An alternative to the traditional process-LCA is an input-output-LCA (IO-LCA). An IO-LCA assesses the environmental impacts attributable to a certain good (the outputs), based on monetary flows (the inputs). The method is based on output tables that describe known industry interdependencies within an economy according to national accounts. Based on these, the tables sum together all emissions within an economy related to a monetary transaction on a certain sector. The method is similar to the input-output statistics of national accounts, but in this case the output tables include environmental data in addition to economic activity relations. Typical environmental impact categories included in IO-LCAs comprise toxic materials and atmospheric emissions, such as GHGs. The output tables divide the economy into industry-based sectors to fully acknowledge the entire economy. This division is one of the primary sources of uncertainty in input-output-analysis [13, 16] . The output tables are averages that may include figures from very different industries, and may not describe the object of the inquiry well. In addition, possible temporal (inflation and currency rate) and regional (industry structure) asymmetries in both the data and the model, along with the assumption of domestic production of imports create possible sources of bias. However, contrary to process-LCAs, the method is non-laborious and non-time consuming to use [17] . The emissions inventory is also always complete with regard to the included number of transactions between sectors in the production and delivery chain, so that the assessment boundary cutoff excludes only non-monetary transactions [18] . In addition, monetary input data is often easier to obtain than data for process analyses. IO-LCAs have been found to be particularly feasible in assessing the environmental effect of services [19] .

This division is one of the primary sources of uncertainty in input-output-analysis.

However, contrary to process-LCAs, the method is non-laborious and non-time consuming to use.

The emissions inventory is also always complete with regard to the included number of transactions between sectors in the production and delivery chain, so that the assessment boundary cutoff excludes only non-monetary transactions.

IO-LCAs have been found to be particularly feasible in assessing the environmental effect of services.


A deficiency present in this model, as it is in all IO-LCAs, is the aggregation of both the input data and the industry sectors. While the input data used for the study comprises approximately 1000 consumption categories, these were merged into only 59 consumption categories to match with the industry sectors of the EIO-LCA model. The employed EIO-LCA model comprises altogether 428 industry sectors, however, making it the most disaggregated model available. It was therefore chosen as the basis of the hybrid model, even though uncertainties are related to using an U.S. industry based EIO-LCA model in a Finnish context. The hybrid assessment reduces the uncertainties, but may also create new possible sources of bias. However, in this study the model was taken as such based on earlier work of the authors. A detailed description of the qualities of the model as well as a profound discussion of the true deficiencies and their gravity can also be found in earlier academic publications of the authors [6] .

A detailed description of the qualities of the model as well as a profound discussion of the true deficiencies and their gravity can also be found in earlier academic publications of the authors.


This characteristic scaling kinetics has often been found for the growth rates of α-alumina on reactive-element (RE)-containing alloys, which is frequently close to cubic time dependence [29, 42, 43] . It was explained by the assumption that oxygen inward diffusion dominates scale-growth process and the oxide grain size increases in the growth direction [30, 44] . In the present study, it is difficult to derive cubic scaling kinetics from the limited data of mass gains. However, the scale-growth for the 10Al at 1000 °C was dominated by oxygen inward diffusion, which has been proved by analyzing the Y / Hf particles distribution. In addition, coarsening alumina grains near the substrate were observed, as shown in the Fig. 11 (b) , which implies that the enlargement of the α-alumina grain occurs in the direction of the scale / substrate interface.

This characteristic scaling kinetics has often been found for the growth rates of α-alumina on reactive-element (RE)-containing alloys, which is frequently close to cubic time dependence.

It was explained by the assumption that oxygen inward diffusion dominates scale-growth process and the oxide grain size increases in the growth direction.


The increased levels of proteasome subunit α type-3 suggest that IUGR caused stimulation of proteolysis in males. The adipose tissue has been shown to be an important site of proteolysis and to contribute to the circulating amino acids pool [40, 41] . Obese women showed Accession number, protein name, number of matched peptides, proein score, percentage coverage, fold change (restricted/control) and theoretical molecular mass (Da) and pI of identified proteins a decreased rate of amino acids release from the tissue, in response to fasting [42] .

The adipose tissue has been shown to be an important site of proteolysis and to contribute to the circulating amino acids pool.

Obese women showed Accession number, protein name, number of matched peptides, proein score, percentage coverage, fold change (restricted/control) and theoretical molecular mass (Da) and pI of identified proteins a decreased rate of amino acids release from the tissue, in response to fasting.


Cytosolic malate dehydrogenase levels were up-regulated in the restricted males. This enzyme is active in the malate/aspartate shuttle, where it catalyzes the reduction of oxaloacetate to malate, using NADH. Malate enters mitochondria and is oxidized to oxaloacetate by mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, with production of NADH. This shuttle not only channels the NADH produced during glycolysis to ATP production but also maintains the cytosolic NAD+/NADH ratio, essential for the oxidative metabolism of glucose [53] [54] [55] . Increased levels of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase have been reported in pancreatic islets of adult rats with IUGR. However, ATP levels were not altered, which was attributed to the concomitant decrease of ATP synthase subunit 6 levels [55] . In the present study, ATP synthase subunit alpha was up-regulated, indicating that ATP production could be increased.

This shuttle not only channels the NADH produced during glycolysis to ATP production but also maintains the cytosolic NAD+/NADH ratio, essential for the oxidative metabolism of glucose.

However, ATP levels were not altered, which was attributed to the concomitant decrease of ATP synthase subunit 6 levels.


Glutathione S-transferase theta-2 was down-regulated in the restricted females. This protein is part of the antioxidant enzymes family, which catalyzes the conjugation of glutathione to a wide variety of compounds. Decreased glutathione or glutathione-S transferase levels have been linked to diabetes, due to its role in antioxidant pathways [76, 77] . On the other hand, high levels of glutathione-S transferase P in obese subjects activated inflammatory pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress [78] .

Decreased glutathione or glutathione-S transferase levels have been linked to diabetes, due to its role in antioxidant pathways.

On the other hand, high levels of glutathione-S transferase P in obese subjects activated inflammatory pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress.


When dynamics is considered, Bridge WIM becomes an inverse structural dynamic problem, where applied axle forces are an unknown forcing function and they must be inferred from strain measurements and a theoretical bridge model. The solution of this ill-posed problem is ideally suited to dynamic programming and general inverse theory [6, 7] . Bridge WIM falls into a particular area of inverse dynamics known as Moving Force Identification (MFI). Indeed MFI theory represents an opportunity for Bridge WIM to predict axle weights much more accurately than has been previously possible.

The solution of this ill-posed problem is ideally suited to dynamic programming and general inverse theory.


Satisfyingly, the transcriptional profiles of conserved cell line samples were indistinguishable from freshly processed cells in commonly used dimensionality reduction representations (Fig.   1a,b and Fig. S2 ). Principal component analyses (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) showed a homogeneously mixed population of single cells, a result also observed with independent data normalization techniques ( Fig. S2 and S3) . We found sequencing depth to be the main source of variance between single cells, a common confounding factor in single cell transcriptome studies ( Fig. 1a) [12] . High similarities between single cells of both conditions were confirmed by correlation analysis showing highly consistent and representative gene expression profiles after cell conservation ( Fig. 1c-e and Fig. S4 ). As expected analyzing homogenous cell populations, expression profiles showed high correlation values between single cells of the same type and condition (Pearson's correlation test, median r 2 :0.88-0.91). However, also between conditions transcription profiles were highly correlated (Pearson's correlation test, median r 2 :0.88), suggesting the freezing process to conserve single cell transcriptome profiles ( Fig. 1c,d) . Consistent expression profiles were further supported by highly correlating mean expression values when directly comparing both conditions ( Fig. 1e) .

We found sequencing depth to be the main source of variance between single cells, a common confounding factor in single cell transcriptome studies ( Fig. 1a).


Correct selection of trend models for mean and standard deviation has a great impact on the estimated flow return period [10, 17, 18] . Even for the same distribution curve, the selection of different trend models will cause significant differences in the calculated return period. For example, GMBBL with poorer fitting effects at the Boluo Station was non-consistent with the standard deviation for observed series that changes from large to small in the period of 50 years. The return period was significantly reduced over time, opposite with the results of the optimal model that considers the non-stationarity. Therefore, in the calculation of non-stationary flood frequency, it is required not only to consider the change trend of the mean value of flood peak, but also to consider the change trend of standard deviation. AIC and other auto-selection criteria all have deficiencies, because most of the data information is covered in the overall statistics [39] . In the initial selection of the contrast model for time series, the intuitive judgments on the fitting degree and the length of time series must be considered. The first step should be to intuitively determine the potential trends of mean and standard deviation in the existing time series. The above phenomena reflect the fact that the parameter change of non-stationary flood series will cause a greater impact on the estimation of flood return period. The correct selection of change trend model for the parameters has a significant impact on flood design discharge, which should be considered in the engineering and hydrologic design.

Correct selection of trend models for mean and standard deviation has a great impact on the estimated flow return period.

AIC and other auto-selection criteria all have deficiencies, because most of the data information is covered in the overall statistics.


