Recent educational reforms in Russia have introduced multiple-choice tests into teaching practice at every level of elementary, secondary and higher education. This assessment method has become predominant and very popular in our country. Test results are served to measure schools' and teachers' efficiency. In terms of preparing students for testing, teachers focus more on drilling students on the right answers rather than working on the content. As a result, students subconsciously begin to orient themselves to memorizing and recognizing the answers. Such concentration on strategies of recognition and random choice is known to be one of the drawbacks of multiple-choice testing (Tuckman, 2002) .

Such concentration on strategies of recognition and random choice is known to be one of the drawbacks of multiple-choice testing.


We have studied the comprehension strategies by students and senior pupils, using the structure of the learning process in the activity paradigm, developed by Ilyasov I. who has examined the problems of mastering the material in detail. He defines activities connected with understanding the material, memorizing and assessment, which ensure the success of the material mastering in different spheres. The structural activity features described by the author, such as the goal, subject and actions, which help to orient, fulfil and control the activity, enable to examine students' strategies (formed spontaneously) and build up a scheme of approximate basis for the formation and correction of activities. Understanding activities, for example, include finding the topic of the information, its systematization that is the determination of logical connections between fragments on the same topic. The efficiency of these activities is determined to some extent by the students' metacognition -knowledge of logical structure of the explanatory text (Iliasov, 1986) .

The efficiency of these activities is determined to some extent by the students' metacognition -knowledge of logical structure of the explanatory text.


There is a description of such phenomenon in the psychology of memory, it is called a "feeling-of-knowing" (Mesheryakov, 2004) . It is one of the forms of metamemory, when one can't give the right answer on his own, but can recognize it in the given list or pick up a plausible answer. In a situation of multiple-choice test students can be divided into two groups. Having got the question some students try to formulate the answer on their own (which requires a high level of knowledge), and then select one of the options. Other students, who are not able to generate the solution, choose the answer by casual sorting or recognition. The problem, which has appeared after introducing multiple-choice tests, is drilling students on remembering the right answers, but not on thinking about the context.

There is a description of such phenomenon in the psychology of memory, it is called a "feeling-of-knowing".


This study looks at how well students majoring in education and psychology use metacognitive strategies and monitor their comprehension working on the content of the text. The specially constructed expository text (300 words) contained descriptions and explanations of two experiments in growing plants (Korotaeva, 2000) . The evaluation of students' reading comprehension strategies based on the contradiction between the first experiment and its explanation.

The specially constructed expository text (300 words) contained descriptions and explanations of two experiments in growing plants.


The problems of metacognition are also considered by investigators, who distinguish different ways of learning approaches: "superficial" and "deep". The first (a "superficial" style) is characterized by a desire to remember the material, while the second (a "deep" style) -by a desire to use metacognitive strategies in reading comprehension, to assimilate the knowledge from experiences, to monitor the effectiveness of understanding (Entwistle, 1997) . In other words, the generalized idea of what is to learn a certain type of information, determines the settings and the students' choice of methods of working with educational material, which naturally affects the quality of its mastering.

The first (a "superficial" style) is characterized by a desire to remember the material, while the second (a "deep" style) -by a desire to use metacognitive strategies in reading comprehension, to assimilate the knowledge from experiences, to monitor the effectiveness of understanding.


Improved and sustainable productivity in the agricultural sector plays a very important part in economic development [1] . Concerns regarding the sustainability of agricultural systems include the development of new technologies and practices that do no harm to environmental goods and services, which are accessible and effective to farmers, and which lead to enhanced food productivity [2] . Although great progress has been made in the productivity of agriculture over the past half-century, one question remains: Can this progress continue into the future?

Improved and sustainable productivity in the agricultural sector plays a very important part in economic development.

Concerns regarding the sustainability of agricultural systems include the development of new technologies and practices that do no harm to environmental goods and services, which are accessible and effective to farmers, and which lead to enhanced food productivity.


The measurement of market risk has become a primary concern for market regulators and financial institutions. This is largely due to the increased volatility and interdependence in global financial markets in recent years. Market risk refers to the risk of incurring trading book losses caused by adverse movements in market prices and returns. Banks are particularly affected by such risks, due to the establishment of the Basel Capital Accord (Basel I) in 1996 and more recently Basel III in 2010. The Capital Adequacy Directive by the Bank of International Settlement in Basel requires internationally active banks to hold sufficient risk capital to cover possible losses on their trading portfolios on 99% of occasions, over a holding period of ten days (Frey & McNeil, 2000) . The value of such a capital requirement is termed VaR. Specifically VaR refers to the magnitude of likely losses over a specified period, resulting from 'normal' market movements.

The Capital Adequacy Directive by the Bank of International Settlement in Basel requires internationally active banks to hold sufficient risk capital to cover possible losses on their trading portfolios on 99% of occasions, over a holding period of ten days.


Traditionally, mechanical direction finding antennas were built with either loop or dipole antenna elements [12] . In radar applications, spiral and horn antennas have been used for the precision direction finding [13] . An alternative design which uses a single DRA for mechanical direction finding is proposed here. The operation is achieved by comparing the received signals of two DRA patterns. Those patterns are obtained by exciting HEM 11δ mode by two T-shaped patches, once out of phase and once in phase, to produce a broadside type and a monopole type of radiation patterns. Because of its small size, the proposed DRA can be used for an approximate hand-held target finding, but it could also be used as a feed for reflector antenna for an accurate direction finding in point-to-point applications.

Traditionally, mechanical direction finding antennas were built with either loop or dipole antenna elements.

In radar applications, spiral and horn antennas have been used for the precision direction finding.


The present findings clearly demonstrate that facial babyishness, like attractiveness, has the potential to influence personality development across the life span. Individuals of all ages are reliably differentiated along this dimension. Moreover, a babyface elicits the same strong trait expectations, regardless of the target's age, and these expectations may result in their being treated in ways that elicit confirmatory behavior. Indeed, recent research reveals that parents assign less intellectually demanding tasks to babyfaced children and also respond differently to their misdeeds (Zebrowitz, Kendall-Tackett, & Fafel, 1991) . Whereas the existent cross-sectional research reveals strong effects of facial babyishness on social perceptions and social interactions, longitudinal research investigating the stability of facial babyishness across the life span is needed to further clarify its likely impact on personality development.

Indeed, recent research reveals that parents assign less intellectually demanding tasks to babyfaced children and also respond differently to their misdeeds.


In the time domain, two main families of numerical methods exist that derive from Floquet theory. One possibility is to compute the Monodromy or state tran-sition matrix and its eigenvalues (Floquet multipliers) that assess the local stability of the perturbed periodic stationary state [33, 43] . Although it may be possible to recover FFs from the eigenvectors of this matrix, they are usually ignored. A second technique consists in using the Lyapunov-Floquet transformation to recast a linear time-periodic system in a time-invariant one [37, 38] . This transformation could allow to compute and analyze FFs but it has mostly been used as a step, which coupled with center manifold reduction techniques and normal form theories, enables the study of nonlinear time-periodic systems undergoing bifurcations [5, 32, 39] .

One possibility is to compute the Monodromy or state tran-sition matrix and its eigenvalues (Floquet multipliers) that assess the local stability of the perturbed periodic stationary state.

A second technique consists in using the Lyapunov-Floquet transformation to recast a linear time-periodic system in a time-invariant one.

This transformation could allow to compute and analyze FFs but it has mostly been used as a step, which coupled with center manifold reduction techniques and normal form theories, enables the study of nonlinear time-periodic systems undergoing bifurcations.


Here, we show how to compute FFs in the spectral domain and highlight their potential for modal analysis of structures in periodic states, through a simple benchmark model: the Ziegler column [3, 42] . The discrete dynamical system we consider is a classic 2D model consisting of two articulated rigid bars, connected by elastic hinges, that are submitted to an end periodic compressive load so that the elastic state of the Ziegler column is periodically modulated [32] . We focus on the transverse oscillatory modes of the structure around its trivial configuration that is the undeformed straight column in space, with periodic elasticity in time.

Here, we show how to compute FFs in the spectral domain and highlight their potential for modal analysis of structures in periodic states, through a simple benchmark model: the Ziegler column.

The discrete dynamical system we consider is a classic 2D model consisting of two articulated rigid bars, connected by elastic hinges, that are submitted to an end periodic compressive load so that the elastic state of the Ziegler column is periodically modulated.


There are no other studies that compared according to our knowledge MetS, among two Arab countries. Therefore we can only present the prevalence of MetS any related studies [15] - [27] . We can compare our results with studies of similar nature but there are none i.e. comparison between prevalence of MetS among two Arab countries.

Therefore we can only present the prevalence of MetS any related studies.


Multistep reaction and the necessity of separation and purification of intermediated were the disadvantages of that approach [9] . Therefore we are searching for less laborious method leading to oligoetherols -suitable substrates for thermally resistant and incombustible PUFs. It seemed that melamine diborate (MDB) might serve as good candidate to synthesize such oligoetherols due to presence of 1,3,5-triazine ring and boron incorporated in it.

Multistep reaction and the necessity of separation and purification of intermediated were the disadvantages of that approach.


