It is well-known that bronze melts of the same chemical bulk composition may form alloys with a widely different microstructure. Depending on the process parameters, the composition of the mixed crystals will vary and the size and geometrical distribution of the microphases may show large differences. The samples in this work were produced using a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) technique. This method has proven to be a good approach for making alloys, as it leads in general to higher micro-and macroscopic homogeneity [1] . The five bronzes in this study have a composition that is representative for the major copper alloys known in antiquity. They are a quaternary bronze, an arsenical copper, a tin bronze, a lead bronze and a brass. Their nominal composition is listed in Table 1 . The compositions were certified in a separate study for the mass fractions of the main alloying elements As, Sn, Pb and Zn [2] . The intended application for the certified alloys is the calibration of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers, which is the preferred method for non-destructive analysis of archaeological bronzes, particularly in the field [3] . The fact that the samples are simulated archaeological copper alloys makes them unique as reference materials. In addition, a separate guide for "good analytical practice" for the study of bronze artifacts by XRF spectrometry has been made available and covers in detail aspects of the analysis method, detection limits and quantification procedures [4] . It will allow the acquisition of more reliable data on ancient copper alloy compositions. When establishing reference materials for XRF spectrometry, a microstructural characterisation of each material is necessary, since matrix effects are different depending on the local chemical composition of the target and will influence the absorption of the generated X-rays. This paper will therefore, focus on the microstructural characterisation of the five bronze materials using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). A detailed study concerning the homogeneity of the material on the millimetre scale, which may limit the precision and accuracy for XRF analyses, was performed in a separate study [2] .

This method has proven to be a good approach for making alloys, as it leads in general to higher micro-and macroscopic homogeneity.

The compositions were certified in a separate study for the mass fractions of the main alloying elements As, Sn, Pb and Zn.

The intended application for the certified alloys is the calibration of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers, which is the preferred method for non-destructive analysis of archaeological bronzes, particularly in the field.

In addition, a separate guide for "good analytical practice" for the study of bronze artifacts by XRF spectrometry has been made available and covers in detail aspects of the analysis method, detection limits and quantification procedures.

A detailed study concerning the homogeneity of the material on the millimetre scale, which may limit the precision and accuracy for XRF analyses, was performed in a separate study.


In this work, we study constraints on self-interacting fermionic dark matter (DM) which arise from observations of neutron stars. There is a lively debate within the astrophysics community regarding whether or not data on matter distributions favor collisionless dark matter or selfinteracting dark matter (SIDM) [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] . Although there has been no definitive resolution to this question, there has been heightened interest in constraints on self-interacting dark matter. In this work, we will consider astrophysical constraints on a particular type of self-interacting dark matter: fermionic DM with an attractive self-interaction potential and a small annihilation cross section. This class of dark matter can be constrained by the observation of old neutron stars.

There is a lively debate within the astrophysics community regarding whether or not data on matter distributions favor collisionless dark matter or selfinteracting dark matter (SIDM).


We have derived neutron star bounds on fermion dark matter which scatters with nucleons and self-interacts via an attractive Yukawa coupling. The plots in Section 4 focus on parameter space favored by dark matter models that utilize a Yukawa-mediated self-interaction to explain the cored profiles of dwarf galaxies and provide an appropriate level of freeze-out annihilation during reheating [78] . A key feature of these models is that the dark matter self-interaction cross section will have a velocity-dependence set by the mass of the dark matter and Yukawa mediator, φ, leading to different dynamics for slower dwarf galaxy halos and faster galactic cluster halos. Indeed, such models can even account for DM-neutron scattering if one assumes at least one new state with both Yukawa mediator φ charge and a standard model gauge charge [83] . Although a full analysis of a fermion dark sector observable in all detection channels (direct, indirect, collider), with a simple characterization -a Yukawa coupling and Yukawa charge mixing with SM charge -is beyond the aims of this paper, such a model would be constrained by observations of old neutron stars.

The plots in Section 4 focus on parameter space favored by dark matter models that utilize a Yukawa-mediated self-interaction to explain the cored profiles of dwarf galaxies and provide an appropriate level of freeze-out annihilation during reheating.

Indeed, such models can even account for DM-neutron scattering if one assumes at least one new state with both Yukawa mediator φ charge and a standard model gauge charge.


The bags were placed in filo bags of 20 x 30 cm, along with 100 grams of lead. Filo bags were tied with nylon thread, leaving a length of 1 m so that the bags could move freely in the solid and liquid phases of the rumen. Bags were then deposited in the region of the ventral sac of the rumen with the tip of the nylon thread remaining attached to the cannula for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours in reverse order, that is, starting with the duration of 120 hours. The bags related to time zero were not incubated in the rumen, but were washed in running water, similar to incubated bags. To estimate the indigestible fraction of NDF, the samples were incubated in two cattle for 288 hours (DETMANN et al., 2012) . Subsequently, the samples were placed in an oven at 55°C for 72 hours and then cooled in a desiccator and weighed.

To estimate the indigestible fraction of NDF, the samples were incubated in two cattle for 288 hours.


In the in vivo acoustic evaluation, the nondestructive low mechanical index (MI = 0.1) was used to construct TIC and the parametric dynamic CEUS imaging was used to derive the contrast kinetics. Most importantly, this data demonstrates selective uptake of PSMA-NB in PSMApositive PC3pip tumors compared to the PSMA-negative PC3flu tumors. In comparing the contribution of active targeting to this behavior it was crucial to also examine untargeted NB in the same tumors, thus mice received a randomized injection of these bubbles in the same exam, either before or after PSMA-NB administration. We observed that the time to peak and maximum peak enhancement were similar in both groups, signifying the similar dynamic of PSMA-NB and NB in the blood stream and also comparable morphology and vasculature in both PC3pip and PC3flu tumors. In stark contrast, the washout was slower with PSMA-NB in the PC3pip tumor compared to all other groups, as shown by persistent enhancement over 30 min, 2-fold higher WoAUC and t75% . Preferential accumulation of PSMA-NB in the PSMA expressing tumors was noticeable as early as 10 min after injection and increased over time. This is a considerable improvement over the relatively small and transient differences noted in prior studies of PSMAtargeted contrast agents [9] [10] . Lumason® MB exhibited significant rapid enhancement in the kidney and relatively minor enhancement in tumors, and were cleared from the circulation rapidly without any significant binding. The high tumor to kidney signal ratio with PSMA-NB in PC3pip tumor also supports the conclusion that targeted NBs accumulate in PSMA-expressing tumors. However, to fully elucidate the fate of NB in the tumor tissue, a 3D imaging modality will be more informative compared to 2D imaging; these studies are currently ongoing.

This is a considerable improvement over the relatively small and transient differences noted in prior studies of PSMAtargeted contrast agents.


Parasites belonging to the apicomplexan genus Sarcocystis depend upon predation to effect their transmission (Dubey et al. 1989) . Prey and predators serve, respectively, as intermediate and definitive hosts for these parasites. The definitive host becomes infected by ingesting the asexual stage (sarcocyst) encysted in the intermediate host's tissues, whereupon the sexual cycle may commence in the lamina propria of the small intestine of the carnivore. Typically, species of Sarcocystis exclusively parasitize a single intermediate host species.

Parasites belonging to the apicomplexan genus Sarcocystis depend upon predation to effect their transmission.


Usually, one method used to correct the error introduced by the power amplifier is the feedback technique [13] . Voltage driving is the most common technique but it is also possible to impose a current into the loudspeaker voice coil. It would be relevant to enslave the current rather than the output voltage of the amplifier because the force applied to the membrane is directly proportional to the current supplied by the amplifier (when reluctance force is neglected).

Usually, one method used to correct the error introduced by the power amplifier is the feedback technique.


Exostosis is classified as solitary or multiple. Multiple cartilaginous exostoses are a hereditary disorder that occurs in infants and children. Solitary exostosis may occur in infants, and occasionally in adults. Solitary exostosis most commonly occurs at the lower metaphysis of the femur or the upper metaphysis of the tibia [1] . Costal exostosis may originate from a rib in the region of the costochondral junction, or near the vertebral end. Costal exostosis is commonly asymptomatic, but may present as a swelling of the chest wall or cause pain. A few cases of haemothorax complicating a costal exostosis have been reported, due to injury of the pleura, diaphragm, heart and possibly lung [4] .

Solitary exostosis most commonly occurs at the lower metaphysis of the femur or the upper metaphysis of the tibia.

A few cases of haemothorax complicating a costal exostosis have been reported, due to injury of the pleura, diaphragm, heart and possibly lung.


It is not clear whether the induction of the type I IFN gene IFNB1 and HSPA5 is separate or related outcomes of RV stimulation. Our previous studies have described synergistic augmentation of type I IFN genes by the UPR, both through XBP1 binding of an Ifnb1 enhancer as well as activation of IRF3, a transcription factor essential for IFN-b expression [10, 39] . Further, blockade of ATF6 activation prevented IRF3 phosphorylation by pharmacologic UPR inducers tunicamycin and 2-deoxyglucose [39] . Another study has also implicated ATF6 in the activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-jB, which enhances IFN-b production [40] . Thus, increased ATF6 pathway activation could directly impact RV-induced IFNB1 expression.

Our previous studies have described synergistic augmentation of type I IFN genes by the UPR, both through XBP1 binding of an Ifnb1 enhancer as well as activation of IRF3, a transcription factor essential for IFN-b expression.

Further, blockade of ATF6 activation prevented IRF3 phosphorylation by pharmacologic UPR inducers tunicamycin and 2-deoxyglucose.

