Conversely, the morphology of EG-chitosan composites, evaluated by TEM analyses is reported in Figure 2A -D. TEM analysis revealed a large quantity of flakes with different structures varying the sonication time. In particular, TEM image of EG_CS composites after 2 h of sonication in Figure 2A shows a small quantity of monolayer EG flakes. A larger quantity of flakes with few layers (including some bilayers and tri-layers) can be observed when the sonication time is increased ( Figure 2B ). Furthermore, in Figure 2C ,D, a transparent sheet-like structure can be found indicating the presence of monolayers. These images suggest that the selected sheet could be arranged in a single crystal and the obtained products include monolayer graphene sheets [53] . In general, the majority of these few-layer flakes had lateral dimensions of ~1 μm. Thicker flakes, with more than a few graphene layers per flake, were larger, ranging up to 3 μm in diameter. The XRD analysis, which can give relevant results on the intercalation properties of bulky samples, does not provide information either on the aspect ratio of EG or on the presence of exfoliated lamellae. The first issue is also critical for SAXD analysis, which can only give information on the average lamellar spacing. TEM analysis suggests that actually two factors play a significant role in nanocomposite: the degree of intercalation (defined by the inter-laminar spacing, as revealed by XRD analysis), and the degree of dispersion (defined by the average number of lamellae in each stacking), which cannot be determined by XRD analysis. Intercalated structures with the same basal spacing are characterized by similar XRD spectra, although the degree of dispersion can be different, as well as the resultant macroscopic physical and mechanical properties [6] . According to these observations, further experiments were conducted to analyze the differences between nanocomposites with similar XRD spectra ( Table 2 and Figure 1 ) but presenting different macroscopic properties. The XRD analysis, which can give relevant results on the intercalation properties of bulky samples, does not provide information either on the aspect ratio of EG or on the presence of exfoliated lamellae. The first issue is also critical for SAXD analysis, which can only give information on the average lamellar spacing. TEM analysis suggests that actually two factors play a significant role in nanocomposite: the degree of intercalation (defined by the inter-laminar spacing, as revealed by XRD analysis), and the degree of dispersion (defined by the average number of lamellae in each stacking), which cannot be determined by XRD analysis. Intercalated structures with the same basal spacing are characterized by similar XRD spectra, although the degree of dispersion can be different, as well as the resultant macroscopic physical and mechanical properties [6] . According to these observations, further experiments were conducted to analyze the differences between nanocomposites with similar XRD spectra (Table 2 and Figure 1 ) but presenting different macroscopic properties.

These images suggest that the selected sheet could be arranged in a single crystal and the obtained products include monolayer graphene sheets.

Intercalated structures with the same basal spacing are characterized by similar XRD spectra, although the degree of dispersion can be different, as well as the resultant macroscopic physical and mechanical properties.


Conversely, the morphology of EG-chitosan composites, evaluated by TEM analyses is reported in Figure 2A -D. TEM analysis revealed a large quantity of flakes with different structures varying the sonication time. In particular, TEM image of EG_CS composites after 2 h of sonication in Figure 2A shows a small quantity of monolayer EG flakes. A larger quantity of flakes with few layers (including some bilayers and tri-layers) can be observed when the sonication time is increased ( Figure 2B ). Furthermore, in Figure 2C ,D, a transparent sheet-like structure can be found indicating the presence of monolayers. These images suggest that the selected sheet could be arranged in a single crystal and the obtained products include monolayer graphene sheets [53] . In general, the majority of these few-layer flakes had lateral dimensions of~1 µm. Thicker flakes, with more than a few graphene layers per flake, were larger, ranging up to 3 µm in diameter.


Polymers 2015, 77, page-page ranging between 270 to 530 nm, as a function of the sonication times. In particular, the lower particles dimension was found in the case of the EG-chitosan formulation sonicated for 6 h. These results are in agreement with TEM analyses, and put in evidence that the grade of exfoliation of EG in the chitosan matrix clearly depends on the sonication time, even if the XRD analyses were not able to reveal this aspect. It is also evident that the smallest particle size, showed by DLS data and reported in the table of Figure 3 , reversibly increased at 8 h. This latter result is evidence that a time sonication longer than 6 h could cause structural defects in the chitosan matrix, with the formation of graphite micrometric aggregates [54] .

It is also evident that the smallest particle size, showed by DLS data and reported in the table of Figure 3 , reversibly increased at 8 h. This latter result is evidence that a time sonication longer than 6 h could cause structural defects in the chitosan matrix, with the formation of graphite micrometric aggregates.


