Corruption remains one of the major obstacles to economic prosperity in many countries. It is known to distort incentives, impede investment and divert the allocation of productive resources to rent-seeking activities (Murphy, Shleifer & Vishny [1] ). These detrimental effects are likely to slow growth. While there are a limited number of studies that explicitly link corruption and growth, no study has analytically illustrated how a reduction in corruption can at the same time boost growth and reduce the optimal tax rate. The model presented in this paper addresses this gap in order to explain successful anti-corruption policies and its subsequent economic recovery accompanied by lower tax rates in some countries.

It is known to distort incentives, impede investment and divert the allocation of productive resources to rent-seeking activities (Murphy, Shleifer & Vishny).


Moreover, for inference purposes, estimation of the innovation parameter is required. The usual response to such difficulties is that the density functions of the processes cannot be written in a closed form in the sense that it is not expressible in terms of known elementary functions. As a result, ML estimation is often very difficult (for detailed discussion, see Calder and Davis [4] ). Estimation of the stable ARFISMA model via alternative methods such as Quasi-Maximum Likelihood (QML) method and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) also presents difficulties. For example, QML is infeasible because the variance of the error term may be infinite. For GMM care must be taken when choosing moment conditions because the stable distribution does not have a finite absolute moment of order higher than the tail index α. Consequently, another alternative is to use the Empirical Characteristic Function (ECF) method.

As a result, ML estimation is often very difficult (for detailed discussion, see Calder and Davis).


The question of consistent matter couplings within the framework of massive gravity is crucial for maintaining the ghost freedom. The specific quantum properties of the theory have motivated the consideration of an effective matter coupling [25, 47] . This matter coupling through a very specific admixture of the dynamical and fiducial metric avoids further the No-go result for flat FLRW solutions. However, this coupling reintroduces the Boulware-Deser ghost. It is an indispensable question to address at what scale this ghostly degree of freedom enters. Of course these interactions can be still considered as a consistent effective field theory with the cut-off scale dictated by the mass of the ghost. On top of a FLRW background the corresponding Boulware-Deser ghost remains absent at second order of perturbations at the level of the action and its mass on this background is infinite. A crucial step would be to study the perturbations on top of an anisotropic background and investigate in detail the mass of the ghost.

The specific quantum properties of the theory have motivated the consideration of an effective matter coupling.


Renewable energy is expected to make an increasing contribution to UK and worldwide energy supplies in the near future [1] . Much of this renewable energy is likely to be from variable sources, of which wind power is currently the most significant. The power level at which this will be delivered often makes it most suitable for connection to the electricity distribution network. Connection of an increasing amount of intermittent renewable energy onto electricity distribution networks requires new methods by which to manage and operate these networks [2] .

Renewable energy is expected to make an increasing contribution to UK and worldwide energy supplies in the near future.

Connection of an increasing amount of intermittent renewable energy onto electricity distribution networks requires new methods by which to manage and operate these networks.


Nowadays, for protecting the electronic and microelectronic circuits, and electrical equipment from overvoltages, the nonlinear resistors based on composite materials are widely utilized. By conversion of microelectronics into nanoelectronics, the need for low-voltage limiters will grow even more [1] . Zinc oxide varistors are electronical polycrystalline ceramic materials whose electronical behavior is determined by grain boundaries. These materials have important technological applications in electronic circuits for preventing them from overvoltages [2] . Pure zinc oxide is a nonstoichiometric n-type semiconductor whose current-voltage behavior is linear and additives such as Al 2 O 3 , CrO, and Bi 2 O 3 , are used to make it become nonlinear. Adding these materials causes a number of crystal imperfections to be formed in grains and also grain boundaries. These imperfections have the role of donors in grains and acceptors in grain boundaries [3] .

By conversion of microelectronics into nanoelectronics, the need for low-voltage limiters will grow even more.

These materials have important technological applications in electronic circuits for preventing them from overvoltages.

These imperfections have the role of donors in grains and acceptors in grain boundaries.


As a result of imperfections due to covalent bonding, certain surface states in band gap are created that affect the electrical properties of varistors [4] . In a varistor, transition from a high resistance region (pre-breakdown region) to a lower resistance region (upturn region) is not sharp, but the relation between current and voltage is nonlinear which follows the form I = kV α , where α is called the coefficient of nonlinearity. The above relation shows that for a constant current, with increasing α value, the voltage changes in the transition region decreases. The higher the α value, the better the quality of varistor. The nonlinear coefficient (α) is very important for protecting the electrical equipment. The advantage of ZnO varistors over the SiC varistors comes from their higher α values [3, 5] .

As a result of imperfections due to covalent bonding, certain surface states in band gap are created that affect the electrical properties of varistors.

The advantage of ZnO varistors over the SiC varistors comes from their higher α values.


In this study, we conducted a remote behavioural usability study with 10 software developers to identify usability issues that exist in OWASP ESAPI. Participants were asked to complete a simple programming task which required them to fix XSS vulnerabilities of a Java servelet web application. They had to think aloud and record their screens while completing the task and once they finished the task, they had to answer the cognitive dimensions based questionnaire [14] . Through the data we collected, we were able to identify usability issues that exist in OWASP ESAPI and how they affected the participants' success in fixing the XSS vulnerability.

They had to think aloud and record their screens while completing the task and once they finished the task, they had to answer the cognitive dimensions based questionnaire.


The collision of the RFID system mainly has two situations, namely reader collision and transponder collision. The reader collision refers to the fact that one transponder simultaneously receives the commands issued by different readers, while the transponder collision refers to the fact that one reader simultaneously sends the command to different transponders. In the practical applications, due to its low cost advantage, the transponder gets a large number of production, while the reader is often fixed in somewhere of the system to identify multiple transponders [4] . Therefore, the main situation of the collision is the transponder collision. That is to say, multiple transponders simultaneously appear within the working scope of one reader and simultaneously respond to the commands issued by the reader, thereby making the reader unable to correctly identify a transponder, and this phenomenon is known as transponder collision. The process of solving the collision is correspondingly known as anti-collision. As mentioned previously, the anti-collision process is mainly solved from the perspective of software, known as anti-collision algorithm. In the RFID anti-collision algorithms, currently the binary tree algorithm is most widely used.

In the practical applications, due to its low cost advantage, the transponder gets a large number of production, while the reader is often fixed in somewhere of the system to identify multiple transponders.


While pyrolysis can be considered as an efficient pre-treatment process, the bio-oil produced is not suitable, due to its high oxygen content, as a transportation fuel without further pre-treatment or blending with conventional (i.e., fossil) diesel. One of the recent technological developments to cope with this problem is hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) to remove the oxygen using hydrogen under high pressure in the presence of a catalyst to form water [8] . The upgraded oil obtained from HDO can be (1) commercialized, after blending with conventional diesel, as a fuel for agricultural machinery or ships or (2) further processed into diesel and gasoline in conventional refineries. As a result of the presence of these different technological options, in our paper we compute and compare the final production costs of blending and refining the upgraded oil.

One of the recent technological developments to cope with this problem is hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) to remove the oxygen using hydrogen under high pressure in the presence of a catalyst to form water.


While a complete understanding of the role of anomalies in terms of thermodynamic and hydrodynamic response is still elusive, a significant amount of progress has been made in the last few years using only a handful of tools and techniques. These tools have successfully explained various features of anomaly induced response in the case of pure U (1) anomalies in hydrodynamics [1] . In what follows, we would like to argue that the existing methods which have been so successful in dealing with U (1) anomalies are bound to give incomplete information when applied to gravitational or mixed anomalies. In order to do so, let us briefly summarize some of the salient features of hydrodynamics.

These tools have successfully explained various features of anomaly induced response in the case of pure U (1) anomalies in hydrodynamics.


The examples shown here can easily be generalized to include classes with more than a single client, and to servers with priorities and other kinds of queueing discipline. The model for a single server has also been embedded in a network of servers, with iteration among the servers, to solve layered queueing problems [11, 12] . The approach has been applied to systems with collections of similar components (the clients here), and this makes the solutions simpler, but in principle the approach applies to heterogeneous systems as well.

The model for a single server has also been embedded in a network of servers, with iteration among the servers, to solve layered queueing problems.


It is well known that antiangiogenic therapy inhibits tumor growth by blocking new blood vessel formation. Decreases in vessel numbers could result in increases in intra-tumor hypoxia. Given that HIF-1α plays a vital role in the hypoxia microenvironment, we focused our attention on HIF-1α generation. Our results showed that intracellular HIF-1α production was significantly increased after treatment with bevacizumab. Moreover, after treatment with the HIF-1α inhibitor YC-1, autophagy induced by bevacizumab was markedly reduced. Since autophagy is induced as a response to cellular stress, our results of hypoxia-induced autophagy in tumor cells may function as an adaptive response to the hypoxia caused by anti-angiogenic therapy. This finding is consistent with previous studies [25, 26] .

This finding is consistent with previous studies.


The present paper gives an axiomatic treatment of the Farrell-Hsiang method leading us to the definition of Farrell-Hsiang groups below. More generally we define a group to be a Farrell-Hsiang group with respect to a given family of subgroups F , more or less if the Farrell-Hsiang method is applicable relative to F . Our main result states that the Farrell-Jones Conjecture holds for these groups relative to the family F . In the most important case F is the family VCyc of virtually cyclic subgroups or a family of groups for which the Farrell-Jones Conjecture relative to VCyc is known. In this case our result implies that if a group G is a Farrell-Hsiang group relative to F , then G satisfies both the K-and L-theoretic Farrell-Jones Conjecture with coefficients in additive categories. Our main result here is used in work with Tom Farrell to prove the Farrell-Jones Conjecture for virtually poly-cylic groups [1] . We give a very brief overview of this application in an Appendix where we also discuss examples of Farrell-Hsiang groups.

