An alternative approach involves uses a bottom-up, populationbased search technique, evolutionary computation. By allowing random mutation to make changes to each of these design features, the developer can study the internal control structures naturally selected for during evolution as well as their relationship to environmental complexity. Biological evolution is theorized to have already provided us with one example of a natural progression from a 1:1 RNA-dominated world to the complex, DNA-dominated T:P lifeforms inhabiting the diverse environments of the world today [4] . Perhaps evolutionary computation will also naturally select for a distributed control design to drive organisms into more challenging, complex environments or to maintain the integrity of the solution within these environments.

Biological evolution is theorized to have already provided us with one example of a natural progression from a 1:1 RNA-dominated world to the complex, DNA-dominated T:P lifeforms inhabiting the diverse environments of the world today.


Although pressure sensing on wings have been studied, instrumenting a MAV wing to measure pressure is not achievable due to the potential size and weight of a system to acquire unsteady pressures around the wings surface. This paper demonstrated the methodology in which a strip of pressure taps across the span of the wing, at an optimum chord-wise location, approximates lifting sections of the wing using a limited amount of pressure taps. Additionally, the measurements support the calculation of TIR and offer perturbation information to an autopilot system, which in term might be a viable and advantageous alternative to current active stability systems using IMU sensors. The applications of this future system are not limited to MAVs and can be extended to larger aircraft as well. Such a system would also offer a new means of turbulence correction as it would have the capability of directly sensing turbulence through acquiring unsteady pressure, thereby potentially showing advantages over existing IMU based systems. Future research will focus on the actual system development and testing in low atmospheric flight missions. In line with current long-term research objectives, it is also expected that the experience gained on atmospheric boundary layer turbulence modelling, measurement and mitigation, will be highly instrumental for the development of novel techniques incorporating these effects in aircraft low-level trajectory optimization problems [17] . This is expected to have an impact on Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA) air traffic optimization; specifically addressing real-time Four Dimensional Trajectory (4DT) based operations in the presence of atmospheric disturbances [18] .

In line with current long-term research objectives, it is also expected that the experience gained on atmospheric boundary layer turbulence modelling, measurement and mitigation, will be highly instrumental for the development of novel techniques incorporating these effects in aircraft low-level trajectory optimization problems.

This is expected to have an impact on Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA) air traffic optimization; specifically addressing real-time Four Dimensional Trajectory (4DT) based operations in the presence of atmospheric disturbances.


Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) are small, light-weight aircraft that are remotely or autonomously controlled with flight endurance of up to 30 minutes depending on their design and purpose [1] . Their capability to survey an area without the use of human ground personnel has demonstrated cost and risk benefits when line of sight reconnaissance is not possible [1] . MAVs would typically be launched by an operator in the field, fly short distances either unassisted or with low levels of human control at low altitude into complex terrain, then loiter or perch for data collection. As atmospheric winds increase, the complexity of holding relatively stable and steady flight increases and under even moderate winds, flight of an MAV may become violent and perhaps uncontrollable due to turbulence in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) [2] . In complex terrains, the frictional effects of buildings and vegetation lead to a highly turbulent velocity profile within the ABL, which can extend as high as 1000 m in high-rise city locations [3] . Under low atmospheric wind speeds (< ~ 5 m/s), turbulence is commonly created via thermal effects, whereas under higher wind speeds (~ 5 m/s), mechanical mixing dominates the turbulence generation mechanisms [4] . Successful MAV missions require a stable platform for acquisition of relatively stable video or other data [1] .

Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) are small, light-weight aircraft that are remotely or autonomously controlled with flight endurance of up to 30 minutes depending on their design and purpose.

Their capability to survey an area without the use of human ground personnel has demonstrated cost and risk benefits when line of sight reconnaissance is not possible.

As atmospheric winds increase, the complexity of holding relatively stable and steady flight increases and under even moderate winds, flight of an MAV may become violent and perhaps uncontrollable due to turbulence in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL).

In complex terrains, the frictional effects of buildings and vegetation lead to a highly turbulent velocity profile within the ABL, which can extend as high as 1000 m in high-rise city locations.

Under low atmospheric wind speeds (< ~ 5 m/s), turbulence is commonly created via thermal effects, whereas under higher wind speeds (~ 5 m/s), mechanical mixing dominates the turbulence generation mechanisms.

Successful MAV missions require a stable platform for acquisition of relatively stable video or other data.


Some limitations of the present study are acknowledged. This paper addresses secondary hypotheses that were suggested in the course of an earlier study [10] . The study's additional comparisons may elevate the overall probability of a type I error, thus declaring a difference to be significant when in truth it is not. We recognize this limitation and so have focused less on hypothesis tests and P values than on the size of the plausible effects and differences this study reports, as quantified in confidence intervals. Another potential limitation is the lack of hormonal data to support the proposed mechanisms for the differences or lack in boys and girls vascular compliance. The current data provides preliminary support for additional mechanistic investigations to explain the sex differences observed.

This paper addresses secondary hypotheses that were suggested in the course of an earlier study.


Black hole lasers were first proposed proposed for systems that exhibit a "superluminal" dispersion relation (i.e. in which the group velocity increases with frequency) such as, for example, Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). Black hole lasing has subsequently been studied both theoretically and numerically in Bose-Einstein-Condensate systems and similar settings [18, 19, 20, 21] . In this work we present a numerical study of black hole lasing in optical systems. Our numerics account for realistic parameters of the medium and highlight a laser amplification mechanism that is similar to that studied in BECs. However, we also show that as evolution ensues, the laser develops low frequency components that eventually seed amplification at what we call the "zero-frequency" modes. This amplification regime is exponentially favoured over the traditional black hole laser regime and leads to a significant increase of the output radiation. We then highlight and study how the low (close to zero) frequency region of the spectrum determines the properties of the high frequency emission, a feature that is expected to be generic to all analogue horizon systems.

Black hole lasing has subsequently been studied both theoretically and numerically in Bose-Einstein-Condensate systems and similar settings.


In this paper, we report a search for HPDM in the meV mass range corresponding to mm-wavelengths, and obtain the first limit in this region using the dish antenna method. This mass region is particularly interesting, since a relatively large kinetic mixing, as high as χ ∼ 10 −9 , is still not excluded by cosmological and astrophysical observations [8] . This work presents our phase 1 setup using heterodyne detection with a room-temperature receiver system and a small-sized dish antenna with an area of 0.2 m 2 .

This mass region is particularly interesting, since a relatively large kinetic mixing, as high as χ ∼ 10 −9 , is still not excluded by cosmological and astrophysical observations.


Applying Eq. (1.2) , we obtain the limits on χ shown in Fig. 5 (left) . The stepwise structure mostly represents the difference of conversion loss among the sub-regions, and partially the variation of power thresholds and the amount of statistics among the data sets. We compare the result with other limits in Fig. 5 (right) . The filled areas show the excluded regions from direct measurements. Our search provides new limits, that are almost compatible to the astrophysical constraints from the solar energy loss argument and from the solar HP search in xenon experiments [39] [40] [41] . While their estimation of the HP flux on the earth inevitably depends on a solar model, the limit obtained here postulates only the local DM energy density on the HP flux. This work also shows an example of the double mirror configuration in HPDM searches, that can be applied to other bands of radio frequencies.

Our search provides new limits, that are almost compatible to the astrophysical constraints from the solar energy loss argument and from the solar HP search in xenon experiments.


Adversity comes in many forms of which environmental calamities are a frequent cause. The Annual Disaster Statistical Review cited that on average each year, between 2003 and 2012, 338 disasters occurred, killing more than 106 thousand people worldwide and affecting over 216 million others [35] . Although lower than usual, in 2013 alone, hydrological disasters occurred 159 times and represented 48% of the total amount of disasters.

The Annual Disaster Statistical Review cited that on average each year, between 2003 and 2012, 338 disasters occurred, killing more than 106 thousand people worldwide and affecting over 216 million others.


These figures highlight that on a frequent basis around the globe, floodwater sweeps along people's belongings, destroys their livelihoods and has lethal consequences. And although disasters occur across the globe, the impacts are unevenly distributed since 98% of the people most affected are living in countries in the Global South [64, p. 2] . In 2014, the worldwide population was 7.2 billion of which 6 billion lived in economically less developed countries [65] . Moreover, in that same year, the share of global population under age 20 was about 35% and this was 48% for a continent like Africa. Children and adolescents (the young) in the flooding occurs, which type is most enabling? Moreover, scholars such as Boyden and Mann formulate the view that: "culture is not a mere variable (…) but a major generative force: it is the lens through which we view the world, learn skills in survival and coping, and interpret and respond to our experiences" [10, p. 20] . However, are culture and context really such "major generative forces" when it concerns resilience enabling factors?

In 2014, the worldwide population was 7.2 billion of which 6 billion lived in economically less developed countries.


