An equivalent series of experiments are then performed using the new perturbation configuration. Figure 5 first presents the results for the large diameter tube D = 12.7 mm using the new "injector" configuration with BR = 0.095, 0.13 and 0.25. The plot shows the Go/No-go data and the critical pressure limits. Once again, for each experimental condition (i.e., mixture composition, initial pressure po and blockage ratio), the experiment was again performed 8 times to ensure repeatability of the results. It is found that these results are in Fig. 4 . The optimal reduction in critical pressure for successful transmission occurs with the blockage ratio of 9.5% in both tested mixtures. Similarly, the maximum decreases in critical pressure between the perturbed and unperturbed cases are respectively 3 and 4 kPa for the stoichiometric C2H2/O2 and C2H2/N2O mixtures. The present result indeed confirms previous observations which postulate that while maintaining a constant blockage ratio, the effect is shown to be qualitatively independent of the obstacle geometry for the typical irregular hydrocarbon mixtures, whereby all the results with different needle(s) perturbations show similar decrease in critical pressure for successful transmission [14] . Similarly as observed earlier, excess blockage to the flow (e.g., BR = 25%) results in an adverse effect, i.e., causing a significant increase in critical pressure required for detonation transmission.

The present result indeed confirms previous observations which postulate that while maintaining a constant blockage ratio, the effect is shown to be qualitatively independent of the obstacle geometry for the typical irregular hydrocarbon mixtures, whereby all the results with different needle(s) perturbations show similar decrease in critical pressure for successful transmission.


For each BR ratio considered, initial pressure was incrementally decreased until the critical value below which the detonation wave cannot successfully transmit from the confined circular tube to the open area in the spherical chamber is determined. To ensure statistical convergence and reproducibility of the results, each experiment was repeated 8 times in order to identify accurately the critical pressure value above which successful detonation transmission can occur. In the present analysis, the critical pressure is defined by the upper limit boundary above which at least 75% of tests at the same initial condition gives a successful transmission of the detonation wave into the open space [14] . An example of one set of experimental results is given in Fig. 3 , showing the Go/No-go plot (or successful/unsuccessful transmission) as a function of initial pressure with BR = 8%. In these plots, the overlap between the two symbols indicates that there is a mixed result between the 8 experimental shots repeated at that particular initial pressure. Such occurrence near critical conditions can be due to inherent sources of experimental variability and is typical for any detonation experiment. In this study of critical tube diameter, the range of uncertainty is quite minor compared to the measurement of critical energy for direct initiation and detonation cell size. A blockage ratio of zero refers to the unperturbed case. Also shown in each plot is the curve fit obtained using least-square regression. From the results shown in Fig. 4 , it is observed that for sufficiently small blockage ratios, the needle obstacles can have a noticeable influence on the critical tube diameter phenomenon by lowering the critical pressure values for successful transmission. The maximum reduction in critical pressure caused from the needle perturbation for both stoichiometric C2H2/O2 and C2H2/N2O mixtures are 3 and 4 kPa, respectively (or equivalently about 18.8% and 4.8% difference where % difference is defined by [100% − (x/y ⋅ 100%)] where x and y are the lower and higher number). It is observed that for both mixtures tested that the optimal reduction in critical pressure locates at approximately less than 10% blockage ratio. For very large BR (BR > 0.18), excess blockage leads to a negative effect, causing too much of a momentum loss, consequently the emerging detonation front will not promote the detonation transmission in the open space and actually increases the critical pressure dramatically.

In the present analysis, the critical pressure is defined by the upper limit boundary above which at least 75% of tests at the same initial condition gives a successful transmission of the detonation wave into the open space.


The pure-titanium temperature-pressure phase diagram has been well investigated [21, 32] . At atmospheric pressure and T β (0) = 1155 K, hcp α-Ti transforms into bcc β-Ti. Under hydrostatic pressure, the β-transus temperature T β decreases linearly to meet the triple-point with the hexagonal ω-phase, at about 940 K and 9.0 GPa. Above this pressure, T β increases again. The authors also reported that at and above room temperature, the ω-phase occurs only at higher pressure, appearing above 2 GPa. Aluminium, on the other hand, behaves as a simple solid, not transforming from its fcc structure under high pressure [33] .

The pure-titanium temperature-pressure phase diagram has been well investigated.

Aluminium, on the other hand, behaves as a simple solid, not transforming from its fcc structure under high pressure.


In the case that a 2 = · · · = a n = 0, the answer was shown to be positive by Geyer: Theorem (Geyer [7] ). Let θ be a bounded type irrational number. Then the boundary of the Siegel disk of the entire map e 2πiθ ze z , centered at the origin, is a quasi-circle passing through the unique critical point.

In the case that a 2 = · · · = a n = 0, the answer was shown to be positive by Geyer: Theorem (Geyer).


Damage visually observed during the pot trials was similar to that previously reported (Cleland 1955; French & Douglas 1967; Ferro 1976) . Damage began as soon as the seed shell was shed and the stem exposed prior to the complete emergence of the cotyledons above ground. Stem damage at this stage of seedling development occurred in Trial 2 and resulted in seedling mortality. Damage to the cotyledons first appeared as slight scalloping on the leaf edges or as small pits or shot holes in the leaf. Damage to the untreated seedlings increased rapidly with some cotyledons completely destroyed. All seed treatments proved effective at reducing springtail damage in the pot trials.

Damage visually observed during the pot trials was similar to that previously reported.


In this post hoc analysis of the CLASSIC II trial in elderly patients with previously untreated AML and at least one unfavorable prognostic factor, patients received their consolidation treatment with clofarabine in both IP and OP settings. Conditions for the administration of clofarabine were designed to maximize the safety and effectiveness of therapy and thus increase the likelihood that patients could safely receive OP clofarabine administration. Only patients who achieved remission after induction or re-induction therapy, and who thus could be expected to do well, were among those selected to receive consolidation treatment cycles. Additionally, the lower dose of clofarabine used for consolidation therapy (i.e. compared with induction therapy) was expected to enhance the tolerability of treatment [17] . Tolerability may also have been enhanced because the tumor burden is typically less during the consolidation phase of treatment than it is during induction therapy. Aside from these factors, which were part of the study design, patients were selected for IP or OP clofarabine administration on the basis of physician preference. Although the specific criteria used by the treating physician were not identified, it is likely that the decision of whether to assign patients to IP or OP therapy may have been influenced by how well patients tolerated their initial course of treatment.

Additionally, the lower dose of clofarabine used for consolidation therapy (i.e. compared with induction therapy) was expected to enhance the tolerability of treatment.


Surveys often ask respondents to evaluate their own condition or to report their degree of satisfaction with various aspects of life. Examples include questions on self-rated health and job or life satisfaction in household surveys, and customer satisfaction or purchase intention in consumer surveys. Although these questions are widely used, there is a concern that different people may interpret and answer the same question in different ways. This is especially true when comparing subjective assessments across groups characterized by different culture, nationality, gender, age, socio-economic status, etc. For example, when asked to rate their own health on a given categorical scale, people may answer differently, not only because their true or perceived health differs, but also because they may interpret differently the various levels of the given scale. As a consequence, differences in self-reports between otherwise similar individuals may depend on differences in response style, namely the mapping of true or perceived health into reported health (Sen 2002) .

As a consequence, differences in self-reports between otherwise similar individuals may depend on differences in response style, namely the mapping of true or perceived health into reported health.


Smoking represents one of the most significant behavioural threats to the health of persons because of the devastating consequences of tobacco use, such as premature death and morbidity (Samet, 2010) . Most of the respondents in this study were affected by a number of tobacco-related illnesses such as lung cancer, COPD, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, periodontal gum disease, head and neck malignancy. It has been reported in the literature that tobacco use has been attributed to nearly all lung cancers (approximately 87-91% in males and 57-86% in females along with most cancers of the esophagus, larynx, and oral cavity (Dreyer et al., 1997) .

Smoking represents one of the most significant behavioural threats to the health of persons because of the devastating consequences of tobacco use, such as premature death and morbidity.

It has been reported in the literature that tobacco use has been attributed to nearly all lung cancers (approximately 87-91% in males and 57-86% in females along with most cancers of the esophagus, larynx, and oral cavity.


Bamboo pulp fiber is generated cellulose fiber and is prepared by viscose spinning process or Lyocell spinning process with bamboo as raw material, and the bamboo pulp fiber currently used mainly on the domestic market is made by viscose spinning process [1] . Bamboo pulp fiber prepared by this process has favorable dyeability; bamboo pulp fiber fabric has strong moisture absorption and desorption and good permeability; but the breaking strength would decrease after moisture absorption and the shrinkage of bamboo pulp fiber fabric is large, shape retention is poor and fabric wrinkles easily [2] [3] . And partial oxidation of bamboo pulp fiber is an effective way to improve the property of fiber.

Bamboo pulp fiber is generated cellulose fiber and is prepared by viscose spinning process or Lyocell spinning process with bamboo as raw material, and the bamboo pulp fiber currently used mainly on the domestic market is made by viscose spinning process.

Bamboo pulp fiber prepared by this process has favorable dyeability; bamboo pulp fiber fabric has strong moisture absorption and desorption and good permeability; but the breaking strength would decrease after moisture absorption and the shrinkage of bamboo pulp fiber fabric is large, shape retention is poor and fabric wrinkles easily.