The results of previous studies show that a changing environment in the river basins can significantly alter the flood volume and flood peak, and change the time of the peak. The impact of urbanization activities and the reservoirs on estimates of flood frequency is considerable [16, 17, 44] . Influenced by climate change and the degree of human activities, the tail-end of the high-water frequency curve declined significantly. The occurrence probability of the same magnitude of flood was significantly reduced, as was the real design flood magnitude. Both precipitation and runoff changed smoothly during the period, and the slight difference in the changing trend of runoff is caused by factors other than precipitation. One of the most important signs of human activity is land use change. Benefitting from the significant growth of population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), technological progress and policy support, the downstream areas such as Shenzhen and Dongguan have accelerated the pace of urbanization since 1990s [45] . The percentage of urban area was 1.94 in 1990 and increased to 4.79 in 2010. The urban area downstream expanded most rapidly mainly by encroaching into the rice field, agricultural area, and forest land [31] . In addition, many reservoirs of different sizes have been constructed continuously from the 1950s to the present. The adjustment coefficient of the large reservoirs on runoff at the Boluo Station reached 0.34 [26] . The impact of reservoirs is similar to that of urbanization. They are not built in a short period of time, but are gradually built over the years of the whole study period.

The impact of urbanization activities and the reservoirs on estimates of flood frequency is considerable.

Benefitting from the significant growth of population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), technological progress and policy support, the downstream areas such as Shenzhen and Dongguan have accelerated the pace of urbanization since 1990s.

The urban area downstream expanded most rapidly mainly by encroaching into the rice field, agricultural area, and forest land.

The adjustment coefficient of the large reservoirs on runoff at the Boluo Station reached 0.34.


In the present study, we found that QT and QTc intervals as well as their dispersions were substantially prolonged in patients with cirrhosis in comparison with healthy controls. In addition, we demonstrated that patients with cirrhosis were diagnosed more often with CAN. The importance of normal liver function on preservation of the electrophysiological properties of the heart is supported by several studies that have examined the prolongation of QTc before and after liver transplantation [16] . Although the results are not unanimous, most of the data suggest that liver transplantation improved the prolonged QTc; however, the extend and the degree of the improvement was variable [16] . Thus, our data of prolonged QT interval in patients with liver cirrhosis agree and corroborate these findings.

The importance of normal liver function on preservation of the electrophysiological properties of the heart is supported by several studies that have examined the prolongation of QTc before and after liver transplantation.

Although the results are not unanimous, most of the data suggest that liver transplantation improved the prolonged QTc; however, the extend and the degree of the improvement was variable.


Note that the LED transmitters used in VLC have a special property, in that the LED lamp usually contains multiple LED chips and each chip can be independently modulated. Thus, the LED lamp can be treated as a multi-antenna transmitter. The system can benefit from this setup to achieve parallel transmission [9] - [11] . Based on this property, we propose an OFDM transmission scheme named the subcarrier grouping (SCG) scheme, in order to address the high PAPR and restricted linear range problems mentioned above. The basic concept of the proposed scheme is that all the OFDM subcarriers can be divided into several groups, with each group separately transmitted by an individual LED chip. For each LED chip, the PAPR is effectively reduced, as the number of subcarriers on each LED chip is significantly decreased. Therefore, within the limitation of the linear range, the input power can be increased as the PAPR is reduced, resulting in an improved reachable data rate. Note that the PAPR reduction is based on the changes of the system structure, thus the scheme is not conflict with other PAPR mitigation method at the same time, meaning traditional PAPR mitigation method, such as selected mapping (SLM) or active constellation extension (ACE), are able to be applied to the subcarrier groups to further reduce the PAPR. As for the receiver, as the optical signals from different LED chips can mix together in space, no additional modifications at the receiver are required in the intensity-modulation direct-detection (IM/DD) VLC system. Furthermore, an adaptive switching mechanism synthesizing the advantages of both the SCG scheme and the conventional scheme is suggested in this paper. In this mechanism, the system can automatically switch from the conventional to the SG scheme when the required input power is high; this enhances system robustness.

The system can benefit from this setup to achieve parallel transmission.


Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is widely used in VLC systems to achieve high-speed transmission, because of its high spectral efficiency and low-complexity implementation [4] . Gigabit transmissions using OFDM-based VLC have recently been achieved and reported [5] - [7] . To apply OFDM in intensity modulation and direct detection (IM/DD) VLC systems, Hermitian symmetry is imposed on the OFDM subcarriers and a DC bias is added to the bipolar OFDM time-domain signal, rendering the signal real and non-negative. However, the OFDM signal suffers from its inherently high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), which is caused by the combination of subcarriers with independent phases. In practical VLC systems, the available linear range of the LED is restricted as a result of its nonlinear transfer characteristics. To prevent the LED from being cut-off or saturated, the signal fed towards it should be neither too small nor too large, respectively. Therefore, the system performance is limited and the average input power should be carefully considered as regards the PAPR problem and the linear range constraint [8] .

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is widely used in VLC systems to achieve high-speed transmission, because of its high spectral efficiency and low-complexity implementation.

Gigabit transmissions using OFDM-based VLC have recently been achieved and reported.

Therefore, the system performance is limited and the average input power should be carefully considered as regards the PAPR problem and the linear range constraint.


FO calculus is a mathematical theory of investigating the differential and integral properties and application of any order. FO calculus is extension and promotion of integral order (IO) calculus, and they appeared almost simultaneously. The main difference between FO calculus and IO calculus lies in the global memory function and hereditary property. Not only is the order of calculus integers but also it can be real numbers and even complex numbers. In recent years, FO calculus has been widely applied to Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics, Multimedia Mechanics, Rheology, Electrical Conduction in Biological System, Robot Control, Electrochemical Analysis, Viscous Elastic Mechanics, Chaotic Dynamics and Molecular Spectroscopy, and so forth. Research on FO calculus has become one of the hot issues nowadays [1] [2] [3] .

Research on FO calculus has become one of the hot issues nowadays.


HS is a combination of multiphase medium, so its property can be affected by variation of air condition with the temperature, oil viscidity and compressibility, function time of external forces, and loading histories. At the same time, an excess of hypotheses and ignores and always focusing on variation of a narrow range of parameters or ensuring calculation accuracy by adding computational items make the traditional modeling methods difficult to describe the process precisely, quickly and globally. The property of HS that is related to variation of temperature, function time of external forces, and loading history perfectly accords with that of viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic materials have the mechanics characteristics of both elasticity and viscidity, which are between elastomer and Newtonian fluid. Its stress-strain response relies on time and strain rate and is related to external load and deformation history, which means that its stressstrain has memory. And viscoelastic model of FO calculus can describe the dynamic properties of many sophisticated viscoelastic materials in a wide range of frequency with only a few parameters [4] [5] [6] .

And viscoelastic model of FO calculus can describe the dynamic properties of many sophisticated viscoelastic materials in a wide range of frequency with only a few parameters.


Compared with the monotherapy responses, the reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-17A, and TNF-α) have been observed after the combined administration of IL-17mAb and dexamethasone. Moreover, neutrophils in BALF were not significantly altered after dexamethasone or IL-17mAb treatment alone. However, combined administration of IL-17mAb and dexamethasone on ozoneexposed mice exhibited a significant decrease in the total inflammatory cells and neutrophils in BALF and significantly decreased the airway inflammatory cell infiltration density than the single IL-17mAb treated group compared with the PBS model. In addition, we observed that in the chronic exposure model to an oxidant, ozone, the combination administration of IL-17 mAb, and dexamethasone ameliorates the induction of emphysema, and this was not seen in the monotherapy of dexamethasone or IL-17mAb response, which is in agreement with our previous work [57] . This indicated that IL-17A was not involved in the induction of emphysema but contributed to increase the effect of corticosteroids on attenuating the emphysema.

In addition, we observed that in the chronic exposure model to an oxidant, ozone, the combination administration of IL-17 mAb, and dexamethasone ameliorates the induction of emphysema, and this was not seen in the monotherapy of dexamethasone or IL-17mAb response, which is in agreement with our previous work.


There are previous data from COPD alveolar macrophages that IL-17A induced IL-8 production is glucocorticoids insensitivity [15, 16, 21] . These previous studies add further weight to another finding that macrophage IL-8 production is glucocorticoids insensitive [23] . Prior studies have showed that IL-17A increases the release of IL-8 from the bronchial epithelial, and IL-17A may increase human neutrophil recruitment through IL-8 in vitro. IL-17A can also stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, which can synergize with IL-17A [25, 31, 43] . These modifications and various processes regulated by IL-17A are shown to be involved in the glucocorticoids insensitivity, but it is still unknown whether there might be a direct relationship exists between IL-17A and glucocorticoids insensitivity.

There are previous data from COPD alveolar macrophages that IL-17A induced IL-8 production is glucocorticoids insensitivity.

These previous studies add further weight to another finding that macrophage IL-8 production is glucocorticoids insensitive.

IL-17A can also stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, which can synergize with IL-17A.


The daily work of rural GPs on the other hand may be optimized by a certain task delegation: A study performed in the rural county Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Germany proved a positive effect for GPs in terms of reduced working hours and improved number of patients by delegating home visits to trained practice staff [42] . Hence all these restructurings and upward rural trends may be able to counteract the imminent GP shortage. With regard to the derived mobility challenges in both the qualitative and quantitative study the importance of using a car for health care mobility was emphasized, whereas public transport was rated as a minor transport option. Our findings concur with former national studies showing that people living in rural areas mainly use their (own) car in order to ensure their mobility [4, 43] . Our study adds accordance for medical consultations.

