In our previous work, we reported that several complex 3D gel structures such as multi-layered tubes, 3D-pyramids, and multi-honeycomb structures via layer by layer printing with alginate hydrogel can be successfully fabricated [15] . Sodium alginate solution is well known to form semi-solid hydrogel immediately with calcium ions through ion bonding. Alginate hydrogel is useful in fabricating 3D structures because it can be formed instantaneously [16] . However, it is not the best material for cells to form tissue structures because of its inefficient cell-adhesive characteristics [17] . Thus, it is difficult to culture the cells for a long time and to maintain tissue specific functions. For this reason, our research group is actively engaged in making suitable materials which can form hydrogel or bioink with good cell-adhesive properties.

In our previous work, we reported that several complex 3D gel structures such as multi-layered tubes, 3D-pyramids, and multi-honeycomb structures via layer by layer printing with alginate hydrogel can be successfully fabricated.

Alginate hydrogel is useful in fabricating 3D structures because it can be formed instantaneously.

However, it is not the best material for cells to form tissue structures because of its inefficient cell-adhesive characteristics.


In order to overcome these issues, bioprinting techniques such as laser-induced forward transfer, inkjet printing, and robotic dispensing were developed to make 3D-hydrogel-based constructs [11] [12] [13] . These approaches show good potential and characteristic for tissue engineering. Robotic dispensing systems can use several materials that have high viscosity and gelling mechanisms such as thermal, ionic, and chemical crosslinking. However, resolutions achieved by using robotic dispensing are in the order of 200 µm, which is lower compared to other systems.

In order to overcome these issues, bioprinting techniques such as laser-induced forward transfer, inkjet printing, and robotic dispensing were developed to make 3D-hydrogel-based constructs.


The emptying of liquids from the stomach is primarily a function of the pressure gradient between the stomach and the duodenum. Intragastric pressure is generated by gastric contractions, mainly from the proximal stomach [23, 29] . Therefore, gastric emptying of liquids seems to reflect mainly fundal activity. On the other hand, it has been generally accepted that solid gastric emptying is regulated by the coordination of the antrum, pylorus, and duodenum [29, 30] . The antral pump and pyloric opening are of paramount importance for emptying solids. Large solid particles are retained in the stomach by the pyloric closure and are retropelled and triturated in the antral mill [29, 31] .

Intragastric pressure is generated by gastric contractions, mainly from the proximal stomach.

On the other hand, it has been generally accepted that solid gastric emptying is regulated by the coordination of the antrum, pylorus, and duodenum.

Large solid particles are retained in the stomach by the pyloric closure and are retropelled and triturated in the antral mill.


When spikes appeared independently on both sides of the head, counting was confined to one side only. The criterion used for identifying a waveform as a 'spike' was based upon the commonly-accepted definition: a wave distinguished from background activity and having a duration of 1/12 s or less (Cooper, Osselton & Shaw, 1969) . Prior to counting, the records were scanned quickly in order that the rater could acquaint himself with the characteristics of each subject's spike discharges. The total number of spikes in each 10 min recording period was then counted and the percentage change with respect to the pre-injection period calculated. Occasionally, difficulty was encountered when these characteristics were modified by drug effects, but records in which this occurred were checked by a second rater. All records were assessed blind with respect to drug treatments; only the identity of the patient was revealed to the rater.

The criterion used for identifying a waveform as a 'spike' was based upon the commonly-accepted definition: a wave distinguished from background activity and having a duration of 1/12 s or less.


Knowledge of medicinal values of plants is recognized by almost every society on earth. The inhabitants of the remote places have good knowledge about the utilization of plants because of the non-availability of synthetic drugs. In addition, for the survival, they use the plantbased drugs growing nearby their villages. Based on their right or wrong experiences they discovered the therapeutic agents of these plants in particular diseases. These experiences are transferred from parents to offspring [2] .

These experiences are transferred from parents to offspring.


Medicinal plants have been used since prehistoric period for the cure of various diseases. Since these are in common use by the local people and are of great importance that's why a lot of people are engaged in the trade of important medicinal herbs throughout the world. Especially, people living in villages have been using indigenous plants as medicines [1] .

Especially, people living in villages have been using indigenous plants as medicines.


In spite of the advent of the modern medicines, tribal populations are still relying on the art of herbal medicine [4] . Nearly about 80% of the world's populations still depend upon traditional remedies together with folklore system mainly based on phytotherapy [5] . The ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants was transmitted from generation to generation [6] . Unfortunately, this traditional knowledge and transmission is in danger because Khattak, inhabited by a number of castes and ethnic groups (namely: Khattak, Baloch, Mala Khel, Gulla Khel, Maidan Wall, Syed, Malik, Jats, Kumhar, Niazi etc). The economy of the people of the area is predominantly mining.

In spite of the advent of the modern medicines, tribal populations are still relying on the art of herbal medicine.

Nearly about 80% of the world's populations still depend upon traditional remedies together with folklore system mainly based on phytotherapy.

The ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants was transmitted from generation to generation.


Ethnobotanically, the research area is one of the least studied regions of Pakistan. Because of the specific geographic position and geographical features of the area and the negligence of Government to provide health facilities in the districts, the peoples are mostly dependent on the indigenous health care system. Local herbs and other plant resources found in the area are the principal source of medicine for the treatment of various human ailments [8] .

Local herbs and other plant resources found in the area are the principal source of medicine for the treatment of various human ailments.


Based on the results of this study, for small Pe, FA method yields excellent results compared to the analytic solution. For high Pe, FA method, like the other numerical methods (FD or FE) , cannot produce the sharp front as predicted by analytic solution. However, the results are comparable with those of upstream FE method. The very significant features of FA method are that the numerical solutions are stable, do not overshoot and the method does not require "artificially" desig nated upstream parameters as in most upstream FE methods [Gureghian et al., 1980] .

The very significant features of FA method are that the numerical solutions are stable, do not overshoot and the method does not require "artificially" desig nated upstream parameters as in most upstream FE methods.


Although our patients were well characterised, the number is small and an independent replication would strengthen these conclusions. The image resolution of an rCBF SPECT study is also a weakness and limits our ability to anatomically locate the significant findings. An alternative would be to use rCBF or FDG PET, with superior spatial resolution. An fMRI study may also illuminate the situation further; however, implementation of lengthy functional imaging paradigms in this patient group is difficult. The inclusion of a healthy elderly control group would also be informative as to the origins of our findings and potentially answer the questions: (1) are these differences brought about by AD progression; (2) do they reflect pre-existing individual differences; or (3) are they the consequence of additional vascular burden? Increasing the sample size would also enable us to investigate the processing of individual emotions. This seems important because there is evidence that AD impairs recognition of specific emotions while leaving others intact [43] .

This seems important because there is evidence that AD impairs recognition of specific emotions while leaving others intact.


In this paper, we show how all axiom patterns in EL++, a DL commonly used in the Semantic Web, can be aggregated without further domain knowledge, and describe a prototype system that performs such aggregations. Our method aggregates axioms while they are still in logical form, i.e., as part of sentence planning but before converting to a linguistic representation and realising as English sentences. This approach is somewhat different from that proposed by other researchers who convert ontology axioms to linguistic structures before aggregating (Hielkema, 2009; Galanis et al., 2009; Dongilli, 2008) . We present results from testing our algorithm on over fifty ontologies from the Tones repository 3 .

This approach is somewhat different from that proposed by other researchers who convert ontology axioms to linguistic structures before aggregating.


The pyrolysis and/or gasification of solid wastes are regarded as promising technologies with the potential to produce a hydrogen rich syngas that can be catalytically converted into methanol, Fischer-Tropsch oils or other chemical products, and also can be used as a gaseous fuel [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . One of the major issues during the gasification process is tar formation; tar is a mixture of aromatic and oxygen-containing compounds present in the produced gas excluding gaseous hydrocarbons (C 2 -C 4 ) and benzene [6] [7] [8] . Due to its complex composition, tars tend to condense inside the gasifier, or gas engine or turbines resulting in several mechanical problems and thus reducing the efficiency of the gasification process [9] [10] [11] .

The pyrolysis and/or gasification of solid wastes are regarded as promising technologies with the potential to produce a hydrogen rich syngas that can be catalytically converted into methanol, Fischer-Tropsch oils or other chemical products, and also can be used as a gaseous fuel.

One of the major issues during the gasification process is tar formation; tar is a mixture of aromatic and oxygen-containing compounds present in the produced gas excluding gaseous hydrocarbons (C 2 -C 4 ) and benzene.

Due to its complex composition, tars tend to condense inside the gasifier, or gas engine or turbines resulting in several mechanical problems and thus reducing the efficiency of the gasification process.


In Japan, there have been absolute deficiencies in the number of physicians. This number of doctors belongs to the lowest group in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) [1] . In addition to the absolute deficiency of doctors, maldistribution of doctors among the various specialties is a serious problem in the Japanese health care system. A Japanese governmental report revealed that obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, and anesthesiology have suffered a more severe shortage than other specialties [2] . Moreover, the decreasing tendency of doctors to choose internal medicine and surgery has accelerated [3] .

This number of doctors belongs to the lowest group in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

A Japanese governmental report revealed that obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, and anesthesiology have suffered a more severe shortage than other specialties.

Moreover, the decreasing tendency of doctors to choose internal medicine and surgery has accelerated.


Forewing size was computed as centroid size (CS), which represents the measure of size in geometric morphometrics and indicates the dispersion from the centroid of the landmark configuration. To explore the variation in size among forewings, we used analysis of variance (ANOVA) performed on centroid size, while for the shape variables we used multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) performed on eigenvalues of principal components, i.e., PC scores. The MorphoJ program was used to analyze and visualize shape changes described by canonical axes (Klingenberg, 2011) . Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze variability in wing shape among the specimens investigated. The differences in wing shape of the three Adialytus species was visualized using canonical variate analysis (CVA). The PC scores and centroid size (CS) were obtained using MorphoJ software. All statistical analyses were performed in the Statistica program package (Stat Soft Inc. 7.0).