We compare here a variety of non-Gaussian models. We first survey moment-based models; in particular, the 4-moment "Hermite" model. This models the non-Gaussian response x(t) as a cubic tranformation, either to or from a Gaussian process u(t), as a cubic polynomial [1] . This model, and variants that use other "parent" variables than Gaussian, have commonly been used in wind and wave applications [2] .

This models the non-Gaussian response x(t) as a cubic tranformation, either to or from a Gaussian process u(t), as a cubic polynomial.

This model, and variants that use other "parent" variables than Gaussian, have commonly been used in wind and wave applications.


Prognosis is very important. High school students with ADHD are also significantly more likely to be absent or tardy and are more than eight times more likely to drop out of school than their peers without ADHD [13] . They are significantly more likely to withdraw from a course [11] . They also experience difficulties completing school work and have significantly lower grades, score significantly lower on standardized tests, and experience higher rates of special education placement, grade retention, and school dropout compared to students without ADHD [11] [14] . These patients were associated with dropping out of school and having fewer years of education [7] . Of the primary manifestations of ADHD, inattentiveness appears to be a key factor influencing achievement among students; this symptom is associated with decreased academic and social adjustment, poor study skills, and more depressive symptoms. These symptoms resulted in increasing likelihood of failing courses and ultimately dropping out of school. In this report, 3 of the students dropped out of school. Individuals with ADHD may suffer reduced self-esteem, perhaps secondary to peer rejection or academic or occupational difficulties [5] .

Prognosis is very important.

High school students with ADHD are also significantly more likely to be absent or tardy and are more than eight times more likely to drop out of school than their peers without ADHD.

They are significantly more likely to withdraw from a course.

They also experience difficulties completing school work and have significantly lower grades, score significantly lower on standardized tests, and experience higher rates of special education placement, grade retention, and school dropout compared to students without ADHD.

These patients were associated with dropping out of school and having fewer years of education.

Individuals with ADHD may suffer reduced self-esteem, perhaps secondary to peer rejection or academic or occupational difficulties.


Therefore, appropriate support, such as special educational support, may be essential to ensure positive long-term outcomes. High schools are required to provide students who have a disability with appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services in order to allow them equal participation in educational programs. Several academic accommodations are possible: additional time for exams, distraction-free examination rooms, deadline flexibility, notetaking services, tutoring, alternative formats for exams, and adaptive equipment and technology [10] . Many students should receive more than one type of academic intervention such as extra time for tests and modified assignments, slower-paced instruction, progress monitoring, and case management [11] .

Several academic accommodations are possible: additional time for exams, distraction-free examination rooms, deadline flexibility, notetaking services, tutoring, alternative formats for exams, and adaptive equipment and technology.

Many students should receive more than one type of academic intervention such as extra time for tests and modified assignments, slower-paced instruction, progress monitoring, and case management.


In adolescents, mood disorders and substance-use problems can complicate the clinical course of ADHD. Of the total, 2 cases presented in this report showed mood disturbance and/or anxiety. The severity of ADHD and comorbidity results in widely varying courses of treatment, and many students discontinue treatment in adolescence and adulthood [5] .

The severity of ADHD and comorbidity results in widely varying courses of treatment, and many students discontinue treatment in adolescence and adulthood.


Oxonate-treated mice consistently produced increased plasma creatinine and urea levels which indicates renal dysfunction [19] . Studies showed that allopurinol therapy significantly decreases serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. Its use is safe and helps preserve kidney function during 12 months of therapy [20] . Which explain the normal level of creatinine and urea in hyperuricemic mice treated with allopurinol (10 mg/Kg). L. arabicum extracts decrease significantly urea and creatinine serum levels, EaE, the best hypouricemic extract, presented a protective effect higher than that of allopurinol. However, AqE did not show a strong hypouricemic activity but it has a strong protective effect by decreasing of urea and creatinine levels.

Oxonate-treated mice consistently produced increased plasma creatinine and urea levels which indicates renal dysfunction.

Its use is safe and helps preserve kidney function during 12 months of therapy.


Both allopurinol and oxypurinol, (isosteres of hypoxanthine and xanthine, respectively), inhibit xanthine oxidase, thereby limiting the biosynthesis of uric acid and decreasing its serum level and urine excretion and promoting the renal clearance of hypoxanthine and xanthine. Allopurinol, a competitive inhibitor, is a substrate for xanthine oxidase, which strongly binds at the active site, with concomitant reduction of the molybdenum site. The binding of oxypurinol to the reduced molybdenum site of the enzyme has been shown to be reversible and released after re-oxidation of the enzyme. Although the inhibitor binds very tightly to the enzyme, the inhibition is time-dependent and, therefore, it takes some time to inhibit the enzyme completely [14] .

Although the inhibitor binds very tightly to the enzyme, the inhibition is time-dependent and, therefore, it takes some time to inhibit the enzyme completely.


Standard management of acute gout consists of urate-lowering therapy. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is the most commonly prescribed of these agents. However, a prolonged use of allopurinol leads to many of side effects e.g. hepatitis, nephropathy, allergic reaction and 6-mercaptopurine toxicity [4] . Therefore, there is urgent need to develop new XO inhibitors from natural sources. Lycium arabicum is a medicinal plant that grows wild in the mountains of Oures, Algeria. It belongs to Solanaceae family, used in traditional medicine to treat skin inflammation and rheumatism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro inhibition of xanthine oxidase as well as the in vivo hypouricimic effect of L. arabicum extracts in mice.

However, a prolonged use of allopurinol leads to many of side effects e.g. hepatitis, nephropathy, allergic reaction and 6-mercaptopurine toxicity.


Camel production is a major source of livelihood for the pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) of Kenya, which hosts 6% of the African camel population (Hulsebusch and Kaufmann 2002) . The total population of camels in Kenya was three million, according to the latest census in 2009 as compared to a population of 0.8 million in the 1999 census. This is an indication that the camel population in Kenya has continued to increase despite the effects of climate change. Today, some communities which did not previously keep camels have started rearing some to supplement their cattle production, especially during the dry seasons (Farm Africa 2002) .

Camel production is a major source of livelihood for the pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) of Kenya, which hosts 6% of the African camel population.

Today, some communities which did not previously keep camels have started rearing some to supplement their cattle production, especially during the dry seasons.


The findings of the analysis suggest that the level of company visibility tends to have an effect on earnings quality but the effect is different depending on the type of visibility. Companies closest to consumers show a lower propensity to manipulate earnings, as moderated by the fear that a scandal linked to unethical behaviour may have direct repercussions on the reputation of the company and the value attributed to the product by consumers. Similarly, greater visibility given by the size or age of the company moderates the earnings management practices as it amplifies the extent of reputational damage in the event that the earnings management is identified. The opposite effect is instead given by the visibility of the company in the financial press. This effect can be explained as the result of the analysis of potential costs and benefits deriving from earnings management practices. The costs are linked to the potential reputational damage resulting from a strong visibility in the financial press. The benefits derive from the greater resonance that the manipulated profit, if not discovered, can have on the investors through the specialized press (Gottardo and Moisello 2019) .

The benefits derive from the greater resonance that the manipulated profit, if not discovered, can have on the investors through the specialized press.


Clinically, several elements combine to determine tooth shape, such as color and contour of the reflective area, resulting from the interaction with light [25] . Furthermore, incisors have anatomic characteristics that vary in accordance with age. The teeth of elderly people present a higher frequency of rotations, inclinations in the mesiodistal direction, deviations from the midline, abrasion and gingival retraction [26] .

Clinically, several elements combine to determine tooth shape, such as color and contour of the reflective area, resulting from the interaction with light.

The teeth of elderly people present a higher frequency of rotations, inclinations in the mesiodistal direction, deviations from the midline, abrasion and gingival retraction.


The above-mentioned review works have summarized extant studies related to cloud computing and observed enlightening insights to help interested researchers, but few analyze these studies based on the citations. The times cited of one paper represent the influence of the paper, so co-citation analysis is an effective way to measure the impact of studies, journals, countries, institutions, and authors in the development of one specific research area [21] . Meanwhile, it can provide scholars a strong support to identify the intellectual bases and leading edges of a specific field. Motivated by these observations, we conduct a specific visualization review of the extant studies related to cloud computing algorithms using one mainstream co-citation analysis tool-CiteSpace. The main contributions of the work include: (i) The most influential studies and journals on cloud computing algorithms from 2006 to 2015 are identified, providing guidance for interested researchers to make further studies; (ii) From the country and institution visualization, we find the research development path of cloud computing algorithms and identify the current hot regions; (iii) From the author visualization, we detect the most influential authors focusing on cloud computing algorithms; (iv) Thirty keywords are identified to reveal the intellectual bases and focuses of cloud computing algorithms in the literature.

The times cited of one paper represent the influence of the paper, so co-citation analysis is an effective way to measure the impact of studies, journals, countries, institutions, and authors in the development of one specific research area.


The theory of probability is frequently used as a theoretical background for the analysis of random imperfections and for the reliability theory [5] [6] [7] . A similar concept forms also the basis for standard specifications [8] . In these works linear or stochastically non-linear models of structures are usually considered. It is also assumed that the limit state of the structure is known as a function of a number of random variables.

The theory of probability is frequently used as a theoretical background for the analysis of random imperfections and for the reliability theory.

A similar concept forms also the basis for standard specifications.


The general tendency also held for 22:6n-3 and 22:5n-3 in the flathead flounder. In this study, 71-75% of 22:6n-3 was found in the sn-2 position, followed by the sn-3 (16-22%) and sn-1 (9-10%) positions. Assignments of 22:5n-3 were 66-86% (the sn-2 position), 12-22% (the sn-3 position), and 2-12% (the sn-1 position). In the previous analysis, the opposite result was observed for 22:6n-3 in the flesh and liver TAG [4] . Assignment of 22:6n-3 to the sn-2 position was \40%. This result seems to be caused by unsuitable analytical procedure in the previous study.