The daily work of rural GPs on the other hand may be optimized by a certain task delegation: A study performed in the rural county Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Germany proved a positive effect for GPs in terms of reduced working hours and improved number of patients by delegating home visits to trained practice staff.

Our findings concur with former national studies showing that people living in rural areas mainly use their (own) car in order to ensure their mobility.


The second initiative is an integrated teacher development programme for preand in-service teachers. The in-service programme comprises nine modules offered over a period of one year and focuses on the use of classroom assessment information for formative and summative purposes, with specific emphasis on the ANAs. The pre-service programme comprises eight modules offered over a three-year cycle to teacher trainees from their second year onwards (Kanjee 2013) . Both of these initiatives are in the process of being piloted, with results only expected in 2015/2016 respectively.

The pre-service programme comprises eight modules offered over a three-year cycle to teacher trainees from their second year onwards.


In addressing this challenge, we highlight two current initiatives to enhance teacher capacity and skills for using assessment to improve learning and teaching. The first initiative comprises the development of performance descriptors and clear-cut scores to categorise learners into specific performance levels, so that teachers have detailed information about what learners know and can do. Teachers are provided with an Excel programme into which the ANA scores of their learners can be entered, which then generates detailed reports that indicate the specific performance category each learner falls into and also provides specific ideas for next steps regarding interventions to address the learning gaps of each learner (Kanjee & Moloi 2012) .

Teachers are provided with an Excel programme into which the ANA scores of their learners can be entered, which then generates detailed reports that indicate the specific performance category each learner falls into and also provides specific ideas for next steps regarding interventions to address the learning gaps of each learner.


Before dealing with structural model test, Table 1 depicts the descriptive variables (average, standard deviation, skewedness, and kurtosis) so as to observe good dispersion, and normal distribution of data. Skewedness and kurtosis indices show normality of distributed data. Also, Table 2 presents correlation between research variables. In order to observe the causality between variables, structural equation modeling was applied. In the present research model, variable of basic psychological needs was identified as an exogenous variable, and academic engagement and test anxiety variables were defined as endogenous variables. According to Table 2 , the highest level of correlations in variables related to the relationship between academic engagement and basic psychological needs is (0.51), basic psychological needs and test anxiety is (-0.36), and academic engagement and test anxiety is (-0.28), respectively. In order to observe fitness of model, the following indices were used. In Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), and Comparative Fit Index (CFI), the outcome of more than 0.9 is acceptable. In adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), the outcome of more than 0.9 is acceptable. Also, in Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSHEA), the result of less than 0.8 shows the fitness of model (Houman, 1387) . The acceptable ratio of Chi square on degree of freedom (χ 2 /df) have to be less than 3 (Kline, 2011) . Table 3 also depicts goodness of fit indices model in an optimum level. Table 4 presents direct, indirect, and whole impact efficiencies, defined variance, and level of significance between variables.

Also, in Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSHEA), the result of less than 0.8 shows the fitness of model.

The acceptable ratio of Chi square on degree of freedom (χ 2 /df) have to be less than 3.


One of the brilliant concepts of engagement is that it can develop one's self-system Model. According to this model, student may need sense of competence, autonomy, and relatedness (Connell, 1990) . Competence, as one of the vital factors refers to individual's experience in interaction with social and physical environments. Students who have higher sense of competence, less suffer from anxiety, and can deal with higher levels of challenges which lead to more engagement at school (Harter, 1982) .

According to this model, student may need sense of competence, autonomy, and relatedness.

Students who have higher sense of competence, less suffer from anxiety, and can deal with higher levels of challenges which lead to more engagement at school.


Test anxiety of students may also because of the effects of different variables, which by identifying and knowing their effects, test anxiety decreases. Hence, in the present study test anxiety will be taken into consideration by noticing to variables of basic psychological needs and academic engagement. According to conducted studies, basic psychological needs have direct impact on academic engagement (Hejazi et al., 1393) .

According to conducted studies, basic psychological needs have direct impact on academic engagement.


This is important because, of the estimated 4 million individuals with chronic HCV infection in the US, about 400,000 are HIV co-infected [6] . Conversely, among PLWH, up to 40% have HCV infection [6, 7] . Therefore expanding treatment to this population is of paramount public health importance.

This is important because, of the estimated 4 million individuals with chronic HCV infection in the US, about 400,000 are HIV co-infected.

Conversely, among PLWH, up to 40% have HCV infection.


Though concern and awareness of eco-labels were the two most important variables predicting stated purchasing of eco-labeled seafood, two other internal factors were also highly relevant. Identity and PCE both predicted significant effects on stated purchasing of eco-labeled seafood in the best model. The importance of the predictors self-identification and membership in an environmental organization (here, captured by identity) has been identified in previous work [8, 28] . Perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) was the fourth most important variable in predicting stated purchasing behavior and is likely an important component of the decision making process, since it implies a perception that the individual's actions are of significance. There was little evidence in our findings that demographic variables had an effect on stated purchasing of eco-labeled seafood. The lack of relationship between gender or level of education and pro-environmental behavior is in line with earlier research showing limited effects of demographic factors [71] . However, it contrasts with work showing that female and well-educated consumers are more prone to buy eco-labeled seafood alternatives than are other people [12, 13, 72] .

The importance of the predictors self-identification and membership in an environmental organization (here, captured by identity) has been identified in previous work.

The lack of relationship between gender or level of education and pro-environmental behavior is in line with earlier research showing limited effects of demographic factors.

However, it contrasts with work showing that female and well-educated consumers are more prone to buy eco-labeled seafood alternatives than are other people.


The general failure to find released spiders outside the marjoram patch, even on the nearest flowers, suggests that they seldom left the release site, a behavior similar to that of prereproductive adult females at rich hunting sites (Morse & Fritz 1982) . Although anecdotal, the recovery of a single individual outside the patch, followed by a repeat recovery of that same individual outside the patch shortly after I returned it to its previous site in the patch, further suggests that I seldom failed to find individuals that had quit the site. Even though a high density of conspecifics in the patch might engender dispersal, prereproductive adult female Misumena not infrequently reach similar densities at sites with extremely high rates of prey visitation (Morse 2007) .

The general failure to find released spiders outside the marjoram patch, even on the nearest flowers, suggests that they seldom left the release site, a behavior similar to that of prereproductive adult females at rich hunting sites.

Even though a high density of conspecifics in the patch might engender dispersal, prereproductive adult female Misumena not infrequently reach similar densities at sites with extremely high rates of prey visitation.


Study site.-I carried out this study in the summers of 2001-2007 at the Darling Marine Center, South Bristol, Lincoln County, Maine (43.57uN, 69.33uW), in a 3.5 ha field containing several forbs that provide hunting sites for the spiders when the flowers are in bloom. I have described this field in detail elsewhere (Morse 2007) . Voucher specimens from this population of M. vatia have been deposited in the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

I have described this field in detail elsewhere.


Following a one-way ANOVA to test for between-year differences, I compared percent daily gain in mass with movement about the marjoram patch with a two-tailed paired t-test. Amount of movement might reflect an inability to find high-quality hunting sites (Morse & Fritz 1982) . Since I could not find several individuals subsequent to their release in the marjoram patch, I tested for possible differences in numbers of missing individuals among years, using a G-test of independence. I then compared the two groups (recorded, not recorded) for possible differences in the set of independent variables noted immediately above, as well as percent daily loss of mass after egg-laying, using t-tests for the difference between two means. I looked for differences in large prey abundance among years using a G-test for goodness of fit, followed by a search for possible among-year differences in numbers of spiders recorded and prey numbers in the marjoram patch, using a t-test for paired comparisons. Such an outcome could result from differences in numbers of large insect prey. Means are reported 6 SE.

Amount of movement might reflect an inability to find high-quality hunting sites.

Means are reported 6 SE.


The interaction among leaf physiological variables and their relationship with the environment can be evaluated by autonomy and global connectance (Souza et al., 2005) . Autonomy (At) depicts how much physiological variables change independently of the environment. Autonomy is determined by means of the correlation between physiological variables composing a given network and environmental variables affecting the network. From At values it is possible to estimate to what extent physiological variables are synchronized with environmental changes. Global connectance (Cg) represents the degree that network components are connected to each other. It is determined through the correlation between network components with a close physiological relationship (Amzallag, 2001; Souza et al., 2005) . High Cg of a given network results in prompt response to environmental disturbances, but it facilitates the propagation of disturbance through the network. In contrast, physiological networks with a reduced Cg among components tend to diminish disturbance propagation. In this study, Cg and At of a network composed by leaf gas exchange and leaf water potential were determined in three non-grafted and grafted C. arabica cultivars during the diurnal course during a rainy period in southeast Brazil. Alterations in Cg and At represented the modulation of a network under changing natural meteorological conditions during the course of clear and cloudy days under field conditions.

The interaction among leaf physiological variables and their relationship with the environment can be evaluated by autonomy and global connectance.

It is determined through the correlation between network components with a close physiological relationship.