The morphology of expandable graphite flakes before (GIC) and after (EG) expansion has been reported in a previous work [24] . The diameter of GIC platelets is approximately 400-600 µm. The intercalated graphite platelets were expanded a few hundred times during high-temperature treatment. The microstructure observed for the EG sample, obtained after the heat-treatment of the intercalated graphite flake at 700˝C, exhibits a worm-like or an accordion-like shape composed of multiple nano-scaled platelet layers held together at their edges. These long, porous, distorted structures are characterized by a length up to 300 times higher than the initial platelet thickness, while their diameter remains almost unchanged.

The morphology of expandable graphite flakes before (GIC) and after (EG) expansion has been reported in a previous work.


The discovery of graphene combines extraordinary physical properties, and its ability to be dispersed in various polymer matrices leads to a new class of polymer composites. Graphene is an atomically thick, two-dimensional (2-D) sheet composed of sp2 carbon atoms arranged in a regular hexagonal pattern. It can be considered as the building block of all other graphitic carbon allotropes of different dimensionality [22] . Montmorillonite and graphite, once exfoliated in a polymer matrix, show a layered structure characterized by a high aspect ratio, defined as the ratio between the in-plane dimension and the thickness of the reinforcement [23, 24] . Polymer matrices reinforced with graphene platelets present higher electrical and thermal conductivity sharing with those reinforced with clay platelets improved strength, modulus, heat distortion temperature and barrier properties [25] .

It can be considered as the building block of all other graphitic carbon allotropes of different dimensionality.

Montmorillonite and graphite, once exfoliated in a polymer matrix, show a layered structure characterized by a high aspect ratio, defined as the ratio between the in-plane dimension and the thickness of the reinforcement.

Polymer matrices reinforced with graphene platelets present higher electrical and thermal conductivity sharing with those reinforced with clay platelets improved strength, modulus, heat distortion temperature and barrier properties.


The 2016 M 7.8 earthquake occurred offshore of the west coast of Northern Ecuador, where the plate boundary between the Nazca and the South America plates lies ( Figure 1 ). During this earthquake, at least 668 people were killed, and 27,732 people were injured. More than 7000 buildings were destroyed, including most of the town of Pedernales and its surrounding urban areas [1] . The urban earthquake disaster is growing throughout the world and has become a serious problem in developing countries. Unless earthquake monitoring is improved, subsequent aftershocks will have more disastrous social and economic consequences [2] . Due to its unique geodynamic environment, seven M > 7 earthquakes have occurred within 250 km of this event since 1900.

More than 7000 buildings were destroyed, including most of the town of Pedernales and its surrounding urban areas.

Unless earthquake monitoring is improved, subsequent aftershocks will have more disastrous social and economic consequences.


In recent years, many seismology scientists worldwide have focused on coulomb stress triggering and the correlation between the mainshock and subsequent aftershocks in an earthquake sequence. Much research on large earthquake sequences has concluded that stress changes from the mainshock affect the locations of subsequent aftershocks [4] [5] [6] . The coulomb stress triggering theory has been proposed for evaluating aftershock hazards after great earthquakes. This theory implies that coulomb stress changes due to a mainshock can promote nearby faults closer to failure stress and trigger the occurrence of some aftershocks. It was thought that small coulomb stress changes can alter the likelihood of earthquakes on nearby faults [7, 8] . The occurrence of earthquake activity can be promoted when the coulomb stress increases as little as 0.1 bar on a seismogenic fault [9, 10] . Small positive changes in coulomb stress due to an earlier mainshock can trigger subsequent earthquakes.

Much research on large earthquake sequences has concluded that stress changes from the mainshock affect the locations of subsequent aftershocks.

It was thought that small coulomb stress changes can alter the likelihood of earthquakes on nearby faults.

The occurrence of earthquake activity can be promoted when the coulomb stress increases as little as 0.1 bar on a seismogenic fault.


The cytoplasm in the perinuclear region continues basophilic. The nucleus is weakly stained with multiple nucleoli occupying the periphery. There is the appearance of a continuous acidophilic layer, the vitelline membrane, which is surrounded by a layer of follicular cells. The appearance of the vitelline membrane and follicular cell layer assists the identification of this developmental stage, as reported for Hypostomus strigaticeps (Takahashi et al., 2008) .

The appearance of the vitelline membrane and follicular cell layer assists the identification of this developmental stage, as reported for Hypostomus strigaticeps.


Most fish species native to Brazil with potential for cultivation migrates towards the source of the river in the breeding season (Paulino, Miliorini, Murgas, Lima & Felizardo, 2011) . This migratory behavior is restricted in fish ponds, preventing these fish reach the physiological preparation for reproduction ). The animals do not receive certain external stimuli and lose endocrine response appropriate for inducing final gonadal maturation. Thus, the ovaries develop only partially (complete vitellogenesis) and enters the 'dormant stage' (Andrade & Yasui, 2003) .