The MorphoJ program was used to analyze and visualize shape changes described by canonical axes.


Papillary cystadenocarcinoma (PC) is an extremely rare malignant tumor of the salivary gland described by the WHO in 1991. Until then, this tumor was classified as an atypical type of adenocarcinoma or was also called malignant papillary cystadenoma, low-grade papillary adenocarcinoma or mucus-producing adenopapillary carcinoma [1] . This type of tumor can also occur in the ovary, bladder, bile duct, pancreas, mammary gland, thyroid, and upper respiratory tract [2] . Cases of PC in the prostate have been reported but are uncommon [3] .

Until then, this tumor was classified as an atypical type of adenocarcinoma or was also called malignant papillary cystadenoma, low-grade papillary adenocarcinoma or mucus-producing adenopapillary carcinoma.

This type of tumor can also occur in the ovary, bladder, bile duct, pancreas, mammary gland, thyroid, and upper respiratory tract.

Cases of PC in the prostate have been reported but are uncommon.


Natural fibers, as reinforcement, have recently attracted the attention of researchers because of their advantages over other established materials. They are environmentally friendly, fully biodegradable, abundantly available, renewable and cheap and have low density. Natural fiber composites are used in place of glass mostly in nonstructural applications. A number of automotive components previously made with glass fiber composites are now being manufactured using environmentally friendly composites [2] . This may be attributed to low-weight ratio of the composites.

A number of automotive components previously made with glass fiber composites are now being manufactured using environmentally friendly composites.


Oil palm fibers have been extensively studied for the production of various composites, such as thermoplastic composites, particleboard, medium density fireboard polymer impregnated oil palm trunk and other thermoset composites [3] . For thermoplastics composites, empty fruit bunch and oil palm frond has been the focus of many researchers. This is due mainly to cost, availability and properties. Oil Palm Fibers has been discovered to introduce better wear characteristics to polyester compared to glass fiber while it showed lower mechanical property than Chopped strand mat Glass fiber Reinforced Polyester [4] [5] [6] . Treating Oil Palm Fibers has significant effect on the wear and frictional performance of Oil Palm Fiber Reinforced Polyesters composites. It enhanced the wear properties of polyester by about 35 to 52 and 65 to 75 percent in the case of the pin-on-disc and block-onring techniques respectively. An investigation was conducted to enhance and predict the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of palm kernel shell concrete (PKSC), a highest value of 11 kN/mm 2 was recorded and an equation which predict the MOE close to the experimental values was also developed [1] .

Oil palm fibers have been extensively studied for the production of various composites, such as thermoplastic composites, particleboard, medium density fireboard polymer impregnated oil palm trunk and other thermoset composites.

Oil Palm Fibers has been discovered to introduce better wear characteristics to polyester compared to glass fiber while it showed lower mechanical property than Chopped strand mat Glass fiber Reinforced Polyester.

An investigation was conducted to enhance and predict the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of palm kernel shell concrete (PKSC), a highest value of 11 kN/mm 2 was recorded and an equation which predict the MOE close to the experimental values was also developed.


Composites are materials that comprise strong load carrying material (known as reinforcement) imbedded in weaker material (known as matrix). Reinforcement provides strength and rigidity, helping to support structural load. In recent years, due to growing environmental awareness, agro-fillers (agro-based waste) have been increasingly used as reinforcing fillers in thermoplastic composite materials [1] [2] .

In recent years, due to growing environmental awareness, agro-fillers (agro-based waste) have been increasingly used as reinforcing fillers in thermoplastic composite materials.


Agricultural wastes include wheat husk, rice husk, and their straw, hemp fiber and shells of various dry fruits Mechanical properties of plant fibers are much lower when compared to those of the most widely used competing reinforcing glass fibers. However, because of their low density, the specific properties (property-to-density ratio), strength, and stiffness of plant fibers are comparable to the values of glass fibers [3] [4] . Plant fibers are light compared to glass, carbon and aramid fibers. The biodegradability of plant fibers can contribute to a healthy ecosystem while their low cost and high performance fulfill the economic interest of industry.

However, because of their low density, the specific properties (property-to-density ratio), strength, and stiffness of plant fibers are comparable to the values of glass fibers.


Refining is the process referring to the production of refined fibres from chips and thermo-mechanical pulping (TMP) is mainly the process used for refined fibres production in pulp and fibreboard industries. In the MDF manufacture, refining conditions play important function to produce good quality of fibres and these conditions affect the performance of final board properties. In common TMP process, refining pressure and preheating time are the two main manufacturing parameters that influence these properties. The refining stage, refining pressure is the dominant factor that leads to the quality of the fibres [6] . Many researchers have indicated that refining conditions have obvious effects on the final MDF properties. The increasing of refining pressure results in low MOR and MOE values, with better dimensional properties [7] . High refining pressure reduced the thickness swelling (TS) of the boards [8] . MDF manufactured at higher refining pressure resulted in lower MOR, MOE and IB strength due to the reduction in fibre length and having poor fibre contact [9] . The fibreboard from oil palm produced under higher pressure resulted in high IB but low MOR value [10] . They also reported that high pressure and preheating time resulted in better dimensional stability as the fibres lost its elasticity. In addition, the fibre refined under higher refining pressure and preheating time had better IB value because these conditions leaded to better self-bonding ability [11] .

The refining stage, refining pressure is the dominant factor that leads to the quality of the fibres.

The increasing of refining pressure results in low MOR and MOE values, with better dimensional properties.

High refining pressure reduced the thickness swelling (TS) of the boards.

MDF manufactured at higher refining pressure resulted in lower MOR, MOE and IB strength due to the reduction in fibre length and having poor fibre contact.

The fibreboard from oil palm produced under higher pressure resulted in high IB but low MOR value.

In addition, the fibre refined under higher refining pressure and preheating time had better IB value because these conditions leaded to better self-bonding ability.


The oil palm industry is one of the largest industries in Malaysian crop and plantation area covering about 5.08 million ha planted area [1] . The main production is the palm oil, but the oil produced only about 10% of the total biomass from oil palm tree, meanwhile the remaining is in the form of solid biomass. The residues include oil palm trunks (OPT), oil palm fronds (OPF), oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp fibres and palm kernal shells. The total biomass was estimated about 90 million tonnes per year with 8.2 million tonnes of OPT, 12.9 million tonnes of OPF and 15.8 million tonnes of EFB [2, 3] . Some of these are being used as fuel, fertilizer, animal feed and in composites [4, 5] .

The oil palm industry is one of the largest industries in Malaysian crop and plantation area covering about 5.08 million ha planted area.

The total biomass was estimated about 90 million tonnes per year with 8.2 million tonnes of OPT, 12.9 million tonnes of OPF and 15.8 million tonnes of EFB.

Some of these are being used as fuel, fertilizer, animal feed and in composites.


Many different types of viruses, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, phytoplasmas and nematodes are pathogens of plants. To avoid infection by such a wide range of microorganisms, plants deploy an active, but non-adaptive, comprehensive immune system that first detects the presence of the pathogen and then responds through multifaceted biochemical and cellular processes [1] . It is now known that some associations between a pathogen and a plant and the resulting defensive responses within plant cells are predicated on proteinprotein interactions [1, 2] . More specifically, protein-protein interactions may help determine the final winner in the competition between the plant and the pathogen. Thus, to understand disease and solve disease problems, it is necessary to discover the plant proteins responsible for defense and elucidate protein-protein interactions.

To avoid infection by such a wide range of microorganisms, plants deploy an active, but non-adaptive, comprehensive immune system that first detects the presence of the pathogen and then responds through multifaceted biochemical and cellular processes.

It is now known that some associations between a pathogen and a plant and the resulting defensive responses within plant cells are predicated on proteinprotein interactions.


A Threat Bias Index (TBI) was calculated for both the emotional Stroop task and the dot probe task. In the emotional Stroop task, TBI was calculated by subtracting the mean RT for neutral stimuli from the mean RT for threatening stimuli. A positive TBI indicates interference in color naming of threatening stimuli compared to neutral stimuli (Mogg et al., 2000) . In the dot probe task, TBI was calculated by subtracting the mean RT for congruent trials from the mean RT for incongruent trials. A positive TBI indicates vigilance for threat whereas a negative TBI indicates avoidance of threat (MacLeod et al., 2007) .

A positive TBI indicates interference in color naming of threatening stimuli compared to neutral stimuli.

A positive TBI indicates vigilance for threat whereas a negative TBI indicates avoidance of threat.


Insulin degludec is a new-generation basal insulin. Upon subcutaneous injection, insulin degludec forms multihexamers, resulting in a soluble depot in the subcutaneous tissue from which monomers gradually separate [6, 7] . This mechanism provides slow and continuous absorption, leading to a flat, ultra-long pharmacokinetic profile and four times less variable glucose-lowering effect compared with insulin glargine [8, 9] . The duration of action, which extends beyond 42 h, allows for the possibility of more flexible once-daily dose timing. This permits patients to alter the timing of their insulin dose when needed due to changes in daily activities without compromising glycemic control [10] . A pre-planned meta-analysis of phase 3a insulin degludec trials showed that similar improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) can be achieved with fewer hypoglycemic episodes (most notably nocturnal episodes) with insulin degludec than with insulin glargine across a broad spectrum of patients with diabetes [11] .

