Formulation and computation of the PBH mass function from the sourcing primordial density perturbations have been addressed in the literature. As we have discussed in depth in Sec. 2, the formulated PBH mass function given in the literature have conceptual issues which are ambiguities that arise in translating the formation probability into the PBH mass function which is differential quantity. Although the formulations in the previous studies would be practically acceptable when the power spectrum of the perturbations are sharply localized around a particular scale, the ambiguities become more prominent when one considers the broad power spectrum. This issue stems from the lack of the physically understandable and quantitative criterion of the PBH formation which automatically leads to the PBH mass function without bringing up the artificial interpretations adopted in the literature. In this paper, we proposed a new criterion of the PBH formation which is an addition of one extra condition to the existing criterion. By doing this, we formulated the PBH mass function, which is given by Eq. (18), without introducing any ambiguities. Eq. (18) is a formal expression defined as an ensemble average of the integrand weighted by the functional probability density P [θ]. Once P [θ] is given, the PBH mass function can be in principle determined by performing the functional integral defined by Eq. (18) . Practically, analytic evaluation is feasible only for very limited cases such as Gaussian perturbation. In Sec. 3, as a demonstration of our formulation, we computed the PBH mass function analytically for the case where the perturbations are Gaussian and the space is one dimension.

Once P [θ] is given, the PBH mass function can be in principle determined by performing the functional integral defined by Eq..


Important observables characterizing PBHs are their abundance and mass function. So far, various observations and experiments have provided limits on the PBH abundance as well as the PBH mass function for a wide range of the PBH masses [4] . Within the context of probing the smallscale primordial fluctuations, given that the PBH abundance and the mass function are determined by the primordial fluctuations, observational limits on PBHs can be then translated into the upper limit on the amplitudes of the primordial density fluctuations. More precisely, non-detections of PBHs over some mass range are translated into the upper limit on the primordial power spectrum over the range of length scales corresponding to the PBH mass range. Once the constraints on the small-scale fluctuations are obtained, they can be used to constrain certain class of inflation models. In order for the flow of this argument to work, it is necessary to know a priori how the PBH abundance and the mass function are determined for a given primordial density fluctuations.

So far, various observations and experiments have provided limits on the PBH abundance as well as the PBH mass function for a wide range of the PBH masses.


The problem formulation engenders as many variables as equations so the synthesis is exact. However, most approaches to synthesizing a mechanism that can guide the rigid body exactly through the five positions are rooted in the Euclidean geometry of the plane in which the rigid body must move. From time to time this problem has been revisited (Chang, et al, 1991) . Readers are refered to this document which contains a recent solution method and a quite adequate and relevant bibliography.

From time to time this problem has been revisited.


The genus Litsea, comprising 622 species, includes evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees belonging to the Lauraceae family, which are distributed mainly in Oceania, America and Asia. Litsea plants have been used in ethnomedicine and appear to be very promising leads for possible pharmaceutical exploitation since modern science has made it possible to specify their potential medical significance with antifungal, antiinflammatory, male antiinfertility, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, anti-HIV, cytotoxic, antidepressant, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antithrombotic properties. In fact, Litsea plants contains biologically active chemicals, more than 262 compounds that include amides, alkaloids, flavonoids, butanolides and butenolactones, steroids, monoterpenes, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenes, fatty acids, and lignans [1] . However, only a few species have been investigated so far, and much more studies should be carried out on this genus in order to disclose their active principles. This is the case of the bark of Litsea polyantha Juss, with a long history of medicinal use in India to treat diarrhea, pains, bruises, contusions and fractures. In the present work, the total phenolic and flavonoid content of methanolic extracts from Litsea polyantha Juss were evaluated.

In fact, Litsea plants contains biologically active chemicals, more than 262 compounds that include amides, alkaloids, flavonoids, butanolides and butenolactones, steroids, monoterpenes, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenes, fatty acids, and lignans.


Violent crimes like murder, dacoity, kidnapping and riots, abduction are nowadays frequently encountered. Among the violent crimes affecting life, homicide/murder is the most heinous crime under law. Homicide (homos: human being, caedere: to kill) literally means to kill a human being. Homicide is defined legally as destruction of human life by the act, agencies, procurement or culpable omission of some other person or persons [1] . Such activities instil a sense of insecurity and fear in the community and disturb peace and harmony in the society.

Homicide is defined legally as destruction of human life by the act, agencies, procurement or culpable omission of some other person or persons.


Life and death are the two sides of a coin. When there is birth, death is inevitable. While there is only one way to be born, there are many ways to die [1] . Premature death due to disease process is acceptable but deaths as a result of violent crimes are unacceptable to the society.

While there is only one way to be born, there are many ways to die.


One of the main effects of the stitching yarns is the existence of a double-scale porosity. This is of first importance for the liquid molding process as the macroporosity (around the yarns) controls the permeability (Choi, 1998; Bizet et al., 2004) . Moreover, by their influence on the yarn cross sections, the stitching yarns will modify the interactions between flows in macropores and micropores. This study affords a more precise description of the structure than does the fiber volume fraction. The macroporosity can be modelised indirectly with the perimeter and area of the yarns and the microporosity with the mean free path or the star function. Therefore, the microstructural parameters needed for the simulation of the liquid molding process are available.

This is of first importance for the liquid molding process as the macroporosity (around the yarns) controls the permeability.


Study 2 suggests that textbook science may explain, at least in part, why logical positivism serves as the philosophical foundation for empirical methodology in psychology more than it does in physics. While we found that the total numbers of methods texts in psychology and physics were very similar, we found no introductory physics general methods texts corresponding to the introductory psychology general methods texts in our survey. In our sample, recommended psychological methods were not qualified in terms of the empirical content or psychological theories to which they were said to apply. For example, one does not read that a double-blind method, random sampling, a t test, or the analysis of variance, is applicable only to specific content such as peer pressure, teaching effectiveness, experimenter bias, the perception of color, or to the analysis of data from experiments in human categorization. This instruction that presents methodology as though it were independent of theory or content is common in introductory level psychology. A principal goal of logical positivism was to advocate for precisely this kind of methodology that it claimed was objective because it was independent of specific content or theoretical assumptions (Carnap, 1936 (Carnap, , 1937 Hardcastle & Richardson, 2003; Stevens, 1935) . Our results showed very little evidence that instruction in physics advocates for this same sharp contrast between general methodology and theory. In this way, current instruction in psychological methodology tends, more than instruction in physics methodology, to display a commitment to logical positivism's advocacy of a "theory free" methodology as the key to turning a discipline into an objective science (Feyerabend, 1975; Koch, 1992a; Kuhn, 1996; Lacey, 2005; Laudan, 1990; Longino, 1990; Slife, Reber, & Richardson, 2004; Toulmin & Leary, 1992) .

A principal goal of logical positivism was to advocate for precisely this kind of methodology that it claimed was objective because it was independent of specific content or theoretical assumptions.

In this way, current instruction in psychological methodology tends, more than instruction in physics methodology, to display a commitment to logical positivism's advocacy of a "theory free" methodology as the key to turning a discipline into an objective science.


Modern mobile communication devices are attractive platforms for various new applications as their multimedia capabilities are improving together with their computational resources. As more and more applications are available for these devices, the user interfaces are becoming overloaded, potentially confusing the user who needs to learn to use each invidual application. Particularly, the small displays set the primary restrictions for the usability. A viable alternative to improve user interaction with mobile terminals are spatially aware displays [1] . The solution is to provide a window on a larger virtual workspace where the user can access more information by moving the device around.

A viable alternative to improve user interaction with mobile terminals are spatially aware displays.


Titanium alloys are used extensively in aerospace for the combined high special strength (strength-to-weight ratio), fracture-resistant characteristics, and exceptional resistance to corrosion. However, titanium alloys are usually considered as extremely difficult to cut material because of their low thermal conductivity and high chemical reactivity with cutting tool materials [1] . During an aircraft assembly process, hundreds of boreholes need to be produced through riveting or bolting. Poor quality boreholes and serious tool wear are common problems in traditional drilling processes as a result of poor heat dissipation and large thrust force experienced by the material [2] [3] [4] [5] . Being one of the new hole-machining methodologies, helical milling (orbital drilling) can achieve smooth cutting process, small thrust force, and high accuracy simultaneously.

However, titanium alloys are usually considered as extremely difficult to cut material because of their low thermal conductivity and high chemical reactivity with cutting tool materials.

Poor quality boreholes and serious tool wear are common problems in traditional drilling processes as a result of poor heat dissipation and large thrust force experienced by the material.


The PNV model is testable in multiple ways. In 2015, The New Horizons spacecraft will fly past Pluto providing the first close-up investigation of Pluto and its moons (Stern et al., 2008; Young et al., 2008b) . The infrared spectrometer on New Horizons will map the composition across Pluto's surface. New Horizons will observe all of Pluto's terrain that is illuminated by the Sun and will attempt an observation of Pluto's winter pole using reflected Charon-light. We will be able to compare the N 2 ice distribution predicted by the Permanent Northern Volatile model with the observed ice distribution determined by New Horizons including perhaps even the southern pole of Pluto to determine if frost is present on the currently winter pole. The REX instrument on New Horizons will provide thermal measurements to compare with the surface temperatures predicted by the PNV models. From the UV solar and stellar occultations of Pluto, the New Horizons mission will determine the composition of Pluto's atmosphere as well as the thermal structure in the thermosphere. From the Radio Science experiment, the pressure and temperature profiles in Pluto's lower atmosphere will be determined. All of these data provide a test of the PNV model.