Currently, many complicated issues face the world's population. These issues include resource problems (over-exploitation of resources, waste of resources, etc.), environmental issues (air pollution, water contamination, etc.), ecological problems (loss of biodiversity, ecology damage, etc.), economic issues (imbalance of economic development, etc.) and social issues (uneven distribution of social resources, etc.). All of these issues are caused, to a large extent, by serious incoordination of the complex system constituted by resources, environment, ecology, economy, and society subsystems (CSR3ES). When the connection and coordination of one or more subsystems occurs, subsystem independence prevails, which leads to the abnormal operation of the entire complex system [1] . The complicated issues that affect national development can only be successfully solved through the cross-synthesis of cross-synthesis of subjects. This will therefore enable the traditional disciplinary boundaries to be broken; it will improve the awareness and understanding of CSR3ES; it will regulate the internal relationships between the subsystems; it will achieve coordinated inter-subsystem operations; and it will restore the entire system into a highly ordered state where "unity" occupies a dominant position.

When the connection and coordination of one or more subsystems occurs, subsystem independence prevails, which leads to the abnormal operation of the entire complex system.


The Central Bank of Taiwan is responsible for planning and producing the currency of the country. The volume of currency issued is primarily determined by the demand of the public. It is associated with the economic growth rate, seasonal factors, and the development of noncash payments. Because the issue of currency is very important from an economic point of view, the prediction of currency volume issued has become an important research topic [1] [2] [3] .

Because the issue of currency is very important from an economic point of view, the prediction of currency volume issued has become an important research topic.


The present study analyzed an extensive data set collected between 1998 and 2009, in order to investigate the spatial distribution, feeding and reproduction of M. paucisquamatus in a long stretch of the middle-upper rio Tocantins. Particularly, the objective of this study was to provide information about (i) population size structure, (ii) abundance patterns along the rio Tocantins and major tributaries, (iii) feeding and (iv) reproductive period. This information may contribute to set management plans to conserve this endangered species, primarily because the rio Tocantins is currently regulated and fragmented by several large hydropower dams (Araújo et al., 2013; Medeiros et al., 2014) .

This information may contribute to set management plans to conserve this endangered species, primarily because the rio Tocantins is currently regulated and fragmented by several large hydropower dams.


The protection of relaying systems is a prominent task for optical current sensors. These sensors can recognize sudden failures, such as surges, and identify the failure parts in the power systems. These relaying systems require current sensors, which are mostly electromagnetic devices that suffer from magnetic saturation effects and residual field effects. Recently several studies use optical current sensors as replacement for these established systems. Optical current sensors with mainly optical fibers do not suffer from electromagnetic interference, has light-weight and small size, and possess a low susceptibility to environmental influences [1] .

Optical current sensors with mainly optical fibers do not suffer from electromagnetic interference, has light-weight and small size, and possess a low susceptibility to environmental influences.


The players were then asked to start playing. In all four conditions, there were no further instructions during the actual play of either the Half-Life post-tutorial game and of WoW after the brief introduction the players were given. From then on, the experimenter only watched them play, and made no comments, nor answered to any of the questions, particularly those of the inexperienced players. Once the participants reached level 5 on their character in WoW, they were asked to stop, and fill out the AttrakDiff questionnaire [3] . The same process was followed after 20 minutes of actual game play in Half-Life. As the AttrakDiff questionnaire is based on a Likert-scale from 1 to 7, any median closer to 7 means a preference for the right part of the word pair in the tables, while any number closer to 1 shows a preference to the left part.

Once the participants reached level 5 on their character in WoW, they were asked to stop, and fill out the AttrakDiff questionnaire.


IS1081-PCR was positive among 42/51 (82.4%) cases of TBP and TBLN and it was positive in 21/26 (80.8%) of TBP cases and this result agrees with a study conducted to evaluate the performance of IS1081on TBP which showed a sensitivity of 84.6% [21] . IS1081-PCR had increased the sensitivity of detection of cases of TB both in TBP and TBLN. As it was depicted in Figure 3 , IS1081-PCR has increased the case detection of TB in TBP and TBLN in comparison to LJ culture. PCR positivity of several cases that were culture negative indicates that PCR is very sensitive and useful in picking up cases that may harbor dead bacilli [16] .

IS1081-PCR was positive among 42/51 (82.4%) cases of TBP and TBLN and it was positive in 21/26 (80.8%) of TBP cases and this result agrees with a study conducted to evaluate the performance of IS1081on TBP which showed a sensitivity of 84.6%.

PCR positivity of several cases that were culture negative indicates that PCR is very sensitive and useful in picking up cases that may harbor dead bacilli.


The phenomenon of the explosion is one of the issues of design impact loads. Impact load acting on the structure can be from the explosion but also from the impact or force kinematic. Energy is transferred through the centre of the structure (air, water, soil, solid) [10] .

Energy is transferred through the centre of the structure (air, water, soil, solid).


The analysis of impact resistance pressure acting at any point of the structure is usually adopted as a single pulse. Short-term but intense loads cause the specific behaviour of the structure and require adequate methods of analysis. In this paper, based on years of experience, and shows only the latest FEA modelling techniques outbreak indicating their advantages and disadvantages [10] .

In this paper, based on years of experience, and shows only the latest FEA modelling techniques outbreak indicating their advantages and disadvantages.


Alternatively natural fibers can be used instead of the synthetic fiber composites due to its low environmental impact and low cost and support the potential use in a wide range of applications [2] . Most of the work on natural fibers studied the fiber morphology in relation to its tensile properties [3] . Extensive study on the physical and mechanical properties of natural fibers namely kenaf, jute, sisal and bamboo were then conducted by many researchers [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . Furthermore, the performance of plant-based material in construction industry are also widely studied [9, 10] . However, limited investigations were conducted to study the potential use of natural fiber composite plates as external strengthening material for reinforced concrete (RC) structures especially that of Pandanus atrocarpus [11] [12] [13] .

Alternatively natural fibers can be used instead of the synthetic fiber composites due to its low environmental impact and low cost and support the potential use in a wide range of applications.

Most of the work on natural fibers studied the fiber morphology in relation to its tensile properties.

Extensive study on the physical and mechanical properties of natural fibers namely kenaf, jute, sisal and bamboo were then conducted by many researchers.

Furthermore, the performance of plant-based material in construction industry are also widely studied.

However, limited investigations were conducted to study the potential use of natural fiber composite plates as external strengthening material for reinforced concrete (RC) structures especially that of Pandanus atrocarpus.


Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) also known as fiber-reinforced plastic, is a specific type of two-component composite material consisting of high strength fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. FRP has been used for a variety of applications since it has become a common practice in advance engineering structures such as automobiles and infrastructures, for example, bridges and buildings. This is due to its outstanding characteristics which include high stiffness to weight ratio, high strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance and lightweight. In the construction industry, most of the buildings that require extra strengthening or rehabilitation is externally strengthened using FRPs instead of rebuild after demolition. However, the production costs of this synthetic fiber composite plates are not cost effective and also raising health issues during the production of FRP [1] .

However, the production costs of this synthetic fiber composite plates are not cost effective and also raising health issues during the production of FRP.


There are methodological limitations in this study, as is usual with this type of research design and methods. The topics of discussion and interviews are sensitive, and participants may not express their views openly, as they think that their responses may damage their reputation or their family. Sometimes, in this type of research, participants may also report the behaviour that is believed to be consistent with their culture, rather than the actual behaviour [33] . In focus groups, some participants were inactive and did not reveal much in the discussion, while some others were active. Though that is a limitation, it has been managed by the trained moderators.

Sometimes, in this type of research, participants may also report the behaviour that is believed to be consistent with their culture, rather than the actual behaviour.


Prior studies have attempted to differentiate malignant from benign bone lesions on the basis of FDG uptake alone, prior to the development and widespread usage of dual-modality, hybrid PET/CT scanners [14] [15] [16] [17] . This effort was not fully successful because high FDG avidity was found in several benign histologies which overlapped with the avidity of the malignant lesions. Our study found that the FDG uptake of the benign aggressive lesions (giant cell tumors and LCH) trended higher than that of the malignancies as a whole (p=0.08). It has been suggested that giant cells and histiocytic cells may be responsible for high uptake within many benign primary bone tumors [15] . All of the benign lesions with high uptake in our study contained a preponderance of either giant cells (giant cell tumor of bone, giant cell reparative granuloma) or histiocytic cells (LCH).

Prior studies have attempted to differentiate malignant from benign bone lesions on the basis of FDG uptake alone, prior to the development and widespread usage of dual-modality, hybrid PET/CT scanners.

It has been suggested that giant cells and histiocytic cells may be responsible for high uptake within many benign primary bone tumors.


A variety of installations for discovering the physical properties of materials under test from the measured values have been proposed [1] [2] [3] [4] . We can apply the neural network to obtain these materials. The neural models are most effective approximator of functions in industry applications because it has the ability to solve difficult nonlinear problems. Neural network performance is reliant on the quality and quantity of training samples presented to the network [1] . Sometimes, when the training data set is not fully representative of the possibility space, exploitation of fuzzy systems improves performance [2] .

A variety of installations for discovering the physical properties of materials under test from the measured values have been proposed.

Neural network performance is reliant on the quality and quantity of training samples presented to the network.

Sometimes, when the training data set is not fully representative of the possibility space, exploitation of fuzzy systems improves performance.


