Millions of people worldwide have been exposed to asbestos. The commonest manifestation of asbestos exposure is pleural disease, including pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening (DPT). Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and DPT are less common than plaques, both conditions are likely to become more common in the future [1] . The overall prevalence of pleural disease including DPT is increasing due to the large number of workers who were exposed and the long latency of the disorder [2, 3] . The Worker's Compensation Dust Diseases Board of New South Wales acknowledges an increase in DPT cases from 65 cases in 2002 to 133 cases in 2006. This review is primarily aimed at clinicians. It summarises available information on diffuse pleural thickening (DPT), contrasting it with other types of pleural disease, discusses potential pathogenetic mechanisms, and summarises available evidence regarding its clinical consequences.

Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and DPT are less common than plaques, both conditions are likely to become more common in the future.

The overall prevalence of pleural disease including DPT is increasing due to the large number of workers who were exposed and the long latency of the disorder.


We consider the following case. Let X be an affine toric (not necessarily normal) variety with big torus T ⊂ X and let T ⊂ T be a subtorus acting on X by the restriction of the action of T. This defines a grading of the algebra of regular functions k[X] by the group of characters of T . Denote by H X,T the toric Hilbert scheme, that is, the multigraded Hilbert scheme parametrizing those T -invariant ideals in k[X] having the same Hilbert function as the toric T -variety X = T x, where x ∈ X lies in the open T-orbit [11] . There is a canonical irreducible component H 0 of H X,T parametrizing general T -orbit closures in X and their flat limits (Proposition 3.6 (2) ). This component contains an open orbit for a natural action of T/T on H X,T . The main result of this work is a description of the fan of this toric variety (Theorem 4.5). Also, we compare the fan of H 0 with the fan of the toric Chow quotient.

We consider the following case.

Denote by H X,T the toric Hilbert scheme, that is, the multigraded Hilbert scheme parametrizing those T -invariant ideals in k[X] having the same Hilbert function as the toric T -variety X = T x, where x ∈ X lies in the open T-orbit.

There is a canonical irreducible component H 0 of H X,T parametrizing general T -orbit closures in X and their flat limits (Proposition 3.6).


The German part of the Baltic Sea belongs to a transitional zone between the North Sea (via Skagerrak and Kattegat) and the proper Baltic Sea (mainly the large basins of Bornholm and Gotland). In-and outflowing water masses controlled by sea level balance as well as wind and barometric conditions lead to strong variations and to a prominent salinity gradient along the shore of several hundred kilometres length. The western parts (mainly Kiel Bay) are closely connected to the Kattegat and are characterised by salinities between 25 and 30 psu. Within a few hundred kilometres towards the East, the salinity values naturally drop down to 5 psu offshore, and reach freshwater conditions within the inner coastal oligohaline waters. Consequently, the number of marine species in these coastal waters is significantly decreased while the diversity of limnic species increases [64] .

Consequently, the number of marine species in these coastal waters is significantly decreased while the diversity of limnic species increases.


The sub-region 3 around Helgoland (Fig. 1) represents the only larger natural hard bottom of the whole southeastern North Sea, providing habitats for hard-substrate associated taxa [56] [57] [58] . This is reflected by its relatively high species richness in the eu-and sublittoral including the depression 'Tiefe Rinne' south of Helgoland. This depression is the deepest area of the German Bight with a maximum depth of around 60 m, characterised by secondary hard substrate from dead oyster shells and shell gravel [10, 59] . The habitat is therefore dominated by a hard-bottom fauna such as anthozoans and bryozoans along with co-occurring soft-sediment species. At the edges of the depression, fine silty and muddy sediments are found with their own species composition.

The sub-region 3 around Helgoland (Fig. 1) represents the only larger natural hard bottom of the whole southeastern North Sea, providing habitats for hard-substrate associated taxa.

This depression is the deepest area of the German Bight with a maximum depth of around 60 m, characterised by secondary hard substrate from dead oyster shells and shell gravel.


Backfat thickness during gestation tended to be higher as high energy diets were provided and high backfat loss during lactation was observed in high energy diets, while backfat changes from breeding to weaning remained constant with a range of 17 to 21 mm regardless of dietary energy treatments. Although the body weight and backfat thickness of gilts were increased in proportional to dietary energy levels during gestation, those values were decreased during lactation by low feed consumption in high energy treatment groups. Feed intake during lactation was significantly affected by dietary energy treatment during gestation particularly during the first week postpartum, consequently body weight and backfat thickness of sows became similar values after weaning in all treatments. Previous researches have explained a negative relationship between high backfat thickness at farrowing and lactation feed intake (Dourmad et al., 1991; Revell et al., 1998) .

Previous researches have explained a negative relationship between high backfat thickness at farrowing and lactation feed intake.


Statins are considered to beneficially influence liver fibrosis and portal hypertension by various mechanisms. The current findings include hepatic stellate cell deactivation, reduced migration, reduced collagen synthesis, vasodilation, and hepatic stellate cell senescence [54] . However, our metaanalysis cannot illustrate these effects on fibrosis. The independent antifibrotic effects found for various statins could also be an explanation. Additionally, the short follow-up time of the included study might present only the early stage of fibrotic change. From the meta-analysis, the average rate of fibrosis progression of one stage is more than 7.7 years in patients with NASH and 14.3 years in patients with NAFLD [55] .

The current findings include hepatic stellate cell deactivation, reduced migration, reduced collagen synthesis, vasodilation, and hepatic stellate cell senescence.

From the meta-analysis, the average rate of fibrosis progression of one stage is more than 7.7 years in patients with NASH and 14.3 years in patients with NAFLD.


The diaphragmatic damage may be silent or show up with symptoms of intestinal obstruction, immediately after the surgery or many years later. Acquired DH non-related to trauma is an even rarer presentation and it is very difficult to diagnose [6] . In this case report we describe an acquired DH occurring after spleno-pancreatectomy for a neuroendocrine tumour.

Acquired DH non-related to trauma is an even rarer presentation and it is very difficult to diagnose.


An alternative approach is the joint use of BMR and tomographic EMI modalities. Tomographic EMI techniques generate an impedance (or conversely admittance) distribution map of the breast region, in which the presence of malignant lesions can be quantitatively assessed [3] [4] [5] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] . A recent study has shown that multi modality EMI approaches have an increased sensitivity and sensibility compared to individual EMI techniques [3] . However, the detection of non palpable tumors (smaller than 1 cm) using current tomographic EMI reconstruction techniques is a difficult task since these approaches generate images with diffused edges and where only targets with sizes in the order of centimeters can be resolved [3] .

Tomographic EMI techniques generate an impedance (or conversely admittance) distribution map of the breast region, in which the presence of malignant lesions can be quantitatively assessed.

A recent study has shown that multi modality EMI approaches have an increased sensitivity and sensibility compared to individual EMI techniques.

However, the detection of non palpable tumors (smaller than 1 cm) using current tomographic EMI reconstruction techniques is a difficult task since these approaches generate images with diffused edges and where only targets with sizes in the order of centimeters can be resolved.


We have presented a nonlinear meshfree method applicable to material and geometric nonlinearities for modelling shear bands with cohesive surfaces. The shear band is modelled by a set of sheared particles. In each sheared particle, a discontinuity in the tangential component of the displacement is added to the displacement field. The method is a variation of the theme "cracking particles" [25] . It is very easy, as shown in the computation of the Kalthoff example, to include cracking and sheared particles in a single computation to model complex failure processes.

The method is a variation of the theme "cracking particles".


As is well known, many-particle systems are described by means of two objects: observables and states. A functional of the mean value of observables defines a duality between observables and states and as a consequence there exist two approaches to the description of the evolution within the framework of the evolution of observables and states, respectively [25] . Traditionally the evolution of many-particle systems is described within the framework of the evolution of states governed by the BBGKY hierarchy for marginal distribution functions. An equivalent approach to the description of the evolution of many-particle systems is given in terms of marginal observables governed by the dual BBGKY hierarchy [26] .

A functional of the mean value of observables defines a duality between observables and states and as a consequence there exist two approaches to the description of the evolution within the framework of the evolution of observables and states, respectively.

An equivalent approach to the description of the evolution of many-particle systems is given in terms of marginal observables governed by the dual BBGKY hierarchy.


In the paper a new approach to the problem of the rigorous description of the kinetic evolution of a system of hard spheres with elastic collisions was developed. For this purpose we established the low-density (Boltzmann-Grad) asymptotic behavior of a solution of the Cauchy problem of the dual BBGKY hierarchy for marginal observables of hard spheres (1) and (2). The constructed scaling limit is governed by the set of recurrence evolution equations, namely, by the dual Boltzmann hierarchy with hard sphere collisions (25) .

The constructed scaling limit is governed by the set of recurrence evolution equations, namely, by the dual Boltzmann hierarchy with hard sphere collisions.


For decades, the optimization methods have been applied to the design of induction machines. When more than one objective function is optimized simultaneously, the problem presents a set of solutions, which are referred to as Pareto Front [18] . It includes the solutions representing the best compromise satisfying all of the objectives. From the Pareto Front, the optimal solution of the optimization problem can be chosen by the designer's balanced consideration on overall performance.

When more than one objective function is optimized simultaneously, the problem presents a set of solutions, which are referred to as Pareto Front.


