The use of wikis is a good example of transition from static and restricted web sites to social and collaborative participation (co-authors). O'Reilly refers to Wikipedia as "a radical experience of confidence" [8] . Wikipedia, blogs and other tools allow the user to publish and then the community determines the relevance and pertinence of the content; mistakes are solved by social correction and with the support of content configuration management (version control).

O'Reilly refers to Wikipedia as "a radical experience of confidence".


There are several species of medicinal plants popularly used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, a disease responsible for serious complications, affecting a large number of people worldwide. Cissus sicyoides (L.) belongs to the Vitaceae family, and is a medicinal plant popularly used in Brazil in several diseases, such as epilepsy, stroke, as well as in abscesses and in the treatment of diabetes. Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic activities are also attributed to the plant. Other species (C. succicaulis) presented anti-ulcer activity in the model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats [1] . A survey carried out in Nigeria identified C. populnea, among other species, as being largely used for the treatment of trypanosomiasis [2] . The aqueous extract from C. rubiginosa was shown to possess prominent antibacterial activity, which supports the ethno-medical use of this plant as an anti-diarrhea agent [3] .

Other species (C. succicaulis) presented anti-ulcer activity in the model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

A survey carried out in Nigeria identified C. populnea, among other species, as being largely used for the treatment of trypanosomiasis.

The aqueous extract from C. rubiginosa was shown to possess prominent antibacterial activity, which supports the ethno-medical use of this plant as an anti-diarrhea agent.


The combined metric and scalar invariance findings of Table 2 demonstrated that mean-level differences between the clinical and community samples can be interpreted as true mean-level differences (Vandenberg & Lance, 2000) . Hence, the three scales of the TMMS-24 questionnaire can be utilized in both clinical as well as community samples. In Table 3 the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) factor weights are presented. After establishing measurement equivalence, we proceeded to examining mean-level differences. For this purpose, we compared latent factor means instead of observed variable means (such as is done with ANOVA's), because in latent factor mean comparisons measurement error is accounted for (Kline, 2005) . Therefore, latent factor mean comparisons are superior to observed mean comparisons. One significant difference emerged. This difference was that of the clinical sample having a significantly lower score than that of the community sample on Emotional Repair (delta M = -. 288, S.E. = .0878, p < .05). However, neither Emotional Attention (delta M = -.036, S.E. = .065, p > .05) nor Emotional Clarity (delta M = .164, S.E. = .087, p > .05) were significantly different between the clinical and community samples. Hence, with this more rigorous approach to variance analysis, we can conclude that the Emotional Repair scale is clearly different between the adolescent running a high risk for developing Social Anxiety Disorder symptomology (clinical) and the community samples.

The combined metric and scalar invariance findings of Table 2 demonstrated that mean-level differences between the clinical and community samples can be interpreted as true mean-level differences.

For this purpose, we compared latent factor means instead of observed variable means (such as is done with ANOVA's), because in latent factor mean comparisons measurement error is accounted for.

One significant difference emerged.


Under natural conditions, plant productivity is intimately related to the condition of the soil in which that plant is growing. For example, plant productivity would be expected to be high where sufficient nitrogen (N) exists and low where insufficient N exists in the soil. Similarly, plant productivity would be expected to be high where sufficient moisture was present and low where insufficient moisture was present in the soil. This plant-soil relationship can certainly be extended to include the response of agricultural field crops to the soil in which they are grown. However, certain agricultural-management practices, such as land leveling, can severely disrupt the near-surface natural condition of the soil (Brye et al., 2005) .

However, certain agricultural-management practices, such as land leveling, can severely disrupt the near-surface natural condition of the soil.


Dyes are extensively used, especially in several industries. The discharge of effluents from these industries is a major source of color in water resources [10] . Dyes are generally undegradable and are harmful to flora and fauna; some of these dyes have been reported to be carcinogenic and mutagenic [11] . Colored water inhibits solar radiation into the water surface, leading to a significant reduction in photosynthesis. Treatments of colored water discharged from dyeing processes, including flocculation, precipitation, photochemical oxidation, ozonation, and adsorption have been investigated [12] [13] [14] [15] . Because of the significant amount of organics in dye molecules, most of the conventional treatment methods fail to recover the dyes from the effluents [16] . However, adsorption has been recognized as one of the best methods for the removal of dyes from water and wastewater [17, 18] . Among many adsorbents, AC is a prominent adsorbent for the removal of dyes from colored effluents [19] .

The discharge of effluents from these industries is a major source of color in water resources.

Dyes are generally undegradable and are harmful to flora and fauna; some of these dyes have been reported to be carcinogenic and mutagenic.

Treatments of colored water discharged from dyeing processes, including flocculation, precipitation, photochemical oxidation, ozonation, and adsorption have been investigated.

Because of the significant amount of organics in dye molecules, most of the conventional treatment methods fail to recover the dyes from the effluents.

However, adsorption has been recognized as one of the best methods for the removal of dyes from water and wastewater.

Among many adsorbents, AC is a prominent adsorbent for the removal of dyes from colored effluents.


An activated sample (PLC) was prepared by soaking LC in 50 wt% analytical grade phosphoric acid at room temperature for 3 days. The acid solution volume to the solid mass was 3:1. The slurry was occasionally stirred; the solid was then separated and heated gradually in absence of air in a stainless steel reactor at a rate of heating = 10 Kmin -1 up to 773 K; it was then maintained at this temperature for 3 h. After cooling, the carbonized mass was washed thoroughly with distilled water until the washing attained a PH value of 6.0, at which point the washed material was dried. Details of the method are reported elsewhere [21] .

Details of the method are reported elsewhere.


In this study we report the behaviour of autocorrelation functions of energy, heat and entropy densities obtained by molecular dynamics simulations of supercritical Ar at two densities. By date there were no MD studies of the entropy density autocorrelation functions of pure liquids, for which the hydrodynamics predicts purely single-exponential decay with time in the long-wavelength region. Besides, the zero-time value of the entropy density and heat density autocorrelation functions should be connected with the wavenumber-dependent specific heats C p and C v , respectively. We will perform a check of the long-wavelength limits of the C p (k) and C v (k) with the macroscopic experimental values for these thermodynamic quantities [24] . The remaining part of the paper is organised as follows. In the next section we give the predictions of the hydrodynamic theory on the studied time correlation functions. In section 3 we supply details of the MD simulations, and section 4 reports obtained the results on the autocorrelation functions of energy, heat and entropy densities obtained by molecular dynamics simulations of supercritical Ar, their corresponding time-Fourier transforms, and the estimated dependencies for the generalized specific heats C p (k) and C v (k). The last section contains conclusions of this study.

We will perform a check of the long-wavelength limits of the C p (k) and C v (k) with the macroscopic experimental values for these thermodynamic quantities.


Recently, investigations of the relation between the efficiency and structural properties of inhibitor molecules have been taken by many experimental techniques and theoretical methods. Quantum chemistry calculations have been widely used to study the reaction mechanisms and to interpret the experimental results as well as to solve chemical ambiguities [15, 16] . This is a powerful approach to investigate the mechanisms of reaction in the molecule, and its structure and electronic parameters can be obtained by quantum chemistry calculations [17, 18] . Some quantum mechanical studies have successfully interpreted the relation between the corrosion efficiency and structural properties of inhibitor molecules [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] .

Quantum chemistry calculations have been widely used to study the reaction mechanisms and to interpret the experimental results as well as to solve chemical ambiguities.

This is a powerful approach to investigate the mechanisms of reaction in the molecule, and its structure and electronic parameters can be obtained by quantum chemistry calculations.

Some quantum mechanical studies have successfully interpreted the relation between the corrosion efficiency and structural properties of inhibitor molecules.


Using a motivating and engaging context is critical in integrated STEM education (Moore et al., 2014) . Realistic contexts motivate students and help them engage in their learning (Kolodner et al., 2003) . Additional support to life science and earth science teachers during the curriculum design process may assist them in creating more engaging contexts for their STEM curricular units. As shown in previous studies involving collaborative curriculum design teams, paying explicit attention to the areas that need to be improved can result in more positive outcomes in curriculum design (Voogt et al., 2011) .

Using a motivating and engaging context is critical in integrated STEM education.

Realistic contexts motivate students and help them engage in their learning.

As shown in previous studies involving collaborative curriculum design teams, paying explicit attention to the areas that need to be improved can result in more positive outcomes in curriculum design.


The damage in the main structural members can be prevented or minimized by connecting beams and columns with hinges, and by employing lateral-load resisting members to withstand lateral seismic load. In this case, most of the energy dissipation and structural damages caused by an earthquake will be concentrated on the lateral-load resisting members, and the main members will remain elastic. After the earthquake, the damaged lateral-load resisting members can be replaced easily at reasonable cost. The energy dissipation or damage prevention capacity of a steel framed structure can be greatly enhanced by employing buckling-restrained braces (BRBs). The structure system is composed of a hinge-connected main structure, which is designed to remain elastic under seismic load, and BRBs resisting all lateral loads. The BRBs dissipate most of the vibration energy through inelastic deformation while the other structural members remain elastic and undamaged. During a seismic event, the BRBs dissipate dynamic energy through stable hysteretic behavior [9] .

During a seismic event, the BRBs dissipate dynamic energy through stable hysteretic behavior.