In 2015, The New Horizons spacecraft will fly past Pluto providing the first close-up investigation of Pluto and its moons.


Agarose, a familiar hydrogel base, is a linear polymer made up of repeating monomeric units of agarobiose. The molecular structure of this polysaccharide, double helices formed of left-handed threefold helices, imparts the capacity to form gels that are very strong, even at low concentrations. These double helices are stabilized by the presence inside their cavities of bound water molecules [18, 19] . Exterior hydroxyl groups allow the aggregation of up to 10 000 of these helices to form suprafibers and, thereby, stable hydrogel.

These double helices are stabilized by the presence inside their cavities of bound water molecules.


In the traditional IP network architecture, the control and forwarding planes are highly integrated, and the network is difficult to extend and customize. It has a long technology update cycle and is too dependent on network equipment manufacturers. Simultaneously, the increasingly complex network environment makes it difficult to develop the network and make innovations related to the hardware of physical devices or software of related protocols and performances, especially in the proprietary equipment and closed interfaces. Programmable models and code that allow data transmission from the network to the application are needed. The technology of software-defined everything from applications to infrastructure is one of the top 10 strategic technology trends identified by Gartner [10] . Software-defined networking (SDN) separates the network control and forwarding functions, enabling the network to be directly programmable, dynamic, and manageable. The separation of the control plane and data plane allows the core technology OpenFlow to realize the flexible control of the network traffic, making the network more intelligent, and provide a better platform for network application innovation [11] [12] [13] .

The technology of software-defined everything from applications to infrastructure is one of the top 10 strategic technology trends identified by Gartner.

The separation of the control plane and data plane allows the core technology OpenFlow to realize the flexible control of the network traffic, making the network more intelligent, and provide a better platform for network application innovation.


The availability of RES varies over time, with location and with a kind of the used resource. The output of RES is intermittent and particularly hard to control compared to conventional power plants which are designed on a large scale for continuous operation and control the output [10] . Additionally, in most conventional power plants, changes in financing terms have had relatively little impact on power costs because the capital cost element in the power cost is small. On the other hand, the capital cost of RES forms the largest element of power cost. Governments have resolved these issues in order to promote the uptake of RES through a feed-in tariff, quota system, carbon tax and trading, and tax relief [11] . Nevertheless, renewable energy projects are still under some economic strains, especially for individual power plants (IPP). Therefore, IPP's stance on issues, such as determining an economic installed capacity of RES and location, has become more important.

The output of RES is intermittent and particularly hard to control compared to conventional power plants which are designed on a large scale for continuous operation and control the output.

Governments have resolved these issues in order to promote the uptake of RES through a feed-in tariff, quota system, carbon tax and trading, and tax relief.


Due to deregulation, environmental reasons and technical improvements, renewable energy sources (RES) are increasingly penetrated and operated in power systems [1] . Energy policies such as a renewable portfolio standard (RPS), mandate utilities and other load serving entities procure a significant portion of their customers' electricity needs from RES [2] [3] [4] [5] . Furthermore, these clean energy sources have become cost-competitive with conventional power systems [6, 7] . In some areas, the power cost of RES, including photovoltaic generation (PV) and wind turbine (WT), have already started to reach grid parity because these cost depend mainly on the area where the RES is located, while the power cost of conventional power such as coal-based power is depend on the fuel cost and it has shown a tendency to increase [8, 9] . For these reasons, the development of RES in power system is increasing, and the size is expanding from small-scale distribution systems to large-scale transmission systems.

Due to deregulation, environmental reasons and technical improvements, renewable energy sources (RES) are increasingly penetrated and operated in power systems.

Energy policies such as a renewable portfolio standard (RPS), mandate utilities and other load serving entities procure a significant portion of their customers' electricity needs from RES.

Furthermore, these clean energy sources have become cost-competitive with conventional power systems.

In some areas, the power cost of RES, including photovoltaic generation (PV) and wind turbine (WT), have already started to reach grid parity because these cost depend mainly on the area where the RES is located, while the power cost of conventional power such as coal-based power is depend on the fuel cost and it has shown a tendency to increase.


Finally, we found that fully engaging farmers in the research process significantly improved our analysis. Farmers report benefiting from the research process because it provided them with an opportunity to discuss constraints to their well-being and think about potential solutions. Communities found that discussions of vulnerability allowed them to reflect on their current farming practices and engage in a community conversation of future adaptation options. This dialogue really flourished when we presented our initial findings to the farmers in a community gathering we organized at the end of our field research. This conclusion supports White's assertion that encouraging reflection among communities is of value in and of itself [47] .

This conclusion supports White's assertion that encouraging reflection among communities is of value in and of itself.


In addition, many agroforestry analyses assess the impacts of scientist-managed agroforestry plots, while relatively few studies analyze existing farmer-managed agroforestry development projects [14] . Farmer-managed agroforestry projects allow farmers to choose the type of agroforestry techniques to employ and rely on farmers to modify the techniques to match their needs. Farmermanaged projects therefore more accurately represent how agroforestry techniques are used under normal circumstances. There is a need for more extensive analyses of these types of projects [14] .

In addition, many agroforestry analyses assess the impacts of scientist-managed agroforestry plots, while relatively few studies analyze existing farmer-managed agroforestry development projects.

There is a need for more extensive analyses of these types of projects.


We approached our research with an understanding that agroforestry practices may be used and perceived differently by men and women [45] . However, we did not find that women participated in agroforestry in a substantially different way, as all farmers reported planting, tending to and harvesting from trees. The one gender difference we observed was that women were primarily responsible for fuel wood collection and thus ranked fuel wood collection as a more significant benefit than men did.

We approached our research with an understanding that agroforestry practices may be used and perceived differently by men and women.


We found that food security is a concept very important to the farmers interviewed but it is not always emphasized in the literature's definitions of well-being. Food insecure farmers in Lower Nyando explained that all of their long-term decisions were dependent on their food supply. These farmers were forced to stop longterm projects, including the care of their seedlings, when faced with the significant food shortage during the 2009 to 2010 season. In contrast, farmers in Middle Nyando, where average hunger periods were less severe, felt much better equipped to plan and save for their futures. This contrast between how farmers in Lower and Middle Nyando think about long-term goals supports Appadurai's conclusion that more marginalized groups have a more limited ability to aspire [33] . It also supports evidence that food insecure farmers tend to be less innovative. This has recently been shown in a representative survey of 700 farmer households in four countries in East Africa [34] . Farmers' emphasis on food security should provide a reminder to development academics of the importance of dealing with basic necessities when considering more complex development interventions. It is paramount that development projects operating in food-insecure areas show how they can help households improve their food security from the outset. This lesson is especially relevant to agroforestry development projects, as farmers are asked to invest substantial time in tree seedling care before any benefits are accrued. For households that are still struggling to ensure they have enough to eat, tree seedlings and other long-term investments are often neglected until this need is met.

This contrast between how farmers in Lower and Middle Nyando think about long-term goals supports Appadurai's conclusion that more marginalized groups have a more limited ability to aspire.

This has recently been shown in a representative survey of 700 farmer households in four countries in East Africa.


Before the ban on using asbestos in brake linings was imposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1989, asbestos was the preferred filler material [6] . Asbestos had several engineering characteristics that made it desirable for inclusion in brake linings. Asbestos is thermally stable up to 500 O C, it helps regenerate friction surface during use, it insulates thermally, it is strong and flexible, and, mostly, it is inexpensive [1, 7, 8] . Since the ban on asbestos, researchers have struggled to come up with an equally efficient alternative to asbestos. Barites, mica, cashew dust, and fly ash are among the materials that have been considered for use as fillers [2, 9] .

Before the ban on using asbestos in brake linings was imposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1989, asbestos was the preferred filler material.

Asbestos is thermally stable up to 500 O C, it helps regenerate friction surface during use, it insulates thermally, it is strong and flexible, and, mostly, it is inexpensive.

Barites, mica, cashew dust, and fly ash are among the materials that have been considered for use as fillers.


Friction brakes decelerate a vehicle by transforming the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat, via friction, and dissipating that heat into the surroundings [4] . Brake pads must have a sufficiently high friction coefficient with the brake disc to achieve braking effectiveness and should not decompose or break down in such a way that the friction coefficient with the brake disc is compromised at high temperatures. Brake pads should exhibit a stable and consistent friction coefficient with the brake disc [5] .

Friction brakes decelerate a vehicle by transforming the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat, via friction, and dissipating that heat into the surroundings.

Brake pads should exhibit a stable and consistent friction coefficient with the brake disc.


In one-dimensional media pulses and wave trains are generic solutions. It is well known that these solutions exhibit a saddle-node bifurcation [34] . When approaching the saddlenode by varying a parameter (usually the excitability), the pulse decreases in width until it becomes too narrow and small to activate the neighbouring medium. This saddle-node bifurcation is responsible for propagation failure in excitable media. In addition, a Hopf bifurcation and a spatial period-doubling bifurcation, which appear close to the saddlenode, were identified as generic bifurcations in excitable media [16] .

It is well known that these solutions exhibit a saddle-node bifurcation.

In addition, a Hopf bifurcation and a spatial period-doubling bifurcation, which appear close to the saddlenode, were identified as generic bifurcations in excitable media.