In the previous analysis, the opposite result was observed for 22:6n-3 in the flesh and liver TAG.


Asphalt is traditionally regarded as a colloidal structure. It is a complex mixture composed of several physical phases and comprised of hydrocarbons and polymers. Asphalt is a mixture of organic liquids that are highly viscous, black, sticky, entirely soluble in carbon disulfide, and composed primarily of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It can be divided into the chemical families of saturates, aromatics, resins, asphaltenes. This material has been widely used as a binder of aggregate in road pavement because of its good viscoelastic properties. The destruction of asphalt pavement is mainly due to the aging of asphalt, which contribute reduction of durability and service life of asphalt pavements [1] [2] [3] [4] .

The destruction of asphalt pavement is mainly due to the aging of asphalt, which contribute reduction of durability and service life of asphalt pavements.


The proper selection of modified MMT is essential to ensure effective penetration of the asphalt into the interlayer spacing of the MMT and so resulting in the desired exfoliated product. An exfoliated morphology occurs when the MMT platelets are extensively delaminated and completely separated due to thorough asphalt penetration by various dispersion techniques. To achieve fine dispersion, mechanical forces alone are not sufficient; rather, there should be a thermodynamic driving force to separate the layers into the primary silicate sheets. This thermodynamic driving force is being introduced by inserting a certain coating of surfactants (an agent such as detergent, which reduces surface tension) on each individual layer. These surfactant molecules increase the layer distance.They, moreover, improve the compatibility with the asphalt and can enhance the bonding of MMT because they can be mixed together with the asphalt [3, 9] .

They, moreover, improve the compatibility with the asphalt and can enhance the bonding of MMT because they can be mixed together with the asphalt.


Basically, asphalt undergoes two substantially different aging processes throughout the service life. The short term aging process occurred during the production of hot mix asphalt (HMA) where the based asphalt is exposed to high temperature and high degree of air surrounding during the mixing process with aggregate. The long term aging process evolves with time where the asphalt is exposed to the environment as in-service pavement at a relatively lower temperature for a long duration. Short and long-term aging are extremely complex phenomena because of numerous factors influencing the rate of aging. Asphalt constitutes only a small but crucial part of any paving mix. It also influences pavement performance at low and high field operating temperatures [5] [6] . Due to continuously increasing traffic volumes, axle loads and the effects of temperature cycling, pure asphalt pavements are subjected to stress cracking and rutting. Therefore, under certain circumstances, base asphalt need to be modified with some additive to meet the requirements of local authorities.

It also influences pavement performance at low and high field operating temperatures.


Determining head pose is one of the most important topics in the field of computer vision. There are many applications with accurate and robust head pose estimation algorithms, such as human-computing interfaces (HCI), driver surveillance systems, entertainment systems, and so on. For this reason, many applications would benefit from automatic and robust head pose estimation systems. Accurately localizing the head and its orientation is either the explicit goal of systems like human computer interfaces or a necessary preprocessing step for further analysis, such as identification or facial expression recognition. Due to its relevance and to the challenges posed by the problem, there has been considerable effort in the computer vision community to develop fast and reliable algorithms for head pose estimation [1] . The several approaches to head pose estimation can be briefly divided into two categories: appearance-based and model-based approaches, depending on whether they analyze the face as a whole or instead rely on the localization of some specific facial features.

Due to its relevance and to the challenges posed by the problem, there has been considerable effort in the computer vision community to develop fast and reliable algorithms for head pose estimation.


The appearance-based approaches discretize the head poses and learn a separate detector for each pose using machine learning techniques that determine the head poses from entire face images [3] . These approaches include multi-detector methods, manifold embedding methods, and non-linear regression methods. Generally, multi-detector methods train a series of head detectors each attuned to a specific pose and assign a discrete pose to the detector with the greatest support [1, 4] . Manifold embedding based methods seek low-dimensional manifolds that model the continuous variation in head pose. These methods are either linear or nonlinear approaches. The linear techniques have an advantage in that embedding can be performed by matrix multiplication; however, these techniques lack the representational ability of the nonlinear techniques [1, 5] . Nonlinear regression methods use nonlinear regression tools (e.g. Support Vector Regression, neural networks) to develop a functional mapping from the image or feature data to a head pose measurement. These approaches are very fast, work well in the near-field, and give some of the most accurate head pose estimates in practice. However, they are prone to error from poor head localization [1, 6] .

The appearance-based approaches discretize the head poses and learn a separate detector for each pose using machine learning techniques that determine the head poses from entire face images.

Generally, multi-detector methods train a series of head detectors each attuned to a specific pose and assign a discrete pose to the detector with the greatest support.

The linear techniques have an advantage in that embedding can be performed by matrix multiplication; however, these techniques lack the representational ability of the nonlinear techniques.

However, they are prone to error from poor head localization.


The model-based approaches combine the location of facial features (e.g. eyes, mouth, and nose tip) and a geometrical face model to calculate precise angles of head orientation [2] . In general, these approaches can provide accurate estimation results for a limited range of poses. However, these approaches have difficulty dealing with low-resolution images due to invisible or undetectable facial points. Moreover, these approaches depend on the accurate detection of facial points. Hence, these approaches are typically more sensitive to occlusion than appearance-based methods, which use information from the entire facial region [3] .

The model-based approaches combine the location of facial features (e.g. eyes, mouth, and nose tip) and a geometrical face model to calculate precise angles of head orientation.

Hence, these approaches are typically more sensitive to occlusion than appearance-based methods, which use information from the entire facial region.


To compensate the peak power reduction with normal dispersion pumping, hence increase the pump peak power, pre-pulse-compression can be employed before the coherent SC generation. A nonlinear compression through a soliton effect in the anomalous dispersion could be used for the pulse compression. The compressed pulse is then coupled to a fiber with normal dispersion for the coherent SC generation [19] , [25] . However, the soliton compression does not produce linear chirp across the entire pulse and ends up with poor quality pulse with either sidelobes or a pedestal [26] . More preferred approach should involve a normal dispersion for pulsewide linear chirp and a subsequent anomalous dispersion for compression to generate a clean pulse [27] .

The compressed pulse is then coupled to a fiber with normal dispersion for the coherent SC generation.

However, the soliton compression does not produce linear chirp across the entire pulse and ends up with poor quality pulse with either sidelobes or a pedestal.

More preferred approach should involve a normal dispersion for pulsewide linear chirp and a subsequent anomalous dispersion for compression to generate a clean pulse.


Wet spring conditions characterized our sites in both years of trapping. Truffle biomass was significantly lower in oak woodlands when compared to pine, fir, and mixed-conifer forests in the southern Sierra Nevada (North 2002) . Therefore, as oak cover increased, truffle abundance likely decreased. Chipmunk abundance increased with patch perimeter (Figure 6b ) indicating the importance of greater habitat heterogeneity to chipmunks. Habitat heterogeneity leads to more diverse foraging options with various shrubs interspersed with forested areas for chipmunks who also consume a large amount of fruits from various shrub species (Travis 1953) .

Truffle biomass was significantly lower in oak woodlands when compared to pine, fir, and mixed-conifer forests in the southern Sierra Nevada.

Habitat heterogeneity leads to more diverse foraging options with various shrubs interspersed with forested areas for chipmunks who also consume a large amount of fruits from various shrub species.


California ground squirrels were the largest and most mobile mammal species we studied. The best model for describing California ground squirrel abundance included patch perimeter (Table 6 ). The evidence ratio >8 indicated that the best model is by far the most reasonable model. The diet of California ground squirrels in the central Sierra Nevada is dominated by herbaceous leaves and seeds (Schitoskey and Woodmansee 1978) . Habitat heterogeneity is extremely important to these mobile species. Higher herbaceous plant abundance in open areas provides greater foraging opportunities, and adjacent interspersed areas of thick undergrowth or coarse woody debris provide refuge from predators.

The diet of California ground squirrels in the central Sierra Nevada is dominated by herbaceous leaves and seeds.


The wear in both contacts (DLC/DLC and steel/DLC) was largely reduced when lubricated with the additivated BO, see Figure 4 . The wear reduction in steel/DLC contact under additivated oil can be explained from the conventional lubrication theory, but however, it is quite difficult to decide in the case of DLC/DLC contact since both of the contacting surfaces are chemically 'inert'. It is well known that ZDDP is more prone to form a thin tribo-layer on the steel surface than on DLC surface (Nicholls et al., 2005; Zhang and Spikes, 2016) . In this study, the large decrease of wear of DLC surface in steel/DLC contact was due to the ZDDP derived tribo-layer formed on the steel counterpart that kept apart the steel and DLC surface and prevented the iron-carbon thermo-chemical interaction. But the presence of fracture and pitting on the rubbed DLC surface of steel/DLC contacts indicates that the tribo-layer formed on the counter steel surface was of brittle nature, see Figure 6 (b). Moreover, some loose particles were found on the rubbed DLC surfaces, but however, no sign of smear of them was observed. The lowest wear was observed in DLC/DLC contact under additivated oil and this was due to the passivation of DLC surfaces by additives, and generation of repulsive interaction between interacting surfaces because of anti-bonding behaviour (Tasdemir et al., 2013) . No fracture or breaking of coating, or adhesive wear was observed on the rubbed surface.