In the first test case, the static measurement on a standard SiO 2 thin film with nominal thickness of 32 nm deposited on a Si substrate was simulated following the procedures shown in figure 2 . A simulator of the polarimeter was first built based on equations (1) and (2) to simulate the measurement process. Then, the measurands vector x and the measurement configuration vector a * + Δa were selected as the input arguments, and the measured light intensity vector I meas was calculated using equation (6) . The light intensity vector I meas consists of the pure calculated intensity vector I 0 and the random noise ε I obtained from a signal-dependent noise generator [31] . Subsequently, the imitated measured Stokes parameters S meas can be calculated using equation (8) . At this point, the instrument matrix of the polarimeter is M(b + Δb). The vectors b and Δb are the systematic parameters and the corresponding bias of the polarimeter, respectively. The vector b consists of the phase retardance and the fast axis azimuth angles of the quarter-wave plates C 2 and the half-wave plate C 3 in the analyzing module. The estimated measurands x can be extracted from the imitated Stokes parameters S meas with the configuration a * based on the Levenberg Marquardt algorithm [32] .

Then, the measurands vector x and the measurement configuration vector a * + Δa were selected as the input arguments, and the measured light intensity vector I meas was calculated using equation.

The light intensity vector I meas consists of the pure calculated intensity vector I 0 and the random noise ε I obtained from a signal-dependent noise generator.

Subsequently, the imitated measured Stokes parameters S meas can be calculated using equation.

The estimated measurands x can be extracted from the imitated Stokes parameters S meas with the configuration a * based on the Levenberg Marquardt algorithm.


Many oncologists acknowledge that disease control may be significantly improved when chemotherapy is administered through the intraperitoneal route [4] . However, they are aware that the complications of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration are frequent and occasionally life endangering [5] . There are, of course, adverse events with the use of intravenous ports that are used in a large proportion of patients receiving systemic cancer chemotherapy. Nevertheless they are used as standard of care. In contrast, the difficulties that may occur with placement of an intraperitoneal port, the patient discomfort that frequently accompanies chemotherapy administration, and the serious life endangering complications sometimes requiring reoperation discourage its routine use [6] .

Many oncologists acknowledge that disease control may be significantly improved when chemotherapy is administered through the intraperitoneal route.

However, they are aware that the complications of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration are frequent and occasionally life endangering.

In contrast, the difficulties that may occur with placement of an intraperitoneal port, the patient discomfort that frequently accompanies chemotherapy administration, and the serious life endangering complications sometimes requiring reoperation discourage its routine use.


The RLW equation has been used as a test equation for numerical methods since this equation can be solved analytically for some boundary and initial conditions. So a comparison between analytical and numerical solutions of the RLW equation can be carried out. Various forms of both B-spline collocation and B-spline Galerkin methods have been constructed in obtaining the numerical solutions of the RLW equation [2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21] . A numerical solution of the RLW equation has also been found by applying a splitting-up scheme, which is used to be able to construct the approximating solution with lower-degree piecewise polynomials, and both the applicability and the efficiency of the splitting of the differential equations are sought for numerical methods [6] .

Various forms of both B-spline collocation and B-spline Galerkin methods have been constructed in obtaining the numerical solutions of the RLW equation.

A numerical solution of the RLW equation has also been found by applying a splitting-up scheme, which is used to be able to construct the approximating solution with lower-degree piecewise polynomials, and both the applicability and the efficiency of the splitting of the differential equations are sought for numerical methods.


A brain stroke is the third leading cause of death after the heart disease and cancer [1] . There are two types of brain stroke, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 87% of all strokes. Acute is chemic strokes occur as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes result from bleeding within the brain or in the space surrounding. Both medical conditions lead to death in the intermediate future if left untreated. Moreover, the symptoms can be similar between the two conditions; however the medical treatment is significantly different. An incorrect determination of the stroke can lead to the death of the patient. The risk factors include old age, hypertension, or transient ischemic attack, diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and atrial fibrillation [2] .

A brain stroke is the third leading cause of death after the heart disease and cancer.

The risk factors include old age, hypertension, or transient ischemic attack, diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and atrial fibrillation.


In this analysis, we investigate the possible signatures from DM decays by looking at a region in the sky where a very large density of DM is expected: the core of clusters of galaxies [3] . In this work, we focus on the Perseus galaxy cluster, observed in Very High Energy gamma rays with the MAGIC telescope for about 300 h in the years 2009-2015. Perseus is a cool-core cluster, the brightest in X-rays, and it is expected to contain about 10 14 M in form of DM.

In this analysis, we investigate the possible signatures from DM decays by looking at a region in the sky where a very large density of DM is expected: the core of clusters of galaxies.


Dark Matter (DM) is the most abundant component of matter in the Universe according to the current concordance cosmological model dubbed ΛCDM, making up to 85% of the total matter content [1] . DM can be composed of one or more kind of particles, but as of now we have only precisely determined the expected mass content through gravitational interaction, at many different scales, from the galactic to the cosmological one. The real nature of DM is unknown, included the mass range where we expect DM to be. One of the main questions is whether DM is totally secluded in a dark sector or it has some interaction with Standard Model particles. The Super-Symmetrical extension of the Standard Model of Particle Physics, for instance, gives a possible candidate, which is within the reach of the current experiments. Within this framework, a natural DM candidate arises as the lightest neutralino. This can be protected by a symmetry, and therefore stable and self-annihilating, or alternatively, very long-lived possibly providing decay signatures [2] .

Dark Matter (DM) is the most abundant component of matter in the Universe according to the current concordance cosmological model dubbed ΛCDM, making up to 85% of the total matter content.

This can be protected by a symmetry, and therefore stable and self-annihilating, or alternatively, very long-lived possibly providing decay signatures.


Previous studies on 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro revealed that I. batatas extract suppressed the inflammatory conditions [17] . The antioxidant glycosides and anthocyanin constituents present in I. batatas were also reported to exhibit antiinflammatory effects [18] [19] [20] . Based on the published reports, in our study we evaluated IBE extract for its anti neuro-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells.

Previous studies on 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro revealed that I. batatas extract suppressed the inflammatory conditions.

The antioxidant glycosides and anthocyanin constituents present in I. batatas were also reported to exhibit antiinflammatory effects.


Microglia cells are immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that able to produce several inflammatory mediators in response to stressors. Activated microglia play a critical role in the neuroinflammatory processes by releasing toxic mediators including nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and free radicals [1] . Activated microglia and the released inflammatory mediators may lead to several neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease [2, 3] . It is well known that microglia can be activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and is recognized to be a useful in vitro tool for studying neuroinflammatory mechanisms [4] . LPSactivated BV-2 microglia cells enhance the production of immune-related cytotoxic factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines [4, 5] . Thus, the control of microglial activation has been suggested as a promising therapeutic target in combating neuroinflammatory-mediated neurodegenerative diseases.

Activated microglia play a critical role in the neuroinflammatory processes by releasing toxic mediators including nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and free radicals.

Activated microglia and the released inflammatory mediators may lead to several neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease.

It is well known that microglia can be activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and is recognized to be a useful in vitro tool for studying neuroinflammatory mechanisms.

LPSactivated BV-2 microglia cells enhance the production of immune-related cytotoxic factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines.


In Indonesian context, national education goals stated that students should be able to improve their knowledge and attitudes. They also should have comparative advantages and competitive advantages in facing the era of globalization. Teacher as an educator in this regard should be able to apply a model that can integrate high curiosity character (exploratory), creative, critical thinking, potential opportunities, self-efficacy of students. It is also needed to integrate the attitudes of the students such as: honest, responsible for duties, cooperative, discipline, hard working, able to organize themselves, cooperate with others and reflection to achieve the goal (self-regulatory), as mandated by the Law no. 20 of 2003 on National Education System (Education Law) Article 3. Therefore it is needed to implement multiple intelligences profile of students due to improving learning activities in the classroom that may meet the national education goals (Hasan, 2010) .

Therefore it is needed to implement multiple intelligences profile of students due to improving learning activities in the classroom that may meet the national education goals.


Encouraged by governmental policies and decreasing costs, worldwide solar power generation has increased by a factor of 32 from (6,154 GWh) to 2014 (IRENA, 2016) . In 2014, a capacity of nearly 40 GWp was present in Germany alone (IRENA, 2016) . Like other renewable sources of energy, solar power exhibits high temporal variabilities, posing challenges for electrical grids with high penetrations of renewable power (Lipperheide et al., 2015) .

Encouraged by governmental policies and decreasing costs, worldwide solar power generation has increased by a factor of 32 from (6,154 GWh) to 2014.

In 2014, a capacity of nearly 40 GWp was present in Germany alone.

Like other renewable sources of energy, solar power exhibits high temporal variabilities, posing challenges for electrical grids with high penetrations of renewable power.


For some tasks this problem can be greatly reduced by adding human preference as an optimization objective. This is particularly true for robot behavior optimization, because humans have good intuition about legged locomotion and are able to visually determine that search has become trapped on a local optimum (Bongard et al. (2012) ). The major problem with these methods, however, is the quantity of preferences required from the user, which is often so demanding that it makes the algorithm too labor-intensive to be practical.

This is particularly true for robot behavior optimization, because humans have good intuition about legged locomotion and are able to visually determine that search has become trapped on a local optimum).


Insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a small molecular weight hormone. It is formed of 70 amino acids, and unlike other peptides, 99% of IGF-1 is protein bound. Since the biochemical structure of IGF-1 is similar to that of the insulin receptor, the free IGF-1 possesses a high affinity to bind with IGF-1 receptor compared to that of insulin receptor, inducing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis (Abdel-Wahab et al., 2015) .