Upon subcutaneous injection, insulin degludec forms multihexamers, resulting in a soluble depot in the subcutaneous tissue from which monomers gradually separate.

This mechanism provides slow and continuous absorption, leading to a flat, ultra-long pharmacokinetic profile and four times less variable glucose-lowering effect compared with insulin glargine.

This permits patients to alter the timing of their insulin dose when needed due to changes in daily activities without compromising glycemic control.

A pre-planned meta-analysis of phase 3a insulin degludec trials showed that similar improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) can be achieved with fewer hypoglycemic episodes (most notably nocturnal episodes) with insulin degludec than with insulin glargine across a broad spectrum of patients with diabetes.


Manufacturing of end use parts, particularly on a large scale, introduces new challenges to the advancement of additive technologies. A particular difficulty is ensuring part quality and reproducibility, which has been referred to as the Achilles heel of AM on more than one occasion [1] . Ensuring repeatability and consistency within a build volume, between builds, and between machines is essential for the advancement of AM technology, especially in highly regulated industries such as medical device manufacturing and aviation [2] . A critical step to dealing with this problem is the development of in-process sensing and control technology. This is also crucial for enabling rapid qualification of parts and reducing machine downtime [3] .

A particular difficulty is ensuring part quality and reproducibility, which has been referred to as the Achilles heel of AM on more than one occasion.

Ensuring repeatability and consistency within a build volume, between builds, and between machines is essential for the advancement of AM technology, especially in highly regulated industries such as medical device manufacturing and aviation.

This is also crucial for enabling rapid qualification of parts and reducing machine downtime.


Pancreatic cancers (PC) represent 10% of all digestive cancers with over 338,000 new cases worldwide in 2012, among which 90% were pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), (www.wcrf.org; http://globocan.iarc.fr). The survival rate is dramatically low with a case-fatality ratio of about 0.9. PDAC could be the second cause of mortality by cancer by the year 2030 [1] . The 5-year survival rate of PDAC is less than 4% in western countries [2] . The poor prognosis of this cancer is mainly due to its lack of response to currently available therapies [3, 4] . Its curative resection rate is very low (15% of patients) due to unspecific symptoms, the lack of early biological markers, delayed diagnosis and metastasis formation. Patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic disease are not elected for surgery (85% of patients) and show median survival rates ranging from 6 to 9 months [5, 6] . For those patients with inoperable cancer, the main treatment remains standard chemotherapy. Precancerous lesions as well as PDAC occur as a result of alterations affecting genes essential for maintaining cellular functions. These changes can be explained by mutations, deletions or epigenetic modifications, responsible for either a gain or loss of gene function. They can either be inherited (familial cancers, predispositions) or acquired, although in both cases each stage is associated with one or more types of alteration, their evolution and accumulation increasing the invasiveness of lesions.

PDAC could be the second cause of mortality by cancer by the year 2030.

The 5-year survival rate of PDAC is less than 4% in western countries.

The poor prognosis of this cancer is mainly due to its lack of response to currently available therapies.

Patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic disease are not elected for surgery (85% of patients) and show median survival rates ranging from 6 to 9 months.


When items are scored in opposite directions, they often produce separate factors in a factor analysis. For example, two simulation studies have shown that, if only 10% of respondents complete a questionnaire carelessly, thus not noticing the change in rating scale, factor analytic results will not support a one-factor solution even though the construct measured is unidimensional (Schmitt & Stults, 1985; Woods, 2006) . Instead, the analyses will indicate that a second factor or a method factor is necessary to account for the negatively-scored items. However, these factors would be artifacts due to the measurement method, rather than substantial differences in meaning among the items.

For example, two simulation studies have shown that, if only 10% of respondents complete a questionnaire carelessly, thus not noticing the change in rating scale, factor analytic results will not support a one-factor solution even though the construct measured is unidimensional.


In this article, we aim to build on these findings using a recently developed operationalization and measure of well-being, which includes elements of positive feeling and positive functioning (Huppert & So, 2013) . The operationalization includes ten indicators: happiness, emotional stability, vitality, resilience, optimism, engagement, competence, meaning, positive relationships and self-esteem. These indicators were identified by defining the opposites of symptoms of depression and anxiety. This operationalization makes an important contribution to research, as it combines a comprehensive list of well-being indicators and shows how these may be linked to symptoms of psychological health problems.

In this article, we aim to build on these findings using a recently developed operationalization and measure of well-being, which includes elements of positive feeling and positive functioning.


Furthermore, fewer than 7% of the cases exhibited any missing data. In total, missing values comprised approximately only 1% of the entire dataset and were estimated using full information maximum likelihood (Graham, 2009 (Brown, 2015) . To compare the fit of competing models we used the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), which produces lower values for better fitting models.

In total, missing values comprised approximately only 1% of the entire dataset and were estimated using full information maximum likelihood.


The problem consists in finding a schedule for these task trees which minimizes the overall processing time, or makespan. This problem is known to be NP-hard. To overcome this issue, some of us proposed to use steady-state scheduling [9] . In steady-state scheduling, we assume that instances to be performed are so numerous that after some initialization phase, the flow of computation will become steady in the platform. By characterizing resource activities in this steady state, we are able to derive a periodic schedule that maximizes the throughput of the system, that is the number of task graph instances completed within one time unit. As for makespan minimization, this schedule is asymptotically optimal. This means that for a very large number of instances to process, the initialization and clean-up phases that wrap the steady-state phase become negligible, and the makespan of the steady-state schedule becomes close to the optimal. However, when the number of instances is important but bounded, existing steady-state approaches do not give optimal performances -initialization and clean-up phases cannot be neglected when scheduling a finite number of instances -and lead to a huge number of ongoing instances. In this paper, we propose an adaptation of the steady-state scheduling that allows to use it on batches of jobs of finite size, without compromising its asymptotically optimality.

This problem is known to be NP-hard.

To overcome this issue, some of us proposed to use steady-state scheduling.


Meat color is a result of the myoglobin pigment. The oxidation state of the oxygen binding molecule myoglobin dictates the color changes in meat. Meat pigments that can influence color are deoxymyoglobin (DMb), oxymyoglobin (OMb), and metmyoglobin (MMb). Poultry meat has low percent myoglobin when compared to other red meats, but it is of equal importance in maintaining color [1] - [3] . Color ranges from light pink to light red for fresh poultry meat that has OMb, but when it oxidizes to MMb, the color changes to light brown [4] . In some cases, myoglobin oxidation occurs rapidly and this may lead to lipid oxidation and color loss. By-products of lipid oxidation can directly interact with myoglobin in poultry meat leading to color change [5] . Iron catalyzed lipid oxidation can accelerate color loss in poultry by the same mechanism as that which occurs in beef, essentially due to structural similarity in myoglobin sequence [5] .

Poultry meat has low percent myoglobin when compared to other red meats, but it is of equal importance in maintaining color.

Color ranges from light pink to light red for fresh poultry meat that has OMb, but when it oxidizes to MMb, the color changes to light brown.

By-products of lipid oxidation can directly interact with myoglobin in poultry meat leading to color change.

Iron catalyzed lipid oxidation can accelerate color loss in poultry by the same mechanism as that which occurs in beef, essentially due to structural similarity in myoglobin sequence.


Chemical properties of poultry meat such as breed, age, composition of macronutrients and physical factors affecting meat quality have been extensively studied [16] . Similarly, antioxidant properties and their behavior in beef have been highly researched, but fewer studies exist that compare the effect of the different antioxidant types [17] . Based on previous studies, Type I antioxidants were used at a level of 0.05% by weight and similarly Type II antioxidants were used at 0.5% by weight. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Type I and Type II antioxidants on the extension of quality characteristics (color stability, pH and lipid peroxidation) of raw chicken patties packaged in polyvinylchloride (PVC) overwrap. Susceptibility of the patties to microbial spoilage was also investigated.

Chemical properties of poultry meat such as breed, age, composition of macronutrients and physical factors affecting meat quality have been extensively studied.

Similarly, antioxidant properties and their behavior in beef have been highly researched, but fewer studies exist that compare the effect of the different antioxidant types.


In the Mediterranean-type region of Chile, unirrigated areas are characterized by harsh conditions and around 77% of these lands are poor quality grasslands that are usually designated for sheep production. In these areas, dual purpose (Merino Precoz) and meat (Suffolk and Hampshire) breeds are of particular economic interest; however, there have been efforts to improve prolificity, carcass quality and feed conversion efficiency through the crossbreeding of Merino Precoz ewes with Dorset and Sufflok rams and crosses between Merino Precoz and Finnish Landrace (Crempien, 1999) . Usually, in traditional sheep production systems of the dry areas of Chile, lambs are left with their mothers and they become valuable on the market since their diet is based solely on milk (Aguilar et al., 2006) . These production systems can attain high gross profit margins but low profitability per hectare and farmers need to increase their profits by adding value to their products (Vera et al., 2009) . The sheep growing region of Chile is interspersed with a rapidly increasing area sown with olive trees dedicated to high quality olive oil production, and the oil extracting plants produce large amount of various by-products, including considerable amounts of discarded oil (lampant olive oil).

In these areas, dual purpose (Merino Precoz) and meat (Suffolk and Hampshire) breeds are of particular economic interest; however, there have been efforts to improve prolificity, carcass quality and feed conversion efficiency through the crossbreeding of Merino Precoz ewes with Dorset and Sufflok rams and crosses between Merino Precoz and Finnish Landrace.

Usually, in traditional sheep production systems of the dry areas of Chile, lambs are left with their mothers and they become valuable on the market since their diet is based solely on milk.

These production systems can attain high gross profit margins but low profitability per hectare and farmers need to increase their profits by adding value to their products.