When distributors were not fully paid through the combination of tariffs and subsidies, they in turn could not pay the generators. In Pakistan, accumulated arrears of distribution companies to suppliers, commonly known as circular debt, reached 280 billion rupees, or 1 percent of GDP, on March 31, 2015. Circular debt has caused up to 5 gigawatts (GW) to lie idle, accounting for almost 22 percent of the total installed capacity in Pakistan (World Bank, 2015) . Furthermore, when capacity is used, it is substantially inefficient. For example, the average efficiency of gas power plants in Pakistan is 30 percent as compared to the average efficiency of 43 percent for gas power plants in the United States.

Circular debt has caused up to 5 gigawatts (GW) to lie idle, accounting for almost 22 percent of the total installed capacity in Pakistan.


Privacy-the protection of information from unauthorized disclosure-is increasingly scarce on the Internet due to the increasing centralization of data sharing. Most Internet users are both content consumers and content producers, with their data shared with others through centralized web sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr. However, most popular web sites collect, store, and share vast amounts of personal data about their users, despite users finding such behavior objectionable [36] . Even if we trust web sites with our usage data, centralization makes censorship much easier, a practical concern in many places around the globe.

However, most popular web sites collect, store, and share vast amounts of personal data about their users, despite users finding such behavior objectionable.


This could be relevant in understanding the role of neutrophils in preventing luminal renarrowing after angioplasty, since stents almost abolish the contribution of remodelling to the restenotic process and have been considered as a pure model with which to investigate neointimal hyperplasia [26, 27] . Thus, the finding that activated neutrophils expressing the CD66 antigen may prevent vessel renarrowing after balloon angioplasty, but not after stenting, may encourage us to speculate on whether circulating phagocytes play a role in the mechanism of vessel remodelling after injury. Indeed, inflammatory mediators have already been shown to promote vessel enlargement in experimental models [11, 12] . However, the limitations of angiography, as regards directly assessing vascular remodelling after angioplasty, should be taken into account before drawing any definitive conclusion. Further, the study population was not randomly divided into plain balloon angioplasty or stenting, which may have introduced an unwanted source of bias.

This could be relevant in understanding the role of neutrophils in preventing luminal renarrowing after angioplasty, since stents almost abolish the contribution of remodelling to the restenotic process and have been considered as a pure model with which to investigate neointimal hyperplasia.

Indeed, inflammatory mediators have already been shown to promote vessel enlargement in experimental models.


In the present paper, we continue studying dynamical aspects of the quadratic PGT in 3D by looking for exact wave solutions with torsion. The weak-field approximation of Einstein's theory around the Minkowski background leads to a simple picture of the wave nature of gravity, which is recognized to have a striking analogy to the electromagnetic phenomena [11, 12] . By giving a covariant formulation of this analogy, one can generalize the linearized gravitational wave to the concept of an exact wave solution of general relativity [13, 14, 15] . Here, in the context of the quadratic PGT, such generalizations are used to find a class of exact wave solutions with torsion.

The weak-field approximation of Einstein's theory around the Minkowski background leads to a simple picture of the wave nature of gravity, which is recognized to have a striking analogy to the electromagnetic phenomena.

By giving a covariant formulation of this analogy, one can generalize the linearized gravitational wave to the concept of an exact wave solution of general relativity.


Tidal flats occupy large and significant areas of estuarine and sheltered coastal ecosystems. They are inhabited by complex and diverse biological communities which can play an important role in the metabolic processes and material fluxes within the estuary (Heip et al. 1995) . However, the biogeochemical processes influencing estuarine tidal flats, particularly sediment stability and benthic-pelagic exchanges, are poorly understood despite their ecological and economic importance in relation to fisheries, birds, natural sea defences, shipping and as a sink for pollutants in industrialised estuaries.

They are inhabited by complex and diverse biological communities which can play an important role in the metabolic processes and material fluxes within the estuary.


Quality of care can be evaluated by collecting adequate, reliable, and valid data using patient-reported outcome measures [35] . Real-time information is critical to determining the quality of care a patient receives, and can provide a complete description of the patient's clinical pathway. Such information can be utilized to evaluate and improve current healthcare system processes [23, 36] . Two instruments were used to collect such information: the HAPSQ and the RC-QOL. This study is the first step towards evaluating quality of care at a provincial level for patients presenting to the healthcare system with chronic, full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff.

Quality of care can be evaluated by collecting adequate, reliable, and valid data using patient-reported outcome measures.

Such information can be utilized to evaluate and improve current healthcare system processes.


Here we report the results of a multivariate morphometric analysis of A. cerana across its full geographical range and identify the statistically defined morphoclusters and subcluster populations within them. We consider the relationships of morphoclusters to each other, their geophysical and ecological surroundings and present a new distribution map for A. cerana based on 2687 references (Hepburn and Hepburn, 2006) . Comments on gene flow or degree of temporal reproductive isolation are suggested from swarming and migration data. Finally, we apply geographically based common names to the morphoclusters and subclusters as is the general practice in economic entomology and ornithology.

We consider the relationships of morphoclusters to each other, their geophysical and ecological surroundings and present a new distribution map for A. cerana based on 2687 references.


There are multiple factors associated with low or declining use of IVD. None of the available instruments are without risk for the mother or the baby. While use of forceps is associated with increased maternal perineal trauma, need for analgesia and neonatal facial injury, cephalhaematoma and subgaleal haemorrhage are associated with vacuum birth [8] . Failure rates are also reported to be relatively high, particularly with the use of vacuum extractor at around 20% [8] . An additional barrier is the high level of skill and continuous training required to perform safe and effective IVD [9, 10] . This limits the use of IVD if birth attendants are not provided with sufficient resources to obtain and maintain the necessary skills.

While use of forceps is associated with increased maternal perineal trauma, need for analgesia and neonatal facial injury, cephalhaematoma and subgaleal haemorrhage are associated with vacuum birth.

Failure rates are also reported to be relatively high, particularly with the use of vacuum extractor at around 20%.

An additional barrier is the high level of skill and continuous training required to perform safe and effective IVD.


In this paper we have proposed a kinetic model with stochastic game-type interactions representing a simple society with three interacting group of interests, each of them characterized by two politicaleconomic determinants. Two phases have been introduced in the society: a no blocking phase in which the government is welfare-maximizing and a blocking phase in which the government is not welfare-maximizing and may block the introduction of technical innovations in the society. The two different phases have been characterized by different transition probabilities and the phase transition has been identified by means of a blocking condition introduced in a model by Acemoglu [16] . Numerical results on a case study of a society with limited political competition are analyzed. The long term solutions of the model have been numerically evaluated in the condition of limited political competition. The numerical results have been obtained in two different cases; i.e. when the phase transition has not been taken into consideration and in the case in which it has been considered. The results about the time evolution of some significant first order moments of the marginal distributions of the different groups have been compared with those obtained with the same initial conditions and values of the parameters, but without introducing the event of the phase transition.

The two different phases have been characterized by different transition probabilities and the phase transition has been identified by means of a blocking condition introduced in a model by Acemoglu.


Climate change is one of the major threats of the 21st century. The main concern with the evaluation of climate change impacts is the associated potential change in climate variability and, consequently, in extreme events [1] . Extreme events are defined as the tails of the distribution of a weather variable, which occur with low frequency, that is, the values located away from the mean or median value of the distribution [2] . Examples are extreme temperature events (heat waves, cold spells, and the number of days exceeding different threshold temperatures) and extreme precipitation events (heavy rain and droughts). These events are responsible for significant impacts on both human society and the natural environment, for instance, human morbidity/mortality and economic losses [3, 4] . Several studies point to an increase in the frequency of extreme events associated with an increase in temperature [3, 5, 6] .

The main concern with the evaluation of climate change impacts is the associated potential change in climate variability and, consequently, in extreme events.

Extreme events are defined as the tails of the distribution of a weather variable, which occur with low frequency, that is, the values located away from the mean or median value of the distribution.

These events are responsible for significant impacts on both human society and the natural environment, for instance, human morbidity/mortality and economic losses.

Several studies point to an increase in the frequency of extreme events associated with an increase in temperature.


We examined the similarity of multi-voxel patterns to demonstrate that alEC event representations change to reflect the elapsed time between memories. Despite being cued in random order after learning, these representations related to a holistic temporal map of the task structure. Moreover, we recovered the timeline of events during learning from the changes in representation. The alEC temporal map reflected objective time elapsed between memories, while hippocampal activity patterns resembled the remembered temporal distances [1] .

The alEC temporal map reflected objective time elapsed between memories, while hippocampal activity patterns resembled the remembered temporal distances.


Supply chain management under the subsidy policy of the government has received significant attention from researchers. Previous studies addressed the effects of subsidy policies of the government using game theory [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] . Despite the availability of these studies, only a few published articles explored the efficienci-es of subsidy policies of the government using game theory. Given this gap in research, we explore the effects of two subsidy policies (subsidizing the cost of greenness and subsidizing unit product) in a vertical supply chain system. The supply chain considered in our study consists of two firms (supplier and manufacturer). The manufacturer produces a final product that consists of two components (one component is provided by the supplier and the other is offered by the manufacturer); this is a fairly common assumption in relevant literature [23, 24] . The components in our model are characterized by the degree of greenness; a high degree implies that the component if of good quality [25] . We then incorporate the effects of the degree of greenness of products on the demand function. We utilized game and optimization theories to calculate and compare the optimal decisions for all players in two scenarios: (i) the government subsidizes the cost of manufacturer's greenness efforts; and (ii) the government grants a per unit subsidy to the manufacturer for the demand for green product. Our model yields the following results: (i) when the value of price sensitivity is large enough, the government will adopt the second subsidy policy; (ii) if the value of price sensitivity is in a mediate level, the government will implement the first subsidy policy; and (iii) when the value of price sensitivity is low, supply chain members might not obtain subsidy from the government.