Traditionally, the public services were centered around the operations of the governments' departments. However, e-governance also involves a data exchange between the government and other stakeholders, including the businesses and the general public (Rana & Dwivedi, 2015) . The advances in technology have led to significant improvements in the delivery of service quality to online users (Isaías et al., 2012) . As e-government services become more sophisticated, the online users will be intrigued to interact with the government as e-services are usually more efficient and less costly than offline services that are delivered by civil servants. However, there may be individuals who for many reasons, may not have access to computers and the internet. Such individuals may not benefit of the governments' services as other citizens. As a result, the digital divide among citizens can impact their socio-economic status (Ebbers, Jansen & van Deursen, 2016) . Moreover, there may be individuals who may be wary of using e-government systems. They may not trust the e-gov sites with their personal information, as they may be concerned on privacy issues. Many individuals still perceive the governments' online sites as risky and unsecure.

However, e-governance also involves a data exchange between the government and other stakeholders, including the businesses and the general public.

The advances in technology have led to significant improvements in the delivery of service quality to online users.

As a result, the digital divide among citizens can impact their socio-economic status.


The full data analysis software is implemented as a MATLAB toolbox [13] . Some of the main classes of objects that make up the system are shown in table 1. In addition to these classes, many other classes exist to implement, for example, different data types, SI units and spectral windows.

The full data analysis software is implemented as a MATLAB toolbox.


Wiki spaces have been known as one among many powerful social platforms that support collaborative learning activities. This study is based on knowledge building network theory which focuses on the engagement of groups to build new knowledge [5] . In this theory, knowledge building is a collaborative activity where learners identify problems and gaps in the learning process and come up with solutions to these problems. Learners also receive critic on their ideas, other alternatives or their ideas are developed further when they share their developed ideas and explanations with the others publicly [1] .

This study is based on knowledge building network theory which focuses on the engagement of groups to build new knowledge.

Learners also receive critic on their ideas, other alternatives or their ideas are developed further when they share their developed ideas and explanations with the others publicly.


An important molecular mechanism behind a considerable increase in nucleoli volume and number in cancer cells is related with inactivation of pRB protein. Active, nonphosphorylated pRB, through binding with UBF inhibits rRNA synthesis [28, 29] . During the progression of cell cycle, phosphorylation of pRB by cyclindependent kinases 2 and 4 results in freeing UBF and E2Fs, which directly induces increase in rRNA transcription, morphologically manifesting as nucleolar hypertrophy and polynucleolization [30] .

Active, nonphosphorylated pRB, through binding with UBF inhibits rRNA synthesis.

During the progression of cell cycle, phosphorylation of pRB by cyclindependent kinases 2 and 4 results in freeing UBF and E2Fs, which directly induces increase in rRNA transcription, morphologically manifesting as nucleolar hypertrophy and polynucleolization.


The EFFECT study observed varying discontinuation rates among the different regions. Potential reasons for the observed variations in discontinuation rates include differences in regional practices of implementing GI management strategies and variation in years of experience in prescribing DMF. As part of a post hoc analysis, it was observed that the incidence of GI adverse events in Region 1 [29% (129/ 451)] versus combined Region 2/3 [24% (87/ 358)] were similar in this study, yet discontinuation rates were strikingly different in Region 1 [7% (32/451)] versus combined Region 2/3 [3% (12/358)]. Consistent with the analysis for the entire population, similar patterns of lower discontinuation rates for patients initiating therapy in more recent years were also observed when stratified by region. One hypothesis for the difference in discontinuation rates despite a similar incidence of AEs is that the management and mitigation strategies implemented by these regions drive the differences in discontinuations due to GI AEs associated with DMF treatment. Another hypothesis is that limited access to a wider range of MS treatment alternatives in particular countries may result in lower discontinuation rates irrespective of side effects. Other inherent country differences that may influence patient tolerability to DMF and willingness to tolerate side effects, such as diet, availability of over-the-counter symptomatic therapies, exercise, meal timing, and cultural norms that discourage the reporting of side effects, should be noted as well, as supported by other real-world studies from several countries that have reported differences in overall and GIrelated discontinuation rates [12, 13, 18, 20] .

Other inherent country differences that may influence patient tolerability to DMF and willingness to tolerate side effects, such as diet, availability of over-the-counter symptomatic therapies, exercise, meal timing, and cultural norms that discourage the reporting of side effects, should be noted as well, as supported by other real-world studies from several countries that have reported differences in overall and GIrelated discontinuation rates.


With aging, there is an increase of oxidative stress due to an imbalance between the oxidant production and the antioxidant levels. Since immunological cell functions are specially linked to free radical generation, the oxidant and antioxidant balance is essential for these cells. Although low levels of anti-oxidants bring armless status of a decreased in immune system, high levels of anti-oxidants could damage the tissues [27] - [34] . So ideal system was a regulation of daily status of immunological condition by phagocyte.

Although low levels of anti-oxidants bring armless status of a decreased in immune system, high levels of anti-oxidants could damage the tissues.


Paeonia lactiflora is widely distributed in Korea. Extensive studies have been carried out on the morphological diversity and horticultural attributes of peonies (Hosoki et al., 1997) . However, differentiation of peony species through morphological features is ineffectual and imprecise. Morphological characters are often limited in number, usually have complex inheritance patterns, and are vulnerable to environmental conditions. Thus, molecular markers, which portray a fraction of the genome sequence composition, are highly useful to assess and to utilize the genetic variability for breeding programs. Researchers have studied genetic variation in peony species collections using various molecular techniques including, sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), AFLP, RAPD, and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers (Cheng et al., 2011; Hao et al., 2008; Hosoki et al., 1997; Hou et al., 2006) .

Extensive studies have been carried out on the morphological diversity and horticultural attributes of peonies.

Researchers have studied genetic variation in peony species collections using various molecular techniques including, sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), AFLP, RAPD, and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers.


Multi-Concept MIL methods can be considered a generalization of Single-Concept approaches. They assume that there exist a set of concepts in the instance space whose combined presence in the bag determine its label. However, existing Multi-Concept methods are limited in facial behavior categorization because they assume that the concepts can be modelled by isotropic Gaussians where all the features have the same importance. In constrast, facial-descriptors (instances) are typically highly dimensional and contain a low number of informative features related with facial expression changes [31] .

In constrast, facial-descriptors (instances) are typically highly dimensional and contain a low number of informative features related with facial expression changes.


Context Aware Systems are different from traditional systems as they provide unique features such as heterogeneity, high complexity and artificial intelligence. Since the parameters that constitute a context aware system, such as location and time of the day are rapidly changing [32] . Thus the use and importance of context aware system is increasing and therefore becoming a major part in prospective wireless systems. It is being highlighted as important and quite useful due to several reasons such as context can reduce the input cost, it can provide an exciting user experiences without much effort on the user`s part and also users can benefit through context sharing [4, 34] . This paper is organized into five sections. In section 2, we will have some discussion about background history along with some related works which have been done in the past by various researchers. Section 3 will review the security issues which related to context aware systems. Section 4 will present some frameworks which have been proposed in the literature review, and finally Section 5 will summarize our conclusion.

Since the parameters that constitute a context aware system, such as location and time of the day are rapidly changing.

It is being highlighted as important and quite useful due to several reasons such as context can reduce the input cost, it can provide an exciting user experiences without much effort on the user`s part and also users can benefit through context sharing.


We frame this distance learning (DL) task as the multi-instance learning (MIL) problem (Dietterich et al., 1997) . In MIL, each bag of examples is marked with a class label: the label indicates that the bag contains at least one example corresponding to that class. Relying on such labeled bags, MIL methods aim at learning classifiers for individual examples.

We frame this distance learning (DL) task as the multi-instance learning (MIL) problem.


All-Active DBR lasers incorporating high-order gratings along the active region of the laser cavity have shown narrow linewidth behavior below 500 kHz, side-mode suppression ratios (SMSR) well above 45 dB and threshold currents under 25 mA; all of which meet the current standards required by industry [1] - [3] . The high-order grating formed with the etched slots creates very good single mode operation, however unlike traditional distributed feedback (DFB) lasers they do not require high-resolution processing with e-beam lithography and regrowth steps [4] , [5] . Furthermore, in contrast to DFB lasers which typically use a first-order grating structure throughout the entire active region, the partially-slotted DBR laser presented here incorporates a periodic Bragg grating positioned on only one side of a ridge waveguide thus requiring only a single cleaved facet. The high-order (37th) enables a larger slot width of circa 1 μm for ease of fabrication. The dimensions of the high-order grating may be optimized such that the reflection and transmission coefficients are robust against small changes in slot width and period [6] . In our design, we use two contacts over the grating and phase sections, as shown in Fig. 1(a) . Small adjustments to the currents in the two sections allow high performance in SMSR as well as a low linewidth even considering an increase in photon loss due to the high order grating, and in principle allows for etching using photolithography [7] . A disadvantage of high-order gratings is that they introduce radiation loss not observed with first-order DFB lasers, so placement of the slots within the cavity must be carefully managed to minimize this loss.

All-Active DBR lasers incorporating high-order gratings along the active region of the laser cavity have shown narrow linewidth behavior below 500 kHz, side-mode suppression ratios (SMSR) well above 45 dB and threshold currents under 25 mA; all of which meet the current standards required by industry.

The high-order grating formed with the etched slots creates very good single mode operation, however unlike traditional distributed feedback (DFB) lasers they do not require high-resolution processing with e-beam lithography and regrowth steps.