Most fish species native to Brazil with potential for cultivation migrates towards the source of the river in the breeding season.

Thus, the ovaries develop only partially (complete vitellogenesis) and enters the 'dormant stage'.


Through the use of MOTUs, our study shows that dietary partitioning between M. blainvillei and P. quadridens on Puerto Rico is greater than previously thought (Rolfe and Kurta 2012) . Furthermore, through the process of DNA barcoding, our research provides preliminary information that agricultural pests and vectors of disease are part of the diet of these dominant insectivores on Puerto Rico. Future research, however, is needed to determine whether such pests contribute significantly to the volume of the diet of these bats and whether predation by M. blainvillei and P. quadridens has any noticeable impact on populations of pestiferous insects. Answering such a question requires concurrent investigation of the population dynamics and predator-prey interactions among M. blainvillei, P. quadridens, and their prey, as well as a collaboration among ecologists, systematists, and wildlife managers, to assess fully the economic value of these bats. Such studies may be technically demanding and financially taxing, but they have the potential to advocate for the conservation of these island-dwelling bats.

Through the use of MOTUs, our study shows that dietary partitioning between M. blainvillei and P. quadridens on Puerto Rico is greater than previously thought.


The epistemic interpretation of the int modality is of interest in this regard. In motivating our use of the interior operator, we touched on intuitions of "knowability", and indeed it is tempting to think of int(ϕ) as expressing that ϕ is knowable. However, this turns out to be problematic for essentially the same reasons that Moore formulas are problematic (Moore, 1942) . Recall the setting of The Target and the Wall as depicted in Figure 1 , and consider the Moore formula µ = b ∧ ¬Kb. It is easy to see that (x, X) |= int(µ) since, for instance, x ∈ U ⊆ B = µ X . On the other hand, (x,U) |= Kµ; in fact, Kµ entails both Kb and ¬Kb, a contradiction. So in this straightforward sense, µ is not knowable.

However, this turns out to be problematic for essentially the same reasons that Moore formulas are problematic.


Recent work has addressed the use of selective algorithms based on current or voltage derivatives [10] - [12] . However, derivative methods have been tested in MTDC grids composed by cables only. Their application for overhead lines (OHLs) is more complex due to the low distributed capacity, fast propagation delay and atmospheric disturbances. In addition, the derivative approach is sensitive to the fault impedance and to the size of link inductors. These inductors are placed at the end of each dc link and are commonly referred to as current rate limiting devices. A dc fault causes a positive rate of change of current in many dc relays. On the links in the vicinity of the fault, the rate of change of current is reduced due to the limiting function of inductors. Hence, using the derivative methods, dc faults can be classified as internal or external by comparing the derivative values with pre-defined thresholds.

Recent work has addressed the use of selective algorithms based on current or voltage derivatives.


High voltage dc (HVDC) transmission has emerged as a reliable alternative for high power transfer over long distances [1] . Among the different available technologies, deployment of modular multi-level converters (MMCs) for power conversion between ac and dc systems has reached a mature stage [2] . MMCs offer the advantages of achieving high controllability, scalable power and voltage ratings, high efficiency, and an easy integration to form multi-terminal dc (MTDC) networks.

High voltage dc (HVDC) transmission has emerged as a reliable alternative for high power transfer over long distances.

Among the different available technologies, deployment of modular multi-level converters (MMCs) for power conversion between ac and dc systems has reached a mature stage.


The design of MMC submodules is mainly based on halfbridge or full-bridge configurations [3] . Half-bridge converters incur lower power losses in comparison to fullbridge submodules and are more economic. However, in the case of a dc fault, current flows uncontrollably through the free-wheel diodes. Conversely, full-bridge submodules are able to quickly interrupt the converter dc fault current contribution [4] . Due to this, converters employing full-bridge submodules fall in the category of fault current blocking (FB) converters. Other advantages of the FB converter include dc voltage controllability and flexibility, i.e. possibility of a smooth voltage ramp up, voltage level reduction to mitigate atmospheric conditions and voltage polarity reversal for fast de-ionisation of the arc [5] .

The design of MMC submodules is mainly based on halfbridge or full-bridge configurations.

Conversely, full-bridge submodules are able to quickly interrupt the converter dc fault current contribution.

Other advantages of the FB converter include dc voltage controllability and flexibility, i.e. possibility of a smooth voltage ramp up, voltage level reduction to mitigate atmospheric conditions and voltage polarity reversal for fast de-ionisation of the arc.