Previous studies addressed the effects of subsidy policies of the government using game theory.

The manufacturer produces a final product that consists of two components (one component is provided by the supplier and the other is offered by the manufacturer); this is a fairly common assumption in relevant literature.

The components in our model are characterized by the degree of greenness; a high degree implies that the component if of good quality.


The necessity of protecting the environment has increased in recent years. Advocating and promoting the use of green products is an effective way of protecting the environment. Consumers also pay attention to green products. A consumer research study indicated that around 80% of American consumers are willing to pay extra for green products [1] . Consumers are more willing to buy products that are not environmentally harmful [2] . A survey has shown that a correlation exists between environmental performance and firm's competitive advantage [3] . Given this finding, an increasing number of firms are adopting R&D strategies for green products as a powerful and competitive tool in the market. These green products include electric vehicles (EVs) and solar water heating. However, an increasing number of firms encounter problems because of the high R&D risks of green products. Governments exert significant efforts to assist companies involved. The government can promote the development of green product industry through subsidy incentive schemes and/or environmental policies, such as green legislation and fiscal policies (e.g., green taxation and subsidies). Subsidy incentive is common in practice, especially in the automotive industry. In America, President Barack Obama set an annual budget of $2.4 billion to support the development of EVs and batteries [4] . In the country's Fiscal Year 2015 budget, the Obama administration also included a provision that increased the maximum tax credit of EVs in 2014 to $10,000 [5] . In 2010, the Chinese government pledged grants that allocated ¥60,000 for private purchases of new battery electric vehicles and ¥50,000 for plug-in hybrids in five major cities [6] . Other governments, such as Canada, Germany, and Japan, implemented similar subsidy policies to support the development of EVs. These findings suggest that subsidy policies play an important role in promoting the sales of EVs [7] .

A consumer research study indicated that around 80% of American consumers are willing to pay extra for green products.

Consumers are more willing to buy products that are not environmentally harmful.

A survey has shown that a correlation exists between environmental performance and firm's competitive advantage.

In America, President Barack Obama set an annual budget of $2.4 billion to support the development of EVs and batteries.

In the country's Fiscal Year 2015 budget, the Obama administration also included a provision that increased the maximum tax credit of EVs in 2014 to $10,000.

In 2010, the Chinese government pledged grants that allocated ¥60,000 for private purchases of new battery electric vehicles and ¥50,000 for plug-in hybrids in five major cities.

These findings suggest that subsidy policies play an important role in promoting the sales of EVs.


Excluding control days never selected as matched controls (430), 46% of the remaining control days were selected once, 84% less than 5 times, 95% less than 15 times. Few days were selected a very large number of times (Fig. 4) . The main consequence of using the same control day as a match for many times is an increase of the estimated variance, although with a benefit in terms of bias [41] . In order to get some insight on the influence of the control days used more than once as matches on the impact estimates, we investigated mortality and air pollution levels among those days, without finding any influential point. The control day that was used as a match for more than 60 treated days was characterized by a large number of deaths, thereby leading to a possible conservative lower impact. Table 3 shows the results of the sensitivity analysis performed excluding the days of influenza epidemics AD attributable deaths, 90% CI 90% confidence interval from AD calculation. While AD for respiratory causes were substantially unchanged, the estimated impact on cardiovascular mortality among the elderly was lower, although still relevant (469 AD, 90% CI: 88, 850). We can conclude that our results were robust to possible bias derived from the confounding effect due to influenza epidemics.

The main consequence of using the same control day as a match for many times is an increase of the estimated variance, although with a benefit in terms of bias.


It was shown in Section 3 that tantalum exhibits ductile fracture behavior under dynamic loading. The spall strength increases as a function of the strain rate whereas it decreases with grain size, in agreement with experimental results in the literature [29, 56] . The results of both molecular dynamics calculations and analytical modeling will be presented in Sections 4.1 and 4.2, respectively.

The spall strength increases as a function of the strain rate whereas it decreases with grain size, in agreement with experimental results in the literature.


Designing wearable systems for real-time health monitoring have to consider many technical, wearable, and medical requirements. For instance, power consumption, mobility, reliability, realtime response, multi-function integration, detection accuracy, wearability, usability, data security and privacy, and clinical validation are important issues to be considered [5, 6, 9, 20] . In addition, we should also consider the resource constraints and computational capability of microcontroller as we use microcontroller for real-time data capturing, filtering, and VF detection. We discuss some specific issues related to microcontroller in more details below.

For instance, power consumption, mobility, reliability, realtime response, multi-function integration, detection accuracy, wearability, usability, data security and privacy, and clinical validation are important issues to be considered.


First, most of these wearable monitoring devices have no or only have simple detection functions and use wireless transmission to send data to a receiving unit [5] . They lack capability for real-time detection. In addition, the wireless transmission operations consume lots of battery power in comparison to other operations in the microcontroller, and use more network bandwidth [6] . Thus, how to increase diagnosis intelligence and reduce wireless data transmission to increase the battery life of the monitoring devices without replacing or recharging batteries within reasonable time duration is an important issue.

First, most of these wearable monitoring devices have no or only have simple detection functions and use wireless transmission to send data to a receiving unit.

In addition, the wireless transmission operations consume lots of battery power in comparison to other operations in the microcontroller, and use more network bandwidth.


A direct indicator of feedstock quality is its rheological properties. A feedstock with low viscosity, low activation energy and low flow behaviour index has better rheological properties for effective injection moulding [12] . During PIM, the temperature of a feedstock changes throughout the moulding process, starting from the feed section (medium temperature, 60 °C -100 °C ), intermediate section (high temperature, 120 °C -200 °C) to the end mould (low temperature, 25 °C -50 °C). Viscosity can significantly change with temperature and is a critical factor in analysing rheological properties of a feedstock. Flow activation energy is widely used to analyse the temperature dependency of viscosity and depends on the composition of a binder and a feedstock [2] . A high flow activation energy indicates a strong effect of temperature on viscosity. Therefore, a small change in temperature during PIM may cause a significant change in feedstock viscosity.

A feedstock with low viscosity, low activation energy and low flow behaviour index has better rheological properties for effective injection moulding.

Flow activation energy is widely used to analyse the temperature dependency of viscosity and depends on the composition of a binder and a feedstock.


Disturbances in the development of enamel may involve genetic, systemic, local or environmental factors, among others. The severity and extent of the enamel defects varies, depending on which factors are involved. Defects range from severe enamel loss of all teeth present to local, demarcated opacities on a single tooth. The enamel morphogenesis initiates with secretion of enamel matrix proteins followed by mineralization and finally maturation. The enamel morphogenesis is a continuous, complex process starting with the development of the cusps on the molars and the incisal part of the incisors, followed by the complete enamel formation reaching the cervical area of the tooth. The enamel of the primary teeth begins to develop week 12 postconceptually and gradually continues its development throughout the whole pregnancy. The time interval for enamel development on the permanent teeth starts in week 28 and begins to mineralize at the time of birth. The permanent incisors and first permanent molar complete their mineralization during the first three years of life [1] . Disturbances in different stages of the enamel formation may result in different outcomes, depending on the time frame of the exposure, and the impact mechanisms of the factor(s) involved.

The permanent incisors and first permanent molar complete their mineralization during the first three years of life.


In such cases where the fibers mainly bear load (i.e., UNID composites), the prominent damage modes are fiber fracture, some interface debonding, matrix failure and fiber pull-out [17] . In particular, interface debonding and fiber pull-out are typical failure mechanisms mainly due to the matrix. As expected, the placement of the fibers along the load direction leads to a better reinforcement effect, since this is the best condition to promote the fiber load carrying. On the other hand, no stiffness improvement was found for RANDOM composites, because just a small portion of the fibers is eventually oriented along the load direction. Moreover, even if oriented along the load direction, the specimen manufacturing (i.e., dumbbell shape trimming) does not guarantee the fiber continuity, unlike the UNID composites. As reported in Figure 3b , the results put into evidence that the UNID composites show an average tensile strength slightly higher than that of neat PLA (50.0 ± 2.9 MPa vs. 47.3 ± 1.7 MPa). On the contrary, the RANDOM composites experience a tensile strength drop in comparison to neat PLA (i.e., −53.6%).

In such cases where the fibers mainly bear load (i.e., UNID composites), the prominent damage modes are fiber fracture, some interface debonding, matrix failure and fiber pull-out.


In such cases where the fibers mainly bear load (i.e., UNID composites), the prominent damage modes are fiber fracture, some interface debonding, matrix failure and fiber pull-out [17] . In particular, interface debonding and fiber pull-out are typical failure mechanisms mainly due to the weak fiber-matrix adhesion. The morphology of tensile fractured surfaces reflects the different behaviors of composites prepared by disposing the artichoke fibers randomly or unidirectionally oriented within the PLA matrix.