Our main result here is used in work with Tom Farrell to prove the Farrell-Jones Conjecture for virtually poly-cylic groups.


In this paper, an interdigital capacitor with thin film ferroelectric is used as a tuned capacitor and spiral inductor is used to implement inductors. The unit cell is designed in a CPW configuration in which the ground plane and signal strips are formed on one side of the substrate [14, 15] . The designed unit cell has a very compact size and is compatible with MIC technology, because it is designed in coplanar structure and also a thin film ferroelectric layer is utilized underneath the IDCs to be as tuned elements. In conventional CRLH unit cell the parallel capacitor (and also series inductor) acts as a parasitic element. However, in our modified unit cell it is created by a separate IDC, therefore we can have tuned elements in both series and parallel branches which leads to maintaining the characteristic impedance almost constant by varying tuned capacitors. Furthermore, the designed unit cell has arbitrarily controllable response due to the independently adjustable element values.

The unit cell is designed in a CPW configuration in which the ground plane and signal strips are formed on one side of the substrate.


Most brain tumors are diagnosed in a certain advanced stage, when the symptoms convince the patient to go to the doctor. The average brain tumor patient lives 14 months after the diagnosis. The development of imaging devices and computers make it possible to elaborate intelligent automated procedures that would allow for regular screening of a larger population and detecting most tumors in an earlier phase. Beside establishing the diagnosis, the automatic segmentation and quantitative analysis can assist therapy planning and evolution tracking of the tumor. However, automatic tumor segmentation is not only utmost important task, but also a very challenging one, because of the high variety of anatomical structures and low contrast of current imaging techniques, which make the difference between normal regions and the tumor hardly recognizable for the human eye [6] .

However, automatic tumor segmentation is not only utmost important task, but also a very challenging one, because of the high variety of anatomical structures and low contrast of current imaging techniques, which make the difference between normal regions and the tumor hardly recognizable for the human eye.


An eleven years study of Saharan dust outbreaks in the whole Mediterranean basin revealed that the dust transport paths have a marked seasonal behavior (Pey et al., 2013) . The western Mediterranean area is more subjected to dust intrusions during the summer season while in the eastern part dust events are more frequent during the autumnspring period. The central area results to be a transitional region, with frequent occurrence of African dust outbreaks in summer over the central Italy and in autumn-spring over Sicily. Thus, southern part of Italy is affected by Saharan dust intrusions in all seasons.

An eleven years study of Saharan dust outbreaks in the whole Mediterranean basin revealed that the dust transport paths have a marked seasonal behavior.


Overall, academics in both countries indicated that their HE institution is oriented towards meeting students' needs and desires, and cares for students' well-being, teaching and learning, a stance that is compatible with the common image of the university as a place of student growth and development well-rooted in the historical tradition of the western university (Boyer, 1982) . Note, in addition, that our respondents refrained from claiming any competitive edge for their university over other universities, perhaps due to the ethics of education which is inherently against marketing and any notion of inter-institutional competition. This might be related to the academics' commitment and professional ethic in caring for his/her students, in developing skills and competencies, regardless of any inter-institutional competition (Coser, 1971) . Thus, in spite of strong inter-institutional competition in HE, the strong professional culture of academics which emphasises pure research, teaching and customer-care (service) seems to structure the respondents' attitudes towards MO more than any neo-liberal views of HE.

Overall, academics in both countries indicated that their HE institution is oriented towards meeting students' needs and desires, and cares for students' well-being, teaching and learning, a stance that is compatible with the common image of the university as a place of student growth and development well-rooted in the historical tradition of the western university.

This might be related to the academics' commitment and professional ethic in caring for his/her students, in developing skills and competencies, regardless of any inter-institutional competition.


For two sequences I and J, we denote by I ⊔ J the concatenation of I and J, and, if J is a subsequence of I, then we denote by I \ J the sequence obtained by removing the entries of J from I. For example, (1, 3, 4)⊔ (2, 6) = (1, 3, 4, 2, 6) and (1, 3, 4, 2, 6)\(3, 2) = (1, 4, 6) . Then the Sylvester formula and its dual version are stated as follows: Proposition 1.1. Let X be a matrix and let K and K ′ be sequences of row and column indices of the same length.

For two sequences I and J, we denote by I ⊔ J the concatenation of I and J, and, if J is a subsequence of I, then we denote by I \ J the sequence obtained by removing the entries of J from I. For example, (1, 3, 4)⊔ (2, 6) = (1, 3, 4, 2, 6) and (1, 3, 4, 2, 6)\(3, 2) =.


The volume between the nylon vessel and the SSS is filled with 889 ton of ultra pure, non scintillating fluid and acts as a radiation shield for external gamma rays and neutrons. A second, larger nylon sphere (11.5 m diameter) prevents radon and other radioactive contaminants from the PMTs and SSS from diffusing into the central sensitive volume of the detector. The SSS is immersed in a 2,100 ton waterČerenkov detector meant to detect residual cosmic muons [9] .

The SSS is immersed in a 2,100 ton waterČerenkov detector meant to detect residual cosmic muons.


At the outset, we expected that the additional auditory and graphical cues would act as feedback, that is, movements would be affected after the occurrence of these cues. However, cue effects did occur during the reach phase, before the cues were provided, suggesting that subjects anticipated their presence. Prior to each block of trials, subjects were informed about the type and location of the cues, so they could predict them with certainty. It is possible that the expectation of enhanced contact feedback may have influenced the planning stages of the movement. Moreover, reaching movements were faster, with a higher peak velocity and a lower proportion of time spent after peak velocity with enhanced feedback at 'touch' (hand contacts object), compared to 'place' (object contacts table) conditions. The percent of time spent in the deceleration phase has been shown to increase as the precision required for the movement increases, which has been termed as the 'precision effect' [4] . Although this effect has been shown with targets of varying sizes, and our experiment used a single target size, it can be argued that providing the cues to enhance the haptic feedback of making contact between hand and object acts to decrease the 'precision' requirement of the reaching phase of the task.

The percent of time spent in the deceleration phase has been shown to increase as the precision required for the movement increases, which has been termed as the 'precision effect'.


Aiming at traffic flow forecasting for road tunnel, various algorithms or models have been proposed in literature. The early traditional mathematics and physics methods to predict traffic flow which are based on the historical average model, time series models, state space models (e.g., Kalman Filter (KF)), dynamic-traffic-assignment-based (DTA) models, smoothing methods, and so forth were presented [7] . Because traffic flow in highway tunnel is uncertain, nonlinear, and complex, The aforementioned models may not overcome the inherent limitations in data fitting and extrapolation, which give rise to generating the low forecasting accuracy with the actual traffic volume. In order to come up with solutions to some of these problems, many artificial intelligence techniques have received much attention and are considered as an alternative for traffic flow forecasting model over the last decade [8] . Smith and Demetsky applied ANN for short traffic flow forecasting [9] . An ANN model for urban traffic flow was presented [10] . Dia applied an object oriented neural network approach for short-term traffic forecasting [11] . Recent studies are applying different ANN architectures with different input parameters measured through field studies by using advanced instruments demonstrating that ANN modeling is an effective approach for short-term traffic flow modeling [12] [13] [14] . A short-term traffic flow forecasting model based on support vector machine (SVM) was proposed [15] . Theja and Vanajakshi investigated the application of SVM for shortterm forecasting of traffic flow, and comparison of performance was carried out between SVM and ANN showing the SVM-based model is superior to the ANN-based model on these aspects of prediction accuracy, convergence time, generalization capability, optimization possibility, and so on [16] . What needs to be explained is that SVM cannot be used for the quantitative analysis of the uncertainty of the prediction and the predicted results are undesirable under the condition of elongated or asymmetric space [17] . Recently, a model based on Gaussian process regression (GPR) was utilized to predict the traffic flow, and it is worthwhile to note that GPR has been shown to generate promising performance [10] .

The early traditional mathematics and physics methods to predict traffic flow which are based on the historical average model, time series models, state space models (e.g., Kalman Filter (KF)), dynamic-traffic-assignment-based (DTA) models, smoothing methods, and so forth were presented.

In order to come up with solutions to some of these problems, many artificial intelligence techniques have received much attention and are considered as an alternative for traffic flow forecasting model over the last decade.

Smith and Demetsky applied ANN for short traffic flow forecasting.

An ANN model for urban traffic flow was presented.

Dia applied an object oriented neural network approach for short-term traffic forecasting.

Recent studies are applying different ANN architectures with different input parameters measured through field studies by using advanced instruments demonstrating that ANN modeling is an effective approach for short-term traffic flow modeling.

A short-term traffic flow forecasting model based on support vector machine (SVM) was proposed.

Theja and Vanajakshi investigated the application of SVM for shortterm forecasting of traffic flow, and comparison of performance was carried out between SVM and ANN showing the SVM-based model is superior to the ANN-based model on these aspects of prediction accuracy, convergence time, generalization capability, optimization possibility, and so on.

