In this paper, we will follow a different approach to the dynamics of causal sets, which is in principle more straightforward: We seek a way to write down the usual continuum action for gravity, and possibly matter fields, where the metric has been replaced by causal relations and volumes and the additional fields expressed in terms that have a well-defined causal set correspondence, and then discretize the resulting expression. In practice, this task is not as simple as it sounds. First of all, while using the volume element as a variable can be thought of as simply identifying the occurrence of √ −g in the action, it would not be useful to think of the locally defined conformal structure, |g| −1/d g µν in d spacetime dimensions, which is tensorial rather than combinatorial in nature, as the variable representing the causal structure, for the purpose of discretizing the theory. Instead, we will use as variable the actual partial order p ≺ q, or q ∈ J + (p), even in the continuum. This, however, will introduce some non-locality in the theory; we will elaborate on this point below. The difficulty involved in the inclusion of matter fields in this framework depends on the type of field considered, but the case of a scalar field is simple enough that we shall treat it first, even before the case of gravity itself; results for other fields will be discussed in separate articles [12] . The final issue related to our approach consists in specifying how to use the action we obtain in a dynamical principle. Although fully addressing this issue is beyond the scope of this paper, we will include some remarks on it.

The difficulty involved in the inclusion of matter fields in this framework depends on the type of field considered, but the case of a scalar field is simple enough that we shall treat it first, even before the case of gravity itself; results for other fields will be discussed in separate articles.


The parametric statistical model of safety monitoring on concrete dam crack takes hydraulic pressure, temperature, and timeliness as the main influential factors, in which the theoretical basis of crack timeliness component expression is the creep theory of concrete and the component of cyclic load of temperature and so forth is fitted with periodic function, and it expresses the hydraulic component with cubic or quartic polynomial continuous function of water head based on the theory of engineering mechanics [7] . So the parametric statistical model of safety monitoring on concrete dam crack is widely applied in actual project as it can reflect the evolution law of crack behavior truthfully in a certain extent. However, when the abnormality diagnosis of crack behavior is based on the parametric statistical model of safety monitoring on concrete dam crack, as the functional relationship between the influential factors of crack and the crack effect size is set in advance and the stochastic disturbance of model needs to meet the normal consumption, the effect of crack behavior abnormality diagnosis is not reasonable and comprehensive enough. On this basis, closely combining the hot issue in the latest statistics, change point theory, based on the analysis of change point characteristics of concrete dam crack behavior and through the reduction of change point issue, establishment of basic nonparametric change point model, and progressive analysis of basic change point test method as well as the study on multichange point diagnosis method of crack abnormality, the author creates the nonparametric change point diagnosis method of concrete dam crack behavior abnormality in this paper and applies it in the actual project, so as to inspect the scientific reasonableness of nonparametric change point diagnosis method of concrete dam crack behavior abnormality.

The parametric statistical model of safety monitoring on concrete dam crack takes hydraulic pressure, temperature, and timeliness as the main influential factors, in which the theoretical basis of crack timeliness component expression is the creep theory of concrete and the component of cyclic load of temperature and so forth is fitted with periodic function, and it expresses the hydraulic component with cubic or quartic polynomial continuous function of water head based on the theory of engineering mechanics.


China has the most water-conservancy and hydropower projects currently in the world. At the beginning of the 21st century, China entered the peak period of dam construction. There is a group of 320 m-level ultrahigh concrete arc dams completed or under construction in Southwest China. Concrete dam crack and its influence on the structure safety have always been a hot spot and difficulty in the discipline of hydraulic structure. Currently, the study is focused on whether the macrocrack of concrete structure will be expanded under load, which is an important issue for the evaluation of safety performance of concrete structure working with crack [1] . In dam safety monitoring field, as the masses have higher and higher requirements to the safety of water conversancy projects, the problem of concrete dam crack has been more and more highlighted. It has also gradually become a hot spot and difficulty in the study on safety of hydraulic structure to study the transformation of crack behavior in concrete dam due to crack expansion and even its abnormality to cause influence on the safety of concrete structure. Such problem is defined as concrete dam crack behavior abnormality in this paper, and the emphasis is put on the study of diagnosis method of crack behavior abnormality, so as to diagnose the crack abnormality timely and rapidly.

Currently, the study is focused on whether the macrocrack of concrete structure will be expanded under load, which is an important issue for the evaluation of safety performance of concrete structure working with crack.


In this study, MD simulations are used to predict and characterize polymerCNTs interface mechanisms in PVB and P(St-co-GMA) polymer solutions, which are proven good polymer matrices for composite fibers [38, 54] . Thus, P(St-co-GMA) and PVB polymers are introduced into atomistic models to investigate and compare their interactions with CNTs by monitoring the effect of aromatic groups on CNTs dispersion. We also incorporate solvent molecules dimethylformamide (DMF) (Figure 1(d) ) to simulate solvent-based fiber solutions, as in wet-fiber processing. Local structure is evaluated by analyzing radial distribution function (RDFs) of CNTs concentration profile and radius of gyration (R G ) of polymer to understand dominated particle-polymer interaction mechanism [69, 70] . Clustering behavior and single polymer dynamics of neat and CNTs containing polymer solutions are determined to provide insight into the nanofluid behavior at the macro-scale.

In this study, MD simulations are used to predict and characterize polymerCNTs interface mechanisms in PVB and P(St-co-GMA) polymer solutions, which are proven good polymer matrices for composite fibers.

Local structure is evaluated by analyzing radial distribution function (RDFs) of CNTs concentration profile and radius of gyration (R G ) of polymer to understand dominated particle-polymer interaction mechanism.


Numerous plant species used as remedies in traditional medicine are grown as spontaneous flora (Chuparina and Aisueva 2011) . In Romania, among the most used medicinal plants in folk medicine are chamomile (Matricaria recutita), milfoil (Achillea millefolium), rattle (Hypericum perforatum), brotherwort (Thymus serpyllum), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), linden (Tilia platyphyllos), and peppermint (Mentha piperita). Chamomile is used for its anxiolytic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, while milfoil is used for its strong astringent effect and to treat a variety of illnesses and disorders from stomach aches to circulatory disorders. Rattle is usually used to treat digestive and neurological disorders; brotherwort has antiseptic properties and is used for acne and allergies treatment; pot marigold has anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties; linden is used for its calming effects and to ease cold and flu symptoms; while peppermint is used to relieve stomach aches, nausea, fever, stress, and to boost the immune system.

Numerous plant species used as remedies in traditional medicine are grown as spontaneous flora.


In opposition, our work initiated from cognitive architectural considerations, and moved to software and hardware requirements of a mobile robot operating in real life settings. EMIB (Emotion and Motivation for Intentional selection and configuration of Behavior-producing modules) was our first computational architecture used to integrate all necessary decisional capabilities of an autonomous robots [22] . It was implemented on a Pioneer 2 robot entry in the 2000 AAAI Mobile Robot Challenge. A robot had to start at the entrance of the conference site, find the registration desk, register, perform volunteer duties (e.g., guard an area) and give a presentation [18] . Our team was the first and only one to attempt the event from start to end, using sonars as proximity sensors, navigating in the environment by reading written letters and symbols, using a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, interacting with people through a touch-screen interface, displaying a graphical face to express the robot's emotional state, determining what to do next, using a finitestate machine (FSM), recharging itself when needed, and generating a HTML report of its experience [19] . We then started to work on a more advanced platform that we first presented in the 2005 AAAI Mobile Robot Competition [21, 20] . Our focus was on integrating perceptual and decisional components addressing all four issues outlined during the AAAI events over the years, i.e.: 1) the robust integration of different software packages and intelligent decision-making capabilities; 2) natural interaction modalities in open settings; 3) adaptation to environmental changes for localization; and 4) monitoring/reporting decisions made by the robot [13, 30, 18, 29] . Trials conducted at the 2005 AAAI event helped establish new requirements for providing meaningful and appropriate modalities for reporting and monitoring the robot's states and experiences.

EMIB (Emotion and Motivation for Intentional selection and configuration of Behavior-producing modules) was our first computational architecture used to integrate all necessary decisional capabilities of an autonomous robots.

A robot had to start at the entrance of the conference site, find the registration desk, register, perform volunteer duties (e.g., guard an area) and give a presentation.

Our team was the first and only one to attempt the event from start to end, using sonars as proximity sensors, navigating in the environment by reading written letters and symbols, using a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, interacting with people through a touch-screen interface, displaying a graphical face to express the robot's emotional state, determining what to do next, using a finitestate machine (FSM), recharging itself when needed, and generating a HTML report of its experience.

We then started to work on a more advanced platform that we first presented in the 2005 AAAI Mobile Robot Competition.

Our focus was on integrating perceptual and decisional components addressing all four issues outlined during the AAAI events over the years, i.e.: 1) the robust integration of different software packages and intelligent decision-making capabilities; 2) natural interaction modalities in open settings; 3) adaptation to environmental changes for localization; and 4) monitoring/reporting decisions made by the robot.


The dream of having autonomous machines performing useful tasks in everyday environments, as unstructured and unpredictable as they can be, has motivated for many decades research in robotics and artificial intelligence. However, intelligent and autonomous mobile robots are still in what can be identified as research phases, i.e., mostly basic research and concept formulation, and some preliminary uses of the technology with attempts in clarifying underlying ideas and generalizing the approach [28] . The challenge in making such a dream become a reality lies in the intrinsic complexities and interdependencies of the necessary components to be integrated in a robot. A mobile robot is a system with structural, locomotive, sensing, actuating, energizing and processing capabilities, which set the resources available to deal with the operating conditions of the environment. Such resources are exploited and coordinated based on decisional processes and higher cognitive functions, according to the intended tasks.