Another study has also implicated ATF6 in the activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-jB, which enhances IFN-b production.


The ignition delay times of lean, stoichiometric and rich cyclopentane/air mixtures were measured at pressures of 20 and 40 atm over a wide range of initial temperatures (650-1350 K K) and fuel-to-air ratios (0.5-2.0) using two shock tubes and a rapid compression machine. This experimental data along with literature data were used as targets for the validation of a detailed mechanism, which was described in the first part of this study [28] . A pressure-dependence trend of higher reactivity at higher pressures was observed for experimental and simulated data at all investigated equivalence ratios. This trend is expected, and is consistent with the occurrence of higher reaction rate constants (for sequential elementary reactions) and collision rates at higher pressures, for a given temperature. For initial temperatures up to 1200 K, reactivity is also directly proportional to equivalence ratio, with fuel-rich mixtures being more reactive than stoichiometric and fuel lean mixtures. This trend is inverted at higher temperatures due to competition between chain propagation, H-atom abstraction, and chain branching H + O2 = OH + O reactions for H atoms. Finally, we found that cyclopentane is less reactive than n-pentane and cyclohexane consistent with the high octane rating and high sensitivity of cyclopentane compared to the other two fuel molecules. These properties are evident in the suppressed lowtemperature chemistry and minimal NTC behavior of cyclopentane, which renders it a desirable fuel blending candidate of high engine knock-resistance potential.

This experimental data along with literature data were used as targets for the validation of a detailed mechanism, which was described in the first part of this study.


From figure 4 and figure 9 , there always exists a convex point in the spatial distributions of lattice temperature. Figure 13 presents the contrast of distributions of normal stress and lattice temperature at various instants. It is interesting to note that the location of the convex point in the lattice temperature and the location of the peak of compressive normal stress distribution coincide with each other very well, which implies the convex point in the distribution of lattice temperature is caused by compressive normal stress and is the result of thermomechanical coupling. The estimated speed of the convex point is 4300 m s −1 according to the location of convex points 1-4 in the distribution of lattice temperature, and excellent agreement between it and sound speeds is obtained, which further indicates that the convex point 1-4 are caused by the thermomechanical coupling. Thermomechanical coupling can be simply summarized: compression can result in rising temperature while tension in the material can result in decreasing temperature. In figure 13 , the lattice temperature of the compressed region is larger than the lattice temperature of the surrounding region, and the lattice temperature of the region in which there is tensile normal stress is smaller than the lattice temperature of the surrounding region [31] .

In figure 13 , the lattice temperature of the compressed region is larger than the lattice temperature of the surrounding region, and the lattice temperature of the region in which there is tensile normal stress is smaller than the lattice temperature of the surrounding region.


Pressure-dependent demand functions are used in pressuredependent WDN models to achieve realistic estimates for operating conditions with insufficient pressure and these functions require calibration for each demand node. When there is insufficient pressure, the flow delivered will be less than the demand. It has been shown that if the PDA predictions are accurate, then the PDA predictions of the nodal flows if used as demands in a DDA model will result in identical pipe flow rates, nodal flows and nodal heads in the DDA model (Ackley et al., 2001) .

It has been shown that if the PDA predictions are accurate, then the PDA predictions of the nodal flows if used as demands in a DDA model will result in identical pipe flow rates, nodal flows and nodal heads in the DDA model.


Increasing the percentage of pre-compression, to for instance 12% plastic pre-strain in an ex-service material, may lead to an increase in intergranular cavity density and not necessarily cavity growth rate [7] . In other words when the percentage pre-compression increases in a given polycrystalline material (and hence the yield stress increases) the creep deformation within the grains becomes progressively less important and the creep rupture behaviour strongly depends on the intergranular failure due to the increased number of cavities along the grain boundaries [27] . The increase in intergranular cavity density with an increase in amount of plastic pre-compression leads to lower uniaxial creep ductilities and thus higher CCG rates as observed in the experimental data for the 12% PC material.

Increasing the percentage of pre-compression, to for instance 12% plastic pre-strain in an ex-service material, may lead to an increase in intergranular cavity density and not necessarily cavity growth rate.

In other words when the percentage pre-compression increases in a given polycrystalline material (and hence the yield stress increases) the creep deformation within the grains becomes progressively less important and the creep rupture behaviour strongly depends on the intergranular failure due to the increased number of cavities along the grain boundaries.


Let R and S be noetherian rings; suppose that S contains F as a subring; and suppose that S is finitely generated as a right Fc-module. Recall that if Q is a prime ideal of R and F is a prime ideal of S, then F lies over Q provided Q is minimal over F n R. Also recall, for a prime ideal F of S lying over a prime ideal Q of R, that F is left primitive if and only if Q is left primitive when S is finitely generated on both sides as an F-module [14] . The primary goal of this paper is to prove Theorem A. If Q is a prime ideal of R and n is a positive integer, then there exist at most finitely many prime ideals P of S lying over Q such that the Goldie rank of S/P is equal to n .

Recall that if Q is a prime ideal of R and F is a prime ideal of S, then F lies over Q provided Q is minimal over F n R. Also recall, for a prime ideal F of S lying over a prime ideal Q of R, that F is left primitive if and only if Q is left primitive when S is finitely generated on both sides as an F-module.


Interestingly, metadata support for multi-dimensional extensions as well as for the representation of what we call acquisition plans is offered by the new version of the Microsoft Repository [3] . However, as the MS Repository is based on binary-standard object-oriented program interfaces on top of relational storage technologies, it does not offer deductive querying mechanisms or subsumption analysis techniques that support quality management in our approach. Still, this recent commercial effort accentuates the importance allocated by vendors to the question of repository support for data warehousing.

Interestingly, metadata support for multi-dimensional extensions as well as for the representation of what we call acquisition plans is offered by the new version of the Microsoft Repository.


Masonry structures constructed without any technical assistance are about 40%-45% of the total structures found in Turkey. The vertical bearers of this type of structures are the walls. It was observed that the damages occurring on masonry structures are very large even if they are subjected to earthquakes of a small magnitude. A significant portion of the mortalities occurring during earthquakes results from such structures. Walls are not subjected only to vertical loads, but they are also subjected to horizontal loads such as wind and earthquakes. Biaxial loads occur on the walls due to these vertical and horizontal loads acting together. The performance of brick walls under double axis loads was investigated by various researchers, both theoretically and experimentally [1] [2] [3] .

The performance of brick walls under double axis loads was investigated by various researchers, both theoretically and experimentally.


The wall is a composite material consisting of brick and mortar. The low shear and adherence strength of the mortar cause it to constitute a weak surface at joints. When a horizontal load is applied on a brick wall, the cracks generally occur in the mortar, and the segregations happen at the joining points of the brick and the mortar. Walls constructed using masonry bricks are a material that is resistant to pressure and weak under horizontal loads. Numerous studies were carried out in order to overcome this weakness. The studies generally aimed at increasing the adherence of the brick and the mortar. In these studies that were carried out, usually additives were included in the mortar in order to increase the tensile strength of the wall. The experimental studies carried out with the aim of increasing the strength, stiffness, and ductility of the masonry structures were compared with the numerical models that were created, in order to determine the levels of increase occurring in the strength, stiffness, and ductility of the masonry structures [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . Various strengthening methods were developed in order to increase the strength of the masonry structures which were found to be inadequate against earthquakes. Significant improvements were obtained in the stiffness, strength, and ductility of buildings with masonry walls, by strengthening the brick surfaces with various materials (FRP, wires, fiber materials, wire mesh, reiforcements, steel and wood plates, and unused tires) [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] .

The experimental studies carried out with the aim of increasing the strength, stiffness, and ductility of the masonry structures were compared with the numerical models that were created, in order to determine the levels of increase occurring in the strength, stiffness, and ductility of the masonry structures.

Significant improvements were obtained in the stiffness, strength, and ductility of buildings with masonry walls, by strengthening the brick surfaces with various materials (FRP, wires, fiber materials, wire mesh, reiforcements, steel and wood plates, and unused tires).


For a point u 0 ∈ H we denote its positive semi-orbit by γ + (u 0 ), i. e. γ + (u 0 ) = t≥0 ϕ t (u 0 ), and we denote its ω-limit set by ω(u 0 ) := s≥0 t≥s ϕ t (u 0 ) [9] . A complete trajectory is a continuous map u : R → H such that the equality u(t + s) = ϕ t (u(s)) holds for all t ≥ 0 and s ∈ R. In this case we say that u(·) is passing through u(0). If there is a unique complete trajectory u(·) passing through u 0 we also consider its α-limit set α(u 0 ) := s≤0 t≤s u(t), its negative semi-orbit γ − (u 0 ) := t≤0 u(t) and its complete orbit γ(u 0 ) := γ + (u 0 )∪γ − (u 0 ). We will sometimes call the ω-limit set of a point u 0 the ω-limit of its orbit γ + (u 0 ) or its semi-trajectory t → ϕ t (u 0 ).

For a point u 0 ∈ H we denote its positive semi-orbit by γ + (u 0 ), i. e. γ + (u 0 ) = t≥0 ϕ t (u 0 ), and we denote its ω-limit set by ω(u 0 ) := s≥0 t≥s ϕ t (u 0 ).


Possible formation damage effects may occur even if an underbalanced pressure condition is maintained 100% of the time during drilling operation. Another one of the major areas of sensitivity to formation damage during UBD operations is the loss of the underbalanced pressure condition. Hence, it becomes vital to evaluate the sensitivity of the formation to the effect of an overbalanced pulse situation [1] .