What needs to be explained is that SVM cannot be used for the quantitative analysis of the uncertainty of the prediction and the predicted results are undesirable under the condition of elongated or asymmetric space.

Recently, a model based on Gaussian process regression (GPR) was utilized to predict the traffic flow, and it is worthwhile to note that GPR has been shown to generate promising performance.


GPR, the third-generation kernel machine, has advantage of small samples, probabilistic reasoning, and good generalization capability and embodies the characteristics of programming easily, self-adaptive acquisition of hyperparameters, and forecasting with probability interpretation, which are superior to those of SVM. At present the hyperparameters of GPR are got by maximizing likelihood function of training samples based on conjugate gradient algorithm. However, this traditional algorithm embodies the disadvantages of too strong dependence of optimization effect on initial value, difficult determination of iteration steps, and easy falling into local optimum. In this paper, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to automatically search the hyperparameters of GPR model for overcoming the shortcomings of the conjugate gradient algorithm. Based on the concept of hybrid forecasting, hybrid approaches have been increasingly investigated to pursue more accurate and stable forecasts [18] [19] [20] . This paper proposes a hybrid algorithm for predicting the traffic flow for road tunnel, which incorporates the PSO algorithm and the GPR model. The developed hybrid algorithm is examined using 11 groups verifying datasets of traffic flow monitored in one expressway tunnel. The predictive results reveal that this hybrid forecasting algorithm with different kernel function has a good ability to yield the predicted results of traffic flow for road tunnel and the developed hybrid PSO-GPR algorithm with the combined kernel function is effective in boosting the higher degree of forecasting accuracy than this coupled method with the single kernel function.

Based on the concept of hybrid forecasting, hybrid approaches have been increasingly investigated to pursue more accurate and stable forecasts.


A gimbal-less mirror for 2D scanning has also been realized by piezoelectric bending mode and torsional mode. This is illustrated in our previous reported research attempt, where a silicon micromirror driven by 1 × 10 piezoelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 beam actuators was fabricated and characterized [39] . In our previous work, we designed ten PZT actuators to be electrically connected in series and 2D Lissajous scan patterns are obtained by one-half of the actuators at a resonant frequency corresponding to bending mode while the remaining other half of the actuators at a resonant frequency corresponding to torsional mode. As such, the mirror in our previous work achieved torsional scanning solely by resonance phenomenon.

This is illustrated in our previous reported research attempt, where a silicon micromirror driven by 1 × 10 piezoelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 beam actuators was fabricated and characterized.


The situation changes dramatically if the stochastic perturbation conserves both the energy and the momentum [1] . Such stochastic conservative perturbations model the chaotic effect of non-linearities. These systems may then be seen as completely non-integrable, since the only conserved quantities left are the energy and the momentum. In this case, at least for harmonic interactions, the thermal conductivity can be explicitly computed by the Green-Kubo formula. For unpinned models, it remains finite only in dimension d ≥ 3, while it diverges when d = 1 or 2.

The situation changes dramatically if the stochastic perturbation conserves both the energy and the momentum.


Estimation of the parameters employing the usual econometric techniques is therefore unlikely to produce estimates of production frontiers. Rather, estimates of the so called average performance production functions are obtained. Interpreting the latter as frontier functions is bound to underestimate production possibilities and input elasticities, and to preclude measurement of technical inefficiencies by assuming them away (Greene, 1993) .

Interpreting the latter as frontier functions is bound to underestimate production possibilities and input elasticities, and to preclude measurement of technical inefficiencies by assuming them away.


We observed only for 60 min after brain death, because hemodynamic data did not change after 60 min in previous reports [6, 8, 9, 18] . Reduced coronary flow reserve was also reported as the predictors of performance in the chronic phase after heart transplantation [22, 23] . Besides, endothelium-independent microvascular dysfunction was reported to have prognostic importance for deterioration of left ventricular function in cardiac transplant recipients [23] . In the present study, we could observe impaired coronary flow reserve only in the early phase after brain death, but impairment of coronary reserve may have some adverse effects on functional recovery of transplanted heart in the chronic phase.

We observed only for 60 min after brain death, because hemodynamic data did not change after 60 min in previous reports.

Reduced coronary flow reserve was also reported as the predictors of performance in the chronic phase after heart transplantation.

Besides, endothelium-independent microvascular dysfunction was reported to have prognostic importance for deterioration of left ventricular function in cardiac transplant recipients.


At the highest operation gains in the present work, the first MHSP operates at a total gain of 3*10 3 , of which the multiplication in the holes and at the strips is about equal. This implies that the dominant contribution to the IBF is from the final avalanche at the strips, and we should expect ~400 or ~40 ions per event on the average, for E drfit =1 or 0.1kV/cm, respectively. With a total detector gain of 2*10 4 this result is equivalent to IBF=2*10 -2 or 2*10 -3 at the corresponding drift fields. This result is, in fact, inferior to the best IBF values obtained so far by electrostatic DC means [25] .

This result is, in fact, inferior to the best IBF values obtained so far by electrostatic DC means.


The relative absence of evidence about epistemic beliefs in Middle Eastern cultures, as compared to that available for Western and Asian cultures, invites further investigation. Challenges for future research include instrumentation equivalence and translation, even though there were few manifestly difficult translation problems in the present study. We believe that authority and gender are critical dimensions to study. But others require further attention as well, such as religiosity and even fundamentalism, which may be related to authoritarian worldviews (Altemeyer & Hunsberger, 1992) . Ideal conditions for assessing such effects would be those in which cultures are in close proximity and share common or contiguous environments, such as currently exists in Israel, although with due regard to the differences between multi-cultural and mono-cultural contexts.

But others require further attention as well, such as religiosity and even fundamentalism, which may be related to authoritarian worldviews.


Few evidence-based mental health awareness programs are designed for sports-specific populations despite the demand for context-specific programs [30] . However, many athletes, despite the access to relevant information and advice, do not seek help, as the disadvantages of doing so are perceived to outweigh the benefits [12] . The disadvantages included the loss of playing time, being perceived as mentally weak or lacking commitment [31] . Moreover, the fear of disclosure may damage their athletic career plans. Additional barriers for young people seeking help are poor mental health literacy and stigma, while the main facilitators of positive helpseeking are; having a current positive relationship with a health professional or doctor, an emotional intelligence and/or a positive social support [9] .

Few evidence-based mental health awareness programs are designed for sports-specific populations despite the demand for context-specific programs.

However, many athletes, despite the access to relevant information and advice, do not seek help, as the disadvantages of doing so are perceived to outweigh the benefits.

The disadvantages included the loss of playing time, being perceived as mentally weak or lacking commitment.

Additional barriers for young people seeking help are poor mental health literacy and stigma, while the main facilitators of positive helpseeking are; having a current positive relationship with a health professional or doctor, an emotional intelligence and/or a positive social support.


Screws are a typical category of components that capitalize on helical surfaces. In addition to those used as threaded fasteners, there are also many discrete screws in the form of conveyors, compressor rotors, extruders, helical gears, helical ball bearing, or augers, and so forth (hereinafter these helical components are all referred to as screws). Vary as these screws may, they all need their helical surfaces well-tailored to the particular need of the associated machine [2] . Their shape and accuracy have a profound impact on the quality of product [3, 4] .

Vary as these screws may, they all need their helical surfaces well-tailored to the particular need of the associated machine.

Their shape and accuracy have a profound impact on the quality of product.


The rate of adoption of CSA practices and technologies is significantly influenced by economic benefits, socio-economic characteristics, operational land holding, groundwater quality and scarcity, type of ownership, credit access and extension services [5, 6, 12, 16, 23, 24, 32, 42, 44] . The goal of this study is to estimate the impact of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) through sustainable irrigation management on cotton production and livelihood of farmers in Punjab, Pakistan. There exist few studies on the implementation of new agricultural practices and technologies, and adaptation to climate change in Pakistan [12, 15, 16, 24, 32, [42] [43] [44] . Nevertheless, those studies focus on any new technology and practice with an objective to estimate the benefits and costs of adoption of that technology. This study is, to the best of knowledge, the first quantitative research to estimate the impact of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) through sustainable irrigation management on cotton production and livelihood of farmers in Punjab, Pakistan as well as provide some suggestions for policy makers for the promotion of CSA in Punjab and rest of the cotton growing area.

The rate of adoption of CSA practices and technologies is significantly influenced by economic benefits, socio-economic characteristics, operational land holding, groundwater quality and scarcity, type of ownership, credit access and extension services.

There exist few studies on the implementation of new agricultural practices and technologies, and adaptation to climate change in Pakistan.


Because of social, environmental and economic problems arising from climate change and conventional agriculture, FAO has prompted a sustainable agricultural production system i.e., Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) an alternative to conventional agriculture. CSA improves the efficiency of natural resources, increased resilience and productivity of agriculture, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions [22] . The technology or practice that helps to increase productivity and Sustainability 2018, 10, 2101 3 of 20 farm income, improves water and nutrient use efficiency, resilience to climate change, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions is called CSA [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] . The adverse effect of variability in climatic conditions on agriculture can be reduced substantially by adopting CSA practices and technologies individually or in combination [3, 12, 23, 24] . Therefore, the adoption of CSA in cotton production can improve yield, enhance resource use efficiency and farm income as well as minimize the adverse effects of climate change on its production.