Many approaches have been developed for multi-robot path-planning, which are often categorized as centralized or decentralized [5] , [6] , [7] . With centralized methods, a central planner designs the motion plan for all of the robots based on full knowledge about the environment. Decentralized approaches require that each robot plans its own path based only on the locally available information -e.g., the positions of neighbouring robotsso that it requires less computational resources and also ensures the scalability of the system. Obviously, only decentralized approaches can be used for the local path-planning of multi-robots as no robot has full knowledge about the environment or other robots.

Many approaches have been developed for multi-robot path-planning, which are often categorized as centralized or decentralized.


The soap film tunnel is also advantageous, since it makes it possible to follow the wake downstream for up to 20 oscillation periods and to visualize the far-wake evolution. Thereby our experiment allows us to explore wake instabilities, and it provides a test ground for point vortex models of exotic wakes (Aref, Stremler & Ponta 2006) . This aspect of the experiment is not the main focus of the present paper, and we shall only describe a few characteristic features of the far-wake evolution.

Thereby our experiment allows us to explore wake instabilities, and it provides a test ground for point vortex models of exotic wakes.


Previous studies have been reported in the literature concerning mechanisms to explain the connection between local evaporation and variations in the temperature of ground surface [13] . In particular, one of these interactions should be an increase in albedo which in turn induces a reduction of the energy available to the soil. Global atmospheric energy balance should be influenced by changes in ground albedo due to degradation of arid land, soil humidity and water presence changes, dust emission and variations in carbon emission or absorption, which, when in the atmosphere, produce a change in radiative balance [7] .

Previous studies have been reported in the literature concerning mechanisms to explain the connection between local evaporation and variations in the temperature of ground surface.

Global atmospheric energy balance should be influenced by changes in ground albedo due to degradation of arid land, soil humidity and water presence changes, dust emission and variations in carbon emission or absorption, which, when in the atmosphere, produce a change in radiative balance.


As shown in Fig. 1(a) , when two pieces of mica were joined tightly, the small crevice between the two mica substrates functioned as a micro-reactor for the growth of ReSe 2 . The micro-reactor played a spaceconfinement role, decreasing the concentration of precursors and thus decreasing the nucleation density and growth rate of ReSe 2 . As a result, a large-scale ReSe 2 film with domain size up to 20 μm grew on the A faces ( Fig. 1(c) ), and a continuous monolayer ReSe 2 film was synthesized ( Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the grown ReSe 2 film had a thickness of ~0.71 nm, demonstrating a uniform monolayer [21] . When several pieces of mica were stacked together to form a multilayer-sandwich structure as the growth substrate, a uniform monolayer ReSe 2 film grew on the A face of each piece of mica, indicating the scalable growth of the ReSe 2 film.

As a result, a large-scale ReSe 2 film with domain size up to 20 μm grew on the A faces ( Fig. 1(c) ), and a continuous monolayer ReSe 2 film was synthesized ( Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the grown ReSe 2 film had a thickness of ~0.71 nm, demonstrating a uniform monolayer.


The mobility of the CVD-grown ReSe 2 was lower than that of the exfoliated samples (9.78 cm 2 /(V·s)) but exhibited great improvement over that of a recently reported CVD-grown sample (1.36 × 10 −3 cm 2 /(V·s)) [27] . Importantly, early reports of CVD-grown ReS 2 and MoS 2 also indicated relatively low mobilities, but the mobility increased with further study and optimization of the growth conditions. The grain boundary between the sub-domains of ReSe 2 may be one reason for the mobility decrease and can be improved via the controlled growth of single-crystal ReSe 2 . Furthermore, the ReSe 2 device exhibited an outstanding photoresponse to NIR light (Fig. 5(d) ), with responsivity up to 8.4 and 5.1 A/W for 850 and 940 nm light, respectively. It had a fast photoresponse, with photocurrent rise and decay stage times up to the millisecond level (Fig. S6 in the ESM) . These results are comparable to those of mechanically exfoliated ReSe 2 flakes (responsivity: 55.5 A/W at 633 nm), indicating the high crystal quality of our grown material [16, 39] . The p-type conduction and narrow bandgap of ReSe 2 , which are rare in most TMDs, endow it with great potential for application in future electronic and optoelectronic devices.

The mobility of the CVD-grown ReSe 2 was lower than that of the exfoliated samples (9.78 cm 2 /(V·s)) but exhibited great improvement over that of a recently reported CVD-grown sample (1.36 × 10 −3 cm 2 /(V·s)).

These results are comparable to those of mechanically exfoliated ReSe 2 flakes (responsivity: 55.5 A/W at 633 nm), indicating the high crystal quality of our grown material.


Usually, the lower chemical reactivity of Se makes Se-based TMDs more difficult to synthesize than S-based TMDs [26] . Moreover, as previously illustrated, the ReO 3 tends to be disproportionate to the volatile Re 2 O 7 , which complicates the synthesis of ReSe 2 . We improved and modulated the growth of the ReSe 2 crystals by tuning the H 2 content in the carrier gas (Fig. 3) . When ReSe 2 was grown without H 2 , the oversaturated Re 2 O 7 vapor in the reactor caused an excessive growth rate, leading to large, thick flakes ( Fig. 3(a) ). In contrast, when a small amount of H 2 (1 sccm) was introduced into the growth system, a monolayer ReSe 2 film was be obtained (Fig. 3(b) ) owing to the reduction of the volatile Re 2 O 7 into the lowervalence state ReO 3-x . On the other hand, H 2 can enhance the chemical reactivity of Se by reducing it into H 2 Se [33] [34] [35] [36] . As a result, the nucleation density of the ReSe 2 increased significantly with the increase of the H 2 content (Figs. 3(b)-3(d) ). Of course, excessive H 2 (>10 sccm) decreased the growth efficiency of the ReSe 2 because the volatile Re 2 O 7 was completely reduced into less-volatile ReO 2 or Re, as shown in Fig. S4 in the ESM. Therefore, introducing an appropriate amount of H 2 is important for controlling the thickness and nucleation density of ReSe 2 .

Usually, the lower chemical reactivity of Se makes Se-based TMDs more difficult to synthesize than S-based TMDs.

On the other hand, H 2 can enhance the chemical reactivity of Se by reducing it into H 2 Se.


Notably, the morphology of ReSe 2 differed significantly according to the growth temperature, changing from a regular hexagon at low temperatures to an irregular dendritic shape at high temperatures (Figs. 3(e)-3(h) ). The dendritic morphology of the ReSe 2 indicates the anisotropic growth, which is a typical growth feature of low-lattice symmetry 2D materials and is attributed to the anisotropic interfacial energy induced by the distorted 1T structure [28] . The temperature-modulated morphological evolution is explained by the temperature-dependent migration coefficient of the adatoms on the substrate (see Eq. (2)) [37] . At high growth temperatures, the large migration energy of the adatoms caused them to freely diffuse on the surface of the substrate, and they tended to attach to the ReSe 2 edge (or crystal axis) with a favorable energy. In this case, the fast atomic diffusion apparently caused the anisotropic growth, yielding the irregular dendritic morphology of the ReSe 2 . In contrast, at low growth temperatures, because of the slow atomic diffusion and the inhibited attachment and detachment of the adatoms at the ReSe 2 edges, the ReSe 2 grew at different edges with nearly the same rate; thus, the anisotropic growth was suppressed. Our results indicate that the anisotropic growth of ReSe 2 was significantly reduced at low temperatures (<600 °C ), yielding materials with a regular morphology. Recent studies on the growth of Re-based TMDs showed that there are sub-domains in its crystal structure and that the Re chain direction changes from one sub-domain to another [7, 27, 38] . According to these studies, the hexagon ReSe 2 domain should be composed of six sub-domains, which is similar to that of recently reported CVD-grown ReS 2 [38] . Furthermore, the Raman spectra of ReSe 2 grown at different temperatures indicate that high-quality ReSe 2 was obtained over the entire temperature range, as shown in Fig. S5 in the ESM. Therefore, the growth temperature played an important role in controlling the morphology of ReSe 2 .

The dendritic morphology of the ReSe 2 indicates the anisotropic growth, which is a typical growth feature of low-lattice symmetry 2D materials and is attributed to the anisotropic interfacial energy induced by the distorted 1T structure.

The temperature-modulated morphological evolution is explained by the temperature-dependent migration coefficient of the adatoms on the substrate (see Eq. (2)).

Recent studies on the growth of Re-based TMDs showed that there are sub-domains in its crystal structure and that the Re chain direction changes from one sub-domain to another.

According to these studies, the hexagon ReSe 2 domain should be composed of six sub-domains, which is similar to that of recently reported CVD-grown ReS 2.


Lake St Lucia is the largest estuarine lake in Africa and has historically been considered the most important fish and prawn nursery along the southeast coast of Africa. The system is an integral part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance (Taylor, 2006) . With a recorded fish diversity of 155 species, this system is one of the most important lakes in the world (Cyrus, 2013) . However, it is exposed to drastic spatio-temporal changes in response to climatic shifts in the region, as well as anthropogenic impacts such as water abstraction from inflowing rivers. Characteristically, the system experiences alternating wet and dry phases, which can persist for 4 to 10 years (Begg, 1978) . Following a decade-long dry phase, the system has recently entered a wet phase since the beginning of 2011. Higher than average rainfall in the catchment of the system in late 2010 resulted in large amounts of freshwater entering the estuary, raising water levels and diluting salinities (Taylor et al., 2013) . In addition, the Mfolozi River has recently been linked to the estuary via an artificial beach channel, providing freshwater and periodic marine input into the system.

The system is an integral part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance.

With a recorded fish diversity of 155 species, this system is one of the most important lakes in the world.

Characteristically, the system experiences alternating wet and dry phases, which can persist for 4 to 10 years.