The dimensions of the high-order grating may be optimized such that the reflection and transmission coefficients are robust against small changes in slot width and period.

Small adjustments to the currents in the two sections allow high performance in SMSR as well as a low linewidth even considering an increase in photon loss due to the high order grating, and in principle allows for etching using photolithography.


Further to add, there exists a high level of reluctance of using radiological test to young children or pregnant women. Thus, ultrasonography is often used in diagnosis of appendicitis in such cases. However, even such diagnosis by ultrasonography should be treated carefully since it may cause unnecessary operations to remove i nflamed appendix for children [4] .

However, even such diagnosis by ultrasonography should be treated carefully since it may cause unnecessary operations to remove i nflamed appendix for children.


Autoscaling and dynamic VM allocation is further complicated by the fact that many clients do not simply deploy a single VM in the cloud, but rather a set of interacting VMs, each of which is a component of a larger application providing a service to their users, e.g., multi-tiered web-applications or scientific applications with multiple processing steps [8, 16, 38, 43] . For the purposes of this work, we define an application as a set of interacting VMs which provide a user-facing service. The cloud provider, upon request from a client, places client VMs within the physical data center. The placement should consider the data center network topology, as this can have an effect both on application performance as well as management. For example, VMs that communicate frequently with each other would benefit from being located near each other in order to reduce network latency. Adding an additional VM to handle additional web requests, say, should help, but placing it away from the VM providing database services for the overall application may not result in the performance expected.

Autoscaling and dynamic VM allocation is further complicated by the fact that many clients do not simply deploy a single VM in the cloud, but rather a set of interacting VMs, each of which is a component of a larger application providing a service to their users, e.g., multi-tiered web-applications or scientific applications with multiple processing steps.


In the present study, various sizes of cNDs were evaluated on the cytotoxicity in human lung cells. The 5 and 100 nm cND particles were accumulated on A549 lung epithelial cells and HFL-1 lung fibroblast; however, these cND particles did not induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Interestingly, both 5 and 100 nm cNDs display natural green fluorescence upon laser excitation in cells that can be detected by scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Recently, high energy treated nanodiamond was found to emit bright fluorescence and no photobleaching was detected [18] . The biocompatible and detectable properties of cND nanoparticles are considered as a novel and relative safe nanomaterial for further biomedical applications.

Recently, high energy treated nanodiamond was found to emit bright fluorescence and no photobleaching was detected.


The top barrier layer (in the second and third scenarios) and the top uniform (monolithic) layer (fine practical) (in the first scenario) must be maintained for a certain time to avoid deformation on these layers' surface (without a ripple) and cracks when the organic material within the waste zone degrades [5] . The waste in the Babylon Governorate is composed of more than 55% organic material [80] . Therefore, a similar amount of soil material was used to construct the top barrier layer and the top uniform layer, but this should be subject to monitoring and maintenance (if it is necessary) for a specific time until the settlement in these surface layers has completed before placing other layers of the final cover system over it.

The top barrier layer (in the second and third scenarios) and the top uniform (monolithic) layer (fine practical) (in the first scenario) must be maintained for a certain time to avoid deformation on these layers' surface (without a ripple) and cracks when the organic material within the waste zone degrades.

The waste in the Babylon Governorate is composed of more than 55% organic material.


Landfills are a common means of disposing waste. Approximately 95% of the world's garbage is sent to landfill sites [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . This method is considered an economic and systematic way to manage garbage when compared to other methods of managing waste, such as the reuse and recycling of garbage and the burning and subsequent burial of garbage in dump sites [5] [6] [7] [8] . Inefficient landfill management systems in several countries are the cause of harmful impacts that affect both the environment and human health (e.g., surface water and groundwater contamination, gas emissions, Sustainability 2018, 10, 4568 3 of 27 to top) are as follows: (i) a sub grade layer of native soil, with a minimum saturated hydraulic conductivity of 1.0 × 10 −7 cm/s, (ii) a highly compacted barrier layer of 90 cm with four lifts (each lift is 22.5 cm) (the hydraulic conductivity of this barrier layer is 1.0 × 10 −6 cm/s), (iii) a drainage layer containing coarse materials (gravel or sand) with a thickness of 30 cm, and containing the leachate collection pipes, (iv) a geotextile filter layer over the drainage layer to protect it from clogging by fine materials that might transfer from the waste mass above, and (v) a 60 cm deep protective layer, used to protect the leachate collection pipes from damage and to filter leachate before it is removed to treatment units.

Approximately 95% of the world's garbage is sent to landfill sites.

This method is considered an economic and systematic way to manage garbage when compared to other methods of managing waste, such as the reuse and recycling of garbage and the burning and subsequent burial of garbage in dump sites.


In countries that have a tropical climate (especially developing countries), annual rainfall is more than 250 cm and can be as much as 1000 cm in monsoon season [22] . Mean temperatures in tropical are more than 18 • C [23] . Both the base lining system and the final cover system are used in these regions.

In countries that have a tropical climate (especially developing countries), annual rainfall is more than 250 cm and can be as much as 1000 cm in monsoon season.

Mean temperatures in tropical are more than 18 • C.


Second, the data are limited to mother-daughter dyads, but forms of intergenerational assistance could occur within other dyadic relationships between mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, fathers and sons, and parents-in-law and children-in-law. It is unclear to what extent caregivers and care recipients would disagree about the prevalence of transfers in these other dyadic relationships. It is imperative, however, to examine mother and daughter reports because more transfers occur in mother-daughter relationships than in any other form of family relationship (Rossi & Rossi, 1990) . Last, the study is limited to four types of upward transfer. More widespread assistance, such as providing emotional comfort and monitoring mothers' health, has been largely overlooked in the literature. The disagreement between mother and daughter reports about these intangible transfers is likely to be greater than the ones examined here.

It is imperative, however, to examine mother and daughter reports because more transfers occur in mother-daughter relationships than in any other form of family relationship.


The study has several limitations. First, so far there is no theory guiding the selection of a reference item in order to achieve model identification. This study used mothers' reports of receiving help with household chores as the reference on the ground that this item was closest to the transfer factor (i.e., it had the largest factor loading). The limitation of this particular analytic strategy is that the results could have varied had other items been chosen to be the reference instead (Grayson et al., 2000) . The important contribution of this study, however, is to demonstrate that mothers and daughters report differently about time and monetary assistance, and these different reports lead to different conclusions about the covariates of upward transfers.

The study has several limitations.

The limitation of this particular analytic strategy is that the results could have varied had other items been chosen to be the reference instead.


The analysis is based on data from the 1997 National Longitudinal Surveys ( oversampled African Americans and had a response rate of 93%. These respondents were followed up from the time of the original survey until 2003. One unique aspect of the survey design is that it features multiple respondents from the same family: 1,848 original respondents in the Young Women survey were the daughters of respondents in the Mature Women survey, of which 532 are sister pairs. A set of identical questions about transfers from daughters to mothers was asked of both mothers and daughters in the 1997 face-to-face interviews for the first time. In 1997, 674 mother-daughter dyads were retained in the study. On average, mother and daughter interviews were conducted 17 days apart. Because of a modest number of cases in which mothers belonged to a race other than White or African American (n = 9, 1%), mothers were never married (n = 4, < 1%), and daughters were widowed (n = 19, 3%), these dyads were excluded from the analysis. Coresident mother-daughter dyads (n = 23, 3%) were also excluded because coresidence makes it difficult to distinguish intergenerational assistance from ordinary household activities (Walker et al., 1991) . In total, 619 mother-daughter dyads were analyzed.

Coresident mother-daughter dyads (n = 23, 3%) were also excluded because coresidence makes it difficult to distinguish intergenerational assistance from ordinary household activities.


Summer schools are not only attractive and useful for school students, also college students showed positive influences in motivation and interest after participating science summer camps (Knox et al., 2003) . A summer institute in America was established at the beginning of new courses, which improves the university science teaching enormously (Pfund et al., 2009) . Also, the teacher could increase their attitudes and skills like problem-based learning in science summer camps, as well as parents, get to know college opportunities for their children (Sterling et al., 2007) .

Summer schools are not only attractive and useful for school students, also college students showed positive influences in motivation and interest after participating science summer camps.

A summer institute in America was established at the beginning of new courses, which improves the university science teaching enormously.

Also, the teacher could increase their attitudes and skills like problem-based learning in science summer camps, as well as parents, get to know college opportunities for their children.


The social aspects of technology describes that society is dependent on technology, because more and more new technologies come into the lives of teachers and students (Bouras & Albe, 2008) . For that reason it is important that there is a continuous exchange between scientists and technology teachers` (Stein et al., 2006) . In the summer school many physics teachers are participating, so the scores of the technology questionnaire are very high probably because of that fact. Technology preferences should be transferred from the highly interested teachers to the school context and so to students and the public.

The social aspects of technology describes that society is dependent on technology, because more and more new technologies come into the lives of teachers and students.

For that reason it is important that there is a continuous exchange between scientists and technology teachers`.


In three concrete generations of the evolution (the first initially, the second in the middle and the third at the end), a local search algorithm is applied once the population is completed. This procedure can be seen in Figure 2 . Local search does not apply to all individuals, only to the most representative. The process for selecting these individuals is as follows: if the number of individuals in the first Pareto front is lower than or equal to the desired number of representative individuals (num), a local search is carried out on all individuals in the first front without needing to apply K-means [17] . But, if the number of individuals in the first front is greater than num, a K-means is applied to the first front to get the most representative num individuals, who will then be the object of a local search.