However, intelligent and autonomous mobile robots are still in what can be identified as research phases, i.e., mostly basic research and concept formulation, and some preliminary uses of the technology with attempts in clarifying underlying ideas and generalizing the approach.


Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is caused by the premutation (55-200 CGG repeats) of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. FXTAS is more common in males than in females-among women with the premutation in families with known fragile X syndrome, 8-16% of women over age 50 develop FXTAS. Core symptoms of FXTAS include tremor and ataxia, although the syndrome also includes autonomic dysfunction, neuropathy, psychopathology, executive function deficits, and cognitive decline [1] [2] [3] . Individuals with FXTAS often present with balance problems that interfere with ambulation leading to frequent falls. The premutation expansion is associated with elevated FMR1 mRNA that leads to a gain-of-function toxicity in neurons and astrocytes [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . The RNA toxicity causes dysregulation of a number of proteins, including heat shock proteins (e.g., Hsp70), alpha B-crystallin, lamin A/C, and Sam68 and is associated with early cell death [9] [10] [11] . MRI findings include global brain atrophy and white matter disease in the middle cerebellar peduncles (MCPs), pons, periventricular area, subcortical regions, and insula, and on neuropathological assessment there are eosinophilic inclusions in neurons and astrocytes caused by the elevated levels of FMR1-mRNA [1, 12, 13] .

Core symptoms of FXTAS include tremor and ataxia, although the syndrome also includes autonomic dysfunction, neuropathy, psychopathology, executive function deficits, and cognitive decline.

The premutation expansion is associated with elevated FMR1 mRNA that leads to a gain-of-function toxicity in neurons and astrocytes.

The RNA toxicity causes dysregulation of a number of proteins, including heat shock proteins (e.g., Hsp70), alpha B-crystallin, lamin A/C, and Sam68 and is associated with early cell death.

MRI findings include global brain atrophy and white matter disease in the middle cerebellar peduncles (MCPs), pons, periventricular area, subcortical regions, and insula, and on neuropathological assessment there are eosinophilic inclusions in neurons and astrocytes caused by the elevated levels of FMR1-mRNA.


The study presented here is based on a single case, a research approach that has been used extensively in the analysis of decision making processes (Allison, 1971; Vaughan, 1996) . The unit of analysis is a radical innovation that formed a competence destroying technological discontinuity, something that is comparatively rare even in a technology-led sector like Formula 1. The innovation in question was one of a small number of radical innovations to have transformed Formula 1 in the last 60 years. As such it represented a major technological discontinuity which had far reaching consequences.

The study presented here is based on a single case, a research approach that has been used extensively in the analysis of decision making processes.


Decay coefficient, which represent the production or decay of solute concentration within the porous medium. The decay coefficient is the rate coefficient that represents increasing concentration when it is negative and decreasing when it is positive (Hurst, 1991) . In present paper, advection-dispersion equation is considered one dimensional longitudinal initially solute free semi-infinite domain. The solute dispersion parameter is considered temporally dependent and flow velocity is considered uniform. The first order decay term, the value of the quantity is dependent upon the concentration in the solutions which is inversely proportional to the dispersion coefficient is also considered. The input condition is assumed at the origin of the domain. The second condition is considered at the end of the domain.

The decay coefficient is the rate coefficient that represents increasing concentration when it is negative and decreasing when it is positive.


Cellulose is the structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants. It is a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundreds to over 10,000 linked Dglucose units. Unlike cellulose, hemicellulose (also a polysaccharide) consists of shorter chains: 500-3000 sugar units. Lignin is a three-dimensional polymer with phenylpropane as basic unit, linked by C-O-C and C-C bonds. Lignin is covalently linked to hemicellulose and, therefore, crosslinks different plant polysaccharides, conferring mechanical strength to the cell wall [29] .

Lignin is covalently linked to hemicellulose and, therefore, crosslinks different plant polysaccharides, conferring mechanical strength to the cell wall.


Due to undesired environmental effects related to fossil fuels exploitation, the contribution of renewable energy sources will continue its increase in the near-future energy scheme [1] . The European Community undertook an ambitious programme aimed at improving the sustainability of energy use across Europe. The European Union and its Member States encourage use of renewable sources of energy as well as improvement of use energy efficiency [2] . Modern industrialized societies function within a series of trade and political agreements with a variety of countries, trading blocs, and economical and political alliances. Bioenergy use, with its associated activities, production, harvesting and utilization, is integrated with political, economical and environmental agreements. Recently, many countries have developed enhanced environmental agreements, conventions and protocols designed to address issues of sustainability of resources and communities [3] . The European Commission also released a proposal for a directive on the promotion of the use of renewable energy. It addresses all sectors of the renewable energy industries, helping them to reach the Commission's target of 20 % of Europe's energy produced by renewable sources by 2020 [2] . Unlike wind, solar and hydroenergy power plants utilizing renewable energy source for power generation, power plants using biomass, biogas and geothermal fuels generate thermal energy as a by-product [4] .

Due to undesired environmental effects related to fossil fuels exploitation, the contribution of renewable energy sources will continue its increase in the near-future energy scheme.

The European Union and its Member States encourage use of renewable sources of energy as well as improvement of use energy efficiency.

Recently, many countries have developed enhanced environmental agreements, conventions and protocols designed to address issues of sustainability of resources and communities.

It addresses all sectors of the renewable energy industries, helping them to reach the Commission's target of 20 % of Europe's energy produced by renewable sources by 2020.

Unlike wind, solar and hydroenergy power plants utilizing renewable energy source for power generation, power plants using biomass, biogas and geothermal fuels generate thermal energy as a by-product.


The importance of persistence in reducing fracture risk has been established [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . Multiple studies have provided data regarding 12-month persistence for other oral, infused, and injected osteoporosis therapies [15, 17, [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] . Additionally, 12-month persistence with denosumab was reported from three randomized controlled clinical trials [27, 28, 30] . The current observational study contributes needed evidence regarding the willingness of patients to persist with denosumab treatment outside the setting of a clinical trial, in routine community practice. In our study, persistence with denosumab at 12 months was 82 %, a relatively small difference from the 90, 94, and 93 % rates observed at 12 months in the DAPS, STAND, and DECIDE clinical studies of denosumab [27, 29, 30] . In contrast, rates of 12-month persistence with oral bisphosphonates in community settings have been reported to range from 12 to 61 % [14, 17] .

The importance of persistence in reducing fracture risk has been established.

Multiple studies have provided data regarding 12-month persistence for other oral, infused, and injected osteoporosis therapies.

Additionally, 12-month persistence with denosumab was reported from three randomized controlled clinical trials.

In our study, persistence with denosumab at 12 months was 82 %, a relatively small difference from the 90, 94, and 93 % rates observed at 12 months in the DAPS, STAND, and DECIDE clinical studies of denosumab.

In contrast, rates of 12-month persistence with oral bisphosphonates in community settings have been reported to range from 12 to 61 %.


Theories that are based on the principle that the attitudes are only one of the determinants of behaviour and that link them to different predictor variables (subjective norm, perceived control, experience, habits, self-identity, moral obligations, etc.) have a common name, which is expectancy -values models of attitudes. On the basis of this model, different theories which predict behaviour have been developed. The two most important theories are the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The requirement of the TRA is that behaviour must be under volitional control. Since there are a number of behaviours that are not under the absolute voluntary control, Ajzen introduced a new variable -the perceived behavioural control (PBC) and formulated the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1991) .

Since there are a number of behaviours that are not under the absolute voluntary control, Ajzen introduced a new variable -the perceived behavioural control (PBC) and formulated the theory of planned behaviour.


According to TPB, particular behaviour is largely influenced by the intention, which is determined by three elements: the person's attitude toward specific behaviours, subjective norms, and perceived level of control over the behaviour. For the prediction of behaviour, specific attitudes are more important than general attitudes. The attitude towards the behaviour represents people's beliefs about the desirability or undesirability of certain behaviour, about the consequences that it causes, and about other feelings related to the behaviour in question. The subjective norm is actually the social pressure of performing some action. Perceived control over the behaviour represents beliefs about self-efficiency and one's own abilities to have control over the behaviour in question. If individuals believe that there are more resources and opportunities than obstacles, it is assumed that the control of behaviour is bigger (Ajzen, 1991) .

If individuals believe that there are more resources and opportunities than obstacles, it is assumed that the control of behaviour is bigger.


Rodents represent the most diversified group in Mammalia and the families Muridae and Cricetidae are the most diverse clades [1] . Within the subfamily Sigmodontinae, the tribe Oryzomyini has the greatest species richness and currently consists of 28 recognized genera [1] [2] . The genus Oryzomys is widely distributed from the northern Central America to the southern region of South America; consequently, it has adapted to various habitats [3] - [5] .

Rodents represent the most diversified group in Mammalia and the families Muridae and Cricetidae are the most diverse clades.

Within the subfamily Sigmodontinae, the tribe Oryzomyini has the greatest species richness and currently consists of 28 recognized genera.

The genus Oryzomys is widely distributed from the northern Central America to the southern region of South America; consequently, it has adapted to various habitats.