Although people with IGR are at an increased risk of type 2 DM, research has shown that by making lifestyle changes they can prevent or delay progression to type 2 DM [1] . With prevalence of type 2 DM increasing rapidly, a diagnosis of IGR represents an opportunity for intervention to reduce the burden of type 2 DM [6] . It is important to have a full and clear understanding of the prevalence of this condition in order to be able to plan such interventions and health care provision. Estimates of IGR prevalence vary greatly from study to study. A study of IGR prevalence in 13 population groups in 9 European countries reported estimates of IGR ranging from 3.2% to 64.2% [7] . It is likely that this variation in reported rates is due to a number of factors such as distribution of age and sex in the sample, differences in the data collection methodology and in the criteria used to classify IFG and IGT. In order to provide a clearer understanding of IGR prevalence and the factors affecting reported estimates, we carried out a meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the prevalence or incidence of IGR in the general population of adults in developed countries in Europe. We determined an overall prevalence estimate for IGR and examined moderator variables that potentially influenced this estimate.

Although people with IGR are at an increased risk of type 2 DM, research has shown that by making lifestyle changes they can prevent or delay progression to type 2 DM.

With prevalence of type 2 DM increasing rapidly, a diagnosis of IGR represents an opportunity for intervention to reduce the burden of type 2 DM.

A study of IGR prevalence in 13 population groups in 9 European countries reported estimates of IGR ranging from 3.2% to 64.2%.


Rice husk (RH) is a solid waste product from undesirable agricultural mass residue. It increases the economic and environmental burden. So far, the only realized utilization of rice husk is by low technology applications such as in concrete, power plant and cattle feed. Nevertheless, more than 100 million tons/year of RH are produced globally, of which only a little part is effectively used [5] . Thus, implementation in terms of the use of raw materials will help minimize RH wastage.

Nevertheless, more than 100 million tons/year of RH are produced globally, of which only a little part is effectively used.


Traditionally, fungi were identified morphologically followed by isolating and culturing. While biochemical tests were employed to detect bacteria, and viruses were identified based on genetic material, transmission assays and their host range [4] . Recently, the advancements in the field of biotechnology and molecular biology have revolutionized the field of plant disease detection. Several invasive diagnostic techniques such as Western blotting, Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and microarrays have been developed [4] . A plant disease can be detected with the onset of the symptoms by these laboratory techniques. These techniques are also referred to as molecular marker or destructive techniques. They involve destructive leaf sampling followed by chemical treatment.

While biochemical tests were employed to detect bacteria, and viruses were identified based on genetic material, transmission assays and their host range.

Several invasive diagnostic techniques such as Western blotting, Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and microarrays have been developed.


Lansoprazole, 2-(((3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)sulfinyl)-1H-benzo [d] imidazole is a substituted benzimidazole and is an anti-secretory and anti-ulcerativities. It is effective in treating various peptic diseases, especially those resistant to treatment with histamine H 2 receptor antagonists. Therefore it is successfully used for the treatment of duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, reflux oesophagits and Zollinger Ellison syndrome [1] - [6] .

Therefore it is successfully used for the treatment of duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, reflux oesophagits and Zollinger Ellison syndrome.


Location and spread of heatwave impacts is also a significant phenomenon that will be addressed in following studies that will utilize gridded EHF data sets. A recent study into the impact of the 2015 European heatwave used EHF intensity moments to match and correctly rank heatwave exposure to health impact records in the Czech Republic [28] . Unable to access Czech temperature data for this study, analysis of nearby sites revealed that in 2015 Dresden recorded its top ranked peak and load heatwave event moments (4, 11.8, Supplementary Materials), with Munich, Berlin, Paris, Nice, Madrid, and Ogulin recording significant peak moments (2.3-3.0, Supplementary Materials). It would seem likely that many more excess deaths would have occurred outside the Czech Republic.

A recent study into the impact of the 2015 European heatwave used EHF intensity moments to match and correctly rank heatwave exposure to health impact records in the Czech Republic.


The additional, actually major piezoelectric response is originated from ferroelectric/ ferroelastic domain wall movements [6, 7] . Indeed, the tailoring of this contribution by point defect (or chemical) engineering of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 has been key to the success of this material technology, enabling the available wide family of high sensitivity piezoelectric ceramics optimized for a range of applications. It is acknowledged that the viability of alternative materials requires the development of analogous point defect engineering for the novel compounds. This is the case of the BiMO3-PbTiO3 systems, which have the potential of expanding the operation temperature of state of the art high sensitivity piezoelectric ceramics beyond 200 ºC and up to 400 ºC. [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] .

The additional, actually major piezoelectric response is originated from ferroelectric/ ferroelastic domain wall movements.

This is the case of the BiMO3-PbTiO3 systems, which have the potential of expanding the operation temperature of state of the art high sensitivity piezoelectric ceramics beyond 200 ºC and up to 400 ºC..


The introduction of Nb 5+ substituting for Ti 4+ in the B-site of the perovskite has also been studied [20] . Charge compensation was addressed by formulation of Pb vacancies, though an initial excess of PbO and Bi2O3 was also introduced, and sintering was carried out in the presence of sacrificial powder. Main effects were a continuous decrease of Curie temperature and tetragonal distortion, but little changes in the electrical and electromechanical properties.

The introduction of Nb 5+ substituting for Ti 4+ in the B-site of the perovskite has also been studied.


On the contrary, soft PZT is characterized by an enhanced domain wall activity and thus, the largest piezoelectric coefficients but also significant dielectric and mechanical losses. This is achieved by substitution of either trivalent species, such a La 3+ for Pb 2+ at the A-site, or pentavalent species like Nb 5+ for Ti/Zr 4+ at the B-site. This is thought to introduce A-site cation vacancies for charge compensation that interact with the walls increasing their mobility, yet the actual mechanism is not well understood [17] . Soft PZTs can show piezoelectric coefficients as high as 600 pC N -1 and are used for non-resonant applications, like actuation, whenever hysteresis is not an issue [7, 18] .

This is thought to introduce A-site cation vacancies for charge compensation that interact with the walls increasing their mobility, yet the actual mechanism is not well understood.

Soft PZTs can show piezoelectric coefficients as high as 600 pC N -1 and are used for non-resonant applications, like actuation, whenever hysteresis is not an issue.


There have been a number of attempts to apply similar concepts to BiScO3-PbTiO3 for softening with little success. The introduction of La 3+ substituting for Pb 2+ in the A-site was firstly investigated [19] . Charge compensation was addressed by formulation of Ti vacancies in this work. A linear decrease of the Curie temperature with the addition of La of -21 ºC (mol% La) -1 was found as the main effect, along with a significant grain size reduction. A comparison of the properties of materials with similar grain size indicated a moderate enhancement of dielectric losses and of the d33 piezoelectric coefficient up to 550 pC N -1 after La addition. These effects together with a slight decrease of coercive field suggest a limited increase of the domain wall mobility.

The introduction of La 3+ substituting for Pb 2+ in the A-site was firstly investigated.


Finally, the introduction of Zr 4+ substituting for Sc 3+ in 0.37BiScO3-0.63PbTiO3 was later investigated [21] . Charge was not compensated by formulation this time. Although the room temperature (RT) permittivity and remnant polarization were enhanced by about 25%, dielectric losses decreased and coercive field increased. Therefore, enhancement cannot be rationalized as an increase in the domain wall mobility. Also, the linear piezoelectric coefficient was reduced.

Finally, the introduction of Zr 4+ substituting for Sc 3+ in 0.37BiScO3-0.63PbTiO3 was later investigated.


A main issue in all these investigation was the use of weight% excesses of PbO and Bi2O3 into the initial mixture, and of sacrificial powder during sintering. This strongly hinders the controlled introduction of A-site vacancies for charge compensation, and can strongly affect microstructure and even phases, for one cannot assume that the volatilization/condensation kinetics is the same for the two binary oxides. Indeed, an excess of Bi2O3 has been tested as a liquid phase forming during sintering, and surprisingly found to cause a decrease of grain size, and an improvement of properties [22] .

Indeed, an excess of Bi2O3 has been tested as a liquid phase forming during sintering, and surprisingly found to cause a decrease of grain size, and an improvement of properties.


A thorough analysis of the effects of the introduction of the point defects, and of the functionality of the chemically engineered materials can be done now. Though the electrical properties of the unpoled ceramics suggested the introduced A-site non-stoichiometry to cause a limited enhancement of the domain wall mobility as targeted, the response of the poled materials does not reflect this enhancement, most probably due to the strongly decreased wall density (and the dominance of single crystal effects in this state). Therefore, a soft BiScO3-PbTiO3 was not obtained by the substitution of Bi for Pb, and introduction of additional Pb vacancies for charge compensation. These results are qualitatively similar to those obtained with different heterovalent substitutions in either the A-or the B-site [19] [20] [21] . Overall, this seems to indicate the existence of significant differences between BiScO3-PbTiO3 and Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 relating to their ability of incorporating cationic vacancies into the perovskite.

These results are qualitatively similar to those obtained with different heterovalent substitutions in either the A-or the B-site.


Satisfiability procedures for fragments of Arithmetics and data structures such as arrays and lists are at the core of many state-of-the-art verification tools, and their design and correct implementation is a hard task [5] . To overcome this difficulty, there is an obvious need for developing general and systematic methods to build decision procedures. Two important approaches have been investigated based respectively on combination and rewriting.

Satisfiability procedures for fragments of Arithmetics and data structures such as arrays and lists are at the core of many state-of-the-art verification tools, and their design and correct implementation is a hard task.