The measurement and assessment of voice disorders are classified into objective methods, such as acoustic and aerodynamic tests, and patients' subjective assessments of voice symptoms [5] . Preliminary tests for the diagnosis of voice disorders include the acoustic test and the laryngoscopy test, but it is difficult to detect functional dysphonia caused by psychological problems with these tests alone. Therefore, capturing the subjective perceptions of a voice problem that a subject reports as well as observing the voice problems objectively is important in the diagnosis of dysphonia [6] . In addition, although there are (individual) differences in the degree of self-recognition of voice problems depending on the characteristics of individuals, subjective voice problems play an important role in deciding the treatment of dysphonia [7] .

The measurement and assessment of voice disorders are classified into objective methods, such as acoustic and aerodynamic tests, and patients' subjective assessments of voice symptoms.

Therefore, capturing the subjective perceptions of a voice problem that a subject reports as well as observing the voice problems objectively is important in the diagnosis of dysphonia.

In addition, although there are (individual) differences in the degree of self-recognition of voice problems depending on the characteristics of individuals, subjective voice problems play an important role in deciding the treatment of dysphonia.


To-date, research in the field of self-reinforced polymer composites (SrP) has focused on developing manufacturing processes for laminates and investigating the quasi-static properties of the material [2, 5] . There is limited data on utilising the recyclability of SrPs to create fully recyclable structures or on utilising the high ductility of the SrPs in impact protection applications via the use of cellular structures [6, 7] . The aim of the present paper is to fill these gaps in the literature. The outline of the paper is as follows. We shall first describe a manufacturing route to construct a fully recyclable corrugated sandwich structure. Second, we will present the dynamic loading response of both the SrP material and the corrugated sandwich core. Finally, we will compare and contrast the response of the SrP cellular core with competing polymeric foam cores.

To-date, research in the field of self-reinforced polymer composites (SrP) has focused on developing manufacturing processes for laminates and investigating the quasi-static properties of the material.

There is limited data on utilising the recyclability of SrPs to create fully recyclable structures or on utilising the high ductility of the SrPs in impact protection applications via the use of cellular structures.

The outline of the paper is as follows.


Cellulase is an enzyme that has the ability to degrade cellulose. It has several commercial applications like malting, wood processing, preparation of denim fabrics in textile industries, maceration of protoplasts from plant tissues and deinking process in recycling of printed papers. But the saccharification process has not reached to the level of commercialization in certain applications pertaining to production of biofuels. The major obstacle to the exploitation of cellulase is its high cost of production which includes other factors like complexity of cellulose structure, the type and source of cellulose employed for production and low amounts of cellulases production by cellulolytic organisms due to catabolite repression influence economics of cellulase production. One effective approach to reduce the cost of enzyme production is to replace pure cellulose by relatively cheaper substrates such as lignocelluloses materials (Oyeleke et al., 2012) .

One effective approach to reduce the cost of enzyme production is to replace pure cellulose by relatively cheaper substrates such as lignocelluloses materials.


With natural resources being exploited at an increasing rate, as well as the threat of climate change, the concept of Sustainable Development has been given more and more attention. Sustainable Development may be broadly defined as "the principles of the current process of economic and technological development to ensure that the use of environmental resources to satisfy present demands is managed in a way that they are not left so damaged or impoverished they cannot be used by future generations" [5] . In this context, landfill gas (LFG), if uncontrolled, is considered as one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, especially in producing large amounts of methane, which is about 21 times more potent than CO 2 [6] . Thus, not only reducing waste, but also reusing, recycling and recovering value from the waste materials, should be the significant indicators to achieve the goal of sustainable development. In particular, landfill should be the last resort and then only to receive certain specific types and amounts of waste materials [6] . However, as long as landfill still remains a disposal option, leachate and gas will be generated and thus remain a potential environmental risk to the public.

Sustainable Development may be broadly defined as "the principles of the current process of economic and technological development to ensure that the use of environmental resources to satisfy present demands is managed in a way that they are not left so damaged or impoverished they cannot be used by future generations".

In this context, landfill gas (LFG), if uncontrolled, is considered as one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, especially in producing large amounts of methane, which is about 21 times more potent than CO 2.

In particular, landfill should be the last resort and then only to receive certain specific types and amounts of waste materials.


The translational link between researchers and clinicians is also an essential element to support: the existence of a marked gap between research outcomes and implementation is well-established [27] . Encouraging awareness of developing best practice and technical evolution is therefore an important role of those engaged in establishing it [27] . Within clinical research itself, the need for research-relevant information systems has been identified as one of a number of research challenges, as are infrastructure investment and training. Public participation, also, is essential and can be impeded by lack of standardization and conflicts of interest. Together, these emphasize the need for vendor-independent, research-supporting IT frameworks, complementing clinical skill-sets and facilitating effective interaction between the worlds of research and practice [76] .

The translational link between researchers and clinicians is also an essential element to support: the existence of a marked gap between research outcomes and implementation is well-established.