CFD technology has become mature, and numerical simulation for pumping stations has also emerged, so the flow of the former pool and its impact were predicted and evaluated through using numerical simulation technology. Adopting the method of the Fluent software to analyze the geometrical parameters of the Y shaped diversion piers and analyzing the rectification effect, it is shown that the Y shaped diversion 2 Mathematical Problems in Engineering piers have a good effect on the whole dispersion water flow. At the same time, the diversion of the tail will appear after the whirlpool, adjusting the Y shaped diversion pier position, height, angle, and length to adjust the flow [6] . Through using the realizable turbulence model and the N-S equation, the numerical simulation is carried out for the forward water front without the optimization measures. The results of numerical simulation show that it is important to set the appropriate position and the high value of the bottom hole to achieve the optimal rectification effect [7] . Fluent software was used to simulate the three turbulence models used in common. At the same time, we compared and analyzed the results of the model test and the influence of the arrangement, size, and number of the baffles and the bottom [8] . The SIMPLE algorithm is used to simulate the flow velocity and velocity vector diagram of the forebay water flow and simulate the change of the diffusion angle and the effect of different starting schemes on the influent flow regime [9] . In this paper, at one side of the inlet pump station, if the 4 900ZLB-70 axial flow pump is set up in the pump station, flow will be 10 m 3 /s. As for the lateral water of the station, to get a good water flow and ensure a safe economical operation of the pump station, we carried out a study on the station before the pool flow model test and numerical simulation. There are no measures but five rectification measures: "Y" type diversion pier, "T" shaped diversion pier, narrow bottom, high and wide bottom, and diversion wall ( Table 2 ). The import plane layout of the pump station is shown in Figure 1.

At the same time, the diversion of the tail will appear after the whirlpool, adjusting the Y shaped diversion pier position, height, angle, and length to adjust the flow.

The results of numerical simulation show that it is important to set the appropriate position and the high value of the bottom hole to achieve the optimal rectification effect.

At the same time, we compared and analyzed the results of the model test and the influence of the arrangement, size, and number of the baffles and the bottom.

The SIMPLE algorithm is used to simulate the flow velocity and velocity vector diagram of the forebay water flow and simulate the change of the diffusion angle and the effect of different starting schemes on the influent flow regime.


This paper presents a compact axial active magnetic bearing with a new configuration of magnetic poles which can control the two tilt motion of the rotor. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an axial magnetic bearing to achieve multi-degree-of-freedom zero power control. The electromagnet unit of the stator consists of four poles with coils on the outer circumference and a single cylindrical-shape common pole. A permanent magnet is attached on the opposite surface of the common pole of a disk-shape rotor. In the developed system, the rotor is sandwiched between two axial magnetic bearing stators that are operated differentially. Such a configuration makes it possible to rotate the rotor without disturbing the axial motion. This is the main deference from the levitation system with possible to rotate the rotor without disturbing the axial motion. This is the main deference from the levitation system with a four-pole type electromagnet [14] . However, local zero power control for each electromagnet may lead to instability of the whole system when the number of control channels (four) is larger than the number of freedoms of motion to be controlled (three). Therefore, modal control is applied in constricting controllers.

This is the main deference from the levitation system with a four-pole type electromagnet.


This study illustrates that sporadic IBM is an extremely disabling disorder with normal life expectancy. Over a 10-year period, our patients lost almost one-third of their muscle strength. All patients used a wheelchair and almost half of them were completely dependent on it. The decline in functional grading scale scores further reflects the progressive nature of this disease. Undoubtedly, this muscle weakness resulting in functional disabilities must have a profound impact on the quality of life, as previously shown in a study of 60 patients with sporadic IBM (Sadjadi and Rose, 2010) .

Undoubtedly, this muscle weakness resulting in functional disabilities must have a profound impact on the quality of life, as previously shown in a study of 60 patients with sporadic IBM.


Recent studies on language attitudes show that a lay person's attitudes toward languages and dialects are basically social value judgments. Some linguists find value judgments as lacking scientific verification and propose several methodological approaches for studying this sociolinguistic phenomenon. Three methodological approaches have been repeatedly used in studying attitudes. The first consists of direct measures such as questionnaires, interviews, polls, etc. The second includes indirect measures such as the "matched-guise technique" and the "magic boxes" and the third is called the "discourse analytic method" where the researcher undertakes a content analysis of discourse whereby they examine how people treat a linguistic variety within society (Ryan et al., 1988) .

The second includes indirect measures such as the "matched-guise technique" and the "magic boxes" and the third is called the "discourse analytic method" where the researcher undertakes a content analysis of discourse whereby they examine how people treat a linguistic variety within society.


The results presented here may provide an insight into the apparent contradiction discussed above. Herein, when a finite-size tip is used it is shown that the majority of the load and friction arises from interactions of the tip with a small number of atoms, while many more atoms contribute to the total load and total friction. There are 1321 atoms that have non-zero contact forces in the loading direction while only 32 atoms contribute to the majority of the load (∼96%). If this subset of atoms is used to calculate the contact radius as a function of load, the results match very well with the recently developed contact model for a compliant layer on a hard substrate [55] . The fact that the interaction of a few atoms is responsible for the bulk of the load and the friction is important if one considers an AFM tip. Even if the size of the tip is well known, the number of atoms that contribute to the contact area may be less than might be inferred from the tip radius. In addition, if the tip contains irregularities (i.e. not perfectly smooth), these areas of the tip may contribute significantly to the interactions between the tip and the sample while only being a small geometric feature.

If this subset of atoms is used to calculate the contact radius as a function of load, the results match very well with the recently developed contact model for a compliant layer on a hard substrate.


When the tip passes over, or by, the monolayer atoms, the tip and the monolayer interact via the hard-wall portion of the LJ potential; however, the sign of the force changes to (−). As a result, atoms behind the tip (−y values) are able to exert a force on the tip in the sliding direction that aids the motion of the tip. These regions of (−) force behind the tip are apparent in distributions at 10 nN shown in figure 5 and at all other non-zero loads. Because this force is 'pushing' the tip in the sliding direction, it reduces the net friction force experienced by the tip. The scale of the forces in the two regions of the contact force distribution that arise from the hard-wall portion of the LJ potential is larger than the scale of the forces in the remaining two regions of the distributions. This disparity increases with the application of load. It follows that these types of interactions are the largest contributors to the net friction force experienced by the monolayer. It should also be noted that for all non-zero loads, there is a pronounced difference in the scale of the resisting forces (+) in front of the tip compared with the scale of pushing forces (−) behind the tip [70] . In summary, figure 5 can be broken down into four quadrants around the origin. The larger of the two quadrants behind the tip center are atoms that exert a negative force behind the sliding countersurface that 'push' the tip forward. The larger of the two quadrants in front of the tip center with positive forces are atoms in front of the tip that are being pushed closer to monolayer atoms, and therefore 'feel' the hard repulsive wall of the potential. These forces resist forward motion of the tip. The remaining two regions of the sliding-force distribution (figure 5) correspond to the resisting forces (+) behind the tip (−y) and to the pushing forces (−) in front of the tip (+y). Both of these types of forces arise from long-range interactions. When the tip has passed by a monolayer atom, the distance between the monolayer atom and the tip increases so that the interaction is governed by the attractive region of the LJ. Because the force is attractive, the monolayer atom resists the motion of the tip moving away from it. These forces correspond to the resisting (+) forces at negative values of tip position (−y) in the distribution. There are monolayer atoms that are far enough in front of the tip to be in the attractive region of the potential. This attractive force 'pulls' the tip in the sliding direction and is, therefore, classified as a pushing force at positive values of tip position (+y). These two regions of the distribution are a direct consequence of the finite-size of tip and are not apparent in contact-force distributions when the infinite, amorphous carbon tip is in sliding contact with the monolayer (figure 6).

It should also be noted that for all non-zero loads, there is a pronounced difference in the scale of the resisting forces (+) in front of the tip compared with the scale of pushing forces (−) behind the tip.


In the work presented here, finite-size tips were shown to induce significant disorder within the monolayer compared with amorphous (nominally flat) counterfaces. The amount of disorder was monitored by calculating the two-dimensional structure factor and the number of gauche defects within the monolayer chains. These defects are distributed throughout the chains. In the case of the finite-size tip, increasing the load increases the number of gauche defects within the chains and increases disorder within the monolayer. In contrast, the amorphous carbon countersurface introduces gauche defects that are largely localized at the ends of the chains. This has also been observed in monolayers composed of shorter and longer chains [103] . In addition, because the main effect of increasing the load is compression of the monolayer, the application of load causes the chains to be more uniformly packed, increasing the order of the monolayer. Clearly, this effect relies on the complex interplay between contact area and packing density. In other words, penetration of the countersurface into the monolayer, or increased spacing between chains within the monolayer, will disrupt this effect.

This has also been observed in monolayers composed of shorter and longer chains.


The increase on lamb farming in Brazil on the last decades pinpoints that the activity has positive perspectives regarding economic potential. Similarly, there has been a growing demand for high quality lamb meat, mainly in large urban centers. It is necessary that farmers adopt techniques able to standardize the carcass and the cuts available in the consumer market, in order to achieve the production demand for high quality ovine meat. Besides, there is the need to rearrange many points in the production chain (LAGE et al., 2010) .

Besides, there is the need to rearrange many points in the production chain.


Gender medicine has evolved as an independent research field over the last decades. The establishment of its scientific validity through rigorous research has been a fruitful approach which is leading to its acceptance and the growth of scientific knowledge. Gender medicine originated from specialty-specific, initially mostly cardiologic, research questions and analysis has been frequently performed in the context of a particular discipline. Research on sex and gender differences includes a range of different approaches, from basic science and etiopathogenetic research, to the analysis of differences in signs and symptoms, diagnostics and management [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] .