Since the biochemical structure of IGF-1 is similar to that of the insulin receptor, the free IGF-1 possesses a high affinity to bind with IGF-1 receptor compared to that of insulin receptor, inducing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.


Experimental modal analysis has been shown to be an effective means of studying of structural dynamic characteristics. The mobility measurement is essential to obtain a set of frequency response functions (FRFs). Either the shaker or impact hammer is conventionally used as the excitor, while the accelerometer serves as the response measurement device [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . A scanning laser Doppler vibrometer can also be applied for non-contact measurement and has been shown to be effective to obtain modal properties, such as natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios [7, 8] .

Either the shaker or impact hammer is conventionally used as the excitor, while the accelerometer serves as the response measurement device.

A scanning laser Doppler vibrometer can also be applied for non-contact measurement and has been shown to be effective to obtain modal properties, such as natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios.


Semantic ambiguity of tags is being investigated in the literature. There are approaches that attempt to identify the actual meaning of a tag by linking it with structured knowledge bases [2, 5, 16] . These approaches, however, rely on the availability of external knowledge resources, and so far are preliminary and have not been applied to personalisation and recommendation.

There are approaches that attempt to identify the actual meaning of a tag by linking it with structured knowledge bases.


Also related is Bhaskaran Raman's work on channel allocation (Raman, 2006) . The paper uses bipartite graph to represent the traffic fraction between a pair of nodes. The traffic fraction from a given node to another is defined as f , and then the traffic fraction in the opposite direction is 1 − f . The objective of the algorithm is to minimize the mismatch, that is, to minimize the difference between the desired match fraction DF and the achieved fraction AF. The graph coloring method is used to achieve the objective. The similarity with our work is that we both use the bipartite graph. However, the objectives and approaches are different. Raman's work mainly uses the bipartite graph to present the relationship of the two traffic fractions in opposite directions, while we use the augmenting path algorithms based on the bipartite graph for channel assignment.

Also related is Bhaskaran Raman's work on channel allocation.


Multimorbidity is defined as the presence or co-occurrence of two or more illnesses in a single individual (van den Akker, Buntinx, Metsemakers, Roos, & Knottnerus, 1998) . A small but growing body of epidemiological research has focused specifically on multimorbidity, but typically only describes the average number of conditions, or the proportion of a population with a certain number of conditions (van den Akker, Buntinx, Roos, Knottnerus, 2001) . A small number of studies on multimorbidity report prevalence rates ranging from 3.6% to over 50% in various populations (van den Akker et al., 1998) . The reason for the widely varying rates is that most of the existing research has focused on a limited number of diseases in restricted populations such as the elderly.

Multimorbidity is defined as the presence or co-occurrence of two or more illnesses in a single individual.

A small but growing body of epidemiological research has focused specifically on multimorbidity, but typically only describes the average number of conditions, or the proportion of a population with a certain number of conditions.

A small number of studies on multimorbidity report prevalence rates ranging from 3.6% to over 50% in various populations.


In 2002, the then UN-secretary general Koffi Annan perceived that it will be very difficult to achieve the MDGs in sub-Saharan Africa countries by 2015. He then set up a committee which was headed by Jeffrey Sachs, the Secretary-General's Special Advisor on the MDGs. The outcome of the report tendered by the committee gave birth to the Millennium Village Project (MVP) initiative. The project was to address developmental issues in Africa countries; bring out projects which are replicable, scalable and sustainable to the poorest poor of the rural inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa. MVP was designed as a practical proof of concept to demonstrate MDGs in time-bound fashion in African rural areas. Millennium village initiative aims to spark local economic development in fourteen village clusters across Africa and show that people in the poorest regions of rural Africa can lift themselves out of extreme poverty after fifth year of intervention [8] . Specifically, MVP is a partnership initiative designed to identify and scale-up solutions to the challenge of integrated rural development [9] .

Millennium village initiative aims to spark local economic development in fourteen village clusters across Africa and show that people in the poorest regions of rural Africa can lift themselves out of extreme poverty after fifth year of intervention.

Specifically, MVP is a partnership initiative designed to identify and scale-up solutions to the challenge of integrated rural development.


Donor attitude to sustainability 31 19 community and local government in the related activities [28] [29] . The poor economic base of the clusters had discouraged some community members from attending the training on the basis of the fact that they were not ready to compromise the time for their main economic activity thereby missing the process of skill acquisition that suppossed to confer on them a level of control over the operation and maintenance of the water project. Based on the fact that the village clusters represent high incidences of rural poverty and hunger, the members result into the use of selp-help approach to contribute to the implementation of the MVP. This implies that their financial incapability will to a large extent affect the maintenance of the water source points and by extension inhibits the sustainability of the water and sanitation projects.

Donor attitude to sustainability 31 19 community and local government in the related activities.


Sustainable Land Management (SLM) is defined as a knowledge-based procedure that helps integrate land, water, biodiversity and environmental management to meet rising food and fiber demands while sustaining ecosystem services and livelihoods. SLM involves preserving and enhancing the productive capabilities of land in cropped and grazed areas that is, upland areas, downslope areas and flat and bottom lands; sustaining productive forest areas and potentially commercial and noncommercial forest reserves and maintaining the integrity of watersheds for water supply and water conservation zones and the capability of aquifers to serve farm and other productive activities. SLM is necessary to meet the requirements of a growing population. Improper land management can lead to land degradation and a significant reduction in the productive and service functions of watersheds and landscapes [18] . Furthermore, the purpose of Sustainable Water Management (SWM) is simply to manage our water resources while taking into account the needs of present and future users. It attempts to deal with water in a holistic fashion, taking into account the various sectors affecting water use, including political, economic, social, technological and environmental considerations [3] . In constitutional law of Islamic Republic of Iran, principle has been mentioned that emphasizes on environment and natural resources conservation, so in the second and third five-year socio-economic development plans have been emphasized on sustainable agriculture through water and land management [7] . Hence, the National Action Plan for Sustainable Management of Land and Water Resources (NAP-SMLWR) was initiated as a joint program of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1997. Its purpose was to contribute to a better understanding of the problems associated with the sustainable management of the country's land and water resources, by using the 1.2 million hectare hydrological basin of the Hable-Rud watershed as a pilot study area. The aim of the original program was to develop appropriate methods, technologies and tools for overcoming: (i) the continuing degradation of land and water resources, (ii) limited community participation in decision-making, (iii) a lack of holistic and integrated approaches to development programming, (iv) institutional and human resource weaknesses and (v) unsustainable planning and management of the resources [17] . This program is one of the solutions of integrated rural development that its basis is community-based approaches [13] . Experiences of countries that have implemented land and water management indicate that conservation and development of these resources are possible through public participation. Whereas in Iran, one of the essential challenges in rural development is sustained and organized participation of people in monitoring and managing natural resources; therefore understanding approaches, process and contexts of participation are necessary and can ensure succeed of projects of water and land management and other rural development projects [7] . One of the subjects that help us for understanding mentioned matters is recognition of factors influencing participation. This matter can be important and necessary for continuing process of participatory projects such as phase II of Hable-Rud plan.

Improper land management can lead to land degradation and a significant reduction in the productive and service functions of watersheds and landscapes.

It attempts to deal with water in a holistic fashion, taking into account the various sectors affecting water use, including political, economic, social, technological and environmental considerations.

In constitutional law of Islamic Republic of Iran, principle has been mentioned that emphasizes on environment and natural resources conservation, so in the second and third five-year socio-economic development plans have been emphasized on sustainable agriculture through water and land management.

The aim of the original program was to develop appropriate methods, technologies and tools for overcoming: (i) the continuing degradation of land and water resources, (ii) limited community participation in decision-making, (iii) a lack of holistic and integrated approaches to development programming, (iv) institutional and human resource weaknesses and (v) unsustainable planning and management of the resources.

This program is one of the solutions of integrated rural development that its basis is community-based approaches.

Whereas in Iran, one of the essential challenges in rural development is sustained and organized participation of people in monitoring and managing natural resources; therefore understanding approaches, process and contexts of participation are necessary and can ensure succeed of projects of water and land management and other rural development projects.


In situations where a raft foundation alone does not satisfy the design requirements, it may be possible to enhance the performance of a raft by adding piles, producing what is called a piled raft [1] [2] [3] . In seismically active zones, if the piles are structurally connected to the raft, high lateral shear forces and moments may develop at the connection between the piles and raft due to cyclic or dynamic horizontal loads. Meanwhile, the bearing capacity of the pile may be governed by their structural capacity rather than by their geotechnical capacity.

In situations where a raft foundation alone does not satisfy the design requirements, it may be possible to enhance the performance of a raft by adding piles, producing what is called a piled raft.


The left-hand side can be interpreted as the generating function for partitions with a gap ≥ 2 between two successive parts, and the right-hand side as the generating function for partitions into parts ≡ 1, 4 (mod 5). Rogers-Ramanujan identities have been proved via various methods. Among them, one of the most elementary and beautiful is a proof by Andrews which uses recurrence relations of q-binomial coefficients [2, 3] . Motivated by this proof, we find a Rogers-Ramanujan type identity for overpartitions. Before stating the result, we define three partition functions. Let A(n) be the number of overpartitions λ 1 + · · · + λ ℓ of n satisfying the following gap conditions.