Encouraging awareness of developing best practice and technical evolution is therefore an important role of those engaged in establishing it.

Together, these emphasize the need for vendor-independent, research-supporting IT frameworks, complementing clinical skill-sets and facilitating effective interaction between the worlds of research and practice.


A 3D finite element analysis is able to deal with several process complexities such as a concave shoulder, tool tilt and threaded pin profiles. However, the large computational cost makes it inconceivable as a routinely used design tool [8] . In previous works of the authors, a robust and fast numerical model was developed to study FSW under different welding conditions [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] . A fully coupled thermo-mechanical model together with an enhanced friction law was addressed to provide a more realistic thermo-mechanical response in comparison with the existing models. The model took the benefits of an apropos kinematic framework combing Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE), Eulerian and Lagrangian formulations for the stir zone, the workpiece and the pin-tool, respectively. A two-stage speed-up strategy was incorporated to reduce the simulation time while preserving the accuracy of the results.

However, the large computational cost makes it inconceivable as a routinely used design tool.

In previous works of the authors, a robust and fast numerical model was developed to study FSW under different welding conditions.


Through reviewing research articles about B. mori SF hydrogels, we found that the gelation time of SF hydrogels is excessively long unless nonphysiological treatments (such as low pH, high temperature, or additives) are considered [6, [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . The question we want to answer is do the A. pernyi SF hydrogels have a similar problem? This question prompted us to search for effective ways to reduce the gelation time of A. pernyi SF solutions. In addition to the methods of γ-ray irradiation, ultrasonication, and shearing, blending auxiliary materials like polyalcohol with SF has been considered an effective method to reduce gelation time because it induces the transition of SF from random coil and α-helix structures to β-sheet structures [18] . Among polyalcohols, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a linear polymeric material that is polymerized by glycol monomers. The presence of abundant oxethyl groups in the PEG molecule that are capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water makes PEG a highly water-soluble material. PEG is also a nontoxic, nonimmunogenic, and amphipathic polymer, and it possesses a variety of properties pertinent to biomedical and biotechnical applications [18] [19] [20] . Thus, adding PEG to A. pernyi SF solutions was selected as a method for reducing gelation time in this study. B. mori SF hydrogels with and without PEG were also prepared as control samples. A. pernyi and B. mori SF hydrogels were characterized after freezedrying through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of PEG on gelation time and the final secondary structure of the hydrogels were also studied.

Through reviewing research articles about B. mori SF hydrogels, we found that the gelation time of SF hydrogels is excessively long unless nonphysiological treatments (such as low pH, high temperature, or additives) are considered.

In addition to the methods of γ-ray irradiation, ultrasonication, and shearing, blending auxiliary materials like polyalcohol with SF has been considered an effective method to reduce gelation time because it induces the transition of SF from random coil and α-helix structures to β-sheet structures.

PEG is also a nontoxic, nonimmunogenic, and amphipathic polymer, and it possesses a variety of properties pertinent to biomedical and biotechnical applications.


The goal of this work is to develop an open standard for a martian regolith simulant (Mars Global Simulant, MGS-1) with high fidelity in mineral, chemical, volatile, and spectral properties compared to an appropriate reference material, in this case the windblown soil Rocknest at Gale crater ( Fig. 1(a) ) (Bish et al., 2013; Blake et al., 2013; Leshin et al., 2013; Minitti et al., 2013; Archer et al., 2014; Sutter et al., 2017; Achilles et al., 2017) . We produced and analyzed prototype simulants ( Fig. 1(b) ) using this standard, some of which are already being used in ongoing soil remediation and plant growth studies, and for testing curation protocols for future Mars sample return. The CLASS Exolith Lab is building the capacity to produce modest quantities of MGS-1 based simulant and make it available to the community. However, as an open standard the same mineral recipe and methods described below can be used to re-produce MGS-1 and modify it as desired (Section 5.2).

The goal of this work is to develop an open standard for a martian regolith simulant (Mars Global Simulant, MGS-1) with high fidelity in mineral, chemical, volatile, and spectral properties compared to an appropriate reference material, in this case the windblown soil Rocknest at Gale crater ( Fig. 1(a) ).


The possibility of having materials with negative refractive index was theoretically explored by Veselago in 1968 [1] . These materials were termed "left−handed materials" (LHM) or metamaterials or double negative material (DNM) and it was further shown that some of the most fundamental electro− magnetic properties of a LHM would be opposite to that of ordinary "right−handed" materials (RHM). A beam incident from a RHM to a LHM would refract to the same side of the normal as the incident beam [2] . Furthermore, it was predicted that light waves propagating in a LHM exhibit reverse Doppler effect and Poynting vector (S = E×H) in a LHM does not obey the right hand rule [3] . Figure 1 presents an example of the Poynting vector near the boundary between double positive materials (DPM) and free space Fig. 1(a) and at the boundary between double negative materials (MTMs) and free space Fig. 1(b) [4] .