Research on sex and gender differences includes a range of different approaches, from basic science and etiopathogenetic research, to the analysis of differences in signs and symptoms, diagnostics and management.


HGF is a mesenchyme-derived protein originally identified as a circulating factor that promotes hepatic regeneration after liver injury. Since then, many studies have demonstrated that HGF has mitogenic, motogenic, antiapoptotic, angiogenic, and morphogenic activities in a wide variety of cell types. To exert its functions, HGF needs to be activated through proteolysis by serine proteases, and forms a disulfide-linked heterodimer composed of a 69-kDa alpha-chain and a 34-kDa beta-chain. HGF binds with high affinity to, and induces the dimerization of, a membrane-spanning tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the proto-oncogene, cmet. The receptor and ligand have widespread distribution, including in the pancreatic islet [101] [102] [103] .

The receptor and ligand have widespread distribution, including in the pancreatic islet.


Based on these insights, ratings for a meal can be broken down into ratings for its ingredients or component foods, and ratings for ingredients or component foods can be composed into ratings for meals [4] . Using these inferred ratings for ingredients, a fine-grained food item strategy can take into account the various ingredients of a meal during the recommendation process. Research has shown that more accurate food recommendations can be made when calculations are based on implied user ratings on ingredients rather than on recipes [4] .

Based on these insights, ratings for a meal can be broken down into ratings for its ingredients or component foods, and ratings for ingredients or component foods can be composed into ratings for meals.

Research has shown that more accurate food recommendations can be made when calculations are based on implied user ratings on ingredients rather than on recipes.


The present work is designed based on the following basic understanding: the key reasons for the enhanced heat transfer properties of nanofluids are not only their increased thermal conductivity but also the changed rheological behavior of base fluid due to the adding of nanoparticles. Using MD simulation, previous researchers have made achievements in studying mechanisms of conduction heat transfer in nanofluids [39] [40] [41] . However, the increased thermal conductivity of nanofluids is merely one respect of their enhanced heat transfer properties. Due to the adding of nanoparticles, rheological behavior of base fluid is also changed. The changed flow behavior with nanofluids is another important aspect for exploring the increased heat transfer properties of nanofluids.

Using MD simulation, previous researchers have made achievements in studying mechanisms of conduction heat transfer in nanofluids.


In addition, there is little information available about how lower proficiency learners understand different kinds of requests, and in fact they have been ignored in such studies. It is highly likely that lower proficiency learners have problems selecting appropriate request strategies in different situations (Ellis, 1994) . Therefore, concerning the importance of this area in second language learning and teaching, this study sets out a cross-sectional research that surveys development of request strategies by Iranian EFL learners at various levels of language proficiency. So the current study attempts to (1) uncover the relationship between students' level of language proficiency and complexity of request strategies and (2) find the possible difference in the type and frequency of the request strategies made by Iranian EFL students and native speakers of English based on social constraints of power and distance.

It is highly likely that lower proficiency learners have problems selecting appropriate request strategies in different situations.


When using long-range two-particle correlations to obtain anisotropic flow, the large pseudorapidity separation between the particles, while reducing nonflow effects, may lead to underestimation of the anisotropic flow because of event plane decorrelation stemming from the fluctuating initial conditions [38, 39] . This effect was studied in pPb and PbPb collisions [40] . The observed decrease in v 2 with increasing absolute value of pseudorapidity could be partially due to such decorrelation. Figure 4 : (Color online) Fourier coefficients, V 2 (upper) and V 3 (lower), of two-particle azimuthal correlations in high-multiplicity collisions (220 ≤ N offline trk < 260) with (circles) and without (triangles) subtraction of low-multiplicity data, as a function of η lab . Left panel shows data for Pb-side trigger particles and the right panel for the p-side. Statistical uncertainties are mostly smaller than point size; systematic uncertainties are 3.9% and 10% for V 2 and V 3 without low-multiplicity subtraction, 5.8% and 15% for V 2 and V 3 with low-multiplicity subtraction, respectively. The systematic uncertainties are shown by the shaded bands.

When using long-range two-particle correlations to obtain anisotropic flow, the large pseudorapidity separation between the particles, while reducing nonflow effects, may lead to underestimation of the anisotropic flow because of event plane decorrelation stemming from the fluctuating initial conditions.

This effect was studied in pPb and PbPb collisions.


The single-particle anisotropy parameters v n are extracted from the particle-pair Fourier coefficients V n , assuming that they factorize [43] . The v n values are then normalized by their lab frame mid-rapidity values and are studied as a function of η cm . These distributions are compared to the normalized pseudorapidity distributions of the mean transverse momentum.

The single-particle anisotropy parameters v n are extracted from the particle-pair Fourier coefficients V n , assuming that they factorize.


As predicted by both CGC and hydrodynamics, the average transverse momentum, p T , of the produced particles should depend on pseudorapidity [35] . This pseudorapidity dependence of p T could translate into a pseudorapidity dependence of the long-range correlations which also depend on p T [36] . The CGC and hydrodynamics predict a different pseudorapidity dependence of p T ; thus a measurement of the pseudorapidity dependence of the ridge may provide further insights into its origin. The pseudorapidity dependence of the Fourier coefficients extracted using the long-range two-particle correlations could also be influenced by event-by-event fluctuations of the initial energy density [37] [38] [39] . The pressure gradients that drive the hydrodynamic expansion may differ in different pseudorapidity regions, causing a pseudorapidity-dependent phase shift in the event-plane orientation determined from the direction of maximum particle emission. Evidence for such event-plane decorrelation has been found in pPb collisions [40] . Additional studies of the pseudorapidity dependence of the ridge may contribute to elucidating the longitudinal dynamics of the produced system.

As predicted by both CGC and hydrodynamics, the average transverse momentum, p T , of the produced particles should depend on pseudorapidity.

This pseudorapidity dependence of p T could translate into a pseudorapidity dependence of the long-range correlations which also depend on p T.

The pseudorapidity dependence of the Fourier coefficients extracted using the long-range two-particle correlations could also be influenced by event-by-event fluctuations of the initial energy density.

Evidence for such event-plane decorrelation has been found in pPb collisions.


The first limitation of this study concerns the recall of factual material. We did not look at the possible effect of maps on higher order thinking skills, although that research area is potentially interesting and rich. Second, there is a concern with ecological validity. Although the maps used here are of real places, it is clear that by using those maps the experimenters tested the participants with materials that might not be exactly what is used in the classroom. It is also clear that some factors in these experiments may not have replicated exactly what students do in their classrooms. For instance, one could argue that the experiment forced the participants into an unrealistic learning situation because the map and the text were viewed in isolation from one another. We have observed, however, that in several textbooks used in schools those materials are often spatially separated. The organized spatial displays frequently used in textbooks serve only as decorations and have little if any educational significance (Tyner, 1992) . That is unfortunate, because the displays could have educational value. In addition, the positioning of the displays within such texts does not encourage students to use them in conjunction with each other but rather to use them as separate materials, as they did in the present experiments. The students are not encouraged to simultaneously use the figures and diagrams appearing in textbooks and the relevant textual information because the figures are often found on different pages than the text passages that describe them. That is an issue for further research that might help teachers step in and create better materials for their students.

The organized spatial displays frequently used in textbooks serve only as decorations and have little if any educational significance.


Success in learning a second language (L2) is determined by many factors such as attitude, motivation, and anxiety. Learning a language in a context where it is not used on a daily basis is a big challenge. In Jordan, international languages such as English and French are spoken only in limited contexts and there is almost no contact with target language native speakers. Because of this, learners encounter difficulty learning these languages, and their success is determined by many factors (mainly motivation). Motivation is viewed as a determiner of human behavior because it energizes and directs it (Dornyei, 1998) . Motivation, as an inner drive, functions as the supplier of the initial drive and a stimulus to start learning; it is also the incentive for learners to persist during the later stages of L2 study. However, most research in this area has been conducted in L2 learning situations where the target language is widely used in the context. Simply put, research has been mainly carried out in American, Canadian, and other Western contexts. Investigating motivation in a range of contexts and considering a range of variables may better highlight any differences in the findings on its role in the L2 learning processes.

Motivation is viewed as a determiner of human behavior because it energizes and directs it.


Blanching time/temperature conditions reduce, to varying extents, the number of viable microorganisms (Archer, 2004) . Each and every food product harbours its own specific and characteristic microflora, which is a function of the raw material flora, processing, preservation and storage conditions. Based on the knowledge of a few chemical and physical parameters, it is also possible with great accuracy to predict which microorganisms may grow and dominate in a particular product (Gram et al., 2002) .

Blanching time/temperature conditions reduce, to varying extents, the number of viable microorganisms.

Based on the knowledge of a few chemical and physical parameters, it is also possible with great accuracy to predict which microorganisms may grow and dominate in a particular product.


It is well known that the cycling atom-field interaction can be realized between two states of some atoms [1] . Our calculations was carried out for 23 Na atoms, in which the cyclic interaction can be realized for the transition 3 2 S 1/2 − 3 2 P 3/2 . The transition wavelength is λ = 589.16 nm, the rate of spontaneous emission is γ = 2π × 10 MHz, the Doppler cooling temperature limit for sodium atoms is T D = 240 µK [1] .

It is well known that the cycling atom-field interaction can be realized between two states of some atoms.

The transition wavelength is λ = 589.16 nm, the rate of spontaneous emission is γ = 2π × 10 MHz, the Doppler cooling temperature limit for sodium atoms is T D = 240 µK.