Among them, one of the most elementary and beautiful is a proof by Andrews which uses recurrence relations of q-binomial coefficients.


Stressful situations cause an increase in the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (Vandenborne et al., 2005) . Glucocorticoids (corticosterone in rats and poultry) are the end product of HPA axis activity and exert feedback effects at the pituitary level and in the hypothalamus (Sato et al., 1975) . Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is the major feedback target of glucocorticoids at the hypothalamic level (Kretz et al., 1999) .

Stressful situations cause an increase in the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Glucocorticoids (corticosterone in rats and poultry) are the end product of HPA axis activity and exert feedback effects at the pituitary level and in the hypothalamus.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is the major feedback target of glucocorticoids at the hypothalamic level.


Since SIEs initiate their own travel, they are more motivated to learn about the new culture at a faster pace. The learning process of SIEs is also anticipated to be much easier which allows a better adjustment as explained in the Social Learning Theory (SLT). The theory advocates that in ensuring a successful expatriation, expatriates need the enthusiasm to learn and initiate positive behaviors (Bandura, 1977) . It is therefore, crucial for SIEs to communicate and interact effectively with the people of the host country during the course of learning and acquiring local knowledge as the response from the locals can provide support to acquire the information on what is appropriate or otherwise.

The theory advocates that in ensuring a successful expatriation, expatriates need the enthusiasm to learn and initiate positive behaviors.


Detection of change in land cover requires multi-temporal assessments of land cover data. It has been common practice to analyze the difference between two scene dates to document change. However, time series approaches are increasingly common [22, 23] . The Landsat multispectral data acquisition program, including Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) and Operational Land Imager (OLI), provides free, relatively high-resolution remotely sensed data from 1984 to the present that are widely used to study land cover change and disturbance at both regional and global scales.

However, time series approaches are increasingly common.


There are several strands of analysis that relate to our study. First, the value creation of a high-tech product, like smartphone, can be analyzed from innovation value chain vantage point (Roper et al., 2008) . The basic idea is that the capability to manage and utilize previously produced knowledge determinates to a large extent the company's ability to capture higher amounts of value from their products and services. This implies that value capture is increasingly dependent on intangibles also in the case of manufactures. Our analysis shows that this is, indeed, the case.

First, the value creation of a high-tech product, like smartphone, can be analyzed from innovation value chain vantage point.


The modular double of the quantum plane also naturally arises in this setting. The representation of B q on H = L 2 (R) only becomes algebraically irreducible when we consider also its modular double B q q , so that it generates a von Neumann algebra of Type I factor, while representation of B q itself generates Type II 1 factor which is more exotic [3] . Therefore what we are considering in this paper should be viewed as restriction of the representation on H to B q ⊂ B q q , especially useful in studying the classical limit. On the other hand, in the dual picture, quite interestingly the modular double elements are also involved in the definition of C ∞ (A q ) due to the analytic properties of the Mellin transform, see Remark 6.3.

The representation of B q on H = L 2 (R) only becomes algebraically irreducible when we consider also its modular double B q q , so that it generates a von Neumann algebra of Type I factor, while representation of B q itself generates Type II 1 factor which is more exotic.


The ax + b group is the group of affine transformations on the real line R. Together with the three dimensional Heisenberg group they can be viewed as the simplest examples of non-abelian non-compact Lie group. Various difficulties in studying higher dimensional non-compact Lie group are reflected in these simple examples. For example, in the ax + b group, the unitary irreducible representations are now infinite dimensional, and the Mellin trans-form is used to "diagonalize" the representation. The matrix coefficients in this case are realized as integral transformations, which can be viewed as the matrix elements with respect to a continuous basis of the representation space. These matrix elements are expressed in terms of the gamma function Γ(x). We will see that in the quantum picture, its q-analogue, the q-gamma function Γ q (x), is closely related to the important quantum dilogarithm function G b (x). Furthermore, to deal with non-compactness, there is a need to introduce the language of multiplier C * algebra to define a natural coproduct on the algebra of continuous functions vanishing at infinity, and also to construct the non-compact Haar measure [26] . Motivating from this, in the quantum picture we must deal with unbounded operators, and the theory of functional calculus for self-adjoint operators will be the main technical tool.

Furthermore, to deal with non-compactness, there is a need to introduce the language of multiplier C * algebra to define a natural coproduct on the algebra of continuous functions vanishing at infinity, and also to construct the non-compact Haar measure.


MnO 2 is a potentially interesting electroactive electrode material for electrolytic supercapacitors due to its low cost, natural abundance, low level of toxicity for humans, intrinsically high capacity in mild aqueous electrolytes and environmental compatibility [11] . Nevertheless, MnO 2 has limitations such as low surface areas, poor electrical conductivity, and poor cycling performance [11] . A variety of MnO 2 morphologies such as nanoparticles, flowerlike structure, spheres, nanorods, nanotubes have been achieved [11, 20] . Additionally, different crystallographic phases (such as α, β, γ, ε, δ) have all been reported [21] . Carbon-based supercapacitors also show low charge storage capacity due to the limited electrolyte ions adsorption and desorption on the surface of the carbon [20] . To address this issue and improve the electrochemical performance of carbon based materials to meet the demands for high-performance supercapacitors, intensive research efforts and effective strategy are being focused towards optimization of its electrochemical performance through incorporation of several TMOs with the different carbon materials with controlled micro/nanostructures to improve on the performance of the supercapacitors. The understanding of the synergistic effect, the design of integrated materials network architecture in which each component's properties play important role still needs to be optimized and a fast ion and electron transfer which guarantee efficient electrochemical performance still remains a great challenge.

MnO 2 is a potentially interesting electroactive electrode material for electrolytic supercapacitors due to its low cost, natural abundance, low level of toxicity for humans, intrinsically high capacity in mild aqueous electrolytes and environmental compatibility.

Nevertheless, MnO 2 has limitations such as low surface areas, poor electrical conductivity, and poor cycling performance.

A variety of MnO 2 morphologies such as nanoparticles, flowerlike structure, spheres, nanorods, nanotubes have been achieved.

Additionally, different crystallographic phases (such as α, β, γ, ε, δ) have all been reported.

Carbon-based supercapacitors also show low charge storage capacity due to the limited electrolyte ions adsorption and desorption on the surface of the carbon.


Recently, three dimensional porous carbons (e.g. micro, meso and macroporous) have become attractive and it has inspired efforts to develop hybrids based on the incorporation of TMOs (such as MnO 2 ) into 3D porous network architecture which could be a promising method for enhancing its capacity of the composite materials [22] [23] [24] . Such hybrids material combined the merits of the double layer capacitance of the porous carbon and pseudocapacitance properties of MnO 2 materials which contribute to the total electrochemical capacitance value of the hybrid electrode material. Various composite materials based on conductive carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), activated carbon (AC) or graphene with nanostructured MnO 2 have been widely studied [25] [26] [27] . Under different synthesis modes, various shapes and morphology of MnO 2 nanostructures can be anchored on the given substrate (carbon).

Recently, three dimensional porous carbons (e.g. micro, meso and macroporous) have become attractive and it has inspired efforts to develop hybrids based on the incorporation of TMOs (such as MnO 2 ) into 3D porous network architecture which could be a promising method for enhancing its capacity of the composite materials.

Various composite materials based on conductive carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), activated carbon (AC) or graphene with nanostructured MnO 2 have been widely studied.


One possible mechanism involved in the inhibitory effect of metformin on cardiac hypertrophy may be the attenuation of oxidative stress. This notion is supported by the fact that metformin presently reduced isoproterenol-induced increased nitrotyrosine level. Isoproterenol increases inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), leading greater amounts of nitric oxide (NO) compared to other types of NOS, and is induced under various pathologic conditions [30, 31] . NO can be transformed in a reaction with superoxide free radical (O2 − ) to form peroxynitrite (ONOO − ) [32] . Peroxynitrite can nitrate proteins, which can lead to protein dysfunction [32] . One of the few identified nitrated protein is nitrotyrosine, which is a marker of peroxynitrite production and nitrosative stress [33] . In agreement with our result, hypertrophied heart shows increased nitrotyrosine levels and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy is accompanied with reduced oxidative stress including an attenuated nitrotyrosine level [34, 35] . Moreover, isoproterenol presently increased antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 1, which was normalized by metformin. We speculated that the antioxidant enzyme is increased to protect the heart from hypertrophy and that metformin treatment reduces hypertrophy, which leads to normalization of the antioxidant enzyme.

Isoproterenol increases inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), leading greater amounts of nitric oxide (NO) compared to other types of NOS, and is induced under various pathologic conditions.

NO can be transformed in a reaction with superoxide free radical (O2 − ) to form peroxynitrite (ONOO − ).

Peroxynitrite can nitrate proteins, which can lead to protein dysfunction.

One of the few identified nitrated protein is nitrotyrosine, which is a marker of peroxynitrite production and nitrosative stress.

In agreement with our result, hypertrophied heart shows increased nitrotyrosine levels and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy is accompanied with reduced oxidative stress including an attenuated nitrotyrosine level.