CSA improves the efficiency of natural resources, increased resilience and productivity of agriculture, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The technology or practice that helps to increase productivity and Sustainability 2018, 10, 2101 3 of 20 farm income, improves water and nutrient use efficiency, resilience to climate change, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions is called CSA.

The adverse effect of variability in climatic conditions on agriculture can be reduced substantially by adopting CSA practices and technologies individually or in combination.


Impact of EV charging on utility distribution systems: EV charging is considered as a big load to the utility. The worst case if all EVs are charged at the same time. However, this scenario will be unlikely to happen because of many factors. One of the factors is that the number of charging station is limited. As for the impact of EV battery chargers on the power supply system, it depends on the technology of the chargers. Older version of chargers is based on full-wave rectification using diodes and progressively, thyristors are used. Later designs use microprocessor-controlled charging technologies with several algorithms being implemented for parameter monitoring and control. Today, smart battery chargers are available which can interactively communicate with the utility system in order to receive and send information about the state of charge, energy availability, tariffs and management data in general. Such designs have resulted in reduction of harmonic distortion and power factor improvement. A survey of battery charger manufacturers from 1993 to 1995 shows that the average total harmonic distortion decreases from 50.1 to 6.12% (Gomez and Morcos, 2003) .

A survey of battery charger manufacturers from 1993 to 1995 shows that the average total harmonic distortion decreases from 50.1 to 6.12%.


The general effect of home battery chargers on distribution systems will be load increase and large increment of system voltage distortion. Another issue that should be considered is the coincidence between the charging start time and the eventual evening load peak period, which varies with customer and country (Autocar, 2012) . However, the net effect of a population of EV chargers is not merely the numerical sum of the THDs, which involves both the magnitude and phase angles of individual harmonic components (Lambert, 2000) . For higher harmonic orders, harmonic cancellation effect can take place.

Another issue that should be considered is the coincidence between the charging start time and the eventual evening load peak period, which varies with customer and country.

However, the net effect of a population of EV chargers is not merely the numerical sum of the THDs, which involves both the magnitude and phase angles of individual harmonic components.


The classic algorithm for the shortest path problem is Dijkstra's algorithm [6] . Starting with a source node s as root, it grows a tree that contains shortest paths from s to all other nodes. A node that already belongs to the tree is settled. If a node u is settled, a shortest path P * from s to u has been found. A node that is adjacent to a settled node is reached. Note that a settled node is also reached. Nodes that are not reached are unreached.

The classic algorithm for the shortest path problem is Dijkstra's algorithm.


We can classify current algorithms into three categories: hierarchical algorithms, goal-directed approaches and combinations of both. The most closely related hierarchical technique is contraction hierarchies (CH) [8] . A CH uses a single node order and contracts the nodes in this order. A slightly modified bidirectional Dijkstra shortest path search then answers a query request, touching only a few hundred nodes. For our algorithm, we adopt the basic concept of CH but add significant contributions to adapt it to our flexible objective function. Namely we had to change crucial parts of the contraction procedure and also further engineered the query algorithm.

The most closely related hierarchical technique is contraction hierarchies (CH).


The quantities of these four elements in their solubilized form show the same profile as when found in the soils, potassium particularly corresponds to the contents found in the Pico region from 50 to 155 ppm (RIBEIRO DE LIMA, 1992) . We observe however the greater solubility of calcium. Soluble calcium indeed accounts for 50 % of the total amount of calcium in the three islands, whereas magnesium accounts only for 5 % on average, sodium 8 %, and potassium 34 %. We can conclude that the three wine regions have different soils. This information is significant because it will enable us to make up the deficits or to reduce the excess, in order to improve vine management.

The quantities of these four elements in their solubilized form show the same profile as when found in the soils, potassium particularly corresponds to the contents found in the Pico region from 50 to 155 ppm.


The mainly Web technology, the HTML, evolved too and the improvement defined to the last version, the HTML5, are related with support multimedia, keep it easily readable by humans and consistently understood by computers and devices (Berjon et al., 2012) . HTML5 adds the new <video>, <audio> and <canvas> tag elements, as well as the integration of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG, a vector image format for two-dimensional graphics based on eXtended Markup Language -XML) content and MathML (Mathematical Markup Language is a XML basedformat to describing mathematical notations) to integrate mathematical formulae into Web pages. These features are designed to make it easy to include and handle multimedia and graphical content on the web without having proprietary plugins and APIs (Application Programming Interface) installed.

The mainly Web technology, the HTML, evolved too and the improvement defined to the last version, the HTML5, are related with support multimedia, keep it easily readable by humans and consistently understood by computers and devices.


For those engineers who discovered long ago that nature refuses to let them ignore it, the internal friction of solids has been called 'hysteretic" [3] . It has even found a prominent place in a part of 'big science', where it is called 'structural damping' [4] . The last reference is to those whose passion is to directly observe gravitational waves with an interferometer. At LIGO, VIRGO, GEO600, and TAMA--mirrors hang from pendulum supports--and if it were possible, hysteretic damping would be eliminated from them; so that thermal noise of their detector would be significantly reduced.

For those engineers who discovered long ago that nature refuses to let them ignore it, the internal friction of solids has been called 'hysteretic".

It has even found a prominent place in a part of 'big science', where it is called 'structural damping'.


One of the greatest challenges in characterizing the SWRC for the shallow depth of the seedling recruitment zone (soil layer from which seeds germinate and emerge) across field topography is obtaining the parameters of the soil hydrological property. Determining the SWRC by direct measurement is time-consuming to obtain sufficient representation of a field due to spatial variability of soil properties [7, 8] . The ability of the soil to retain and transmit water is specific to soil type, and is affected by texture, pore-size and pore arrangement [1] .

Determining the SWRC by direct measurement is time-consuming to obtain sufficient representation of a field due to spatial variability of soil properties.

The ability of the soil to retain and transmit water is specific to soil type, and is affected by texture, pore-size and pore arrangement.


Our choice of a parallel flow on a tilded slope could be easily substitued by other simple geometries where analytical solution can be obtained, replacing for instance the gravity forcing by a shear imposed at the top of the layer or a pressure gradient. Our choice of the incompressible constraint in the rheological law has been motivated by simplicity considerations for the presentation. Compressibility can been taken into account by specifying rheological laws for the spherical parts of the tensors in addition to laws, for their deviatoric parts, identical to those that has been presented for the incompressible case ( [12] , [3] ). Our choice of the Von Mises criterion for the yield criterium and the plastic function is motivated by its wide use for Bingham fluid modeling. Other criterions would have also generically led to the same conclusion for the non vanishing value of f b on the interface.

Compressibility can been taken into account by specifying rheological laws for the spherical parts of the tensors in addition to laws, for their deviatoric parts, identical to those that has been presented for the incompressible case (,).


A lot of effort has been put into these investigations, and it has even been possible to successfully reproduce the color effect of the Morpho butterfly [9] . Few, though, have tried to approach structural colors from a different aspect than biomimicry. In this paper we will consider the inverse problem: if a color effect is desired, which grating structure can represent it? Based only on variations of the surface profile, this paper studies how well color effects can be obtained using gradient-based optimization of structures analyzed using scalar diffraction theory (SDT). More specifically, the results presented here examine whether it is possible to create a constant color within a certain angular interval.

A lot of effort has been put into these investigations, and it has even been possible to successfully reproduce the color effect of the Morpho butterfly.


Such members are generally made from initially straight hot rolled wide-flange profiles and are used in various structural applications such as arched roofs, atriums and bridges. Roller bending, or cold bending as it is also called, is an iterative process. A straight member passes through three rollers ( Figure 1 ). Plastic deformations are induced at the part of the member which is between the two outer rollers. As the member is rolled all over its length, plastic deformations are induced along the entire length of the member so that it gradually becomes an arch. In each subsequent iteration, the roller in the middle moves vertically towards the other two, in order to increase the curvature. The number of iterations depends on the desired final curvature of the arch. In each pass of the member through the roller, its curvature increases only by small amount. The additional curvature that the member can gain after each pass through the machine is limited due to the local buckling that may occur. In general, as wide-flange sections are prone to local buckling, there are limitations on the maximum curvature that the member can acquire with this process. In order to prevent local buckling of the web, two smaller rollers are sometimes used on the tension flange. They also prevent it from transverse bending known as "Brazier effect" or "ovalization" [1] . A detailed description of the roller bending process has been presented by Bjorhovde [2] . The tension and compression flanges are denoted in this paper as top and bottom flange, respectively ( Figure 1 ). As mentioned above, initially straight hot rolled wide-flange profiles are used for roller bending. It is well known that, due to their manufacturing process, such profiles are not stress free. They have an internally self-equilibrated stress distribution, the so-called residual stresses. Such residual stresses occur due to uneven cooling of the section, i.e. flange tips and middle part of the web tend to cool faster than the other parts of the section. This results in compressive (-) residual stresses at the flange tips and the middle part of the web and tensile (+) stresses at the web to flange junctions.

They also prevent it from transverse bending known as "Brazier effect" or "ovalization".

A detailed description of the roller bending process has been presented by Bjorhovde.