A recent report demonstrated that the CNTs coatings on titanium surface fabricated by electrodeposition have excellent biocompatibility and can be used for surface treatment as a binder for cell-adhesive protein adsorption on the Ti surface [39] . Compared with the titanium without CNTs, the parallel MWCNTs on titanium surface could enhance osteoblast functions, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition [40] . One aspect that is characteristic of these CNTs on titanium surface is that the CNTs are physically adsorbed to the substrate. It is, however, desirable to covalently bind CNTs to the substrate. Functionalization of CNTs and titanium is necessary because both lack chemically reactive groups. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has a low toxicity and is widely used in biomaterials. Functionalized CNTs with PEG could not only decrease the potential toxicity of CNTs but also provide the reactive groups on the surface of CNTs.

A recent report demonstrated that the CNTs coatings on titanium surface fabricated by electrodeposition have excellent biocompatibility and can be used for surface treatment as a binder for cell-adhesive protein adsorption on the Ti surface.

Compared with the titanium without CNTs, the parallel MWCNTs on titanium surface could enhance osteoblast functions, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition.


Our analysis did not compare males and females in the same analysis, and we decided against this approach in order to simplify already complex models, avoiding a sex interaction term. However, differences between results of males and females can be implied. In general, males had higher aggressive ratings than females, likely because females are investing more effort into reproductive activities such as nest building, egg development and laying, incubation, and feeding young resulting in less energy and time available for nest defense (Yasukawa and Searcy 1995) . Male red-winged blackbirds, which do not share many of the reproductive responsibilities of females, have more time and energy to devote to nest defense. On the other hand, additional factors such as clutch/brood size and nest density relatively were more supported within females when added to top main hypothesis models compared to males. In terms of clutch/brood size, which was especially important for females, a clutch increase from four to five eggs represents a 20 % increase in reproductive potential for females (and monogamous males), and the loss of one nest represents a potential 100 % loss of reproduction for a female. This may partly explain why clutch/brood size effects seem more important in driving female aggression. Conversely, a polygynous male has risk of nest lost spread out over multiple nests, and therefore, aggressively defending nests with larger clutches would only have marginal payoff compared with females.

In general, males had higher aggressive ratings than females, likely because females are investing more effort into reproductive activities such as nest building, egg development and laying, incubation, and feeding young resulting in less energy and time available for nest defense.


In this study, the influences of plasma nitrocarburizing process temperature to cp titanium surface hardness are investigated. Hardness, one of mechanical property that important to consider, is a measure of a material's resistance to localized plastic deformation (e.g., a small dent or a scratch). Hardness is an indicator of wear resistance and ductility. The instrument used to measure the hardness is Micro Vickers, a microindentation-testing method on the basis of indenter size. It is well suited for measuring the hardness of small, selected specimen regions [22] .

It is well suited for measuring the hardness of small, selected specimen regions.


The results of our study selection process are shown in Fig. 1 . We identified 435 articles in our initial electronic search, of which 400 were excluded as duplicates or irrelevant studies. A total of 35 potentially eligible studies were selected for further judging. After detailed evaluations, 12 RCTs were selected for the final meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of NAC and SA [7, 9, 10, [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] . A manual search of the reference lists of these studies did not yield any new eligible studies. The general characteristics of the included studies are presented in Table 1 .

After detailed evaluations, 12 RCTs were selected for the final meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of NAC and SA.


The present study focuses on the analysis of whether parental acceptance-rejection relates to emotional instability through early and middle adolescence. Our findings show a correlation between children's and adolescents' emotional adjustment and family dynamics [14, 15] . In general terms, we can see that there exists a clear association between emotional instability with maternal/paternal criticism and rejection. This demonstrates a clear association between children's upbringing and the development of their personality and socio-emotional adjustment [4] . These results are in line with research that connects parenting styles such as authoritarian or neglectful behaviors, characterized by rejection and lack of communication and/or affection, with internalizing problems such as emotional instability [63] [64] [65] .

Our findings show a correlation between children's and adolescents' emotional adjustment and family dynamics.

This demonstrates a clear association between children's upbringing and the development of their personality and socio-emotional adjustment.

These results are in line with research that connects parenting styles such as authoritarian or neglectful behaviors, characterized by rejection and lack of communication and/or affection, with internalizing problems such as emotional instability.


During its common life cycle in nature the fungus displays three different morphologies with distinct additional characteristics: 1) a unicellular haploid yeast-like morphology 2) a dikaryotic mycelial morphology produced by the mating of two sexually compatible yeast-like cells, and 3) a spherical diploid spore. Whereas the yeasts like cells are saprophytic and not virulent, the dikaryotic mycelial form is the invading stage of the fungus. In addition, the teliospore that develops after karyogamy accumulates in the characteristic tumors produced in the infected plant. Teliospores provide the peculiar flavor of the fungus. Teliospore germination occurs outside the host. Its germination involves meiosis with the formation of a septate phragmobasidium that gives rise to four haploid basidiospores that start the life cycle again [4] .

Its germination involves meiosis with the formation of a septate phragmobasidium that gives rise to four haploid basidiospores that start the life cycle again.


It can be observed that Brewster's angle for parallel polarization changes considerably with changing dimensions. In Figure 6 , the Brewster's angle is concurrent with the familiar Brewster's law and the results obtained by Balanis [31] . However in Figure 7 , with D=1.5 the angle increases with decreasing ratios of permittivities, and Figure 12 shows that as the dimension decreases, brewster's angle increases.

In Figure 6 , the Brewster's angle is concurrent with the familiar Brewster's law and the results obtained by Balanis.


The solutions were left for 10 min at room temperature. Then in a 10 ml volumetric flask we placed 1 ml of CuCl2 0.003 M solution with 3 ml of the prepared medicine and supplemented with deionized water. The computed absorbance was at 459 nm, sequentially versus the blank solution reagent. A calibration curve was drawn, correlating absorbance and concentration [17] .

A calibration curve was drawn, correlating absorbance and concentration.


The glass substrate in our device acts as a slab waveguide which limits the outcoupling efficiency of the OLED. Typically, light emission from the organic emitter to the external mode can be viewed as a three-step process: first the photons generated in the organic thin films (typically 100 to 200 nm) experience an interference effect, then propagate into the thick glass substrate (0.55 or 0.7 mm), and finally couple out to the air with a limited extraction efficiency [19, 20] . Reasons to account for the spectral distributions at different viewing angles of the OLED with and without microlens array attachment may come from: (1) the material dispersion of glass and organic thin films and hence wavelength-dependent angle of total reflection. Since the refractive indices are a decreasing function of the wavelength, the light cone to be extracted from the surface of the substrate will be an increasing function of the wavelength. From this viewpoint, there will be red shifts for increasing viewing angles; (2) the intrinsic angular characteristics of the OLED itself. In addition, we observed blue or red shift behaviors when attaching microlens arrays on the OLED depending on their layer structures, i.e., angular characteristics, not shown here. Since the main purpose of this paper is focused on the discussions of optical characteristics of different microlens parameters on the same OLED, this is out of the scope of this paper.

Typically, light emission from the organic emitter to the external mode can be viewed as a three-step process: first the photons generated in the organic thin films (typically 100 to 200 nm) experience an interference effect, then propagate into the thick glass substrate (0.55 or 0.7 mm), and finally couple out to the air with a limited extraction efficiency.


When the green OLED without any microlenses was driven at a luminance of ∼680 cd m −2 normal to the surface, the peak wavelength and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the emitting spectrum were 515 and 95.6 nm respectively. The CIE coordinate of the device was (0.2742, 0.5317) [13] . The angular-dependent luminance of the OLED without microlenses is shown in figure 5 . The emission profile of the planar OLED depends on the layer thicknesses of the organic thin films, which can be modeled as a microcavity structure [16] [17] [18] .

The CIE coordinate of the device was (0.2742, 0.5317).

The emission profile of the planar OLED depends on the layer thicknesses of the organic thin films, which can be modeled as a microcavity structure.


In §2, we shall prove the limiting absorption principle with the aid of Mourre's commutator theory [26] . We then derive the spectral representation in §3, and represent the S-matrix by generalized eigenfunctions. The inverse scattering problem is solved in §4, and §6 is devoted to the trace formula.

In §2, we shall prove the limiting absorption principle with the aid of Mourre's commutator theory.


Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been successfully used in animals and humans due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties [14, 27, 33] . Recently, a study demonstrated that curcumin ointment reduced pain, mammary tension and erythema in humans with mastitis 72 h after the treatment [1] . Also, in experimental procedures, the use of curcumin reduced the inflammatory process in lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in mice [14] . Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of curcumin in the diet of 6 female sheep with subclinical mastitis regarding its curative effect and benefits to animal health.

Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been successfully used in animals and humans due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recently, a study demonstrated that curcumin ointment reduced pain, mammary tension and erythema in humans with mastitis 72 h after the treatment.

Also, in experimental procedures, the use of curcumin reduced the inflammatory process in lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in mice.


One of the ways to enlarge the range of applications of SMA is the use of production techniques different from conventional casting. Rapid solidification by melt-spinning is one of these techniques, which allows the production of almost ready-to-use ribbons, avoiding thermomechanical treatments needed after conventional casting, thus leading to cheaper near-net shape SMA for certain applications. However, the rapid solidification introduces microstructural differences in comparison with the bulk material; the best known example is the reduction in grain size -in some cases the as-spun ribbons are almost fully amorphous -leading to a decrease in the transformation temperatures and a possible improvement of mechanical and functional properties (i.e. superelasticity, damping capacity) [7] [8] .

However, the rapid solidification introduces microstructural differences in comparison with the bulk material; the best known example is the reduction in grain size -in some cases the as-spun ribbons are almost fully amorphous -leading to a decrease in the transformation temperatures and a possible improvement of mechanical and functional properties (i.e. superelasticity, damping capacity).