The correlation design is used to check the relation between two or more than two variables (Lucy, 1996) . Purposive sampling is done by collecting Primary data. Questionnaires using Likert scale were used to collect the data of 290 respondents of QMobile. The statistical techniques used to execute the results of this research were Regression and Factor Analysis. Firstly, Factor Analysis was applied which is a data reduction technique. The data collected through different questionnaires was passed through the process of Factor Analysis in which all attributes of any data consisting of similar properties are reduced to one factor. Next, the technique of regression analysis is used for this research, which is a dependence technique. It explains the change, which occurs in a dependent variable due to some change in one or multiple independent variables.

The correlation design is used to check the relation between two or more than two variables.


Research is defined as a method of finding the answers of different queries in a systematic way using the information found through various sources. Through research, one cannot only find a problem's solution but the study can also have a better understanding of the proposed idea (Neuman, 1997) . When the research is focused then there are mainly two types of research approaches namely quantitative and qualitative approach. This study is following the quantitative approach of research in which relationships of various hypotheses are tested with the help of different statistical techniques. The quantitative approach is also called hypothetic-deductive approach in which a theory is tested (Sarangi, 2010) . It has many applications in a variety of fields. An example in relation to quantitative research is to find out the factors that affect the brand equity of Nike in Pakistan. The quantitative research is also related to another classification of research, explanatory research that is discussed as follows.

Through research, one cannot only find a problem's solution but the study can also have a better understanding of the proposed idea.

The quantitative approach is also called hypothetic-deductive approach in which a theory is tested.


Many researchers have explained the concept of brand equity in numerous ways using various variables. The concept of brand equity is a usual concept when it comes to be explored conduct a study or research on this marketing term. Whether we talk about goods or services, all the studies done in the past on brand equity show that the better a brand's equity is, the more are the chances of profit in a business. Factors that affect brand equity the most are; perceived quality, brand image, brand awareness and association and brand loyalty. Apart from this, many studies have also declared the two common variables, brand awareness and brand association as two different variables; however, in past they were considered to be the same concepts of awareness and association (Ahmad & Butt, 2012) .

Apart from this, many studies have also declared the two common variables, brand awareness and brand association as two different variables; however, in past they were considered to be the same concepts of awareness and association.


HIV coinfection was also independently inversely related to cluster size. This finding is not intuitive, as previous research has found that HIV infection increases the risk of belonging to a cluster of tuberculosis cases [3, 6, 7, 17, 24] . But that research is focused on whether or not a case patient is clustered, rather than on the size of the cluster. The present data may refine our understanding of tuberculosis clustering and HIV infection: HIV-infected patients are more likely to belong to clusters, but as cluster size increases, the proportion of HIVinfected persons decreases. This finding, however, must be interpreted with caution and should be confirmed in other studies, because it emerged only on multivariate analysis.

This finding is not intuitive, as previous research has found that HIV infection increases the risk of belonging to a cluster of tuberculosis cases.


Recent studies show that nickel can be dispersed on the biomass at a nanometer scale, similar to the dispersion on the conventional support materials [6] [7] . If the nickel-loaded biomass is gasified, the contacts between biomass volatiles and the active catalytic sites can be improved significantly. Nickel sites are available immediately for contact with the nascent volatiles upon biomass decomposition without the complicated intra-particle mass transfer barriers (usually associated with other supported nickel catalysts). The attachment of nickel directly to the biomass simplifies the catalyst preparation steps and completely eliminates the need of catalyst support to result in the lower capital/operating costs and environmental impacts. The Ni-containing char remaining as a residue in the gasifier can be reutilised as a catalyst by either mixing with feed biomass or used in the secondary catalytic tar reduction process.

Recent studies show that nickel can be dispersed on the biomass at a nanometer scale, similar to the dispersion on the conventional support materials.


Majority of commercial nickel catalysts are supported by porous catalyst supports (e.g. SiO2, Al2O3, and MgO) in order to provide wide surface area for dispersion of active phase so as to increase the catalyst activity and stability [3] . There are, however, some drawbacks with the use of the traditional Ni-supported catalysts. The cost of support materials and the complicated methods of production add substantially to the cost of commercial nickel catalysts. During the gasification, only nickel particles at the exterior of support are available for contact with hydrocarbon vapour. The polymerisation of hydrocarbon vapour, leading to carbon deposition inside the rigid porous structure of the supported-catalyst, blocks the access of biomass volatiles and gasifying agent to the catalytic active sites in the interior of catalyst particles, causing an inefficient use of the catalyst as well as leading to shortened catalyst life time.

Majority of commercial nickel catalysts are supported by porous catalyst supports (e.g. SiO2, Al2O3, and MgO) in order to provide wide surface area for dispersion of active phase so as to increase the catalyst activity and stability.


In 2006, the Autism Council of Australia reported that 1 in 160 children in Australia are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1] . ASDs are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction and a pattern of restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped interests and behaviors. Associated symptoms include anxiety, irritability, aggression, and self-injury. The fifth and most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) aggregates the former Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Text Revision Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) conditions of autism disorder, Asperger's disorder and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) into one ASD in recognition of the continuum of severity seen with the condition [2] .

In 2006, the Autism Council of Australia reported that 1 in 160 children in Australia are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The fifth and most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) aggregates the former Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Text Revision Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) conditions of autism disorder, Asperger's disorder and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) into one ASD in recognition of the continuum of severity seen with the condition.


Numerous engineering applications involve an interaction between a gas flowing adjacent to a moving liquid. This interaction has been investigated extensively due to its application in the petroleum, chemical and nuclear industries as well as in geophysical and environmental sciences (Banerjee, 2007) . Despite the efforts in this area of research, there remains an incomplete understanding of turbulent gas motion near a liquid interface. This arises from difficulties in experimentally measuring or numerically simulating velocity fields in the vicinity of moving surfaces, and is further complicated by the turbulent nature of the flow in most applications of practical interest. The investigation of this flow (concurrent gas-liquid flow) is considerably complicated by the two-phase boundary condition. In this study, we test how well a simplified Poiseuille-Coutte flow can be used to act as a proxy for the real two-phase flow, and in doing so, clarify aspects of the underlying physics.

This interaction has been investigated extensively due to its application in the petroleum, chemical and nuclear industries as well as in geophysical and environmental sciences.


Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world [1] . Metastatic CRC (mCRC) is associated with a particularly poor prognosis. Despite progress in cytotoxic chemotherapy during past decade, the five year survival rate for mCRC remains below 10 % [2] . There have been recent and rapid advances in the development of agents targeted against components of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling cascades for use in cancer-therapy. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), referred to as cetuximab, is a product of this movement, and has been implemented to treat selected mCRC patients.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world.

Despite progress in cytotoxic chemotherapy during past decade, the five year survival rate for mCRC remains below 10 %.


Recently, the Planck satellite mission reported tight constraints on primordial non-Gaussianity from measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) [1] . They find the amplitude of the local, equliateral and orthogonal type bispectrum to be f local NL = 2.7 ± 5.8, f equil NL = −42 ± 75, and f ortho NL = −25 ± 39 respectively at 1σ level. While these results show that the primordial fluctuations were remarkably Gaussian, they still leave room for interesting signatures of primordial physics to be found in statistics beyond the power spectrum: minimal, single field models predict non-Gaussianity that is about two orders of magnitude below these constraints. Non-Gaussianity is such an informative tool for inflationary physics that it is crucial to push observational bounds as far as possible. A number of forecasts have shown that the use of clustering data from future large scale structure surveys can constrain f local NL with σ(f NL ) ≈ (1 − 10) [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . In addition, the galaxy bispectrum is a promising way to probe many shapes to the f NL ∼ O(1 − 10) level [8] [9] [10] . The constraints from large scale structure (LSS) -whether consistent with the CMB measurements or in tension -will provide interesting and useful complementary results.

Recently, the Planck satellite mission reported tight constraints on primordial non-Gaussianity from measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB).

A number of forecasts have shown that the use of clustering data from future large scale structure surveys can constrain f local NL with σ(f NL ) ≈ (1 − 10).

In addition, the galaxy bispectrum is a promising way to probe many shapes to the f NL ∼ O(1 − 10) level.


Since lung is the second most common site for tumor metastasis after the liver and 20-54% of oncologic patients will have a pulmonary metastasis diagnosed at some point in the natural history of their disease, some form of surveillance of the lungs is recommended [4] . Computed tomography, with the addition of maximum intensity images (MIP), is an excellent surveillance modality [5] . This should be the initial means for routine follow-up of the lung for patients that are at risk for developing metastases. If the CT shows pulmonary nodules, FDG-PET may be used to identify extrathoracic disease with the caveat that the interpretation of FDG-PET negative pulmonary nodules should be made cautiously. Pulmonary metastasectomy is a standard therapeutic procedure in carefully selected patients with metastasis to the lung. Survival rates with resection are far better than expected after chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone [6] . Complete pulmonary resection has been shown to improve long-term survival with actuarial survival at 5 years of 30% to 50% for various types of tumors. This is in striking contrast to patients who have an incomplete resection where survivals figures are 0-13% at 5 years. To find and remove all pulmonary metastases is therefore important, thus relying on FDG-PET with its low sensitivity is not an adequate exam to detect all pulmonary nodules, when resection for cure is being considered. Survival after pulmonary metastasectomy is also influenced by factors other than completeness of resection. Shorter disease free interval (DFI), increasing number of metastatic nodules, and positive lymph nodes at the time of resection have all been shown to worsen overall prognosis [6] [7] [8] .