It is well known that ZDDP is more prone to form a thin tribo-layer on the steel surface than on DLC surface.

The lowest wear was observed in DLC/DLC contact under additivated oil and this was due to the passivation of DLC surfaces by additives, and generation of repulsive interaction between interacting surfaces because of anti-bonding behaviour.


Many accounting variables represent estimates of future outcomes. For example, the bad debt expense, pension liabilities, and depreciation expense all reflect managers' estimates of the future. In fact, many accounting variables are labeled as estimates, such as earnings forecasts and estimated contingent liabilities. Therefore decision-making under conditions of uncertainty is of fundamental importance in accounting. When individuals make predictions they must form beliefs about unknown parameters (Von Neumann and Morgenstern 1967) .

When individuals make predictions they must form beliefs about unknown parameters.


This entails estimation risk. Estimation risk matters because it alters the behavior of risk-averse individuals (Klein and Bawa 1976) . This study shows that estimation risk has a large impact on the degree of conservatism exhibited by risk-averse auditors.

This entails estimation risk.

Estimation risk matters because it alters the behavior of risk-averse individuals.


For parabolic subgroups of a reductive group, the conjugacy classes contained in the unipotent radical were first investigated by Richardson, Röhrle, and Steinberg [16] . A series of papers on this subject have been written by Hille, Jürgens, Popov, and Röhrle [6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20] . Some of their results use matrix problems similar to the ones discussed here.

For parabolic subgroups of a reductive group, the conjugacy classes contained in the unipotent radical were first investigated by Richardson, Röhrle, and Steinberg.

A series of papers on this subject have been written by Hille, Jürgens, Popov, and Röhrle.


This work demonstrates the utility of the anti-CEA scFv-Fc (H310A) antibody fragment for imaging pancreas cancer with possible applications for therapy. We show the in vivo imaging potential and targeting capability of this antibody fragment in pancreatic cancer xenografts. Although CEA expression appears to be similar between our xenografts and the majority of human pancreas cancer specimens, data from xenograft models are limited secondary to lack of a competent immune system. Historically, the majority of murine monoclonal antibodies have failed to be translated to the clinical setting because of the human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) response. This resulted in the advent of chimeric antibodies with murine variable regions (V L and V h ) and human constant domains (C H 2 and C H 3) as well as humanized and fully human antibodies. Of note, the anti-CEA scFv-Fc (H310A) antibody fragment is a chimeric protein, which should decrease the incidence of the HAMA response, although it may still occur with repeated administration of the protein [24] .

Of note, the anti-CEA scFv-Fc (H310A) antibody fragment is a chimeric protein, which should decrease the incidence of the HAMA response, although it may still occur with repeated administration of the protein.


Classification of objects is an important area of research and of practical applications in a variety of fields, including pattern recognition and artificial intelligence, statistics, cognitive psychology, vision analysis and medicine (Keller et al., 1985; Hunt, 1975) . There are numerous machine learning techniques that have been developed and investigated for classification. However, in many pattern recognition problems, the classification of an input pattern is based on the data where the respective sample size of each class is small. Moreover, the sample may possibly not be representative of the actual probability distribution, even if it is known (Keller et al., 1985) . In such cases, there are many techniques that work on similarity and distance in feature space, for instance, clustering and discriminate analysis (Duba and Hart, 1973) . In many areas, the K-Nearest Neighbour (K-NN) algorithm is used for classification of instances. K-NN is the simplest clustering technique with low complexity. This decision rule provides a simple nonparametric procedure for the assignment of a class label to the input pattern based on the class labels represented by the k-nearest neighbour of the vector. K-NN classification is more suitable for those problem domains characterized by data that is only partially exposed to the system prior to employment (Whitney and Dwyer III, 1966; Dasarathy, 1980) .

Classification of objects is an important area of research and of practical applications in a variety of fields, including pattern recognition and artificial intelligence, statistics, cognitive psychology, vision analysis and medicine.

Moreover, the sample may possibly not be representative of the actual probability distribution, even if it is known.

In such cases, there are many techniques that work on similarity and distance in feature space, for instance, clustering and discriminate analysis.

K-NN classification is more suitable for those problem domains characterized by data that is only partially exposed to the system prior to employment.


Steam-curing 60 ∘ C C -S t e 6 0 80 ∘ C C -S t e 8 0 than that of GFRP bars conditioned in an alkaline solution. The practical application and experimental studies showed that the traditional accelerated test results cannot reflect the long-term performance of FRP in concrete [17] . In ACI440.1R-15, it points out that the relationships between data on bare bars and data on bars embedded in concrete are affected by additional variables, such as the degree of protection offered to the bars by the concrete [18] . These reports indicated that the data on GFRP bars embedded in concrete were more accurate in the prediction and design guidance of GFRP bars reinforced concrete. The exponential correlation equation of two different test methods is established to extend previous researches and provide a more reliable basis for the tensile properties degradation of GFRP bars. Therefore, the specimens used in experiments included GFRP bars embedded in concrete and the GFRP bare bars to highlight the influence of alkaline concrete on the tensile properties of GFRP bars.

The practical application and experimental studies showed that the traditional accelerated test results cannot reflect the long-term performance of FRP in concrete.

In ACI440.1R-15, it points out that the relationships between data on bare bars and data on bars embedded in concrete are affected by additional variables, such as the degree of protection offered to the bars by the concrete.


High moisture leads to decreased substrate porosity, which prevents oxygen penetration. On the other hand, low moisture may lead to poor accessibility of nutrients, resulting in poor microbial growth (PANDEY, 2003) . Although the water activity of the medium could be attributed to the mass transfer of water and solutes across the microbial cells, its effect on enzyme production was lower compared with temperature and fermentation duration (Figure 1 ). Nutrient levels and culture conditions required for microbial growth and enzyme production are affected by fermentation. The production of enzymes is slow at the start of fermentation and then accelerates until it reaches a maximum. From there the high concentration of products inhibits enzyme activity through negative feedback (GOMES et al., 2000; CAMASSOLA et al., 2004; OMEMU et al., 2005) .

On the other hand, low moisture may lead to poor accessibility of nutrients, resulting in poor microbial growth.

From there the high concentration of products inhibits enzyme activity through negative feedback.


Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious, prothrombotic, immune-mediated adverse reaction triggered by heparin therapy [1] . HIT is more often caused by unfractionated heparin than by low-molecular-weight heparin [2] . In HIT, antibodies of immunoglobulin G class bind to a complex of heparin and platelet factor 4, resulting in platelet activation and excessive thrombin generation, leading to thrombocytopenia, a hypercoagulable state, and often to thrombosis. Unless alternative anticoagulation is initiated, the risk of arterial or venous thromboembolic complications in HIT is about 30% to 75% of cases, leading to limb amputations in 10% to 20% and to death in 20% to 30% of cases [3] [4] [5] [6] . If platelet count decreases to ≥50% or thrombosis occurs between day 5 and 14 of heparin therapy, or both, HIT should be suspected [7] . In patients with recent heparin exposure within the previous 100 days, clinically significant HIT antibodies may still circulate and can therefore cause an abrupt decrease in platelet count with restarting of heparin treatment [8] .

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious, prothrombotic, immune-mediated adverse reaction triggered by heparin therapy.

HIT is more often caused by unfractionated heparin than by low-molecular-weight heparin.

Unless alternative anticoagulation is initiated, the risk of arterial or venous thromboembolic complications in HIT is about 30% to 75% of cases, leading to limb amputations in 10% to 20% and to death in 20% to 30% of cases.

If platelet count decreases to ≥50% or thrombosis occurs between day 5 and 14 of heparin therapy, or both, HIT should be suspected.

In patients with recent heparin exposure within the previous 100 days, clinically significant HIT antibodies may still circulate and can therefore cause an abrupt decrease in platelet count with restarting of heparin treatment.


Bubble generation in low gravity environments is a key issue which requires an accurate control. This implies a good knowledge of the interface geometry and the generation of bubbles in a regular way with the smallest possible size dispersion. In this work we focus on the analysis of the formation of a train of bubbles by means of the cross flow generated in a capillary T-shaped junction [4] [5] [6] [7] . In this bubble generator, gas is injected from a capillary into another capillary in a perpendicular direction in which liquid is flowing (see Fig. 1 ). We consider here the simplest case, in which both capillaries have the same circular cross-section of 1 mm i.d. Bubbles are generated as a result of the competition between the involved forces, being capillary forces predominant over inertia and buoyancy.

In this work we focus on the analysis of the formation of a train of bubbles by means of the cross flow generated in a capillary T-shaped junction.


In the recent years, a growing interest in the study of gas-liquid flows has arisen as a consequence of their promising technological applications in space [1] [2] [3] . Replacing the widely used single-phase for two-phase systems could lead to an improvement in performance as well as to significant reductions in weight in different fields such as power generation and life support. A good understanding of the behavior of the gas-liquid interfaces is the cornerstone of these new technologies.

In the recent years, a growing interest in the study of gas-liquid flows has arisen as a consequence of their promising technological applications in space.


The numerical code JADIM developed in the Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse (IMFT) has been applied to a variety of fluid dynamics problems [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] . The Volume of Fluid (VoF) module of JADIM is able to perform local analyses of deformable two phase interfaces by resolving the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible fluids in non-stationary problems. An Eulerian description of each phase is applied on a fixed grid and fluids are supposed to be Newtonian. The interface is calculated by means of the transport equation of the local volume fraction of one phase, being the surface tension constant and uniform along the interface in the absence of thermal exchange.