The analysis of rock art pigments does usually involve a combination of analytical techniques to provide a comprehensive characterisation of the pigment chemistry at a site: the pigments used are often complex mixtures and one single approach does not usually provide all the information required. Elemental analysis is an established approach, especially given its widespread use in mineralogical studies. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) can provide morphological information regarding minerals in conjunction with a semi-quantitative elemental profile [11] . X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy allows an elemental profile of a pigment to be obtained and has expanded in application to rock art studies in recent years with the development of portable instrumentation. Such equipment allows in situ examination of rock sites, thus minimising damage associated with the collection of analytical specimens [12] . Related to XRF is electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), but this technique is less widely available than XRF due to lack of portability and cost and has had limited use in recent rock art studies. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has emerged as a popular technique for elemental analysis, including its application to paint, due to its enhanced sensitivity. Although conventional ICPMS is destructive by nature, laser ablation (LA) ICPMS involves the removal of a small quantity of solid surface material (micron size) and is regarded as semi-quantitative as the sample properties can influence the amount of material ablated [13] . Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and proton induced gamma emission (PIGE) spectroscopies are non-destructive techniques than can provide quantitative information about heavier elements [11, 14] . However, PIXE/PIGE require access to an accelerator, which limits access compared to XRF for rock art pigment characterisation.

Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) can provide morphological information regarding minerals in conjunction with a semi-quantitative elemental profile.

Such equipment allows in situ examination of rock sites, thus minimising damage associated with the collection of analytical specimens.

Although conventional ICPMS is destructive by nature, laser ablation (LA) ICPMS involves the removal of a small quantity of solid surface material (micron size) and is regarded as semi-quantitative as the sample properties can influence the amount of material ablated.

Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and proton induced gamma emission (PIGE) spectroscopies are non-destructive techniques than can provide quantitative information about heavier elements.


The focus of scientific studies of Australian rock art has been the dating of carbon-based material found at sites of interest [1] [2] [3] [4] . Since the mid-1980s, radiocarbon dating of rock art using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) has been used to directly date rock paintings. Carbon isotope analysis can be carried out on charcoal pigments, as well as the organic constituents of paint residues or inclusions in mineral accretions. Suitable organic material is not always available or in an appreciable quantity to allow a reliable analysis. However, there is also potential information to be obtained about pigment sources and history from the inorganic material (e.g. mineral pigments) used in traditional paint to broaden the analytical information obtained from rock art.

The focus of scientific studies of Australian rock art has been the dating of carbon-based material found at sites of interest.


Techniques that are able to provide a more direct structural identification of the mineral content of rock art are increasingly being used in partnership with elemental analysis. Quantitative mineral analysis is provided by X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods, which, for instance, can be used to differentiate the various forms of iron oxide (e.g. haematite, goethite). The amount of specimen required in conventional XRD has limited its application, but where synchrotron XRD is available, much smaller specimens can be successfully examined [15] . For the identification and characterisation of pigment minerals, Raman and infrared spectroscopies may also be applied [11, 16] . Microscopic sampling accessories enable very small specimens and paint layers to be investigated.

The amount of specimen required in conventional XRD has limited its application, but where synchrotron XRD is available, much smaller specimens can be successfully examined.

For the identification and characterisation of pigment minerals, Raman and infrared spectroscopies may also be applied.


We believe that augmenting mobile devices with sensors has the potential to address some of these issues. There is an explosion of inexpensive but very capable sensors [9] [18] . While these sensors may enable new interaction modalities and new types of devices that can sense and adapt to the user's environment, they raise many unresolved research issues. What interaction techniques or services can benefit from this approach? What problems can arise? What are the implications for end-users?

There is an explosion of inexpensive but very capable sensors.

What problems can arise?


Despite those breakthroughs, some conjectures about Berge graphs remain open. An even pair in a graph G is a pair of non-adjacent vertices such that every chordless path between them has even length (number of edges). Given two vertices x, y in a graph G, the operation of contracting them means removing x and y and adding one vertex with edges to every vertex of G \ {x, y} that is adjacent in G to at least one of x, y; we denote by G/xy the graph that results from this operation. Fonlupt and Uhry proved the following: Theorem 1.3 (Fonlupt and Uhry [15] ). If G is a perfect graph and {x, y} is an even pair in G, then the graph G/xy is perfect and has the same chromatic number as G.

Fonlupt and Uhry proved the following: Theorem 1.3 (Fonlupt and Uhry).


Why not conjecture that every Berge graph is a quasi-parity graph ? Simply because this is false. Some counter-examples (like the smallest one: L(K 3,3 \ e)), were known since the very beginning of the study of even-pairs. Hougardy found an infinite class of counter-examples: Theorem 1.6 (Hougardy, [17] ). Let G be the line-graph of a 3-connected graph. Then G and G have no even pair.

Simply because this is false.

Hougardy found an infinite class of counter-examples: Theorem 1.6 (Hougardy,).

Then G and G have no even pair.


We are living in the era of digitization where software, system hardware, and sensors are working together over networks. This combination describes the concept of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) [1] . In this situation, the urge to maintain security is of prime importance. Secure system development depends on an extensive focus on the process of requirements engineering towards security. Software engineering gets its developmental supports from tools and techniques, and models that guide them to manage quality development support [2, 3] . These techniques provide information on how services are provided. However, when developing a secure system, one has to consider the vulnerabilities of the system as well.

This combination describes the concept of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS).

Software engineering gets its developmental supports from tools and techniques, and models that guide them to manage quality development support.


Sequence variability between some corresponding CDSs of M. hyopneumoniae strains other than J, 7448 and J was determined by PCR amplification of selected regions and DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing reactions were performed using the DYEnamic ET dye terminator cycle sequencing (MegaBACE) kit and run on MegaBACE 1000 capillary sequencers (Amersham Biosciences). Sequences were assembled using Phred and Staden package (Staden et al., 2003) . Table 1 summarizes the CDSs encoding putative virulence factors found in the genome sequences from M. hyopneumoniae strains J, 7448, and 232. The listed CDS-encoded products were assigned as virulence factors based on previously described results with M. hyopneumoniae, other mycoplasma species or other related bacterial species. They were divided in adhesins, variable antigens, other antigenic proteins, proteases and chaperones, strain-specific gene clusters, and other possible virulence factors. Each of these classes of putative M. hyopneumoniae virulence factors is briefly described and discussed below.

Sequences were assembled using Phred and Staden package.


The main goal of the present paper is to study why the Q-Hermite approximation is so accurate. This question is addressed in two ways. First, by an analytical computation of the 1/N 2 corrections to all moments which enables us to obtain the density up to that order for any q , and second, by an exact analytical calculation of the finite-N moments up to order eight. We note that originally the SYK model was only formulated for even q. However, it also makes sense for odd q, when the Gaussian-distributed operator becomes the supercharge of a supersymmetric Hamiltonian [49] [50] [51] [52] [53] . Unless stated otherwise, our results are valid for both even and odd q, and for odd q they refer to the spectral properties of the supercharge.

This question is addressed in two ways.

We note that originally the SYK model was only formulated for even q. However, it also makes sense for odd q, when the Gaussian-distributed operator becomes the supercharge of a supersymmetric Hamiltonian.


The soaring prices of palm oil in the world markets in the last few years have, up till recently, lead to a boom in the palm oil industry in South East Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia [1] . With the rapid increase and expansion of oil palm plantations in these regions, there is a need for local authorities to monitor their growth, since these regions are also rich in biodiversity. Rainforests, as well as being critical to the survival of many species, serve as carbon sinks for the removal of CO 2 in the atmosphere; yet they are continually sacrificed to make way for oil palm plantations, with detrimental effects on the Earth's environment and climate [2, 3] . Although there are some who argue that oil palm plantations are also capable of serving the same purpose, it is clear that they are no substitute for tropical rainforests developed over hundreds of millions of years. Another adverse effect of oil palm plantations on the global climate stems from the mismanagement of these plantations, where many agriculturalists have resorted to burning for land clearance and preparation [4] . Microwave remote sensing is thus expected to play a crucial role in the monitoring of these large expanses of plantations in the near future by providing relevant information to decision makers so that a balance can be struck between economic development and environmental concerns.

The soaring prices of palm oil in the world markets in the last few years have, up till recently, lead to a boom in the palm oil industry in South East Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

Rainforests, as well as being critical to the survival of many species, serve as carbon sinks for the removal of CO 2 in the atmosphere; yet they are continually sacrificed to make way for oil palm plantations, with detrimental effects on the Earth's environment and climate.

Another adverse effect of oil palm plantations on the global climate stems from the mismanagement of these plantations, where many agriculturalists have resorted to burning for land clearance and preparation.


Grouping by 'ability' and mixed attainment teaching A range of grouping practices is represented in English secondary schools. The majority of schools use some kind of 'ability' based strategy, where students are grouped according to one or more measures of prior attainment (Ireson and Hallam 2001) . Although this approach is commonly referred to as 'ability grouping' , we contend that the term confuses current (or recent) educational attainment with a notion of innate potential academic 'ability' . Therefore we prefer to use the term 'attainment grouping' and we refer to 'ability' in inverted commas.

The majority of schools use some kind of 'ability' based strategy, where students are grouped according to one or more measures of prior attainment.


English schools group students into 'ability' sets using measures of prior attainment including national assessments such as Key Stage 2 tests, commercially available cognitive ability or subject tests or the school's own internal assessments (Muijs and Dunne 2010) . However additional information may also be used. For example, perceptions of behaviour or inter-student relationships may be used, or students with specific additional needs placed together in order to share the support of a teaching assistant (Dunne et al. 2011; Hallam and Ireson 2007) .

English schools group students into 'ability' sets using measures of prior attainment including national assessments such as Key Stage 2 tests, commercially available cognitive ability or subject tests or the school's own internal assessments.