Since lung is the second most common site for tumor metastasis after the liver and 20-54% of oncologic patients will have a pulmonary metastasis diagnosed at some point in the natural history of their disease, some form of surveillance of the lungs is recommended.

Computed tomography, with the addition of maximum intensity images (MIP), is an excellent surveillance modality.

Survival rates with resection are far better than expected after chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone.

Shorter disease free interval (DFI), increasing number of metastatic nodules, and positive lymph nodes at the time of resection have all been shown to worsen overall prognosis.


Spacetime singularities are formed at the end of gravitational collapse. At the singularities, the curvatures of spacetime tend to diverge and all laws of physics break down. To avoid destructions caused by singularities, Penrose put forward the weak cosmic censorship conjecture (WCCC) where naked singularities cannot be formed in a real physical process from regular initial conditions [1] . This conjecture shows that singularities are hidden behind event horizons of black holes and can not be observed by distant observers. Although its rationality is widely accepted, there is still a lack of complete proof, and people's interest is focused on the test of its validity.

To avoid destructions caused by singularities, Penrose put forward the weak cosmic censorship conjecture (WCCC) where naked singularities cannot be formed in a real physical process from regular initial conditions.


Another interest comes indirectly from models which are indexed by random graphs. Often one considers random graphs which may contain loops but which at least locally look like trees with large probability [11] , [12] , [13] , [23] , [33] . If one wants to understand those models on graphs one needs a safe understanding of the tree model first.

Often one considers random graphs which may contain loops but which at least locally look like trees with large probability.


Designing electronic catalog management system (ECMS) is complicated by a number of factors. Presenting product information, designing classification system, search and navigation aspects of these systems, diagnosing class of one product and customization or recommendation system are challenges for ECMS. Cui discussed the requirements and issues in catalog management system and the limitations of currently available solutions [6] . He believes that heterogeneity at the system, syntax, structural and semantic level increase the time and cost of catalog publication. He has developed a shared ontology using the terms from UNSPSC (United Nations Standard Products and Services Code). Each company imports this shared ontology and customizes it to cover its needs. This approach focuses specially on semantics and does not consider other catalog capabilities such as searching and customization. Using UNSPSC as a shared ontology is another problem because not all of the companies may accept this classification system.

Cui discussed the requirements and issues in catalog management system and the limitations of currently available solutions.


Two approaches have been developed to realize the collaborative filtering-based systems. The first approach, refereed to as user-based, relies on the fact that each person belongs to a larger group of similarly behaving individuals. As a result, the items frequently purchased by various members of the group can be used to form the basis for recommended items [22, 23, and 24] . The second approach, known as model-based, analyzes historical information to identify relations between different items, e.g., the purchase of an item often leads to the purchase of another item, and then uses theses relations to determine the recommended items. User-based collaborative filtering approaches tend to produce systems that lead to higher quality recommendations in comparison with model-based schema [25] . But the complexity of computing each recommendation grows linearly with the number of users and items. These systems also have "new item" problem which means that new items will not be recommended until they are bought or visited by other customers.

User-based collaborative filtering approaches tend to produce systems that lead to higher quality recommendations in comparison with model-based schema.


However, researches have shown that searching products on Internet is a difficult process [1] . Customers find their requirements with some difficulty and in most cases they give up their product searching. Consequently, e-catalogs cannot fulfill their duty successfully. One of the factors for this lack of success is the existence of unstructured product information and huge bulk of this information with no search tool. Most companies believe that the existence of more information such as multimedia product information will help to attract more customers, but it is mostly confusing to the customers. Therefore, in order to make use of the maximum potential of markets, providing a comprehensive approach to the organization and presentation of product information is necessary.

However, researches have shown that searching products on Internet is a difficult process.


A consensus emerging in the literature indicates that mortality and morbidity alone may not be adequate for assessing outcome after surgery [31] [32] [33] . Outcome involving HRQOL is patient focused and denotes interest in the patient's perspectives in evaluating health status. In the present study, HRQOL was evaluated 6 months after ICU discharge. The time for assessing HRQOL in follow-up patients was chosen to minimize drop-outs and took account of previous studies suggesting that health problems leading to ICU admission after 6 months are due to chronic underlying conditions, or to new and unrelated health problems commonly encountered in an elderly population [34, 35] .

A consensus emerging in the literature indicates that mortality and morbidity alone may not be adequate for assessing outcome after surgery.

The time for assessing HRQOL in follow-up patients was chosen to minimize drop-outs and took account of previous studies suggesting that health problems leading to ICU admission after 6 months are due to chronic underlying conditions, or to new and unrelated health problems commonly encountered in an elderly population.


The aim of this study was to examine visual preference and intention to engage in recreation activities in different forest settings among those with a higher expertise in relation to forest issues as compared to more novice individuals. This scene preference study was conducted in Sweden, where the right of public access is very generous, allowing the public to visit forests for various activities [17] . We examined five recreation activities, which are typically included in the Swedish general public's rights in forests: walking, going on outings (e.g., picnic), exercising, picking berries or mushrooms, and studying plants and animals. Some of these activities, such as walking in the forest, are very common in Sweden whereas fewer people study plants and animals [18] . More specifically, this preference study measured factors that could influence preference and intention to visit forests: landscape components including traces of forest recreation, forest management, and level of biodiversity; as well as individual characteristics, such as the level of experience in a forest setting. Landscape preference is commonly examined by utilizing different types of visual stimuli, such as photos, manipulated images, or observations in the field [15, 19, 20] . Notably, the advantages of using visual research methods have also been noted in recreational research [21] .

This scene preference study was conducted in Sweden, where the right of public access is very generous, allowing the public to visit forests for various activities.

Some of these activities, such as walking in the forest, are very common in Sweden whereas fewer people study plants and animals.

Landscape preference is commonly examined by utilizing different types of visual stimuli, such as photos, manipulated images, or observations in the field.

Notably, the advantages of using visual research methods have also been noted in recreational research.


Forests hold a multitude of values. For example, the economic value of the production of timber and biomass is important not only from forest owners' perspective, but also for employment, trade, and the national economy. Forests are also important for environmental reasons such as biodiversity, the protection of plants and animals, and as a carbon sink. More recently, the social values have been highlighted, and the importance of forests for recreation, restoration and experiencing nature are recognized. A range of different leisure activities occur in a forest setting, for example: walking, running, riding, biking, going on outings, and picking berries and mushrooms, but also hunting, fishing in streams, and camping [1] [2] [3] . Spending time in natural environments such as forests positively influences humans' mental and physical health [4] .

Forests hold a multitude of values.

A range of different leisure activities occur in a forest setting, for example: walking, running, riding, biking, going on outings, and picking berries and mushrooms, but also hunting, fishing in streams, and camping.

Spending time in natural environments such as forests positively influences humans' mental and physical health.


While we have focused on EUV ionizing radiation (λ < 912Ȧ), far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation (λ > 912Ȧ) can also play an important role in evaporating protoplanetary disks (Johnstone et al. 1998) . The four luminous Trapezium stars provide the EUV and FUV photons which bathe the protostars in the Orion Nebula cluster. FUV radiation will aid in the removal of gaseous envelopes from the proto-ice giants.

While we have focused on EUV ionizing radiation (λ < 912Ȧ), far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation (λ > 912Ȧ) can also play an important role in evaporating protoplanetary disks.


The results tabulated in Table 3 show the optimal intermediate concentrations for each set of two consecutive CSTR's with given inlet and outlet concentrations. Equation (14) was used instead of Equation (13) in the calculation of 3.14the normalized substrate concentrations under the segregation assumption because it is numerically much more stable. The range of conversions presented corresponds to the ratios usually found in industrial practice. As expected, larger values for K* and/or higher conversions give rise to greater Damkiihler numbers. Important to note is the fact that the intermediate optimal concentrations under the complete segregation assumption depend on parameter K* although the same does not hold for the complete micromixing model (Luyben and Tramper, 1982) . The optimal intermediate concentrations when K* tends to infinity approach the concentrations given by Equation (3), and the values for the intermediate Damkohler numbers agree with the result denoted as Equation (30). When K* approaches zero, the asymptotic zero order behavior leading to Equation (3 1) is approximatively satisfied as expected.

Important to note is the fact that the intermediate optimal concentrations under the complete segregation assumption depend on parameter K* although the same does not hold for the complete micromixing model.


The perturbation theory of resonant cavities was first proposed by Bethe and Schwinger [16] . The method is more accurate than the other two techniques (the free-space technique and transmission measurement technique) and has been widely used to study the dielectric and magnetic properties of materials in microwave region, by measuring the shift of resonant frequency and the change in the Q-factor of the cavity when the sample is inserted into the cavity. In this method, the real part of complex permittivity is calculated from the change of the resonant frequency, and the imaginary part is done from the change of Q-factor. The accurate determinations of resonance frequency and Q-factor of the resonators are required.

The perturbation theory of resonant cavities was first proposed by Bethe and Schwinger.