The numerical code JADIM developed in the Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse (IMFT) has been applied to a variety of fluid dynamics problems.


A recommender system is a software tool that supports users in identifying interesting items, especially among large numbers of items. The popular approaches used in recommender systems are collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and hybrid filtering. Collaborative filtering identifies the interesting items from other similar users' opinions by calculating the nearest neighbor (i.e. top-N users that have a similar rating pattern) from a rating matrix. New items that are of interest to the nearest neighbor and that have not been rated by the users will be recommended to them. In contrast, content-based filtering uses features of items to infer recommendations. Hence, items with similar content to the current viewing item will be recommended to the active user (Felfernig, Friedrich & Schmidt-Thieme, 2007) . Hybrid filtering on the other hand combines both content-based filtering and collaborative filtering techniques to produce a recommendation (Adomavicius & Tuzhilin, 2005) . Recommender systems in e-learning can differ in many ways depending on the kind of object to be recommended, such as course to enrol, learning materials, and so forth, and whether the context of learning is considered important (Liang, Weining & Junzhou, 2006; Soonthornphisaj, Rojsattarat & Yim-ngam, 2006; Tang & McCalla, 2003) .

Hence, items with similar content to the current viewing item will be recommended to the active user.

Hybrid filtering on the other hand combines both content-based filtering and collaborative filtering techniques to produce a recommendation.

Recommender systems in e-learning can differ in many ways depending on the kind of object to be recommended, such as course to enrol, learning materials, and so forth, and whether the context of learning is considered important.


We found that model (e) fails to serve as a candidate for Techinicolor/Higgs sector since it has a divergent S-parameter. In the rest of the models considered we found a positive S-parameter which is linear in N T C that is S = sN T C . In models (c), (d) and (f) s is just a numerical factor independent of λ T C where Λ T C = g 2 T C N T C . However, in the Sakai Sugimoto model and its AHJK cousin s was found to be linear in λ T C (see table (1) ). Recall that the results are valid in the large N T C and large λ T C limit.

However, in the Sakai Sugimoto model and its AHJK cousin s was found to be linear in λ T C (see table).


The LC depth in the patients with CON was smaller than that in the glaucoma group, but this is not a useful diagnostic parameter in detecting CON with glaucoma-like discs. In our study, we measured the LC depth as the distance between the BMO and the anterior surface of the LC, as has been previously reported [18] . However, the use of the BMO as a reference plane for deep optic nerve structures may be influenced by the choroidal thickness [37] . In fact, the peripapillary choroidal thickness has been reported to be thinner in patients with normal tension glaucoma compared to normal subjects [38] . Although there was no significant difference in the cpCT between the CON and glaucoma groups in the present study, the difference of choroidal thickness could underestimate the differences between CON and glaucoma.

In our study, we measured the LC depth as the distance between the BMO and the anterior surface of the LC, as has been previously reported.

However, the use of the BMO as a reference plane for deep optic nerve structures may be influenced by the choroidal thickness.

In fact, the peripapillary choroidal thickness has been reported to be thinner in patients with normal tension glaucoma compared to normal subjects.


Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is a subtropical vine in cucurbitaceous species that widely distributed in south Asia, Africa and Latin America (Ahmed et al., 2001) . It is well-known that seeds, aerial parts and unripe fruits of Momordica charantia contain biologically active compounds that have been used to treat diabetes in various parts of the world (Alam et al., 2009; Joseph and Jini, 2013) . Other use of this plant can be seen from the recently review (Krishna et al., 2011; Tuan et al., 2011) . Like other traditional fruits, fresh Momordica charantia is prone to perish because of its high moisture content (Shih et al., 2009) . To reduce the water and microbiological activity of the material, hot air drying method might be the most important method of food preservation, improving the food stability and reducing transportation and storage costs (Ratti, 2001) .

Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is a subtropical vine in cucurbitaceous species that widely distributed in south Asia, Africa and Latin America.

It is well-known that seeds, aerial parts and unripe fruits of Momordica charantia contain biologically active compounds that have been used to treat diabetes in various parts of the world.

Other use of this plant can be seen from the recently review.

Like other traditional fruits, fresh Momordica charantia is prone to perish because of its high moisture content.

To reduce the water and microbiological activity of the material, hot air drying method might be the most important method of food preservation, improving the food stability and reducing transportation and storage costs.


Functional encopresis (FE) is a common, under-treated and often over-interpreted elimination disorder in children. Although all forms of incontinence require evaluation and treatment, when left untreated FE is more likely than other forms, such as enuresis, to lead to serious and potentially lifethreatening medical sequelae and impaired social acceptance, relations, and development. The reasons for the medical sequelae will be summarized briefly below. The primary reason for the social impairment is that soiling evokes more revulsion from peers, parents, and caretakers than other forms of incontinence (and most other behavior problems). As an example, severe corporal punishment for fecal accidents was still recommended by professionals in the late 19 th century (Henoch, 1889) . Evidence-based practices in the treatment of FE have evolved substantially since then, but the approaches by lay persons (and still some professionals) have not kept pace. Children with FE are still frequently shamed, blamed, and punished for a condition that is most often beyond their control (Christophersen & Friman, 2004; Friman, 2003; Friman & Jones, 1998; Levine, 1982) .

As an example, severe corporal punishment for fecal accidents was still recommended by professionals in the late 19 th century.

Children with FE are still frequently shamed, blamed, and punished for a condition that is most often beyond their control.


These plastic materials can be modeled into a variety of products for a wide range of applications due to the fact that thermoplastic polymers are inexpensive, lightweight and durable. In the last decades, the production of plastics has increased significantly causing a big problem in the whole world regarding the discarded end-of-life plastics which are accumulated as debris in landfills and in natural habitats worldwide and by the management methods related to constantly growing resources of plastics. In the last years, the problem of recycled plastics was attempted to be solved by several methods (such as mechanical recycling or chemical recycling) leading to products ready to be used in determined conditions, in the most economic, ecological and rational way [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] . The purpose of this review is to present the advantages and disadvantages of thermoplastic polymers used in industrial applications, the processes used in the recycling and perspectives for a green bio-industry.

In the last years, the problem of recycled plastics was attempted to be solved by several methods (such as mechanical recycling or chemical recycling) leading to products ready to be used in determined conditions, in the most economic, ecological and rational way.


A different notation of P n,2k , Σ n,2k and Q n,2k respectively was employed by Reznick in the study of these cones [12] . The cones are clearly nested: Lf n,2k ⊆ Sq n,2k ⊆ C n,2k . It is known that for quadratic forms these cones coincide. Moreover, it is not hard to show that in all other cases there are sums of squares 1 that are not 2k-th powers of linear forms. Hilbert proved that in the cases n = 2, k = 1 and, n = 3 and k = 2, a nonnegative polynomial is necessarily a sum of squares; in all other cases there exist nonnegative polynomials that are not sums of squares [7] . The situation with respect to containment has therefore been completely known for a long time.

A different notation of P n,2k , Σ n,2k and Q n,2k respectively was employed by Reznick in the study of these cones.

Hilbert proved that in the cases n = 2, k = 1 and, n = 3 and k = 2, a nonnegative polynomial is necessarily a sum of squares; in all other cases there exist nonnegative polynomials that are not sums of squares.


Erasure codes have been extensively applied as pure FEC codes for improving the data transmission reliability in terrestrial wireless sensor networks [7, 8, 29, 30] . From our detailed literature survey, it has been concluded that no prior work has appeared on combining RS erasure code based FEC with selective ARQ in a multihop UASN. The aim of this paper is to design a hybrid ARQ scheme that employs hop by hop erasure coding technique to achieve reliability over each hop in a UASN. In this case, each sender node along the multi-hop path adaptively computes the number of redundant packets required to meet a given successful decoding probability criterion over its immediate neighbor hop based on the perceived packet error rate (PER) over the hop. The FEC scheme is integrated with hop by hop ARQ in which the sender-receiver pair of each hop exchange ACK and NACK packets. While the ACK packet indicates successful block transmission, the NACK packet from the receiver indicates decoding failure and can be used by the sender to find the number of additional packets required for successful decoding. The NACK packets can also be used to extract the current PER information of the corresponding hop. In this way, the source node can make correct decision on the number of packets to be sent out during the retransmission phase to guarantee that the next hop node is able to recover the message block.

Erasure codes have been extensively applied as pure FEC codes for improving the data transmission reliability in terrestrial wireless sensor networks.


Hybrid ARQ schemes, which combine FEC with hopby-hop retransmission upon failure, are promising candidates for ensuring reliability in UASNs. In this paper, we propose and investigate erasure codes based hybrid ARQ scheme for reliable data transfer in UASNs [4] . The proposed scheme combines Reed-Solomon (RS) erasure codes based FEC with hop-by-hop selective retransmission scheme. Erasure codes form a class of packet level redundancy based FEC scheme that can be used to deal with packet erasures and losses in the network. In this case, m packets from a source are encoded to generate m + k encoded packets in such a way that any subset of m encoded packets are just enough to reconstruct the original data, thus allowing the receiver to recover from k packet losses in a group of (m + k) encoded packets [9] . If more than k packets are lost, the proposed scheme makes use of a hop-by-hop selective retransmission scheme for ensuring reliability. With the help of NACK packets, the receiver of each hop notifies the corresponding sender, the number of data packets missing at the receiver and therefore the sender can decide how many packets need to be retransmitted for successful decoding. We use systematic RS codes as erasure codes with simplified encoding and decoding procedures. The rest of this paper is organized as follows. In Section 2, we provide the literature survey. Section 3 gives an introduction on RS based erasure codes. Section 4 describes the proposed protocol. Section 5 describes the analytical models for evaluating the performance of the proposed scheme. The simulation results are described in Section 6. Finally, the paper is concluded in Section 7.