Hence, it becomes vital to evaluate the sensitivity of the formation to the effect of an overbalanced pulse situation.


Ethanolic and dichloromethanic extracts from Senecio desiderabilis were tested on P. zopfii [10] . While the CH 2 Cl 2 extract showed no effect on P. zopfii, the ethanolic extract achieved the MIC effect at 2.5 mg/ mL. Authors used solvents (DMSO and Tween 80) which themselves have antimicrobial activity questioning the results. Nevertheless, it seems that ethanolic extract of Senecio desiderabilis could have better antialgal effect than Aronia prunifolia.

Ethanolic and dichloromethanic extracts from Senecio desiderabilis were tested on P. zopfii.


The subgroups on which the higher-order ρ-invariants are homomorphisms promise to be very interesting. In particular, if H = F k , then the groups {C([F k , F k ])}, homeomorphisms that induce the identity on F k /[F k , F k ] (and F/F k ), constitute a new and interesting filtration of the Torelli group. It was not known until recently whether or not C([F 2 , F 2 ]) was non-empty, but it is now known that its intersection with each Johnson subgroup is non-zero, so C([F 2 , F 2 ]) is highly nontrivial [13] .

It was not known until recently whether or not C([F 2 , F 2 ]) was non-empty, but it is now known that its intersection with each Johnson subgroup is non-zero, so C([F 2 , F 2 ]) is highly nontrivial.


Another issue deals with the remaining uncertainty in expert opinion. In this article, we proposed a simple definition of the ratio of subjective and objective information based on virtual and real data sizes, understandable outside the community of statistics. It is clear however that information quantities updated through Bayesian inference are also strongly dependent on the possible conflicting issues between prior and real data, in the sense that both can favor regions of the sample and parameter spaces which are far from each other [17, 9] . Tools proposed in these two references should be carried out to check the internal coherency of the Bayesian model beforehand.

It is clear however that information quantities updated through Bayesian inference are also strongly dependent on the possible conflicting issues between prior and real data, in the sense that both can favor regions of the sample and parameter spaces which are far from each other.


One could add to this list other wishes as the practical handling of the prior (explicit features and easy sampling), which is of importance for sensitivity studies. Note that the first item requires to give a clear sense to the words "quantity of information". Statistical definitions like inverse Fisher matrices or Shannon entropies are often too technical to be directly accessible to decisionners. This article addresses those concerns. In the sequel, we consider an alternative elicitation of π(η, β) defined as the reference posterior of virtual data of size m but calibrated from lifetime magnitudes directly given by experts, pursuing the worry of realism expressed by Kaminskiy & Krivtsov [20] . Since the virtual size corresponds to an intuitive measure of prior uncertainty, ratios of virtual and observed data sizes bring an understandable sense to the notion of "relative quantity of information". It can appear simpler than standard deviations (or other typical statistical uncertainty measures) to discuss with non-statistician experts and, especially, lead to more transparent choices to decisionners.

This article addresses those concerns.

In the sequel, we consider an alternative elicitation of π(η, β) defined as the reference posterior of virtual data of size m but calibrated from lifetime magnitudes directly given by experts, pursuing the worry of realism expressed by Kaminskiy & Krivtsov.


It appears firstly that checking for the appropriateness of the Weibull model with respect to the virtual data is a crucial task, since it allows to reveal divergences between an expert opinion and the common sense of reliability practicioners when assuming the Weibull distribution for the lifetime of an industrial component submitted to aging. As the case for expert E 1 illustrates, providing a small prior credibility interval can underlie unrealistic values for the Weibull parameters. This agrees with the well-known behavior of RRA experts of underestimating their self-uncertainty [23] . Therefore we suggest that spreading the prior credibility orders such that a qualitative requirement is reached (e.g., P π (β < 2) = 0.5) can give a more reasonnable summary of the real knowledge of Σ.

This agrees with the well-known behavior of RRA experts of underestimating their self-uncertainty.


Scaling-homology is a principle that infers physical self-similarity in a particular class of objects. In the 'extreme' interpretation these objects are considered "exact scaled copies" of one another. As a result, galactic physical properties respect strict relations between scale and proportionality between them (Novak 2012) . These homological scaling relations (power laws) have been known for over a decade and have been extensively explored (Zaritsky 2008) . This proposal extends the concept of scaling-homology using the latest astrometric data available. We employ the Milky Way (MW) as the scaling exemplar and extend its scaling relations to a wider class of rotationally supported galaxies inhabiting the local universe.

As a result, galactic physical properties respect strict relations between scale and proportionality between them.

These homological scaling relations (power laws) have been known for over a decade and have been extensively explored.


This scaling investigation imposes two well established physical constraints. The first is that disks obey the spin parameter equation λ = JE 1/2 /GMDyn 5/2 with dynamic mass (MDyn), angular momentum (J) and total energy (E) (Peebles 1971) . The dimensionless spin parameter (λ) is treated as a constant in agreement to the empirically determined value 0.423 (±0.014) (Marr 2015b) . Proportionality between dynamic and baryonic mass is determined by the dimensionless mass discrepancy D = MDyn/MBar or its equivalent (VObs/VBar) 2 . For all galaxies, mass discrepancy is fixed to D=5.9 with this value conforming to an average baryonic fraction fb = 0.17, although the model allows for any reasonable value. These strict constraints maintain a physical consistency between scaling relations, independent of individual galactic mass and morphology.

The first is that disks obey the spin parameter equation λ = JE 1/2 /GMDyn 5/2 with dynamic mass (MDyn), angular momentum (J) and total energy (E).

The dimensionless spin parameter (λ) is treated as a constant in agreement to the empirically determined value 0.423 (±0.014).


Many sentence generation systems are organized in a pipeline architecture, in which the input semantic representation is first enriched, e.g. with referring expressions, by a sentence planner and only then transformed into natural language strings by a surface realizer (Reiter and Dale, 2000) . An alternative approach is integrated sentence generation, in which both steps are performed by the same algorithm, as in the SPUD system (Stone et al., 2003) . An integrated algorithm can sometimes generate better and more succinct sentences (Stone and Webber, 1998) . SPUD itself gives up some of this advantage by using a greedy search heuristic for efficiency reasons. The CRISP system, a recent reimplementation of SPUD using search techniques from AI planning, achieves high efficiency without sacrificing complete search (Koller and Stone, 2007; Koller and Hoffmann, 2010) .

Many sentence generation systems are organized in a pipeline architecture, in which the input semantic representation is first enriched, e.g. with referring expressions, by a sentence planner and only then transformed into natural language strings by a surface realizer.

An alternative approach is integrated sentence generation, in which both steps are performed by the same algorithm, as in the SPUD system.

An integrated algorithm can sometimes generate better and more succinct sentences.

The CRISP system, a recent reimplementation of SPUD using search techniques from AI planning, achieves high efficiency without sacrificing complete search.


At present about 70% of the milk is marketed and 30% consumed by the farming households. Between 10-20% of the marketed milk is processed, while 70% is marketed raw (Ssajjakambwe et al. 2017) . The informal marketing system trades in raw milk, disregarding the international standards of quality, pasteurization and use of cold-chain facilities (Omore and Baker 2011) .

Between 10-20% of the marketed milk is processed, while 70% is marketed raw.

The informal marketing system trades in raw milk, disregarding the international standards of quality, pasteurization and use of cold-chain facilities.


Of note, milk constitutes an integral part of pastoralist communities' social life in Nakasongola District, and can be processed into sour milk, yoghurt, ghee and eshabwe, a traditional delicacy served on important ceremonial celebrations. There were various practices that could compromise the quality of milk. For instance, farmers never washed their hands before milking and instead cleaned their hands on the skin of the cows. This was similar to noted earlier where many farmers did not sufficiently clean their hands before milking (Wangalwa et al. 2016; Hofi 2011) . The use of a rod known as enkoni to restrain the calf during milking could as well be a source of milk contamination, especially if the environment is littered with cow dung. Although the plastic buckets were covered with cloth, this may not guarantee improved hygiene; also the kraals were littered with cow dung that could be a source for milk contamination. We also observed a common practice of mixing milk from different farms by the milk vendors which could further compromise the quality of milk. The operation of MVc in unregulated dusty and dirty places that lacked toilets and running water facilities is a further concern to the quality of milk. Generally, the highlighted unhygienic milk handling practices compromise the quality of raw milk. It is thus crucial to adopt good milk handling practices that minimize contamination along the value chain if milk of acceptable quality is to be realized (Wangalwa et al. 2016; Sudhir and Kalule 2014) .

This was similar to noted earlier where many farmers did not sufficiently clean their hands before milking.

It is thus crucial to adopt good milk handling practices that minimize contamination along the value chain if milk of acceptable quality is to be realized.


According to literature, it is assumed that various predictors may be significant for a positive course of schizophrenia, up to a patient's recovery [1] [2] [3] . Psychosocial resources and deficits or defects of biological and psychosocial structures are important factors that determine the status of psychological well-being as well as course of the disease and the process of recovering from schizophrenia [1, 2] . However, no Polish studies strived to verify simultaneously the predictive role of a set of three interrelated personal resources directed at protecting ego strength, that is: Resilience, sense of coherence, and perceiving stress as a threat versus challenge within a group of patients with schizophrenia similar in terms of sociodemographic variables.

According to literature, it is assumed that various predictors may be significant for a positive course of schizophrenia, up to a patient's recovery.

Psychosocial resources and deficits or defects of biological and psychosocial structures are important factors that determine the status of psychological well-being as well as course of the disease and the process of recovering from schizophrenia.