The study of the digestive tract may reveal general dietary habits, and its structure is occasionally used in systematic classification [23] . Although this system presents a simple morphological and structural pattern in mammals, it is extremely important for the knowledge of the gross and microscopic particularities of the digestive tract in other species, especially in those with potential to be used as animal models. In addition, many organs that compose the digestive system have recently been used as sources of stem cells, and there are promising results for the use of these cells in regenerative medicine [24] .

The study of the digestive tract may reveal general dietary habits, and its structure is occasionally used in systematic classification.

In addition, many organs that compose the digestive system have recently been used as sources of stem cells, and there are promising results for the use of these cells in regenerative medicine.


Another quite important sector is the greenhouse production, which at the same time is quite competitive too. It is widely accepted that energy costs of greenhouse vegetable production are the most important ones, affecting directly feasibility and competitiveness of agricultural holdings. An input-output analysis quantified the energy efficiency of greenhouses producing vegetables, and more specifically, tomatoes and cucumbers. The results showed that inputs substantially affecting energy costs are diesel fuel and fertilizers. Quite important is also the energy ratio for the two cultivations, which is 0.69 and 1.48, respectively. In pure economic terms, it is indicated that tomato cultivation is more profitable than cucumber cultivation [44] . In a similar study, energy use efficiency in greenhouse was assessed by comparing again tomato and cucumber production; the results showed that there is a difference between them, with technical efficiency scores with an average of 0.94, signifying the increased competitiveness of the sector. Regarding energy efficiency, about 25.15% of the total input energy could be saved without reducing tomato yield [45] . In addition, the implementation of DEA for the determination of energy efficiency in greenhouse cucumber production, having included in this analysis the GHG emissions as an undesirable output, showed that 27% of the sample was efficient. In this study, CO 2 emissions were included as the major GHG undesirable output [46] . However, the most intensive cultivation in greenhouses is floriculture. Rose production in greenhouses is a typical case of it, being at the same time absolutely necessary to keep efficiency rates quite high due to the high intensity of rivalry characterising the sector. Possible inefficiencies have a direct impact on competitiveness. Such an assessment demonstrated that, on average, technical efficiency up to 0.83 and input energy savings of about 43.59% could be achieved without reducing rose yield. This percentage can be considered as very important [47] .

In pure economic terms, it is indicated that tomato cultivation is more profitable than cucumber cultivation.

Regarding energy efficiency, about 25.15% of the total input energy could be saved without reducing tomato yield.

In this study, CO 2 emissions were included as the major GHG undesirable output.

This percentage can be considered as very important.


Finally, as for the olive oil cultivation, there are several studies focusing on its efficiency assessment. The use of DEA for olive trees cultivation in Andalucía provided the ability to measure inefficiencies related to resources management like land and water, in a region where, especially, water availability is a crucial issue for both inhabitants and cultivations [55] . Spanish olive growers were proven to be quite eco-efficient, with inefficiencies that were closely related to technical inefficiencies. Eco-efficiency was boosted via implementation of agri-environmental projects like university education [56, 57] . Eco-efficiency is closely related to land use management, too [58] . Finally, regarding the impact of CAP on farming efficiency, DEA application to olive-growing farms proposed an allocation system for subsidies, having in mind the new subsidy administrative scheme. Farm efficiencies were calculated by decomposing DEA scores by means of internalising both positive and negative externalities of agricultural activity [59] . Despite the existence of these useful findings, there is still a gap of new knowledge about both operational and environmental efficiency of other quite significant olive oil producing countries. The application of similar methodological approaches to different regions provides the researchers with comparable results, quantifying at the same time the possible differences that might occur, having always in mind the common policy framework being implemented in the EU.

The use of DEA for olive trees cultivation in Andalucía provided the ability to measure inefficiencies related to resources management like land and water, in a region where, especially, water availability is a crucial issue for both inhabitants and cultivations.

Eco-efficiency was boosted via implementation of agri-environmental projects like university education.

Eco-efficiency is closely related to land use management, too.

Farm efficiencies were calculated by decomposing DEA scores by means of internalising both positive and negative externalities of agricultural activity.


Agricultural production efficiency in various cases has been assessed with DEA models, proving the obvious impact of the methodology on primary sectors evaluation. A series of different inputs and outputs have been used in various combinations, covering by this way the natural, biological, economic, and environmental aspects of agricultural production [10] . The results being obtained have created a specific know-how on efficiency assessment by identifying the best mixture of both inputs and outputs, leading to efficiency measurements, as well as the impact and significance of these aspects on efficiency scores. DEA has been used for both animal and crop production assessments. The application of DEA to citrus production leads to specific alternatives to efficiency improvement, especially in areas where small size of agricultural holdings is a major issue, which is the case in many Mediterranean countries [27] . The most competitive animal production sector is the dairy one. In this case, two different DEA models have been applied that focus on natural and economic inputs and outputs. The results obtained verified that it is more important to combine in an efficient context both natural and economic resources than to focus on output maximization and, more specifically, milk maximisation [28] . Regarding the same trend, a similar study identified efficiency scores of different combinations of management practices and feeding [29, 30] . A holistic approach in the same sector included in the analysis external operational parameters, as well as internal operational characteristics and micro-social issues used to assess efficiency. The results obtained focused on farm size and management, which can be either a constraint or a driving force [31] .

A series of different inputs and outputs have been used in various combinations, covering by this way the natural, biological, economic, and environmental aspects of agricultural production.

The application of DEA to citrus production leads to specific alternatives to efficiency improvement, especially in areas where small size of agricultural holdings is a major issue, which is the case in many Mediterranean countries.

The results obtained verified that it is more important to combine in an efficient context both natural and economic resources than to focus on output maximization and, more specifically, milk maximisation.

Regarding the same trend, a similar study identified efficiency scores of different combinations of management practices and feeding.

The results obtained focused on farm size and management, which can be either a constraint or a driving force.


For the present study, the input-oriented VRS model will be selected to assess the efficiency of olive farms in Pelion region. VRS model comes up with better discriminatory power than the CRS model in a sense that can distinguish between pure technical efficiency (TE) and scale efficiency (SE), identifying if increasing, decreasing, or constant returns to scale are present [63] . The input oriented approach is more appropriate in this case, because the globalisation of both production and trade practices leads farmers to be cost efficient in order to achieve competitive advantage. Therefore, it is more useful for both farmers and policy makers to quantify the possible excess use of inputs, instead of considering as given the inputs being used during the production process.

VRS model comes up with better discriminatory power than the CRS model in a sense that can distinguish between pure technical efficiency (TE) and scale efficiency (SE), identifying if increasing, decreasing, or constant returns to scale are present.


The range of goals offered by the programs match all the 5Cs of thriving. Only two (13.3%) programs, however, adopt goals reflecting the full spectrum of positive development. Promotion of Competence, Character and Confidence was the most frequent goal targeted by programs reviewed whereas Caring and Connections were targeted less. It is not surprising, since youth development programs in Lithuania are mostly under the label of prevention and see the reducing substance abuse and problem behaviors as their primary goals (46.7%). Analysis of program outcome measurement also reflects the focus on reducing negative consequences: positive outcomes were evaluated only in "Operation Snowball" program. Besides, life skills approach is the prevention strategy that is often being used in Lithuanian youth development programs (in five (33.3%) of the programs reviewed in current study). Life skills can be compared to the concept of developmental assets, which is an integral part of positive youth development perspective (Weichold, 2007) . However, life skills programs foster mainly internal assets and are rather limited in fostering external ones, which are related to supportive relationships with others. This explains why Lithuanian prevention programs are not aimed at promotion of Caring and Connections as much as Competence, Character and Confidence.

Life skills can be compared to the concept of developmental assets, which is an integral part of positive youth development perspective.


PYD perspective recognizes contextual variability in youth experiences that shape their development. As noted above, YD programs influence positive outcomes by providing youth with developmental assets. What is considered "healthy" or "optimal" development varies across different settings or cultures making developmentally appropriate tasks culturally unique. Researchers are looking for particular assets that are of specific importance for youth living in specific communities and study positive outcomes taking contextual differences into account (Lerner et al., 2009) . In recent years PYD perspective for studying youth development has been adopted by Lithuanian researchers. However, the application of this philosophy didn't extend to the development and evaluation of intervention programs that target well-being of youth. It is likely that various attempts of youth development programs or at least prevention events (e.g. AIDS days, alcohol and tobacco prevention days) were taking place at Lithuanian schools for many years (at least since the Independence when the opportunities to take over the positive practice of other countries became possible). In 2004 the Lithuanian Government issued the resolution on Children and Youth socialization programs. In this document the prevention work at schools was legally defined and this could be considered as an official beginning of implementation of youth development programs in Lithuania.

Researchers are looking for particular assets that are of specific importance for youth living in specific communities and study positive outcomes taking contextual differences into account.


In 2010 Lithuanian Ministry of Education and Science initiated the review of all the prevention programs implemented in Lithuanian schools during the period 2006-2010. All schools were addressed with the request to list prevention programs they developed and/or implemented. The reviewers concluded that there is a strong need for national registry of prevention programs in education system as well as for recommendations for program development and quality evaluation standards (Auškelis et al., 2010) . It could be also noted that the programs used by Lithuanian youth practitioners during the mentioned period were labeled "prevention programs". However, alternative approaches can be used in youth programming. The current review aims at evaluating the correspondence of prevention programs for late adolescents (15-19 years) implemented in Lithuania in 2006-2013 with PYD framework.