In many vessels, water-jets are required to achieve speeds of 30+ knots where conventional propeller solutions are unable to overcome the associated issues of cavitation, which in turn can lead to thrust breakdown and material failure. Any vessel designed for high speed requires a low resistance and corresponding slender hull [1] . However, this is not enough. The propulsor needs to be capable of accepting a high level of power. The function of the intake duct is to absorb the water from the hull bottom of the vessel and deliver it to the pump. The intake duct is also the major influence on the characteristic of the water-jet propulsion. Firstly, nearly 7%∼ 9% shaft power of the working propulsion is consumed in the duct [2] . Secondly, the interactions between the propulsion and the vessel which heavily affect the propulsion efficiency exist on the inlet of the duct. Finally, the flow losses in the intake duct also disturb the jet efficiency [3] .

Any vessel designed for high speed requires a low resistance and corresponding slender hull.

However, this is not enough.

Firstly, nearly 7%∼ 9% shaft power of the working propulsion is consumed in the duct.

Finally, the flow losses in the intake duct also disturb the jet efficiency.


Hot pressing plays a very important role during particleboard production in determining overall particleboard performance. The hot-press provides the thermal energy and mechanical compression force to consolidate the mat [1] . This complex process includes heat and mass transfer inside the mat of the panels [2] . Essentially, temperature and gas pressure affect the hot pressing process and the properties of the wood-based panels [3] . Due to the compaction of air inside the mat as well as the vaporization of the water and volatile compounds from the wood particles and the adhesive, an internal gas pressure develops inside the mat during hot pressing. The level of gas pressure inside the mat affects heat convection into the mat. On the other hand, the gas pressure level also affects the internal temperature [4] . Therefore, the interaction between both is important for understanding the process inside the mat panels during hot pressing.

The hot-press provides the thermal energy and mechanical compression force to consolidate the mat.

This complex process includes heat and mass transfer inside the mat of the panels.

Essentially, temperature and gas pressure affect the hot pressing process and the properties of the wood-based panels.

On the other hand, the gas pressure level also affects the internal temperature.


A plateau was found in the temperature-increase curve where it remains almost constant because of the latent heat of vaporization and the vapor pressuremoisture content-temperature equilibrium [1] . The vapor pressure generated during the hot pressing was also determined. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different furnish types on the temperature and vapor pressure behavior inside the particleboard mat during hot pressing.

A plateau was found in the temperature-increase curve where it remains almost constant because of the latent heat of vaporization and the vapor pressuremoisture content-temperature equilibrium.


Stormwater has become a major contributor of nonpoint source pollution across the country [1] . The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) amended the Clean Water Act in 1987 to regulate stormwater runoff quality [2] . Therefore, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) requires stormwater pollution prevention plans and calculations to be submitted for review for construction projects that disturb more than one acre. Additionally, Nonpoint Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits must be obtained for construction projects that disturb more than one acre [3] .

Stormwater has become a major contributor of nonpoint source pollution across the country.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) amended the Clean Water Act in 1987 to regulate stormwater runoff quality.

Additionally, Nonpoint Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits must be obtained for construction projects that disturb more than one acre.


Native Americans extract the oil from jojoba seeds to treat sores and wounds centuries ago. Collection and processing of seed from naturally occurring stands in the early 1970's marked the beginning of Jojoba domestication. In addition, the ban on the importance of sperm whale products in 1971 led to the discovery that Jojoba oil is in many regards superior to sperm oil applications in the cosmetics and other industries (Hartwell, 1971) .

In addition, the ban on the importance of sperm whale products in 1971 led to the discovery that Jojoba oil is in many regards superior to sperm oil applications in the cosmetics and other industries.


Most jojoba oil produced in the U.S. today is sold at a high price for use in cosmetics and hair care products. As many as 300 products containing jojoba have appeared in the U.S. As the supply of oil increases and price decreases, more uses will become economically feasible. For example, the viscosity index of jojoba oil is much higher than that of petroleum oil; therefore, it may be used as a high temperature and high pressure lubricant. The stability of jojoba oil makes it attractive to the electronic and computer industries and since jojoba oil contains no cholesterol or triglycerides and is not broken down by normal metabolic pathways, it may become an important low-calorie oil for human consumption. The oil can be used as an antifoam agent antibiotics production and as a treatment for skin disorders. Other proposed uses include candles, plasticizers, detergents, fire retardants, transformer oil, and for the leather industry (Brown and Dwyer, 1988) .

Other proposed uses include candles, plasticizers, detergents, fire retardants, transformer oil, and for the leather industry.


To the best of our knowledge, the causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth for Chinese industrial sectors has not yet been studied. We will make up the gap with this article. Another advantage of using panel data is that we are able to allow for cross-sectional dependence. Most of existing studies in this area assumed that all the cross-sections were independent, this could be too restrictive for many cases [29] . In this paper, we will relax the assumption.

Most of existing studies in this area assumed that all the cross-sections were independent, this could be too restrictive for many cases.


For sake of clarity, our figures only represent the results for the shape without holes. As results are similar for both types of shapes (with and without hole), we detail in the text any differences between them. We add all the figures corresponding to the conditions with a hole to the Annexe of the paper, as well as all details regarding the significance of our results (p-values) for each pair of conditions compared in our survey (adding it to our figures would make them unreadable). Each of the following figures shows the results representing the metric of each visualization computed via the Bradley-Terry-Luce model [4, 23] . The metric gives a value between 0 and 1, where the lowest condition equals 0 and the highest 1. We also indicate the standard error values given by the model. We now detail the results for each hypothesis.

Each of the following figures shows the results representing the metric of each visualization computed via the Bradley-Terry-Luce model.


The quartz lamp heating system is widely used in industries and laboratories as a key part of rapid thermal processing (RTP) equipment or thermal testing. RTP is essential in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices such as integrated circuits, memories, or solar cells. They correspond to key stages in wafer production operations such as annealing (RTA), oxidation (RTO), or chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD) [1] [2] [3] . A quartz lamp heating system is also the most used heating method for thermal testing because of its high efficiency (approximately 90%). Thermal ground testing is an accepted and frequently used method to simulate the aerodynamic heating of high speed flight vehicles. Coupling radiation and conduction heat transfer are important in these problems. To model the combination of mechanical and thermal loads, the time history effects of aerodynamic heating cannot be overemphasized. Consequently, it is appropriate to study the structure fluid coupling transient heat transfer. Therefore, some attention has been focused on this field in the past decades [1] . In this study, a numerical algorithm based on the finite volume method is proposed for coupling the radiation and transient conjugate heat transfer of quartz lamp heating systems and structures.

They correspond to key stages in wafer production operations such as annealing (RTA), oxidation (RTO), or chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD).

Therefore, some attention has been focused on this field in the past decades.


In this study, a modified FVM method based on unstructured grids is used to solve the radiation intensity and calculate the radiation heat transfer source term [11] . A complex geometry furnace with embedded cooling and quartz lamp heating system are used to evaluate the method. The quartz lamp heating system is then studied using the proposed numerical method. From the numerical results, the temperature history of the temperature control points is sometimes a very complex function of the loading curve. The goal of the study is to determine the optimized parameters and for a uniform flux and temperature distribution along the aluminum block. The control of the lamps can be manipulated to match a temperature required for the block.

In this study, a modified FVM method based on unstructured grids is used to solve the radiation intensity and calculate the radiation heat transfer source term.


Today's multimedia systems demand more and more computational power since the quality of content that they provide is improving. In particular, users show constant demand for videos with higher resolution even on mobile devices. H.264, also known as MPEG4 part 10 or MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding) is a video coding standard aimed at providing high video quality even at lower bitrates. It was developed with many application fields in mind, such as high resolution video (for satellite, cable or DSL broadcast), video storage (HD-DVD, blu-ray disc), and internet and multimedia telephony systems [1] .

It was developed with many application fields in mind, such as high resolution video (for satellite, cable or DSL broadcast), video storage (HD-DVD, blu-ray disc), and internet and multimedia telephony systems.


It is also noted that fluoroscopic confirmation of needle position is a pre-requisite for any scientific study into epidural injections. A systematic review article recently excluded a study from its analysis as the investigators of the excluded paper had not used fluoroscopy to confirm the accuracy of the injection [1] . Even with the ''gold standard'' of radiological confirmation and epidurogram there could be some potential for error (i.e. Intra-dural injection) in delivery of the therapeutic agent.

A systematic review article recently excluded a study from its analysis as the investigators of the excluded paper had not used fluoroscopy to confirm the accuracy of the injection.


Water quality and algal biomass in waterbodies are correlated with the intensity of land use in the catchment, with pastoral agriculture having a stronger impact than native forest or arable and horticultural land uses. Inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from pastoral agriculture affect lake waters by promoting eutrophication. Typically, shallow lakes are affected strongly by agricultural runoff resulting in highly eutrophic lakes (Marsden 1989) . Studies showing that large, deep lakes in relatively unpopulated areas are affected by agricultural runoff are more rare.

Typically, shallow lakes are affected strongly by agricultural runoff resulting in highly eutrophic lakes.