The process for selecting these individuals is as follows: if the number of individuals in the first Pareto front is lower than or equal to the desired number of representative individuals (num), a local search is carried out on all individuals in the first front without needing to apply K-means.


In this contribution we show that, as long as deformations are small, mechano-electric feedback in the 2D radially symmetric Nash-Panfilov model introduces a global feedback term in the equation for the transmembrane potential. We will justify the generality of this model as the most simple way to incorporate electro-mechanic dynamics in the heart. Later we demonstrate that the model reproduces the oscillatory regime of the Nash-Panfilov model where consecutive pulses are generated at the center [8] . We also uncover the appearance of spontaneous oscillations whose focus are not the center of the tissue but an annular ring. We finally conclude discussing the limitations and possible future lines of research.

Later we demonstrate that the model reproduces the oscillatory regime of the Nash-Panfilov model where consecutive pulses are generated at the center.


For the rest of the paper, we will consider the same ǫ(V ) for both h and T a , so that T a =( κ T /κ h )h can be introduced in I g [defined by Eq (14)], and the dynamics is effectively defined by only two variables (V, h), evolving according to Eqs. (1) and (2) . We have simulated this simplified two-variable model in a circular tissue using a finite difference scheme with 0.1 < dx < 0.8 mm and dt=0.1 msec. We reproduce the same results as solving the full linear Eq. (8) with the ABAQUS solver, if we take the diameter of the circle to be the same as the side of the square, and provided that the radial symmetry is conserved. This indicates that, in this situation, boundary effects are not very important (we only considered systems larger than 3.5 cm).

For the rest of the paper, we will consider the same ǫ(V ) for both h and T a , so that T a =( κ T /κ h )h can be introduced in I g [defined by Eq (14)], and the dynamics is effectively defined by only two variables (V, h), evolving according to Eqs. (1) and.


A. VSe 2 Nanoparticle Synthesis For the synthesis of VSe 2 NPs, the PLA method was employed similar to our previously reported study [73] . Briefly, a Nufern NuQ fiber laser (NUQA-1064-NA-0030-F1) operating at ambient temperature with a beam wavelength of 1064 nm, pulse duration of 100 ns, repetition rate/frequency of 30 kHz, and a pulse energy of 1 mJ was utilized for the process. To synthesize the VSe 2 colloidal nanoparticles, pure VSe 2 rock is used as a bulk target that is immersed in deionized water. The laser beam scans the VSe 2 target (in an active area of 1 cm 2 ) with a spot size of approximately 3.8 mm in diameter using a 200 mm focal length taking into account the refraction through the water. The laser ablation scan pattern is chosen to be an inward spiral. The reason is the fact that, in spiral scanning, the ablated nanoparticles in each step are collected toward the center and re-ablated in the next cycles. Considering the fact that ablation was carried out for 300 loops (at a fluence amount of 50 mJ∕cm 2 ), it is expected that the produced NPs would undergo several melting/re-solidifying cycles, and this in turn leads to the formation of defective small NPs. The output of the PLA is an orange-colored solution.

A. VSe 2 Nanoparticle Synthesis For the synthesis of VSe 2 NPs, the PLA method was employed similar to our previously reported study.


As anticipated, health status was related strongly to physical QOL. More than two-thirds of the participants had at least one comorbid condition, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was most prevalent (31%). This might be expected in a group where most were former or current smokers. Despite the fact that the majority had early-stage disease, more than a third of the participants had depressed mood. The number of comorbid conditions and depressed mood was related to lower physical QOL. Other researchers also reported possible depression in patients with curative disease (Myrdal, Valtysdottir, Lambe, & Stahle, 2003; Sarna et al., 2002; Uchitomi et al., 2000) . Additionally, being unmarried was related to lower functioning in the PCS, and younger age was related to lower QOL-Patient scores. Surprisingly, none of the clinical variables was significant.

Other researchers also reported possible depression in patients with curative disease.


In the aspect of low-power design, the memory access operation is clearly the most power-consuming action in DSPs. Various low-power techniques are also used in the DSP developed here, including gray-code addressing and advanced hardware looping; pipeline sharing and low-power data-path design are used to reduce power consumption. The remainder of this paper is organized as follows: Section 2 presents the architecture of the proposed DSP. Section 3 then shows the design of the parameterized architecture and the special functional blocks. Next, Section 4 discusses some low-power design techniques used in this DSP core. Subsequently, implementation and design results are demonstrated in Section 5. Finally, Section 6 makes some conclusions. Figure 2 illustrates the overall architecture of the proposed NCU DSP [9] . The NCU DSP is a fixed-point DSP core. The grey blocks in Figure 2 are the special functional blocks and are optional blocks that can be chosen by the user. The DSP processor core itself is parameterized with several independent parameters. Users can set the parameters so that the DSP core fits the applications.

Figure 2 illustrates the overall architecture of the proposed NCU DSP.

The NCU DSP is a fixed-point DSP core.


Among all the image systems, the one with the most rigorous critical parameter is defined as the critical mode. Thus identifying the critical mode is an iterative process. The concerned angle (or angle difference) and the angle threshold value have to be automatically searched according to the specific case. It has been theoretically proved that EEAC which strictly reflects the necessary and sufficient condition of stability has a clear physical significance [20] . This paper compares the qualitative criterions of transient angle stability with that of EEAC and other researches. The simulations of real systems show that even in the same system and same operation condition, the critical angle threshold value of different case could be different. It means that the stability, even the qualitative result, cannot be guaranteed if the angle threshold value is set as a constant. In conclusion, it will cause a serious consequence if a constant threshold value or an angle (or angle difference) of concern departing from the concept of the controlling mode is used in the criterion.

It has been theoretically proved that EEAC which strictly reflects the necessary and sufficient condition of stability has a clear physical significance.


EEAC theory utilizes the complementary-cluster center-of-inertia relative-motion (CCCOI-RM) transformation, which is a full rank linear transformation, to map the complete disturbed trajectories into a series of equivalent (variable parameter) trajectories of one-machine-infinity-bus (OMIB) systems, so that the complete stability information of the original multi-machine system can be reserved [18] . On the image trajectory, EEAC points out that it is judged as unstable if there exists the dynamic saddle point (DSP) on the power-angle ( P   ) curve of the time-varying image system, or stable if there exists the far end point (FEP). DSP and FEP will be coincident on the critical trajectory. Finally, we can obtain the necessary and sufficient condition and critical parameters of the image system by sensitivity technology [19] .

EEAC theory utilizes the complementary-cluster center-of-inertia relative-motion (CCCOI-RM) transformation, which is a full rank linear transformation, to map the complete disturbed trajectories into a series of equivalent (variable parameter) trajectories of one-machine-infinity-bus (OMIB) systems, so that the complete stability information of the original multi-machine system can be reserved.

Finally, we can obtain the necessary and sufficient condition and critical parameters of the image system by sensitivity technology.


An important motivation indicator is engagement that represents learner's psychological investment in learning, the effort directed towards learning, understanding or mastery of the knowledge, and the willingness, need, desire and compulsion to participate and be successful in the learning process (Saeed and Zyngier 2012) . Therefore, game-based e-learning (GBeL) systems should be able to engage the players in order to support them to maximise their learning outcomes. Moreover, GBeL systems should integrate engagement modelling and monitoring in order to provide the player with adequate feedback and to personalise the game-play experience so to maintain the player engaged for the duration of the game-play.

An important motivation indicator is engagement that represents learner's psychological investment in learning, the effort directed towards learning, understanding or mastery of the knowledge, and the willingness, need, desire and compulsion to participate and be successful in the learning process.


One of the best-known combinatorial optimization problems is to find a maximum clique in an undirected graph. A clique is a subset of vertices, where each two vertices are connected by an edge, and a maximal clique is a clique that is not contained in any larger clique. Finally, a maximum clique is a clique of largest size. The task to find a maximum clique is of practical and theoretical importance. This problem was among the first problems proven to be NP-hard [9] . However, on a wide range of real-world inputs a remarkable experimental success of randomized search heuristics and hybrid algorithms were reported [1] . The probably best-known types of the broad class of such optimizers are randomized local searches (RLSs), evolutionary algorithms (EAs), and Metropolis algorithms (MAs). Their variety is as huge as their area of applications. Here, we concentrate on the rigorous analysis of simple and general heuristics coming up without problem-specific components.

This problem was among the first problems proven to be NP-hard.

However, on a wide range of real-world inputs a remarkable experimental success of randomized search heuristics and hybrid algorithms were reported.


The growing number of multidisciplinary research projects has increased the number of studies on the diversity of virtual teams as well. For instance, when there is too much diversity 1 researchers establish cliques, stop communicating, and even disrupt each other's efforts (Adamic & Glance, 2005; Stvilia, Twidale, Smith, & Gasser, 2008) . Furthermore, scholars have investigated the performance (generally based on scholarly/nonscholarly production and adherence to budget and deadlines) of virtual teams (Ancona & Caldwell, 1992; Aubert & Kelsey, 2003; Janicik & Bartel, 2003; Jones et al., 2008; Kacen, 1999) . Scholarly production is the gold standard, and there is a vast literature on coauthorship practices; however, its limitations have also been documented in information science. It is hard to differentiate the contribution of a scientific collaboration's members, such as when hyperauthorship (publications with more than 100 coauthors) or honorary authorship (a person is listed as a coauthor for the sake of reputation not contribution) exist, or even in some cases when the efforts of certain members might not be reflected in the article's authorship (Katz & Martin, 1997; LaFollette, 1996; Subramanyam, 1983) . Through a CAS perspective, we can explore not only coauthorship practices but also different dynamics of virtual collaborations.