PRES is a clinical condition that causes neurological symptoms such as variable consciousness, seizures, and vision impairment, and its symptoms and imaging findings are generally reversible. Many diseases such as hypertension, eclampsia/preeclampsia, immunosuppresive drugs (cyclosporine), various antineoplastic agents, hypercalcemia, thrombocytopenic syndromes, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, amyloid angiopathy, and renal failure can cause PRES. The pathophysiology of PRES is unclear. The generally accepted theory is edema formation in subcortical white matter as a result of the extravasation due to sudden changes in blood pressure and/or toxins that damage the endothelium and disrupt the blood brain barrier. Another opinion is that vasospasm is the underlying cause with resulting cytotoxic edema in affected areas [9] . The typical MRI findings of PRES are symmetric increases of the signals in the bilateral parieto-occipital areas, subcortical white matter of bilateral frontal and temporal lobe, posterior segments, and sometimes the cortex in sequences FLAIR and T2. In diffusion MRI images, increased diffusion consistent with vasogenic edema is detected. Lesions due to vasogenic edema are reversible. However, in some cases, lesions with reduced diffusion due to cytotoxic edema can be determined, and these lesions generally heal leaving a sequel. In atypic presentations, high-contrast lesions and hemorrhage can be seen in the thalamus, basal ganglia, brain stem, and cerebellum [9] . Our patient had increased intensity of the lesions on sequence T2 in the bilateral basal ganglia, at the level of centrum semiovale in the frontal areas, bilateral parietotemporal, occipital regions and left cerebellum.

The pathophysiology of PRES is unclear.

Another opinion is that vasospasm is the underlying cause with resulting cytotoxic edema in affected areas.

In atypic presentations, high-contrast lesions and hemorrhage can be seen in the thalamus, basal ganglia, brain stem, and cerebellum.


Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typically shows hyperintensity in the bilateral parieto-occipital areas in sequences T2A and FLAIR, consistent with vasogenic edema. In atypic involvements of PRES, frontal lobe, basal ganglia, brain stem, and deep white matter are affected [6, 7] . Recurrent attacks of PRES are mainly related with eclampsia, and their incidence is proportional to recurrent eclampsia [8] .

In atypic involvements of PRES, frontal lobe, basal ganglia, brain stem, and deep white matter are affected.

Recurrent attacks of PRES are mainly related with eclampsia, and their incidence is proportional to recurrent eclampsia.


As a separate part of the present research, simplified PTMD and SATMD building models were presented and implemented in a system design simulation [17] . In the trade-off parametric study of this approach, the efficiency of spreading stiffness between resetable devices and rubber bearings was illustrated. The end result of this spectral analysis is an optimally-based initial design approach that fits into accepted design methods, and the efficiency of these modified control system and the validity of the optimal designs were demonstrated as the reference for MDOF verification. In the view point of traditional TMD system theory, this alternative approach avoids adding excessive redundant mass that is rarely used.

As a separate part of the present research, simplified PTMD and SATMD building models were presented and implemented in a system design simulation.


Tuned mass damper (TMD) systems are often considered as a practical seismic response control solution for flexible structures, such as tall buildings [1] [2] [3] . The main disadvantage of a TMD system is the sensitivity related to the narrow band control and the fluctuation in tuning the TMD frequency to the controlled frequency of a potentially degrading structure. Another limitation of a TMD is the size of the tuned absorber mass. In an attempt to increase the performance of the TMD without incurring the problems noted above, active and semi-active TMD (ATMD and SATMD) systems have been proposed [4] [5] [6] [7] . To overcome the limitation of the TMD mass, various seismic isolation concepts using TMD related principles have been extended to convert a structural system into a TMD system by specially designing the structural system [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] .

Tuned mass damper (TMD) systems are often considered as a practical seismic response control solution for flexible structures, such as tall buildings.

In an attempt to increase the performance of the TMD without incurring the problems noted above, active and semi-active TMD (ATMD and SATMD) systems have been proposed.

To overcome the limitation of the TMD mass, various seismic isolation concepts using TMD related principles have been extended to convert a structural system into a TMD system by specially designing the structural system.


The figures in 3 (e-h) represent 4 motion fields obtained with our approach whereas figures 3 (i-l) show the corresponding motion fields obtained with a robust motion estimator [21] . Thanks to the optimal control process, the motion fields recovered are not affected by the strong artifacts introduced. This kind of results might be interesting for applications in the field of video coding and/or restoration. As for the computation time, this process was twotime faster than the successive estimations of dense motion fields with the same observation operator. Such an approach could also be used to estimate motion of temporarily occluded objects in video, and as a consequence constitutes an important basic ingredient for video object removing in video post-processing.

The figures in 3 (e-h) represent 4 motion fields obtained with our approach whereas figures 3 (i-l) show the corresponding motion fields obtained with a robust motion estimator.


An example where such a phenomenon could possibly occur was first discovered in pure SU (3) super Yang-Mills theory, where the central charges for mutually non-local states vanishes at a certain critical point in the moduli space [2] . An equivalent critical point can be found in the moduli space of SU (2) super Yang-Mills theory with a single hyper multiplet in the fundamental representation [3] . There are also more complicated examples known. In all these examples, the relevant BPS states are known to exist in the spectrum in the weak-coupling region, where semi-classical methods can be trusted. The critical point is at strong coupling, though, and it is conceivable that these states have decayed at some domain wall of marginal stability before this point is reached. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a theory close to such a critical point to see whether the spectrum really contains arbitrarily light mutually non-local states.

An example where such a phenomenon could possibly occur was first discovered in pure SU (3) super Yang-Mills theory, where the central charges for mutually non-local states vanishes at a certain critical point in the moduli space.

An equivalent critical point can be found in the moduli space of SU (2) super Yang-Mills theory with a single hyper multiplet in the fundamental representation.


Diffusion-controlled mechanism for self-discharge can be fitted with Eq. (5) below: where V t is the voltage at a given self-discharge time, V i is the maximum voltage, t is the self-discharge time and m is a constant which depends on the diffusion and geometrical parameters of the material electrode [44] . In other words, the plot of V t as a function of t 1/2 must be linear for a diffusion-controlled self-discharge mechanism. As shown in Fig. 4d , the curve can be fitted with two lines with different m-value, suggesting two diffusion-controlled mechanisms. Therefore, one could think of the possible involvement of O 2 and H 2 generated from the electrolyte decomposition. These elements can deplete the ions stored at each interface with the electrode material, forming new species that could dissolve in the electrolyte [45] . A lowering of the initial voltage applied below the thermodynamic potential of water could mitigate this self-discharge phenomenon. However, a relatively good potential of 1.04 V was still maintained on the cell up to 80 h of self-discharge.

Diffusion-controlled mechanism for self-discharge can be fitted with Eq. (5) below: where V t is the voltage at a given self-discharge time, V i is the maximum voltage, t is the self-discharge time and m is a constant which depends on the diffusion and geometrical parameters of the material electrode.

These elements can deplete the ions stored at each interface with the electrode material, forming new species that could dissolve in the electrolyte.


However, the intensity of the peak reduces with the introduction of an activation/carbonization process. This is likely due to the conversion of the polymer into disordered graphitic carbon. For all other samples activated and carbonized, the distinct D-and G-peaks are obtained which confirms the successful conversion of the polymer into a highly disordered carbonaceous material [31] .

For all other samples activated and carbonized, the distinct D-and G-peaks are obtained which confirms the successful conversion of the polymer into a highly disordered carbonaceous material.


The angle of the Nyquist plot with the Z 0 -axis at the low-frequency region defines the capacitive behaviour of the material electrode [34] . An ideal capacitor has a complete vertical line which is parallel to the imaginary impedance axis at the lowfrequency region. The AC-PPY-6 sample displays the capacitive response closest to the ideal capacitance. The results from the impedance spectroscopy analysis are in good agreement with the results discussed in Fig. 2a .

The angle of the Nyquist plot with the Z 0 -axis at the low-frequency region defines the capacitive behaviour of the material electrode.


The results from the textural analysis done on the assynthesized AC-PPY samples (shown in Fig. 1 ) displayed the N 2 -absorption-desorption isotherm of type VI with a hysteresis loop present, which is attributed to the adsorbate condensation in the hierarchical pores within the porous carbon materials [29] . The quantity of gas absorbed was observed to increase as the amount of K 2 CO 3 was added to the raw material up to a limiting point ''X'' at 6:1 (AA:PP) after which it decreased. This observation is suggested to be due to pore enlargement and possible breakdown of the porous carbon framework by excess activating agent leading to the widening and possible collapse of pore sites [22, 30] . Figure 1b shows the associated plot illustrating the exact values of BET SSA variance with activating agent ratio. As observed, a drop is observed once the ratio exceeded 6. The pore size distribution (PSD) plot (Fig. 1c) calculated by the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) branch shows the nature of the pore range present within the activated carbon sample.

The results from the textural analysis done on the assynthesized AC-PPY samples (shown in Fig. 1 ) displayed the N 2 -absorption-desorption isotherm of type VI with a hysteresis loop present, which is attributed to the adsorbate condensation in the hierarchical pores within the porous carbon materials.

This observation is suggested to be due to pore enlargement and possible breakdown of the porous carbon framework by excess activating agent leading to the widening and possible collapse of pore sites.