Root mean square errors and average percentage mean square errors of training and testing results of ANFIS model which is trained for 5000 epochs, are tabulated in Table 1 . Fig. 11 illustrate the errors between ANFIS output and the independent data set (testing data) for evaluating trained ANFIS network. Good agreement between the two data sets proves that ANFIS has learned well the behavior of the identification process. The real error values of evaluation data set revealed that the training ANFIS network was done without any over-training [6] . At 5000 training periods for ANFIS, the network error convergence curve was derived as shown in Fig. 12 . From this curve, the final convergence value is 4.8488e-3. The minimal checking error occurs at about epoch 71 for ANFIS, which is indicated by a circle. Notice that the checking error curve goes up after 71 epochs, indicating that further training overfits the data and produces worse generalization (See Fig. 12 ).

The real error values of evaluation data set revealed that the training ANFIS network was done without any over-training.


The metabolic syndrome is a key factor contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide, both in industrialised populations and those passing through the nutritional transition [1] . Rising levels of obesity account for a significant proportion of the increase in prevalence of the metabolic syndrome [2] . Public health efforts to reduce risk factors associated with the increase in obesity are therefore a priority for global health.

The metabolic syndrome is a key factor contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide, both in industrialised populations and those passing through the nutritional transition.

Rising levels of obesity account for a significant proportion of the increase in prevalence of the metabolic syndrome.


Because our main interest was in investigating the effects of feedback withdrawal on performance, we performed an analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the data for NFN group listeners, using absolute deviation from correct as the dependent variable. This ANOVA tested the factors of Order of Presentation (15 or 25 mph first), Session (1, 2, or 3), Speed (15 or 25 mph), and Signal Type (A, B, C, A-B, B-C, A-C, and A-B-C). The Geisser-Greenhouse epsilon was used to calculate probability values to correct for specific departures from homogeneity of variance and sphericity for each factor (Stevens, 1990) . This ANOVA revealed that only the factors of Session and Type were significant, F(2, 18) = 15.34, p < .001, and F(6, 54) = 9.63, p < .001, respectively. In addition, there were reliable two-way interactions for Session × Type, F(12, 108) = 3.25, p < .05, and Speed × Type, F(6, 54) = 6.63, p < .01. There was also a three-way interaction of Session × Speed × Type, F(12, 108) = 4.505, p < .01.

The Geisser-Greenhouse epsilon was used to calculate probability values to correct for specific departures from homogeneity of variance and sphericity for each factor.


In this paper, we propose a novel recommendation algorithm, called File Path Similarity (FPS) algorithm. The algorithm determines similarity of reviews based on the location of changed file (file path). Our key assumption is that files that are located in similar file paths would be managed and reviewed by similar experienced expert code reviewers. The motivation behind this is that in most large systems, like the Linux kernel, the directory structure loosely mirrors the system architecture and files with similar functions are usually located in the same or near directories [4] .

The motivation behind this is that in most large systems, like the Linux kernel, the directory structure loosely mirrors the system architecture and files with similar functions are usually located in the same or near directories.


We can use the topology procedure to design composite materials with extreme elastic, thermal or piezoelectric properties. In the case of elastic properties, for example, one can design materials that minimize the Poisson's ratio and hence create materials that possess the unusual property of having a negative Poisson's ratio [29] . Thermal applications include designing materials with negative thermal expansion coefficient or materials that could be used as thermal actuators. In the case of piezoelectricity, actuators that maximize the delivered force or displacement can be designed. Moreover, one can design piezocomposites that maximize the sensitivity to acoustic fields.

In the case of elastic properties, for example, one can design materials that minimize the Poisson's ratio and hence create materials that possess the unusual property of having a negative Poisson's ratio.


It has been established beyond doubt that PM concentrations in the atmospheric air have a significant influence on the PM concentrations inside various buildings [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] . This impact depends on the internal sources of pollutants and indoor ventilation conditions. Indoors, basic PM sources include human skin, hair, plants, animals, cooking, building materials, tobacco smoking, heating (coal, wood and biomass combustion), cleaning agents and specific activities related to the use of a building [23] [24] [25] [26] . The internal sources also emit other pollutants that may become PM precursors or components due to their deposition on PM particles present in the air [11, 25, 26] .

It has been established beyond doubt that PM concentrations in the atmospheric air have a significant influence on the PM concentrations inside various buildings.

Indoors, basic PM sources include human skin, hair, plants, animals, cooking, building materials, tobacco smoking, heating (coal, wood and biomass combustion), cleaning agents and specific activities related to the use of a building.

The internal sources also emit other pollutants that may become PM precursors or components due to their deposition on PM particles present in the air.


In non-relativistic quantum theory non-commutativity of space arises often in the effective description of charged particles carrying dipole momentum moving in strong magnetic fields [29] . It seems natural then to look for the by now well-known UV/IR mixing in the context of non-relativistic quantum field theory. Another more theoretical motivation is that it might be easier to understand the effects of non-commutativity of space in simpler setups than relativistic quantum field theory. We also would like to emphasize that due to an ordering ambiguity in the interaction vertices the particular model we are considering can not be obtained as the non-relativistic limit of a relativistic field model! As we will see, also in this non-relativistic example there is an interplay between the IR and UV behaviour due to the Moyal phases. For the two-point function a singularity of delta-function type appears. This should be contrasted with the pole like singularities found for relativistic theories [9] . For the four-point function we find a singularity of a more familiar, logarithmic type.

In non-relativistic quantum theory non-commutativity of space arises often in the effective description of charged particles carrying dipole momentum moving in strong magnetic fields.

This should be contrasted with the pole like singularities found for relativistic theories.


We study the system at finite temperature and non-zero chemical potential µ. We compute the thermodynamical potential up to two loops. The presence of the chemical potential provides another scale besides the non-commutativity scale and temperature. If −µ >> T , the non-planar contribution is strongly suppressed with respect to the planar one for thermal wavelengths smaller than the non-commutativity scale. This suggest a reduction of degrees of freedom running in the non-planar graphs at high temperature [20] [21] . The limit of −µ << T is more involved. The non-planar graph does not appear to be strongly suppressed as a function of the temperature. It depends crucially on the ratio between the chemical potential and the non-commutativity scale.

This suggest a reduction of degrees of freedom running in the non-planar graphs at high temperature.

The limit of −µ << T is more involved.


Here, we describe the network architecture of r θ D (x) and G θ G (z) used in the b-GAN. BN is the batch normalization layer [38] . We also applied our algorithm to the Celeb A data set. The images are resized and cropped to 64 × 64 pixcels. Figures 6 and 7 show samples randomly generated using b-GANs. The Network architecture is as follows.

BN is the batch normalization layer.

The Network architecture is as follows.


In our experimental case of (1) and (2) work properly (Section 5). The reason case (2) works is that function −f (r) behaves like an f-divergence and the derivative is large when r(x) is small. However, we cannot guarantee that −f (r) satisfies the conditions of f-divergence between positive measures, i.e, −f (r) is a convex function and −f (1) = 0. If the derivatives in case (2) are negative when r(x) is greater than 1, there is a possibility that the mechanism pulling r(x) to 1 does not occur. In contrast, in case (1), when r(x) is greater than 1, the derivatives are positive, therefore, the mechanism pulling r(x) to 1 occurs. This prevents generators from emitting the same points. We can expect the same effects as -minibatch discrimination- [37] .

We can expect the same effects as -minibatch discrimination.


In fact, the r(x) obtained at each iteration is different and not optimal because we adopt a single-step gradient method [31] . Thus, b-GAN dynamically updates the generator to minimize the f-divergence between p(x) and q(x). As mentioned previously, f (x) must satisfy f (1) = 0 in this case because we cannot guarantee that r θ (x)q(x) is normalized.

In fact, the r(x) obtained at each iteration is different and not optimal because we adopt a single-step gradient method.


Damage incurred by earthquakes over the years has indicated that many reinforced concrete (R/C) buildings, designed and constructed during the 1960s and 1970s, were found to have serious structural deficiencies today. These deficiencies are mainly due to lack of capacity design approach and/or poor detailing of the reinforcement. As a result, lateral strength and ductility of these structures were minimal and hence some of them collapsed [1] [2] [3] . One of the most popular pre-and post-earthquake retrofitting methods for columns, beamcolumn joints and walls is the use of reinforced concrete jacketing. In retrofitting building columns, b/c joints and walls with outer R/C jackets, the usual practice consists of first assembling the jacket reinforcement cages, arranging the formwork and then placing the concrete jacket [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . Shotcrete can be used in lieu of conventional concrete in the repair works and, in some cases, offers advantages over it, the choice being based on convenience and cost.

As a result, lateral strength and ductility of these structures were minimal and hence some of them collapsed.

In retrofitting building columns, b/c joints and walls with outer R/C jackets, the usual practice consists of first assembling the jacket reinforcement cages, arranging the formwork and then placing the concrete jacket.


Energy plays an essential role in an economy on both demand and supply. On the demand side, energy is one of the products a consumer decides to buy to maximise his or her utility. On the supply side, energy is a key factor of production in addition to capital, labour and materials and is seen to play a vital role in the economic and social development of countries, being a key factor in increasing economic growth and living standards. This implies that there should be a causal relationship running from energy consumption to national income or GDP and vice versa (Chontanawat et al., 2006) .

This implies that there should be a causal relationship running from energy consumption to national income or GDP and vice versa.