In such cases where the fibers mainly bear load (i.e., UNID composites), the prominent damage modes are fiber fracture, some interface debonding, matrix failure and fiber pull-out [17] . In particular, interface debonding and fiber pull-out are typical failure mechanisms mainly due to the As reported in Figure 3b , the results put into evidence that the UNID composites show an average tensile strength slightly higher than that of neat PLA (50.0˘2.9 MPa vs. 47.3˘1.7 MPa). On the contrary, the RANDOM composites experience a tensile strength drop in comparison to neat PLA (i.e.,´53.6%).


Risk research or science has a long tradition in sociology, psychology, philosophy, economics and other disciplines. It had its genesis around the 1950s, and since then has undergone a constant development that has generated various disciplinary trends, risk definitions and theories (Persson, 2007) . In this context, it is mainly 'outcome risk' that is researched, that is, the consequences of certain well-defined events (Sahlin & Persson, 1994) .

It had its genesis around the 1950s, and since then has undergone a constant development that has generated various disciplinary trends, risk definitions and theories.

In this context, it is mainly 'outcome risk' that is researched, that is, the consequences of certain well-defined events.


Climate change and disaster pose a serious and growing risk to sustainable urban development planning, with disasters having quadrupled in the last three decades. The extent of the changing climatic conditions, in combination with growing urbanisation, is making both Southern and Northern institutions and associated social security and governance systems increasingly inadequate in terms of dealing with extreme weather events (Guldåker, 2009; Wamsler, 2011) . Together with the growing need to find zeroand/or low-carbon adaptation strategies, such as risk financing mechanisms to transfer or share risk, this results in an urgent need to discover innovative ways of adapting the 'outdated' institutional responses and complementing them with increased local-level engagement. Against this background, this paper analyses current risk financing mechanisms at local and institutional levels in both a Southern and a Northern city. The previous sections describe separately the analyses of the different research levels (i.e. the local and institutional level) and from the different geographical contexts (i.e. San Salvador and Manchester). In the following, the results from the different levels and geographical contexts are compared.

The extent of the changing climatic conditions, in combination with growing urbanisation, is making both Southern and Northern institutions and associated social security and governance systems increasingly inadequate in terms of dealing with extreme weather events.


Here the first problem arises. For a quasi-split group the so-called LanglandsShahidi method is available, which expresses the poles of Eisenstein series by poles of a certain intertwining operator M (s, π). This operator links two representations induced from a cuspidal automorphic representation π of a proper Levi subgroup. If π is generic, then the Langlands-Shahidi method provides a normalization of M (s, π) defined using L-functions, which theoreticlally allows one to read off the poles of M (s, π). Clearly, G = GL Degree one seems to be of most interest, since Eisenstein series contributing to it must form a non-trivial residual automorphic representation of G. After having shown their existence by having proved the non-vanishing of H 1 Eis (G, E) in Theorem 3.2, we explicitly construct such residual representations in Theorem 3.3. Here we use functoriality, more precisely, the global Jacquet-Langlands Correspondence from GL ′ 2 to GL 4 , as it was only recently developed by I. Badulescu and D. Renard, [2] .

Here the first problem arises.

Here we use functoriality, more precisely, the global Jacquet-Langlands Correspondence from GL ′ 2 to GL 4 , as it was only recently developed by I. Badulescu and D. Renard.


The empirical contribution consists of the application of the proposed conceptual framework to the South African case. The multivariate model of poverty transitions is fitted to four waves of panel data from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) covering the period from 2008 to 2014/15. Four key findings emerge from this analysis: First, only one in four South Africans can be considered stably middle class or elite. This share is considerably smaller than the range of 30 to 55 percent that other studies suggest (Burger, McAravey, & Van der Berg, 2017; Burger, Steenekamp, van der Berg, & Zoch, 2015; Visagie & Posel, 2013) . Second, poverty in South Africa exhibits substantial genuine state dependence. That is, the experience of poverty itself, independent of other household characteristics and resources, leads to a higher risk of future poverty. Third, a higher level of education on the part of the household head and access to stable labor market income are key determinants for achieving economic stability in South Africa, while casual and precarious forms of work do little to reduce poverty risks. Fourth, there are two strata -the temporarily poor and the vulnerable -which are characterized by comparatively high volatility and frequent movements into and out of poverty. These two relatively similar groups are clearly distinguishable from both the chronic poor and the stable middle class and elite -not only in terms of their household characteristics, but also likely in terms of their policy needs.

This share is considerably smaller than the range of 30 to 55 percent that other studies suggest.


Boundary condition 1 (B.C.1) corresponds to a uniform inlet substrate concentration; B.C.2 corresponds to cylindrical symmetry at the center of the membrane lumen; B.C.3 corresponds to continuity of the substrate flux at the lumen-matrix interface [7] . The solution of (6) is based on the following general assumptions: (i) the system is isothermal; (ii) the flow regime is laminar and fully developed; (iii) the fluid is Newtonian and homogenous and has constant physical and transport properties; (iv) the membrane hydraulic permeability is constant. A schematic of the MBR is shown in Figure 1 . The MBR consists of a single hollow-fibre, made of surface modified polysulphone, encased in a glass bioreactor. The membranes are asymmetric and characterized by an internally skinned and externally unskinned region of microvoids. The nutrient solution is supplied by a peristaltic pump and permeates from the lumen-side to the shell-side of the MGR. The microorganism is immobilised on either the lumen-side or the shell-side of the MGR. Humidified air is supplied on the shell-side, and two pressure transducers are fitted at the inlet and outlet of the MGR.

Boundary condition 1 (B.C.1) corresponds to a uniform inlet substrate concentration; B.C.2 corresponds to cylindrical symmetry at the center of the membrane lumen; B.C.3 corresponds to continuity of the substrate flux at the lumen-matrix interface.


Secreted phospholipases A 2 (sPLA 2 s) are secreted from a variety of cells and act in autocrine or paracrine manners on cell membranes and other extracellular phospholipids, including lipoprotein particles, surfactant and dietary lipids, microbial membranes, and microvesicles [1] . Even though sPLA 2 s are considered to act as extracellularly requiring millimolar concentrations of Ca 2+ , few in vitro reports also indicate possible intracellular activity prior to or during secretion [2] . To date, eleven sPLA 2 enzymes, group IB (GIB), group IIA (GIIA), group IIC (GIIC), group IID (GIID), group IIE (GIIE), group IIF (GIIF), group III (GIII), group V (GV), group X (GX), group XIIA (GXIIA), and group XIIB (GXIIB), have been identified in mammals [3] [4] [5] . GIII sPLA 2 is an atypical sPLA 2 that contains unique N-terminal and C-terminal domains and a central sPLA 2 domain, the S domain, which has higher homology with bee venom sPLA 2 (a prototypic group III enzyme) than with other known mammalian sPLA 2 s [6] . Another unique member is GXIIB protein which has structural features similar to those of the GXIIA sPLA 2 subgroup. However, GXIIB sPLA 2 has a mutation in the active site, which replaces the canonical histidine by a leucine thus making the enzyme catalytically inactive [7] .

Secreted phospholipases A 2 (sPLA 2 s) are secreted from a variety of cells and act in autocrine or paracrine manners on cell membranes and other extracellular phospholipids, including lipoprotein particles, surfactant and dietary lipids, microbial membranes, and microvesicles.

Even though sPLA 2 s are considered to act as extracellularly requiring millimolar concentrations of Ca 2+ , few in vitro reports also indicate possible intracellular activity prior to or during secretion.

To date, eleven sPLA 2 enzymes, group IB (GIB), group IIA (GIIA), group IIC (GIIC), group IID (GIID), group IIE (GIIE), group IIF (GIIF), group III (GIII), group V (GV), group X (GX), group XIIA (GXIIA), and group XIIB (GXIIB), have been identified in mammals.

GIII sPLA 2 is an atypical sPLA 2 that contains unique N-terminal and C-terminal domains and a central sPLA 2 domain, the S domain, which has higher homology with bee venom sPLA 2 (a prototypic group III enzyme) than with other known mammalian sPLA 2 s.

However, GXIIB sPLA 2 has a mutation in the active site, which replaces the canonical histidine by a leucine thus making the enzyme catalytically inactive.


At the same time, in today's globalized multilingual world, where many people are bilingual or multilingual speakers or members of multiple ethnic, social, and cultural communities, people are most often found to assume plural multidimensional identities (Benet-Martínez 2012; Pavlenko 2002) . Research studies in different cultural contexts have found that immigrants most often embrace the target culture and language in an additive manner, whereby they assimilate and identify with the target culture and at the same time retain their ethnic identity. In this way, they form a bicultural or multicultural identity (Benet-Martínez 2012; Golan-Cook and Olshtain 2011) . However, the dominant discourse in L2 education emphasizes the value of L2 learners accommodating to the target cultural norms and language, and facilitating full assimilation into target cultural norms and language is a common practice in most countries (Masgoret and Gardner 1999; Portes and Salas 2010; Suárez-Orozco, Suárez-Orozco, and Sattin-Bajaj 2010) . How such bicultural or multicultural orientation relates to L2 learning has then become a natural question, and an urgent one as well. To understand the potential impact of bicultural orientation on language learning, we seek theorizations and concepts concerning identity both generic to human learning and specific to L2 learning to get an integrative view of the role of identity in L2 learning (Ushioda 2012) .

At the same time, in today's globalized multilingual world, where many people are bilingual or multilingual speakers or members of multiple ethnic, social, and cultural communities, people are most often found to assume plural multidimensional identities.

