition of energy within the shrinking LL2 tumor mass is more efficient [32] . Having established preclinical proof-of-concept for La-directed bemitting radioimmunotherapy, as a logical extension, we hypothesize that high-energy a-particles originating from a dead-cell source of a La-bound a-emitting radionuclide will destroy nearby cancer stem cells in small-volume (#1 mm 3 ) cohesive masses of metastatic carcinoma [33, 34] .

Conversely, the maximum 2.5 mm tissue penetration depth and the longer physical half-life of Lutetium-177-derived b-particles suggest that the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy dose escalation may be improved if the deposition of energy within the shrinking LL2 tumor mass is more efficient.

Having established preclinical proof-of-concept for La-directed bemitting radioimmunotherapy, as a logical extension, we hypothesize that high-energy a-particles originating from a dead-cell source of a La-bound a-emitting radionuclide will destroy nearby cancer stem cells in small-volume (#1 mm 3 ) cohesive masses of metastatic carcinoma.


Here the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the difference between the groups [15] . The Wilcoxon rank sum test is a nonparametric statistical test which is used to test the null hypothesis of two independent samples drawn from the same population. The test determines if the means of their population are significantly different. Table 2 shows the p-values which compares all test conditions. All parameters in the table show statistically clear significant differences between the three conditions (p < 0.05). A Similar approach to calculate the sway path is to use the accelerometer measurements alone [2] [3] . However it is known that using a Kalman filter has advantages compared to this method [16] . The estimation of inclination based on acceleration measurements is obtained basically by measuring gravitational vector; therefore the estimation can be easily perturbed by measuring other acceleration components like centrifugal or Euler accelerations. Another advantage of a Kalman filter is the fusion of sensor data, for example here the fuse of gyroscope measurements which tracks high dynamic motion and therefore can support the better estimation of inclination. On the other hand, a clear disadvantage of the Kalman filter is the demand for more time complexity.

Here the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the difference between the groups.

A Similar approach to calculate the sway path is to use the accelerometer measurements alone.

However it is known that using a Kalman filter has advantages compared to this method.


But can neutral mutations (those are neither advantageous nor disadvantageous) benefit evolutionary search? To investigate these questions, we have devised a methodology for systematic study of this subject [12] . In particular, we measure the number of neutral mutations that occur in the evolved entities during evolutionary search. In this way, the impact of neutrality on search performance can be analyzed quantitatively. Using this approach, we have studied a Boolean function problem. The results show that there is a positive relationship between neutral mutations and success rate: the larger the allowed neutral mutations quantity the greater is the possibility for the evolutionary search to find a solution.

To investigate these questions, we have devised a methodology for systematic study of this subject.


Similarly, there are many other aspects, repeated time and again, which appear to be hidden within the game. These elements have a certain rhythm during the game, and the chronology of events -as well as their sequentiality -is highly important in this regard. A sequential analysis is a particular type of probabilistic process where each one of the behavioural events in a chain is dependent on both the initial event (criterion behaviour) and previous events (Gorospe, 1999 Unpublished doctoral thesis). The authors consider the competitive sport of soccer as a sequential process in which the next behavioural event is determined by the initial behaviour (criterion category) -provided they are considered as positive lags -and the antecedent event. The sequentiality of the events assumes independence and considers the probability of the transition of one event to another as being dependent upon the information contained in the present event -and, moreover, that it doesn't change over time, as the probabilities of transition between two events may not be different at two points in time (Hernández and Anguera, 2001) .

The sequentiality of the events assumes independence and considers the probability of the transition of one event to another as being dependent upon the information contained in the present event -and, moreover, that it doesn't change over time, as the probabilities of transition between two events may not be different at two points in time.


The overall effect of service performance which decides the level of contentment of a user of the service can be defined as Quality of Service (QoS) [1] . In communication systems, service performance is closely related to network performance. Voice calls are delay sensitive. Hence, the impact of using various buffer sizes for voice calls, on overall system performance has significant importance. It is essential to specify service thresholds in this sense, in order to provide better QoS in terms of both data and voice communications.

The overall effect of service performance which decides the level of contentment of a user of the service can be defined as Quality of Service (QoS).

Voice calls are delay sensitive.


Precipitation is a key component in the hydrologic cycle that is affected in several parts of the world. Reduction in precipitation is becoming recurrent and many countries are concerned by the concept of climate change, which is becoming a national primordial challenge. Climate change has resulted in extreme drought conditions in some parts of the world and flooding in other parts [12] .

Climate change has resulted in extreme drought conditions in some parts of the world and flooding in other parts.