In this paper, we propose and investigate erasure codes based hybrid ARQ scheme for reliable data transfer in UASNs.

In this case, m packets from a source are encoded to generate m + k encoded packets in such a way that any subset of m encoded packets are just enough to reconstruct the original data, thus allowing the receiver to recover from k packet losses in a group of (m + k) encoded packets.


Due to their interesting features, metamaterial covers have been widely used in antenna engineering [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . Two important features of metamaterial covers are increasing of the transmission rate and control of the direction of the transmission which enable one to design directive antennas. However, a considerable part of research at microwave frequencies is focused on isotropic metamaterial covers that are independent on polarization states. Polarization-dependent surfaces have recently found useful applications in changing the polarization state of the incident wave [6] [7] [8] [9] . For a traditional metamaterial cover, the transmission phase remains the same regardless of the xor y-polarization state of the incident plane wave. In contrast, the transmission phase of a PDMTM cover is a function of both frequency and polarization state. Hence, when a PDMTM cover is employed as a director, the polarization state of the transmitted wave is fully characterized by the transmission phase difference between the x-and y-polarizations and the polarization state of the incident wave. And thus a proper phase difference between x-and y-polarized waves leads to a desired change in the polarization state of the transmitted wave.

Due to their interesting features, metamaterial covers have been widely used in antenna engineering.

Polarization-dependent surfaces have recently found useful applications in changing the polarization state of the incident wave.


For example, competencies such as communication skills and empathy are difficult to measure because there are few standardized instruments or methods to measure them. Even in the knowledge and attitude domains that have relatively objective and concrete assessment methods, there are neither commonly used instruments nor methods to measure specific competencies, such as critical thinking and clinical reasoning competencies, nor methods to measure the students' current progressive levels. Thus, in the absence of a recommended set of assessment instruments for each of the terminal competencies in each school, the self-assessment method in which the students themselves evaluate their own competence is recommended as a useful and meaningful competency evaluation method [4, 5] .

Thus, in the absence of a recommended set of assessment instruments for each of the terminal competencies in each school, the self-assessment method in which the students themselves evaluate their own competence is recommended as a useful and meaningful competency evaluation method.


The different types of dietary fiber have been studied alone or combined with other ingredients for formulations of meat products. The technological effect on foods differs according to the quantity and nature of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber sources such as makgeolli lees are not only desirable for their nutritional properties, but also for their functional and technological properties (Cho and Lee, 1996) . However, no studies have yet been reported on the dietary fiber extracted from makgeolli lees into chicken meat emulsion systems.

Dietary fiber sources such as makgeolli lees are not only desirable for their nutritional properties, but also for their functional and technological properties.


Male courtship signals are generally formed by sexual selection to increase male conspicuousness (Andersson, 1994) . Increased conspicuousness normally comes along with increased conspicuousness to predators (Andersson, 1994) . Private sexual signals can be developed without being restricted by predation (Endler, 1982) . UV-reflectance patterns could support private signalling when predators are insensitive to ultraviolet light or when the dis- tance between prey and predator is usually too great for detection of UVsignals (Losey et al., 1999) .

Male courtship signals are generally formed by sexual selection to increase male conspicuousness.

Increased conspicuousness normally comes along with increased conspicuousness to predators.

Private sexual signals can be developed without being restricted by predation.

UV-reflectance patterns could support private signalling when predators are insensitive to ultraviolet light or when the dis- tance between prey and predator is usually too great for detection of UVsignals.


Therefore, serial ctDNA quantification in clinical patients diagnosed with primary HNSCC of all stages is needed to clarify its significance for posttreatment disease monitoring and the possible advantages of its specific application with respect to early tumor detection in relation to current clinical diagnostics [50] . Tumor heterogeneity could further complicate monitoring tumor burden through ctDNA detection, because intratumoral heterogeneity of the primary tumor induces branched tumor evolution of subclonal populations harboring different molecular alterations [51] . This could lead to increased clonal heterogeneity between primary tumor and matched metastatic or recurrent tumors, risking mistargeting of ctDNA. However, as early driver TP53 mutations show high concordance between primary and recurrent and/or metastatic tumors, these may hold promise as most reliable targets for ctDNA detection and for early tumor detection of HNSCC recurrences [21] .

Therefore, serial ctDNA quantification in clinical patients diagnosed with primary HNSCC of all stages is needed to clarify its significance for posttreatment disease monitoring and the possible advantages of its specific application with respect to early tumor detection in relation to current clinical diagnostics.

Tumor heterogeneity could further complicate monitoring tumor burden through ctDNA detection, because intratumoral heterogeneity of the primary tumor induces branched tumor evolution of subclonal populations harboring different molecular alterations.

However, as early driver TP53 mutations show high concordance between primary and recurrent and/or metastatic tumors, these may hold promise as most reliable targets for ctDNA detection and for early tumor detection of HNSCC recurrences.


In Europe, the main reason for designing new energy market rules is to facilitate achievement of a well functioning European Internal Energy Market (IEM). This is often referred to as the Target Model for the electricity market and consists of rules governing relevant market time frames. These time frames are covered in the network codes on Electricity Balancing, Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management, and the Forward Capacity Allocation. In this setting the forward capacity allocation code stipulates the rules governing the auctioning of hedging instruments by TSOs enabling hedging of price differences. Financial and physical transmission rights, abbreviated FTR 1 and PTR respectively, are playing an essential role in shaping these market network rules (Rosellón & Kristiansen, 2013) . Some of the key objectives behind introducing tradable transmission rights are promotion of efficiency in cross-border transmission infrastructure, promotion of cross-border competition in generation, mitigation of market power in generation, facilitation of investments in crossborder transmission capacity, risk allocation to TSOs, and accommodation of intermittent generation (Newbery & Strbac, 2011) .

Financial and physical transmission rights, abbreviated FTR 1 and PTR respectively, are playing an essential role in shaping these market network rules.

Some of the key objectives behind introducing tradable transmission rights are promotion of efficiency in cross-border transmission infrastructure, promotion of cross-border competition in generation, mitigation of market power in generation, facilitation of investments in crossborder transmission capacity, risk allocation to TSOs, and accommodation of intermittent generation.


Underwater image capturing is very important for the scientist. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Remotely Operated Vehicles are used for taking the images such as underwater mines, shipwrecks, coral reefs, pipelines, ocean engineering, monitoring sea life in the sense of geological and biological interpretation and navigation purpose [1] , [2] , [3] . In underwater environment various hazy images occur, caused by light that is reflected from a surface and is scattered by water particles. Underwater images are dominated by blue color, because of varying degrees of attenuation for different wavelengths i.e. red, green and blue [4] - [6] . This lowers the visibility and contrast.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Remotely Operated Vehicles are used for taking the images such as underwater mines, shipwrecks, coral reefs, pipelines, ocean engineering, monitoring sea life in the sense of geological and biological interpretation and navigation purpose.

Underwater images are dominated by blue color, because of varying degrees of attenuation for different wavelengths i.e. red, green and blue.


In related experiments, L. nigrinus demonstrated behavioral modiÞcation to hemlock/HWA odors, whereas P. tsugae failed to respond (Broeckling and Salom 2002) . The behavioral results are largely in agreement with the morphological data. We wish to further examine the role of olfaction in L. nigrinus through electrophysiological assays and additional behavioral examinations; however, we do not see promise in using olfactory cues in a sampling procedure for P. tsugae.

In related experiments, L. nigrinus demonstrated behavioral modiÞcation to hemlock/HWA odors, whereas P. tsugae failed to respond.


All age categories, including suckling piglets, older piglets and pigs are prone to disease caused by S. suis. Animals at different production stages harbored isolates with similar phenotypic and genetic profiles, highlighting the importance of healthy animals in the maintenance of strains responsible for outbreaks of clinical disease (Luque et al., 2010) . Even if pigs are infected with S. suis, the emergence of a clinically apparent disease varies periodically and is generally below 5% (Sihvonen et al., 1988) .

Animals at different production stages harbored isolates with similar phenotypic and genetic profiles, highlighting the importance of healthy animals in the maintenance of strains responsible for outbreaks of clinical disease.

Even if pigs are infected with S. suis, the emergence of a clinically apparent disease varies periodically and is generally below 5%.


Chongqing is one of the largest cities located in the western China, with a total population of over 30 million. The prevalence of diabetes in Chongqing was 10.7% in 2014 [8] . In 2010, the two schemes, URBMI and NCMS were integrated in one scheme, named as Urban-rural Residence Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) in Chongqing. This scheme and UEBMI have a targeted disease reimbursement program to provide a higher level of reimbursement for outpatient care for 20 priority disease, including DM [5] . In line with the national plan for NCDs management and treatment, the provincial government has issued a practice guideline targeting on management of elder people and patients with Type 2 DM and hypertension, which has introduced a set of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of NCDs management [9] . Regarding the diabetic case management, the guideline recommended one face-to-face visit every quarter and a comprehensive check-up and in a year (including routine blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram, liver and kidney function examinations, HbA1c test and diabetic eyes screening).

The prevalence of diabetes in Chongqing was 10.7% in 2014.

This scheme and UEBMI have a targeted disease reimbursement program to provide a higher level of reimbursement for outpatient care for 20 priority disease, including DM.