Fiber Characterization Table 1 shows the anatomical properties of the individualized fibers from the lignocellulosic material used in the Fig. 1 Illustrative scheme of the treatments and fiberreinforced composites composites. The values of the fiber cell length (L) and width (W) are in agreement with the literature wherein eucalyptus had the smallest fiber length, sugarcane bagasse fibers were intermediate, and the pine fibers had the greatest length. Long and narrow fibers have a higher aspect ratio compared to short and wide fibers. Fibers with a high aspect ratio are preferable because they confer higher mechanical properties for the composites [52] .

Fibers with a high aspect ratio are preferable because they confer higher mechanical properties for the composites.


The wall fraction (WF) is related to the rigidity of the fiber cell and values above 60 % are normally related to stiffer fibers [52] . Pine was the material that showed the lowest WF values and the higher flexibility coefficient (FC), similar to values observed for Pinus taeda [53] . The WF of eucalyptus fibers was very close to 60 %, similar to that for Eucalyptus grandis [54] . Table 2 presents the chemical composition of the lignocellulosic materials. Eucalyptus and pine fibers have higher holocellulose content. Sugarcane bagasse had the highest ash content among the particle fibers tested. High levels of ash, lignin, and soluble extractives are believed to decrease the mechanical strength of fiber composites by interfering with interfacial adhesion and increasing the fiber pull-out [55] . The higher mineral content of sugarcane bagasse can be observed in the X-ray images (Fig. 2) . Silica (SiO 2 ), which is a well-known component of the sugarcane bagasse, was visualized as dark spots in the radiographs due to its high density in relation to the other fiber components.

The wall fraction (WF) is related to the rigidity of the fiber cell and values above 60 % are normally related to stiffer fibers.

Pine was the material that showed the lowest WF values and the higher flexibility coefficient (FC), similar to values observed for Pinus taeda.

The WF of eucalyptus fibers was very close to 60 %, similar to that for Eucalyptus grandis.

High levels of ash, lignin, and soluble extractives are believed to decrease the mechanical strength of fiber composites by interfering with interfacial adhesion and increasing the fiber pull-out.


It should be noted the digital mobile e-learning also offers an extensive variety of learning activities that support the learning process by means of motivation, control, ownership, fun and communication (Jones et al., 2006) . When implementing mobile devices in an e-learning context, variables such as price, adaptability, and flexibility should not overshadow the fact that the adoption of a technology must be motivated by teaching scenarios, not merely factors such as technological functions (Lin, 2007) . Therefore, the question of how to present the features of mobile devices in educational environments is extremely important. Furthermore, digital mobile elearning emphasizes ubiquitous learning (u-learning), which is the notion that learning can occur at any time or place, not merely in schools or classrooms (Hwang et al., 2008) .

It should be noted the digital mobile e-learning also offers an extensive variety of learning activities that support the learning process by means of motivation, control, ownership, fun and communication.

When implementing mobile devices in an e-learning context, variables such as price, adaptability, and flexibility should not overshadow the fact that the adoption of a technology must be motivated by teaching scenarios, not merely factors such as technological functions.

Furthermore, digital mobile elearning emphasizes ubiquitous learning (u-learning), which is the notion that learning can occur at any time or place, not merely in schools or classrooms.


In recent years, many scholars have employed Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to analyze the operational efficiency and examine whether the widespread utilization of assessments can effectively enhance growth efficiency in order to improve operations management. DEA offers clear advantages over other methods as a source of information in determining the efficiency of organizations that produce multiple outputs (Banker et al., 1986; Banker et al., 1989) . The methodology measures the relative efficiency without the prior assumption of input output weights. The objective of this paper is to assess the schools' efficiency to some extent in the presence of multiple inputs and outputs by using DEA. According to the statistics, DEA has been applied empirically to more than one thousand cases in fields as diverse as transportation, educational administration, law, forest management, medicine, banking, military maintenance, and administration. Due to an abundance of prior research, the present study only reviewed relevant Taiwanese literature, which revealed that most studies focused on evaluating the operational performance of universities, high schools, middle schools, vocational schools, and national elementary schools (Wang and Gu, 1991; Chen, 1998; Gu, 1999; Liu, 2000; Hwang, 2001; Li, 2009; Hwang, 2012) .

DEA offers clear advantages over other methods as a source of information in determining the efficiency of organizations that produce multiple outputs.

Due to an abundance of prior research, the present study only reviewed relevant Taiwanese literature, which revealed that most studies focused on evaluating the operational performance of universities, high schools, middle schools, vocational schools, and national elementary schools.


A LED light source for good visual experience is one that exhibits quality closest to daylight or incandescent light which is used as reference light source with high fidelity, wide color gamut and high saturated color. The colors and texture of objects can be viewed more accurately, as they would be seen under natural sunlight. The corresponding spectrum is smooth, proportional, and balanced, but is ideally attuned to human sensitivity. It contains only the wavelengths in the visible range and ideally without ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) radiation. This makes it both vivid color and efficient, as energy is not wasted producing unnecessary heat (IR), UV radiation, or unbalanced amounts of light in different parts of the spectrum [7] .

This makes it both vivid color and efficient, as energy is not wasted producing unnecessary heat (IR), UV radiation, or unbalanced amounts of light in different parts of the spectrum.


Lipschitz functions on Banach spaces have somewhat strong differentiability properties. Rademacher's Theorem is a classical result and states that a Lipschitz function on a Euclidean space is differentiable almost everywhere with respect to the Lebesgue measure [7, p. 100] . A more recent theorem, due to Preiss and published in 1990, asserts that every Lipschitz function on a Banach space X, with norm differentiable away from the origin, is differentiable on a dense subset of X [8] .

A more recent theorem, due to Preiss and published in 1990, asserts that every Lipschitz function on a Banach space X, with norm differentiable away from the origin, is differentiable on a dense subset of X.


We sought to find the biologically active substance in A. tegmentosum heartwoods that has analgesic and antigastropathic actions in order to increase its pharmacological availability to relieve the symptoms of headache, abdominal pain and vomiting that can follow alcohol consumption. Based on our experimental results, A. t egmentosum heartwood can be used as a therapeutic with analgesic and antigastropathic activity before or after drinking alcohol. Salidroside was the major biologically active substance in A. teg mentosum heartwood and it exhibited distinct analgesic activity and high anti-gastropathic activity at both the 10 and 20 mg/kg doses (p.o.). It also increased the pH of gastric juice and lowered the gastric juice volume, although its activities were weaker than those of cimetidine. Gastropathy is a disease that occurs frequently in modern society. There are many therapeutics to treat gastritis and digestive ulcers such as antacids, anticholinergic agents, H 2 antagonists and H + -pump inhibitors and anti-Helicobacter p ylori agents, although these medicinal drugs have unwanted side effects and the disease frequently returns [16] [17] [18] [19] .

There are many therapeutics to treat gastritis and digestive ulcers such as antacids, anticholinergic agents, H 2 antagonists and H + -pump inhibitors and anti-Helicobacter p ylori agents, although these medicinal drugs have unwanted side effects and the disease frequently returns.


Gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer are the most important and common gastrointestinal disorders [1] . Peptic ulcers have a prevalence of 4-5% in humans and are related to food, stress, genetic and environmental factors [2] . Major causative factors of peptic ulcer involve Helicobacter pylori infection, excessive abuse of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), irregular eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, and psychological stresses [3] . Peptic ulcers occur in tissues destroyed by gastric juice and stomach acid because of an imbalance between aggressive factors (e.g., stomach acid and pepsin) and defensive factors (e.g., mucus, bicarbonate and mucosa blood flow) in the digestive system; this imbalance results in impairment of the mucosa and muscularis mucosa. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation by oxidative stress can lead to gastric mucosal lesions [4] . Once ROS trigger and maintain ischemic status in the gastric mucosa, hydroxyl radicals generated from superoxide anions cause gastric lesions by virtue of damage to the mucosa microvessels and the subsequent decrease in blood flow [5] .

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer are the most important and common gastrointestinal disorders.

Peptic ulcers have a prevalence of 4-5% in humans and are related to food, stress, genetic and environmental factors.

Major causative factors of peptic ulcer involve Helicobacter pylori infection, excessive abuse of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), irregular eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, and psychological stresses.

In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation by oxidative stress can lead to gastric mucosal lesions.

Once ROS trigger and maintain ischemic status in the gastric mucosa, hydroxyl radicals generated from superoxide anions cause gastric lesions by virtue of damage to the mucosa microvessels and the subsequent decrease in blood flow.


In this section, the results of the association measures, namely NC-value, NTC-value, NLCvalue, and the combination for all of them, are identified. As shown in [Table 5 ] , it has been noticed that Bi-gram candidates have the greatest value of precision where the increasing of n-gram causes a decreasing of precision. This indicates the difficulty in extracting the accurate candidate when the n-gram is higher. On the other hand, the results when N = 100 are greater than the other values of N for all n-gram forms. This is because the possibilities of extracting incorrect candidates will increase where the process of identifying more than bigram candidates may result in the detection of invalid noun compounds. Obviously, Combination-value has outperformed NC-value, NTC-value and NLC-value due to the combination between all three association measures. However, the greatest value of precision has been achieved when N = 100 with Bi-gram by obtaining 97%, while the lowest value of precision has been obtained when N = 500 with 5-gram by achieving 81%. To summarise, the Combination-value has outperformed NLC-value, NTC-value, and NC-value in terms of the extraction of bi-gram and tri-gram. However, this study has demonstrated a similar performance for Combination-value compared with NLC-value, NTCvalue, and NC-value in terms of the extraction of ANNCs involving . This is because Combination-value is a combination of NLC-value, NTCvalue, and NC-value, which in other words means a combination of multiple features which are contextual information, unit-hood, and term-hood. Contextual information measures the terminological rank of a given candidate term. The unit-hood feature offers the degree of strength for combinations or collocations (Fahmi, 2005) . Lastly, the term-hood treats the terms as a linguistic unit (Vu et al., 2008) . These features have the ability to improve the extraction procedure of the nested noun compound in the Arabic language. Furthermore, using named entity as a linguistic pattern has the capability to improve the procedure of nested noun compounds extraction for Combination-value NLC-value, NTC-value, and NCvalue, and in facilitating the task of recognising named entities which usually occur as noun compounds.