Higher than average rainfall in the catchment of the system in late 2010 resulted in large amounts of freshwater entering the estuary, raising water levels and diluting salinities.


Next, we perform a dual-arm Z-scan with the same experimental parameters as in Fig.  4(a) . Figure 4(c) shows T V (Z) and T S (Z) measured simultaneously using the dual-arm technique. Figure 4(d) shows the corrected CA signal of SD-O 2405 after solvent subtraction when using the dual-arm Z-scan technique. To fit both nonlinear parameters concurrently (also shown in Fig. 4(d) ), we free-space propagate the electric field after the sample using a Huygens-Fresnel integral to an aperture placed in the far field [14] . Because most of the noise is correlated between the arms, the correlated noise is cancelled out and the SNR is increased, thus reducing the fitting error. In this case δ = 0.19% which corresponds to a Δn 2,U = 0.016 × 10 −15 cm 2 /W, more than a 9 times reduction in Δn 2,U compared to the single-arm Z-scan and hence a 9.3 × enhancement in SNR when using the dual-arm technique. Again at this wavelength there is some NLA in addition to the NLR and the same comments as for Fig. 3 apply. Here α 2,U = 0.015 cm/GW.

To fit both nonlinear parameters concurrently (also shown in Fig. 4(d) ), we free-space propagate the electric field after the sample using a Huygens-Fresnel integral to an aperture placed in the far field.

Here α 2,U = 0.015 cm/GW.


Business sustainability, one of the leading topics in financial management, has attracted many concerns in recent years [7] . The primary goal of the business is to maximize the wealth of its shareholders. The concept of Smith's "invisible hand" leads to constant growth and development, which cannot be infinite with limited resources. Profit can provide power for a business's sustainable development, but its achievement should not be at all costs. Financial management has focused on the link between real business and sustainable financial performance. Studying sustainable financial performance involves an assessment of the future development capability of companies. Although corporate managers can improve firms' financial performance, they are not likely to totally understand firms' long-term sustainable development capability, especially the effect of IC on sustainable growth [8] . Therefore, it is of great importance to study the IC-business sustainability relationship in the knowledge economy.

Business sustainability, one of the leading topics in financial management, has attracted many concerns in recent years.

Although corporate managers can improve firms' financial performance, they are not likely to totally understand firms' long-term sustainable development capability, especially the effect of IC on sustainable growth.


Participatory democracy or representative democracy? What kind of democratic government would rather the citizens of a country have, or what other form of government are ready to build? The society itself chooses with its form of political participation because democracy is a social truth in construction continues (Sen & Kliksberg, 2007) . It is an ethical way of living in society. No is democratic but rather has experienced the value of solidarity, altruism, sympathy, social responsibility, loves the other, respects to resources and common goods and their value for future generations (Muñoz Cardona, 2006) . While the values of democracy are indifferent and strange to the bulk of the population, it will prevail corruption, fraud, nepotism, and with them social backwardness; as said professor Maria Cristina Motta: "Corruption is a problem of social ethics, not of individual ethics", is another way of governing and being governed, another way to achieve a precarious social order.

The society itself chooses with its form of political participation because democracy is a social truth in construction continues.

No is democratic but rather has experienced the value of solidarity, altruism, sympathy, social responsibility, loves the other, respects to resources and common goods and their value for future generations.


While in the market for goods and services, individuals improve their profits with individuality in the market of the vote, the association is required. Therefore, the paradox of social game between voting and democracy is: although the community can reach higher utility by playing the strategy (NL = 6, NC = 5), obtaining a social payment of 11, it leads to the loss of civil values, social distortion, the political practice as vice and not a virtue. A commonplace is back nepotism, corruption, evil version of funds, fraud, lying, cheating and deception policy (Mandeville, 1982) .

A commonplace is back nepotism, corruption, evil version of funds, fraud, lying, cheating and deception policy.


If we accept, the economy gain is higher when politicians occupy public office than that outside it, then in a democratic the political candidate to achieve power depends on the support it receives from the other members of the community supporters and councilors as well as their ability to celebrate agreements with groups of voters (Mill, 2001) . Hence, it is plausible to conceive the relationship between voters and political candidates as a competitive relationship between buyers and sellers, where the offers or promises of programs are used as tools to win votes (Uribe, 2000) . Such electoral competition by favoritism carries to different candidates to submit government programs little differentiation. Similarities explained as strategic opinion in the distribution of cluster voters to achieve a winning position.

If we accept, the economy gain is higher when politicians occupy public office than that outside it, then in a democratic the political candidate to achieve power depends on the support it receives from the other members of the community supporters and councilors as well as their ability to celebrate agreements with groups of voters.

Hence, it is plausible to conceive the relationship between voters and political candidates as a competitive relationship between buyers and sellers, where the offers or promises of programs are used as tools to win votes.


Do you want to live in a country based on the rule of representative democracy, where you can enjoy a higher socio-economic utility today, but with the certainty that in the future this will be a bad country for their children in development political, economic and social? A country that would say Mandeville in his satire: "Let, then, complain: fools only strive to make of a great honeycomb, a honeycomb honor. Fraud, Luxury and Pride must live while we enjoy its benefits. It is also beneficial when vice justice so pruning and limits, and even more, when people aspire to greatness, so necessary for the state as is the man to eat, virtue alone cannot make Nations live lavishly as they have to get rid of honesty as acorns" (Mandeville, 1982) .

It is also beneficial when vice justice so pruning and limits, and even more, when people aspire to greatness, so necessary for the state as is the man to eat, virtue alone cannot make Nations live lavishly as they have to get rid of honesty as acorns".


The brine shrimp Artemia (Crustacea, Anostraca) is the main zooplanktonic organism that inhabits hypersaline environments all over the world (Triantaphyllidis et al. 1998) . This branchiopod has acquired extremely capable adaptive mechanisms to survive and evolve in habitats with extensive and often abrupt fluctuations in salinity, UV irradiation, temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentration (Persoone and Sorgeloos 1980) . Other factors such as ionic composition and biotic interactions also play an important role in the patterns of its distribution (Van Stappen 2002) .

The brine shrimp Artemia (Crustacea, Anostraca) is the main zooplanktonic organism that inhabits hypersaline environments all over the world.

This branchiopod has acquired extremely capable adaptive mechanisms to survive and evolve in habitats with extensive and often abrupt fluctuations in salinity, UV irradiation, temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentration.

Other factors such as ionic composition and biotic interactions also play an important role in the patterns of its distribution.


Materials which can absorb microwaves can eliminate electromagnetic wave pollution. Wide spread applications of electromagnetic absorbers, have inspired engineers to explore about optimal design with available algorithms. Ideally a thin, light weight and wideband absorber is an optimum one [1] . Many types of the magnetic microwave devices have been devised with dielectric and magnetic substrates [2] . The presences of magnetic material in the propagating structure results in energy losses due to eddy currents which significantly dampen the electromagnetic waves, thus, the composite with high value of saturation magnetization of ferromagnetic material with extremely low electrical conductivity are used to for microwave tunable devices. One can fabricate the phase shifter with frequency agile materials whose electromagnetic parameters can be changed by applying magnetic field composite [3] .

Ideally a thin, light weight and wideband absorber is an optimum one.

Many types of the magnetic microwave devices have been devised with dielectric and magnetic substrates.

One can fabricate the phase shifter with frequency agile materials whose electromagnetic parameters can be changed by applying magnetic field composite.


Brucella is a facultative, intracellular pathogen that can reside within phagocytic cells (macrophages) of the host and is apparently resistant to the normal mechanisms of bacterial killing [1] . In addition to the macrophage, which plays a central role in Brucella infections, other cells of the innate immune response are recruited and in£uenced by the interactions between bacteria and host. The ability of Brucella abortus to persist in the body and cause chronic infections relates to its ability to survive in macrophages by interfering with phagolysosomal fusions. Macrophages are recruited by interleukin-1L (IL-1L) and granulocytemacrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Cytokines appear to have an important role in the pathogenesis of brucellosis, and the Th1/Th2 balance may be involved in the susceptibility or resistance to the disease [2] . In mice, Brucella infections result in Type1 (Th1) cellular immune response, which promotes a clearance of the bacterial organism. The development of this response is under the control of major cytokines like tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-K), gamma interferon (IFN-Q) and IL-12, produced at the onset of the infection [3] .

Brucella is a facultative, intracellular pathogen that can reside within phagocytic cells (macrophages) of the host and is apparently resistant to the normal mechanisms of bacterial killing.

Cytokines appear to have an important role in the pathogenesis of brucellosis, and the Th1/Th2 balance may be involved in the susceptibility or resistance to the disease.

The development of this response is under the control of major cytokines like tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-K), gamma interferon (IFN-Q) and IL-12, produced at the onset of the infection.


Cavitation, temperature elevation, acoustic streaming and convective dispersion are believed to be factors that may substantially contribute to the efficacy of ultrasound. Cavitation effects are generally recognized to be the dominant mechanism of sonophoretic enhancement. These effects are directly related to the observed drop in the electrical resistance of the skin. Due to significant hindrance of the ionic transport through the lipid bilayers, the electrical resistance of the skin is very high and it has been used to verify that the structural integrity of skin samples is within the normal range. However, the continuous monitoring of skin electrical resistance during ultrasound application can provide insight into the mechanisms governing the enhancement of mass transfer through this biological barrier (Bagshaw et al., 2003) . Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive technique whereby images of the conductivity within a body can be reconstructed from voltage measurements made on the surface (Cheneyy et al., 1993) . Electrodes are attached to the body in a fashion similar to electroencephalography (EEG), and each measurement is typically made from a combination of four electrodes, two to inject current and two to sample the resulting voltage distribution (Costaa et al., 2009) .