In line with the national plan for NCDs management and treatment, the provincial government has issued a practice guideline targeting on management of elder people and patients with Type 2 DM and hypertension, which has introduced a set of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of NCDs management.


Gamma-emitting contamination from 65 Zn deposits was detected in a vacuum pumping system after a thermal treatment of irradiated objects [1] . Select deposits were analyzed, and it was determined that the source of the contamination was vapor deposition of small amounts of activated zinc from residual elements in the irradiated objects. The deposits were characterized for shape and adhesion as described in Ref [1] .

Gamma-emitting contamination from 65 Zn deposits was detected in a vacuum pumping system after a thermal treatment of irradiated objects.

The deposits were characterized for shape and adhesion as described in Ref.


Thus, it is demonstrated that the vapor-deposited material's morphology is affected or potentially modified by the deposition conditions. In general, higher-temperature substrate conditions result in dense, adherent coatings being deposited, and as the substrate temperature is decreased, the morphology is modified and can become loosely adherent or form nonadherent particles [3] . In order to determine what type of trap would be effective to capture the zinc vapor, simple test apparatuses were designed and built, which could moderate the vaporization temperature and substrate temperature to achieve the desired trapping conditions. These systems were used to determine the effects of inert substrate temperature, filter pore size, and filter temperature on the trapping efficacy.

In general, higher-temperature substrate conditions result in dense, adherent coatings being deposited, and as the substrate temperature is decreased, the morphology is modified and can become loosely adherent or form nonadherent particles.


Higher average flux of charged particles and significantly lower thermal loading of the treated sample are the main advantages of plasma operating in modulated or pulsed regime over continuous wave (CW) plasma at the same average power. These positive effects result from the non-linear behaviour of the plasma. Moreover, studying the plasma kinetics in modulated and pulsed discharges offer the possibility to understand the mechanisms and processes involved from a fundamental point of view. Plentiful articles have already been published on plasma kinetics of active species in plasma, using time resolved measurements [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] .

Plentiful articles have already been published on plasma kinetics of active species in plasma, using time resolved measurements.


Tidal Stream Turbine (TST) technology has been in the early stage developmental phase for a number of years, as engineering challenges in designing for extreme operating environments, combined with political and environmental factors has limited the rate of maturity. One of the earliest landmark projects was the MCT SeaGen, a 1.2 MW twin rotor device installed in the Strangford Loch, Northern Ireland in 2008, due to be decommissioned this year after generating 10 GW h electricity (ReNews, 2016) . Despite hindrances in the industry, recent progression has led to the deployment of full scale arrays around the UK and France. Although there are many designs of tidal energy converters, the industry appears to have converged upon two configurations, which have seen the furthest advancement to date in terms of commercial scale deployment.

One of the earliest landmark projects was the MCT SeaGen, a 1.2 MW twin rotor device installed in the Strangford Loch, Northern Ireland in 2008, due to be decommissioned this year after generating 10 GW h electricity.


The principles of BEMT are well defined in the literature, where this section aims to give a brief outline of the methodology. For further details and full derivations, the reader is referred to the following texts (Burton et al., 2011; DNV GL Garrad Hassan, 2012; Moriarty and Hansen, 2005) . Section 2.1 describes the BEMT model for a classical 3 bladed, bare turbine, with Section 2.2 outlining the adaptations based on an analytical framework to account for the presence of a duct. Section 2.3 defines output parameters that are used to validate the two models, with Sections 2.4 and 2.5 defining various correction factors in order to account for physical occurrences that are neglected in the BEMT.

For further details and full derivations, the reader is referred to the following texts.


Intermodal freight transport is a term for describing the movement of goods using one and the same loading unit or vehicle which employs successive and different modes of transport (road, rail, water) without any handling of the goods themselves during transfers between modes [6] . In the intermodal rail-road mode, road transport is used to collect and distribute freight, while rail is also harnessed for the long-haul or terminal-to-terminal trip. Freight forwarders offer consolidation and multimodal services, expertise in trade transactions and influence transport mode selection [7] . Significant for intermodal transport is the point-to-point bundling concept that implies that all load units placed on a train at the terminal of origin have the same destination terminal and that only intermodal transport and loading units (containers, swap bodies, and semitrailers) are used. To promote the intermodal transport, the rail terminals at both ends can be facilitated by consolidation centers [8] . Intermodal transport takes advantage of the combination of rail and road and consists of drayage in the market area of origin, rail haul in the long-haul part of the transport chain, and drayage in the market area of the destination.

Intermodal freight transport is a term for describing the movement of goods using one and the same loading unit or vehicle which employs successive and different modes of transport (road, rail, water) without any handling of the goods themselves during transfers between modes.

Freight forwarders offer consolidation and multimodal services, expertise in trade transactions and influence transport mode selection.

To promote the intermodal transport, the rail terminals at both ends can be facilitated by consolidation centers.


The med-climate is typically defined by the high seasonality in the precipitation and temperature patterns that occur annually, with hot and dry summers, and cool and wet winters predominating (Fig. 1) . The annual precipitation of the med-climate areas worldwide ranges generally from 300 to 900 mm/year, with most rainfall occurring during winter months although in some med-regions spring and autumn rains often occur (Miller, 1983) . Summer storms can be also frequent especially in the southern hemisphere, whereas in most northern hemisphere med-regions summers are completely free of rain (Cowling et al., 2005) . Winter temperatures in medregions are generally mild (7-13°C) with infrequent frosts and snow, whereas summers are typically hot, with a mean temperature of 14-25°C (Paskoff, 1973) .

The annual precipitation of the med-climate areas worldwide ranges generally from 300 to 900 mm/year, with most rainfall occurring during winter months although in some med-regions spring and autumn rains often occur.

Summer storms can be also frequent especially in the southern hemisphere, whereas in most northern hemisphere med-regions summers are completely free of rain.

Winter temperatures in medregions are generally mild (7-13°C) with infrequent frosts and snow, whereas summers are typically hot, with a mean temperature of 14-25°C.


The findings of this research are also confirmed by Thitivesa. Project work could be viewed as the natural language learning context, in which language learning, writing in particular, is contextualized and presented in the way that learning becomes integrated with the task of communication about some theme [14] . Project-based Learning improves students' writing skill since it place an emphasis on communication, students focus their attention on conveying their message and, at the same time, apply knowledge of conventions to their writing. The conventions are used at various points in the project and practiced in authentic context.

Project work could be viewed as the natural language learning context, in which language learning, writing in particular, is contextualized and presented in the way that learning becomes integrated with the task of communication about some theme.


Furthermore, the similar result was also found in Foulger and Jimenez-Silva's research which Project-based classrooms integrated technology within an environment where writing development was of concern. The study reported that via project-based learning, writing embedded in natural settings that helped create increased levels of language cognition -attention to topic organization, awareness raising on linguistic features, vocabulary and word choice, genre principles, and sentence formation for a variety of purposes are processed all at the same time [13] . It supported the findings of this research in which Project-based Learning gives opportunity for the students to practice more for their academic achievement.

The study reported that via project-based learning, writing embedded in natural settings that helped create increased levels of language cognition -attention to topic organization, awareness raising on linguistic features, vocabulary and word choice, genre principles, and sentence formation for a variety of purposes are processed all at the same time.


A wide variety of instructional activities claim to be based on constructivist learning theory. One of the applicable teaching and learning model which is based on constructivist learning theory is Project-Based Learning. In its simplest definition, Project-Based Learning is a learning model that focused on activities which attempt to produce learning product through project works. It is considered to be an approach and means to achieve the 21st century skills [4] . As the supports of 21st century education, the concept of Four Cs are considered important in the classroom [5] . The Four Cs include critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation. Projectbased Learning potentially promotes these expected skills due to its learning activities. Project-Based Learning allows the learners work together with hands-on experience in an authentic and meaningful context [6] . When the learner sees the language that can be used in their lives and is applicable to their task or need, they can develop their language skills and communicative competence and gain confidence, co-operation, imagination independence and self-discipline. Moving away from rote learning and memorization, Project-based Learning builds on individual strengths, and allows individuals to explore their interests and ability. It is a process of learning that students are responsible for their own education [7] . Project-Based Learning provides opportunity to create productive and enjoyable classroom atmosphere through the integration of students' knowledge, attitude, and skills.

It is considered to be an approach and means to achieve the 21st century skills.

As the supports of 21st century education, the concept of Four Cs are considered important in the classroom.

Project-Based Learning allows the learners work together with hands-on experience in an authentic and meaningful context.

It is a process of learning that students are responsible for their own education.


In its implementation, Project-based Learning is not only expected to create enjoyable classroom, but also give opportunity for students to improve their English skill. One of the skills that should be mastered in English subject is writing. Writing is a cognitive domainbased skill which involves learning, comprehension, application and synthesis of new knowledge [8] . Writing does not only require following the writing conventions, but also involving creative inspiration, problem-solving, reflection and revision that results in a completed manuscript. As a continuous activity, there are two approaches in writing; namely product approach and process approach [9] . Product approach is one approach in writing that expects the students to only analyze texts in terms of what language they used, and how they were constructed. Process writing is a way of looking at what people do when they compose written text. Thus, writing involves a complex process in which the students should become proficient.

Writing is a cognitive domainbased skill which involves learning, comprehension, application and synthesis of new knowledge.

As a continuous activity, there are two approaches in writing; namely product approach and process approach.