The possibility of having materials with negative refractive index was theoretically explored by Veselago in 1968.

A beam incident from a RHM to a LHM would refract to the same side of the normal as the incident beam.

Furthermore, it was predicted that light waves propagating in a LHM exhibit reverse Doppler effect and Poynting vector (S = E×H) in a LHM does not obey the right hand rule.

Figure 1 presents an example of the Poynting vector near the boundary between double positive materials (DPM) and free space Fig. 1(a) and at the boundary between double negative materials (MTMs) and free space Fig. 1(b).


MTMs are used in a variety of application including fab− rication of new devices such as microwave antenna, modu− lators, couplers, band−pass filters, and superlenses. More recently, MTM it is used to fabricate a femtosecond laser for high frequency microwave devices [11] . In a different study, the temperature sensitivity of TE double−negative metamaterial optical sensor is utilized [12] .

More recently, MTM it is used to fabricate a femtosecond laser for high frequency microwave devices.

In a different study, the temperature sensitivity of TE double−negative metamaterial optical sensor is utilized.


Characteristic Eq. (1) is solved numerically to obtain the effective refractive index N. Then, sensitivity of the pro− posed waveguide sensor is found by solving numerically Eq. (6). In our analysis, the free space wavelength l is con− sidered to have the value of 1550 nm, and the fundamental mode for which the mode order is zero is considered since it has the highest sensitivity [19] . Figure 3 shows the real part of the sensitivity of the pro− posed sensor vs. the real part of the guiding layer per− mittivity at t = 100 nm and μm = -μ o (m = -1). The real part of the sensitivity starts at small value 4.4 at Re(e m ) = -6.0, then it has a peak about 5.05 at Re(e m ) = -4.5, and decays to 4.4 at Re(e m ) = -3.5.

In our analysis, the free space wavelength l is con− sidered to have the value of 1550 nm, and the fundamental mode for which the mode order is zero is considered since it has the highest sensitivity.


Our laboratory-scale apparatus is largely based on previous work of Roes and Van Swaaij (1979a-c) on gas-solid trickle flow over packed columns. In this contactor, solid particles are flowing as a finely dispersed phase over a packing, counter-currently to an upward gas flow. To avoid stagnant solids hold-up we developed regularly stacked packings adapted particu-larly to gas-solid contacting (Verver and Van Swaaij, 1986a,b) . The present laboratory-scale H,S-oxidation reactor was designed as a simulation of two parallel channels of such a regularly stacked packing. Basic data on the kinetics of the H,S-O2 reaction over the zeolitic catalyst used in the reactor were obtained from separate measurements in a thermobalance apparatus (Verver, 1984) . At the present reactor conditions an overall fnst-order kinetics appeared to be applicable. Data on the catalyst hold-up in the reactor can be obtained by tracer experiments in the solids phase. Results obtained at the low solids mass fluxes typically used in the H,S-oxidation reactor will be presented here.

Basic data on the kinetics of the H,S-O2 reaction over the zeolitic catalyst used in the reactor were obtained from separate measurements in a thermobalance apparatus.


In our laboratory we are studying a catalytic desulphurization process in which H2S is converted to sulphur by means of O2 or SOz at temperatures of 15&3OO"C (Verver, 1984) . Sulphur is absorbed on the catalyst and continuously removed from the reactor while in a separate stripper section, sulphur is recovered from the catalyst. The reactor/adsorber is a dilute-phase gas-solid contactor, the so-called +Present address: Akzo Engineering B.V., P.O. Box 209, 6800 LV Arnhem, The Netherlands.

In our laboratory we are studying a catalytic desulphurization process in which H2S is converted to sulphur by means of O2 or SOz at temperatures of 15&3OO"C.


We use a field experiment to test the different payoff mechanisms and compare the forecasting accuracy of G2 payoff mechanisms (G1 mechanism as a benchmark) and the impact of G2 trading mechanisms on individual trading behavior. Because we cannot assess true performance in markets with events whose outcomes will never occur, we base our experiment on forecasting events that do occur and to analyze the forecasting accuracy of the different payoff mechanisms. Prior research indicates that the type of event to be predicted may have an effect on the market outcome (Rosenbloom and Notz, 2006) . Therefore, unlike most studies, which focus on one topic, we base our analyses on three different topics, namely, politics, sports, and general economic issues.

Prior research indicates that the type of event to be predicted may have an effect on the market outcome.


Multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation is integral to the management of patients with COPD. Although the programme is short term, encompassing exercise, education and nutritional advice, its aim is to address lifestyle modification and several endeavours are currently addressing how benefits can be maintained. Demonstrable benefits in exercise capacity and quality of life are evident with improvements seen at 1 or 2 years following the course, even without a maintenance arm [13, 14] . Whilst a range of overt co-morbidities are reported in patients entering rehabilitation, other than osteoporosis, they appear to exert little detriment to the standard outcome measures [15, 16] . But how rehabilitation might address the CV co-morbidity has not been explored. We hypothesised that rehabilitation would improve the increased aortic PWV in patients with COPD (but with no overt CV disease or diabetes) together with blood pressure and other CV risk factors.

Demonstrable benefits in exercise capacity and quality of life are evident with improvements seen at 1 or 2 years following the course, even without a maintenance arm.

Whilst a range of overt co-morbidities are reported in patients entering rehabilitation, other than osteoporosis, they appear to exert little detriment to the standard outcome measures.


Furthermore, after our workshop, we intentionally constrained the target group by elimination of users with pathological nystagmus: a medical eye condition where the eye movements are repetitive, random and uncontrollable. An interesting area we are considering for our future work is the deployment of the system in a bio-feedback therapy scenario [1] . This may be able to help users train on controlling their eye movements by giving them auditory feedback about their eye locations at specific moments.

An interesting area we are considering for our future work is the deployment of the system in a bio-feedback therapy scenario.


The data presented are shown as reflectance factors, REFF( i , r , ) (Hapke 1993) . The REFF( i , r , ) is the ratio of the measured reflectance in a given direction relative to that of a perfect diffuse (Lambertian) reflector. In these units, a perfect Lambertian reflector (reflectance 1) would have REFF( i , r , ) ϭ 1. This can be simply related to the BRDF as follows: REFF( i , r , ) ϭ BRDF( i , r , ). This form of data presentation allows easy comparison with the expected REFF, or BRDF, of a Lambertian surface.

The data presented are shown as reflectance factors, REFF( i , r , ).


The contour lines in most of the figures are at 0.04 in reflectance factor. In Fig. 1A it can be seen that there are very few contour lines. This illustrates an important characteristic of many of our samples, for normal illumination the samples tend to be nearly Lambertian. This sample is within Ϯ0.04 reflectance units (less than 10%) of being perfectly Lambertian. This implies that the assumption of a Lambertian reflector is relatively good, as long as the surface is illuminated at, or near, the normal direction. Figure 1B is for the same surface and color as Fig. 1A , but in this case i ϭ 65Њ. This sample shows two non-Lambertian effects. The first, and most common throughout all of our natural samples, is that there is a hotspot or enhanced reflectance in the backward direction (toward the top). This is common in almost all natural surfaces that have surface texture. This enhancement is caused by the lack of shadows if one looks along the direction of illumination relative to other viewing angles. The other feature evident in this figure is the enhancement in forward, or specular, reflectance. This is not a common feature in most of the samples we have measured, but it is obvious in this sample. It also appears in some of the artificial surfaces, such as spectralon (McGuckin et al. 1997) . In this case the hotspot is responsible for an enhancement of the reflectance of a factor of 2 between the hotspot and nadir, while the specular component is a 50% enhancement between the nadir and the specular maximum. Figure 2 shows the normalized standard deviation between the samples averaged to obtain Fig. 1 . For i ϭ 0Њ (Fig. 2A) , the standard deviation between the samples is small, mostly less than 10%. This is a combination of measurement precision (for a very uniform, homogeneous surface the error in precision is less than 1%), sample variability, and sample measurement conditions (sample height, residual slope). Even for i ϭ 65Њ (Fig. 2B ) the standard deviation is less than 20%. Thus these data are a very good representation of the Rainbow South REFF( i , r , ).

It also appears in some of the artificial surfaces, such as spectralon.


Since the survey used as reference information produced a classification of the buildings conservation level, to allow the comparison of the results obtained with both approaches, it was crucial that the results produced with this new approach would also be at the building level. Therefore, the subsequent step was the identification of the Building Units (BU), which were obtained from the vector cartographic map available at 1:1000 scale. This information was converted to the raster format, generating a raster buildings map, and was used as a mask, so that only the parts of the classified image inside the buildings were processed to obtain the BPM. At this stage, the BU becomes the basic units rather than the individual pixels. The pathologies identification within each BU was performed considering a set of rules that included information about: (1) the distribution of the classified pixels; (2) the probabilities assigned to the several classes for each pixel; (3) the degree of uncertainty associated with these assignments. The introduction of uncertainty information, associated with the pixel classification of SEP and the SEM, was used to avoid the use of misclassified pixels in the transformation from the SEMM and the SEPM to the BPM, since it was shown that this approach improves the land cover classification [9] .