In this way, they form a bicultural or multicultural identity.

However, the dominant discourse in L2 education emphasizes the value of L2 learners accommodating to the target cultural norms and language, and facilitating full assimilation into target cultural norms and language is a common practice in most countries.

To understand the potential impact of bicultural orientation on language learning, we seek theorizations and concepts concerning identity both generic to human learning and specific to L2 learning to get an integrative view of the role of identity in L2 learning.


This study examined the relationships between acculturation attitudes and L2 learning. It tested two models of relationship conceptualization about cultural identification and language learning on the Chinese learning experience of South Asian ethnic minority students in Hong Kong. It found that integration acculturation attitudes predict good language learning outcomes. For one thing, the integration acculturation attitude impacts language learning outcome through influencing frequency of target-language use and contact with target culture peers and the associated confidence in learning the language. For another, the integration acculturation impacts language learning outcome through affecting bicultural competency and general self-esteem, which are associated with frequency of target-language use and confidence in language learning respectively. The findings from this study caution us against a context-independent stance toward the utility of assimilation in language learning, and suggest that the integration acculturation attitude may hold greater value in language learning in certain sociocultural contexts. The findings concur with the arguments concerning the importance of understanding the interactional context in which acculturation occurs and the mediating role of the social context in the relationship between acculturation and adjustment (Berry and Sabatier 2010; Schwartz et al. 2010) . They remind us that the relative utility of an assimilation or an integration acculturation orientation for language learning needs to be conceptualized and evaluated in relation to the realities of different sociocultural contexts. In particular, this study suggests that integration or bicultural acculturation might be an optimal acculturation orientation for language learning in social contexts where the learners have low socioeconomic status, face strong social discrimination, and belong to highly cohesive ethnic communities with strong expectations concerning the preservation of ethnic cultural norms and religions. Thus, we need to reconsider the appropriateness of the language policies and practices in educational programs across quite a few countries that ignore or downplay the importance of maintaining the ethnic culture and language. Furthermore, the findings suggest that we need to take both linguistic and psychosocial adjustment factors into consideration when conceptualizing the relationship between identity and L2 learning.

The findings concur with the arguments concerning the importance of understanding the interactional context in which acculturation occurs and the mediating role of the social context in the relationship between acculturation and adjustment.


There are several equivalent descriptions for open string in constant background B-field. The background can be regarded as constant B-field, as well as constant gauge field strength or infinitely many lower dimensional D-branes with non-commuting Chan-Paton matrices. In this article, I will call these descriptions as B-picture, F-picture, and D-picture, respectively. The equivalence is most explicitly shown by the method introduced by Ishibashi [22] . These descriptions are mapped to each other by a change of variables.

The equivalence is most explicitly shown by the method introduced by Ishibashi.


In using the Impact Tool, several lessons have been learnt. First, the Impact Tool is an excellent vehicle for forcing the applicants for CRC funding, and then the managers of the expenditure if funding is secured, to have an explicit focus on achieving outcomes and impacts. While such a focus is mandatory within CRCs, and was always a priority within the Beef CRC, it is not a widely held view externally (Griffith 2008) . We argue that the Impact Tool could have a wider role in RD&E funding and management more generally, such as in state and other federal government agencies, universities and other research organisations and in the rural industries' RD&E corporations.

While such a focus is mandatory within CRCs, and was always a priority within the Beef CRC, it is not a widely held view externally.


It was also observed that animals could be injured when forced to walk on asphalted road and the sharp gravel on the road which could injure animals' foot during long journey. In Nigeria about 34% injuries were reportedly due to horns of cattle. In Bangladesh, during animal transport, injuries such as abrasion, scar, laceration, swelling, penetration, and bleeding were reported [14] .

In Bangladesh, during animal transport, injuries such as abrasion, scar, laceration, swelling, penetration, and bleeding were reported.


For more understanding of animals' welfare there are scientific definitions, first formulated by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) [8, 9] . These definitions known as "Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare" include: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from pain, injury and disease; freedom from fear and distress; freedom from discomfort; and freedom to express normal behaviour. These definitions create logical and comprehensive framework for analysis of welfare.

For more understanding of animals' welfare there are scientific definitions, first formulated by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC).


Animal welfare concerns such as fatigue, fear and distress, fasting, dehydration and injuries are more common in animals bought through livestock markets [14] . In Europe, selling slaughter animals through livestock markets is being discouraged due to problems such as inadequate level of traceability; transmission of disease; hide contamination; and poor welfare of animals sold in markets. Therefore, delivering animals directly to abattoir is widely encouraged [14, 17, 18] .

Animal welfare concerns such as fatigue, fear and distress, fasting, dehydration and injuries are more common in animals bought through livestock markets.

Therefore, delivering animals directly to abattoir is widely encouraged.


Although Ethiopia has high potential of livestock resource, it gains less economic benefit due to inefficient production and marketing systems. In order to increase the farmers as well as national income from livestock sector, market institutions and infrastructure (including roads and transporting facilities) as well as abattoir facilities should be developed [12] . It is important to develop the livestock sector to enhance insuring food security in addition to fulfilling immediate cash needs by farmers for paying fertilizers cost and other expenses.

In order to increase the farmers as well as national income from livestock sector, market institutions and infrastructure (including roads and transporting facilities) as well as abattoir facilities should be developed.


In developing countries like Ethiopia, long distance journey; forcing animals to cross big rivers that have no bridge; and journey without sufficient food water and resting time cause stress to animals. Animals are also exposed to high radiation in summer and heavy rain in the winter. Animals are transported from farms to market or other places usually by walking or by inappropriate vehicles (designed for goods transport). Animal handlers during transport and marketing are not trained and don't have sufficient knowledge and understanding about the welfare of animals during transport and pre-transport and post-transport. In general, poor animal handling results in loss of weight, physical injuries, sickness and even death of animals, leading to the poor welfare conditions and economic loss of the stakeholders and the country as whole [10, 11] .

In general, poor animal handling results in loss of weight, physical injuries, sickness and even death of animals, leading to the poor welfare conditions and economic loss of the stakeholders and the country as whole.


During transport, as animals move from known to unknown environment, better animal handling and logistics management are required to improve animal welfare [15] . In Gudar market animals were grouped for better management. At Gudar market, animals were first mixed and categorized in to four groups: G1, G2, G3, and G4. Such grouping of animal were very essential for managing the market situation and controlling the animal health conditions and for identifying the potentially unhealthy animals from healthy ones. Grouping animals also allowed animals to adapt each other and creates stability and reduce restlessness and aggressiveness. Well trained handlers could move cattle efficiently and humanly [16] . Other problems of farmers and traders, noticed in this study were difficulties in getting timely market information, poor market infrastructure; and lack of links between farmers and traders.

During transport, as animals move from known to unknown environment, better animal handling and logistics management are required to improve animal welfare.

Well trained handlers could move cattle efficiently and humanly.


The unconfined compression test results are presented in Table 2 [7] , [9] . Both c u and E u50 values were divided by the effective vertical stress in situ vo   ( Table 1 ). The normalization procedure in the case of determined undrained shear strength c u (3) value showed that not every soil follows the SHANSEP concept [7] , [19] . The aim of the unconfined test was to pre-check the possibility to normalize geotechnical parameters of the test soils. The relationships between normalized parameter are presented in Fig. 2 . Correlations can be observed between undrained shear strength and the undrained elastic modulus E u50 . There is a high coefficient of determination R 2 for polynomial regression. The investigation confirms the nature of relationship and shows that examined soil can be submitted to the normalization procedure.

The unconfined compression test results are presented in Table 2.

The normalization procedure in the case of determined undrained shear strength c u (3) value showed that not every soil follows the SHANSEP concept.


The stress-strain characteristics of the soil behaviour are the basis for the assessment of the engineering properties of soil. This knowledge is essential for the estimation of soil response to external overloading. The stressstrain curve obtained, for example, from laboratory tests is the basis to determine soil parameters characterizing the stiffness of the material: the elastic modules corresponding, in a sense, with Young's modulus E, as in the case of soil the stress-strain relationships are not linear and the deformation is of elasto-plastic character [4] .

The stressstrain curve obtained, for example, from laboratory tests is the basis to determine soil parameters characterizing the stiffness of the material: the elastic modules corresponding, in a sense, with Young's modulus E, as in the case of soil the stress-strain relationships are not linear and the deformation is of elasto-plastic character.


There is a violent period of activity observed in some young stars called the T-Tauri phase characterized by super-intense "solar wind" and mass ejections. It is thought that this brief period is associated with stellar thermonuclear ignition. In five years the leading edge progressed 130 times the distance from the Sun to Earth. A similar event during the Sun's ignition, I posit, stripped the gases from the inner planets of the Solar System and formed the parent matter of ordinary chondrites in the asteroid belt (Herndon, 2007a) .

A similar event during the Sun's ignition, I posit, stripped the gases from the inner planets of the Solar System and formed the parent matter of ordinary chondrites in the asteroid belt.


The GY treatments inoculated ranged from 501.01 to 603.15 kg ha -1 inoculated with strains BR 3-164 and BR 3262, respectively. It should be noted that GY was higher than the regional average in these conditions 180 kg ha -1 (Freire et al., 2005) . Strains under selection showed GY similar results, but the UFLA 3-154 strain obtained productivity equivalent to N-control without N, and all the strains tested.