For the case of only one loop (r ≈ 15 mm, located at about half . The shape of the |S 11 | curve shows only one prominent resonance. In a cavity, the Q of the TE 011 mode is much larger than that of TM 111 mode. Hence it is easy to distinguish the TE 011 mode by the way of Q factor. Figure 7 (d) shows an optimum example from which the TE 011 mode resonant frequency and Q factor could be extracted, and thus, ε and ε can be determined using (1), (2) . The results of the measurement are tabulated in Table 1 .

Figure 7 (d) shows an optimum example from which the TE 011 mode resonant frequency and Q factor could be extracted, and thus, ε and ε can be determined using (1).


Greater amounts of sunscreen were present in the superficial layers (ranging from approximately 4% to 10% of the applied dose in groups 1 and 2 combined) than in deeper layers. This is a desirable outcome, as the target activity of sunscreens is in the superficial layers of the skin where they will absorb potentially damaging UVR to minimize penetration to deeper viable tissues where damage may occur. Figure 2 shows a comparison of the distribution of sunscreens in the stratum corneum of the face and back of the volunteers. Approximately two to four times the amount of sunscreen was present in the superficial stratum corneum layers of the face compared with the back. The difference in absorption between the anatomical sites was statistically significant for benzophenone-3, octyl salicylate, and homosalate, but not for octyl methoxcinnamate. The percentage of applied dose of sunscreen in the six superficial layers of the stratum corneum was approximately 10%, 18%, 18%, and 25% for homosalate, octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3, and octyl salicylate, respectively. This finding is consistent with previous studies that have demonstrated anatomical differences in the skin penetration of other chemicals (Rougier et al 1986) . Experimental protocols for skin stripping vary, with some scientists discarding strip 1 data as non-penetrated material. In the current study the skin surface was washed prior to skin stripping to remove non-penetrated sunscreen. Nevertheless, the first strips were analyzed and plotted separately to allow interpretation including and excluding the first strip ( Figures  1 and 2) .

This finding is consistent with previous studies that have demonstrated anatomical differences in the skin penetration of other chemicals.


The paper presents an exploratory study of the extent to which employees would voice workplace problems and how management would react to employee voice. The sampling method used to gain access to the interviewees was convenience sampling. Emails were sent to partners in 15 offices of large, medium and small firms including seven offices in the capital city, Dublin, and the remaining 8 in regional offices. The auditing industry is characterised by a small number of large international firms, 10-15 middle-tier international firms and a large number of small national partnerships. Studies suggest that response rates can be increased by researchers using personal contacts and connections (Lavelle et al., 2009) . In this study, the authors made efforts to increase the response rate by using personal contacts with employees in training and management. Altogether, positive responses were received from partners in six large auditing firms while smaller firms either failed to respond or refused access to their firms. Partners gave permission for interviews with themselves, lower level management and employees in training. Face-to-face interviews were undertaken on-site with 28 individuals in 2014 (Table 1) . Where partners themselves indicated they were not available for interview, they nominated a manager to take their place. Eight members of management including four partners were interviewed. The employee group are those historically known as apprentices, employed on training contracts and generally labelled as either a 'trainee' in the first 2 years of their contract or an 'audit senior' in the last 1-2 years of their contract. At the end of their training period, employees may be re-employed by the firm or let go.

Studies suggest that response rates can be increased by researchers using personal contacts and connections.


While some managers suggested they might act on discontent expressed by a substantial number of employees, there were very few comments by employees about speaking up in a collective manner. There are significant barriers to employees collectively voicing -they are in early stages of their careers, are under the professional tutelage of the firm they are employed by and have been socialised into remaining silent on workplace problems. In addition there is an absence of union leadership and organisation structure and, as young employees, they have little experience of unions and the proficiency in collectivising. Unions provide a sense of solidarity and common identity amongst workers but employees, particularly young employees in the private sector, increasingly lack knowledge of unions, inhibiting the development of a commitment to defend their interests (Bryson and Gomez, 2005; Turner and O'Sullivan, 2013) . In this context, management have greater capacity to maintain their managerial prerogative and control employee voice.

Unions provide a sense of solidarity and common identity amongst workers but employees, particularly young employees in the private sector, increasingly lack knowledge of unions, inhibiting the development of a commitment to defend their interests.


There are limitations to the study. Given that the sample consisted of large firms, the views expressed may not be representative of those in smaller auditing firms. However, small firms generally recruit very low numbers of trainees in comparison to larger firms. Another disadvantage of convenience sampling is that the perspectives of hard-to-reach people may be absent (Tong et al., 2007) . However, the study provides a valuable initial investigation into voice and silence in multiple non-union workplaces and with a multi-stakeholder perspective.

There are limitations to the study.

Another disadvantage of convenience sampling is that the perspectives of hard-to-reach people may be absent.


Other undifferentiated regulations, such as a restriction of the first-size-at-capture or the maximal fishing intensity, are simpler but similarly unable to restore the first-best. A gear restriction to not fish any fish smaller than s max eliminates growth overfishing by definition. The optimum optimorum is reached, but if the number of players were endogenous, agents would enter the fishery until all rents are dissipated (Turvey 1964) .

The optimum optimorum is reached, but if the number of players were endogenous, agents would enter the fishery until all rents are dissipated.


In Ontario, since 1998, we have modeled annual HIV prevalence and incidence in each exposure category since the beginning of the epidemic. The present analysis was based on the latest estimate which was for calendar year 2009 [16] . In that year, we estimated that the HIV incidence rate among MSM in Ontario was 0.75% for a total of 693 incident infections. For the purpose of the present study, we calculated the likelihood of HIV transmission for each category of sexual exposure and fit the overall incidence to the modeled number of incident HIV infections. Sexual exposure by anal and oral sex were calculated; receptive and insertive anal sex were considered separately as was the use of ART in the HIV-infected partner, which is known to substantially reduce the risk of HIV sexual transmission. The model was programmed in SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and Excel 2013 (Microsoft Office, Redmond, WA, USA).

The present analysis was based on the latest estimate which was for calendar year 2009.


Blooms of CSAT occur at the shelf break mainly during spring and early summer, and maxima are located onshore of the SBF (Romero et al., 2006) . Although we found some differences between the spatial patterns in SST and CSAT concentration, possibly because of the different years in the climate dataset, the CSAT maximum during spring and summer were located both onshore and above the SBF. Therefore, despite the different years being analysed, CSAT maximum concentrations showed a clear relationship with front position.

Blooms of CSAT occur at the shelf break mainly during spring and early summer, and maxima are located onshore of the SBF.


Marine fronts are usually associated with high biological primary production promoted by physical mechanisms that affect planktonic organisms, such as vertical fluxes, retention, and convergence (Mann and Lazier, 1991) . At large scales, spawning of fish (many economically important) and aggregations of their larvae occur associated spatially with fronts (Acha et al., 2004) . Moreover, species abundance and community diversity are usually greater in these areas than in the surrounding waters (Dauwe et al., 1998) . Therefore, marine fronts play a key role in marine systems, because of the transfer of primary production to upper trophic levels, and because the physical mechanisms favour the aggregation of organisms (Olson, 2002; Acha et al., 2004) .

Marine fronts are usually associated with high biological primary production promoted by physical mechanisms that affect planktonic organisms, such as vertical fluxes, retention, and convergence.

At large scales, spawning of fish (many economically important) and aggregations of their larvae occur associated spatially with fronts.

Moreover, species abundance and community diversity are usually greater in these areas than in the surrounding waters.

Therefore, marine fronts play a key role in marine systems, because of the transfer of primary production to upper trophic levels, and because the physical mechanisms favour the aggregation of organisms.


The city of Cerro de Pasco is the capital of the Pasco region and is located on the high plateau of central Peru as shown in Fig. 1 . The area has been known to contain silver Fig. 1 Map of Peru, in the red square the area of the study since the pre-Columbian era. Ancient chronicles report that part of the silver used for the Atahualpa ransom has come from the Cerro de Pasco mines. In fact, the region became one of the most important producers of silver in the world with the onset of Spanish mining activities in 1630 (Fisher 1977) .

In fact, the region became one of the most important producers of silver in the world with the onset of Spanish mining activities in 1630.


Quality standards for Al have been proposed by several international authorities; in particular, a range between 5 and 100 lg/L of soluble Al is a reference limit for the protection of aquatic life, while a maximum concentration of 200 lg/L is suggested for drinking water (Alberti et al. 2005) . Another element that was very abundant in almost all the samples was Pb, which exceeds the WHO limit in all the samples, with the exception of point H1, which is upstream of the suspected contamination sources. For Pb, the highest concentrations were reported at sampling points SJ2 and SJ3. Sn also exceeded the WHO limit in all the samples, and its maximum concentration was observed at sampling point Q. The observation is similar for As, particularly for points SJ2, SJ3 and Q. Cr, Cu and V exceeded the WHO drinking water limits in only a few points (in the last two cases, the sampling points are SJ2, SJ3 and Q), while the Ni concentrations were high only in samples from point Q. Hg was not detected in any of the samples collected.

Quality standards for Al have been proposed by several international authorities; in particular, a range between 5 and 100 lg/L of soluble Al is a reference limit for the protection of aquatic life, while a maximum concentration of 200 lg/L is suggested for drinking water.