The reviewers concluded that there is a strong need for national registry of prevention programs in education system as well as for recommendations for program development and quality evaluation standards.


The produced fluids were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The cement-casing composite was cross-sectioned and characterized with scanning electron microscopy. Numerical modeling of the experiments was done with the reactive transport code, FLOTRAN, which includes an equation of state for CO 2 and solubility of CO 2 dependent on ionic strength of the aqueous solution [7] .

Numerical modeling of the experiments was done with the reactive transport code, FLOTRAN, which includes an equation of state for CO 2 and solubility of CO 2 dependent on ionic strength of the aqueous solution.


Yaw and roll motions are two key lateral dynamic characteristics of the ground vehicles. The safety of driving vehicle is mainly dependent on yaw and rollover stability especially in emergency conditions. Yaw stability is the ability to keep vehicle turning and avoid the motion of skidding, and roll stability is to avoid vehicle turnover under certain lateral acceleration. In USA, the percentage of rollover occurrence in all crashes was about 2.7% in 2007. However, the percentage of rollover occurrence in fatal crashes was about 21.5% and was significantly higher than that in injury and propertydamage-only crashes. Untripped rollovers account for less than 5% of rolled passenger vehicles in single-vehicle crashes, which often occur during high-speed collision avoidance manoeuvres [1] . Furthermore, rollovers account for nearly 33% of all deaths from sport utility vehicle (SUV), which, being popular in recent years, is considered to be easier to encounter rollover accident than other kinds of passenger vehicles for its higher gravity center and a lower rollover threshold [2] [3] [4] . Hence, it is necessary to design a rollover prevention controller.

Untripped rollovers account for less than 5% of rolled passenger vehicles in single-vehicle crashes, which often occur during high-speed collision avoidance manoeuvres.

Furthermore, rollovers account for nearly 33% of all deaths from sport utility vehicle (SUV), which, being popular in recent years, is considered to be easier to encounter rollover accident than other kinds of passenger vehicles for its higher gravity center and a lower rollover threshold.


A critical feature of herpesvirus-mediated pathogenesis is the replication of the virus in infected tissue and the overt disease caused by viral replication [7] . For a productive infection, herpesvirus expresses three ordered classes of viral genes in a tightly regulated cascade, designated as immediate-early (IE), early (E) and late (L), which are synthesized during infection [8] . On account of the fact that genes are essential for viral replication, it is imperative to research into herpesvirus pathogenesis, and as well as investigate the mechanisms of their regulation.

A critical feature of herpesvirus-mediated pathogenesis is the replication of the virus in infected tissue and the overt disease caused by viral replication.

For a productive infection, herpesvirus expresses three ordered classes of viral genes in a tightly regulated cascade, designated as immediate-early (IE), early (E) and late (L), which are synthesized during infection.


In the foregoing cases, cellular signal pathways from vGPCR provide invaluable perspectives on virus-associated pathologies and may be hopeful drug targets that treat or prevent virus-associated pathologies. Latent infection of herpesvirus increases difficulties in treatment. Unfortunately, therapy approaches against herpesvirus with conventional anti-herpesvirus drugs have been mostly ineffective [3] . Currently, clinically antiherpesvirus drugs, in the form of nucleoside analogs, demonstrate significant effect in the therapy of herpesvirus. Several drugs, such as ganciclovir and cidofovir, are known to exhibit anti-herpesvirus activity during viral replication with normal molecular mechanisms in vitro by influencing gene expression [4, 5] . However, drug resistance, development of drug-related toxicity and side effects limit their clinical use in patients [3, 6] .

Unfortunately, therapy approaches against herpesvirus with conventional anti-herpesvirus drugs have been mostly ineffective.

Several drugs, such as ganciclovir and cidofovir, are known to exhibit anti-herpesvirus activity during viral replication with normal molecular mechanisms in vitro by influencing gene expression.

However, drug resistance, development of drug-related toxicity and side effects limit their clinical use in patients.


Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms that are strongly bonded in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. This material has proven to have an unusually high thermal conductivity with intrinsic values In this paper, we demonstrate that the thermal management of concentrator multi-junction solar cells can be substantially improved by enhancing properties of TIMs via incorporation of graphene [41] . Conventional TIMs are typically made of polymeric or grease base material loaded with conductive materials such as silver or ceramic particles [42] . The amount of various fillers in the commercial TIMs can be high, reaching the loading volume fractions f~70% [43] . The approach of increasing the filler loading fraction f for higher thermal conductivity of the resulting composite has limitations. Higher loadings may result in the uneven dispersion of the fillers, their agglomeration, air gaps, and increases in the TIM cost [44, 45] . Our results indicate that the use of low loading fractions of graphene as an additional filler to commercial TIMs can be an effective strategy for decreasing the operation temperature of multi-junction PV cells under high concentrations of solar energy.

This material has proven to have an unusually high thermal conductivity with intrinsic values In this paper, we demonstrate that the thermal management of concentrator multi-junction solar cells can be substantially improved by enhancing properties of TIMs via incorporation of graphene.

Conventional TIMs are typically made of polymeric or grease base material loaded with conductive materials such as silver or ceramic particles.

The amount of various fillers in the commercial TIMs can be high, reaching the loading volume fractions f~70%.

Higher loadings may result in the uneven dispersion of the fillers, their agglomeration, air gaps, and increases in the TIM cost.


The main purpose of this study is to examine how functionally illiterate consumers in South Africa make decisions in order to accomplish shopping activities and to investigate the coping mechanisms they use while shopping in a supermarket. The typical consumer decision-making process consists of five stages. Once a problem is recognized, the consumer starts to search for information, then evaluates alternatives and makes a purchase; finally, the consumer evaluates the purchase and consumption experience (Schiffman, Hansen, & Kanuk, 2011) . The study specifically examines these issues in the context of grocery shopping. The research is based on semistructured interviews with adults attending a basic literacy training program. The findings reveal that functionally illiterate consumers face many difficulties in grocery stores. Based on these findings, guidelines are offered on how functionally illiterate South African consumers can be assisted to cope with and improve their shopping experiences and to guide policy makers in ensuring the well-being of these consumers.

Once a problem is recognized, the consumer starts to search for information, then evaluates alternatives and makes a purchase; finally, the consumer evaluates the purchase and consumption experience.


The grocery shopping environment is becoming increasingly complex. Consequently, shoppers require high levels of literacy and numeracy to find their way through self-service displays, make sense of changes in product packaging, and correctly interpret price and product information. To navigate a supermarket successfully, consumers need to understand what they want to achieve and possess the necessary literacy skills to do so. It is estimated that 10 million South Africans lack the literacy skills they require to make informed purchase decisions. The absence of such skills creates significant challenges for consumers (Viswanathan, Rosa, & Harris, 2005) .

The absence of such skills creates significant challenges for consumers.


Several researchers have studied the behavior of functionally illiterate consumers in developed markets, such as in the United States. The overall consensus of previous researchers is that functionally illiterate consumers encounter a range of challenges in the marketplace (Jae & Delvecchio, 2004; Ozanne, Adkins, & Sandlin, 2005; Viswanathan et al., 2005) . These challenges range from choosing inappropriate products to misunderstanding pricing information and even failing to locate the required products in a store. Findings from previous studies reveal that functionally illiterate consumers develop specific coping mechanisms to manage the challenges they face in the shopping environment (Viswanathan et al., 2005) . However, very little is known about how functionally illiterate consumers in developing countries cope with and manage their shopping experience in complex, sophisticated grocery shopping environments which require high literacy levels.

The overall consensus of previous researchers is that functionally illiterate consumers encounter a range of challenges in the marketplace.

Findings from previous studies reveal that functionally illiterate consumers develop specific coping mechanisms to manage the challenges they face in the shopping environment.


Retailers in South Africa are faced with increasing costs. However, they attempt to decrease prices as they attempt to convince cash-strapped consumers to spend their income. Consumers in the meantime are finding their voices as social media platforms make it easy to compare products, prices, and experiences. The tasks facing retailers are numerous: they need to maintain service levels and still need to provide greater choice, demonstrate commitment to sustainability, and comply with increasingly difficult food labeling and employment equity legislation (Crosswaite, 2013) .

The tasks facing retailers are numerous: they need to maintain service levels and still need to provide greater choice, demonstrate commitment to sustainability, and comply with increasingly difficult food labeling and employment equity legislation.


Conventional AUVs and legacy underwater gliders have been widely utilized as important platforms in ocean exploration due to their low cost and flexibility (Bachmayer et al., 2004) . Their improvements in motion performance rely on precision of dynamic model and behavior analysis. For that, a variety of theories and approaches have been employed.

Conventional AUVs and legacy underwater gliders have been widely utilized as important platforms in ocean exploration due to their low cost and flexibility.


The winged, hybrid-driven underwater glider as a novel marine observation tool has gradually come upon a stage and begins to show its conspicuous role (Wu et al., 2010; Wang, 2009) . The dynamic models of glider and AUV have been built by use of different principles, while those of hybrid gliders have not maturated yet. This paper tries to introduce the approaches in modeling the dynamics of legacy underwater glider, conventional AUV and hydrodynamics of submarine, and makes pertinent modification to suit the hybrid glider.