The experimental diets comprised of 63.6% cereals from equal proportions of rice, corn, and wheat (CON), or a similar amount of sorghum as whole (WSD), flour (FLD), or mill-feed (MFD; Estimation of animal dietary utilization in measures such as digestibility typically rely on calculating the difference between intake and output. Intake is typically controlled and easily measured. However, fecal output, while ostensibly a single measure, can be challenging for a myriad of reasons. Measurement of fecal output can be done by collection of all feces excreted during a determined period, which is the gold standard method, or by collecting fecal aliquots and measuring the proportion of a marker. It is generally considered that a substance can be used as a marker for digestibility if it is unabsorbed and undigested by the animal, if it mixes homogenously with the digesta through the gut, and if it is pharmacologically inactive within the digestive tract (Schneider and Flatt, 1975; Maynard et al., 1979) .

It is generally considered that a substance can be used as a marker for digestibility if it is unabsorbed and undigested by the animal, if it mixes homogenously with the digesta through the gut, and if it is pharmacologically inactive within the digestive tract.


In addition, following injury, the stress of dealing with medical and rehabilitation issues is introduced (Gould et al., 1997b) . This added stress may be particularly relevant to athletes with a significant emotional deprivation schema (in the Disconnection domain), which is characterized by the belief that emotional needs will not be met by significant others. The interpersonal demands of developing effective working relationships with treatment providers (trainers or doctors) may activate this particular schema. For athletes with a social isolation schema (also in the Disconnection domain), characterized by beliefs that one is not part of any group and that one is always on the outside looking in, dealing with injury may be particularly difficult because of the perceived separation from their team. Injury is likely to exacerbate any painful thoughts and feelings consistent with this schema.

In addition, following injury, the stress of dealing with medical and rehabilitation issues is introduced.


Athletic injury is an event that often results in personal distress and disruption of an athlete's life. The purpose of the present study was to enhance the understanding of the relationship between coping style, cognitive vulnerabilities, and emotional response to injury. The results support and extend previous findings that have described athletes' emotional responses to injury (Macchi & Crossman, 1996; McDonald & Hardy, 1990; Quackenbush & Crossman, 1994; Smith et al., 1993) . Negative emotions were experienced at their highest levels upon injury and subsequently declined throughout the injury process.

The results support and extend previous findings that have described athletes' emotional responses to injury.


Light detection and ranging (lidar), as an advanced detection technology, has attracted extensive attention recently [1] [2] [3] . In the traditional lidar techniques, short-pulse or modulated continuous-wave (CW) laser is usually used as probe signal. The pulse technique, known as the time-of-flight method, achieved the measurement by detecting the power and arrival time of the reflect pulse. But there exists a drawback on the trade-off between spatial resolution and detectable distance. In comparison, the modulated CW technique uses an external modulator to modulate the phase of CW laser. Depending on the shifted phase between echo and transmit light, the target position is obtained. In this technique, the spatial resolution is determined by the bandwidth of modulated waveform. However, both of these methods cannot avoid the problem of the interference from the same systems.

Light detection and ranging (lidar), as an advanced detection technology, has attracted extensive attention recently.


In a preceding paper, the anisotropic elastic behaviour of single domains in which all lamellae are parallel were investigated by FEM, a micromechanical model and experimentally [24] . In this paper finite element modelling is used to predict the elastic response of a real-world material sample consisting of many domains. The results are compared to micromechanical models established for ideal laminates and composites with ellipsoidal inclusions (Mori-Tanaka and inverse Mori-Tanaka) and to experimental results.

In a preceding paper, the anisotropic elastic behaviour of single domains in which all lamellae are parallel were investigated by FEM, a micromechanical model and experimentally.


In the last few years, the trends in parallel processing system design and deployment have been to move away from single isolated powerful supercomputers to cooperative networked distributed systems, so called the grid [1] . The name grid has been chosen as an analogy to the electric power grid where several power plants provide numerous consumers with electric power that the consumer is not aware of its origin. Similar, it is the goal of the grid to allow scientists and engineers to solve their large-scale challenging applications [2] .

In the last few years, the trends in parallel processing system design and deployment have been to move away from single isolated powerful supercomputers to cooperative networked distributed systems, so called the grid.

Similar, it is the goal of the grid to allow scientists and engineers to solve their large-scale challenging applications.


Levoglucosan (LG),1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucopyranose, C 6 O 5 H 10 ( Fig. 1) , is a very common product of carbohydrate pyrolysis. In practice LG is used as a starting material for synthesis of other carbohydrates, dextrin-like polymers and as a tool for determination of the conformation of anomeric glucosides [1] [2] [3] [4] . Since it is produced in glucose pyrolysis, it is also used as a marker for wood smoke tracing in environmental studies [5, 6] . For the later application, it is important that LG appears only in the emissions from vegetation combustions, while combustion of non-biomass materials does not produce LG. From the point of view of structural chemistry LG is interesting due to "bridged" ring structure, in which the pyranose ring is strained by the formation of the anhydro ring. Formally, the molecule can be derived from glucose by "subtracting" a water molecule, which results in a bicyclic ring structure.

In practice LG is used as a starting material for synthesis of other carbohydrates, dextrin-like polymers and as a tool for determination of the conformation of anomeric glucosides.

Since it is produced in glucose pyrolysis, it is also used as a marker for wood smoke tracing in environmental studies.


Reliability analysis is a fundamental tool for understanding the operational level of logistics networks. Logistics network can be modeled as a typical multistate flow network in which arcs are associated with multiple integer capacities, operational reliability, and unit transportation cost. The reliability index ( , ) which takes into account both reliability and transportation cost can serve as a comprehensive performance assessment of logistics networks. This paper is devoted to proposing a new efficient algorithm for solving all ( , )-MPs. A major contribution of this paper is that we develop a new approach to shorten the search space of ( , )-MP. Specifically, the proposed algorithm employs an effective decomposition technique to divide the search space of ( , )-MPs such that the search space of ( , )-MPs can be dramatically reduced. A real example is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm. Also, to check the performance of the proposed algorithm, computational experiments on a medium-sized logistics network are conducted, and the results show that the proposed algorithm has an advantage over the existing methods [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] .

Also, to check the performance of the proposed algorithm, computational experiments on a medium-sized logistics network are conducted, and the results show that the proposed algorithm has an advantage over the existing methods.


Previous studies that used ICG dynamics to estimate blood perfusion failed to provide quantitative information that was required for interindividual comparison. In those studies, blood perfusion was estimated based on the maximal fluorescence intensities of injected ICG, which depend heavily on the heterogenous optical properties of regional tissues [17, 18] . Moreover, static reflectance images from different animals or from the same animal at different time points are generally insufficient for yielding quantitative insights, because the fluorescence intensity depends on the depth of the signal and the volume and optical properties of the tissue. Thus, we performed timeseries NIR fluorescence imaging to obtain the spatiotemporal dynamics of ICG and translated the time-series images into quantitative perfusion maps. Furthermore, we compensated for idiosyncratic variations in ICG pharmacokinetics to obtain quantitative information on perfusion rates, because the idiosyncratic variation of ICG dynamics depends on the level of anesthesia, systemic hemodynamic properties, and variations in hepatic clearance that can affect the evaluation of perfusion rate. This quantitative information enabled us to predict the necrotic profile of ischemic tissues.

In those studies, blood perfusion was estimated based on the maximal fluorescence intensities of injected ICG, which depend heavily on the heterogenous optical properties of regional tissues.


Therefore, we report here a total genomic DNA isolation protocol derived from a method originally developed for other plants (Doyle and Doyle, 1987) . Modifications were made to minimize polysaccharide coisolation and to simplify the procedure for processing large number of samples. The protocol optimized for RAPD proved to be inexpensive with relation to the use of primer, quantity of DNA, usage of dNTPs, Taq polymerase and the reaction volume. Thus the protocol derived for both genomic DNA isolation and RAPDs, is genus independent, efficient, inexpensive, simple, rapid and yields pure DNA amplifiable by PCR as indicated by the results of the RAPD technique. The isolated DNA would be suitable for further downstream applications.

Therefore, we report here a total genomic DNA isolation protocol derived from a method originally developed for other plants.


We determined home range size using a fixed kernel density method with an ad hoc estimation of smoothing factor h (Schuler et al. 2014) . We regarded 95% kernel density contours as the home range and 50% as the core area. For comparative purposes, we also report the minimum convex polygon (MCP) for the entire period.

We determined home range size using a fixed kernel density method with an ad hoc estimation of smoothing factor h.


We tested the hypothesis that seasonal changes in the diet are linked with changes in the ranging patterns (home range size and ranging distance) in a population of red leaf monkeys experiencing pronounced variation in the availability of their preferred foods (seeds) because of mast fruiting. We investigated the relationship between ranging patterns and four major nonexclusive food categories (seeds, young leaves, young leaves of Spatholobus macropterus, and young leaves other than those of S. macropterus). In particular, we predict that ranging distance and home range size correlate positively with seed consumption because seed availability is more limited in space than their fallback foods (young leaves of S. macropterus) (Hanya and Bernard 2015) . Alternatively, if home range size and daily path length are not correlated with seed consumption, red leaf monkeys may expand their home range when seed consumption increases. We have no predictions for the other food categories.

In particular, we predict that ranging distance and home range size correlate positively with seed consumption because seed availability is more limited in space than their fallback foods (young leaves of S. macropterus).


Secondly, unlike rigid joints, moment is resisted by bolt forces developed in the web over the length of the bolt-group (see Fig. 4 ). As a result of these localized bolt forces, the moment capacity of the joints can be expected to be lower than that of the moment capacity of the channel sections; the strength of the joints can therefore be seen to be influenced by the size of the bolt-group [10] [11] . In more general cold-formed steel portal framing systems, larger bolt-group sizes are required in order to increase both the rigidity and strength of the joints.