Wolves can regulate moose density if the wolf functional response is of type III (Messier 1994) . This is because wolves "switch off " moose and kill alternative prey at some threshold moose density. Thus, there should be some critical low density at which the moose rate of increase is higher than the wolf predation rate, saving moose from extinction.

Wolves can regulate moose density if the wolf functional response is of type III.


With mounting ecological attentiveness, the hub of controlling plant diseases has been changed in the direction of feasible and sustainable alternative approaches [36] . Trichoshield, a talc formulation consisting of spores of T. harzianum, T. lignorum, Gliocladium virens and Bacillus subtilis seed treatment has improved seed germination factors, vegetative and reproductive growth parameters and provide better protection against DM pathogen under field conditions compared to the individual isolates of T. harzianum, T. lignorum, G. virens and B. subtilis [37] . Biocontrol strain T. harzianum Th10 mediated cell wall glucan elicitor shows better glucanase activity and phenol accumulation in treated seedlings contrast to control seedlings [38] . Several reports on DM-PM interaction with significance to priming with elicitors have been done. Our present findings are also in concurrence with the findings enhanced levels of defenserelated enzymes observed in crude oligosaccharide treated PM seedlings and further increased after S. graminicola infection specifies that seed treatment of PM with oligosaccharides makes an incompatible atmosphere for infection, production and sporulation by S. graminicola which directs to the disease inhibition [39, 40, 41] . Oligosaccharides extracted from the cell wall of T. asperellum shows significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced defense activity in PM plant and control the DM infection. Hence, this study puts effort to formulate different species of Trichoderma oligosaccharides isolated from monocot rhizhospheric zones and amalgamate into a biological treatment.

With mounting ecological attentiveness, the hub of controlling plant diseases has been changed in the direction of feasible and sustainable alternative approaches.

Trichoshield, a talc formulation consisting of spores of T. harzianum, T. lignorum, Gliocladium virens and Bacillus subtilis seed treatment has improved seed germination factors, vegetative and reproductive growth parameters and provide better protection against DM pathogen under field conditions compared to the individual isolates of T. harzianum, T. lignorum, G. virens and B. subtilis.

Biocontrol strain T. harzianum Th10 mediated cell wall glucan elicitor shows better glucanase activity and phenol accumulation in treated seedlings contrast to control seedlings.

Our present findings are also in concurrence with the findings enhanced levels of defenserelated enzymes observed in crude oligosaccharide treated PM seedlings and further increased after S. graminicola infection specifies that seed treatment of PM with oligosaccharides makes an incompatible atmosphere for infection, production and sporulation by S. graminicola which directs to the disease inhibition.


Without policies to accelerate electrification, between 480 and 810 million additional people are estimated to gain access to electricity by 2030, but 600-850 million people in rural South and Pacific Asia and sub-Saharan Africa could remain without electricity ( figure 1(b) ). Providing grid electricity to all rural households by 2030 requires an additional generation capacity of between 21 and 28 GW. We estimate the additional investment for rural electrification is between US$ 2005 183 and US$ 2005 258 billion between 2010 and 2030. This is towards the mid-range of estimates reported previously [14] . The differences in our estimates compared to previous ones stem from differences in methodologies and assumptions regarding average electricity use and capacity expansions required.

This is towards the mid-range of estimates reported previously.


Our analysis of future scenarios of electrification and transitions to modern cooking fuels and stoves use the same modelling frameworks, but are distinct. The future policy scenarios that we analyse for accelerating a transition to clean-combusting cooking fuels and stoves include those that decrease upfront capital investments and recurrent fuel costs, such as grants, credit and fuel subsidies. Four different sets of policy scenarios are explored: (a) no new policies, (b) fuel price support only, (c) finance through grants or easier and cheaper access to credit for upfront investments, and (d) fuel price support coupled with stove grants or easier credit access. The basic premise of our modelling analysis and scenario construction is that people aspire to an LPG-like experience for cooking. This is not to imply that LPG is the only or ideal choice in all cases, but that people aspire to a cooking experience in terms of convenience, efficiency and emissions similar to that provided by the standard and existing technology associated with an LPG stove and fuel combination [26] . In reality, LPG will not be the preferred nor perhaps even the most cost effective option in every case.

This is not to imply that LPG is the only or ideal choice in all cases, but that people aspire to a cooking experience in terms of convenience, efficiency and emissions similar to that provided by the standard and existing technology associated with an LPG stove and fuel combination.


Linear movements are very usual in mechanical engineering, especially in industrial robots, where linear speeds up to several meters per second are often required. These movements are usually obtained by using rotating motors in combination with rotation to translation mechanism. The resulting systems may have poor performance; in particular, an excessive time delay may prevent their use as fast actuators [1] . The complexity of these systems can be overcome by using linear actuators. It is well known that tubular linear induction machines have the highest force to moving mass ratio when compared with other linear motors; this property makes these devices very attractive to be used as servo motors since they may have better performance in terms of reduction of delay times with respect to those of traditional systems.

The resulting systems may have poor performance; in particular, an excessive time delay may prevent their use as fast actuators.


Previous studies have shown evidence about different users having different patterns of using mobile apps [19, 23, 7, 1] . Most of these studies were conducted using rather small behavior datasets, typically collected from a small number of student volunteers. The analyses also suffer from various selection biases introduced by college students.

Previous studies have shown evidence about different users having different patterns of using mobile apps.


The release of iPhone in 2007 has opened a new era of mobile computing. Eight years later, smart devices such as iPhones and Android devices have played an indispensable role in our daily lives. The increasing popularity of mobile devices and apps has induced an evolution of software industry. The emergence of online marketplaces and platform APIs has been a game changer to developers, market intermediaries, and consumers, making them more and more willing to develop, disseminate, and use mobile apps rather than Web-based services [24] .

The emergence of online marketplaces and platform APIs has been a game changer to developers, market intermediaries, and consumers, making them more and more willing to develop, disseminate, and use mobile apps rather than Web-based services.


In V. riparia, LD maintained growth, inhibited development of endodormancy, and allowed effects of increased tissue age to be monitored and separated from dormancy responses. The SD at 25/20 ± 3 o C D/N resulted in growth cessation similar to that observed under a gradually shortened photoperiod (Fennell and Hoover, 1991) . SD also promoted shoot tip abscission and endodormancy induction. In poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh.), SD promoted endodormancy induction and terminal bud set; however, while terminal bud set occurred at 3 to 4 weeks of SD, endodormancy required 8 to 10 weeks of SD to develop (Jeknic and Chen, 1999) . Bud endodormancy in V. riparia was induced at 4 weeks of SD. Shoot tip abscission was observed at 5 weeks of SD and almost all shoot tips had abscised after 6 weeks of SD. Thus, shoot tip abscission was a better morphological indicator of bud endodormancy development in grapes than terminal bud set was as an indicator of endodormancy development in poplar.

The SD at 25/20 ± 3 o C D/N resulted in growth cessation similar to that observed under a gradually shortened photoperiod.

In poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.

Ex Marsh.), SD promoted endodormancy induction and terminal bud set; however, while terminal bud set occurred at 3 to 4 weeks of SD, endodormancy required 8 to 10 weeks of SD to develop.


Computational fluid dynamics models have been developed to approximate the 2 or 3 dimensional flow of hydrogen, air, and water within the manifolds, gas channels, and the gas diffusion layers [3] [4] [5] [6] . While these models are suitable for investigating fuel cell design issues, implementation of such complex models for real time embedded control is cumbersome. Thus, any model-based control scheme used for water management must adequately obtain implementation feasibility while still capturing the dynamic behavior of electrode flooding and two phase flow.

Computational fluid dynamics models have been developed to approximate the 2 or 3 dimensional flow of hydrogen, air, and water within the manifolds, gas channels, and the gas diffusion layers.


In this work we target the detection of two common pedestrian movement patterns: following relations and group leadership [3, 2] . A following pattern involves two persons and describes a relation between them, where one person is following and the other is leading. The following pattern occurs when a leading person's movement continuously prescribes the movement of a following person. A group leadership pattern is a quasi global pattern for a group of persons: it is present when a leader person's movement prescribes the movement of other persons but no other persons' movement prescribes the movement of the leader person. Both patterns are temporally and spatially constrained in so far as the persons have to be no further apart than δ m at the same point in time.

In this work we target the detection of two common pedestrian movement patterns: following relations and group leadership.


The measurement of the productive efficiency of a farm relative to other farms or to the "best practice" in an industry has long been of interest to agricultural economists. Efficiency measurement has received considerable attention by both theoretical and applied economists. From a theoretical point of view, there has been a spirited exchange about the relative importance of various components of farm efficiency (Leibenstein, 1966; Leibenstein, 1977; Comanor and Leibenstein, 1969; Stigler, 1976) . From an applied perspective, measuring efficiency is important because this is the first step in a process that might lead to substantial resource savings. These resource savings have important implications for both policy formulation and farm management (Bravo-Ureta and Rieger, 1991) . In the policy arena, there is a continuing controversy regarding the connection between farm size, efficiency and the structure of agricultural production. For individual farms, gains in efficiency are particularly important in periods of financial stress. The efficient farms are likely to generate higher incomes and thus stand a better chance of surviving and prospering.

From a theoretical point of view, there has been a spirited exchange about the relative importance of various components of farm efficiency.

These resource savings have important implications for both policy formulation and farm management.