The winged, hybrid-driven underwater glider as a novel marine observation tool has gradually come upon a stage and begins to show its conspicuous role.


Before the advent of molecular markers, plant breeders relied on phenotypic traits as markers for cultivar identification (Elias, McKey, Panaud, Anstett, & Robert, 2001; Zacarias, Botha, Labuschagne, & Benesi, 2004) . These markers are still used in Africa because they are readily available for use; particularly where the capacity to use molecular markers is not yet fully developed (Fregene, 2000) . Indeed many released cultivars in Ghana were developed based on morphological descriptors (Asare, Galyuon, Sarfo, & Tetteh, 2011) . With the development and application of molecular (DNA) markers, the estimation of plant genetic diversity has become much more simple and reliable. This is because, in contrast to morphological or biochemical marker techniques, DNA-based methods are independent of environmental factors and highly polymorphic for each loci (Karp, Kresovich, Bhat, Ayad, & Hodgkin, 1997) . DNA markers, though expensive have proven to be effective tools for distinguishing between closely related genotypes.

Before the advent of molecular markers, plant breeders relied on phenotypic traits as markers for cultivar identification.

These markers are still used in Africa because they are readily available for use; particularly where the capacity to use molecular markers is not yet fully developed.

Indeed many released cultivars in Ghana were developed based on morphological descriptors.

This is because, in contrast to morphological or biochemical marker techniques, DNA-based methods are independent of environmental factors and highly polymorphic for each loci.


Timescale -Software is changed not only at the coarse scale of versions and releases, but also at a medium scale (e.g., start-up configuration) and at a fine scale (run-time adaptation and instrumentation). Particularly at the dynamic end, little support is available to developers aside from certain design patterns and relatively low-level reflective mechanisms. Granularity -Here too we see that software is changed not only at the coarse granularity of subsystems and packages, or the medium granularity of classes and methods, but also at a finer granularity within methods and procedures. Fined-grained, run-time adaptation of software must typically be anticipated by design, and necessitates the use of boilerplate code (e.g., case-based reasoning over anticipated scenarios) or design patterns (e.g., State or Strategy patterns). Unanticipated run-time adaptation will typically entail low-level techniques such as bytecode transformation. Scope -Changes may be globally visible, they may be localized to individual users, or they may depend on an even finer context. The same software entities may need to behave differently as the run-time context changes. Mobile applications, for example, may need to switch to a fall-back behaviour as services become unavailable. Run-time instrumentation of software entities, as another example, may need to be dynamically adapted if the same entities are used by the instrumentation layer itself (i.e., to avoid endless instrumentation loops) [14] .

Run-time instrumentation of software entities, as another example, may need to be dynamically adapted if the same entities are used by the instrumentation layer itself (i.e., to avoid endless instrumentation loops).


Internet addiction has been associated with a number of socio-demographic variables, time and patterns spent online, psychosocial factors, and comorbid symptoms/disorders (Carli et al. 2013; Kuss et al. 2017; Kuss et al. 2014) . Common predictors of IA include socio-demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, residence, relationship status), as well as other factors including sleep disturbance, lack of physical activity, and job status (Afrin et al. 2017; Bener et al. 2018; Bener and Bhugra 2013; Islam and Hossin 2016; Lai and Kwan 2017; Vigna-Taglianti et al. 2017; Younes et al. 2016) . Generalized IA has also been associated with a wide variety of excessive online behaviors including using the internet for academic purposes, communicating via social networking sites, online gaming, accessing online movie and music sites, viewing online sexually explicit materials and pornography, online gambling, and online shopping (Bener et al. 2018; Hoare et al. 2017; Simcharoen et al. 2018; Vigna-Taglianti et al. 2017) .

Internet addiction has been associated with a number of socio-demographic variables, time and patterns spent online, psychosocial factors, and comorbid symptoms/disorders.

Common predictors of IA include socio-demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, residence, relationship status), as well as other factors including sleep disturbance, lack of physical activity, and job status.

Generalized IA has also been associated with a wide variety of excessive online behaviors including using the internet for academic purposes, communicating via social networking sites, online gaming, accessing online movie and music sites, viewing online sexually explicit materials and pornography, online gambling, and online shopping.


Previous studies have also demonstrated a high comorbidity of IA with psychiatric symptoms and mental impairments (Lai and Kwan 2017) . Most studies regarding IA and psychopathology (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress) have indicated such associations and comorbidities (Dieris-Hirche et al. 2017; Ko et al. 2014; Mak et al. 2014; Ostovar et al. 2016; Younes et al. 2016) . Based on these past findings, the self-medication hypothesis of behavioral addiction appears to be associated with the development and maintenance of IA as a result of an individual's attempts to Bself-treat^with their stress, anxiety, and depression (Allison et al. 2006; Khantzian 1997; Kuss et al. 2017) .

Previous studies have also demonstrated a high comorbidity of IA with psychiatric symptoms and mental impairments.

Most studies regarding IA and psychopathology (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress) have indicated such associations and comorbidities.

Based on these past findings, the self-medication hypothesis of behavioral addiction appears to be associated with the development and maintenance of IA as a result of an individual's attempts to Bself-treat^with their stress, anxiety, and depression.


The present study found no individuals to be addicted to internet (i.e., scoring more than 80 out of 100 on the IAT) which is highly unusual and rare among studies examining IA, and appears to be very different to other Bangladeshi studies examining internet use (Mamun and Griffiths 2019b) . This may be a consequence of the population studied (i.e., recent university graduates seeking full-time employment who appear to spend little time online because gaining full-time employment is the most important thing in their lives). It could be that jobseeking is a situational protective risk factor for developing IA. This is something that needs more formal empirical testing in studies both inside and outside of Bangladesh.

The present study found no individuals to be addicted to internet (i.e., scoring more than 80 out of 100 on the IAT) which is highly unusual and rare among studies examining IA, and appears to be very different to other Bangladeshi studies examining internet use.


Internet addiction (IA) has been researched since the mid-1990s, particularly in some Western and Asian countries, but not in developing countries such as Bangladesh, even though there has been a large increase in internet use over the past few years (Islam and Hossin 2016) . This lack of knowledge about such an important issue could potentially hinder education and public health policymaking initiatives in the country (Lai and Kwan 2017) . Consequently, the present study filled a knowledge gap regarding internet-related behaviors among recently graduated university students actively looking for a job in Rajshahi.

Internet addiction (IA) has been researched since the mid-1990s, particularly in some Western and Asian countries, but not in developing countries such as Bangladesh, even though there has been a large increase in internet use over the past few years.

This lack of knowledge about such an important issue could potentially hinder education and public health policymaking initiatives in the country.


Multipliers have an important effect in designing arithmetic processors. The Single Electron Tunnelling (SET) technology is the most promising future technology generations to meet the required increase in density and performance and decrease in power dissipation [1] . The main device of the SET circuits is the tunnel junction through which individual electrons can move in a controlled manner [2] . In this paper, we first briefly discuss the basic physics of SET. We review some of the Single Electron Circuit basic building blocks that were introduced in the literature. The full design and simulation results (using the famous simulator SIMON 2) are included. A novel XOR SEC is introduced. The full design and SIMON simulation results of the developed XOR SEC are presented. It is worth noting here that the developed XOR SEC can be used as a half-adder SEC [3] [4] [5] [6] .

The Single Electron Tunnelling (SET) technology is the most promising future technology generations to meet the required increase in density and performance and decrease in power dissipation.

The main device of the SET circuits is the tunnel junction through which individual electrons can move in a controlled manner.

A novel XOR SEC is introduced.

It is worth noting here that the developed XOR SEC can be used as a half-adder SEC.


Since sunlight as well as IR-bulbs were employed as radiation sources, near-IR was expected to be predominant and not medium-IR as it is commonly assumed. Comparing the results in sunlight and in artificial light, the effective wavelength could be assessed delivering the value of 1.9 μm. Surprisingly, and contrary to the expectation of the greenhouse theory, the limiting temperatures of air, pure carbon-dioxide and argon were nearly equal, while the light gases neon, and particularly helium, exhibited significant lower limiting temperatures. Thanks to this empirical evidence, the greenhouse theory has to be questioned. Instead, the warming-up of the lowest layer of the troposphere has to be understood as the result of the warming-up of the Earth's surface, mainly depending on its albedo (Barrett, 1995) .

Instead, the warming-up of the lowest layer of the troposphere has to be understood as the result of the warming-up of the Earth's surface, mainly depending on its albedo.


The multidimensional data analysis methods are becoming very popular in environmental studies dealing with measurement and monitoring. The most common multidimensional data analysis methods used are cluster analysis (CA), factor analysis/principal component analysis (FA/PCA), which have been used to identify important components/sources that explain the variations in water quality and influence the water system [13] . The application of different multivariate statistical techniques such as CA, PCA, factor analysis (FA) and discriminant analysis (DA) facilitates the interpretation of complex data matrices to better understand the water quality and ecological status of studied systems [18] . Usually, CA is used to reveal specific links between sampling points, while FA/PCA is used to identify the ecological aspects of pollutants on environmental systems [13, 14] . Principal components are nothing more than the eigenvectors of a variance-covariance or a correlation matrix of the original data matrix. By themselves they may provide significant insight into the structure of the matrix not available at first glance. Typically, the raw data matrix can be reduced to two or three principal component loadings that account for the majority of the variance. The first principal component loading explains the most variance and each subsequent component explains progressively less [19] . As a result, a small number of factors usually accounts for approximately the same amount of information as the much larger set of the original observations do. PCA can be applied to a set of water quality variables to discover the variables that form coherent subsets that are relatively independent of one another. Cluster analysis comprises of multivariate methods which are used to find true groups of data. In clustering, the objects are grouped such that similar objects fall into the same class [19] . This multivariate treatment of environmental data is widely successfully used to interpret relationships among variables so that the environmental system could be better managed [19, 20] .