Coliphage counts obtained from the various water sources are presented in Table 3 . Briefly, coliphage counts ranged between 0 and 5 pfu·ml for Mutale, Mudaswali and Mutshindudi Rivers respectively. Coliphages were not detected in Makonde and Mudaswali Fountains. The maximum recommended limit for no risk in terms of coliphage count is 1 pfu·100 ml -1 . The high number of indicators detected revealed that the microbiological quality of the water sources used was poor, unsafe and not acceptable for human consumption. The microbial quality of the water sources exceeded the maximum safety limit for drinking water as stipulated by the water quality guidelines. This is in agreement with findings by other researchers who conducted similar studies in rural areas (Palupi et al., 1995; Nevondo and Cloete, 1999) .

This is in agreement with findings by other researchers who conducted similar studies in rural areas.


The shape and the device parameters; open circuit voltage (V oc ), short circuit current density (J sc ), fill factor (FF) and the conversion efficiency (ɳ%) depend on how the I-V curves are measured. The rate and the voltage range of data collection, and the direction of applying external bias voltage change the shape of I-V curves and hence the device parameters. In general I-V curves measured starting from reverse bias voltages show better characteristics than those measured starting from forward bias voltages [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] . This behaviour can also be other way around depending on the materials and device processing steps used [5] . Researchers have attempted to explain this behaviour in terms of ionic migration, polarisation effects and electronic charge trapping and de-trapping process within these devices [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] .

In general I-V curves measured starting from reverse bias voltages show better characteristics than those measured starting from forward bias voltages.

This behaviour can also be other way around depending on the materials and device processing steps used.

Researchers have attempted to explain this behaviour in terms of ionic migration, polarisation effects and electronic charge trapping and de-trapping process within these devices.


Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown a remarkable efficiency improvement in recent years achieving lab scale devices with ~ 23% conversion efficiency [1] . However, the stability and lifetime of these devices are real challenges and researchers are focussing to solve these issues at present. Variations of the measured current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of these devices are puzzling the research community for past few years. One major hindrance in the way of understanding these phenomena probably is a lack of mutual interpretation of concepts and different presentation habits developed in the two communities of electrochemists working with dye sensitised or PSCs and solid-state physicists working with inorganic thin film solar cells. Our group has recently attempted to bridge this gap, by analysing PSCs as compared to inorganic thin film solar cells [2] . The aim of this review is to explain the I-V hysteresis and other instabilities of PSCs in parallel to that of the inorganic thin film solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown a remarkable efficiency improvement in recent years achieving lab scale devices with ~ 23% conversion efficiency.

Our group has recently attempted to bridge this gap, by analysing PSCs as compared to inorganic thin film solar cells.


It is therefore highly relevant to study the defect properties in perovskite materials using relevant techniques such as photoluminescence (PL), Admittance spectroscopy and photo-acoustic spectroscopy (PAS) methods. Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) method may not be suitable to use for early stage perovskite materials due to long time period needed for these measurements. Better understanding of defect structure within the bandgap will enable scientists to reduce these defects and hence achieve better performing devices. Admittance spectroscopy usually detects only low energy-defect levels, but PAS is capable of detecting all defects in the bandgap [20] . PL should be done to detect defects throughout the bandgap rather than a limited range around the band-to-band electron transition [29] . An improved knowledge on electronic defects will lead the research community in the right direction to further develop PSCs removing un-desired hysteresis effects.

Admittance spectroscopy usually detects only low energy-defect levels, but PAS is capable of detecting all defects in the bandgap.

PL should be done to detect defects throughout the bandgap rather than a limited range around the band-to-band electron transition.


Knees are the largest joint in the human body. With healthy knees, people can perform most everyday activities like walking and running. Knees are made up of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The ends, or joining points, of these three bones are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth substance that protects bones and enables them to move easily (AAOS, 2011) .

The ends, or joining points, of these three bones are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth substance that protects bones and enables them to move easily.


International Journal of Polymer Science 9 of organic substrates into the hydrophobic field generated by PNIPAAm during the phase transition [12, 21] . These phenomena encourage us to perform the TEMPO-mediated oxidation of organic compounds in the thermoresponsive polymer field. Further study on the utilization of the thermoresponsive block copolymers containing TEMPO moieties to organic reactions and also electrochemical reactions in aqueous media is currently in progress [22] .

International Journal of Polymer Science 9 of organic substrates into the hydrophobic field generated by PNIPAAm during the phase transition.

Further study on the utilization of the thermoresponsive block copolymers containing TEMPO moieties to organic reactions and also electrochemical reactions in aqueous media is currently in progress.


A number of analytical techniques are available for solving stress analysis of isotropic inclusion problems when the geometry of the inclusions is simple (i.e., cylindrical, spherical, or ellipsoidal) and when they are well separated [3] [4] [5] [6] . However, these approaches cannot be applied to more general problems where the inclusions are both anisotropic and arbitrary in shape when their concentration is high. Thus, analysis of elastic wave scattering problems in heterogeneous solids often requires the use of numerical techniques based on the finite element method (FEM) or boundary element method (BIEM). Unfortunately, both methods encounter limitations in dealing with elastic wave scattering problems involving multiple anisotropic inclusions of arbitrary shapes. However, it has been demonstrated that a newly developed numerical method based on a volume integral equation formulation can overcome such difficulties in solving this class of inclusion problems [7, 8] . In contrast to the conventional boundary integral equation method (BIEM), where the infinite medium Green's functions for both the matrix material and the anisotropic inclusion material are needed, the present method does not require the latter. Since elastodynamic Green's functions for anisotropic media are extremely difficult to calculate, the present method offers a definite advantage over the boundary integral equation method. In addition, the VIEM is not sensitive to the geometry or concentration of the inclusions. Moreover, in contrast to the finite element method (FEM), where the full domain needs to be discretized, the VIEM requires discretization of the inclusions only.

A number of analytical techniques are available for solving stress analysis of isotropic inclusion problems when the geometry of the inclusions is simple (i.e., cylindrical, spherical, or ellipsoidal) and when they are well separated.

However, it has been demonstrated that a newly developed numerical method based on a volume integral equation formulation can overcome such difficulties in solving this class of inclusion problems.


Finally, results from this study provided further insights regarding the role of classical inflammatory mediators in HF. As with the IL-33/ST2 pathway, classical inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-were low in less stable HF patients (pre-LVAD group) and increased after LVAD support to a level comparable to that of patients directly undergoing heart transplantation with only medical therapy (HT group). In spite of their well-documented role as proinflammatory cytokines, these molecules showed a negative role in HF progression and were positively involved in the reverse remodeling process by LVAD, eventually suggesting a compensatory effect to the adverse remodeling process of HF. In agreement with these results, recent studies hypothesized that temporally regulated activation and suppression of inflammation may be critical for achieving effective cardiac repair, indicating a paradoxical role of inflammation in cardiac repair [1] . Moreover, these findings highlighted the complexity of cytokine signaling and may provide explanations for the lack of clear results in clinical studies of cytokine-target therapies.

In agreement with these results, recent studies hypothesized that temporally regulated activation and suppression of inflammation may be critical for achieving effective cardiac repair, indicating a paradoxical role of inflammation in cardiac repair.


The lower shock attenuation in Low SA was accompanied by a more extended body orientation (increased joint extension) at heelstrike to help prevent collapse of the body under the greater HAT COM velocities (15% higher than High SA ). A consequence of the Low SA strategy is a decreased ability of the knee joint muscles to absorb transient shock waves early in stance, with less damping and shock attenuation. Greater energy absorption has been found with increased knee flexion at heelstrike, as the body is in a better position to use the eccentric action of the knee musculature (Derrick et al., 1998; McMahon et al., 1987) . However, the frequency domain shock attenuation results (H 12-20 ) were equivalent for the two groups ( Table 2 ), indicating that reduction of peak head acceleration and reduction of impact frequency (12 to 20 Hz) transmission do not convey the same information regarding shock attenuation. This difference may indicate that the purported impact frequency bandwidth for level running, 12 to 20 Hz, is too limited for our downhill running protocol.

Greater energy absorption has been found with increased knee flexion at heelstrike, as the body is in a better position to use the eccentric action of the knee musculature.


We then established the protocol for aerosol infection of mice using a nonpathogenic strain of mycobacteria, M bovis BCG. The aerosol generated by the nebulizer contained single microorganisms or small numbers of bacilli. Following infection, mice from the same experiment had similar numbers of mycobacteria implanted in the lungs (Table 1 ). The number of mycobacteria implanted in the lungs was independent of either the mouse strain or the number of mice infected per experiment. The absolute number of CFU in both lungs of infected mice differed from experiment to experiment within the acceptable variation for microbiological systems. Histologic examination of the lungs of infected mice revealed pathology similar to that obtained using conventional aerosol infection systems (North 1995) . After 50 days, granulomas containing intracellular bacilli were observed in the lungs of all infected mice confirming the potential usefulness of this system in studies of pulmonary tuberculosis (FIG 3) . The aerosol infection system described here proved easy to operate, eliminated the need for irradiation of the experimental .animal and provided an adequate safety barrier for the investigator. Our results indicate that this device can be successfully used for respiratory infection of mice with aerosols containing mycobacteria as an experimental model for human pulmonary tuberculosis.

Histologic examination of the lungs of infected mice revealed pathology similar to that obtained using conventional aerosol infection systems.


Despite the decline of tuberculosis in the developed world throughout the 20th century, the disease remains an enormous global health problem. While the incidence of tuberculosis in the United States is approximately 9 cases per 100,000 per year, in Asia and Africa the rates approach 110-165 cases per 100,000 per year (Leonard 1990) . Tuberculosis is now the world's foremost cause of death from a single infectious agent (Snider 1994) . HIV infection, which renders individuals significantly more susceptible to mycobacterial infection, has caused a marked increase in the incidence of tuberculosis.