The high level of usage of Facebook is caused by certain motivations. The first is the reception by a group of "friends" or fellow users, and the second is interpersonal feedback (comments) to the user himself, where when one gets comments from others about what was said on Facebook, the person will reply to these comments and so on, causing the intensity of the individual using the Facebook to increase (Simatupang, 2011) . Facebook utilization refers to the level of intensity of engaging in the various activities in Facebook with more time being spent by the individual on these activities.

The first is the reception by a group of "friends" or fellow users, and the second is interpersonal feedback (comments) to the user himself, where when one gets comments from others about what was said on Facebook, the person will reply to these comments and so on, causing the intensity of the individual using the Facebook to increase.


Currently, many online media companies promote CMC, as a form of social media to the general public, such as Yahoo, Google, Hotmail, MSN, Friendster, My Space, Facebook, Kaskus, CNN, Gmail, MIRC, Wikipedia, Twitter and others. One example of this form of social media communication or CMC that has become very popular today worldwide, is the social networking site, Facebook. Facebook was designed by Mark Zuckerberg to keep in touch with fellow students in Harvard University in 2004 (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010) . The advent of Facebook recorded 21 million users (Needham & Company, 2007) . In Indonesia, as much as 47.96182 million people use Facebook, making Indonesia among the top four countries in the world to most frequently use Facebook with the percentage of males at 59.1% (28.42646 million users) and 40.9% of women (19.68732 million users) (www.checkfacebook.com).

Facebook was designed by Mark Zuckerberg to keep in touch with fellow students in Harvard University in 2004.

The advent of Facebook recorded 21 million users.


Within engineering design, the art of managing knowledge effectively is rapidly becoming an exciting and vibrant field of practice as aerospace organisations are realising that knowledge is the key to performance (Firestone and McElroy 2003) . It has been established that one of the major issues within conventional knowledge management is lack of accurate integration between organisation strategy, processes and technology (Wong 2005; Pitt and MacVaugh 2008) . Many of the techniques within conventional knowledge management are often stand-alone approaches that fail to incorporate effective knowledge management into the business and engineering processes, tools and platforms of an organisation (Jackson 2010) .

Within engineering design, the art of managing knowledge effectively is rapidly becoming an exciting and vibrant field of practice as aerospace organisations are realising that knowledge is the key to performance.

It has been established that one of the major issues within conventional knowledge management is lack of accurate integration between organisation strategy, processes and technology.

Many of the techniques within conventional knowledge management are often stand-alone approaches that fail to incorporate effective knowledge management into the business and engineering processes, tools and platforms of an organisation.


From a system's perspective, it is imperative to identify core elements within product design activities. Understanding the interconnections and interrelations between these elements provide powerful insight into product I.O. Sanya and E.M. Shehab attributes and characteristics which can be accessible at a generic or specific level (Shehab et al. 2013) . Defining domain structures and interrelations between elements in product design should be the focal point of concentration when attempting to thoroughly manage complexity in engineering design activities. Thus, developing an ontology framework that encourages modular ontology architectural design will significantly aid the understanding and realisation of managing complex product design knowledge. This is achieved through the definition of modular and self-contained engineering design ontologies that aim to capture complex relationships between knowledge types, and ensure knowledge reuse in product design processes and toolsets. This research project is in collaboration with a large aerospace organisation with specific case studies and research application to the combustor and casing engineering design environment.

Understanding the interconnections and interrelations between these elements provide powerful insight into product I.O. Sanya and E.M. Shehab attributes and characteristics which can be accessible at a generic or specific level.


In distribution networks, nodal voltages are influenced by both real and reactive power flows due to high r/x ratio of lines [14] . Aforementioned controllable devices usually are connected to the distribution network through converter based interfaces. They have the ability of controlling their real power and reactive power independently. Thus, they can impact the system voltages through adjusting either output real power or reactive power. However, the power ratings of these converter-based devices are limited; their real and reactive power outputs are not fully decoupled. Therefore, during real time regulations, real and reactive power controls of various devices should be coordinated carefully.

In distribution networks, nodal voltages are influenced by both real and reactive power flows due to high r/x ratio of lines.


These structural characteristics reflect the purposely designed roles of these actors and institutions within the complex governance system, along with the evolution of the system to manage collective-action problems. Complex institutional arrangements are not completely chaotic-there are hierarchical structures that enable different actors and institutions to exert some control over the system. The term governance implies some capacity to manage or steer such complex systems (Klijn et al. 1995) .

The term governance implies some capacity to manage or steer such complex systems.


Many technologies have recently appeared and evolved, including Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Services (IoS), Big Data, Cloud Computing, Semantic Web, and virtualization [4] . Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has emerged as a new industrialization concept that exploits these new technologies to cope with the challenges set forth above. The smart factory is the heart of I4.0 [5] . The smart factory integrates these technologies to improve performance, quality, controllability, and transparency of manufacturing processes. In the smart factory, the system is context-aware and helps people and machines execute their tasks based on information from both physical and virtual worlds. Components of the system can negotiate with each other and with other factory components to either request or offer functions [6] .

Many technologies have recently appeared and evolved, including Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Services (IoS), Big Data, Cloud Computing, Semantic Web, and virtualization.

The smart factory is the heart of I4.0.

Components of the system can negotiate with each other and with other factory components to either request or offer functions.


The aim of transition management is to guide the transformation of socio-political landscapes and socio-technical practices together with "the structural character of society" from one equilibrium to another [27] . This governance model focuses mainly on society and technology. However, in practice, there have been limited opportunities to validate TM. Meanwhile, adaptive governance is the process of creating capacity to adapt and transform socio-ecological systems [29] . Adaptive management focuses mainly on the interaction between social and natural dynamics, but also on adaptation through learning which increases the resilience of socio-ecological systems. It is considered more analytical and substantial than transition management (which exhibits a strong process orientation with a focus on sustainability) [34] .

The aim of transition management is to guide the transformation of socio-political landscapes and socio-technical practices together with "the structural character of society" from one equilibrium to another.

Meanwhile, adaptive governance is the process of creating capacity to adapt and transform socio-ecological systems.

It is considered more analytical and substantial than transition management (which exhibits a strong process orientation with a focus on sustainability).


Generally speaking climate change has two areas mitigation i.e. to reduce the causes of climate change via for example renewable or sustainable energy systems, and climate change adaptation i.e. to reduce the negative impacts that climate change may bring for example energy, heat island, flooding or vulnerability [6] . Besides, the policy response should integrate both areas [7] . A clear example of this is the new merged Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy which integrates mitigation and adaptation issues to achieve the EU energy and climate targets [8] .

Generally speaking climate change has two areas mitigation i.e. to reduce the causes of climate change via for example renewable or sustainable energy systems, and climate change adaptation i.e. to reduce the negative impacts that climate change may bring for example energy, heat island, flooding or vulnerability.

Besides, the policy response should integrate both areas.

A clear example of this is the new merged Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy which integrates mitigation and adaptation issues to achieve the EU energy and climate targets.


This study looks at the potential role that emerging incentives such as the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) mechanism can contribute towards poverty alleviation and sustainable development goals within the Lao context. REDD+ involves payments to forest-rich developing nations for achieving long-term reductions in carbon emissions by reducing the extent of deforestation and forest degradation, thereby protecting and enhancing carbon stocks [3] . The REDD+ framework could also produce co-benefits including maintenance of ecosystem services (e.g., preservation of biodiversity, soil, and water quality) and indigenous livelihoods and cultures [4, 5] . There are two main approaches to investments in plantations in Lao PDR: large-scale concessions to companies, and smallholder plantations, including those organized through contract farming. We focus on the latter smallholder plantations in this study as it will also examine the household's decision-making relative to availability of REDD+.

REDD+ involves payments to forest-rich developing nations for achieving long-term reductions in carbon emissions by reducing the extent of deforestation and forest degradation, thereby protecting and enhancing carbon stocks.

The REDD+ framework could also produce co-benefits including maintenance of ecosystem services (e.g., preservation of biodiversity, soil, and water quality) and indigenous livelihoods and cultures.


Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), synonymous with hand-foot skin reaction and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a distinct cutaneous manifestation associated with sorafenib, sunitinib, and lapatinib (Adams and Leggas 2007; Chu et al 2007; Strumberg et al 2007) . Approximately 13% and 18% of patients experienced grade 1-2 HFS, and 4% and 8% of patients experience grade 3-4 HFS during the course of sunitinib and sorafenib treatment, respectively (Adams and Leggas 2007; Strumberg et al 2007) . HFS appears to occur more often when lapatinib and capecitabine were combined (Chu et al 2007) . It is likely that capecitabine contributes to the development of HFS, which has already been shown to be a dose-limiting toxicity of capecitabine (Gressett et al 2006) . In addition to alopecia and splinter subungual hemorrhages, which are induced by both sorafenib and sunitinib in a subgroup of patients, sunitinib can also lead to skin discoloration (Robert et al 2005; Adams and Leggas 2007) . Similar to imatinib, hair depigmentation and periorbital edema are also seen with sunitinib treatment (Robert et al 2005; Adams and Leggas 2007) .

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), synonymous with hand-foot skin reaction and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a distinct cutaneous manifestation associated with sorafenib, sunitinib, and lapatinib.

Approximately 13% and 18% of patients experienced grade 1-2 HFS, and 4% and 8% of patients experience grade 3-4 HFS during the course of sunitinib and sorafenib treatment, respectively.