As a result of these localized bolt forces, the moment capacity of the joints can be expected to be lower than that of the moment capacity of the channel sections; the strength of the joints can therefore be seen to be influenced by the size of the bolt-group.


Although BS 5950 is now superseded by the Eurocode 3, it should be noted that the design procedure described are not available in the Eurocodes; however, the research results are of value and independence of any design codes, especially for the study about cold-formed steel structures. Also, the data for characteristic value for cold-formed steel members obtained from industry is tested based on BS 5950. The loading and member checks are therefore performed based on the British Standards BS 5950. In this paper, the buildings are designed to both ultimate and serviceability limit states with all wind load combinations according to BS 6399 [25] considered.

In this paper, the buildings are designed to both ultimate and serviceability limit states with all wind load combinations according to BS 6399 considered.


In the random matrix context, the corresponding framework is thus a block refinement of that used by Voiculescu and is closely related to his idea of decomposition of Gaussian random matrices leading to semicircular and circular systems [18] . We studied a deformation of this decomposition based on allowing the Gaussian variables to have block-identical variances rather than identical and then computing their mixed moments under (normalized) partial traces rather than under the (normalized) complete trace. We would also like to remark that some results obtained by our methods can perhaps be suitably reformulated in terms of freeness with amalgamation.

In the random matrix context, the corresponding framework is thus a block refinement of that used by Voiculescu and is closely related to his idea of decomposition of Gaussian random matrices leading to semicircular and circular systems.


Free Meixner systems of polynomials and the associated family of functionals were introduced and studied by Anshelevich [2, 3] . Let us remark that free Meixner laws are free analogs of classical Meixner laws. In particular, up to affine transformations, they belong to one of the following six classes: free Gaussian (Wigner semicircle), free Poisson (Marchenko-Pastur), free negative binomial (free Pascal), free Gamma, free binomial and free hyperbolic secant, following the terminology of Anshelevich. Free Meixner laws turn out to display similar properties with respect to free independence as do the classical Meixner laws with respect to classical independence as Bryc and Bożejko showed in their study of the regression problem [6] .

Free Meixner systems of polynomials and the associated family of functionals were introduced and studied by Anshelevich.

Free Meixner laws turn out to display similar properties with respect to free independence as do the classical Meixner laws with respect to classical independence as Bryc and Bożejko showed in their study of the regression problem.


Living organisms tend to form distributional patterns but not to be arranged either uniformly or randomly. This spatial heterogeneity plays a crucial role in ecological theories and their practical applications. It should be taken into account when modeling epidemics, ecological catastrophes, competition, adaptation, maintenance of species diversity, parasitism, population growth and decline, social behaviour, and so on [21] . In order to understand the way the species distribute themselves it is important to pay attention to their dispersal strategies.

It should be taken into account when modeling epidemics, ecological catastrophes, competition, adaptation, maintenance of species diversity, parasitism, population growth and decline, social behaviour, and so on.


Among the nutritional factors, energy primarily affects reproductive processes (Dunn and Moss, 1992; Schillo, 1992; Wade and Schneider, 1992) . Increase of energy intake in feed-restricted animals restored pulsatile LH secretion (Sisk and Bronson, 1986; Foster et al., 1989) . It has been indicated that there is a positive correlation between body energy content and leptin level (Bocquier et al., 1998; Blache et al., 2000b; Delavaud et al., 2000; Towhidi et al., 2003; Cho et al., 2006) . Leptin apparently is a humeral signal from adipose tissue for GnRH-LH/FSH axis in mammals. But mechanisms were not well elucidated in ruminants. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of leptin as a mediator of energy intake associated with secretion of gonadotropin in dietary energy-restricted ewes.

Among the nutritional factors, energy primarily affects reproductive processes.

Increase of energy intake in feed-restricted animals restored pulsatile LH secretion.

It has been indicated that there is a positive correlation between body energy content and leptin level.


The timing and the dosage of TG emulsions are of significance as several mechanisms involved in I/R injury arise over a wide time length, from initial minutes to days following ischemic insult, and need to be investigated. For instance, a number of studies demonstrate that Intralipid emulsion administration significantly improves functional recovery of isolated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts and increased rate pressure [53] , [54] . Moreover, post-ischemic intervention with Intralipid emulsion affected the phosphorylation levels of AKT/ERK1/GSK3b [53] . Similarly, our studies in ex-vivo model confirmed the involvement of AKT/GSK3b signaling pathway, using however a lower dose for n-3 TG emulsion. Interestingly, administration of 0.3% n-3 TG emulsion rapidly restored heart function, as 50% recovery was observed in LVDP parameter and reduction in LDH release was detected. Also, all hearts were subjected to 30 min of 37°C zero-flow ischemia plus 1h of reperfusion, showing that n-3 TG administration restored functional recovery and is effective even in longer periods of global ischemia.

For instance, a number of studies demonstrate that Intralipid emulsion administration significantly improves functional recovery of isolated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts and increased rate pressure.

Moreover, post-ischemic intervention with Intralipid emulsion affected the phosphorylation levels of AKT/ERK1/GSK3b.


We conclude that the options that guarantee an effective minimum price for CO 2 indeed may provide incentives for early investments in low-carbon technologies, which would be required from the perspective of the EU long-term objectives of a low-carbon economy. Moreover, a minimum price for EUAs reduces uncertainty about the future carbon price trajectory, which is particularly helpful for investors in low-carbon technologies involving long-term time horizons, even when the minimum price is never binding (Wood and Jotzo, 2011) . Finally, another desirable feature of the tax options and auction reserve price is the provision of a hedge against the arrival of other unexpected events, such as a new recession or the arrival of a new and cheap abatement technology. These options induce more early abatement than required to stay below the cap with such events, but not so if marginal abatement costs would be higher than expected. Note that, for very similar reasons, a price ceiling would make the EU ETS more robust preventing allowance prices from increasing above a predefined level in case of positive demand shocks (Burtraw et al., 2010) .

Moreover, a minimum price for EUAs reduces uncertainty about the future carbon price trajectory, which is particularly helpful for investors in low-carbon technologies involving long-term time horizons, even when the minimum price is never binding.

Note that, for very similar reasons, a price ceiling would make the EU ETS more robust preventing allowance prices from increasing above a predefined level in case of positive demand shocks.


The main purpose of the present work is to study the dynamic behaviour of planar rigid multi-body systems with revolute clearance joints. In a revolute clearance joint, if there is no lubricant, the journal moves freely inside the bearing boundaries until it reaches the bearing wall. When the journal and the bearing are in contact, deformation takes place at the contact zone resulting in a contact force normal to the plane of collision. The force is proportional to the local indentation and relative penetration velocity, and is modelled by a non-linear continuous force model proposed by Lankarani and Nikravesh [6] . The friction effects due to the relative tangential velocity on the contact zone are also modelled accordingly to modified Coulomb friction law [7] . These normal and tangential forces are introduced into the equations of motion of the system during the period of contact. This approach provides accurate results, in so far the equations of motion are integrated over the period of contact. It thus accounts for the changes in the configuration and the velocities of the system during that contact.

The force is proportional to the local indentation and relative penetration velocity, and is modelled by a non-linear continuous force model proposed by Lankarani and Nikravesh.

The friction effects due to the relative tangential velocity on the contact zone are also modelled accordingly to modified Coulomb friction law.


In this study, we analyze more closely the capability of the CPTEC-COLA model to simulate space and time variations of SRB surface solar radiative fluxes and shortwave cloud radiative forcing over South America. The similar space resolution of the satellite-derived and model-simulated surface fluxes allows detailed comparisons. The scarcity of ground-based pyranometer measurements over South America is another reason to use the SRB datasets. Despite the errors related to approximate methods of surface flux derivation from satellite data, strong correlation between the upward flux at the top of the earth's atmosphere and downward flux at the surface allows the surface fluxes to be derived with fairly good accuracy (Li et al. 1993) .

Despite the errors related to approximate methods of surface flux derivation from satellite data, strong correlation between the upward flux at the top of the earth's atmosphere and downward flux at the surface allows the surface fluxes to be derived with fairly good accuracy.


The proposed detector design for NEXT, called Separated Optimized Function TPC (SOFT) approach, is based on a specific readout that separates the technologies for pattern recognition and energy measurement [4] . Electroluminescence photons emitted towards the hemisphere of the anode can be used to recognise the specific track pattern of the two electrons emitted in the double beta decay. The technology does not require excellent energy resolution capabilities but does require robust pattern recognition and the capability to separate nearby hits. The photons emitted in the opposite direction can be detected with a series of PMTs mounted behind the cathode. Here, energy resolution and the identification of the start-of-event signal (t0) are the major needs, the latter being determined by the primary scintillation. Due to a uniform light distribution at the cathode, the whole area does not have to be covered. However the coverage has to guarantee a good identification of the t0 signal to ensure a full three-dimensional event reconstruction. Therefore the precise knowledge of the expected primary and secondary light densities is crucial to optimise the technology for these two tasks.

The proposed detector design for NEXT, called Separated Optimized Function TPC (SOFT) approach, is based on a specific readout that separates the technologies for pattern recognition and energy measurement.


School and vocational college teachers take into consideration psychological phenomena of personality transition from being a pupil to being a college student in realization of this task. One of the widespread theoretical and practical points of view about a cardinal psychological differences between a pupil and a student is life experience changing. We mean those problems which were only desired for pupils (professional development of interests, independence on vital questions solution, independence of tastes and manners on adults' opinion, etc.) but which become common, are real and accomplishable for students (Klimov, 2007) .