While the incidence of tuberculosis in the United States is approximately 9 cases per 100,000 per year, in Asia and Africa the rates approach 110-165 cases per 100,000 per year.

Tuberculosis is now the world's foremost cause of death from a single infectious agent.


In the present paper we address the following question: what survives from the pre-Lie structure at the level of non-rooted trees? There is a natural linear map X from non-rooted trees to (the linear span of) rooted trees, sending a tree to the sum of all its rooted representatives, with alternating signs. Its precise definition involves a total order on rooted trees introduced by A. Murua [19] . We propose a binary product ⋄ on the linear span of non-rooted trees, which is roughly speaking an alternating sum of all trees obtained by linking a vertex of the first tree with a vertex of the second tree. Theorem 4 is the key result of the paper. It implies the fact that ⋄ is a Lie bracket and that X is a Lie algebra morphism, the Lie bracket on rooted trees being given by antisymmetrizing the pre-Lie product.

Its precise definition involves a total order on rooted trees introduced by A. Murua.


With the advance of wireless access technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (WLAN), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and the fifth generation (5G) technology and with the rapid proliferation of smart mobile devices, the demand for Internet access while moving in vehicles such as trains, buses, and ships is constantly increasing [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . The problem of supporting IP mobility for these moving vehicles is referred to as network mobility (NEMO) support. According to NEMO terminology, a mobile network is defined as a network whose point of attachment to the Internet changes due to mobility [8] . To address the NEMO support problem, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) established the NEMO Working Group (WG), which has standardized an IP layer mobility support protocol called the NEMO basic support protocol (NEMO-BSP) [9] .

With the advance of wireless access technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (WLAN), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and the fifth generation (5G) technology and with the rapid proliferation of smart mobile devices, the demand for Internet access while moving in vehicles such as trains, buses, and ships is constantly increasing.

According to NEMO terminology, a mobile network is defined as a network whose point of attachment to the Internet changes due to mobility.

To address the NEMO support problem, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) established the NEMO Working Group (WG), which has standardized an IP layer mobility support protocol called the NEMO basic support protocol (NEMO-BSP).


Although most powerful in the context of a reflexively plain mirror pair, the proposed mirror map also leads to mirror symmetric subfamilies in more general GLSMs. Thus, while the full GLSM moduli space is not mirror symmetric, we can identify subspaces within the moduli space of M and M • that are related by our mirror map. The remaining GLSM parameters, which come from additional "E-deformations," are more mysterious, at least from the point of view of the mirror map. It should be borne in mind that they were typically not considered in work on stability of (0,2) GLSMs to instanton corrections [12] [13] [14] . In addition, the so-called "non-linear" E-deformations lead to significant technical problems in explicit computations in half-twisted theories [11] . These issues certainly deserve further study, and we hope that our results on the mirror symmetric subfamilies will aid in such explorations.

It should be borne in mind that they were typically not considered in work on stability of (0,2) GLSMs to instanton corrections.

In addition, the so-called "non-linear" E-deformations lead to significant technical problems in explicit computations in half-twisted theories.


The geometric set-up is a Batyrev pair of mirror Calabi-Yau manifolds (M, M • ), each constructed as a hypersurface in a d-dimensional Fano toric variety-M ⊂ V , M • ⊂ V • [2] . The crucial combinatorial ingredient in the construction is a d-dimensional reflexive lattice polytope ∆. This polytope plays a two-fold role in the mirror construction: on the one hand, it describes the Newton polytope for the hypersurface P = 0 that defines M ⊂ V ; on the other hand, the toric fan for V • is obtained by taking the cones over the faces of ∆. Thus, points in the faces of ∆ have a dual interpretation: they correspond to monomials in the polynomial defining M ⊂ V and to divisors of V • , which pull back to "toric" divisors on M • . This natural correspondence between the complex structure data for M encoded in the coefficients of monomials and the (complexified) Kähler data encoded by the duals to the toric divisors can be used to construct an isomorphism between the "polynomial" and "toric" subspaces of deformations of M, M • , respectively. This is the monomial-divisor mirror map.

The geometric set-up is a Batyrev pair of mirror Calabi-Yau manifolds (M, M • ), each constructed as a hypersurface in a d-dimensional Fano toric variety-M ⊂ V , M • ⊂ V •.


A second limitation is that the present study focused on behavior, without incorporating trial-by-trial ratings of curiosity. This restricts the extent to which the present findings speak to the subjective experience of curiosity. In regular curiosity, for example when processing trivia questions, there are little costs associated with acting on curiosity, and thus it may be sufficient to focus on subjective ratings of curiosity. With morbid curiosity, however, the stakes are higher. Although people can experience curiosity for a negative stimulus without choosing to engage with it, behavior is, in our opinion, the most straightforward indicator of how the conflict state of morbid curiosity is resolved (Litman, 2005; Rimé et al., 2005) . In other words, only when people choose to engage with negative information can we deduce that the predicted benefits (e.g., knowledge acquisition, uncertainty reduction) outweigh the predicted costs of engaging with the information (e.g., not being able to cope with the content). Furthermore, a focus on choice connects to the many behavioral expressions of this phenomenon in the real world (e.g., "rubbernecking" on the freeway; clicking on a social media link). Future research should investigate whether the subjective experience of curiosity for negative stimuli is associated with a similar neural pattern (e.g., reward circuitry, ACC, insula, OFC) as the pattern found with the present choice paradigm.

Although people can experience curiosity for a negative stimulus without choosing to engage with it, behavior is, in our opinion, the most straightforward indicator of how the conflict state of morbid curiosity is resolved.


The Lotka-Volterra model describes an arbitrary number of ecological competitors (or predator-prey) model which is dynamic by nature [1] . This model, based on the ecological system was framed and gradually gained its popularity in the technological arena. The simple prey-predator model is among the most popular models, being frequently used to demonstrate a simple non-linear control system.

The Lotka-Volterra model describes an arbitrary number of ecological competitors (or predator-prey) model which is dynamic by nature.


This non-linear controller provides acceptable control performance with stability and robustness for non-linear systems (Iordanov and Surgenor, 1997; Slotine and Li, 1991; Utkin, 1992; Harashima et al., 1986) . However, conventional SMC used in wide range has certain disadvantages. Firstly, chattering problem, this can cause high frequency oscillations in the controller output, secondly sensitivity to input disturbances and parameter uncertainties. Chattering phenomenon can cause some problems such as saturation and heat in mechanical parts of robot manipulators. To reduce or eliminate the chattering, various papers has been presented by many researchers and classify it into two methods: boundary layer saturation method and estimated uncertain method (Ertugrul and Kaynak, 1998; Curk and Jenermik, 2001; Khalil, 2002) .

This non-linear controller provides acceptable control performance with stability and robustness for non-linear systems.

To reduce or eliminate the chattering, various papers has been presented by many researchers and classify it into two methods: boundary layer saturation method and estimated uncertain method.


Control of robotic systems is vital due to the wide range of their applications and this system is non-linear multiinput and multi-output (MIMO). The main objective of robot control systems is to follow a reference trajectory, which involves the generation of a control signal to make error between the robot position and reference to zero (Gracia et al., 2012) . Non-linear control methodologies are more general because they can be used in linear and non-linear systems. These controllers can solve different problems with robustness i.e. invariance to system uncertainties and resistance to the external disturbances. The most common non-linear methodologies that have been proposed to solve the control problems are feedback linearization control, sliding mode control, adaptive control and artificial intelligence based methodology. SMC is the one of the best non-linear robust controllers to control robot manipulator, which has been analyzed by many researchers (Pilton and Sulaiman, 2012) .

The main objective of robot control systems is to follow a reference trajectory, which involves the generation of a control signal to make error between the robot position and reference to zero.

SMC is the one of the best non-linear robust controllers to control robot manipulator, which has been analyzed by many researchers.


Integrity and reliability of agent's data. The introduction of SAS attacks the issue of securing the agent paradigm from a centralized standpoint. It is fair to note that any mobile agent system is inherently suitable to support distributed applications; hence, securing such systems need to take into account the distributed nature of the environment. Malicious agents are not a threat solely to the current execution environment but to any host to which they may migrate. As such, there is an inherent need for hosts to collaborate and learn from each other's experience in executing an agent's code. The Computer Security Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology has also suggested that one of the main hindrances to the adoption of mobile agent technology stems from the security concerns of hosts [12] . Thus, the protection of hosts needs to occur from both a centralized and distributed standpoints. In light of this observation, we herein introduce a boosting-based monitoring system that allows hosts to learn and classify agents, not only based on their own experiences, but also based on collaboration with other hosts in the network, some of which may have been victims to agent attacks.

The Computer Security Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology has also suggested that one of the main hindrances to the adoption of mobile agent technology stems from the security concerns of hosts.


In Singapore, the lack of social interactions can also be a result of existing school culture. A rather deterministic educational culture may inadvertently promote antisocial behaviors among students. Many educators address the fear of freeloading by conducting peer evaluations, assuming that this is adequate in accounting for uneven contribution [37] . This can lead to students adopting a pragmatic orientation that achieves results at the expense of relationships, required for effective collaborative learning.

Many educators address the fear of freeloading by conducting peer evaluations, assuming that this is adequate in accounting for uneven contribution.