For instance, when there is too much diversity 1 researchers establish cliques, stop communicating, and even disrupt each other's efforts.

Furthermore, scholars have investigated the performance (generally based on scholarly/nonscholarly production and adherence to budget and deadlines) of virtual teams.

It is hard to differentiate the contribution of a scientific collaboration's members, such as when hyperauthorship (publications with more than 100 coauthors) or honorary authorship (a person is listed as a coauthor for the sake of reputation not contribution) exist, or even in some cases when the efforts of certain members might not be reflected in the article's authorship.


This study implements the SWAT model for 50 watersheds in the SEUS, calibrates and validates the models using the observed streamflow data, and provides retrospective hydrological simulations for the SAG region from 1982-2013 at a daily time step. Furthermore, the SWAT model is integrated with climate drivers from CFSv2 models to provide near real-time simulation and 9-month lead forecasts of hydrological variables from January 2014 to March 2017, and from April 2017 through to December 2017, respectively. The choice of SWAT model for simulating watershed hydrology is carried out by carefully evaluating the advantages of using semi-distributed hydrological models over lumped or fully distributed models, and the ease of implementation of the SWAT model compared to other similar, process-based models. While complete understanding of catchment hydrology may not be achievable using fully-distributed models, primarily due to the lack of quality dataset at a high spatial and temporal resolution, the lumped models are often criticized for not being capable of providing a reliable representation of the spatial variability in the land uses and hydrological processes [60] . Therefore, a semi-distributed model, such as SWAT, provides a tradeoff between fully-distributed and lumped models.

While complete understanding of catchment hydrology may not be achievable using fully-distributed models, primarily due to the lack of quality dataset at a high spatial and temporal resolution, the lumped models are often criticized for not being capable of providing a reliable representation of the spatial variability in the land uses and hydrological processes.


We focus on two prominent dual-sourcing policies, the constant-order (COP) and the dual-index policy (DIP). Under the COP, the order quantity with the regular supplier is fixed in each period and the expedited order is determined according to a simple orderup-to logic. Such a policy is first introduced by Rosenshine and Obee [8] . They call it a standing-order system and incorporate possible sell-offs if a maximum inventory is exceeded. Optimal policy parameters are found by modeling the system as a Markov Chain.

Such a policy is first introduced by Rosenshine and Obee.


Sustainable consumption in the Thai context is based on the application of the Sustainable Development principle through the Self Sufficiency Economy philosophy (Chansarn, 2013) . Importance is placed on sustainable consumption in the government sector, manufacturing and service sector, media sector, and the general public by using policies, measures, and mechanisms promoting sustainable consumption in every sector through a participatory approach and transparency. The manufacturing and service sector should be efficient in raw material and energy consumption as well as implanting serious, ethical plans for pollution prevention including social-consumer responsibility. The media sector should conduct public relation activities which create awareness on sufficient consumption while the general public should try to change, learn, and develop the values for self-satisfaction.

Sustainable consumption in the Thai context is based on the application of the Sustainable Development principle through the Self Sufficiency Economy philosophy.


At the 1992 United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (Earth Summit) inRio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Agenda 21 action plan was adopted. This Agenda recognized that the major causes of deterioration of the global environment and natural resources are the unsustainable pattern of consumption and production, excess demands, and luxurious lifestyles (Blanc, 2010) . In order to achieve the goals set forth in Agenda 21, it is necessary to have efficiency in the production system and to change consumption patterns. Governments should promote effective production schemes and reduce consumption while also encouraging the implementation of policies influencing altered production levels and consumption patterns toward sustainability.

This Agenda recognized that the major causes of deterioration of the global environment and natural resources are the unsustainable pattern of consumption and production, excess demands, and luxurious lifestyles.


Here we will briefly describe some cases where models based on SPH technique can be of interest to reproduce the interaction between water and coastal structures. Numerical results in the manuscript were obtained with DualSPHysics. This code, which is a joint effort by researchers at the University of Vigo (Spain) and the University of Manchester (UK), is freely available at (http://dual.sphysics.org) and has been applied to the study of coastal processes [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] .

This code, which is a joint effort by researchers at the University of Vigo (Spain) and the University of Manchester (UK), is freely available at (http://dual.sphysics.org) and has been applied to the study of coastal processes.


Drawing on a retrospective field study of crisis management in the water supply sector, this paper has characterized three rules of thumb employed in real-world decision making: the credibility, precedent, and facts-trump speculation heuristics. Each heuristic has an underlying logic, can function in data sparse conditions, and allows for rapid decision making. As such, they lend themselves to crisis decision making. However, as they are inductive methods, they are of course no strangers to error. Taking its lead from the fast and frugal research program, this paper has focused not on cataloguing those biases, but rather on exploring the structural factors which shape each heuristic's ecological rationality. In doing so, it has drawn upon and sought to extend the concept of Cryptosporidium (a protozoan pathogen), which most likely came from the upstream sewage treatment plant's effluent. The pathogen breached the defenses of the water supply system and reached customer taps, largely owing to the sub-optimal operation of the solids contact unit (SCU). As symptoms of enteric disease emerged in the population, a failure on the part of the outbreak investigation team to rigorously consider water as a potential source, together with a significant time-lag before involving the environmental regulator, ultimately delayed the issuance of a boil water notice. In total, between 5,800 and 7,100 people were infected. Moderate to extremely high levels of Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts were detected in parts of Sydney's water supply system, in both raw and treated water. The pattern of contamination changed from day-to-day, both in terms of the levels detected and the areas implicated. With hindsight, it is thought that heavy rainfall washed Public inquiry report (McClellan, 1998) .

With hindsight, it is thought that heavy rainfall washed Public inquiry report.


The table shows that the physical properties and functions of a building envelope are indeed analogous to those of the skin. Both skin and a building envelope are multi-layered complex composites made to face the constantly changing environmental conditions. Until today it seems that the organic skin outperforms the man-made building facades. The use of a biomimetic -cellular composition on the surface of the building envelope allows the implementation of dynamic changes of its state in a new way -based on a CA. The ability of a building facade to dynamically respond to the changing conditions is assumed to be an 'organic' quality. Moreover, as all cells composing such a surface are topologically identical, they can be mass produced inexpensively [2] .

Moreover, as all cells composing such a surface are topologically identical, they can be mass produced inexpensively.


Technology Acceptance Model served well as an analytical tool for explaining user choice of technology in the context of construction projects. An overview of the main findings related to the concepts of perceived usefulness and ease of use can be found in table 3. The findings indicate that visualization forms were viewed as useful for different aspects of the building process. Gantt was viewed as the 'all-round' tool facilitating day-to-day operations throughout the entire construction supply chain. This finding does not come as a surprise since Gantt is well institutionalized among construction professionals worldwide. An unexpected finding is that Flowline charts were viewed to be somewhat 'exotic' and that the interviewed Norwegian construction professionals struggled with understanding this form of visualization. This explains why the application area of Flowline schedules remains limited. Today they serve as complementary scheduling instruments in projects with many concurrent activities. The explanatory power and clarity of four-dimensional BIM was acknowledged by all interviewees. However, 4D BIM was considered difficult to use in day-to-day construction operations and management. Construction professionals felt constrained by having to use computers for viewing and interacting the content displayed in 4D BIM. Thus, people wanting to engage with the digital content would need solid enough IT/BIM capabilities. Research indicates that it is not until teams develop such capabilities that project performance improves significantly [20] . For now, 4D use is prioritized only in early project stages to, for instance, train new site personnel not yet familiar with the construction site. Thus, despite a wide availability BIM models in Norwegian construction projects, 4D BIM's utility remains low. Moreover, this is unlikely to change quickly since learning to operate four-dimensional BIM was perceived as difficult. Thus, four-dimensional BIM continues to lack technology acceptance even in advanced BIM projects. For now, practitioners view 4D BIM and Flowline as 'nice to have' complementary scheduling tools. Nonetheless, our findings would need to be validated beyond the case presented here. Thus, we recommend further research analyzing 4D BIM's acceptance in other projects and in different national contexts.

Research indicates that it is not until teams develop such capabilities that project performance improves significantly.


Maleic anhydride can be commercially produced by the vapor-phase oxidation of benzene or butene/butane using O 2 as an oxidant [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] . This later reaction is very exothermic and CO and CO 2 thus constitute the main byproducts. The catalyst used in the production of maleic anhydride from butane is vanadium-phosphorus-oxide (VPO). There are several routes to prepare this catalyst, but the industrial way involves the reaction of vanadium (V) oxide and phosphoric acid to form vanadyl hydrogenophosphate, VOHPO 4 ⊕0.5H 2 O, which is then treated thermally to produce (VO) 2 P 2 O 7 . The catalyst used for the conversion of benzene to maleic anhydride consists of supported vanadium oxide [16] . The vanadium oxide on the surface of the support is often modified with molybdenum oxides. The support is an inert oxide such as alumina or silica of a relatively low surface area. The conversion of benzene to maleic anhydride is a less complex oxidation than the conversion of butane, which enables obtaining very good conversions together with high selectivities [9] .