We mean those problems which were only desired for pupils (professional development of interests, independence on vital questions solution, independence of tastes and manners on adults' opinion, etc.) but which become common, are real and accomplishable for students.


Secondary school trains the graduates to be ready for fulfilling a lot of social functions: a student, a worker, an engineer, etc.; but it doesn't make graduate pupils prepared for student life, highly skilled workers and engineers. Thus there are problems of the school leavers to adapt to any following sphere of activity that is unlike secondary school. One of the diverse ways of professional selfdetermination of school leavers is a vocational college. The college can't help considering this goal of high school. Integration of these educational institutions should be considered as regularity, the principle, process and a way of a conflict resolution between special college tasks and comprehensive type of high school training (Sibgatova, 2010) .

Integration of these educational institutions should be considered as regularity, the principle, process and a way of a conflict resolution between special college tasks and comprehensive type of high school training.


Different types of micro-and nano-silica additives are available on the market for use as admixtures in high performance (HPC) and self compacting concrete (SCC). The silica additives are produced by different procedures or routes. One production method is based on a so-called sol-gel process (organic or water route) at room temperature [3] . In this process, the starting materials (mainly Na 2 SiO 3 or organosilicon compounds, like TMOS/TEOS) are brought in as a solvent, and subsequently the pH of the solution is increased (or decreased) to the gelling point of silica. The produced gel is aged and collected by filtration. The gel is dried to a xerogel and calcined or re-dispersed in water with a stabilizing agent (Na, K, NH 3 , etc.) to produce a concentrated dispersion (20-50% solid content) suitable for use in the concrete industry [3, 5] .

One production method is based on a so-called sol-gel process (organic or water route) at room temperature.

The gel is dried to a xerogel and calcined or re-dispersed in water with a stabilizing agent (Na, K, NH 3 , etc.) to produce a concentrated dispersion (20-50% solid content) suitable for use in the concrete industry.


Analysis of the usefulness survey data revealed that 89.13% of 1219 instructors who responded to the survey perceived CuVIS tool to be a useful resource for creating LDs with visualizations (Table 4 ). The SUS survey responses were used to calculate the SUS score as per the standard method (Brooke, 1996) . The SUS score came to 78.86, indicating the product is usable. Also, 92.18% of respondents (to Q11 in the usability survey) perceived the usability of the CuVIS tool as good to excellent. Table 4 shows the response analysis for each question in the usefulness survey where the percentage of agree represents the sum of number of respondents who gave either strongly agree or agree as responses. The CuVIS tool for visualization will allow me to accomplish more work than would otherwise be possible.

The SUS survey responses were used to calculate the SUS score as per the standard method.


The original Simpson index has been referred to as a dominance measure because it is weighted towards the abundances of the commonest species rather than providing a measure of species diversity (Magurran 1988) . In this study the complement of the original dominance measure (1-D) was used to provide an estimate of diversity and Simpson index values ranged from 0.145 (Tanqua Karoo) to 0.943 (Mountain Renosterveld) in the current study. The values derived in this study are believed to be underestimates of the potential values because of poor rainfall conditions during the data collection period.

The original Simpson index has been referred to as a dominance measure because it is weighted towards the abundances of the commonest species rather than providing a measure of species diversity.


Legal mechanisms have been adopted in many countries in the attempt to avoid the harmful effects caused by mycotoxins in ingredients that compose animals' feedstuffs. The most well-known laws are the ones that regulate aflatoxin levels this also happens to the one established by MERCOSUL and the other one adopted by countries in America which establish laws for mycotoxins in such products. Nevertheless, laws for other mycotoxins are under implementation in the same way they already are for different animal species in European Union (FREIRE et al., 2007) .

Nevertheless, laws for other mycotoxins are under implementation in the same way they already are for different animal species in European Union.


Advances in animal genomics have accelerated production of genetically-modified domestic animals. So far, many transgenic domestic animals have been generated as animal bioreactors; in these systems, human proteins for disease therapy could be produced not only at lower cost, but also on a relatively large scale. The general strategy for protein production in animal bioreactor systems is to target transgenic gene expression in the mammary gland using milk protein genes (Clark, 1998) . These transgenic livestock have been developed by a universal pronuclear injection method. However, the method for producing transgenic animals has some limitations such as low transgene expression and unpredictable genetic events (e.g., silencing of developmental genes) by random integration (Eyestone, 1994) . Moreover, ectopic expression of the transgenes might cause early embryonic lethal (Gao et al., 1999) . Thus, one strategy to address these challenges is to develop an efficient system that can induce transgene expression strictly in the mammary gland and only during lactation. Beta-casein is an abundantly expressed milk protein that accounts for more than 20% of the total milk protein in mice (Kumar et al., 1994) . Despite its high concentrations, deficiency in the gene encoding beta-casein did not affect viability of the transgenic animals or their ability to lactate and rear offspring. Therefore, the betacasein gene has been regarded as an optimal candidate to direct the expression of foreign genes to be secreted into and harvested from the milk of transgenic animals. The specificity of the endogenous milk protein gene in the mammary gland indicate that its regulatory elements could be used to direct the expression of foreign genes in the tissue without lethality in embryonic or post-natal development, as observed with unregulated expression of other transgenes (Clark, 1998) . Gene-targeting, defined as the introduction of site-specific modifications in the genome, is a powerful tool for tissue-specific expression of recombinant proteins. Application of this technology in mice is dependent on the ability to isolate, maintain, and genetically manipulate embryonic stem cells. However, despite multiple attempts for more than a decade, similar cell lines have not been isolated in domestic species (Piedrahita, 2000) . Instead of, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using differentiated donor cells can generate physiologically normal clones, circumventing the need to isolate the elusive ES cells (Cibelli et al., 1998) . The SCNT technique using somatic cells also allows generation of gene-targeted livestock. Generation of the first knock-in sheep opened up a new field of therapeutic protein production in transgenic large animals (McCreath et al., 2000) .

The general strategy for protein production in animal bioreactor systems is to target transgenic gene expression in the mammary gland using milk protein genes.

However, the method for producing transgenic animals has some limitations such as low transgene expression and unpredictable genetic events (e.g., silencing of developmental genes) by random integration.

Moreover, ectopic expression of the transgenes might cause early embryonic lethal.

Beta-casein is an abundantly expressed milk protein that accounts for more than 20% of the total milk protein in mice.

The specificity of the endogenous milk protein gene in the mammary gland indicate that its regulatory elements could be used to direct the expression of foreign genes in the tissue without lethality in embryonic or post-natal development, as observed with unregulated expression of other transgenes.

However, despite multiple attempts for more than a decade, similar cell lines have not been isolated in domestic species.

Instead of, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using differentiated donor cells can generate physiologically normal clones, circumventing the need to isolate the elusive ES cells.

Generation of the first knock-in sheep opened up a new field of therapeutic protein production in transgenic large animals.


In large animals, gene-targeting events by homologous recombination are extremely inefficient. Furthermore, it has been reported that transcriptionally silent and tissue-specific genes are less efficient for gene-targeting compared to transcriptionally active genes, as they show a lower frequency of homologous recombination (Thomson et al., 2003) . In this study, we targeted the transcriptionally silent beta-casein gene and produced 2 (1.3%) targeted clones among 155 transgenic cell clones transfected with pBCTPOKI-6 vectors; however, no targeted clone of 165 transgenic cell clones transfected with pBCTPOKI-10 vectors was detected (Table 1) . This difference may be responsible for the length of homologous targeting sequences. It has been reported that the frequency of homologous recombination may be dependent on the length of homologous regions, and that successful gene targeting requires optimal length of the homologous regions in targeting vectors (Thomas and Capecchi, 1987; Scheerer and Adair, 1994) . Here, it was shown that the pBCTPOKI-6 vector with a 6 kb long arm is more efficient in homologous recombination events than the pBCTPOKI-10 vector with a 10 kb long arm, indicating that optimization of targeting vector construction may be required for successful genetargeting of transcriptionally silent genes in the somatic cells.

Furthermore, it has been reported that transcriptionally silent and tissue-specific genes are less efficient for gene-targeting compared to transcriptionally active genes, as they show a lower frequency of homologous recombination.

It has been reported that the frequency of homologous recombination may be dependent on the length of homologous regions, and that successful gene targeting requires optimal length of the homologous regions in targeting vectors.


In this paper, an online learning algorithm is proposed for the task scheduling in order to explore the trade-off between performance and energy consumption. A bandit solver method Exp3 (Exp3 denotes exponential weight for exploration and exploitation) is used [6] . Exp3 is an adversarial bandit solver method used for online task scheduling. This works by maintaining a list of weights for each task to perform. Using these weights, it decides randomly which task to take next and increases/decreases the relevant weights when a payoff is good or bad. Exp3 has an egalitarianism factor which tunes the desire to pick a task uniformly at random.

A bandit solver method Exp3 (Exp3 denotes exponential weight for exploration and exploitation) is used.


Different cell types are found in plants, each one assuming a particular function for plant physiology: carbohydrate or lipid storage, sap conduction, plant support. Cell types are generally observed from sections at the microscopic scale and identified from the individual cell morphology, namely size and shape, cell wall thickness, as well as from cell arrangement (Esau, 1977) . In addition to such histological description, the microscopic structure is largely paid some attention to study the relationships between the spatial organisation and macroscopic properties (Jackman and Stanley, 1995; Travis et al., 1996; De Smedt et al., 1998; Guines et al., 2003) . Such an approach has been developed for wood characterisation in relation to drying properties (Perré, 1997) . In the food domain, there is also an increasing demand to determine the contribution of the physical structure to the end-use texture or sensory properties (Gao et al., 1999; Zghal et al., 2002) . Plant histology is generally observed by microscopic techniques. Plant cells, especially storage cells, can be very large, and only a few cells are visible on a single image (Gray et al., 1999; Konstankiewicz et al., 2002) . The quantification of histology is not straightforward and few techniques have been reported (Travis et al., 1996; Guines et al., 2003) .