The advent of digital technologies has asynchronously allowed a shift to distributed learning groups utilizing computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments [24] . CSCL has become a successful agent in driving the quality of group interaction processes. Underpinning such a change is a belief that the role of computer mediated tools can contribute to students' curiosity and confidence [8] . Although these environments can support communication and collaboration, they fail to address whether collaborative learning methods are necessarily better. Consequently, enlisting students in groups or assigning a group project to students do not translate to effective learning [6] . Therefore, more research is needed to provide insights on collaborative learning with a focus on students' social interactions and their use of ICT in order to better understand students' processes in collaborative learning. This leads to the research questions for this paper. What are the factors that promote or impede collaborative learning as experienced by students? Why do students express dissatisfaction with collaborative learning?

The advent of digital technologies has asynchronously allowed a shift to distributed learning groups utilizing computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments.

Underpinning such a change is a belief that the role of computer mediated tools can contribute to students' curiosity and confidence.

Consequently, enlisting students in groups or assigning a group project to students do not translate to effective learning.


English is widely used around the globe and the number of non-native speakers is increasing rapidly. In Malaysia, English is officially recognized as a second language. It has been taught in schools as a second language since Malaysia achieved independence in 1957. Proficiency in English can help Malaysian graduates improve their employment opportunities in the job market (Yong, 2010) . Malaysian students can improve their English through formal instruction in the classroom and real life usage. Nevertheless, classroom-based lessons could be more effective if teachers identify and recognize their students' learning approaches. Additionally, teachers will be better positioned to understand the challenges students face in learning English if they are aware of their students' approaches to learn English.

Proficiency in English can help Malaysian graduates improve their employment opportunities in the job market.


Students in higher learning institutions have to actively engage with the content, and have a deep understanding of the issues that they discuss so that they can come up with the appropriate responses in the courses that they take. A surface approach might not always be sufficient and students would have to take a deep approach to improve their examination scores. The deep approach is necessary when they need to complete the assignments which might include projects, case studies and term essays. Hence, it is crucial for higher educational institutions to focus on higher order thinking skills, improve the critical aspects of teaching and learning and understand students' approaches toward learning (de Lange & Mavondo, 2004) .

Hence, it is crucial for higher educational institutions to focus on higher order thinking skills, improve the critical aspects of teaching and learning and understand students' approaches toward learning.


There are three major learning approaches, that is, the surface, deep, or achieving approach. Individuals may adopt any one of the three major learning approaches based on their individual needs or purpose of the learning task. Characteristics of the surface approach include a tendency to regurgitate memorized facts, and a focus on preparation for assessment. However, the surface approach can be a useful starting point or platform to move towards an in-depth understanding of the content (Biggs, 1987; Trigwell & Shale, 2004) .

However, the surface approach can be a useful starting point or platform to move towards an in-depth understanding of the content.


Most Malaysian institutions of higher learning are driven by formative and summative assessments based on a syllabus. Students tend to study the pattern of previous assessments and make preparations for the assessments accordingly. This encourages rote memory and superficial learning as students tend to study based on examination requirements so that they get the best possible grade. Students value good grades as they are important to advance their academic or professional career. On the other hand, there are also some assessments that require the application of higher order thinking skills. The challenge to do well in English courses at the tertiary level in Malaysia is to combine both the surface and deep approaches as good performance in English goes beyond the knowledge level in Bloom's taxonomy. Excellent grades in English involve comprehension, application, analysis, creative thinking, critical thinking, synthesis and evaluation (Yong, 2010) .

Excellent grades in English involve comprehension, application, analysis, creative thinking, critical thinking, synthesis and evaluation.


The other type of solution is defined as a solution of an associated stochastic integral equations and as far as we are aware the only reference for the question of existence and uniqueness of this type of solutions is [15] . However, in this paper there is a gap in the argument about the successive approximation method for extending the result about the local existence and uniqueness of solutions to the global existence and uniqueness of solutions. This gap comes from the fact that the kernel in the stochastic integral equations depends on time and this fact is a characteristic property of Caputo fractional systems, see Remark 6 for a more detail.

The other type of solution is defined as a solution of an associated stochastic integral equations and as far as we are aware the only reference for the question of existence and uniqueness of this type of solutions is.


After showing the existence of global solutions, our interest is to investigate the asymptotic behavior of solutions. Our contribution in this direction is to establish a lower bound on the asymptotic distance between two distinct solutions of a fractional stochastic differential equation. As a consequence, we show that the mean square Lyapunov exponent of an arbitrary nontrivial solution of a bounded linear Caputo fractional stochastic differential equation is always non-negative. This surprising fact was obtained in the deterministic fractional differential equations [4] .

This surprising fact was obtained in the deterministic fractional differential equations.


Both the weighting procedure and the development of alternatives and criteria provided opportunities to let actors participate in the decision process towards sustainable development [4] . Due to time constraints, the set of criteria and the scenarios were almost finalized by the project team before the first workshop occurred. In this preparation phase, the residents had no strong influence on the process. To achieve more comprehensive participation, it would be beneficial to involve the actors in those preparatory steps. The villagers would have possibly developed more or different alternative scenarios than those that were developed. Developing the scenarios with the participation of actors in a workshop would have meant a long break in the process because of the extensive data compilation required. A long break between the workshops may have been counterproductive because we anticipated that some of the actors in the village may have changed their decision under the pressure to make a decision or that many variables in the context might have changed. A new decision context would have meant a new MCDA application with different alternatives. Research is necessary on the flexibility of the MCDA process such that short-term modifications are possible and thus more participatory elements are involved.

Both the weighting procedure and the development of alternatives and criteria provided opportunities to let actors participate in the decision process towards sustainable development.


The application of the "silent negotiation" weighting process confirmed the positive experience of Picted and Bollinger [34] . The separation of weighting and discussion allowed every participant to participate in the process. This tool helped the facilitator/moderator to receive the input of all of the participants and not only of the powerful actors. It was noted that as people shared their experiences, they were caught up in the process and remained focused. In the workshops, the facilitators aimed at creating an informal, fun atmosphere that had been proven in former studies to be a successful factor in sustainability projects [39] . In the case study, this atmosphere helped to change the mood of the group from "very skeptical towards the biogas plant" to "we will give it a try". In terms of the results of the weighting, the weights were observed to be strongly affected by the stage of the project. In the discussion it became clear that the "security of supply" attracted the highest weight, as the issue of biomass supply was still open at that time.

The application of the "silent negotiation" weighting process confirmed the positive experience of Picted and Bollinger.

In the workshops, the facilitators aimed at creating an informal, fun atmosphere that had been proven in former studies to be a successful factor in sustainability projects.


In general, an emphasis was made on criteria that were able to address the questions of the local actors. For instance, we examined the after-tax profit of the cooperative or the heat-price-package for the heat consumers, as this information was highly requested. However, regarding sustainable development, evaluation criteria such as "life cycle costs" would have been more meaningful as they represent the total costs over the life cycle (31) . Further research is necessary to bridge the gap between scientific and practical requirements.

However, regarding sustainable development, evaluation criteria such as "life cycle costs" would have been more meaningful as they represent the total costs over the life cycle.


A phospholipid bilayer with embedded, integral and peripheral proteins constitutes the basic skeleton of the cell membrane, which acts as a selectively permeable barrier to isolate the cell from the external environment and ensure the independence of biochemical reactions in living organisms. Phospholipids can be further divided into phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) based on their head groups (Nagle and Tristram-Nagle 2000) . In eukaryotes and some prokaryotes, PE and PC are the most abundant phospholipids, accounting for more than 50% of the total phospholipid population (Vance and Steenbergen 2005) .

Phospholipids can be further divided into phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) based on their head groups.

In eukaryotes and some prokaryotes, PE and PC are the most abundant phospholipids, accounting for more than 50% of the total phospholipid population.


Epidemiological studies have noted that much of the substance abuse among youths takes place in schools [12, 13] . Since substance abuse especially in early adolescence interferes with normal adolescent development, studies of school populations are therefore important for an understanding of the factors and dynamics associated with substance abuse in the adolescent population. There is however paucity of reports on psychosocial disorders associated with substance abuse among the general adolescent population in Nigeria. Available epidemiological studies of substance abuse psychiatric-related disorders among adolescents in Nigeria are hospital-based surveys conducted in different parts of the country [10, 11] .

Epidemiological studies have noted that much of the substance abuse among youths takes place in schools.

Available epidemiological studies of substance abuse psychiatric-related disorders among adolescents in Nigeria are hospital-based surveys conducted in different parts of the country.


ROI secretion by monocytes before treatment were 2.25 ± 0.23 in the curcuminoid group while 2.20 ± 0.21 in diclofenac group. Reactive oxygen intermediates play an important role in the process of inflammation and tissue damage. Exposure of ROI to normal cells will cause a variety of pathological changes leading to cell and tissue damage for example in pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (Ahmed et al., 2005; Shah et al., 2005) . Monocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis release increase amount of reactive oxygen intermediates. Reactive oxygen intermediates play an important role in the process of cartilage degradation in the pathogenesis of some rheumatic diseases through lipid peroxidation in chondrocytes (Arora et al., 2000) . In this study the ROI secretion by synovial fluid monocytes was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.16).

Exposure of ROI to normal cells will cause a variety of pathological changes leading to cell and tissue damage for example in pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Reactive oxygen intermediates play an important role in the process of cartilage degradation in the pathogenesis of some rheumatic diseases through lipid peroxidation in chondrocytes.