The modernization of state IT legacy systems is emerging as a significant financial, technical and programmatic challenge to the states' ability to deliver services to citizens, and conduct day-to-day business. Although state governments have advanced their IT environment with investments in new technologies, flexible programming and a portfolio of online services, most still live with legacy. Many state systems have become obsolete, difficult to secure and costly to operate and support. Without investments in legacy system renovation, modernization or replacement, the ability of states to operate as a modern organization and serve its citizens is at risk [42] .

Without investments in legacy system renovation, modernization or replacement, the ability of states to operate as a modern organization and serve its citizens is at risk.


We also compare the HLRC-DU to a hardware approach found in the literature [5] . Results show that, by on the half of the benchmarks, our protocol performs better than the hardware approach. To remark that performance results (speedup) are much closer when the hardware reaches better performance. We also modelled a variant of our protocol including the hardware mechanism (since they are complementary). We found that, on the average, this variant performs by about 11% better than the baseline protocol.

We also compare the HLRC-DU to a hardware approach found in the literature.


The finding of a significant difference between QALE outcomes with improved glycemic control in men versus women may have been driven by differences in mortality risks in male and female patients with type 1 diabetes in EDIC, which was the source of the data driving the cardiovascular risk equations. The EDIC study reported a higher standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in women (1.19) than men (1.04) relative to a baseline of the US general population in 2013 [33] . While the relative mortality ratio of 0.87 in EDIC was not significant (p = 0.464), the difference was not uniform across the population; models adjusting for time-dependent HbA1c values showed a significant interaction between sex and HbA1c (p = 0.016), in which the relative mortality among women relative to men increased with increasing HbA1c. Similarly, a recent meta- [34] . The meta-analysis authors noted that rather than the SMRs being simply an artifact of higher background mortality in men in the overall population, there is growing evidence to suggest a greater adverse effect of hyperglycemia and diabetes on vascular risk in women than men [33, 35, 36] . While these findings need not drive changes in health policy, the ability of existing models to capture these differences is useful from the perspective of healthcare decision-makers.

The EDIC study reported a higher standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in women (1.19) than men (1.04) relative to a baseline of the US general population in 2013.

Similarly, a recent meta.

The meta-analysis authors noted that rather than the SMRs being simply an artifact of higher background mortality in men in the overall population, there is growing evidence to suggest a greater adverse effect of hyperglycemia and diabetes on vascular risk in women than men.


A key consideration for countries to develop national strategies for the development of marine biotechnology is that this sector has the potential to address many of the grand global challenges of population health, food and energy security [89] . However, in order to realize this potential, marine biotechnology firms need to innovate, and in a highly turbulent and uncertain environment, innovation is a risky business [31, 81] . Firms collaborate with different types of external collaborators during innovation processes to compensate for their internal resource deficiencies and to increase their power relative to competitors [38] . Those external collaborators of firms play major roles in enhancing organisational learning and in helping firms to develop and strengthen their internal competences [61, 113] . Therefore public policy is required to strengthen the linkages between different type of actors, such as industry-university linkages through increased dialogue and cooperation. But public policy also needs measurement tools to better monitor and manage the innovation process, which is also necessary for the development of the marine biotechnology sector [90] .

A key consideration for countries to develop national strategies for the development of marine biotechnology is that this sector has the potential to address many of the grand global challenges of population health, food and energy security.

However, in order to realize this potential, marine biotechnology firms need to innovate, and in a highly turbulent and uncertain environment, innovation is a risky business.

Firms collaborate with different types of external collaborators during innovation processes to compensate for their internal resource deficiencies and to increase their power relative to competitors.

Those external collaborators of firms play major roles in enhancing organisational learning and in helping firms to develop and strengthen their internal competences.

But public policy also needs measurement tools to better monitor and manage the innovation process, which is also necessary for the development of the marine biotechnology sector.


It is argued that although the primary concern of sustainable housing development is to meet the housing needs of the people and not to preserve the environment, the environment at the mean time, should be safeguarded from deteriorating. Furthermore, it is well understood now that sustainable housing should not be merely about meeting basic needs, but should also improve the conditions of both the internal and external living environment [7] . Thus, housing, as a key component of the built environment, plays an important role in all aspects of sustainable development. The sustainability of housing embraces the intertwined environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects [4] .

Furthermore, it is well understood now that sustainable housing should not be merely about meeting basic needs, but should also improve the conditions of both the internal and external living environment.

The sustainability of housing embraces the intertwined environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects.