However, the continuous monitoring of skin electrical resistance during ultrasound application can provide insight into the mechanisms governing the enhancement of mass transfer through this biological barrier.

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive technique whereby images of the conductivity within a body can be reconstructed from voltage measurements made on the surface.

Electrodes are attached to the body in a fashion similar to electroencephalography (EEG), and each measurement is typically made from a combination of four electrodes, two to inject current and two to sample the resulting voltage distribution.


This study has a number of limitations. A significant number of study subjects had no identified etiology for their pneumonia or acute respiratory infection. Hence, some of the study outcomes might represent a noninfectious process, such as cold submersion-induced pulmonary infiltrates [28] . Trainees often train in the Pacific Ocean, where water temperature may drop to 11.7ЊC. However, such pulmonary infiltrates are thought to be very rare [29] . Trainees might also develop respiratory infection from aspiration of seawater or gastrointestinal contents.

This study has a number of limitations.

Hence, some of the study outcomes might represent a noninfectious process, such as cold submersion-induced pulmonary infiltrates.

Trainees often train in the Pacific Ocean, where water temperature may drop to 11.7ЊC. However, such pulmonary infiltrates are thought to be very rare.


Let V be a complex vector space of finite dimension, and G ⊆ GL(V ) a unitary reflection group in V . Denote by A(G) the set of reflecting hyperplanes of all reflections in G, and M A(G) the hyperplane complement -that is, the smooth manifold which remains when all the reflecting hyperplanes are removed from V . There is an extensive literature studying the topology of M A(G) ( [1] , [3] , [12] , [13] , [9] , [2] ).

There is an extensive literature studying the topology of M A(G) (,,,,,).


There is also no horizontal velocity component under impact angle of 90°, and the erosion induced by cutting wear action can be neglected. Erosion is not the controlling factor in erosion-corrosion in the centre of indentation. The main failure cause should be corrosion and erosion-enhanced corrosion. The corrosion rates of as-supplied and laser-treated X65 steel are similar under static state (see Table 2 ), so the difference in erosion-enhanced corrosion is the main reason why laser surface treatment can improve the erosion-corrosion resistance under impact angle of 90°. Erosion could induce the increase in surface roughness, plastic strain and defect density that result in a decrease in corrosion resistance [39] . There is no cutting wear action to remove corrosion products under vertical impinging condition, so the amount of retained corrosion products (non-conductive white substances under SEM observation) goes some way to reflect corrosion level. Only very little corrosion products appear on the surface of the laser-treated sample (Fig.8(b) ), which means there is no serious corrosion. However, corrosion on the surface of as-supplied X65 is severe (see white bright corrosion products in Fig.8(a) ), which may be related to its low hardness. Low hardness is related to significant increase in plastic strain under direct impinging. Hardness testing shows that laser surface treatment could significantly improve the hardness of as-supplied X65 steel (see Fig.17 ), which improve erosion-enhanced corrosion resistance.

Erosion could induce the increase in surface roughness, plastic strain and defect density that result in a decrease in corrosion resistance.


To decrease the erosion-corrosion rate in a multiphase flow environment, the use of corrosion resistant alloys (CRAs) has been considered as an effective choice [4, 15, 16] . High capital expenditure costs are the factor limiting the use of CRAs. The use of carbon steel in conjunction with corrosion inhibitors in preventing erosion-corrosion has been observed as an economical viable solution for oil and gas pipelines. Many efforts have been made to develop effective inhibitors and determine their mechanism of action [17, 18] . However, corrosion inhibitors cannot efficiently mitigate the consequential damage of carbon steel under severe erosion-corrosion conditions, such as a high flow velocity, sand loading, more Cl -etc.

To decrease the erosion-corrosion rate in a multiphase flow environment, the use of corrosion resistant alloys (CRAs) has been considered as an effective choice.

Many efforts have been made to develop effective inhibitors and determine their mechanism of action.


When the water jet impinges on the specimen, the oncoming fluid jet decelerates rapidly due to an orthogonal obstruction presented by the test surface leading to a significant drop in flow momentum in the direction normal to the surface. The jet impingement velocity was 20 m/s, but this velocity approaches to 0 m/s at the surface of test specimen when the impact angle was 90° [41] . The kinetic energy of particles will convert into deformation energy and/or heat energy, and plastic deformation may occur on the impacting specimen ( Fig. 11(b) ).

The jet impingement velocity was 20 m/s, but this velocity approaches to 0 m/s at the surface of test specimen when the impact angle was 90°.


When the impact angle is very low (<26°), the ploughing action can be neglected, and only cutting action removes the surface material. This loss rate depends on the wear resistance of the material. Generally speaking, laser surface hardening can improve wear resistance of hypo-eutectoid steels [42, 43] .

Generally speaking, laser surface hardening can improve wear resistance of hypo-eutectoid steels.


The effects of Fe deficiency on the leaf epidermis have not been investigated so far, despite the fact that it is the limiting barrier for the exchange of water and solutes between the leaf and the environment. Most epidermal cells of the aerial parts of higher plants, such as leaves, fruits and non-woody stems, are covered by a continuous extra-cellular membrane of soluble and polymerized lipids called cuticle or cuticular membrane (Heredia 2003) . The structure and composition of the cuticle varies substantially among plants, organs and growth stages, but is basically composed by a cutin matrix with waxes embedded in (intracuticular waxes) and deposited on the surface (epicuticular waxes) (Heredia 2003; Jeffree 2006) . Based on their constituents, the cuticle can be defined as a hydrophobic and non-reactive polyester with associated waxes (Heredia 2003) . Cuticles have been shown to be permeable to water and ions, and also to polar compounds (Kerstiens 2006; Schreiber 2006) .

Most epidermal cells of the aerial parts of higher plants, such as leaves, fruits and non-woody stems, are covered by a continuous extra-cellular membrane of soluble and polymerized lipids called cuticle or cuticular membrane.

The structure and composition of the cuticle varies substantially among plants, organs and growth stages, but is basically composed by a cutin matrix with waxes embedded in (intracuticular waxes) and deposited on the surface (epicuticular waxes).

Based on their constituents, the cuticle can be defined as a hydrophobic and non-reactive polyester with associated waxes.

Cuticles have been shown to be permeable to water and ions, and also to polar compounds.


Interestingly, we found a negative relationship between religiosity Fig. 2 . A sample decision tree for the decision to donate (yes/no decision). The algorithm separates based on SVO (p = .001), with prosocials (> 32.939°angle) being significantly more likely to donate than proselfs (≤32.939°angle). and donated amount in our correlational analyses. This may be due to the nature of the charitable cause: Donating to support the victims of typhoon Haiyan is a form of outgroup help. Religious individuals often show heightened charitable behaviors toward ingroup others, but less so toward outgroup others (Galen, 2012) . Future studies could explore the relation between religiosity and disaster donations to (religious) ingroups versus (religious) outgroups. The finding that neither an image of watching eyes nor social information conveyed by those eyes substantially predicted disaster donations adds to the growing debate on the eye-images effect (Northover et al., 2017) . Certain methodological reasons may have accounted for the null result. For instance, the exposure time to eye images may have been too long, and this may have resulted in habituation to the stimuli (Sparks & Barclay, 2013) . Nevertheless, our results also suggest that eye images are relatively less powerful than prosocial traits in predicting proactive helping in an emergency situation, like a disaster relief appeal.

Religious individuals often show heightened charitable behaviors toward ingroup others, but less so toward outgroup others.

The finding that neither an image of watching eyes nor social information conveyed by those eyes substantially predicted disaster donations adds to the growing debate on the eye-images effect.

For instance, the exposure time to eye images may have been too long, and this may have resulted in habituation to the stimuli.


Perhaps the most novel finding of the present research is that SoMi was a relatively important predictor of disaster donations -in terms of predictive power. This finding hints at the possibility that SoMi can represent stable individual differences in minding others' control over their situational outcomes. Furthermore, this finding suggests that the SoMi paradigm may have the potential to complement and extend existing game-theoretic methods that predict real-life giving and otherregarding behavior, such as SVO (McClintock & Allison, 1989; Van Lange et al., 2007) .

Furthermore, this finding suggests that the SoMi paradigm may have the potential to complement and extend existing game-theoretic methods that predict real-life giving and otherregarding behavior, such as SVO.


The pop-up satellite tag positional data sets from three sources (radio endpoints, recovery location, and light level longitude and SST latitude estimations of geolocation) provided a total of 661 days of position data on the assemblage of Atlantic bluefin tuna found off New England. For the Argos radio position data, the quality of the endpoint location was calculated by the Argos system. The restriction of endpoint locations to accuracy class 2 or 3 ensured that the endpoint locations were likely to have an accuracy better than 350 m. If the tag drifted for 1-4 days, it was possible that the tag had moved up to 1.5°from the actual fish location based on drift rates calculated from transmitting tags. The estimated geolocation positions have a reported error estimate that is less than 2°around the geolocation based on comparisons of satellite endpoints, GPS points, and estimated geolocations (Teo et al. 2004) . The data sets demonstrate that bluefin tuna from this region, if tagged and tracked for less than a year, are most likely to be found in the western Atlantic Ocean on the North American continental shelf, the North American slope waters, or the Gulf of Mexico. These results are consistent with previously reported implantable archival tag data ) but differ in several significant respects to a prior pop-up satellite tag study on this same assemblage of fish (Lutcavage et al. 1999) .

The estimated geolocation positions have a reported error estimate that is less than 2°around the geolocation based on comparisons of satellite endpoints, GPS points, and estimated geolocations.

These results are consistent with previously reported implantable archival tag data ) but differ in several significant respects to a prior pop-up satellite tag study on this same assemblage of fish.