It should be noted that GY was higher than the regional average in these conditions 180 kg ha -1.


Previous studies among community-dwelling elders have indicated that age, sex, education, income and occupation, and chronic disease are factors associated with functional incapacity [1, 3, 6, 7] . Other factors related to socio-cultural practices have been shown to have an important role in determining rates of chronic disease and incapacity in community-residing elderly populations [8, 9] . Furthermore, the presence of limitations in functional capacity is a predictor of outpatient and hospital services use, of institutionalization and mortality among communitydwelling elders [2] . However, little is known about the role of those factors in the development of incapacity in institutionalized old people.

Previous studies among community-dwelling elders have indicated that age, sex, education, income and occupation, and chronic disease are factors associated with functional incapacity.

Other factors related to socio-cultural practices have been shown to have an important role in determining rates of chronic disease and incapacity in community-residing elderly populations.

Furthermore, the presence of limitations in functional capacity is a predictor of outpatient and hospital services use, of institutionalization and mortality among communitydwelling elders.


The rearing of coccinellid larvae is expensive and the release by a soft paintbrush needs much time. A possible way to reduce expenses could be the release of coccinellid eggs. Eggs are cheaper to rear and new spraying techniques enable simple, quick and cheap application (Löchte, 1995) . Unfortunately, the released eggs in our study did not hatch in autumn 1998. In general, larvae have the outstanding advantage that they are active immediately after release (Wyss et al., 1999a) . Also contact insecticides like Pyrethrum work immediately after application. Our study shows that the applications of Pyrethrum until mid-October 1998 prevented the deposition of overwintering eggs by Dysaphis and, consequently, nearly no fundatrices could be observed in spring 1999. Previous dates of application reduced the number of fundatrices below the economic threshold value. Overall, the insecticide Pyrethrum had an effectiveness which was never obtained by augmentative releases of coccinellids.

Eggs are cheaper to rear and new spraying techniques enable simple, quick and cheap application.

In general, larvae have the outstanding advantage that they are active immediately after release.


The child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents (United Nations, 1989, Article 7.1) A birth certificate therefore is the most visible evidence of respect for every child's unique identity. The legal identity is established from birth, whereas personal, social and cultural identity grows and changes (Woodhead, 2008) . Early childhood educators through research and practice emphasise that a quality early childhood experience for a child has profound effects upon the child's schooling outcomes (Siraj-Blatchford, 2008) .

The legal identity is established from birth, whereas personal, social and cultural identity grows and changes.

Early childhood educators through research and practice emphasise that a quality early childhood experience for a child has profound effects upon the child's schooling outcomes.


Between January 2000 and June 2001, 194 first-ever stroke patients were included in this study. In this period, 592 patients were diagnosed as suffering from a stroke. Of these patients, 80 died within 1 month after stroke and 363 were excluded (89 were not first-ever strokes, 57 had a stroke located in the brainstem or cerebellum, 46 MMSE \ 15, 34 had severe aphasia, 22 had comorbid neurological or psychiatric disorders, 6 were in a coma, 5 were not native Dutch speaking, 9 were younger than 40 years, 9 lived too far from the hospital, 6 were admitted too long after their stroke and 35 declined participation) [17] .

Of these patients, 80 died within 1 month after stroke and 363 were excluded (89 were not first-ever strokes, 57 had a stroke located in the brainstem or cerebellum, 46 MMSE \ 15, 34 had severe aphasia, 22 had comorbid neurological or psychiatric disorders, 6 were in a coma, 5 were not native Dutch speaking, 9 were younger than 40 years, 9 lived too far from the hospital, 6 were admitted too long after their stroke and 35 declined participation).


We aim at complementing the vast literature on competitive effects on evolutionary diversification by a conceptual model addressing the role of facilitation on distribution range, local adaptation, and genetic structure of beneficiary species. In particular, we discuss the likely effect of facilitation on microevolutionary processes and ultimately on ecological speciation. Ecological speciation can be defined as a particular type of speciation, where reproductive isolation evolves between populations as a result of ecologically based divergent selection [23] [24] [25] . In this context, the interplay between biotic and abiotic factors is of paramount importance and, not surprisingly, the attempts to link ecological and evolutionary processes are the most tantalizing [3, 17, 26] .

Ecological speciation can be defined as a particular type of speciation, where reproductive isolation evolves between populations as a result of ecologically based divergent selection.

In this context, the interplay between biotic and abiotic factors is of paramount importance and, not surprisingly, the attempts to link ecological and evolutionary processes are the most tantalizing.


Groundwater systems change at a slower pace than water available in the surface. Studies regarding climate change to assess and analyze groundwater systems are limited, information is scarce and there is no access to the databases necessary for their study and analysis. Meanwhile, droughts affect agriculture in terms of quality and quantity, having a direct influence on food security and sovereignty, water supply for the consumption of different productive sectors and others. Semi-arid and semi-humid regions around the world as Australia, the west of the USA, the south of Canada and the Sahel have suffered very long droughts -in some cases during many years with different intensities-but climate change can affect them, since it is expected that drought conditions increase by about 30% by the end of the century (Kundzewicz et al., 2007) .

Semi-arid and semi-humid regions around the world as Australia, the west of the USA, the south of Canada and the Sahel have suffered very long droughts -in some cases during many years with different intensities-but climate change can affect them, since it is expected that drought conditions increase by about 30% by the end of the century.


To our knowledge, no previous study has examined the associations between illness perceptions and healthcare expenditure in somatoform disorders in a prospective design including several data sources such as patient and physician questionnaires, diagnostic interviews by professional interviewers, as well as register data. Our results are strengthened by the inclusion of all prospective healthcare expenditure from a range of Danish health registers, including hospitalization and use of medication, not subject to self-report bias. Furthermore, we used structured diagnostic interviews in which inter-rater reliability was established to obtain the diagnoses of somatoform disorders rather than the physician's diagnosis of medically unexplained symptoms, as it has been shown that physicians vary considerably in how likely they are to provide this diagnosis (Rosendal et al. 2003) . We did use the physician's diagnosis of well-defined physical disease for which no inter-rater reliability was established. To partly respond to this problem we excluded the group of patients presenting 'probably welldefined physical disease' according to the physician and furthermore controlled for clustering in the regression analyses to account for possible interdependence between patients consulting the same physician.

Furthermore, we used structured diagnostic interviews in which inter-rater reliability was established to obtain the diagnoses of somatoform disorders rather than the physician's diagnosis of medically unexplained symptoms, as it has been shown that physicians vary considerably in how likely they are to provide this diagnosis.


When this method is used, which separates the protonation effects from medium effects, the protonation information is contained in q 1 [1, 9, 10] . The reconstructed spectra using the first principal components (Figure 2-4 ) intersect at isosbestic points. This gives additional support that, indeed, the first PC describes the behavior of the system due to the protonation that occurs in acidic media.

When this method is used, which separates the protonation effects from medium effects, the protonation information is contained in q 1.


In this work, the protonation of three benzotoluidides (Scheme 1) in sulphuric acid media is studied. These compounds were chosen partly because their structures resemble previously studied compounds of benzamide and benzanilide [4] . Further, to the best of our knowledge, no protonation data for these compounds have been published so far using UV spectroscopy. Thus, one can compare the values in this study with known values and discuss the influence of the different substituent positions in the structure on the protonation process.

These compounds were chosen partly because their structures resemble previously studied compounds of benzamide and benzanilide.


The reconstructed spectra of m-( Figure 3 ) and p-toluidide ( Figure 4) show isosbestic points at 267 nm and 275 nm, respectively, as a result of the bathochromic effect of the 1 L b band originating from the unprotonated base. These changes in the UV spectra are similar to those reported previously for benzanilide [4] . Major differences are observed in the position of the 1 L a and 1 L b band in the spectra of o-toluidide as compared to the spectra of the m-and p-isomers. The different behaviour is probably due to the steric effect of methyl group in ortho position [15, 19] .

These changes in the UV spectra are similar to those reported previously for benzanilide.

The different behaviour is probably due to the steric effect of methyl group in ortho position.


An EPA study conducted in Kentucky estimated that a single broiler house emits greater than 785 kg of dust per year [8] . The US produces approximately 8.4 billion broiler chickens annually for consumer consumption [9] . Considering that there are approximately 61,301 broiler houses in the US, this equates to an estimated 48,000 Mg (or 48,000 tonnes) of dust emitted annually from broiler houses. Figure 1 depicts dust deposited on the ground adjacent to broiler house tunnel ventilation fans, and shows the exposure of the site to natural rainfall and subsequent potential runoff from the site.

An EPA study conducted in Kentucky estimated that a single broiler house emits greater than 785 kg of dust per year.

The US produces approximately 8.4 billion broiler chickens annually for consumer consumption.


The negative relationship between distance and trade has been quoted as one of the most robust empirical findings in international trade literature (Leamer & Levinsohn, 1995) . Countries situated close to each other trade more intensively than countries that are farther apart. Such effect can be caused by the exporter's transportation costs of shipping from home to the destination, so that the greater distance also incurs greater transportation costs. Moreover, exporters can face greater transaction costs of having to deal with culturally or institutionally unfamiliar markets. These costs can arise from procedural differences, communication misalignment, or legal compliance. The more unfamiliar the market, the higher the transaction costs.

The negative relationship between distance and trade has been quoted as one of the most robust empirical findings in international trade literature.