Maleic anhydride can be commercially produced by the vapor-phase oxidation of benzene or butene/butane using O 2 as an oxidant.

The catalyst used for the conversion of benzene to maleic anhydride consists of supported vanadium oxide.

The conversion of benzene to maleic anhydride is a less complex oxidation than the conversion of butane, which enables obtaining very good conversions together with high selectivities.


Fumaric acid is generally produced by fermentation [17] [18] [19] [20] . Many aspects such as the applied microbial strain and its morphology, the use of a neutralizing agent, and the applied feedstock play a crucial role in the fermentation process. This latter is very interesting because it involves CO 2 fixation. Indeed, it is known that the mechanism involving CO 2 fixation and catalyzed by pyruvate carboxylase enables obtaining higher yields in FA production. In case of the maximum theoretical yield, two moles of CO 2 could be fixed per mole of glucose consumed [19] .

Fumaric acid is generally produced by fermentation.

In case of the maximum theoretical yield, two moles of CO 2 could be fixed per mole of glucose consumed.


Similarity coefficients among various cultivars analyzed ranged from 0.54-0.98 (average 0.7). Similar values of 0.77-0.98 were detected among 16 accessions of traditional, long-grain, scented Iranian rice and 7 cultivars from other countries (Moumeni et al. 2003) . Similarity coefficients ranging from 0.36 to 0.96 were obtained among 45 accessions of AA-genome Oryza species from various locations suggesting a wider range of genetic variability (Ren et al. 2003) . As expected, similarity coefficients among 193 accessions of parental lines used at IRRI obtained from 26 countries were relatively low ranging from 0.22 to 0.68 (Yu et al. 2003) .

Similar values of 0.77-0.98 were detected among 16 accessions of traditional, long-grain, scented Iranian rice and 7 cultivars from other countries.

Similarity coefficients ranging from 0.36 to 0.96 were obtained among 45 accessions of AA-genome Oryza species from various locations suggesting a wider range of genetic variability.

As expected, similarity coefficients among 193 accessions of parental lines used at IRRI obtained from 26 countries were relatively low ranging from 0.22 to 0.68.


The resource allocation process in grid environments consists of three main phases; the first phase is resources discovery, the most important issues when dealing with resource discovery is how to publish the resource information by providers and how those resources can be discovered by grid clients [7] [8] . This information is handled and supported by a resource registry [7] . The second phase is resource selection which regarding with the process of selecting the best resources to execute a certain task [9] . The last phase of resource allocation process is resource usage which is concerning with running the task on the selected resources and monitoring the execution [7] . In this paper we are focusing on resource selection phase and its issues. This paper is organized as follows. Section 2 provides a review of the literature on contributions related to grid resource selection. Sections 3 review the existing resource selection models. The proposed algorithm of our resource selection mechanism is presented in Section 4. and section 5 summarizes the work and the future scope, followed by a list of references.

The resource allocation process in grid environments consists of three main phases; the first phase is resources discovery, the most important issues when dealing with resource discovery is how to publish the resource information by providers and how those resources can be discovered by grid clients.

This information is handled and supported by a resource registry.

The second phase is resource selection which regarding with the process of selecting the best resources to execute a certain task.

The last phase of resource allocation process is resource usage which is concerning with running the task on the selected resources and monitoring the execution.

This paper is organized as follows.


Since the maternal genetic effect is heritable, the total heritability (h 2 t ) of the studied traits in the present study may be somewhat higher than the estimates of direct heritability (h 2 a ), unless the correlations between direct and maternal genetics are large and negative. Table 3 shows a direct-maternal genetic correlation of 0.00 to −0.98. Including the direct-maternal genetic covariance in the animal models (Models 4 and 6), the estimates of total heritability for all traits were lower than those of direct heritability estimates owing to the negative estimates of r am (Table 3 ). According to the h 2 t formula, when direct-maternal genetic covariance is negative, the presence of this covariance decreases total heritability and, in consequence, the potential response to selection (Wilson et al., 2005) .

According to the h 2 t formula, when direct-maternal genetic covariance is negative, the presence of this covariance decreases total heritability and, in consequence, the potential response to selection.


Meat yield is a complex polygenic trait that is highly affected by non-genetic and genetic factors. Biometric characteristics or linear measurements with simple genetic controls could be used as indirect criteria in many domestic animal species to help meat-yield improvement. Body and weight measurements describe more completely an individual or population than the conventional methods of weighing and grading (Salako, 2006) .

Body and weight measurements describe more completely an individual or population than the conventional methods of weighing and grading.


Depending on the fitted model, the direct additive genetic variance (σ (Willham, 1972) . Estimates of variance and covariance components and genetic parameters for height at withers, height at rump, body length, heart girth and leg circumference at 12 months of age and yearling weight and likelihood values for each analysis under the six models are summarized in Table 2 . To choose the best model, the likelihood ratio test (LRT) was applied. This test was used to determine the significance between full and nested models. Statistical significance for models was set at P <0.05. The LRT value was calculated as −2ln (likelihood for full model) + 2ln (likelihood for nested model). If the LRT value was greater than a critical value from a X 2 distribution with an appropriate degree of freedom equal to the difference in the number of (co)variance components fitted for the two models it can be concluded that the additional random effect had a significant effect on the model and the nested model was not better. When the differences were not significant, the nested model that had fewer parameters was chosen as the appropriate model.

Depending on the fitted model, the direct additive genetic variance (σ.


In most pelagic environments, both the concentration of food and the risk of predation are highest close to the surface. The attenuation of light with water depth means that phytoplankton can only grow, and visually based predators, such as fish, can only hunt effectively when in the illuminated upper layers. Therefore, a strategy that aims to maximise energy intake will also incur the greatest predation risk, and optimal fitness is achieved only when these costs and benefits are balanced so that total lifetime reproductive success is maximised (Houston et al. 1993) . The greater energetic input often required for egg production in many marine invertebrates makes the cost of reproduction markedly different between males and females. As a result, the trade-off between energy acquisition and risk of predation is likely to be different between sexes. For pelagic organisms, this tradeoff will often be reflected in their respective diel vertical migration (DVM) profiles, in particular, the decision of when to migrate and to what depth.

Therefore, a strategy that aims to maximise energy intake will also incur the greatest predation risk, and optimal fitness is achieved only when these costs and benefits are balanced so that total lifetime reproductive success is maximised.


Mean maintenance respiration for wood was almost double that for roots (0.52 AE 0.05 vs. 0.28 AE 0.06 Mg C/ha/mo) ( Fig. 5 and Table 1 ). Growth respiration across all categories averaged 0.44 AE 0.12 mol CO 2 per mol C added to structure. This was slightly higher, but within the range of growth respiration of crops estimated from biochemical pathway analysis at 0.13-0.43 mol CO 2 per mol C added to structure (Amthor 2000) .

This was slightly higher, but within the range of growth respiration of crops estimated from biochemical pathway analysis at 0.13-0.43 mol CO 2 per mol C added to structure.


Our evaluation is far from academic because the fluvial systems occupied by dolphins have been and continue to be subjected to dramatic environmental changes associated with water development, a general decline in the availability and quality of fresh water, and global climate change. Regarding this last, although global warming will generally result in increased precipitation, the effects will be spatially and temporally uneven, and declines are expected in some areas [1] . Also, sea-level rise is expected to result in the loss of dolphin habitat in the lower reaches of rivers due to salinity encroachment and increased sedimentation [2] .

Regarding this last, although global warming will generally result in increased precipitation, the effects will be spatially and temporally uneven, and declines are expected in some areas.

Also, sea-level rise is expected to result in the loss of dolphin habitat in the lower reaches of rivers due to salinity encroachment and increased sedimentation.


The mean juice content among the 3-and 5-year-old trees on the H2 rootstocks was 59% and 55%, respectively, and rootstock was not a significant factor (Table 3A) . However, rootstock strongly affected the other juice variables. Mean soluble solid concentration increased from 9.5 to 10.7 as the trees aged and juice acid concentration declined, but, like in H1, the later time of sample collection in Year 5 explains the higher values in that year as compared with Year 3. Fruit with the highest quality tended to be from the trees on the somatic hybrid rootstocks. Those trees were smaller and produced the smallest-sized fruit (data not given). Sweet orange fruit quality is inversely related to fruit size, so the higher juice quality among the trees on the somatic hybrid rootstocks was at least partially an indirect effect (Barry et al., 2004) .

Sweet orange fruit quality is inversely related to fruit size, so the higher juice quality among the trees on the somatic hybrid rootstocks was at least partially an indirect effect.