The most common multidimensional data analysis methods used are cluster analysis (CA), factor analysis/principal component analysis (FA/PCA), which have been used to identify important components/sources that explain the variations in water quality and influence the water system.

The application of different multivariate statistical techniques such as CA, PCA, factor analysis (FA) and discriminant analysis (DA) facilitates the interpretation of complex data matrices to better understand the water quality and ecological status of studied systems.

Usually, CA is used to reveal specific links between sampling points, while FA/PCA is used to identify the ecological aspects of pollutants on environmental systems.

The first principal component loading explains the most variance and each subsequent component explains progressively less.

In clustering, the objects are grouped such that similar objects fall into the same class.

This multivariate treatment of environmental data is widely successfully used to interpret relationships among variables so that the environmental system could be better managed.


Social learning theory (SLT) makes the case that observing others can easily turn into comparing one's own work to that of others' (Bandura, 1977) . The resulting sense of competition can be healthy and may lead to feelings of pride, achievement, and personal satisfaction. By providing a standard against which one's own performance can be evaluated, modelled behaviour can induce self-motivation (Bandura, 1977) . These processes were highly evident and able to be observed in the work of the Health, Culture, & Society Wiki project, and were further highlighted in students' accounts of undertaking their individual wiki page projects. The learning that occurred was done socially, publically, collaboratively, and competitively; and via an iterative process wherein students observed and studied each other's' work, and then both imitated and innovated ways of conducting their own projects.

Social learning theory (SLT) makes the case that observing others can easily turn into comparing one's own work to that of others'.

By providing a standard against which one's own performance can be evaluated, modelled behaviour can induce self-motivation.


Verification of one's own knowledge is required for effective cognitive functioning (Bandura, 1977) . Social verification is one process to do this. By comparing one's own views with that of others, one may change or reinforce their pre-existing judgements. This element of SLT was particularly pertinent for the work conducted by the students in this wiki assessment piece, as students were able to enrich their own perspectives, views, knowledge and expertise on their own topics by having access to the insights of their peers discussing similar issues. They could easily access a range of views and research on a particular topic and compare it to the research they had compiled on their own, thus adding depth and new dimensions to work that is usually done without such social consultation or interaction. A potential trap, however, is that verification can be based on insufficient research or on an inaccurate, yet highly persuasive source of comparison. Mass media, including the multitude of available images readily available on the internet, can be a source of verification of one's own pre-existing views. However, one's pre-existing views will dictate, to some extent, which messages will be absorbed (Bandura, 1977) . Students were encouraged to consider all the different views, perspectives, and analyses they encountered in relation to the latest, highest quality research and evidence-based literature.

Verification of one's own knowledge is required for effective cognitive functioning.

However, one's pre-existing views will dictate, to some extent, which messages will be absorbed.


With respect to the second main finding, our results do not fully support the TTM, since pros, cons, and self-efficacy did not consistently predict similar transitions across different behaviors. Remarkably, only for vegetable intake the pattern of predictors as hypothesized by TTM was confirmed. Cons, for example, did not predict any of the stage transitions for fruit intake, consistent with earlier longitudinal research [31] . However, cons predicted forward transition out of contemplation for vegetable intake and relapse from action for vegetable and fish intake. It might be that these behaviors have more presumed disadvantages than the consumption of fruits. The fact that the cons are of particular importance for relapse may indicate that once people try to change their diets, they may encounter negative experiences with maintaining their new dietary habits. So, interventions aimed at changing vegetable and fish consumption may aim to reduce the importance of negative beliefs that arise after behavior change.

Cons, for example, did not predict any of the stage transitions for fruit intake, consistent with earlier longitudinal research.


Slanted copper (Cu) nanostructures such as nanopillars have drawn a large amount of attention due to their high thermal and electric conductivities, controllable optical properties and high mechanical strength [1] [2] [3] . They are currently used in supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, plasmonic arrays, heat radiating modules, micro-post evaporator wicks, micro heat pipes and interconnections of ultra large scale integrated circuits (ULSI) [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . In all of these applications, precise control over the angle and aspect ratio of the Cu nanopillars is of primary importance.

Slanted copper (Cu) nanostructures such as nanopillars have drawn a large amount of attention due to their high thermal and electric conductivities, controllable optical properties and high mechanical strength.

They are currently used in supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, plasmonic arrays, heat radiating modules, micro-post evaporator wicks, micro heat pipes and interconnections of ultra large scale integrated circuits (ULSI).


The use of slanted channel structures as templates is an attractive alternative for the fabrication of slanted Cu nanopillars. Such structures can be obtained using various methods, such as orientation-dependent wet chemical etching, ion beam etching and slanted plasma etching [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] . Of these methods, slanted plasma etching is advantageous for fabricating slanted patterns over a large area with excellent uniformity in pattern height and diameter, because it can be performed under practical plasma processing conditions [18] .

Such structures can be obtained using various methods, such as orientation-dependent wet chemical etching, ion beam etching and slanted plasma etching.

Of these methods, slanted plasma etching is advantageous for fabricating slanted patterns over a large area with excellent uniformity in pattern height and diameter, because it can be performed under practical plasma processing conditions.


Furthermore, we have analyzed the thermal and nonlinear effects of a third-order multiring filter due to input power in a quasi-steady state. The center frequency shift and RFM due to nonuniform power distribution have been investigated, and the power limits of Q 0 ¼ 10 6 ; 10 7 ; and 10 8 filters based on SOI have been estimated for different radii. To decrease the thermo/nonlinear effects and the resulting power dependence, materials with negative thermo-optic coefficient (such as PDMS) can be coated on the ring surface to compensate the refractive index shift [30] . However, for complete cancellation of the thermal shift, the thickness of this layer has to be controlled with high accuracy. Moreover, the coating degrades the overall optical quality factor of the microrings and, therefore, degrades the whole filter performance. As a result, the power limit of high-Q and very compact multiring filters should be carefully considered during the design.

To decrease the thermo/nonlinear effects and the resulting power dependence, materials with negative thermo-optic coefficient (such as PDMS) can be coated on the ring surface to compensate the refractive index shift.


The two parameters that are describing the performance of an EV-battery are the battery capacity and internal resistance; the capacity of the battery defines the range of the EV, while the internal resistance defines the acceleration. Both parameters are highly dependent on the temperature and on the load current/ power [4] . Furthermore, the capacity and the resistance are degrading in time while the battery is ageing [5] - [7] . Consequently, the range and the acceleration of the EV will worsen during long term use, bringing anxiety to the EV users and prospective users.

Both parameters are highly dependent on the temperature and on the load current/ power.

Furthermore, the capacity and the resistance are degrading in time while the battery is ageing.


Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have developed as the key energy storage technology for the transportation sectormainly for electrical vehicles (EVs), hybrid EVs, and plug-in hybrid EVs [1] . This has become possible due to the continuous development of this technology, which nowadays is characterized by superior features in terms of specific energy, lifetime, and efficiency in comparison to their competitors (i.e., lead-acid batteries, NiMH batteries). However, in comparison to the traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs powered by Li-ion batteries are inferior in terms of energy density (range) and lifetime. Consequently, potential owners/ users become anxious because of the EVs' range and performance while ageing [2] .

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have developed as the key energy storage technology for the transportation sectormainly for electrical vehicles (EVs), hybrid EVs, and plug-in hybrid EVs.

Consequently, potential owners/ users become anxious because of the EVs' range and performance while ageing.


Humanoid robots have become an interesting research theme for the last two decades. The main reason for this is that these robotsare theoretically capable of performing the same tasks and operate in the same environment with humans. On the other hand, there are also tasks that are too complex to be done by a simple robot and too dangerous for humans to live. Therefore humanoid robot providing a common platform for researching and developing technologies in various fields. Some examples are walking on two legs (bipedal), stereo vision systems, self localization and human interaction with robots. Although research on the development of humanoid robots has been a long time, there are still significant shortcomings in the aspects of functionality and performance, compared to an actual human being [1] .

Although research on the development of humanoid robots has been a long time, there are still significant shortcomings in the aspects of functionality and performance, compared to an actual human being.


There is public movement toward a triple bottom line approach to measuring corporate success. A recent article published in conjunction with Newsweek's Green Rankings stated: "Now that environmental leadership has been widely embraced by companies as a competitive advantage, it's time to redefine sustainability to include social impact. This entails a departure from the traditional cost-cutting model toward a triple-bottom-line approach, embracing economic, environmental, and social performance as measures of corporate success" [2] .

This entails a departure from the traditional cost-cutting model toward a triple-bottom-line approach, embracing economic, environmental, and social performance as measures of corporate success".


Sustainable manufacturing has been defined as the creation of manufactured products that use processes that minimize negative environmental impacts, conserve energy and natural resources, are safe for employees, communities, and are economically sound [11] . Measures of all three pillars of sustainability are necessary in order to judge how a change to a product or production system affects its sustainability. These metrics and associated decisionmaking tools are critical to enabling an organization to measure its progress toward sustainability and communicate its progress to consumers and others. This work outlines a method to identify the social impacts associated with manufacturing throughout the supply chain.