In addition, Project-based Learning potentially promote students' critical thinking, communication, and creativity through collaborative work which benefit on students' writing skill. Project-based Learning creates a pathway for students to explore, inquire, and create [15] . Thus, Project-based Learning provides learning environment that fosters writing skill.

Project-based Learning creates a pathway for students to explore, inquire, and create.


One of fundamental learning theories that have been highly considered for the 21 st century learning foundation is Constructivism. It is a philosophy of learning that the students' learning occurs when the new knowledge is presented in relation to the previous knowledge within an effective teaching environment [1] . In this viewpoint, the new knowledge is practiced through experiences. The students create their understanding of the world they live in by reflecting on their own personal experiences [2] . They play major role to develop and build their own knowledge through active participation during the process of learning. Regarding this, teachers should take into account what students know. Teachers build on the students' prior knowledge and allow students to put their knowledge into practice [3] . In other words, it is the students themselves who have responsibility for their own learning.

It is a philosophy of learning that the students' learning occurs when the new knowledge is presented in relation to the previous knowledge within an effective teaching environment.

The students create their understanding of the world they live in by reflecting on their own personal experiences.

Teachers build on the students' prior knowledge and allow students to put their knowledge into practice.


The previous elaboration indicated that this research found a significant effect of Project Based Learning on students' writing skill. The significant effect can be seen from the improvement of students' writing score after the implementation of Project-Based Learning. This finding was in line with a study conducted by Bas which found out that Project-Based Learning was more effective in the positive development of the students' academic achievement levels [12] . It was also showed a significant difference between the attitude scores of the experiment group and the control group.

This finding was in line with a study conducted by Bas which found out that Project-Based Learning was more effective in the positive development of the students' academic achievement levels.


Convolutional neural network (CNN) based models have proven their effectiveness and superiority over traditional medical image segmentation algorithms and are quickly becoming the mainstream in BraTS challenges. Due to the highly heterogeneous appearance and shape of brain tumors, small patches are usually extracted to predict the class for the center voxel. To improve model performance, multi-scale patches with different receptive field sizes are often used in the model [7] . In contrast, U-Net is a widely used convolutional network structure that consists of a contracting path to capture context and a symmetric expanding path that enables precise localization with 3D extension [8] [9] . It can be used on the entire image or extracted patches to provide class labels for all input voxels when padding is used. Furthermore, instead of picking the best network structure, an ensemble of multiple models, trained on different dataset or different hyper-parameters, can generally improve the segmentation performance over a single model due to the averaging effect. In this study we propose to use an ensemble of 3D U-Nets with different hyper-parameters trained on non-uniformly extracted patches for brain tumor segmentation. During testing, a sliding window approach is used to predict class labels with adjustable overlap to improve accuracy. With the segmentation labels, we will develop a linear model for survival prediction using extracted imaging features and additional non-imaging features since the linear models can effectively reduce overfitting and thus regression errors.

To improve model performance, multi-scale patches with different receptive field sizes are often used in the model.

In contrast, U-Net is a widely used convolutional network structure that consists of a contracting path to capture context and a symmetric expanding path that enables precise localization with 3D extension.


One limitation is also that the youngest pupils might not understand the questions or options correctly. In particular, "dry air" or "humid air" could be difficult to define, and they might have different perceptions, e.g., of dustiness [66] . Due to possible difficulties with understanding, the questionnaire was mainly directed to seventh to ninth-grade pupils. However, one school wanted to include a classroom with younger pupils. We also noticed that there were pupils (<3% of all) who did not take the questionnaires seriously, and we had to remove those responses from the data. However, the overall results showed that most of the pupils answered the questions correctly and reliably every time.

In particular, "dry air" or "humid air" could be difficult to define, and they might have different perceptions, e.g., of dustiness.


Up until the last few years, questionnaires that are used to investigate symptoms and illnesses in the school environment have usually been paper questionnaires, and more recently online questionnaire, and have been typically filled out by parents [49] . In addition, it takes approximately 15-30 min to fill out these questionnaires, and symptoms and illnesses are typically asked using a time frame from four weeks up to three or 12 months. The main difference of our online questionnaire is that it is short, and takes only a few minutes to fill out. In addition, the time period of symptoms and indoor air quality factors was only one hour. Thus, filling the questionnaire was not too burdensome, and participants were able to complete the questionnaire several times; teachers completed the questionnaire approximately seven times during the two-week period, whereas pupils completed it five times. However, the teachers' answers were usually from the same studied classroom, whereas the pupils changed their classroom during school days several times, and answered the questionnaire from different locations during the two-week periods.

Up until the last few years, questionnaires that are used to investigate symptoms and illnesses in the school environment have usually been paper questionnaires, and more recently online questionnaire, and have been typically filled out by parents.


There is also evidence that psychosocial factors, such as school-related stress, poor teacher-student relationship, and difficulties in receiving help are associated with poor subjective IAQ [67] . In our study, such factors may have impacted the result. However, it is difficult to evaluate these impacts, because the short questionnaire did not address these questions. In addition, the awareness of the problem and the concern of their own situation or health may influence the answers and lead to bias [68] . This was possible in this study, especially because the teachers were aware of the IAQ problems in their school. In addition, the perceived health was better among teachers in the reference schools, but not significantly. This might illustrate the concern of the health or IAQ problems of the school. However, there were differences among the symptoms, not only between the problematic and reference schools, but also between the four problematic schools. Therefore, it might be relevant to assume that the results are reliable and the teachers were able to estimate the IAQ factors and symptoms without any significant influence of awareness. Nevertheless, teachers reported both symptoms and IAQ factors more than pupils, and these results were clearly visible in every school, especially in IAQ problem schools. In addition to psychosocial factors and awareness, the ability to identify a connection between the symptoms and the building might be difficult for both teachers and pupils [56] .

There is also evidence that psychosocial factors, such as school-related stress, poor teacher-student relationship, and difficulties in receiving help are associated with poor subjective IAQ.

In addition, the awareness of the problem and the concern of their own situation or health may influence the answers and lead to bias.

In addition to psychosocial factors and awareness, the ability to identify a connection between the symptoms and the building might be difficult for both teachers and pupils.


Seasonal factors can affect occupants' perceptions [63] . In this study, the questionnaires were conducted between October 2016 and March 2017, which is during the cold winter season. Therefore, seasonal variations between schools are minor, and the outdoor conditions can be considered comparable in each questionnaire.

Seasonal factors can affect occupants' perceptions.


The need for accurate prediction of the nonlinear response of plates and shells has rapidly increased, especially for structures with low weight but under high environmental loads, such as aircraft fuselage structures subjected to high aeroelastic and/or acoustic loading. However, linear analysis techniques fail to capture nonlinear effects, particularly at high levels of dynamic excitation when, for example, the natural frequencies can vary with amplitude. For plate structures, it is generally accepted that when the transverse deflection approaches the thickness of the plate, the effect of the nonlinearity becomes significant. For a pinned plate, this is primarily because the in-plane stress starts to make the response amplitude dependent [1] .

For a pinned plate, this is primarily because the in-plane stress starts to make the response amplitude dependent.


Author(s) agree that this article remains permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License south-east, the igbos call it Ikwaoyibo (Thilza et al., 2010) . Virtually, all parts of Moringa tree are consumable (leaves, flower and pods). Studies from around the world revealed that Moringa leave have remarkable nutritional values such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The leaves have been used to fight malnutrition, mostly among pregnant woman, nursing mothers and infants (Anwar et al., 2007) . They are considerable variations among the nutritional values of Moringa, which depends on factors such as genetic background, environment and cultivation method (Brisibe et al., 2009) .

Author(s) agree that this article remains permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License south-east, the igbos call it Ikwaoyibo.

The leaves have been used to fight malnutrition, mostly among pregnant woman, nursing mothers and infants.

They are considerable variations among the nutritional values of Moringa, which depends on factors such as genetic background, environment and cultivation method.


In the analysis of a strictly stationary time series, a primary concern is whether the observations are serially independent or not. Detection of the presence of serial dependence is usually a preliminary step carried out before proceeding with further analysis (Kendall and Stuart, 1966, p. 350 ) like modeling and prediction (Lo, 2000) . Since the theoretical models incorporate independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) innovation (noise), the analysis of the dependence is also useful in modelchecking and in testing important economic and financial postulates, such as the random walk hypothesis (Delgado, 1996; Darrat and Zhong, 2000) . For example, independence of log-returns is an essential feature of the Black-Scholes option pricing equation (Hull, 1999) .

Detection of the presence of serial dependence is usually a preliminary step carried out before proceeding with further analysis (Kendall and Stuart, 1966, p. 350 ) like modeling and prediction.

Since the theoretical models incorporate independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) innovation (noise), the analysis of the dependence is also useful in modelchecking and in testing important economic and financial postulates, such as the random walk hypothesis.

For example, independence of log-returns is an essential feature of the Black-Scholes option pricing equation.


While no research that we are aware of explicitly examines the relationship between self-construal and alexithymia, some research has examined the relationship between alexithymia and ethnocultural background. For example, Asians of various backgrounds have been found to score higher in alexithymia than Caucasians (Dion, 1996; Le, Berenbaum, & Raghavan, 2002; Zhu et al., 2007) . This is likely because people from more collectivistic cultural backgrounds are less psychologically-minded than those from more individualistic ones (Dion, 1996) .

For example, Asians of various backgrounds have been found to score higher in alexithymia than Caucasians.

This is likely because people from more collectivistic cultural backgrounds are less psychologically-minded than those from more individualistic ones.