HFS appears to occur more often when lapatinib and capecitabine were combined.

It is likely that capecitabine contributes to the development of HFS, which has already been shown to be a dose-limiting toxicity of capecitabine.

In addition to alopecia and splinter subungual hemorrhages, which are induced by both sorafenib and sunitinib in a subgroup of patients, sunitinib can also lead to skin discoloration.

Similar to imatinib, hair depigmentation and periorbital edema are also seen with sunitinib treatment.


Subjective norms (SNs) have a direct positive impact on behavioral intention, which is similar to the research conclusion of Maichum, wherein SNs indicate that the influence of friends/family members resulted in a little thrust concerning the reasons to buy green products for consumers [91] . Perceived behavioral control has a direct positive impact on behavioral intention, which is contrary to Lin's research on young consumers' purchasing intentions for green housing [92] . We speculate that this phenomenon is caused by the current social norm of housing consumerism in China. Purchasing green housing is also a sustainable behavior. However, housing prices are too high in China and are obviously growing every year [93] . Buying housing is extremely difficult for young consumers, thus young consumers' perceived behavioral control has little effect on their purchasing intention for green housing. Renting requires fewer funds, and young consumers' wages are sufficient for this. Therefore, the perceived behavioral control of young consumers has a positive impact on renting behavior.

Subjective norms (SNs) have a direct positive impact on behavioral intention, which is similar to the research conclusion of Maichum, wherein SNs indicate that the influence of friends/family members resulted in a little thrust concerning the reasons to buy green products for consumers.

Perceived behavioral control has a direct positive impact on behavioral intention, which is contrary to Lin's research on young consumers' purchasing intentions for green housing.

However, housing prices are too high in China and are obviously growing every year.


Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control had a direct positive influence on renting intention, whose path coefficients are 0.41 and 0.18, respectively, reflecting that the external subjective normative pressure has more noticeable effects on behavioral intention compared with perceived behavior control. Interestingly, this conclusion is precisely the opposite of Mäntymäki's research on teenagers indulging in the virtual world [90] . We suspect the reason behind this difference is the difference in research subjects. Indulging in the virtual world is negative behavior and needs to be restricted. In comparison with the pressure from public opinion, the personal perceived behavioral control, that is, self-discipline has a greater impact on actual behavior. In contrast, renting behavior is positive behavior that promotes sustainable development, therefore the public pressure is more effective than personally perceived behavior control. As such, to reduce the perceived difficulty of renting for consumers, policymakers should propagate more on rent and encourage the members of the society to rent houses instead of buying. For example, celebrities can advocate for renting and promote its advantages to encourage more people to rent.

Interestingly, this conclusion is precisely the opposite of Mäntymäki's research on teenagers indulging in the virtual world.


In contrast, however, discontinuation of clopidogrel therapy perioperatively may result in considerable therapeutic and surgery-related disadvantages. Acute withdrawal of clopidogrel results in a prothrombotic and proinflammatory state that may complicate surgery, resulting in adverse clinical events [15] . Furthermore, cessation of clopidogrel therapy for at least 5 days is required to allow return of platelet function adequate for implementation of regional anaesthesia in hip fracture surgery [16] . This in itself is of major concern, as surgical delay in hip fracture management of more than 2 days is associated with a significantly increased risk of complications and mortality within 30 days and 1 year [17, 18] . From a cardiac perspective, discontinuation of clopidogrel is associated with an increased incidence of myocardial infarction or mortality in patients treated either medically or with coronary stenting for acute coronary syndrome. In both groups over half the events occurred within 90 days of stopping clopidogrel therapy [19] .

Acute withdrawal of clopidogrel results in a prothrombotic and proinflammatory state that may complicate surgery, resulting in adverse clinical events.

Furthermore, cessation of clopidogrel therapy for at least 5 days is required to allow return of platelet function adequate for implementation of regional anaesthesia in hip fracture surgery.

This in itself is of major concern, as surgical delay in hip fracture management of more than 2 days is associated with a significantly increased risk of complications and mortality within 30 days and 1 year.

In both groups over half the events occurred within 90 days of stopping clopidogrel therapy.


In UK waters, an effective shellfish monitoring system acts as a sentinel, and has prevented serious impact on human health but this has led to long-term closures of fisheries, with severe economic consequences [5] . The shellfish industry is an important aspect of the economy in the UK; with shellfish contributing to 42% of UK landings, and with the shellfish industry worth £267.1 million in 2008 [6] . There have been several in-depth reviews concerning the toxins produced by these toxic microalgae species, and the future implication of climate change on these species composition and potential alterations in locations. However, despite many closures of fisheries there is very little literature concerning the epidemiology of adverse events on human health.

In UK waters, an effective shellfish monitoring system acts as a sentinel, and has prevented serious impact on human health but this has led to long-term closures of fisheries, with severe economic consequences.

The shellfish industry is an important aspect of the economy in the UK; with shellfish contributing to 42% of UK landings, and with the shellfish industry worth £267.1 million in 2008.


A source is a vertex of a quiver at which no arrow ends. Replacing sinks with sources, one gets similar definitions of a reflection functor F − x , a (−)-admissible sequence, and the Coxeter functor Φ − [3] . In [3, p. 22] , the authors make the following definition.

Replacing sinks with sources, one gets similar definitions of a reflection functor F − x , a (−)-admissible sequence, and the Coxeter functor Φ −.


Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) and celiac disease (CD) are both autoimmune disorders. In the last two decades, increased CD prevalence (1-16%) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) has been well documented in numerous screening studies made all over the world [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . There is limited data on the prevalence of CD in Arab children with T1D. Data from Arab countries in North Africa indicate prevalence rate ranging from 5 to 16% [3, 6, 7] . There is a limited data on prevalence of CD in children with T1D in Arabs in Middle East. Anti-gliadin antibodies-based screening study in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, revealed a 4.9% prevalence of CD in T1D children [8] . Anti-gliadin antibodies-based screening is no longer recommended because of the poor sensitivity and specificity [9] . In a large retrospective, anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-TTG) antibodies based, screening study, the prevalence of CD among T1D children in Western region of Saudi Arabia was 11.2% [10] .

In the last two decades, increased CD prevalence (1-16%) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) has been well documented in numerous screening studies made all over the world.

Data from Arab countries in North Africa indicate prevalence rate ranging from 5 to 16%.

Anti-gliadin antibodies-based screening study in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, revealed a 4.9% prevalence of CD in T1D children.

Anti-gliadin antibodies-based screening is no longer recommended because of the poor sensitivity and specificity.

In a large retrospective, anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-TTG) antibodies based, screening study, the prevalence of CD among T1D children in Western region of Saudi Arabia was 11.2%.


Among the many compounds of interest, cellulose stands out by being one of the most abundant biopolymers. Cellulose fibres are the basis of plant cell wall foundation. They are formed by a network of microfibrils composed by cellulose chains. The microfibrils possess rigid and amorphous regions, and the rigid, or crystalline, region differs from the amorphous region by the high content of hydrogen bonds between the cellulose chains. The rigid region constitutes the socalled cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), also known as cellulose whiskers. Thus, CNCs present very high mechanical strength and stiffness and are mostly used as reinforcing agents for micro-and nanocomposites [2] .

Thus, CNCs present very high mechanical strength and stiffness and are mostly used as reinforcing agents for micro-and nanocomposites.


Microdevices are gaining popularity both in commercial applications and in scientific research. Today, there exists a rapidly growing interest in improving the conventional design techniques related with these devices. For example, it is suggested that microchannels may dissipate the heat generated in microchips more effectively than fans, and may be used as a more practical cooling system in the integrated circuit chip industry [1] . Microdevices are often operated in gaseous environments, and naturally, their performances are affected by the gas around them. These gas flows can exhibit rarefied phenomena even at atmospheric conditions because the ratio of the mean-freepath to the characteristic dimension can be significant. Consequently, it is necessary to understand the rarefied flows related with these devices. Also, investigation of low-density internal flows with varying rarefaction is scientifically very instructive as it helps to get a better understanding of the development of basic flows from molecular point of view.

For example, it is suggested that microchannels may dissipate the heat generated in microchips more effectively than fans, and may be used as a more practical cooling system in the integrated circuit chip industry.


A mobile detector for measuring the muon flux is in use at IFIN-HH Bucharest [5] . Placed in a van for mobility, it interprets the coincidence events between two overlaid active layers as passing muons. A new configuration of the active layers, using optical fiber readout of the plastic scintillator sheet, was implemented and tested, and its performances were compared with the previous one, which used waveguides for the light collection. Using this new developed configuration, the possibility of directional measurements of muon flux was observed.

A mobile detector for measuring the muon flux is in use at IFIN-HH Bucharest.


New universal voltage-mode and current-mode filters using a single DVCCTA have been presented. The circuits use one DVCCTA, two capacitors, and a resistor for realization. The resistor being grounded may easily be implemented as a variable one using only two MOSs [17] . The resistor may be eliminated by replacing DVCCTA with DVCCCTA in the case of VM filter. The simulation results verify the theory. The salient features of the proposed circuits are as follows: they employ a single DVCCTA, low sensitivity performance, electronic tunability of both ω 0 and ω 0 /Q 0 and ω 0 and Q 0 , high output impedance for CM filter, which are suitable for cascading, and low component spread for high-Q application.