The unit-hood feature offers the degree of strength for combinations or collocations.

Lastly, the term-hood treats the terms as a linguistic unit.


According to the obtained results, the antioxidative potential of cumin postdistillation seeds waste is poor and it ranged between 0.02 and 0.04 TE/g ( Table 1 ). The comparison of two extraction methods showed that Soxhlet extracts contained the greatest amount of polyphenols and flavonoids, while maceration samples exhibited higher antiradical and bleaching power assay. Total phenolic contents and EC50 (the concentration required to cause a 50% DPPH inhibition) values in cumin seeds during their ripening led to the conclusion that the antioxidant activity does not depend only on the high content of total phenolics but also on the phenolic composition. A total of 19 phenolic compounds were successfully identified by HPLC analysis during the ripening of cumin seeds. Fully ripe seeds were dominated by p-coumaric acid [18] .

Fully ripe seeds were dominated by p-coumaric acid.


The phenol content is significantly different when the sample origin is in question. Tunisian cumin contained more phenolic acids (9.5 mg GAE/g Dw) than Indian (6.4 mg GAE/g Dw) [19] . Apart from this, the ripe stage also significantly influenced the phenol content, i.e. the polyphenol content was lower at unripe seeds when compared to fully ripe ones [18] . Water deficit during growth periods of cumin significantly influenced the total phenolic content. Drought caused a significant increase of the total phenolic content, which was more pronounced in moderate water deficit than that observed under severe water deficit [19] .

Tunisian cumin contained more phenolic acids (9.5 mg GAE/g Dw) than Indian (6.4 mg GAE/g Dw).

Apart from this, the ripe stage also significantly influenced the phenol content, i.e. the polyphenol content was lower at unripe seeds when compared to fully ripe ones.

Drought caused a significant increase of the total phenolic content, which was more pronounced in moderate water deficit than that observed under severe water deficit.


The total polyphenole content in the cumin postdistillation seeds waste material, as estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, was between 30.1 and 47.5 mg GAE/g dry extract (Table 1) . However, other research was focused on the phenol content in the cumin seeds dry weight (Dw). The amount of total phenolic compounds in cumin seeds samples from the Italian market ranged from 2.9 to 11.6 mg GAE/ g Dw depending on the extraction technique. In particular, the results showed four times higher recoveries with the application of the microwave assisted extraction in comparison to the ultrasound assisted extraction [17] . Similarly, Soxhlet extraction of cumin fruit showed a significantly higher content of polyphenoles (from 12.2 to 25.2 mg GAE/g Dw) than maceration (from 6.9 to 17.7 mg GAE/g Dw) [18] .

In particular, the results showed four times higher recoveries with the application of the microwave assisted extraction in comparison to the ultrasound assisted extraction.

Similarly, Soxhlet extraction of cumin fruit showed a significantly higher content of polyphenoles (from 12.2 to 25.2 mg GAE/g Dw) than maceration (from 6.9 to 17.7 mg GAE/g Dw).


Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a herbaceous plant from Apiaceae family, originating from the Eastern Mediterranean. It is mainly grown in India, Syria, Iran and Turkey [1] . Cumin is a characteristic spice of the oriental cuisine and one of the main ingredients of curry powder. In Serbia, cumin is not very popular but recently there has been the increasing interest for healthy nutrition and functional food supplements, as well as traditional remedies approved by modern scientific methods.

It is mainly grown in India, Syria, Iran and Turkey.


Actually, most of UGV research still suffers from some difficulties in practical applications, such as complex calculation and object detection. In this paper another approach, D-S evidence theory, is employed to distinguish objects efficiently and reduce the computational complexity. The environment perception system of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) can perceive hazardous region and recognize the obstacle. On the whole, Kalman filter is used for lowlevel fusion of physical level, thus using the D-S evidence theory for high-level data fusion. The purpose of the lowlevel information fusion is unifying the characteristics of the sensor data to the framework of information fusion system and integrating these features to generate more precise and detailed information characteristics. The most important bright spots of D-S theory is that the model is designed to cope with varying levels of precision and no further assumptions are needed. It also allows for the direct representation of system uncertainty where an imprecise input can be characterized by a set or an interval and the output result is also a set or an interval [12, 13] . This paper is organized as follows. Section 2 introduces the hardware description. Section 3 shows information related to sensor data procession. Section 4 presents data information of fusion and focuses on the calculation method of BPA mass value including algorithm preparation and correlation coefficient calculation. Sections 5 and 6 have the results and conclusions.

It also allows for the direct representation of system uncertainty where an imprecise input can be characterized by a set or an interval and the output result is also a set or an interval.

This paper is organized as follows.


In order to enhance the cooling capacity of the natural convection system, many strategies can be adopted. Traditionally, fins and ducts on the housing can be applied to improve convection and radiation heat transfer [7] . However, fins and ducts need a specific installation space and they will increase the weight of the motor. Usually the winding of the motor is the hot spot due to the poor equivalent thermal conductivity. By inserting a high thermal conductivity conductor, a higher thermal conductivity path between the center of the slot and the housing can be established and the equivalent thermal conductivity improved [7, 8] . However, this method will reduce the effective slot fill factor and the high conductivity conductor inserted in the slot will generate an eddy current loss. To improve the heat conductivity of the end winding, various materials are applied to pot the end windings. One plastic with a thermal conductivity of 2 W/m·K was used to encapsulate the end windings of an axial flux machine; therefore a low thermal resistance path to the motor housing was established [9] . Due to its excellent thermal conductivity which is up to 150~300 W/m·K, aluminum nitride (Al N) has also been used to pot the end windings of motors such as the PMSM or axial flux motor [10, 11] .

Traditionally, fins and ducts on the housing can be applied to improve convection and radiation heat transfer.

By inserting a high thermal conductivity conductor, a higher thermal conductivity path between the center of the slot and the housing can be established and the equivalent thermal conductivity improved.

One plastic with a thermal conductivity of 2 W/m·K was used to encapsulate the end windings of an axial flux machine; therefore a low thermal resistance path to the motor housing was established.

Due to its excellent thermal conductivity which is up to 150~300 W/m·K, aluminum nitride (Al N) has also been used to pot the end windings of motors such as the PMSM or axial flux motor.


At present, the existing research on the heat dissipation structure of an EHA drive motor has mainly focused on natural convection and wet-rotors where the air gap between the stator and rotor is filled with hydraulic oil [5] . In the structure of the wet-rotor, since the stator and rotor are immersed in hydraulic oil, the heat generated in the stator and rotor can be easily taken away. Therefore, the temperature of the motor can be controlled within a reasonable range. However, the hydraulic oil present in the motor will lead to a huge loss when the motor is running at a high speed [2, 5] . As a result, the efficiency and dynamic performance of the motor would become worse. Meanwhile, the natural convection system is widely applied in motors since it has a simple structure and it does not need any other assisting devices such as a pump or heat exchanger [6] . However, the natural convection system is unsuitable to use in large-capacity drive motors due to its poor cooling capacity.

At present, the existing research on the heat dissipation structure of an EHA drive motor has mainly focused on natural convection and wet-rotors where the air gap between the stator and rotor is filled with hydraulic oil.

However, the hydraulic oil present in the motor will lead to a huge loss when the motor is running at a high speed.

Meanwhile, the natural convection system is widely applied in motors since it has a simple structure and it does not need any other assisting devices such as a pump or heat exchanger.


China has rapidly advanced its industrialization process since entering the new century, but excessive resource exploitation and industrial production also bring us much more safety issues. As with energy and environment problems, safety production has been one of the key factors that would restrict the rapid development of China. Just in 2007, the losses resulted from safety accidents are more than 620 billion RMB, which has reached seven times of Three Gorges Project's static investment, estimated as 90.09 billion RMB. Further, losses caused by Warnings' deficiency and misuse account for a large proportion in different kinds of safety accidents (such as the mine exploitation, urban construction, industrial production and so on) [1] . Judging from the repeatedly painful lessons, there have been serious problems and a lagging effect in both design and use of Warnings, which cannot really satisfy the demand of modern exploitation Obviously, safe production has become an urgent tackling-problem in modern management theories; otherwise it would be a stumbling block for the Industrial Engineering (IE) development. As for that Warnings are the most flexible and essential method in safety management and the last-ditch prevention, so how to make them more attractive, influential, persuasive and effective is extremely significant to reduce the occurrence of accidents and improve the management level of entrepreneurs.

Further, losses caused by Warnings' deficiency and misuse account for a large proportion in different kinds of safety accidents (such as the mine exploitation, urban construction, industrial production and so on).


A fault detection process isolates the source of a system malfunction through the gathering and the analysis of information about the current state of the system obtained through measurement, testing and other sources of information, such as the user [3] . Since the detection is usually performed in embedded systems with other functions, such as control, the fault detection process should be as simple as possible. The attempt to detect all possible failures would make the process unnecessarily complex and would increase its response time. That is why embedded fault detection systems are made to quickly detect the most common faults. On the other hand, running complex tests periodically would not compromise the system safety [4] .