The question arises why loaded leaf-cutting ants decide to transfer their fragments on their way to the nest, and what are the advantages of a sequential load transport. Fragments might be dropped or transferred if a minimum transport speed is not met by the carrier [28] . Although it seems conceivable that loads carried particularly slowly may eventually be abandoned by the carrier, a low travel speed does not necessarily indicate that a worker is not capable of carrying the load, or of walking faster [30, 31] . Travel speed may be reduced because of trail-marking activity by the carriers. Or workers may slow down because they try to pass the carried fragment to an unladen nestmate, and not because of the burden, thus being able to return to the source after unloading [5] .

Fragments might be dropped or transferred if a minimum transport speed is not met by the carrier.

Although it seems conceivable that loads carried particularly slowly may eventually be abandoned by the carrier, a low travel speed does not necessarily indicate that a worker is not capable of carrying the load, or of walking faster.

Or workers may slow down because they try to pass the carried fragment to an unladen nestmate, and not because of the burden, thus being able to return to the source after unloading.


The present study tested predictions of two competing hypotheses concerning the adaptive value of sequential load transport in grass-cutting ants, Atta vollenweideri. In general terms, sequential transport via so-called "bucket brigades", in which all fragments and workers are always on the move, is expected to enhance the performance of individuals, so that workers are more likely to become specialists and thus more efficient [12, 17] . True bucket brigades may in addition reduce queuing delays at both the source and destination, resulting in a higher group's overall rate of resource transportation [8, 13] . In fact, an increased rate of load delivery has been proposed as the main benefit of sequential transport for several ant species [4] [5] [6] 28] . However, in the ants Atta vollenweideri and Anoplolepis gracilipes, sequential transport took longer than transport by a single carrier all the way through (the present study and [25, 49] ). In Atta, this resulted from delays associated with the careful lying down of the carried fragment, the waiting time until retrieval by another worker, and the subsequent handling time. Sequential load transport was therefore time consuming and resulted in a lower material transport rate than the nonsequential mode.

In general terms, sequential transport via so-called "bucket brigades", in which all fragments and workers are always on the move, is expected to enhance the performance of individuals, so that workers are more likely to become specialists and thus more efficient.

True bucket brigades may in addition reduce queuing delays at both the source and destination, resulting in a higher group's overall rate of resource transportation.

In fact, an increased rate of load delivery has been proposed as the main benefit of sequential transport for several ant species.

However, in the ants Atta vollenweideri and Anoplolepis gracilipes, sequential transport took longer than transport by a single carrier all the way through (the present study and).


Fragment quality was observed to markedly affect both the probability of occurrence of sequential transport and the distance walked by the first carrier before transfer. The first carriers transferred very attractive fragments more often, and after a shorter distance than less attractive ones. Intuitively, one would expect a worker carrying a high-quality fragment to be more motivated to carry it all the way back to the nest. So why should carriers transfer their fragments? Observations on the subsequent behaviour of the first carriers, as described in this study, may shed some light on this issue. All first carriers continued foraging, and all but one returned to the exact place where they collected the first fragment. Dropping or passing a load at the main trail after having carried it for a short distance has several consequences. First, fragment dropping after a given distance may allow workers to quickly go back to the harvested plant, making it easier for them to find the source again by following the freshly deposited pheromone trail. Moreover, an early return to the source may shorten the time needed to update information about the discovery, analogous to the reduction of dead time in a control system, thus allowing workers to switch to alternative resources whenever needed. Second, moving along a short-trail sector may enable workers to locally reinforce the pheromone marking better than after walking all the way to the nest, leading to a quicker establishment of a foraging column and a faster monopolisation of the discovered source, as demonstrated for foragers of the leafcutting ant, Atta sexdens [5] . It is important to note that field foraging trails can commonly exceed 50 m in length. In our experiments, ants usually needed 30 to 60 min to walk along the 33 m to reach the nest. This means that one single roundtrip would last one or two hours. In contrast, the observed first carriers managed up to 13 roundtrips per hour by foraging just on their short trail section.

Second, moving along a short-trail sector may enable workers to locally reinforce the pheromone marking better than after walking all the way to the nest, leading to a quicker establishment of a foraging column and a faster monopolisation of the discovered source, as demonstrated for foragers of the leafcutting ant, Atta sexdens.


In order to get a more quantitative and reliable analysis of the behavior of our B-GNPs, the quantification of the contrast enhancement for OCT images was calculated using the following equation 10 * log10 (average pixel intensity of the area with NPs/average pixel intensity of the reference area) [11] . In all cases (water with nanoparticles), we considered an area of 2.00 mm × 1.98 mm for contrast enhancement calculation; the area was selected just below the air-water interface (white line), where our reference was a sample of Millipore water. The estimated increments in contrast were 9.19 dB for diluted B-GNPs in water and 15.07 dB for nondiluted B-GNPs. As we have mentioned, a similar procedure was carried out with the gold nanorods and nanospheres at the concentrations given above; the results for contrast enhancement were 0.65 and 8.72 dB, respectively. From these results, we observed that even though nanorods show the plasmon band at 764 nm, almost at the same position of B-GNPs; contrast enhancement is very poor in this case. On the other hand, gold nanospheres show good contrast enhancement, almost the same that was obtained for diluted B-GNPs nanoparticles; however, for nondiluted B-GNPs, contrast enhancement is 1.7 times greater than that for nanospheres, which have a concentration (NPs/mL) one order of magnitude greater than B-GNPs. These results mean that BGNPs work very well as a contrast agent in water, and that their performance is better than the one seen in the other two cases. Consequently, B-GNPs are the best option to use as a contrast agent in tissue phantoms in order to produce good optical contrast enhancement of OCT images.

In order to get a more quantitative and reliable analysis of the behavior of our B-GNPs, the quantification of the contrast enhancement for OCT images was calculated using the following equation 10 * log10 (average pixel intensity of the area with NPs/average pixel intensity of the reference area).


These results are in accordance with those obtained in other studies, pointing to the stability of the CGG-repeat size up to 40, when maternally inherited, with small changes observed in less than 1% of the cases (Murray et al., 1997; Youings et al., 2000; Sullivan et al., 2002) . The seven intermediate allele transmissions found in our study were all stable. Changes in intermediate range alleles, however, are more prone to occur, with a mutation rate of about 3% in maternal transmissions (Murray et al., 1997; Youings et al., 2000; Sullivan et al., 2002) . The tendency of these alleles to expand is directly related to the size of the repeat (Nolin et al., 2003) . Interestingly, common and intermediate alleles are less stable when transmitted through males than through females, in clear contrast with the premutated alleles (Sullivan et al., 2002) . Both selection against sperm with increasing repeat length and a different mutational mechanism for alleles at the common/intermediate range are possible explanations.

These results are in accordance with those obtained in other studies, pointing to the stability of the CGG-repeat size up to 40, when maternally inherited, with small changes observed in less than 1% of the cases.

Changes in intermediate range alleles, however, are more prone to occur, with a mutation rate of about 3% in maternal transmissions.

The tendency of these alleles to expand is directly related to the size of the repeat.

Interestingly, common and intermediate alleles are less stable when transmitted through males than through females, in clear contrast with the premutated alleles.


To mitigate traffic congestion and congestion-related crashes, the most important development in recent transportation management research is the concept of active traffic management (ATM). One major approach to implement ATM is through a traffic prediction model-based proactive traffic control system. In 2011, the City of Edmonton initiated a study to examine the feasibility and performance of implementing integrated active traffic management in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The work targets improving the traffic operations for a major highway corridor in Edmonton, which suffers from daily recurrent traffic congestion. The command framework, DynaTAM (Dynamic Analysis Tool for Active Traffic Demand Management), is aimed at performing prediction-based optimal control using both ramp metering (RM) and variable speed limit (VSL) techniques. Relying on an embedded macroscopic traffic state prediction model, DynaTAM predicts traffic states to anticipate incoming traffic congestion and provides control plan recommendations to optimize the network-wide traffic condition. The DynaTAM system has achieved significant improvements in terms of enhancing the mobility of the studied highway corridor [5] .

The DynaTAM system has achieved significant improvements in terms of enhancing the mobility of the studied highway corridor.


At run-time, EdIt first processes the input passages in the article (e.g., "He play an important roles to close ") submitted by the L2 learner. And EdIt tag the passage with part of speech information, and compares the tagged sentence against the pattern rules anchored at certain collocations (e.g., "play ~ role" and "look forward"). Finally, EdIt finds the minimum-edit-cost patterns matching the passages using an extended Levenshtein's algorithm (Levenshtein, 1966) . The system then highlights the edits and displays the pattern rules as suggestions for correction. In our prototype, EdIt returns the preferred word form and preposition usages to the user directly (see Figure 1) ; alternatively, the actual surface words (e.g., "closing" and "deal") could be provided.

Finally, EdIt finds the minimum-edit-cost patterns matching the passages using an extended Levenshtein's algorithm.


Dispersal can be a way of achieving outcrossing (Dobson 1982; Pusey 1987; Waser 1996) . In polygynous species, females probably suffer higher costs from inbreeding depression than males, owing to their greater investment in offspring and more limited breeding potential (Pusey 1987) . Female dispersal should therefore be predominant if inbreeding avoidance determines dispersal. However, inbreeding depression as a selective force for the evolution of dispersal as an inbreeding-avoidance mechanism is disputable, and other social mechanisms, such as the ability to discriminate between kin and non-kin, can be more important in avoiding inbreeding (Pusey and Wolf 1996) .

Dispersal can be a way of achieving outcrossing.

In polygynous species, females probably suffer higher costs from inbreeding depression than males, owing to their greater investment in offspring and more limited breeding potential.