The resistor being grounded may easily be implemented as a variable one using only two MOSs.


General tourism was initially thought of as an industry capable of promoting both growth and equity because of its intensive use of local inputs and unskilled labor. It was later discovered, however, that the inability of the local community to fully participate in tourism activities results in a highly-unequal distribution of the gains (Zhenhua Liu, 2003) . This potential conflict can be minimized if all stakeholders are made aware of the potential impact of tourism promotion on their income levels and employment status. Thus, a critical challenge faced by regional scientists is to inform community planners and concerned citizens alike not only the economic viability of a pro-growth strategy, but also the consequences on those with limited power and resources. Studies have shown that the more widely information is disseminated; the more likely an optimal policy for the entire community will be adopted (Deller and Shields, 1998) .

It was later discovered, however, that the inability of the local community to fully participate in tourism activities results in a highly-unequal distribution of the gains.

Studies have shown that the more widely information is disseminated; the more likely an optimal policy for the entire community will be adopted.


While growth remains a top policy objective, in recent years concerns have gradually shifted towards regional disparities and the uneven distribution of wealth and income (Armstrong and Taylor, 2000) . The main impetus is the widening gap between the rich and the poor in the U.S. since the 1970s, which results in the share of the top wage earners now being higher than the pre World-War II level (Piketty and Saez, 2003) . At the same time, the evidence suggest that high-growth, skill-intensive sectors tend to favor the educated workers already at the top of the income distribution, hence aggravating the initial inequality (Katz and Murphy, 1992) .

While growth remains a top policy objective, in recent years concerns have gradually shifted towards regional disparities and the uneven distribution of wealth and income.

The main impetus is the widening gap between the rich and the poor in the U.S. since the 1970s, which results in the share of the top wage earners now being higher than the pre World-War II level.

At the same time, the evidence suggest that high-growth, skill-intensive sectors tend to favor the educated workers already at the top of the income distribution, hence aggravating the initial inequality.


The enrollment of "language-minority" learners of English who are bilingual but with limited English proficiency has been increasing in early child education programs nationwide (Hernandez, Denton, & Macartney, 2007) . Achievement data suggest that even though typically developing language-minority learners from low-income families in the primary grades can develop grade-appropriate word reading skills, their reading comprehension scores are often well below average for their grade-level (Menken, 2008) . Indeed, these bilingual learners not only lag far behind their peers, but the gaps grow as children advance through the upper grade levels (Reardon & Galindo, 2006) . Thus, understanding which components of reading comprehension are unique to bilingual students is critical to the task of creating high-quality reading education and effective intervention strategies.

The enrollment of "language-minority" learners of English who are bilingual but with limited English proficiency has been increasing in early child education programs nationwide.

Achievement data suggest that even though typically developing language-minority learners from low-income families in the primary grades can develop grade-appropriate word reading skills, their reading comprehension scores are often well below average for their grade-level.

Indeed, these bilingual learners not only lag far behind their peers, but the gaps grow as children advance through the upper grade levels.


Besides water availability, the other major cue of seasonal conditions is temperature. We found that secondary dormancy can be induced by a wide range of temperatures, ranging from 88C to 358C depending on the persistence of the stimulus, with cooler temperatures requiring longer incubation periods to be effective at inducing dormancy. First, imbibition at cold temperatures is a well-known dormancy-breaking stimulus in many species, but when experienced for longer periods, it can induce secondary dormancy (Penfield and Springthorpe, 2012; Rubio de Casas et al., 2012; Debieu et al., 2013) . Our results show that after having an initial dormancy-breaking effect, extended incubation at 88C and 128C (for 12 d and 8 d, respectively) induces secondary dormancy in coldmatured seeds (Fig. 3) . However, incubation at lower temperatures (28C and 48C) did not induce secondary dormancy in those seeds at all.

First, imbibition at cold temperatures is a well-known dormancy-breaking stimulus in many species, but when experienced for longer periods, it can induce secondary dormancy.


Fiber-reinforced plastic composites have played a potential role due to a variety of applications for their high specific strength and modulus. The traditional fiber-reinforced plastics are usually made up of synthetic fiberreinforced composites, which are considered critically and because of their environmental complications such materials are less popular. Recently, the interest is growing for alternatives which are the natural fibers based biodegradable plastic composites [1] [2] [3] [4] . The benefits of natural fibers are: biodegradability, renewability, low cost, and low density. This light fiber can give superior specific stiffness and strength that are analogous to the respective synthetic fibers like glass fibers. The promising applications of natural fiber reinforced composites: door, package trays, instrument panels, arm rest, seat back and glove boxes [1] . However, the drawbacks of natural fibers are the high degree of moisture absorption, poor wettability with non-polar polymers, low-adhesion of untreated fibers with polymer-matrix facilitates the retardation of significant bonding during aging [3] [4] [5] . To seize these difficulties the promising methods are the fabrication of fiber, cautious choice of pair (fiber and matrix), and advance development procedures [6, 7] .

Recently, the interest is growing for alternatives which are the natural fibers based biodegradable plastic composites.

The promising applications of natural fiber reinforced composites: door, package trays, instrument panels, arm rest, seat back and glove boxes.

However, the drawbacks of natural fibers are the high degree of moisture absorption, poor wettability with non-polar polymers, low-adhesion of untreated fibers with polymer-matrix facilitates the retardation of significant bonding during aging.

To seize these difficulties the promising methods are the fabrication of fiber, cautious choice of pair (fiber and matrix), and advance development procedures.


The X-ray diffractograms of different fibers are illustrated in Fig. 3(i) . The peak appearing at 2 =42.3° for NF has been reportedly attributed to the 111 reflection from the cubic copper crystal [12] . This finding demonstrates the CuNPs impregnation in the fibers. The average size of CuNPs as analyzed from (1 1 1) peak is 17 nm.

The peak appearing at 2 =42.3° for NF has been reportedly attributed to the 111 reflection from the cubic copper crystal.


The weight loss increased with burial-time for all the specimens and the results are shown in Fig. 4 . Significant difference observed between VR and NF-VRC samples at 90 days. The UF-VRC specimen buried for more than 60 days could not be fully recovered because of a considerable fragmentation. Apparent decay of neat VR and NF-VRC is slower than that of UF-VR, indicating that UF has a higher biodegradability than NF. This phenomenon is logical due to the achievement of strong and durable properties of NF. Cautious observation reveals that some hollows generated by the biodegradation of matrix VR are appeared for all the VR samples after 30 days. The biodegradability of matrix polymer is thought to be almost the same for all the samples, as far as judging from the growth of hollows of the matrix VR. It is thought that the faster fragmentation of UF-VRC is caused by a rapid biodegradation of UF exposed on the surface by the biodegradation of the matrix VR. Table 3 represents the TS of VR, UF-VRC, and NF-VRC at different conditions. Clearly, NF-VRC showed the highest TS, which are immediately followed by UF-VRC. The respective increase of TS of NF-VRC from UF-VRC is about 27%, and from VR is 58%, denoting a significant figure to enhance materials properties. This better performance of the resulting composites can be attributed to the increased compatibility between NP-CF fibers and VR because of the modification of UF fibers surface by both CA and CuNPs treatments. On the other hand, the increase of TS in the composites merely for the inclusion of UF fibers content may be assigned to the robust TS value of the individual EFB fiber [18] . However, when UF fiber content is greater than 30 wt%, the composites become inhomogeneous because of the fiber-fiber interaction whose effect may cause to develop fiberagglomeration in the composites, as reported elsewhere [19] .

On the other hand, the increase of TS in the composites merely for the inclusion of UF fibers content may be assigned to the robust TS value of the individual EFB fiber.

However, when UF fiber content is greater than 30 wt%, the composites become inhomogeneous because of the fiber-fiber interaction whose effect may cause to develop fiberagglomeration in the composites, as reported elsewhere.


Due to the addition of reducing agent, a clear change of sol color is observed, where the light-blue colored aqueous solution changes to wine red, which is a considerable indication of the formation of CuNPs in the sol. In addition, Fig. 1(i) illustrates the FTIR spectra of solutions before and after CuNPs formation. A broad absorption band of hydroxyl (O-H) groups of PVA chains appear at 3359 cm -1 and 3341 cm -1 before and after nanoparticles (NPs) formation, respectively, showing 18 units red shift of this polar group. This shifting of wavenumber demonstrates that PVA molecules facilitate coordination with Cu 2+ species. Such coordination through the ester bond of PVA to Cu species due to the electrostatic attractions was described elsewhere [11] . The ester bond is located at 1047 cm -1 before NPs formation and shifted to 1039 cm -1 after NPs formation, indicating the coordination of polar -O-H groups with Cu species.

Such coordination through the ester bond of PVA to Cu species due to the electrostatic attractions was described elsewhere.


Additionally, it has become clear that due to the complexity of AM part geometry XCT has an increasingly important role in assessing part geometry [7] [8] [9] [10] . XCT has the ability to measure internal and recessed surfaces which would be impossible to access using conventional surface metrology techniques. Unfortunately the data produced by XCT systems in not in the form that is easily useable to enable quantitative surface assessment to be carried out and its accuracy, repeatability and resolution in terms of reproducing useful topography data has yet to be established.

Additionally, it has become clear that due to the complexity of AM part geometry XCT has an increasingly important role in assessing part geometry.