A fault detection process isolates the source of a system malfunction through the gathering and the analysis of information about the current state of the system obtained through measurement, testing and other sources of information, such as the user.

On the other hand, running complex tests periodically would not compromise the system safety.


Lack of genetic information on iron metabolism, and genotypes at the promoter region of HO-1 that regulate the expression of this enzyme, was an important limitation of this study. Most epidemiological studies, including the present study, have similar limitations, and to elucidate the precise mechanism underlying the phenomenon observed in this study more detailed studies are required. Another limitation of the present study was the lack of information on iron intake in the study population. Low intakes of iron have been reported among young smokers in Korea [24] . The difference in serum levels of iron between smoke resistant and nonresistant subjects may be attributable to differences in daily intake of iron from food. In addition, differences between the two groups in type of employment, socio-economic status or life styles may have influenced the results. However, this information was also not available in the present study. Moreover, a little possibility regarding to the false discovery still remained because this study was assessing many variables. Further studies, including the same analysis in another population, are required to address these limitations. In addition, studies are required to analyse the effects of cigarette smoking on iron metabolism, and the association between differences in genotype and iron metabolism in these two groups of subjects.

Low intakes of iron have been reported among young smokers in Korea.


Optimal solutions for quantum information processing tasks typically require observables that cannot be described by single selfadjoint operators but are formalized as positive-operator-valued measures (POVMs). Generally, an element of an observable, called an effect, can be any positive operator bounded by the identity operator. For instance, an optimal observable for unambiguous discrimination of two non-orthogonal pure states has three elements and none of them is a projection [1] . Another example is provided by informationally complete observables, which do not have any non-trivial projections as their elements [2] .

For instance, an optimal observable for unambiguous discrimination of two non-orthogonal pure states has three elements and none of them is a projection.

Another example is provided by informationally complete observables, which do not have any non-trivial projections as their elements.


It is well known that two projections can be elements of a single observable if and only if they commute. This condition for effects to be parts of a single observable is called coexistence [3, 4] . Coexistence can be therefore viewed as a kind of natural generalization of commutativity. It is remarkable that two effects can be coexistent even if they do not commute, but a general criterion of coexistence is not known. This problem of characterizing coexistent effects, called the coexistence problem, is the topic of this paper.

This condition for effects to be parts of a single observable is called coexistence.


In recent years, the smoothed FEM has been well adopted to solve fracture mechanics problem [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] . Based on generalized gradient smoothing technique a lot of novel and powerful numerical methods have been developed [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] . A cell-based smoothed finite element method (CS-FEM) has been developed with the smoothing domains constructed based on cell of the elements. In the method line integration was used along the boundaries of the smoothing cells instead of area integration. Moreover, CS-FEM does not need mapping and derivatives. It also showed that the results are less sensitive to distorted elements.

In recent years, the smoothed FEM has been well adopted to solve fracture mechanics problem.

Based on generalized gradient smoothing technique a lot of novel and powerful numerical methods have been developed.


Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is a fast-growing field propelled by advances in computer technology and machine learning theory. It is the study of how we communicate with (or through) machines, be it computers, robots, vehicles, home devices, the internet or artificial limbs. At a physical level, HCI has progressed from a low level of interaction (keyboard, mouse and pen) to a high level one (touch screen, sensor, voice, video and nerve). Beyond the mere physical aspect, however, HCI has also advanced into higher cognitive and affective functions [18] . Looking towards the future, HCI will assuredly evolve one step further to a predictive level, bringing it ever closer to resembling a true human-to-human interaction -with machines mimicking basic human senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch as well as human learning abilities and emotions. Facial expression recognition is a step toward understanding of human emotions.

Beyond the mere physical aspect, however, HCI has also advanced into higher cognitive and affective functions.


The sustainability of denning habitat is an important driver of long-term population stability for bears (Linnell et al. 2000) . As such, this study provides information which will help to inform conservation efforts for this protected species. Additionally, it may influence land development plans to reduce the risk of den disturbance.

The sustainability of denning habitat is an important driver of long-term population stability for bears.


The selection of the discrete interpolation function is a key issue in the development of FEM. Wavelet analysis is a new method developed in recent years. In the field of structural analysis, several kinds of wavelet transform functions have been used as interpolation functions to develop wavelet-based finite element formulations for their extraordinary characteristics of integrating the advantages in functional analysis, Fourier's transform, spline analysis, harmonic analysis, and numerical analysis [16] [17] [18] . However, most of the wavelet functions used now lack an explicit expression, which would cause trouble and numerical error when finite element solving equation is formulated [19] [20] [21] . Compared with the interpolation wavelet function basis used now, B-spline wavelet on the interval (BSWI) basis has the desirable characteristics of compact support, smoothness, and symmetry in addition to the multiresolution analysis [22, 23] . Moreover, it has an explicit expression, which will not lead to any trouble for differentiation and integration. Furthermore, as a type of generalized spline FEM, BSWI element inherits the superiority of spline for structural analysis [24] .

In the field of structural analysis, several kinds of wavelet transform functions have been used as interpolation functions to develop wavelet-based finite element formulations for their extraordinary characteristics of integrating the advantages in functional analysis, Fourier's transform, spline analysis, harmonic analysis, and numerical analysis.

However, most of the wavelet functions used now lack an explicit expression, which would cause trouble and numerical error when finite element solving equation is formulated.

Compared with the interpolation wavelet function basis used now, B-spline wavelet on the interval (BSWI) basis has the desirable characteristics of compact support, smoothness, and symmetry in addition to the multiresolution analysis.

Furthermore, as a type of generalized spline FEM, BSWI element inherits the superiority of spline for structural analysis.


However, organizations, including hospitals, spend little time on evaluating their training programs [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] . Numerous reasons have been identified: disbelief in the benefits of evaluation, lack of confidence in whether training has an impact on the organization, as well as lack of resources, expertise, and organizational support [21] . The expansion of Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation model has emphasized the importance of training evaluation [15] . This model includes measurement of reactions to training, learning attainment, transfer and subsequent individual behavior, and organizational results [16] . Most evaluations of this model have focused on its first two levels. Several authors have also researched the effect of training on individual job performance or the results achieved within their own organization [17] [18] [19] . The benefits of training evaluation are widely recognized as a diagnostic tool for training revisions, and for evidence of training effectiveness, such as successful learning, improved on-the-job performance, changes in key business measures, and return on investment. In addition, training evaluation should influence decision making [22] [23] [24] . Furthermore, training evaluation may have ethical implications for professional development [25] .

However, organizations, including hospitals, spend little time on evaluating their training programs.

Numerous reasons have been identified: disbelief in the benefits of evaluation, lack of confidence in whether training has an impact on the organization, as well as lack of resources, expertise, and organizational support.

The expansion of Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation model has emphasized the importance of training evaluation.

This model includes measurement of reactions to training, learning attainment, transfer and subsequent individual behavior, and organizational results.

Several authors have also researched the effect of training on individual job performance or the results achieved within their own organization.

In addition, training evaluation should influence decision making.

Furthermore, training evaluation may have ethical implications for professional development.


In addition, the interest for more sophisticated heat exchangers is increasing because of the need for better overall efficiency and decrease in size and weight. In all varieties of powered vehicles from automobiles to spacecrafts, the trend for small-size and lightweight heat exchangers has stimulated the development of heat transfer surfaces much more compact than in classical devices [2] . In compact devices, some effects neglected by classical theory can influence the overall behavior. Obviously, a rationally optimised heat exchanger design and the definition of new surfaces of better characteristics require the development of reliable tools.

In all varieties of powered vehicles from automobiles to spacecrafts, the trend for small-size and lightweight heat exchangers has stimulated the development of heat transfer surfaces much more compact than in classical devices.


The first theoretical efforts on the subject produced analytical treatment of idealized devices. These works produced a range of global methods, like the Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD) and the Effectiveness-Number of Transfer Units ( -NTU) [1] . However, global methods are based on a number of assumptions (i.e. steady flow, single-phase flow, constant thermo-physical properties, constant heat transfer coefficients, negligible longitudinal wall conduction and so on), which are hardly met in practical applications. In particular, real heat exchangers often involve two-phase flow processes, air dehumidification and variable fluid properties.

These works produced a range of global methods, like the Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD) and the Effectiveness-Number of Transfer Units ( -NTU).


The two facilities were constructed and became operational in early 2015. Detailed site measurements were conducted and the finished facility was remodeled using ODEON software [6] . The results of the comparisons between simulation and site measurements are presented in this paper. Detailed results of the simulation are also presented in this paper.

Detailed site measurements were conducted and the finished facility was remodeled using ODEON software.


Language identification is a crucial first step in textual data processing and is considered feasible over formal texts [4] . The task is harder for social media (e.g. Twitter) where text is less formal, noisier and can be written in wide range of languages. We focus on identifying similar languages, where surface-level content alone may not be sufficient. Our approach combines a content model with evidence propagated over the social network of the authors. For example, a user well-connected to users posting in a language is more likely to post in that language. Our system scores 76.63%, 1.4% higher than the top submission to the tweetLID workshop.

Language identification is a crucial first step in textual data processing and is considered feasible over formal texts.