Sustainable manufacturing has been defined as the creation of manufactured products that use processes that minimize negative environmental impacts, conserve energy and natural resources, are safe for employees, communities, and are economically sound.


Although much ambiguity remains, there is a growing call for brand manufacturers to address the social implications of their products throughout the supply chain. Retailers are increasingly requiring their suppliers to provide information about the social impacts associated with manufactured products [5] . Some retailers are making purchasing decisions based upon the information provided [6] . Consumers are able to learn about the social and environmental performance of products on the shelf or in their electronic "cart" using rating tools such as GoodGuide [7] . Similarly, consumers are able to evaluate the number of slave laborers involved in the production of the items they own or consume [8] .

Retailers are increasingly requiring their suppliers to provide information about the social impacts associated with manufactured products.

Some retailers are making purchasing decisions based upon the information provided.

Consumers are able to learn about the social and environmental performance of products on the shelf or in their electronic "cart" using rating tools such as GoodGuide.

Similarly, consumers are able to evaluate the number of slave laborers involved in the production of the items they own or consume.


Beyond this recent call, manufacturers' concern about how to manage and achieve sustainability has been driven by steadily increasing costs of energy and resources, risks associated with material availability and use, consumer demands, government regulations, and interest in reducing the environmental impacts of production. However, although there is a desire to move toward more sustainable practices, substantial hurdles to establish sustainable manufacturing systems persist. As noted in a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) industry workshop report: "Industry is unable to measure economic, social, and environmental consequences of their activities and products accurately during the entire life cycle and across their supplier network" [3] .

As noted in a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) industry workshop report: "Industry is unable to measure economic, social, and environmental consequences of their activities and products accurately during the entire life cycle and across their supplier network".


Some social impacts of a product are closely linked to corporate or enterprise behavior. Corporate policies and practices related to labor and human rights imply social impact [9] . Social risks may be evaluated on a national or regional scale; supply chain concerns may be focused on where products and components are produced without specific information about the facilities where that production is taking place [10] . While attention to social impacts at these levels is certainly important, there are other levels that should be addressed and may be addressed at the level of a facility, process chain or unit process.

Corporate policies and practices related to labor and human rights imply social impact.

Social risks may be evaluated on a national or regional scale; supply chain concerns may be focused on where products and components are produced without specific information about the facilities where that production is taking place.


Composites made of a filler or a reinforcing agent embedded into a matrix have properties influenced by the properties of the individual components and by the interface between components. When dealing with lignocellulosic fillers mixed with cements or polymers, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of the lignocellulosic components can be a critical parameter for ensuring a proper compatibility with the matrix. When the matrix is based on cement, treatments like boiling water, alkali, silane, titanium alkoxide were tried (Vo and Navard, 2016) . In most of the cases, the objective is to increase the hydrophobicity of the filler and improve the affinity between the inorganic matrix (cement) and the plant filler.

When the matrix is based on cement, treatments like boiling water, alkali, silane, titanium alkoxide were tried.


Aside having been obviously used as a coupling agent for glass fibres and silica particles in polymer matrices, silanes were extensively tested as a compatibilisation agent for natural fillers. For polymers, the reason is the possibility to create silanol moieties grafted onto the O-H bonds, always present at the surface of a lignocellulosic material, in order to decrease its hydrophobicity and improve the compatibility with hydrophobic polymers as polyolefins. It is recognized that the chemical reactions leading to this improvement follow four steps, hydrolysis, self-condensation, then a stage of adsorption which can be followed by the formation of Si -O -C bonds under heating, leading to a grafting of silanol onto the natural stem surface (Bilba and Arsene, 2008; Xie et al., 2010) . Such coverage of the filler surface reduces the number of hydroxyl groups, decreasing thus hydrophilicity. But it has also the advantage of forming a link between the filler (one end of silanol reacts with hydroxyl groups) and the matrix (the other end form a bond with a matrix functional group). Silane treatments were applied for bio-based concrete materials. Such treatment applied on bagasse fibres resulted in a decrease in water absorption by the fibres, an improvement in the affinity between the cement matrix and natural filler, and also shortened the setting time of the composite (Bilba and Arsene, 2008) .

It is recognized that the chemical reactions leading to this improvement follow four steps, hydrolysis, self-condensation, then a stage of adsorption which can be followed by the formation of Si -O -C bonds under heating, leading to a grafting of silanol onto the natural stem surface.

Such treatment applied on bagasse fibres resulted in a decrease in water absorption by the fibres, an improvement in the affinity between the cement matrix and natural filler, and also shortened the setting time of the composite.


Treatment with alkalis is a major step in the treatment of biomass for producing cellulose as it can remove some lignins, hemicelluloses, pectins and other minor components like wax (Mwaikambo and Ansell, 2002; Sun et al., 2000) . In addition to removing chemicals, and also due to the swelling induced by the treatment, the structure and mainly the surface of a lignocellulosic object is changed, being rougher. These leads to better mechanical interlocking due to the increase of the surface area and also the exposition of more hydroxyl groups, increasing the number of possible reactions.

Treatment with alkalis is a major step in the treatment of biomass for producing cellulose as it can remove some lignins, hemicelluloses, pectins and other minor components like wax.


In addition to the areas of further investigation outlined above, our approach also has a few limitations. In particular, we focused on freezing as a metric of fear expression, but we did not limit interaction between the test animal and their cagemate during testing. Thus freezing could also be reduced because of the cagemate physically investigating the test animal. These concerns are mitigated because optogenetic activation, where only the test animal was present, resulted in similar decreases in freezing. However, as with all manipulations that measure freezing, it is possible that our interventions did not directly ameliorate fear but instead distracted the subject from a fearful context and/or engaged an exploratory drive. In addition, the scope of our work is limited to gain-of-function optogenetic manipulations, and as such, we cannot make any conclusions about the necessity of socially-active IL-PFC neurons for the effects of social buffering. One potential way to address the requirement of these neurons for social buffering would be to optogenetically inactivate these cells while mice are exposed to fearprovoking environments with a cagemate present. Finally, we tested the effects of only a single type of social stimulus, ovariectomized female cagemates, and it is possible that different social partners could engage different neuronal ensembles, thereby producing different effects on fear levels. The latter has been well documented in rats and to some extent in mice and voles, where the developmental stage, emotional state, and affiliative nature of the companion animal are all important modulators of social buffering [69, [76] [77] [78] [79] .

The latter has been well documented in rats and to some extent in mice and voles, where the developmental stage, emotional state, and affiliative nature of the companion animal are all important modulators of social buffering.


While we found that optogenetic reactivation of socially-labeled neurons attenuated fear, there remain a number of questions regarding the identity of these neurons, how they are recruited by social interaction, and how they regulate fear responses within a larger neural circuit. Previous work has shown that the mPFC exerts top-down control of fear and anxiety [68] . Specifically, projections from the IL-PFC to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) are required for fear extinction [35, 44] . If social interaction preferentially recruits IL-BLA projecting neurons, this could explain how activation of these cells regulates fear expression. Additionally, oxytocin is required for social buffering, and oxytocin signaling in the prelimbic cortex reduces anxiety [10, 14, 22, 69, 70] . One intriguing possibility is that oxytocin signaling directly or via connections from the mPFC recruits the subset of cells in the IL-PFC that are active during social interaction.

Previous work has shown that the mPFC exerts top-down control of fear and anxiety.

Specifically, projections from the IL-PFC to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) are required for fear extinction.

Additionally, oxytocin is required for social buffering, and oxytocin signaling in the prelimbic cortex reduces anxiety.


Here, we first validated behavioral metrics of social buffering of fear in mice using a paradigm similar to that previously employed in rats [15] . We subsequently showed that social interaction with a novel or familiar cagemate results in increased expression of the IEG, c-fos, in the IL-PFC. Then, in order to gain genetic access to social memory traces in the IL-PFC, we used ArcCreER T2 mice. This mouse line takes advantage of the IEG promoter Arc to indelibly label active neuronal populations in a temporally-specific manner [45] . Using the ArcCreER T2 mice, we tagged neurons that were active during the introduction of a new cagemate with ChR2-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP). Subsequent optogenetic activation of the labeled social memory traces reduced freezing in innate and learned fear tasks, mimicking the behavioral effects of social buffering without altering locomotion or reward/aversion. These data suggest that social memory traces in the IL-PFC may mediate the effects of social buffering. Given that social buffering remains one of the most potent natural regulators of fear and anxiety, targeting this cell population represents a novel therapeutic opportunity.

Here, we first validated behavioral metrics of social buffering of fear in mice using a paradigm similar to that previously employed in rats.

This mouse line takes advantage of the IEG promoter Arc to indelibly label active neuronal populations in a temporally-specific manner.