For example, perceptions of behaviour or inter-student relationships may be used, or students with specific additional needs placed together in order to share the support of a teaching assistant.


A number of different attainment grouping practices are described in the literature including streaming, setting, banding and within-class grouping (Dracup 2014) . Streaming refers to the practice of separating students according to a general notion of 'ability' across all (or a majority of ) subjects so that students are taught in the same streamed groups for most lessons (Hodgen 2011) . Setting is more flexible and students are grouped according to 'ability' in individual subjects. In the US literature, the term 'tracking' is used to refer to both streaming and setting (Gamoran and Nystrand 1994) . In England, within-class 'ability' grouping is most commonly practised in primary schools, where children are seated at 'ability tables' within a class containing a broad range of prior attainment (Marks 2013) . In contrast to all of these, mixed attainment grouping sets out deliberately to establish teaching groups with a broad range of prior attainment.

A number of different attainment grouping practices are described in the literature including streaming, setting, banding and within-class grouping.

Streaming refers to the practice of separating students according to a general notion of 'ability' across all (or a majority of ) subjects so that students are taught in the same streamed groups for most lessons.

In the US literature, the term 'tracking' is used to refer to both streaming and setting.

In England, within-class 'ability' grouping is most commonly practised in primary schools, where children are seated at 'ability tables' within a class containing a broad range of prior attainment.


The above concepts are important for several reasons. Simulation problems usually have different factor types and factor levels, and designs that accommodate this are needed. The balance property allows correct analysis of heteroscedastic non-normal experiments (Bathke, 2004) . Orthogonality makes it possible to model the effect of one factor independently of other factors (see, eg, Montgomery (2005, p 91 ) and Ryan (1997, p 122) ). Finally, despite the ready availability of high-speed computing processors, brute-force computation cannot be used to explore largescale simulation experiments. Real-world simulation studies face restrictions due to time, cost, number of computers available for experimentation and so on. They need efficient designs, although the number of design points is not the overriding consideration. An implicit characteristic of a design for trade-off analyses is its space-filling behaviour. When factors are continuous, spacefilling designs are useful for exploratory studies because they provide insight about the simulation behaviour throughout the region of interest. An analogy for discrete-valued factors is that they take on many (perhaps all) of the potential levels of interest. For example, a design where x assumes levels ' x ∈ {0, 1} (in weeks) is less space-filling than a design where x assumes levels ' x ∈ {1,2, …, 7} (in days). For categorical factors, we assume that ' x may need to be large in order to adequately reflect the complexity of the real-world situation being modelled and/or that a moderate to large number of categorical factors exists.

The balance property allows correct analysis of heteroscedastic non-normal experiments.


High rates of malnutrition in dialysis patients have been reported [1] [2] [3] . Protein energy wasting (PEW) is the state of decreased body stores of protein and fat mass, and is often associated with mortality, comorbid conditions, and reduced activities of daily living [4] . To improve their prognosis, early identification of patients with PEW and interventional treatments for their nutritional conditions are necessary [5] .

High rates of malnutrition in dialysis patients have been reported.

Protein energy wasting (PEW) is the state of decreased body stores of protein and fat mass, and is often associated with mortality, comorbid conditions, and reduced activities of daily living.

To improve their prognosis, early identification of patients with PEW and interventional treatments for their nutritional conditions are necessary.


The impact of such limited access to health care services is of even greater consequence on strata of the population, such as children. They depend entirely on their parents to utilize health care services [5] . Hence, this study aimed to assess the oral health status of intermediate and secondary schoolchildren with limited access to oral health care services in the districts of Al-Khomrah in South Jeddah, in order to raise the level of health awareness and to promote good habits for oral health. In addition, early treatment and following preventive methods can decrease dental caries and tooth loss [11] .

They depend entirely on their parents to utilize health care services.

In addition, early treatment and following preventive methods can decrease dental caries and tooth loss.


Several new approximate solutions for the optimal duct geometry have been obtained using the simple approach of Bejan and Sciubba [1] . For the most common and useful shapes examined, we see that arrays of square channels and equilateral or isosceles right triangles appear to yield maximum heat transfer per unit volume. The differences in these three shapes is small. On the basis of most efficient packing, the square and isosceles right triangles appear to be superior. Intuition would tend to agree with these results, as polygonal type shapes have the lowest Poiseuille numbers and hence lower flow resistance, while at the same time, these duct shapes can also provide for a large surface area per unit volume. Whereas parallel plates have the highest Poiseuille number and do not provide the ability for maximum heat transfer surface if they have the same spacing as a square duct. However, a quick review of the results show that the optimal duct size for a square duct is nominally larger than that of the parallel plates for the same Bejan number. Thus more surface could conceivably be packed into a fixed volume with parallel plates spaced closer together. Further, due to the nature of the approximate method, no absolute conclusion can be made as to which system is better, square duct or parallel plates? In any case, to answer these questions, one must examine more exact results using appropriate heat transfer and friction models for each shape.

Several new approximate solutions for the optimal duct geometry have been obtained using the simple approach of Bejan and Sciubba.


Learning to rank for information retrieval is an active research area, and many approaches have been proposed and refined in recent years [18] . The vast majority of these learn in a supervised manner, from manually annotated data. A number of semi-supervised approaches have been proposed more recently, which can, in addition to expensive labeled data, take into account unlabeled sample data, for example as a means of regularization [26] .

Learning to rank for information retrieval is an active research area, and many approaches have been proposed and refined in recent years.

A number of semi-supervised approaches have been proposed more recently, which can, in addition to expensive labeled data, take into account unlabeled sample data, for example as a means of regularization.


During the last ten years, household income in the country has experienced a systematic increase while demographic changes throughout the whole of Chile have been reducing the proportion of the population that is of schooling age, altogether with a migration of enrollment from public to private subsidized schools. The effect of this has been to lower public school market share of the national education system at a rate of 1 percent to 2 percent per annum (Bellei, González, and Valenzuela 2010) . Management of public resources is also strictly limited by legal regulations, particularly in terms of human resource concerns. This represents a real challenge for the public sector: municipalities must propose an attractive program to students and their families, while at the same time using public funds in an efficient way.

The effect of this has been to lower public school market share of the national education system at a rate of 1 percent to 2 percent per annum.


With the continuous growth in the size of information sources available on the web, document indexing (DI) has been becoming a crucial technique to retrieve significant information for users [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . Among DI methods, exact keyword matching (Boolean model) is one of the earliest and simplest discovery methods in information retrieval systems, such as search engines. These systems index documents by counting the number of occurrences of each term in an input query. By doing so, users are provided with keywords contained documents from large-scale information. But the downside of the Boolean model is that there is no notion of partial match or ranking of the retrieved documents, which often leads to poor retrieval results.

With the continuous growth in the size of information sources available on the web, document indexing (DI) has been becoming a crucial technique to retrieve significant information for users.


Our work here will also serve to guide future study designs that utilize the K562 "workhorse" cell line, such as CRISPR screens where knowledge of the SNPs can extend or modify the number of editing targets (Table S13 ) while knowledge of aberrant copy numbers will allow confident interpretation of non-diploid regions. To give an example, in a recent study that uses CRISPRi to screen and elucidate the function of long non-coding RNAs in human cells, out of the seven cell types studied, the number of sgRNA hits varied considerably among the various cell types, with 89.4% of hits unique to only one cell type and none in more than five cell types (Liu et al. 2017) . Although a large portion of the phenomenon can very likely be attributed to cell-specific effects, it is still quite possible that many of the sgRNA hit differences can be the result of differences in genome sequence, and therefore differences in CRISPR targeting sites, rather than differences between cell lines. Our list of allele-specific CRISPR targets (Table S13) will allow for a separation between these two potential reasons for differences in CRISPR effects during screens and should be particularly valuable for future large-scale CRISPR screens that utilize K562. Lastly, this study may serve as a technical example for advanced, integrated, and comprehensive analysis of genomic sequence and structural variants for other heavily utilized cell lines and genomes in biomedical research such as HepG2.

To give an example, in a recent study that uses CRISPRi to screen and elucidate the function of long non-coding RNAs in human cells, out of the seven cell types studied, the number of sgRNA hits varied considerably among the various cell types, with 89.4% of hits unique to only one cell type and none in more than five cell types.


Negotiation has been adopted in service provision in order to get better QoS attributes. A negotiation process is the interplay of offers and counter-offers between a buyer and a seller, with different criteria and goals, working to identify a mutually acceptable solution. Automated negotiations normally follow negotiation protocols, exchange negotiation objects, and are driven by decision making models [24] . Negotiation protocols govern the negotiation by defining rules such as when the negotiation process ends, what deals can be made, and what sequences of offers are allowed. Negotiation objects are the issues such as price and time over which the negotiation takes place. Decision making models are used for evaluating and generating offers and counter-offers.

Automated negotiations normally follow negotiation protocols, exchange negotiation objects, and are driven by decision making models.


Clinical pathways are especially relevant for patients who have complex problems as these pathways allow for the integration of interventions of the multidisciplinary team which is needed in such cases. This may improve the coordination and quality of care. During the interviews, health care professionals emphasized the patient-focused approach. Patient individuality and variability is an important barrier to the development and implementation of clinical pathways which have been reported in previous studies in Australia and the USA [14, 15, 29] . The continuous follow-up and evaluation of patients may result in adjustments of the treatment complying with the issue of individuality and variability of patients.