Prior horticultural and financial experience with Rusk citrange was similar to our experience in H1 . Nevertheless, Rusk citrange has not attracted any commercial interest because of perceived ''risks'' and/or timing issues (Castle, 2010) . Rootstock evaluations are reasonably comprehensive. However, the relative importance of horticultural traits as evaluated by researchers along with the desired consistency of results may not match commercial expectations. In the case of Rusk citrange, its overall performance in various trials has been noteworthy, but it has certain undesirable traits, too. Rusk citrange fruit yield few seeds and we have experienced difficulty at times in establishing trial trees. Furthermore, trees on Rusk citrange are small, an attribute not of particular interest in the Florida industry until recently. The normal ''risks'' associated with pests and disease and long-term performance combined with these other ''risks'' of Rusk citrange have precluded commercial interest. New rootstock evaluation model. Rootstock evaluations are normally thought of as an activity taking at least 10 years, but when does the relationship among rootstocks actually become established in a field trial? We propose that Florida citrus rootstock evaluation trials based on 4 cropping years of data are generally sufficient to assess rootstock potential and relationships, a conclusion we also reached in our report of rootstock trials with 'Valencia' scion . In H1, most horticultural variables and financial outcomes were highly correlated, e.g., cumulative soluble solids production versus cash flow, r = 0.91; cumulative yield versus tree height, r = 0.88; and in Year 5, annual soluble solids and yield had reached values of r = 0.92 and r = 0.84, respectively, with their cumulative values. Those r values increased up to r = 0.97 thereafter, indicating that rootstock relationships were evident and reasonably stable after the third cropping year. Thus, could these relationships predict the H2 results if that trial had continued for additional years? In H2, cumulative yield (4 years) was highly correlated with tree height (r = 0.91); the correlation of yield when the trees were 3 years old versus cumulative yield was r = 0.80 and improved the next year to 0.95 with those variables remaining highly correlated. Those results show that yield was directly related to tree height and that the effects of rootstock were apparent after 4 years of cropping. Differences in juice quality among trees on the various rootstocks were not large enough to alter those relationships in our trial or replace yield as the main factor in determining yield and financial outcomes.

Nevertheless, Rusk citrange has not attracted any commercial interest because of perceived ''risks'' and/or timing issues.

New rootstock evaluation model.


Insider threat analysis focuses on modeling individual behavior. For example, a company named Cataphora has patented a method of analyzing "Discussions" by tracking communication across several media, forming a document (communications) family tree, deriving actor roles, and from that analyzing the workflow on an ad hoc basis. Their analysis focuses on the actors: determining influential employees, deriving workflows based on the roles of the actors, and tagging the workflows based on the roles and departments of the actors [1] . Our analysis focuses on the data: we form document trajectories based on the actions of individuals and then generalize this activity into patterns to determine whether a document deviates from its expected pattern.

Their analysis focuses on the actors: determining influential employees, deriving workflows based on the roles of the actors, and tagging the workflows based on the roles and departments of the actors.


A significant problem in DLP is protecting confidential and proprietary data that exists in "unstructured form", such as source code and design data. Research in natural language processing (NLP) seeks to counter this challenge [19] . Because the Gemini system compares file similarity independent of content structure, it naturally includes proprietary unstructured data. Additionally, because DLP products focus on preventing leakage that goes outside the organization, they are deployed at network gateways and thus do not protect against intra-departmental violations [19] . Gemini is inherently able to identify and prevent such data leakage because it incorporates organizational data including users' departments and examines workflows within the organization in addition to data crossing the organization boundary.

Research in natural language processing (NLP) seeks to counter this challenge.

Additionally, because DLP products focus on preventing leakage that goes outside the organization, they are deployed at network gateways and thus do not protect against intra-departmental violations.


Fig. 1a shows a typical XRD pattern for NiO powders prepared by the co-precipitation method. The diffraction peaks can be indexed through a cubic structure with a space group Fm-3m according to the JCPDS 73-1519 card in which all planes were indexed. The sample obtained was free of secondary phases and the relative peak intensities indicate polycrystalline nanostructured samples without any preferential orientation. The PVDF film without NiO filler (see Fig. 1b ) presents peaks mainly related to the α-phase demonstrating that the initial polymer used to prepare the composite films is predominantly composed of amorphous structures and α-phase crystallites [23] . On the other hand, the PVDF film with 8.0 vol% of NiO filler and all the other samples prepared with different NiO concentration exhibited peaks related to the β-phase, α-phase and NiO powder, though with more intense peaks related to the β-phase, as shown in Fig. 1c [2, 23] .

The PVDF film without NiO filler (see Fig. 1b ) presents peaks mainly related to the α-phase demonstrating that the initial polymer used to prepare the composite films is predominantly composed of amorphous structures and α-phase crystallites.

On the other hand, the PVDF film with 8.0 vol% of NiO filler and all the other samples prepared with different NiO concentration exhibited peaks related to the β-phase, α-phase and NiO powder, though with more intense peaks related to the β-phase, as shown in Fig. 1c.


Retrospective analyses of outcomes such as incidence of anastomotic leaks, and post-operative morbidity and mortality were done. Standard definitions were used for the classification of complications especially post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) which was defined by International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) criteria [6] . The other outcome perioperative mortality was defined as deaths taking place during surgery, immediate post-operative (irrespective of as a result of surgery or other causes), up to 30 days post-operative, or any death in a patient outside these criteria that was directly related to a complication of the procedure.

Standard definitions were used for the classification of complications especially post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) which was defined by International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) criteria.


The efficiency of the neural code depends both on the transformation that maps the input to the neural responses and on the statistics of the input signal [5] . In this paper, under the theory of efficient coding, a hierarchical framework is developed to explore the intrinsic dimensions of visual perception. By pooling together the activity of local low-level feature detectors across large region of the visual field, we build the population feature representation which is the statistical summary of the input scene image. Then, thousands of population feature representations of scene images are extracted, and mapped unsupervised to the low dimensional perceptual space. Analysis of the perceptual space reveals the topographic property that scene images with similar perceptual similarity stay nearby in the embedded space. Moreover, the implementation of scene retrieval task validates the topographic property of the perceptual space.

The efficiency of the neural code depends both on the transformation that maps the input to the neural responses and on the statistics of the input signal.


We begin by examining the test-retest reliability of the scores derived from each measure. For these analyses, we use the Pearson correlation between scores drawn from the relevant data sets: initial and within participants for within participant reliability or initial and between participants for between participant reliability. Reliability at this level of detail may be required to test claims involving comparisons over more than two items, such as whether or not acceptability exhibits strong clustering, or claims expressed in terms of the degree of difference between items rather than the binary presence or absence of a difference (Gibson, Piantadosi, & Fedorenko, 2013b; Sorace & Keller, 2005) .

Reliability at this level of detail may be required to test claims involving comparisons over more than two items, such as whether or not acceptability exhibits strong clustering, or claims expressed in terms of the degree of difference between items rather than the binary presence or absence of a difference.


The many possible sources of bias and variability cannot be completely disentangled, since they are generally all present in some unknown degree in every response. We give quantitative bounds for the distinct contribution of certain sources of variability in two different ways. First, we contrast between and within participant test-retest reliability. Betweenparticipant test-retest reliability is an important metric of measure quality in its own right, since no strong conclusions can be drawn from the results of a measure if it is liable to give different answers to the same question on different occasions (Brandt et al., 2014; DeVellis, 2016; Kline, 2013; Porte, 2013) . While distinct in the way it avoids appealing to a ground truth, between-participant test-retest reliability is closely related to error-rate reliability, if the underlying truth is considered stable over the time scales involved. As such, it is widely reported in existing work on the reliability of acceptability judgment data (Sprouse & Almeida, 2017; Sprouse et al., 2013) . However test-retest reliability within the same participant can offer additional information, especially when contrasted with betweenparticipant reliability. This contrast, which has no analogue in error rates, is informative about the composition of the variability: variability inherent to the construct itself and random noise due to inattention or other error can be expected in both, while individual differences in response style and subjective acceptability only contribute to the variability of between-participant replications. As a result, between-participant replications are expected to be less reliable, and the size of the reliability gap quantifies the combined impact of these particular sources of variability. Even further decomposition into the source of this within/between reliability gap is possible as well. For instance, the variability due to response style differences can be estimated by examining the effect of data pre-processing steps (e.g. z-transformation of scores) known to mitigate this particular source of variability.

Betweenparticipant test-retest reliability is an important metric of measure quality in its own right, since no strong conclusions can be drawn from the results of a measure if it is liable to give different answers to the same question on different occasions.

As such, it is widely reported in existing work on the reliability of acceptability judgment data.


Over more than a decade, Zimbabwe has moved from being the food basket of southern Africa to a hub of food insufficiency, with serious implications for the southern African region. The Global Hunger Index (GHI), developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), shows that hunger in Zimbabwe has been worsening since 1990 [1] . It was estimated that up to 5.1 million people, almost half of Zimbabwe's entire population, was without food in December 2008 [2] . The outcome of this complex trend is that Zimbabwe will fall far short of achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing hunger by 2015. In terms of impact, both urban and rural areas will be affected. The very poor, particularly those who live in informal settlements in backyard shacks in high-density areas and in periurban areas, are the worst affected [2, 3] . Urban food insecurity, particularly that of the poor, was largely affected by the 2005 government policy Operation Restore Order, which resulted in thousands of people being uprooted from their urban homes and livelihoods. The Operation was aimed at enforcing bylaws to stop all activity defined as illegal by the Zimbabwean government and led to the demolition of illegal dwelling structures, mainly backyard shacks. In rural areas, the most foodinsecure households are generally female-or childheaded households or households under stress from various causes. The cumulative impacts of poor food availability and access have contributed to high levels of malnutrition in many areas of the country. For example, acute malnutrition, which is commonly associated with short-term protein-energy malnutrition and/or illness, has been of major concern in the southern part of the country, with levels above 7% among children aged 6 to 59 months [2] . Inadequate dietary intake and illnesses such as diarrhea have been identified as the major underlying factors. Chronic malnutrition, which is highly correlated with poverty and poor socioeconomic conditions, has been increasing since 1994, with roughly one in three Zimbabwean children aged 6 to 59 months currently being stunted [4] .