However, inbreeding depression as a selective force for the evolution of dispersal as an inbreeding-avoidance mechanism is disputable, and other social mechanisms, such as the ability to discriminate between kin and non-kin, can be more important in avoiding inbreeding.


The concept of home range is important for any study of dispersal. For the idea of dispersal to make sense, we must assume that organisms are not randomly distributed but have a spatial domain with which they are familiar (Lidicker and Stenseth 1992) . Home-range sizes of wolverines are relatively well studied, although not in juveniles. The basic social system of wolverines has been described as intrasexual territoriality, which means that only home ranges of opposite sexes overlap (Powell 1979; Magoun 1985; Copeland 1996) . Males hold large territories that encompass those of several females. In such a spatial strategy the spacing of females is determined by the abundance and dispersion of food, whereas the distribution of males is probably determined by the distribution of females, at least in the breeding season (Macdonald 1983; Magoun 1985; Sandell 1989) .

For the idea of dispersal to make sense, we must assume that organisms are not randomly distributed but have a spatial domain with which they are familiar.

The basic social system of wolverines has been described as intrasexual territoriality, which means that only home ranges of opposite sexes overlap.

In such a spatial strategy the spacing of females is determined by the abundance and dispersion of food, whereas the distribution of males is probably determined by the distribution of females, at least in the breeding season.


Surprisingly, in-kind giving, the other significant predictor in the model, was negative in our analysis. One possible explanation is that investors interpreted in-kind giving as an element of immediate disaster relief, as opposed to a longer-term perspective on developing or consolidating market position, brand awareness and reputation. An alternate explanation is that investors associated in-kind giving with efforts to "ingratiate" the firm among the impacted community (Godfrey, 2004) . In this case, the donating firm gains no "moral capital" because although the cause (CPDR) is considered positive, the firm's intentions are not perceived as genuine.

An alternate explanation is that investors associated in-kind giving with efforts to "ingratiate" the firm among the impacted community.


We explore stock market reactions to corporate disaster response as a facet of the debate on the performance consequences of firm social behavior, specifically of financial and in-kind support for social causes (Peloza, 2006) . Although we find that CPDR in its most basic form is related to positive abnormal stock returns, we also observe factors that moderate that relationship, some positively and some negatively. The key conclusion for managers is that they must consider carefully their added value for disaster relief and reconstruction and be strategic in their donations, since "knee-jerk" responses may be punished by investors and ultimately may also have less value for disaster victims than well-considered, business-relevant responses.

We explore stock market reactions to corporate disaster response as a facet of the debate on the performance consequences of firm social behavior, specifically of financial and in-kind support for social causes.


To do this, a breadboard of the feed array was designed, analyzed, manufactured and tested, in order to validate the accuracy of the computed element patterns. It is underlined that the detailed and accurate RF modelling of the full antenna system is indeed of paramount importance for the accurate calibration of the radiometer and represents the main goal of the study. In the last part of the activity, the computed element patterns are used to find the new excitation of the array elements, and the updated radiometric performances are calculated [10] . This paper describes the work done up to the breadboard RF test. In particular, Section II focuses on the design and analysis of the radiating element chosen for the breadboard, while Section III shows the RF models of the breadboard developed with two commercial software, the MoM add-on to GRASP and CST. In Section IV, we show the breadboard manufactured at Chalmers University, and describe the RF test that took place at the DTU-ESA Spherical Near-Field Facility at the Technical University of Denmark. Finally, in Section V we compare the element patterns of a few selected elements, as computed by GRASP and CST, with each other and with the measured data. Conclusions are drawn in Section VI.

In the last part of the activity, the computed element patterns are used to find the new excitation of the array elements, and the updated radiometric performances are calculated.

Conclusions are drawn in Section VI.


Emission of greenhouse gases (e.g. the fossil fuel-derived CO 2 ) has become a global concern, but about 88% of global energy consumption still derives from fossil fuels [1] . To meet the environmental challenges, the EU member states have decided to increase the proportion of renewable energy up to 20% of total consumption by 2020 [2] . Anaerobic digestion (AD) is highly interesting in this context, as it can function in waste treatment, production of a renewable energy carrier (biogas) and production of an organic fertiliser [3] . Various kinds of organic materials can be used as substrates for biogas production, such as sewage sludge, manure, organic municipal waste and agricultural wastes [4] . Among the agricultural wastes, straw is an interesting feedstock for biogas production [3] . For example, wheat straw is the most abundant crop residue in Europe and second most abundant in the world [5] . However, the character and composition of straw, with cellulose fibres intertwined with hemicelluloses and lignin, make it difficult to degrade [6] . Moreover, the use of straw for biogas production is restricted by its high C/N ratio and low levels of trace elements, limiting microbial growth and activity. The biogas yield from straw can be increased by pretreatment, making the material more accessible to microbial degradation [3, 6, 7] . Furthermore, by co-digestion with more nitrogen-rich materials, for example, animal manure or food waste, the nutrient limitation can be overcome [8] [9] [10] [11] .

Emission of greenhouse gases (e.g. the fossil fuel-derived CO 2 ) has become a global concern, but about 88% of global energy consumption still derives from fossil fuels.

To meet the environmental challenges, the EU member states have decided to increase the proportion of renewable energy up to 20% of total consumption by 2020.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is highly interesting in this context, as it can function in waste treatment, production of a renewable energy carrier (biogas) and production of an organic fertiliser.

Various kinds of organic materials can be used as substrates for biogas production, such as sewage sludge, manure, organic municipal waste and agricultural wastes.

Among the agricultural wastes, straw is an interesting feedstock for biogas production.

For example, wheat straw is the most abundant crop residue in Europe and second most abundant in the world.

However, the character and composition of straw, with cellulose fibres intertwined with hemicelluloses and lignin, make it difficult to degrade.

The biogas yield from straw can be increased by pretreatment, making the material more accessible to microbial degradation.

Furthermore, by co-digestion with more nitrogen-rich materials, for example, animal manure or food waste, the nutrient limitation can be overcome.


Nutritional quality of vegetables can vary depending on the cultivation method used. Drganic cultivation is a growing trend world-wide with 164 countries producing organic products in 2014, and a total value of $64 billion of products being sold (Willer & Lernoud, 2014) . Whether there are greater nutritional benefits in organic compared to conventional fruits and vegetables is still a much-debated subject.

Drganic cultivation is a growing trend world-wide with 164 countries producing organic products in 2014, and a total value of $64 billion of products being sold.


Eggplant is among the top ten vegetables for its oxygen radical absorbance capacity due to its phenolic constituents, which have important health benefits (Singh et al., 2009; Akanitapichat et al., 2010) . Eggplant needs to be cooked before being eaten. It is generally consumed after frying, boiling in Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in organically and conventionally grown eggplant (Solanum melongena) fruits following thermal processing Practical Application: Eggplant is characterized by its high antioxidant content. In order to elucidate the possible benefits of the consumption of organic eggplant as part of a whole diet, information is needed on anthocyanin and polyphenol content as well as antioxidant capacity in organically and conventionally grown eggplant prepared fresh or subjected to one of three thermal preparation methods: boiling, baking, or steaming. Results from this study could be used as a part of a database providing information on the effects of different cooking methods on the antioxidant potential of eggplant.

Eggplant is among the top ten vegetables for its oxygen radical absorbance capacity due to its phenolic constituents, which have important health benefits.


Nitrogen is the most difficult nutrient to manage when growing cotton. About 5,445,749 ha of the cotton were planted in the USA in 2003 [1] . Applying optimum N rates is necessary to maximize economic yields and minimize the negative impacts that N overapplication can have on the crop and environment [2] . Higher N rates than required can result in excessive vegetative growth which increases the proportion of immature bolls, reduces lint quality and cotton yields, and increases disease and insect damage [3] [4] [5] [6] . However, N deficiencies can reduce vegetative and reproductive growth and decrease yields [3] . Many parameters combine to determine the optimum N rates for cotton, such as soil type, location, N application method, tillage system, water availability, use of winter cover crops, and potential yield [7] .

About 5,445,749 ha of the cotton were planted in the USA in 2003.

Applying optimum N rates is necessary to maximize economic yields and minimize the negative impacts that N overapplication can have on the crop and environment.

Higher N rates than required can result in excessive vegetative growth which increases the proportion of immature bolls, reduces lint quality and cotton yields, and increases disease and insect damage.

However, N deficiencies can reduce vegetative and reproductive growth and decrease yields.

Many parameters combine to determine the optimum N rates for cotton, such as soil type, location, N application method, tillage system, water availability, use of winter cover crops, and potential yield.


Estimates of interfuel and energy-capital elasticities of substitution are particularly relevant to the estimation of the costs of climate mitigation. There are widely divergent opinions on the costs of climate mitigation policies and their impact on economic growth (Lu and Stern, 2016) . There has been extensive effort to model the costs of climate change mitigation and adaptation using computable general equilibrium (CGE) models. Such models critically depend on the possibilities for technological change and substitution between energy and other inputs as well as among fuels (Bhattacharya, 1996; Lu and Stern, 2016) . Furthermore, "in the economic literature, there is little consensus about different elasticities for energy products" (Bhattacharya, 1996, 159) . The meta-analyses discussed above find a large dispersion in the estimated elasticities of substitution between fuels and between energy and capital. As China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, better estimates of Chinese elasticities are important for estimates of mitigation possibilities and costs. The most relevant elasticities of substitution for this purpose in the current study are those between electricity, which could be produced renewably, and the various fossil fuels.

There are widely divergent opinions on the costs of climate mitigation policies and their impact on economic growth.

Such models critically depend on the possibilities for technological change and substitution between energy and other inputs as well as among fuels.