Six phonological processes were noted in previous studies: (a) stopping; (b) fronting; (c) deaffrication; (d) gliding; (e) devoicing; and (f) lip rounding (Chan & Li, 2000; Hung, 2000; Shibbard, 2004) . Phonological processes noted in this study included: (a) stopping; (b) fronting; (c) deaffrication; (d) gliding; (e) devoicing; (f) lip rounding; (g) backing; (h) affrication; (i) voicing; (j) pre-vocalic singleton omission; (k) post-vocalic singleton omission; (l) cluster reduction; and, (m) vowel deviations. The most frequent phonological deviations from this study included: (a) gliding (15.32%); (b) lip rounding (15.32%); (c) vowel deviation (8.25%); (d) cluster reduction (4.25%); (e) fronting (2.22%); and (f) affrication (1.69%). Again, it is believed population samples and the elicitation sample affected the results from this study, which seemed to be more comprehensive.

Six phonological processes were noted in previous studies: (a) stopping; (b) fronting; (c) deaffrication; (d) gliding; (e) devoicing; and (f) lip rounding.


Market-wide panel VAR model is used as econometric technique to check the relationship between return and turnover (Statman et al., 2006) . VAR results indicated that historical market return is negatively related with turnover which is strong indication of overconfidence. Furthermore, impulse response confirmed its presence by indicating that the response of market turnover to return is stronger than the response in the opposite direction. However, US investors are much more overconfident as compared to Pakistani investors.

Market-wide panel VAR model is used as econometric technique to check the relationship between return and turnover.


Where condoms were generally available, limited distribution systems had made access problematic [9] . The few government outlets available tended to be widely dispersed and private sector sources were frequently limited to urban areas, resulting in uneven availability throughout countries. There has been no donor-government-private sector coordination or streamlining of condom supply and distribution systems, resulting in a system breakdown. Many youth face difficulties obtaining condoms because of the cost and limited accessibility. Condoms have not been made sufficiently available in places of young people such as Universities. Negative beliefs about condoms are significantly associated with less frequent condom use in various populations.

Where condoms were generally available, limited distribution systems had made access problematic.


The major strengths of the present study are the large number of participants recruited all year round, a high follow-up rate, repeated sampling during pregnancy and standardized procedures for sampling. Analyses were performed concurrently, applying the same instruments and procedures. The study population was ethnically homogenous contributing to limited bias due to skin pigmentation, clothing habits and genetic polymorphisms [7, 8, [15] [16] [17] .

The study population was ethnically homogenous contributing to limited bias due to skin pigmentation, clothing habits and genetic polymorphisms.


All the progenies considered pure (or almost pure) have ʻPicualʼ as a parent (three as female and one as male parent). This could explain why they are not so severely contaminated since it has been reported that foreign pollen competes favorably with maternal pollen in pollination (Cuevas et al., 1994) . Therefore, the airborne pollen, mainly ʻPicualʼ as mentioned before, would not have competed with the crossing pollen in the progenies with ʻPicualʼ as female parent and, consequently, the possibility of contamination would be lower. When ʻPicualʼwas the male parent, the crosses were also pure, maybe because both the male and airborne pollen came from the same cultivar. This, together with the fact that only one of the 30 seedlings evaluated from the supposed selfing of ʻPicualʼ, seems to be a genuine self, indicates that ʻPicualʼcould be self-incompatible. However, more experimentation is needed to clarify this point.

This could explain why they are not so severely contaminated since it has been reported that foreign pollen competes favorably with maternal pollen in pollination.


One of the most promising and suitable bio-sourced polymers is poly(L-lacctide) (PLA). It is an aliphatic thermoplastic polyester derived from lactic acid found in renewable resources, such as corn, wheat, barley, cassava, and sugar cane [13] . Lactic acid is then polymerised to PLA, either by gradual polycondensation or by ring-opening polymerisation. Due to the chiral nature of lactic acid, several distinct forms of PLA exist: poly-L-lactide (PLLA) is the product resulting from the polymerisation of L,L-lactide (also known as L-lactide), while poly-D-lactide is produced from D-lactide. Polylactic acids are hydrophobic in nature and are among the few polymers in which the stereochemical structure can easily be modified by polymerising a controlled mixture of the L-or D-isomers to yield high molecular weight amorphous or crystalline polymers that can be used for food contact applications.

It is an aliphatic thermoplastic polyester derived from lactic acid found in renewable resources, such as corn, wheat, barley, cassava, and sugar cane.


As herbs are orally administered in most cases, the gastrointestinal tract serves principally as absorption site for absorption and first biotransformation site. Degradation of herb in the gastrointestinal tract is often observed [14] . Increasing attention has been paid to the role of herb metabolites in herb-drug interactions [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] . Previous study showed that icariin could be metabolized to three main metabolites icariside I, icariside II, and icaritin by the bacteria in rat intestine (Figure 1 ). Therefore, it is important to evaluate whether icariin and its intestinal metabolites possess the potential for exerting an influence on metabolic enzymes.

Degradation of herb in the gastrointestinal tract is often observed.

Increasing attention has been paid to the role of herb metabolites in herb-drug interactions.


Previous studies' failure to show significant benefits from training may reflect the limitations of the training programs, and not necessarily CI patients' potential to improve their speech recognition. In many of these studies, training has been limited to infrequent (1/week), short duration (1-h) sessions. More intensive training programs may result in larger and more consistent improvements in CI users' speech recognition ability. Besides the amount of time spent on training, the design and implementation of a training protocol may also be crucial to the success of that training. A speech contrast training protocol that targeted minimal speech contrasts was used in the present study; a large set of novel, multitalker stimuli was used to train subjects. By using multitalker training materials, subjects may have been able to better learn phoneme patterns than with the single-talker training stimuli used in other studies. The training protocol used in the present study (targeted phoneme training) may have also contributed to the successful outcome; our recent work with NH listeners suggests that training with minimal speech contrasts may best improve phoneme recognition (Fu et al., 2005) . Despite the improvement with training, most subjects' phoneme recognition performance remained in the poor to fair range. Given the difficulty in vowel and consonant recognition even after training, many of these subjects would have great difficulty in recognizing sentences (open set, auditory only). HINT word-in-sentence recognition was tested only for those subjects whose baseline phoneme recognition scores were above 30% correct. For these subjects, sentence recognition performance improved significantly after the targeted phoneme training. For the remaining subjects, the improved phoneme recognition most likely would not have generalized to improved auditory-only sentence recognition. The time course for such an improvement may be years rather than weeks or months. However, it is possible that the gains in vowel and consonant recognition may help these patients' sentence recognition with visual cues (i.e., lip reading).

The training protocol used in the present study (targeted phoneme training) may have also contributed to the successful outcome; our recent work with NH listeners suggests that training with minimal speech contrasts may best improve phoneme recognition.


One main problem of the above models is that the monitor efficiency is too low for many programs. The monitor overhead is longer than 40 minutes per transaction for half of the programs in their experiments [17] . This is because of the complexity of pushdown automata and the non-determinism of the simulation. Also, too much nondeterminism may impair the ability to detect intrusions. This problem is not well addressed in the paper. There may be scalability problem too because of the human efforts in refining models for some libraries.

The monitor overhead is longer than 40 minutes per transaction for half of the programs in their experiments.


MDCT or ultrasound is recommended if the presence of cervical lymph adenopathy is suspected [48] . One patient had longus colli muscle calcification. Patients with longus colli calcification may be asymptomatic or may present with either acute or chronic pain. Referral to the patient's physician for further investigation or treatment was recommended.

MDCT or ultrasound is recommended if the presence of cervical lymph adenopathy is suspected.


It was notable in the present study that BVDV infection is widespread in herds on family farms in the microregion studied herein, with similarities to results found in previous studies (GUIMARÃES et al., 2001; NORONHA et al., 2003; SAMARA et al., 2004; FRANDOLOSO et al., 2008; CARBONERO et al., 2011; GÜR, 2011; FINO et al., 2013; SARRAZIN et al., 2013) . This indicates that the sanitary variables of prevention and control of the BVDV are similar in the herds studied herein. Performing quarantine procedures, vaccinations and tests on herds and new acquisitions could lead to the identification and removal of persistently infected animals (PI), thereby minimizing the spread of the virus.

It was notable in the present study that BVDV infection is widespread in herds on family farms in the microregion studied herein, with similarities to results found in previous studies.


An early warning of dengue outbreaks could improve the efficiency of vector control campaigns and help to target prevention actions. Such early interventions could delay or spread out the epidemic, thus reducing its impact on health system. Health facilities could adapt their response in terms of availability of beds and mobilization of human and material resources [10] . Dengue morbidity and mortality would be minimized through earlier and more appropriate public health response.

Health facilities could adapt their response in terms of availability of beds and mobilization of human and material resources.


In immunocompetent subjects, norovirus infection is a selflimiting disease of short duration. Asymptomatic virus shedding may be prolonged e.g. in geriatric subjects, children and hospitalized patients [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . Symptomatic chronic disease, however, has not been described in immunocompetent subjects so far. Our first patient showed asymptomatic norovirus excretion for 6 months but eliminated the virus without reduction of immunosuppression. The second patient suffered from recurrent episodes of diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever for >3 months. Virus elimination occurred only after reduction of immunosuppression. Thus, norovirus can cause both asymptomatic and symptomatic chronic infection. In both cases, patients have to be regarded as infectious and hygienic strategies are required to prevent infection of contact persons. Our observations are limited by the lack of sequencing analyses of the viral genome. Therefore, subclinical reinfection with different viral strains cannot be finally excluded. Future studies on norovirus infections in immunocompromised patients should include sequencing of viral amplicons.