The now classic Annexin V assay, includes the use of this protein, a vascular anti-coagulant which binds in a calcium dependent manner to externalised phospholipid, phosphatidylserine (PS) located on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. This when combined with a fluorescent viability dye, show the presence of live, apoptotic and necrotic cells in a similar manner to that observed by dual DNA dye assays [9] [10] [11] . The Annexin V binding assay can be used as a pivot point to differentiate between early and late apoptotic events. A polychromatic approach can then be applied by the multiplexing of various live cell functional fluorescent dyes to the Annexin V assay. These include the measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS dyes allowing the identification of further subsets of the live and early apoptotic cell populations [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] . There are a range of such fluorescent dyes, such as TMRE, JC-1/9, a range of carbocyanine and rhodamine chemical based dyes, DiOC 6 , DiIC 1 (5) and rhodamine 123. All these dyes record the level of mitochondrial membrane potential, with the higher the fluorescence the more polarized the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (except JC-1/9 were a colour change occurs) [16] . While little fluorescence indicates depolari-zation of the inner mitochondrial membrane and the presence of dysfunctional mitochondria within the cell [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] .

This when combined with a fluorescent viability dye, show the presence of live, apoptotic and necrotic cells in a similar manner to that observed by dual DNA dye assays.

These include the measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS dyes allowing the identification of further subsets of the live and early apoptotic cell populations.

All these dyes record the level of mitochondrial membrane potential, with the higher the fluorescence the more polarized the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (except JC-1/9 were a colour change occurs).

While little fluorescence indicates depolari-zation of the inner mitochondrial membrane and the presence of dysfunctional mitochondria within the cell.


While these studies have contributed to the body of knowledge in understanding the selection process to greater depths, not much research or practical headway has been made with regards to establishing a common measurable and objective interview structure focusing on standardised constructs and consistent labelling [15] . Nonetheless, researchers have identified this knowledge gap in theory and practise and have recommended immediate further research on this front [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] . However, that is a bigger problem that has to be addressed by first understanding more in detail the existing selection practice with reasons, if any, for preference in a particular approach. Existing literature demonstrates that employers continue to trust their intuition and 'gut-feel', thereby unconsciously adopting a very subjective approach in employee selection [11] .

While these studies have contributed to the body of knowledge in understanding the selection process to greater depths, not much research or practical headway has been made with regards to establishing a common measurable and objective interview structure focusing on standardised constructs and consistent labelling.

Nonetheless, researchers have identified this knowledge gap in theory and practise and have recommended immediate further research on this front.

Existing literature demonstrates that employers continue to trust their intuition and 'gut-feel', thereby unconsciously adopting a very subjective approach in employee selection.


In Fig. 4 , the variation of ε'' with frequency is shown for temperatures (30 to 60°C) over the frequency range from 1 to 50 GHz for fresh juice of green grapes (Sultania). It is observed that at low temperatures (30 and 40 o C), ε'' of green grapes increases with increasing frequency, reaches its maximum value at about 10 GHz for 30 o C and 12 GHz at 40 o C, and then decreases with increasing frequency and shows small amplitude vibrational peaks between 45 and 50 GHz. At higher temperatures (50 and 60 o C), ε'' shows a somewhat different behaviour, ie it increases with increasing frequency till it acquires a maximum value (at about 12 GHz), then it decreases and shows a shallow dip at about 16 GHz for both temperatures. Thereafter ε'' increases and acquires almost a uniform average value and shows small amplitude vibrational peaks at 50 o C, whereas large amplitude vibrational peaks are obtained at 60 o C in the frequency range of 30-50 GHz. The ε''-f curves for all the temperatures cross each other at about 22 GHz. The peak value obtained in ε''-f curves for 30 o C temperature at about 10 GHz shifts to about 12 GHz at higher temperatures (40-60 o C), which may be considered to be due to a decrease in relaxation time with increase in temperature. The same value of peak frequency at temperatures of 40 to 60 o C suggests that the relaxation time does not change much in this temperature range. In the lower frequency range, however, a different feature is observed in ε''-f curves, ie at higher temperatures (50-60 o C) ε'' of green grape juice first decreases and then increases with increasing frequency and a valley type structure is obtained near 1.5 GHz at 50 o C and 2 GHz at 60 o C (Fig. 5) , which may be due to the acidic nature of green grape juice, acid ions playing a dominant role in this frequency region at higher temperatures. Increase in ionisation with rise in temperature may lead to an increase in acidic component of grape juice. This results in an increase in dielectric loss with increase in temperature (Mudgett et al., 1980) . The large amplitude peaks obtained in ε''-f curves at higher temperatures (50-60 o C) and higher frequencies (30-50 GHz) may be considered to be the relaxation loss peaks which may arise due to molecular stretching and molecular liberations.

This results in an increase in dielectric loss with increase in temperature.


However, reliable dielectric data on the dielectric properties of different cultivars of grapes over a wide range of frequencies, particularly above 20 GHz, are not yet available in literature. Most of the studies reporting on the dielectric properties of juices of fruits and vegetables are at frequencies lower than 20 GHz. Since the relaxation frequencies of molecules in water have been reported to lie at frequencies beyond 20 GHz as well as at temperatures above 30 o C, and since water is the major component in all the juices, useful information regarding dielectric behaviour of juices may be expected at frequencies above 20 GHz and temperatures above 30 o C (Hasted, 1973) . As such, in the present research, dielectric constant and loss factor of grapes juice in the frequency range 1 to 50 GHz and temperatures 30 o C and above were measured by using the coaxial probe system (85070E) with PNA Network Analyser (E8364C).

Since the relaxation frequencies of molecules in water have been reported to lie at frequencies beyond 20 GHz as well as at temperatures above 30 o C, and since water is the major component in all the juices, useful information regarding dielectric behaviour of juices may be expected at frequencies above 20 GHz and temperatures above 30 o C.


The structural model shown in Figure 2 was evaluated by (a) the sign, magnitude and statistical significance of the parameters of structural relationships, (b) the explained variance (R 2 ) of the endogenous latent variables and (c) the size effect (f 2 ) on each endogenous latent variable (Götz et al. 2010) . All structural relationships have parameters with signs compatible (i.e. positive) with the assumptions made in the research model, ranging between 0.085 and 0.639. Moreover, with the exception of the relationship between brand experiences and purchase intentions, all other relationships are statistically significant at a 0.1% level, which confirmed all the hypotheses, except H4.

The structural model shown in Figure 2 was evaluated by (a) the sign, magnitude and statistical significance of the parameters of structural relationships, (b) the explained variance (R 2 ) of the endogenous latent variables and (c) the size effect (f 2 ) on each endogenous latent variable.


The main causative agent of malaria, the Plasmodium parasite, places a more than 100 fold demand on glucose requirements for parasitized red bloods relative to uninfected host cells [9] . The absence of a viable Krebs cycle in these parasites and sole dependence on glycolysis for energy needs therefore makes glycolytic pathway enzymes potential targets for antimalarial chemotherapies [10] [11] . We hypothesize that high affinity analogues that can form discriminatory complexes between glycolytic enzymes of parasitic and human species can serve as selective inhibitors of Plasmodium parasite and therefore fight malaria. Structural data available from the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB-PDB) show that the quaternary structures of glycolytic enzymes are highly conserved across species, with similar catalytic domains [12] [13] . This similarity in sequences and structural domains is therefore a major concern for the development of ligands that target glycolytic enzymes due to the potential toxicity of the developed ligands because of indiscriminate interactions with glycolytic enzymes from both species. There is evidence however, of subtle yet significant differences between the crystal structures of Plasmodium falciparum and human glycolytic enzymes [13] . According to Read and Dunn the cofactor binding pocket of Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase is wider when compared to the human isoform [14] [15] . This is due to a five-residue insertion in sequence for the loop that closes the active site during catalysis. Cameron and coworkers have developed a number of azole-based compounds that possess antimalarial activity, and selectively inhibit Plasmodium LDH with submicromolar affinities, based on such molecular level differences [16] . Similar structural differences have also been reported for the enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phospahe dehydrogenase (GAPDH) [17] . Specifically, a two-residue insertion (Lys-Gly) creates a bulge at the S-loop that lines the cofactor-binding cavity leading to a more constricted opening in pfGAPDH relative to human enzyme. The X-ray crystal structure of pfGAPDH also serendipitously revealed a ligand-binding fold proximal to the pfGAPDH active site [17] [18] . Triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) is another key dimeric enzyme that speeds up the final investment phase of glycolysis and shows structural differences between pfTPI and human TPI. The conserved serine amino acid residue at position 96 close to the active site residues (K12, H95 and E165) is substituted by Phenylalanine (Phe) in pfTPI sequence [19] .

The main causative agent of malaria, the Plasmodium parasite, places a more than 100 fold demand on glucose requirements for parasitized red bloods relative to uninfected host cells.

The absence of a viable Krebs cycle in these parasites and sole dependence on glycolysis for energy needs therefore makes glycolytic pathway enzymes potential targets for antimalarial chemotherapies.

Structural data available from the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB-PDB) show that the quaternary structures of glycolytic enzymes are highly conserved across species, with similar catalytic domains.

There is evidence however, of subtle yet significant differences between the crystal structures of Plasmodium falciparum and human glycolytic enzymes.

According to Read and Dunn the cofactor binding pocket of Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase is wider when compared to the human isoform.

Cameron and coworkers have developed a number of azole-based compounds that possess antimalarial activity, and selectively inhibit Plasmodium LDH with submicromolar affinities, based on such molecular level differences.

Similar structural differences have also been reported for the enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phospahe dehydrogenase (GAPDH).

The X-ray crystal structure of pfGAPDH also serendipitously revealed a ligand-binding fold proximal to the pfGAPDH active site.

The conserved serine amino acid residue at position 96 close to the active site residues (K12, H95 and E165) is substituted by Phenylalanine (Phe) in pfTPI sequence.