Patient individuality and variability is an important barrier to the development and implementation of clinical pathways which have been reported in previous studies in Australia and the USA.


As one of renewable clean energies, ocean wave energy is receiving more and more emphasis due to the double crisis of fossil energy and environment pollution [1] [2] [3] . Thousands of patents on wave power have been approved, while only a small proportion has been applied to commercial use on a large scale, the ultimate reasons for which are the great risk and high cost of wave power due to the complex and variable sea conditions [4, 5] . Therefore, the study of how to develop new type of wave power technology to enhance reliability and reduce the generating cost has become the focus of the wave power research [6] [7] [8] .

As one of renewable clean energies, ocean wave energy is receiving more and more emphasis due to the double crisis of fossil energy and environment pollution.

Thousands of patents on wave power have been approved, while only a small proportion has been applied to commercial use on a large scale, the ultimate reasons for which are the great risk and high cost of wave power due to the complex and variable sea conditions.

Therefore, the study of how to develop new type of wave power technology to enhance reliability and reduce the generating cost has become the focus of the wave power research.


Balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) is a Pinaceae broadly distributed across sub-boreal and sub-alpine forests of northeastern North America. The prolific regeneration of this species under various closed canopies forms, with time, an abundant seedling bank (Frank 1990) . Frequency histograms of balsam fir age are commonly used to study forest dynamics (Ghent 1958; Batzer and Popp 1985; Côté and Bélanger 1991; Bélanger et al. 1993; Bergeron and Charron 1994; Osawa 1994; Galipeau et al. 1997; Morin and Laprise 1997; Sirois 1997; Kneeshaw 1998) . In nearly all of these studies, tree age is determined by counting the number of annual growth rings present at the presumed collar, i.e., at the shoot-root interface located above or close to the first roots and (or) by counting terminal bud scars from the presumed collar to the apex.

The prolific regeneration of this species under various closed canopies forms, with time, an abundant seedling bank.

Frequency histograms of balsam fir age are commonly used to study forest dynamics.


The evidence that the computational method used can in fact be applied to calculate relative binding affinities for the featured peptides and dioxin derivatives was proven by selecting the top ranked hexapeptide binding both classes of PCDFs and PCDDs for a preliminary experimental test. The hexapeptide was used as sorbent material in SPE, and the retention performances were tested using the TCDD and two polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in order to verify the peptide specificity. In fact, the aim was to verify the possible use of small peptides in selective extraction and purification procedures. The resulting data were compared with those obtained from the resin without hexapeptide and a commercial reversed phase cartridge. Peptides were generated with Hyperchem 8.0.5 software in zwitterionic form, using only the 20 natural amino acids. Different tools from OpenEye Scientific Software package under academic license were used. Ligands library was designed by converting standard IUPAC names into structures by LEXICHEM package. Geometry optimization was carried out using SZYBKI 1.5.1 in default parameters [28, 29] . Conformers for each peptide were generated with OMEGA 2.4.3 [30, 31] . The boxes and rigid body docking processes were performed using FRED 2.2.5 [32, 33] . VIDA 4.2.1 was used for structures visualization, molecular surfaces, and interatomic distances analysis [34] . AutoIT V3, a BASIC-like scripting language, was implemented to automate program run and other tasks.

Geometry optimization was carried out using SZYBKI 1.5.1 in default parameters.

Conformers for each peptide were generated with OMEGA 2.4.3.

The boxes and rigid body docking processes were performed using FRED 2.2.5.

VIDA 4.2.1 was used for structures visualization, molecular surfaces, and interatomic distances analysis.


The group of polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) denominated as dioxins and dioxin-like compounds belongs to the chlorinated hydrocarbons family. The dioxins family, considering only molecules having chlorine as substituent in the rings, has over 200 compounds. They are highly toxic substances and very well-known environmental pollutants and carcinogens [1] . Previous works have reported associations between dioxinlike compound levels and allergic symptoms, alterations in immune functions and increased risk of infections in infancy [2, 3] . Other papers relate cancer with high levels of 2,3,7,8tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) [4] [5] [6] .

They are highly toxic substances and very well-known environmental pollutants and carcinogens.

Previous works have reported associations between dioxinlike compound levels and allergic symptoms, alterations in immune functions and increased risk of infections in infancy.

Other papers relate cancer with high levels of 2,3,7,8tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).


From Tables 10 and 11 , it is concluded that the heterogeneous SoC platform is three times faster than a PC in implementing the proposed algorithm. Moreover, the PC is rated at 180 W where the heterogeneous SoC is rated at 36 W which means that the platform saves 80% of the energy consumed by the PC. Meanwhile, the platform is 95% smaller than the PC used [31, 32] . Overall, the heterogeneous platform is found to be faster, smaller, and more power efficient compared to the PC.

Meanwhile, the platform is 95% smaller than the PC used.


Typically, an ANPR system consists of three stages: number plate localization (NPL), character segmentation (CS), and optical character recognition (OCR). The NPL stage localizes the vehicle's NP in an input image. The CS stage segments the characters of the plate from the localized NP. The OCR stage encodes the segmented characters to text, which corresponds to the vehicle's NP. Therefore, the OCR process is critical as identifying one character mistakenly results in wrong vehicle identification [5, 6] .

Therefore, the OCR process is critical as identifying one character mistakenly results in wrong vehicle identification.


Synthetic dyes are here to remain as one can tailor make them depending upon the required hue, substantivity, and fiber. The development of synthetic dyes at the beginning of the twentieth century led to a more complete level of quality and more reproducible techniques of application. As a result, a distinct lowering in the dyestuff costs per kg of dyed goods was achieved [4] . Also, a full gamut of color is available for application on various types of fibers.

As a result, a distinct lowering in the dyestuff costs per kg of dyed goods was achieved.


Image segmentation is one of the fundamental tasks of computer vision. It forms a crucial preliminary step for subsequent object recognition and interpretation [21] . Its goal is to partition a given image into regions that contain distinct objects. The most common form of segmentation is based on the assumption that distinct objects in an image have different and approximately constant (or slowly varying) colors (or brightnesses in the case of monochrome imagery). A natural approach is therefore to try to decompose an image domain into approximately homogeneous regions that are separated by sharp changes in image features (such as colors or brightness). The boundaries of the homogeneous regions are called "edges"; they correspond to places in an image where different objects meet.

It forms a crucial preliminary step for subsequent object recognition and interpretation.


Variational models for image segmentation have had great success. In this approach, the correct segmentation for an image is exhibited as the minimizer of an appropriately chosen energy. One of the most successful and pioneering models that adopt this approach is the model of Mumford and Shah [22] . It poses the segmentation problem as that of a best approximation: It looks for the best "cartoonlike" (i.e. piecewise smooth) approximation of minimal complexity for a given image. Once such an approximation is constructed, the homogeneous regions and their boundaries become obvious.

One of the most successful and pioneering models that adopt this approach is the model of Mumford and Shah.


In this paper we propose an extremely efficient PDE based algorithm for minimizing a version of the Mumford-Shah segmentation functional. The algorithm stems from the work of Merriman, Bence, and Osher (MBO) on diffusion generated motion by curvature [17, 18] . Similar to the MBO algorithm, our algorithm works by alternating the solution of a linear diffusion equation with thresholding. Thus, unlike other PDE based methods of minimizing the Mumford-Shah functional that involve complicated (sometimes degenerate) equations, all steps in our algorithm are amenable to fast numerical solution by well-established techniques.

The algorithm stems from the work of Merriman, Bence, and Osher (MBO) on diffusion generated motion by curvature.


An IETF working group along with the research group at Cisco, are working on the Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP) [10] . This protocol shows a great potential; firstly, in addition to dealing with addressing and routing issues, it considers issues like security, QoS, multi-casting and mobility in different environments such as cloud computing and Next Generation Networks (NGNs) [5] . Secondly, large amount of research papers and Internet drafts have been produced by Cisco and the LISP working group which describe the progress in the design of the LISP [6] . Thirdly, some of the routing and addressing concepts of the LISP have already been implemented in the new Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches. Due to these reasons, this paper considers the LISP protocol as an example of the new routing/addressing schemes for future Internet and investigates the security of this protocol.

An IETF working group along with the research group at Cisco, are working on the Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP).

This protocol shows a great potential; firstly, in addition to dealing with addressing and routing issues, it considers issues like security, QoS, multi-casting and mobility in different environments such as cloud computing and Next Generation Networks (NGNs).

Secondly, large amount of research papers and Internet drafts have been produced by Cisco and the LISP working group which describe the progress in the design of the LISP.


A number of approaches to OMI use two-dimensional graph grammars as the central problem-solving mechanism (Fahmy and Blostein 1993; Couasnon and Camillerapp 1994; Baumann 1995) . Fahmy and Blostein use a novel approach, called graph-rewriting, whereby complex syntactic patterns are replaced with simpler ones until the desired level of detail is distilled. Graph grammar systems may not be the best fit for the present problem, however, since notated music, though two-dimensional on the page, is essentially a one-dimensional stream. It is never the case that musical objects in the future will affect objects in the past. This property can be exploited by sorting all the objects into a one-dimensional list before performing any interpretation. Once sorted, all necessary operations for interpretation can be performed on the objects quite conveniently. Any errors in the ordering of symbols, often cited as a major difficulty in OMI, in fact tend to be quite localized and simple to resolve. Therefore, graph grammars are not used as part of the present implementation.