Suspension plasma spray (SPS) process is considered as a technique that enables variations of thermally sprayed coatings e.g., from highly dense and vertically cracked (DVC) to porous, feathery and columnar microstructures [1] . There is a growing demand for yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) suspensions to deposit thermal barrier coatings (TBC), either to generate the main TBC ceramic layer or as a repair method [2] . In both cases, the preferred microstructure contains large globular pores and connected cracks that can potentially yield high strain tolerance and low thermal conductivity [1, 3] . Accordingly, to satisfy the needs of the industry, the suppliers have offered to the market the readyto-use suspensions of yttria stabilized zirconia-YSZ powders. It is, therefore, a matter of interest to identify first the differences (if any) of the commercially available suspensions with those freshly made in laboratory. A major difference while comparing commercial suspensions with the home-made ones is the freshness of the latter. Therefore, whether the "aging" of a suspension could affect its properties is a question to be addressed in this work. In addition, the commercial suspension formula target highly demanding applications that require coatings with specific microstructure and properties produced in a consistent manner. Therefore, it would be important to verify the flexibility of such commercial formula toward fabrication of different types of microstructure mentioned above (columnar, DVC, etc.).

Suspension plasma spray (SPS) process is considered as a technique that enables variations of thermally sprayed coatings e.g., from highly dense and vertically cracked (DVC) to porous, feathery and columnar microstructures.

There is a growing demand for yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) suspensions to deposit thermal barrier coatings (TBC), either to generate the main TBC ceramic layer or as a repair method.

In both cases, the preferred microstructure contains large globular pores and connected cracks that can potentially yield high strain tolerance and low thermal conductivity.


We discovered a strong influence of familiarity on the semantic description of odors. In addition, the descriptors applied to the stimuli replicated how descriptors were applied by experts in many cases [20] . Among the molecules used both in this study and in Dravnieks's study, diethyl disulfide was the most representative of the descriptor "garlic" in both studies. Similarly, the molecules most representative of "flower" (2-phenylethanol), "decayed" (methyl thiobutyrate), "sweaty" (isovaleric acid), and "spicy" (eugenol), were the same in the two studies. For some other descriptors like "sweet" and "sour," there was also large overlap in descriptor usage for given molecules.

In addition, the descriptors applied to the stimuli replicated how descriptors were applied by experts in many cases.


Technical skills of leaders include those processes, methods and techniques which help leaders in understanding a particular subject or any problem (Katz, 1974) . These qualities will bring accurate information to leaders regarding organizational systems and characteristics of employees. Technical skills are added through the merger of proper tutoring, education and work practices.

Technical skills of leaders include those processes, methods and techniques which help leaders in understanding a particular subject or any problem.


Leaders are in a position to apply an immense pressure and influence to enhance the productivity and output of the workers and employees and they are unaffected to this effect as they are immune to it. Moreover, leaders frequently put the point for making intelligence in their employees by choosing variables and methods to be observed, highlighting major features of productivity performance in cluster and personal assessments and by managing the stream to employees (Yukl, 2006; Bass and Bass, 2009; Weick, 1995) . Therefore, influence and affect is a central subject inside leadership.

Moreover, leaders frequently put the point for making intelligence in their employees by choosing variables and methods to be observed, highlighting major features of productivity performance in cluster and personal assessments and by managing the stream to employees.


The importance of leader in the organization is just like sun in the "solar system". Leaders can greatly influence their subordinates and have the ability to increase their productivity. The traits of leaders are visibly significant, particularly in joint effort in particular. Leaders require the abilities to employ its employees in prolific and pleasing shared pursuits. But, this is an exit from the normal means of considering leader traits as belongings, rather than interpersonal relations to others involved in common actions. The leadership skills and knowledge cannot be inherited, rather can be got and taken from others, built-up and are apparent in routine working (Katz, 1974) .

The leadership skills and knowledge cannot be inherited, rather can be got and taken from others, built-up and are apparent in routine working.


Social intelligence of leaders also plays an important role to tackle with the employees. It includes social perceptiveness which increases the ability of the leaders to understand problems and needs of the organization as well as the employees. Behavioral elasticity is the skill and keenness to change the behavior of employees and to fine tune for new situations (Haq, 2011) .

Behavioral elasticity is the skill and keenness to change the behavior of employees and to fine tune for new situations.


Interpersonal skills of leaders contain information about the behaviors of human beings and team/group processes. It includes the skills and capability of leaders to recognize the thoughts, feelings, intents of employees, capability to evidently and realistically correspond in different situations. It is compromising talents for settling dissimilarities between employee/workers and set up jointly enjoyable associations (Mahoney, 1963; Mahoney et al., 1965; Copeman, 1971; Mintzberg, 1973) .

It is compromising talents for settling dissimilarities between employee/workers and set up jointly enjoyable associations.


The magnitude and importance of leadership in different organizations has long been unnoticed and unobserved from a long period of time. But now its importance has been realized and now it has become a burning issue all over the world. Effective leadership enhances the productivity of employees in all the sectors of the economy in a country and now it has motivated researchers, nationwide and global organizations to receive keen and intense notice in it. Productivity can be defined as "an economic measure of output per unit of input. Inputs include labor and capital, while output is typically measured in revenues and other GDP components such as business inventories". With a variety of new techniques, better leadership abilities and skills can be established to be successful in increasing the employee's productivity in the organizations. Due to the aggressive competition of the global and worldwide market and added diversified forces, the collection of management and leadership abilities and skills must be increased and expanded to increase the productivity of the employees in the organizations (Wart, 2003) . The leaders direct the affiliates of business in the direction of the objectives of the organization. So one of the major duties of a highquality leader to make certain that the tasks of the business are executed in disciplined and economical way.

Due to the aggressive competition of the global and worldwide market and added diversified forces, the collection of management and leadership abilities and skills must be increased and expanded to increase the productivity of the employees in the organizations.


EI is concerned to the extent that place jointly feelings and causes in a manner so as to feelings and emotions are used to aid cognitive procedures and feelings are sensibly handled (Haq, 2011) . Leaders can solve problems like management of time, disaster management to take better decision making. With the help of EI, leaders can easily understand the personalities and problems of their employees and thus are in a position to solve the problems and increasing the performance of the employees.

EI is concerned to the extent that place jointly feelings and causes in a manner so as to feelings and emotions are used to aid cognitive procedures and feelings are sensibly handled.


The objective of this study is to determine the effect of test variables on the ability to discern the presence of disk-shaped voids within plates from displacement waveforms and their frequency spectra. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of point impact on a circular plate containing a disk-shaped void. A suitable point impact is generated by dropping a small steel sphere onto the top surface of the plate; the timehistory of the contact force due to the elastic impact was approximated as a half-cycle sine curve (Goldsmith). The important variables affecting the response of the flawed plate are: the diameter, D, and thickness, T, of the plate (DIT aspect ratio); the diameter, d, and depth, t, of the flaw; the frequency content of the stress pulse generated by impact; and, the distance, H, from the impact point to the point where the response is monitored. A study of the transient responses of unflawed circular plates of various geometries was presented in a previous paper [4] . In this study only circular plates with a diameter of 2 m and a thickness of 0.5 m were analyzed. The effect of the other variables on displacement waveforms and spectra will be discussed in this paper. Finally, it will be shown that the length of time the response is monitored, that is, the record length, is also an important factor.

A study of the transient responses of unflawed circular plates of various geometries was presented in a previous paper.


These studies are part of an ongoing research project at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) which is aimed at developing a basis for a nondestructive test method for flaw detection in heterogenous materials, such as concrete, using transient stress waves [1, 5, 6] . The experimental technique (impact-echo method) involves introducing a transient stress pulse into a test object by mechanical impact at a point. At an adjacent point, the surface displacement produced by the arrival 369 of reflections of the pulse from internal defects and external boundaries is monitored and the recorded waveforms are used to obtain information about the interior of a test object. Frequency spectrum analysis of waveforms is used to facilitate signal interpretation [1, 6, 7] .

These studies are part of an ongoing research project at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) which is aimed at developing a basis for a nondestructive test method for flaw detection in heterogenous materials, such as concrete, using transient stress waves.

Frequency spectrum analysis of waveforms is used to facilitate signal interpretation.


An increasing number of universities are experimenting with the hybrid instructional model -the newest entrant into the familiar classroom experience (Young, 2002) . The hybrid instructional model is a blend of conventional face-to-face instruction and Web-based distance learning. In other words, a hybrid instructional model consists of both classroom face-to-face meetings and distance learning. The hybrid instructional model brings together classroom and technology as essential partners in instructional design. Courses designed in the hybrid instructional model move a significant portion of the learning activities from the classroom to the Web and reduce the amount of seat time. The instructor and the student have the advantages of real-time exchange in scheduled classes but have the benefit of continuing the discussion and assignments in the spaces between meetings (Young, 2002; Garnham & Kaleta, 2002) .

An increasing number of universities are experimenting with the hybrid instructional model -the newest entrant into the familiar classroom experience.

The instructor and the student have the advantages of real-time exchange in scheduled classes but have the benefit of continuing the discussion and assignments in the spaces between meetings.


Adult students were among the first to embrace the asynchronous model for its convenience. Adult students are characteristically independent learners who are self-directed in establishing their learning objectives. They are more likely than other students to be involved in distance education programs (Thompson, 1988) .

They are more likely than other students to be involved in distance education programs.