The study of jet production in association with a W or Z vector boson (denoted by 'V' in this paper) provides a stringent test of perturbative QCD calculations. The presence of a vector boson provides a clear signature of the process and allows comparison of different scattering amplitudes with respect to inclusive multijet production, which is dominated by gluon scattering. In addition, a precise measurement of the W (Z) + n jets cross section is essential since the production of vector bosons with jets constitutes a background in searches for new physics and for studies of the top quark. At present, next-to-leading-order (NLO) predictions are available for V + n jets, with n up to four [1] [2] [3] [4] .

At present, next-to-leading-order (NLO) predictions are available for V + n jets, with n up to four.


The reverse breakdown characteristics of silicon pn junctions have been investigated intensively over many years [1] . However, even today, the low-voltage breakdown phenomenon of mixed field emission and impact ionization has not been fully understood, or the low-voltage reverse breakdown current analyzed in terms of the two different physical mechanisms [2] . One of the very first publications on mixed breakdown regime was published in 1957 [3] . The reverse current properties and the carrier multiplication characteristics of low-voltage reverse breakdown diodes were investigated by the photo-induced injection of carriers into the junction. The multiplication factor M was defined as the ratio of the photocurrent at a given voltage to its constant value at small reverse bias voltages. The multiplication factor M was determined to be less than 2 for reverse bias voltages up to 3.6 V [3] . The break over voltage of 3.6 V was described as the average value of reverse voltage required for field emission carriers to acquire sufficient energy to produce impact ionization electron-hole pairs before leaving the junction, and the onset of an increasing current represents multiplication of field emission carriers.

The reverse breakdown characteristics of silicon pn junctions have been investigated intensively over many years.

However, even today, the low-voltage breakdown phenomenon of mixed field emission and impact ionization has not been fully understood, or the low-voltage reverse breakdown current analyzed in terms of the two different physical mechanisms.

One of the very first publications on mixed breakdown regime was published in 1957.

The multiplication factor M was determined to be less than 2 for reverse bias voltages up to 3.6 V.


We first formulate deterministic annealing for stochastic variational inference (SVI), an algorithm for scalably finding approximate posteriors in a large class of probabilistic models [8] . Annealing necessitates the manual construction and search over temperature schedules, which can be computationally expensive. To sidestep having to set the temperature schedule, we develop a method to treat the temperature as an auxiliary random variable in the model. Performing inference on this expanded model-which we call multicanonical variational inference (MVI)-allows us to use the data to automatically infer a good temperature schedule.

We first formulate deterministic annealing for stochastic variational inference (SVI), an algorithm for scalably finding approximate posteriors in a large class of probabilistic models.


Related work to multicanonical variational inference. MVI is loosely inspired by multicanonical Monte Carlo methods. These MCMC algorithms sample at many temperatures, thereby enhancing mixing times of the Markov chain [1, 5, 13, 18] . Being a variational algorithm, our approach has a very different philosophy: there is no notion of a mixing time in variational inference. Instead, we learn a distribution over temperatures from the data, thereby adjusting the statistical weight of each update over iterations.

These MCMC algorithms sample at many temperatures, thereby enhancing mixing times of the Markov chain.


Also at another limestone quarry, a blasting test with plaster stemming was At Bastas limestone quarry, 25 cm of drill cuttings were placed between the explosive and the plaster paste (Cevizci, 2012) . Length of plaster column was 45 cm. The top 55 cm of the drill hole was filled with drill cuttings. With a plaster stemming round, total length of stemming was 1.25m and no fly rock was generated at the top level bench, similar to the drill cuttings stemming round test trial. Also, the scattering of the muck pile with the plaster stemming round was similar to scattering of the drill cuttings stemming round.

Also at another limestone quarry, a blasting test with plaster stemming was At Bastas limestone quarry, 25 cm of drill cuttings were placed between the explosive and the plaster paste.

Length of plaster column was 45 cm.


The stemming of blast hole collars in surface mines with an inert material redirects blasting energy to the rock more efficiently; thus the energy is utilized more effectively in breaking the rock (Cevizci, 2012) . In this procedure, high efficiency of blockage is important since the blast gases should not be allowed to escape due to loose stemming material. Therefore, more efficient stemming with better confinement increases the generation of fines. Also, better rock breakage can be obtained. On the other hand, there is an increased scatter distance, giving rise to a looser muck pile that can be more easily loaded and transported (Ozkahraman, 2006) .

The stemming of blast hole collars in surface mines with an inert material redirects blasting energy to the rock more efficiently; thus the energy is utilized more effectively in breaking the rock.

On the other hand, there is an increased scatter distance, giving rise to a looser muck pile that can be more easily loaded and transported.


In one series of blast tests, blasting costs per unit volume of rock were reduced to 16% by increasing burden and spacing distances (Cevizci, 2012) . Also, better fragmentation was obtained by using the plaster stemming method. Blast trials showed that plaster stemming produced finer material. In the same blast tests, +30cm size fragments reduced to 5.4% of the total, compared to 37.7% in the conventional method of drill cuttings stemming. With this method of stemming, vibration and air shock values increased slightly due to more blast energy being available for rock breakage, but these increased values were small and under the permitted limit for blast damage criteria (Cevizci, 2012) .

In one series of blast tests, blasting costs per unit volume of rock were reduced to 16% by increasing burden and spacing distances.

With this method of stemming, vibration and air shock values increased slightly due to more blast energy being available for rock breakage, but these increased values were small and under the permitted limit for blast damage criteria.


With the rapid spread of multimedia and networking technologies, digital media are easily copied and rapidly distributed over the Internet [1] . Illegal copying and modifying, copyright protection, and property rights of digital media have started to be challenging. Digital watermarking as the process of embedding a secret signal in the original data provides a solution for these problems in multimedia data [2] .

With the rapid spread of multimedia and networking technologies, digital media are easily copied and rapidly distributed over the Internet.

Digital watermarking as the process of embedding a secret signal in the original data provides a solution for these problems in multimedia data.


In the period of the second side-dressing fertilization, it was possible to verify that volatilized N-NH 3 was doubled in the treatments, when compared to the volatilization occurred in the first fertilization. The origin of this fact might be the increase of soil pH due to higher urea hydrolysis caused by higher moisture in that application, which would favor N-NH 3 losses (Oliveira et al., 2007) . After that period, losses decrease likely as a consequence of decrease of soil pH associated to OH -consumption during ammonia volatilization and nitrification (Whitehead, 1995) .

The origin of this fact might be the increase of soil pH due to higher urea hydrolysis caused by higher moisture in that application, which would favor N-NH 3 losses.

After that period, losses decrease likely as a consequence of decrease of soil pH associated to OH -consumption during ammonia volatilization and nitrification.


NBPT [N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric acid triamide] is now the most promising urease inhibitor. It has been tested in some countries with generally satisfactory results. NBPT is efficient in low concentrations, and it inhibits urea hydrolysis for periods between three and 14 days depending on soil temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions. Furthermore, its application has not shown any effect over the soil biological proprieties, which contributes for making its use quite viable (Cantarella & Marcelino, 2007) .

Furthermore, its application has not shown any effect over the soil biological proprieties, which contributes for making its use quite viable.


Nitrogen fertilizers present high solubility and are effective for corn crops, attending each fertilizer's specificities (Cantarella & Raij, 1986) . Urea is characterized as the granulated solid fertilizer of highest N concentration (45 %) in amide form. Among the sources of N, it has lower market value and is the most used. Therefore, there is some concern regarding on its use due to the fact that its application on surface promotes N losses by volatilization in the form of N-NH 3, even in acid soils. Among the advantages of urea, besides the high N concentration and low cost, one may mention the low expenses with transportation, storage and application, high solubility, low corrosive properties as well as easiness to mix with other sources (Melgar et al., 1999) .

Nitrogen fertilizers present high solubility and are effective for corn crops, attending each fertilizer's specificities.

Among the advantages of urea, besides the high N concentration and low cost, one may mention the low expenses with transportation, storage and application, high solubility, low corrosive properties as well as easiness to mix with other sources.


Several modifications have been done to urea in order to increase its efficiency and decrease N losses by volatilization, for instance: coverage with elementary sulphur and polymers, addition of acids and salts to avoid ammonia formation and mixture with other fertilizers (Cantarella, 2007) . Coated fertilizers include soluble composts covered with a semi-permeable membrane, which controls the liberation of nutrients into the culture medium (Bennett, 1996) . Urease inhibitors are composts which, when added to urea, decrease the urease activity, delaying the hydrolysis of the fertilizer. Consequently, there is more time for urea to diffuse from the place of application, either due to the rain or to irrigation water, reducing losses by volatilization of ammonia (Contin, 2007) .

Several modifications have been done to urea in order to increase its efficiency and decrease N losses by volatilization, for instance: coverage with elementary sulphur and polymers, addition of acids and salts to avoid ammonia formation and mixture with other fertilizers.

Coated fertilizers include soluble composts covered with a semi-permeable membrane, which controls the liberation of nutrients into the culture medium.

Consequently, there is more time for urea to diffuse from the place of application, either due to the rain or to irrigation water, reducing losses by volatilization of ammonia.


Regarding on nutrient demand by the cultures, N is the most demanded nutrient when it comes to quantity. This fact is shown in the worldwide consumption of the nutrient in fertilizers, overcoming the used quantities of P and K (Malavolta, 2006) . The large demand for N makes the corn crop highly responsive to N fertilization. Moreover, in soils with high fertility or in limed soils, N, which usually does not accumulate in forms readily available in the soil, controls the levels of productivity of corn grains.

This fact is shown in the worldwide consumption of the nutrient in fertilizers, overcoming the used quantities of P and K.