A number of approaches to OMI use two-dimensional graph grammars as the central problem-solving mechanism.


Regarding gait therapy, the most common mechanical device used is the treadmill since it offers repetitive movements that can improve muscular strength, aerobic capacity, and movement coordination [4] . In most cases, the treadmill is used in conjunction with a body weight support that has been shown to improve gait and lower-limb motor function in patients with gait disorders [5] , [6] . Such repetitive practice in task-oriented fashion has been proved to lessen disability of lower limbs and improve walking. More specifically, body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) for hemiparetic stroke patients has been shown to improve balance, lower-limb motor recovery, walking speed, endurance, and other important gait characteristics such as symmetry and stride length [7] .

Regarding gait therapy, the most common mechanical device used is the treadmill since it offers repetitive movements that can improve muscular strength, aerobic capacity, and movement coordination.

In most cases, the treadmill is used in conjunction with a body weight support that has been shown to improve gait and lower-limb motor function in patients with gait disorders.

More specifically, body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) for hemiparetic stroke patients has been shown to improve balance, lower-limb motor recovery, walking speed, endurance, and other important gait characteristics such as symmetry and stride length.


Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke [1] . For every 1,000 children born in the US, 2.8 youngsters have cerebral palsy [2] . The impact of these and other neurological pathologies-such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson-on walking is significant and locomotor capacity is a critical factor in determining an individual's degree of disability and potential for falling. Physical and occupational therapy are the standard of care to educate the individual on how to compensate for his/her impairment and how to ameliorate or regain walking abilities. Recovery is a slow process with significant demands on the therapist. We introduced a paradigm shift in 1989 when we started the development of the MIT-Manus [3] . The goal was to provide robotic tools to facilitate and increase the productivity of clinicians while optimizing the potential for patients to recover.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke.

For every 1,000 children born in the US, 2.8 youngsters have cerebral palsy.

We introduced a paradigm shift in 1989 when we started the development of the MIT-Manus.


Previous studies have shown that the spinal locomotor pools, which include a central pattern generator for activity of automatic, alternating flexor, and extensor leg muscles, are highly responsive to phasic segmental sensory inputs and show evidence of learning during step training [16] . Therefore, providing the appropriate sensory input to the patient is very critical. More specifically, at the transition between the stance and swing phase, i.e., the heel-strike and the toe-off, the appropriate stimulation from the environment is shown to be critical. However, most of the previous robotic devices used for gait therapy do not distinguish those events, imposing rigid or non-controlled interaction of the patient's foot with the treadmill. In this way, the required sensory input is not provided to the user, and the benefit of central pattern generators being responsive to those inputs is not exploited.

Previous studies have shown that the spinal locomotor pools, which include a central pattern generator for activity of automatic, alternating flexor, and extensor leg muscles, are highly responsive to phasic segmental sensory inputs and show evidence of learning during step training.


Currently, Brazil is the main exporter for ethanol. The export of Brazilian sugar cane ethanol for all uses accounts approximately half of total global trade of liquid renewable biofuels. Several other producer countries, including Pakistan, the United States, South Africa, Ukraine, and countries in Central America and the Caribbean, also contribute to ethanol trade, though their relative exports compared to Brazil are quite small. Also small amounts of ethanol are shipped from Africa and Asia to Europe. This is mainly due to preferential access to the European market. Pakistan has historically been the largest exporter of ethanol to the European Union. Most of the ethanol traded today is preprocessed ethanol, manufactured in the country where the feedstock is grown, as it has generally not been economical to transport feedstock long distances for ethanol production. As sugar is currently the cheapest feedstock, many low-cost producers of sugar cane in Africa, Latin America, and Asia plan to increase their share in global ethanol trade. International trade depends on policies, import restrictions and import duties [8] . In order to facilitate trade between the EU and other countries, the EU exempted certain countries from import duty fees for ethanol [9] [10] [11] [12] .

International trade depends on policies, import restrictions and import duties.

In order to facilitate trade between the EU and other countries, the EU exempted certain countries from import duty fees for ethanol.


Shale gas is an unconventional energy source with great potential for exploration and development. The black carbonaceous shale of the lower Cambrian Niutitang formation is one of the key main targets for the exploration and development of shale gas in the future in China [1] [2] [3] . It is widely distributed in northwestern Hunan. The shale in this area has thick sediment and high abundance of organic matter, which has abundant shale gas resources [4, 5] . The interaction between drilling fluid and shale leads to wellbore instability, which has been a concern in shale gas development [6] [7] [8] [9] . Furthermore, the productivity of the wells decreases due to this instability, which also increases the drilling cost [10] . In order to improve the stability of the borehole, scholars added some drilling additives to inhibit shale hydration. For example, some scholars used polymer to reduce water loss and inhibited its hydration expansion in shale drilling [11] [12] [13] [14] . Some scholars use nano-compounds to maintain drilling stability to seal small holes in shale [15] [16] [17] . Other scholars utilized shale inhibitors such as surfactant, polyether and ammonium salt to improve the stability of the pore walls [18] [19] [20] . These additives improved the stability of the pore walls by preventing the shale from interacting with water. However, these are some passive defense modes. In fact, there is a better way to enhance shale strength and improve borehole wall stability actively, that is, by using ionic stabilizers.

The black carbonaceous shale of the lower Cambrian Niutitang formation is one of the key main targets for the exploration and development of shale gas in the future in China.

The shale in this area has thick sediment and high abundance of organic matter, which has abundant shale gas resources.

The interaction between drilling fluid and shale leads to wellbore instability, which has been a concern in shale gas development.

Furthermore, the productivity of the wells decreases due to this instability, which also increases the drilling cost.

For example, some scholars used polymer to reduce water loss and inhibited its hydration expansion in shale drilling.

Some scholars use nano-compounds to maintain drilling stability to seal small holes in shale.

Other scholars utilized shale inhibitors such as surfactant, polyether and ammonium salt to improve the stability of the pore walls.


Mechanical tests and microscopic pore tests were selected as two different mechanical methods in this study [31] [32] [33] . Uniaxial compression test and pore characteristics observation were performed on different samples which were soaked in water and the ENI with different concentrations. The mechanism of ENI on the carbonaceous shale samples were analyzed based on the test results.

Mechanical tests and microscopic pore tests were selected as two different mechanical methods in this study.


Because of the sheer size and complexity of industrial applications, as agents make the transition between research and industry, it is necessary to look at agents with aǹ engineering ' agenda as well as a`research ' agenda (Bussman 1998) . Any migration of a technology from research to industry requires consideration of aspects of the technology that allow it to be viable in an industrial setting (Wooldridge and Jennings 1998) . Agents are no exception. Hence, to show industrial applicability of agent-based technology, it is not su cient to show that particular agent behaviour can be produced, it is also necessary to be able to estimate the time and eOE ort involved in creating the agents, the development process to be followed, the maintainability of the agents and so onÐ i.e. pragmatic engineering issues. Clearly engineering and scienti® c concerns overlap, however, there are some engineering concerns that are not scienti® c agendas. This paper is concerned speci® cally with engineering concerns.

Because of the sheer size and complexity of industrial applications, as agents make the transition between research and industry, it is necessary to look at agents with aǹ engineering ' agenda as well as a`research ' agenda.

Any migration of a technology from research to industry requires consideration of aspects of the technology that allow it to be viable in an industrial setting.

Agents are no exception.


The dynamics of the embedded particle-ensemble is quite complex and interacts nonlinearly with the carrying gas-flow. The particles are dragged along by this carrying gas-flow and exchange momentum with it. Moreover, the solid particles interact among each other, e.g., through inelastic particle-particle collisions. In case only particle-fluid interactions are incorporated the description is referred to as 'twoway coupled' while a 'four-way coupled' formulation arises when also the particleparticle interactions are included. At sufficiently low particle volume fraction ψ two-way coupling is adequate. However, with increasing ψ the collisions will become dynamically significant and the computationally more involved four-way coupling will become required. The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate in the context of numerical simulation that at a realistic mass load ratio of 19.5 and a particle volume-fraction of 1.3% the collisions constitute a major dynamic effect that needs to be incorporated in order to retain a physically reliable flow description. This forms a separate confirmation of the commonly accepted classification in which volume-fractions larger than 10 −3 necessitate the inclusion of particle-particle collisions [8] . The present study is the first to establish the relevance of the particleparticle collisions, at moderately high volume fractions, using detailed turbulence simulations. We will show that these collisions strongly influence the main statistical fluid properties and amplify the 'self-organization' of the embedded particles in coherent swarms.

This forms a separate confirmation of the commonly accepted classification in which volume-fractions larger than 10 −3 necessitate the inclusion of particle-particle collisions.


In this paper, we study new transcription methods to improve the accuracy of the Sims and Flanagan model without increasing the dimension of the problem. The works extends some of the ideas presented at the fifth international meeting on celestial * chit.hong.yam@esa.int † dario.izzo@esa.int ‡ bluescarni@gmail.com mechanics CELMEC V [5] . The first improvement is to replace the impulses with continuous thrust, where low-thrust arcs are numerically propagated.

The works extends some of the ideas presented at the fifth international meeting on celestial * chit.hong.yam@esa.int † dario.izzo@esa.int ‡ bluescarni@gmail.com mechanics CELMEC V.