The Global Hunger Index (GHI), developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), shows that hunger in Zimbabwe has been worsening since 1990.

It was estimated that up to 5.1 million people, almost half of Zimbabwe's entire population, was without food in December 2008.

The very poor, particularly those who live in informal settlements in backyard shacks in high-density areas and in periurban areas, are the worst affected.

For example, acute malnutrition, which is commonly associated with short-term protein-energy malnutrition and/or illness, has been of major concern in the southern part of the country, with levels above 7% among children aged 6 to 59 months.

Chronic malnutrition, which is highly correlated with poverty and poor socioeconomic conditions, has been increasing since 1994, with roughly one in three Zimbabwean children aged 6 to 59 months currently being stunted.


Each of the three indicators presented a different perspective of the food security situation in each district, with diverse implications for the design of interventions. The HDDS showed that beyond availability, food security also involves access to a variety of foods, particularly if a nutritious diet is to be secured. This resonates with the dominant definitions of food security given, for example, by the World Bank, which conceptualize food security as "access of all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life" [17] . The 1996 World Food Summit adopted a more encompassing definition "when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life" [8] .

This resonates with the dominant definitions of food security given, for example, by the World Bank, which conceptualize food security as "access of all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life".

The 1996 World Food Summit adopted a more encompassing definition "when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life".


Several explanations attribute this declining trend in food and nutrition security to a combination of poor macroeconomic conditions, poor government policies, recurrent droughts, reduced government capacity, and the growing impacts of HIV and AIDS [3] . Food security is a complex issue, and various indicators for the different dimensions of food security are available. For example, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) can be used as a proxy measure of the access dimension of household food security [5] . An increase in the average number of different food groups consumed reflects improved household food access [6] . Another key indicator is months of inadequate household food provision, which shows seasonality of household food access [7] . This relates to the fact that a household is considered food secure if it has sufficient safe and nutritious food throughout the year, so that all members can meet their nutritional needs for an active and healthy life [8] . Another key set of indicators is provided by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), which reflects food security status in terms of access to food [9] . The HFIAS measures the prevalence and degree of food insecurity from a nutritional perspective, focusing on households' foodrelated experiences when facing limited access to food. The HFIAS can detect changes in the household food insecurity situation of a population over time [9] .

Several explanations attribute this declining trend in food and nutrition security to a combination of poor macroeconomic conditions, poor government policies, recurrent droughts, reduced government capacity, and the growing impacts of HIV and AIDS.

For example, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) can be used as a proxy measure of the access dimension of household food security.

An increase in the average number of different food groups consumed reflects improved household food access.

Another key indicator is months of inadequate household food provision, which shows seasonality of household food access.

This relates to the fact that a household is considered food secure if it has sufficient safe and nutritious food throughout the year, so that all members can meet their nutritional needs for an active and healthy life.

Another key set of indicators is provided by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), which reflects food security status in terms of access to food.

The HFIAS can detect changes in the household food insecurity situation of a population over time.


For some years now, Asian and European researchers of the Workplace Learning (WPL) Network of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Lifelong Learning (LLL) Research Hub 1 have studied to which extent workplace learning opportunities are more fruitful when motivation is positive and learning participation is voluntary and not compulsory (Chisholm, Lunardon, Ostendorf and Pasqualoni 2012) . The starting question of the Network was: what do employees experience to be ''voluntary'' and ''compulsory' ' with respect to workplace learning? Moreover: how might this dialectic aspect of employees' perception of work-related learning be connected with their motivation to learn and their experiences with the learning they have been offered or have undertaken (Chisholm, Van Dellen and Lunardon 2012a, b) ?

For some years now, Asian and European researchers of the Workplace Learning (WPL) Network of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Lifelong Learning (LLL) Research Hub 1 have studied to which extent workplace learning opportunities are more fruitful when motivation is positive and learning participation is voluntary and not compulsory.


In this article, we report only on the comparable results concerning the quest for freedom of learning for work of the first and second phase of the research. More extensive outcomes of the two research phases are separately reported elsewhere (Van Dellen 2012; Heidekamp 2014) . Table 2 shows the six plausible and understandable scales with motivational and affective connotations and relative acceptable reliabilities. These scales were the outcome of an explorative factor analysis. The contents of the items within every scale are reported in Table 3 in the first column on the left. All items had high factor loadings ([.60).

More extensive outcomes of the two research phases are separately reported elsewhere.


The same research ethics we applied in the first phase were adhered to in the second phase: participation was voluntary, interviewees were informed about the research goals and confidentiality was assured. Due to the schedule of the participants and the working student-researcher, the qualitative data were collected from October 2012 to April 2013. Thirteen employees from nine different organisations were interviewed at their workplace. Thus, besides the digitally recorded and saved spoken research material, impressions of the work environment and -climate were obtained. Moreover, the possibility of gaining a better understanding of participants' learning behaviour in the daily, specific, complex social context on the job, increased by visiting the employees in their organisational ''habitat'' (Creswell 2007; Flick 2007; Friese 2012) .

Moreover, the possibility of gaining a better understanding of participants' learning behaviour in the daily, specific, complex social context on the job, increased by visiting the employees in their organisational ''habitat''.


Finally, we have also briefly discussed in appendix A the problem of distinguishing the electron peaks generated by neutrino capture and β-decay. With an expected resolution of ∆ = 0.15 eV, the PTOLEMY experiment will be able to detect only a single peak, corresponding to the capture of the three neutrino mass eigenstates. Assuming however two possible resolutions, ∆ = 0.01 eV (very aggressive) and ∆ = 0.001 eV (ultimate), we established a novel criteria to distinguish the electron peaks as a function of the separation between the experimental Gaussian distributions. The main result is that, given the range of neutrino parameters allowed by current oscillation experiments, the ability to distinguishing the peaks depends crucially on the neutrino mass ordering, and even for the ultimate value ∆ = 0.001 eV the three peaks could be only disentangled for normal ordering. This result agrees with previous studies in the literature [3, 26, 27] .

This result agrees with previous studies in the literature.


The development of new membrane materials has tremendously gained the advantage of an interdisciplinary approach integrating recent advances in the field of material science in the past few decades. Membranes fulfill a large number of complex mass and energy transport functions very efficiently and with minimal energy expenditure. They can transport individual chemical components selectively and under certain conditions, which may be controlled by specific components such as an electrical potential gradient. The structure and chemical nature or electrical charges of the membrane material along with the properties of the permeating component such as its size, its chemical nature, or electrical charge, and forces such as concentration, pressure, or electrical potential gradients across the membrane determine the transport rate of a component through it. The charges developed across the membranes play a significant role in the sorption and transport of simple electrolytes and provide several vital electrochemical properties not only to synthetic membranes but also to natural membranes [1] . One of the most important properties imparted by such charges is the difference in the permeabilities of co-ions, counter-ions and neutral molecules.

The charges developed across the membranes play a significant role in the sorption and transport of simple electrolytes and provide several vital electrochemical properties not only to synthetic membranes but also to natural membranes.


MSCs derived from the bone marrow niche are multipotent, capable of differentiating into osteoblasts (bone), chondroblasts (cartilage), and adipoblasts (fat) [4] . These precursor cells are essential MSCs derived from the bone marrow niche are multipotent, capable of differentiating into osteoblasts (bone), chondroblasts (cartilage), and adipoblasts (fat) [4] . These precursor cells are essential to the formation, maintenance, and repair of the skeleton. MSCs are identified by several cell surface markers including the presence of CD105, CD90, and CD73 and the absence of CD45, CD34, CD14, CD19, and HLA-DR [5] . MSCs grown in monolayer will typically begin to lose differentiation potential from around the 6th passage, demonstrating the vital role cell signalling from other supporting cell types within the bone marrow microenvironment plays in maintaining stemness [6, 7] . Within the bone marrow microenvironment, the MSC niche can be subdivided into the endosteal and the perivascular niches, where MSC populations are maintained by, and communicate via cytokines, with other cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and later precursor cells such as osteoblasts and adipoblasts [8] [9] [10] .

These precursor cells are essential MSCs derived from the bone marrow niche are multipotent, capable of differentiating into osteoblasts (bone), chondroblasts (cartilage), and adipoblasts (fat).

MSCs are identified by several cell surface markers including the presence of CD105, CD90, and CD73 and the absence of CD45, CD34, CD14, CD19, and HLA-DR.

MSCs grown in monolayer will typically begin to lose differentiation potential from around the 6th passage, demonstrating the vital role cell signalling from other supporting cell types within the bone marrow microenvironment plays in maintaining stemness.

Within the bone marrow microenvironment, the MSC niche can be subdivided into the endosteal and the perivascular niches, where MSC populations are maintained by, and communicate via cytokines, with other cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and later precursor cells such as osteoblasts and adipoblasts.


To gain a deeper understanding of MSC behaviour within the bone marrow microenvironment, it is important to develop more accurate in vitro model systems. One key approach to bring this to fruition is the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model systems. Unlike standard two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures, 3D models display nutrient and oxygen gradients, providing a more physiological representation. In addition to this, a more in vivo-like cell behaviour is encouraged, leading to longer culture life spans offering a useful platform for more accurate assessment of drug efficacy during cell cytotoxicity tests [15] [16] [17] .

In addition to this, a more in vivo-like cell behaviour is encouraged, leading to longer culture life spans offering a useful platform for more accurate assessment of drug efficacy during cell cytotoxicity tests.