Cell types are generally observed from sections at the microscopic scale and identified from the individual cell morphology, namely size and shape, cell wall thickness, as well as from cell arrangement.

In addition to such histological description, the microscopic structure is largely paid some attention to study the relationships between the spatial organisation and macroscopic properties.

Such an approach has been developed for wood characterisation in relation to drying properties.

In the food domain, there is also an increasing demand to determine the contribution of the physical structure to the end-use texture or sensory properties.

Plant cells, especially storage cells, can be very large, and only a few cells are visible on a single image.

The quantification of histology is not straightforward and few techniques have been reported.


Flower colors observed in this study (Table 6) were consistent with the range in flower color observed in K. blossfeldiana cultivars (Descoings, 2005; Leonard and Nell, 2000) . Total flower number of any species in this study did not exceed those previously reported for K. blossfeldiana (Schwabe, 1985) . K. manginii and K. uniflora flowers had an attractive pendant habit that differs from the inflorescence of K. blossfeldiana, whereas K. millotii were less attractive because the white corollas were obscured by inflated green calyces. K. laciniata and K. nyikae produced the most striking display of flowers, mainly as a result of flower size and total color (C. Currey, personal observation).

Flower colors observed in this study (Table 6) were consistent with the range in flower color observed in K. blossfeldiana cultivars.

Total flower number of any species in this study did not exceed those previously reported for K. blossfeldiana.


In this paper we are limited only simple questions. The answer is formed using the database of LEIBNIZ built from facts. This database consists of predicates describing behavior of persons, organizations, machines, things [5] .

This database consists of predicates describing behavior of persons, organizations, machines, things.


The fundamental microscopic mechanisms of collective electron excitations in small particles as well as their decay are still far from being completely understood. As a pioneer in this field, Gustav Mie developed a first theory based on Maxwell's equations to explain the optical properties of spherical nanoparticles. Mie's theory easily describes red shifts and the lifetime broadening of the dipole plasmon resonance as the particle size is increased. It also explains the appearance of resonance contributions of higher multipolar order [1] . However, this theory is strictly valid only for single particles with a spherical geometry. Therefore, during the last decades, lots of theoretical studies focused on the properties of LSP in nanostructures of different shapes in order to gain insight, for example, into their optical response, the field distribution of the resonant modes as well as relevant decay channels, and the coupling between neighbouring particles [21] [22] [23] .

It also explains the appearance of resonance contributions of higher multipolar order.

Therefore, during the last decades, lots of theoretical studies focused on the properties of LSP in nanostructures of different shapes in order to gain insight, for example, into their optical response, the field distribution of the resonant modes as well as relevant decay channels, and the coupling between neighbouring particles.


Some recent work has focused on the use of probabilistic land cover classifications as opposed to using deterministic, or hard classifications [21] [22] [23] . Most land cover classifications, including NLCD, are hard classifications that identify a single deterministic class or most likely class (MLC) for each raster cell or classified area. In contrast, probabilistic classifications provide a probability for each class, which is more versatile in many respects. Probability surfaces can be manipulated and displayed independently or translated into many different types of user defined hard classifications, such as MLC. One recent study found that probabilistic classifications retain more of the information contained in an image [23] . Though probabilistic land cover classifications can provide an information rich dataset that can be flexibly applied to answer numerous management questions, the use of probabilistic classifications has not been commonly adopted in the forest management community.

Some recent work has focused on the use of probabilistic land cover classifications as opposed to using deterministic, or hard classifications.

One recent study found that probabilistic classifications retain more of the information contained in an image.


There were challenges unique to using NAIP imagery as a base predictor dataset. NAIP imagery is processed into a state-wide mosaic that contain seamlines. These seamlines are an artifact of when and how NAIP images were collected and processed. To cosmetically adjust differences in DN values due to acquisition times and processing, NAIP uses a color balanced routine which alters spectral information in the overlapping regions of images [17, 32] . These aspects of acquisition and processing can increase the classification error of models built using this imagery. Because of how NAIP imagery is acquired and processed, we saw slight distortion of our outputs around the edges of the flight lines, which is likely an artifact of NAIP's color balancing process. These challenges could be avoided by using different base imagery in this classification methodology, such as IKONOS or WorldView, however, these data can be expensive to obtain and would require additional image normalization. Colors correspond to the number of criteria met. The criteria are: pine cover between 3-30%, shrub plus grass cover greater than 20%, crop cover less than 20%, building plus pavement cover less than 20%, and water cover less than 25%; (b) NAIP imagery for the same extent.

To cosmetically adjust differences in DN values due to acquisition times and processing, NAIP uses a color balanced routine which alters spectral information in the overlapping regions of images.


There were challenges unique to using NAIP imagery as a base predictor dataset. NAIP imagery is processed into a state-wide mosaic that contain seamlines. These seamlines are an artifact of when and how NAIP images were collected and processed. To cosmetically adjust differences in DN values due to acquisition times and processing, NAIP uses a color balanced routine which alters spectral information in the overlapping regions of images [17, 32] . These aspects of acquisition and processing can increase the classification error of models built using this imagery. Because of how NAIP imagery is acquired and processed, we saw slight distortion of our outputs around the edges of the flight lines, which is likely an artifact of NAIP's color balancing process. These challenges could be avoided by using different base imagery in this classification methodology, such as IKONOS or WorldView, however, these data can be expensive to obtain and would require additional image normalization. Future classification studies using data from multiple years can add a temporal dimension to the analysis, allowing for land cover change studies at this high resolution. In the case of NAIP, this is facilitated by relatively frequent (2-3 year) return intervals. Ancillary inputs, such as DEM, Lidar data, or local high resolution spectral data, such as drone imagery, could be integrated into this methodology to improve specific class estimates and the downstream products that describe and map useful landscape characteristics. While our work has focused on spatial analysis for forest planning, restoration and management, the same methods can be used for land cover classification in many fields such as agriculture, wildlife management, and urban planning.


Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis are the most important lethal agents in transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) and it remains a large health care burden globally. The incidence rates across the world are difficult to calculate given the asymptomatic and often latent nature of the disease prior to clinical presentation [1] . Every blood transfusion therefore carries a potential risk for transmissible diseases [1, 2] .

The incidence rates across the world are difficult to calculate given the asymptomatic and often latent nature of the disease prior to clinical presentation.

Every blood transfusion therefore carries a potential risk for transmissible diseases.


An overall reduction of 70% in the rate of RSV hospitalisation was observed in the palivizumab group (3.95 vs 13.25%) despite this group's lower gestational ages, more severe neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) respiratory courses and higher incidence of CLD. Children in the control group had a higher risk for RSV-related hospitalisation than those in the palivizumab group (odds ratio, 3.86; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-5.25) [18] . Data from this study support the effectiveness of palivizumab in significantly reducing RSV-related hospitalisations in highrisk preterm infants over two respiratory seasons [18] .

Children in the control group had a higher risk for RSV-related hospitalisation than those in the palivizumab group (odds ratio, 3.86; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-5.25).

Data from this study support the effectiveness of palivizumab in significantly reducing RSV-related hospitalisations in highrisk preterm infants over two respiratory seasons.


The baseline subtraction approach is often utilised in the guided wave based damage detection techniques to process the recorded signal responses during routine inspections and identify the presence of structural damage [25] [26] [27] [28] . In accordance with this approach, the previously recorded signal for a defect-free structure or structural component (the baseline signal) is subtracted from the actual signal obtained during inspections. A significant deviation between these two signals (the critical or threshold level of this deviation depends on the particular application) is treated as an indication of the presence of critical damage. A schematic illustration of the baseline signal subtraction approach for damage detection is shown in Figure   1 .

The baseline subtraction approach is often utilised in the guided wave based damage detection techniques to process the recorded signal responses during routine inspections and identify the presence of structural damage.


Multiple factors contribute to health disparities in Haiti. These include poverty, limited access to western medicine, lack of resources, and poorly managed social policies. In addition to these, one must consider the impact of the natural disasters that remain a constant threat to the island and its people. The 2010 earthquake was the worst natural disaster to strike Haiti in over 200 years; more than 220,000 people died, and 300,000 were injured [1] . The earthquake had a catastrophic impact on an already fragile healthcare system, including the total destruction or damage to 30 out of the 49 hospitals in the disaster zone, and the destruction of EcoleNationale des Infirmieres de Port-au-Prince (Haiti National School of Nursing in Port-auPrince) where 90 students and their instructors died that day [1, 2] . Haiti's geographical position in the Caribbean Sea makes it vulnerable to hurricanes, which pose a constant insult to the country. Every year on average 1-2 hurricanes strike the island, making it hard for Haiti to recover or flourish,as it keeps Haiti in a constant crisis mode.

The 2010 earthquake was the worst natural disaster to strike Haiti in over 200 years; more than 220,000 people died, and 300,000 were injured.

The earthquake had a catastrophic impact on an already fragile healthcare system, including the total destruction or damage to 30 out of the 49 hospitals in the disaster zone, and the destruction of EcoleNationale des Infirmieres de Port-au-Prince (Haiti National School of Nursing in Port-auPrince) where 90 students and their instructors died that day.