Asymptomatic virus shedding may be prolonged e.g. in geriatric subjects, children and hospitalized patients.


Recently, electric and electronic (E/E) systems represent an increasing proportion of vehicle parts. Cars produced today have multiple E/E systems such as electrically controlled steering, automatic windows and doors, antilock brakes, and electronic engine controllers, etc. Usually, these E/E systems are controlled with embedded controllers; these embedded controllers have achieved enhancements in vehicle comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety. Although many of these systems facilitate significant improvements in vehicle safety, they are safety related systems, and unexpected failures and interactions in the software and hardware could lead to potentially hazardous situations [1] . ISO 26262, published in 2011, provides a standard approach to the functional safety management of electrical and electronic systems of passenger cars under a maximum weight of 3500 Kg [2] .

Although many of these systems facilitate significant improvements in vehicle safety, they are safety related systems, and unexpected failures and interactions in the software and hardware could lead to potentially hazardous situations.

ISO 26262, published in 2011, provides a standard approach to the functional safety management of electrical and electronic systems of passenger cars under a maximum weight of 3500 Kg.


In Ibadan, Nigeria a study revealed that among secondary school students open burning (78.6%) is the commonest method of waste disposal [7] . Another study done in Ado-Ekiti reported that about 96.7% of the respondents were not aware of any house hold recycling activities while only 3.3% were aware, out of which only 15.4% claimed that they recycled their house hold solid waste. Only about 0.8% of respondents made compost of their wastes, 6.9% separate news papers, books, plastics, bottles from other house hold waste for recycling [8] . A study done by Suleiman in Katsina state showed that 27% of house hold waste were appropriately disposed inside the refuse collection facility such as refuse collection centre bin containers. Open space accounted for about 30% of waste disposed which was done inappropriately. Uncompleted building and structure and water pond accounted for about 13% each mainly in the city and residential layout. Dumping of refuse by the road side was 10% which was mainly in the inaccessible parts of the metropolis such as Sajai, Masanawa, Kijar Yandawa. Five per cent of waste was dumped into gutter (drainage) which caused flooding. Burning of waste accounted for about 30% while composting accounted for about 20% [9] . A study aimed at examining the waste handling practices among households in Awka, an urban area in South Eastern Nigeria showed that 85% of the households stored their waste in a closed container outside the house, 73% disposed of their waste through the inefficient government waste management agency, 27% dumped theirs in unauthorized areas and the remainder patronized private mobile cart-pushers. Majority of the respondents (87.5%) did not sort their waste prior to disposal. Despite very good knowledge of waste recycling (95%), only 17.5% practiced it [10] . The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of household waste management and the factors influencing their choice of method in Anaocha LGA of Anambra state.

In Ibadan, Nigeria a study revealed that among secondary school students open burning (78.6%) is the commonest method of waste disposal.

Only about 0.8% of respondents made compost of their wastes, 6.9% separate news papers, books, plastics, bottles from other house hold waste for recycling.

Burning of waste accounted for about 30% while composting accounted for about 20%.

Despite very good knowledge of waste recycling (95%), only 17.5% practiced it.


In consequence rare earth free magnesium alloys with a weaker rolling texture have to be found to meet the demands of the automotive industry. In cooperation with the project partners there are a number of alloys selected to be tested [ Table 1 ]. Most of them are calcium containing alloys, because adding Ca to Mg-Zn containing Mg-alloys leads to a texture evolution similar to RE containing alloys [7, 8] . Additionally the common AZ31-alloy was tested as a benchmark. These alloys were cast in laboratory scale. The billets with a size of 105 mm in diameter and a length of 220 mm were cast in a modified gravity casting process. For each alloy there was a tailored heat treatment found, that leads to an optimized microstructure where precipitations especially at the grain boundaries are gone in solid solution and dendritic structures in the grains disappeared. In table 1 there are all these alloys listed up with its composition and heat treatment. After the heat treatment all these alloys were rolled to sheets and mechanical tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties. The tests were performed according to ISO 6892-1. The microstructure and texture of the tested specimen were analyzed and the results discussed in terms of their influence on the observed mechanical properties.

Most of them are calcium containing alloys, because adding Ca to Mg-Zn containing Mg-alloys leads to a texture evolution similar to RE containing alloys.


In this study, thrombosis in the PV stump developed in 3.3% of the patients who underwent lobectomy, and in 17.9% of those who underwent LUL. We previously reported that thrombosis developed in 3.6% of patients who underwent lobectomy and in 13.5% of those who underwent LUL [7] . Because the frequencies of thrombosis in the PV stump after lobectomy and after LUL were nearly equal in the two studies, this might be a common complication after LUL. Though this complication is not well known, it is very important because thrombosis in the systemic circulation might cause infarction of vital organs. Clinically, thrombi in the systemic circulation typically develop as a result of atrial fibrillation. It is reported that left lobectomy might be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation [8] . However, of the 5 patients with thrombosis in this study, the 7 patients with thrombosis in our past study, and 6 patients in the past case report, none had atrial fibrillation when the thrombosis was diagnosed [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . Moreover, all had undergone LUL, and none LLL. Therefore, the probability that atrial fibrillation or left lobectomy caused the thrombosis in the PV stump after lobectomy was low, whereas there was a high probability that LUL caused it.

We previously reported that thrombosis developed in 3.6% of patients who underwent lobectomy and in 13.5% of those who underwent LUL.

It is reported that left lobectomy might be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation.

However, of the 5 patients with thrombosis in this study, the 7 patients with thrombosis in our past study, and 6 patients in the past case report, none had atrial fibrillation when the thrombosis was diagnosed.


Shortly after Einstein constructed general relativity (GR) in 1915, Weyl has advocated a generalization in that the very notion of length becomes path-dependent [4, 5] . In Weyl's theory, even if the lightcones retain the fundamental role as in GR, there is no absolute meaning of scales for space-time, so the metric is defined only up to proportionality. It is this property that we have a scale symmetry prohibiting the appearance of any dimensionful parameters and coupling constants in the Weyl theory. The main complaint against the Weyl's idea is that it inevitably leads to the so-called "second clock effect": The rate where any clock measures would depend on its history [6] . Since the second clock effect has not been observed by experiments, the Weyl theory might make no sense as a classical theory.

Shortly after Einstein constructed general relativity (GR) in 1915, Weyl has advocated a generalization in that the very notion of length becomes path-dependent.

The main complaint against the Weyl's idea is that it inevitably leads to the so-called "second clock effect": The rate where any clock measures would depend on its history.


Studies undertaken in order to design the layout for the system operator in human-machine systems have been conducted from an ergonomic perspective [1] . These studies evaluated movement and posture using computer generated models of the human body, focusing on the movable range and the angle of the joints [2] . However, the evaluation did not take account of interactions with the objects and, therefore, cannot be used to derive generic indices or design methods that can be applied in various situations in the same manner.

Studies undertaken in order to design the layout for the system operator in human-machine systems have been conducted from an ergonomic perspective.

These studies evaluated movement and posture using computer generated models of the human body, focusing on the movable range and the angle of the joints.


As is well known, the muscles, the only actuators in human body, contain muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs that can detect changes in position, velocity and force of the muscle. It is also known that muscle possesses variable viscoelasticity [4] . Thus, in these studies it is important to consider the equivalent impedance characteristics of the human-machine system as well as the force-exertion characteristics.

It is also known that muscle possesses variable viscoelasticity.


Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, such as delay lines or resonators, allow to construct a wide range of sensors for the detection of a great variety of physical quantities. Acoustic wave propagating towards the surface of the piezoelectric substrate is very sensitive to changes of mechanical and electrical conditions at the surface. The change can be induced using an interfacial layer (or a multilayer structure) as well. It has the ability to transform certain physical quantity under detection to a change of mechanical or electrical conditions at the surface of the SAW substrate region. Many kinds of SAW sensors operate basing on the interfacial layer. One can mention here the SAW-based magnetic field sensors, ultra violet sensors, and, above all, SAW systems for detection of various vapours and gases (Devkota et al., 2017) .

One can mention here the SAW-based magnetic field sensors, ultra violet sensors, and, above all, SAW systems for detection of various vapours and gases.


When firms and job seekers search sequentially, the labour market is characterized by search frictions arising from a coordination failure: some vacancies that could be productively filled are left vacant and, at the same time, some workers are unemployed. The job seekers' application period does not depend of the number of applicants. In this framework, posting a new vacancy has the usual congestion and thick market effects: on the one hand, it makes it harder for vacancies to find workers but, on the other hand, it makes it easier for workers to find a vacancy. Vacancy creation, however, affects the wage in such a way that the two aforementioned effects may be balanced by wage movements, and efficiency is thus attained (Hosios, 1990) .

Vacancy creation, however, affects the wage in such a way that the two aforementioned effects may be balanced by wage movements, and efficiency is thus attained.


TO polymer devices nowadays have been installed in various optical communication systems. VOAs made of polymers have faced strong competition from MEMS devices. However, as optical communication evolves toward large bandwidth capacity using many wavelengths, low-power, small-foot-print array devices based on polymer waveguides, they will gradually dominate the commercial market. Polymeric optical switches have been competing with fiber-optic switches and MEMS devices. In terms of optical signal crosstalk, because of the limit of the adiabatic transition in asymmetric Y-branch waveguides, polymer switches have struggled to compete. To overcome this limitation, a VOA section was cascaded after the switch on a single chip so as to reduce the remaining crosstalk light [14] . Since the polymer DOS overcame the crosstalk issue, the devices have been widely deployed for optical backbone network used for wireless communication.

To overcome this limitation, a VOA section was cascaded after the switch on a single chip so as to reduce the remaining crosstalk light.