Sustainability is both a local and global concern that demands practical, grass root and microclimatic definitions on the one hand, while acknowledging its social and cultural underpinnings on the other hand [1] . Affected by the emergence of widespread concerns over environmental degradation in the 1960s, the concept of environmental 'sustainability' has been the focus for a great deal of work. This included its definition, measurement and the appropriate policies and institutions that can be implemented or promoted in order to achieve it. But more recently both the economic and social dimensions of sustainability have been addressed as additional and interrelated concerns. Thus, sustainability is considered now as a broad multi-focal agenda, where terms such as 'triple bottom line' and 'sustainable development' are being used interchangeably [2] . Currently, it is claimed that the realization of sustainable development should pass through the consideration of, and balance between, environmental, social and economic factors in any development process [3] . Research works stress that these key areas of sustainability should not be separated from one another; rather they should be understood within the holistic framework of sustainable development [4] . Of the three pillars of sustainable development, socio-cultural sustainability is perhaps the least explored within the mainstream development literature [5] . The increasing awareness for building-related sustainability has given birth to many assessment tools, including GB-Tool, BREEAM, LEEDS, CASBEE and HKBEAM which unfortunately certify buildings for their sustainability based on two of the three recognized aspects of sustainability; economy and environment leaving behind social sustainability [4] .

Sustainability is both a local and global concern that demands practical, grass root and microclimatic definitions on the one hand, while acknowledging its social and cultural underpinnings on the other hand.

Thus, sustainability is considered now as a broad multi-focal agenda, where terms such as 'triple bottom line' and 'sustainable development' are being used interchangeably.

Currently, it is claimed that the realization of sustainable development should pass through the consideration of, and balance between, environmental, social and economic factors in any development process.

Research works stress that these key areas of sustainability should not be separated from one another; rather they should be understood within the holistic framework of sustainable development.

Of the three pillars of sustainable development, socio-cultural sustainability is perhaps the least explored within the mainstream development literature.

The increasing awareness for building-related sustainability has given birth to many assessment tools, including GB-Tool, BREEAM, LEEDS, CASBEE and HKBEAM which unfortunately certify buildings for their sustainability based on two of the three recognized aspects of sustainability; economy and environment leaving behind social sustainability.


Chiu believed that there are substantial overlaps between both social and cultural sustainability as they are difficult to separate and are often considered together. However, he added, both the social and cultural sustainability have their respective differences and distinctive areas of concern. Social dimensions may not be tangible and include levels of social cohesion, social stability, social equality, social equity, social conflict, social inclusion and so on. While those of culture, including arts, music, performing arts, literature and religion, may be more tangible [7] .

While those of culture, including arts, music, performing arts, literature and religion, may be more tangible.


We have examined through numerical simulation the generation of 'topological chaos' in a batch stirring device (Boyland et al. 2000) . The device consists of a number of stirring rods whose positions are successively interchanged in a 'plaiting' motion, the topology of which is alone sufficient to determine a certain material stretch rate that can be achieved in a corresponding two-dimensional chaotic fluid flow. This stretch rate is independent of the fluid properties, and of the exact cylinder motions used to achieve the interchanges.

We have examined through numerical simulation the generation of 'topological chaos' in a batch stirring device.


This complicated dependence of the LEE on the source position, polarization, and the rod radius seems to be related with the resonant mode profiles inside the nanorod. In fact, there exist lots of resonant modes inside the nanorod cavity and each mode has a different optical loss or quality factor (Q), which makes it difficult to analyze the LEE based on resonant mode properties. Nevertheless, the mode analysis is expected to provide insight into the behavior of the LEE. Figure 3 shows two-types of representative resonant mode profiles in the cross section of a nanorod structure for the rod radius of 200 and 250 nm. Figure 3a,b) , and the light coupled with the RM can escape the nanorod structure relatively easily, resulting in a high LEE. On the contrary, the WGM oscillates along the circumference of the rod. The WGM generally has a very high Q and appears as the lasing mode of a micro-disk laser [26] . If a dipole source couples with the WGM, the emitted light travels along the circumference of the rod and escapes from the rod quite slowly, resulting in a low LEE. This can explain the decreasing behavior of the LEE with an increasing source position in Figure 2 .

The WGM generally has a very high Q and appears as the lasing mode of a micro-disk laser.


Such optical properties of a nanorod LED structure have been usually studied theoretically using numerical simulations based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method due to its complex geometry [22] [23] [24] . In the FDTD method, a point dipole source is placed inside the nanorod structure and the evolution of electromagnetic fields is monitored, from which the LEE or the Purcell factor can be calculated. For the simulation of the planar LED structures, simulation with a single dipole source can give accurate results, irrespective of the source positions and polarization directions due to the translational symmetry in the plane of quantum wells. For the simulation of the nanorod LED structures, on the contrary, simulation results may differ from source positions and polarization directions because the translational symmetry is no longer maintained. However, in the most cases of FDTD simulation works on nanorod LEDs, simuilation results for only a single dipole source placed usually at the center of nanorod structures have been reported, which may provide incorrect information on the LEE, Purcell factors, and emission patterns of nanorod LEDs.

Such optical properties of a nanorod LED structure have been usually studied theoretically using numerical simulations based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method due to its complex geometry.