The introduction of uncertainty information, associated with the pixel classification of SEP and the SEM, was used to avoid the use of misclassified pixels in the transformation from the SEMM and the SEPM to the BPM, since it was shown that this approach improves the land cover classification.


The most common use of Steganography is to hide a file inside another file. When information or a file is hidden inside a carrier file, the data is usually encrypted with a password [4] . In this paper the researchers will focus on steganography on digital objects not Steganalysis, more specifically on digital video.

When information or a file is hidden inside a carrier file, the data is usually encrypted with a password.


The elephant in the room is of course dark energy. Certainly it would be very compelling if cosmic acceleration could emerge from the same underlying substance as DM and MOND. Preliminary ideas along these lines will appear in a forthcoming publication [65] .

Preliminary ideas along these lines will appear in a forthcoming publication.


There are, however, other routes than core-shell designs that result in excellent stability and biosensing performance of AuNPs. In a recent investigation we adsorbed bare-surface Au-nanorods (AuNR) onto positively charged nanocarriers of self-assembled amphiphilic carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) and investigated the system for detection of the protein human serum albumin (HSA) using conventional UV-visible spectroscopy [24] . The negatively charged AuNRs were rapidly adsorbed on the positively charged surface of the CHC nanocarriers and were thus stabilized as individual rods, forming a stable CHC-AuNR nanosuspension (termed -in the forthcoming discussion). Importantly and interestingly, by manipulating the pH the electrostatic interactions between the CHC nanocarriers, HSA, and deposited Au-nanorods could be tuned for excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards the analyte, without the use of any targeting ligands.

In a recent investigation we adsorbed bare-surface Au-nanorods (AuNR) onto positively charged nanocarriers of self-assembled amphiphilic carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) and investigated the system for detection of the protein human serum albumin (HSA) using conventional UV-visible spectroscopy.


Heretofore, in order to simplify the analysis of notched components, notches have been evaluated as crack-type defects using the sharp crack methodology, generally based on Fracture Mechanics. This assumption is excessively conservative. The load-bearing capacity of the components that contain notches is greater than cracked components, since the stress fields at the tip of the defect are less severe than those existing at the crack tip and the fracture mechanisms tend to be more ductile [1] . For this reason, it is necessary to develop different methodologies that take into account these particularities. In this way, predictions of fracture loads for notched components could be more accurate and the over-conservatism could be reduced.

The load-bearing capacity of the components that contain notches is greater than cracked components, since the stress fields at the tip of the defect are less severe than those existing at the crack tip and the fracture mechanisms tend to be more ductile.


Most studies on SRH are of cross-sectional design. The findings of significant associations between different variables are more difficult to interpret compared to longitudinal studies with repeated measures. Consequently, it has been repeatedly shown that SRH correlates with a multitude of biological, psychological and social factors. Only few studies have examined predictors of future SRH longitudinally and combined the measure with other subjective and/or objective variables [1, 4, [8] [9] [10] [11] 14] . Still fewer have combined assessments of sociodemographic, psychosocial, and behavioural determinants at the same time [9, 10, 14] . Therefore, there is a need to comprehensively and prospectively monitor predictors of future SRH. Most commonly, SRH has been used as a predictor for different kinds of dependent variables or outcomes. It has been reported that SRH possesses considerable predictive validity [1] . More knowledge is needed however, as to possible predictors of SRH itself over time.

Only few studies have examined predictors of future SRH longitudinally and combined the measure with other subjective and/or objective variables.

Still fewer have combined assessments of sociodemographic, psychosocial, and behavioural determinants at the same time.

It has been reported that SRH possesses considerable predictive validity.


Similarly, each of Ga, Mn, Th and W were identified using two gamma lines, resulting in high RD target (> 10%) but low RD mean (< 10%). It can be seen in Table 2 , that there is no interference, spectral or nuclear, at the gamma lines of these elements. The agreement between our values for these elements and the mean reported values is excellent. Moreover, our measured values in all cases produced good precision. It would be important to note that in PT, the concentration of Ga was reported by 6 laboratories (INAA: 3, XRF: 2 and PIXE: 1), Mn by 18 laboratories (INAA: 6, XRF: 6, PIXE: 2, ICP: 2 and PGAA: 1), Th by 13 laboratories (INAA: 11, PIXE: 1 and XRF: 1) and W by 4 laboratories (INAA: 3, PIXE-INAA-XRF: 1). In this paper, we have provided also the concentrations of As and In as information values. As shows good agreement with the information value provided in IAEA/AL/168 report [17] .

As shows good agreement with the information value provided in IAEA/AL/168 report.


Therefore, more and more algorithms are proposed to acquire the position information of unknown nodes in wireless sensor networks with the help of mobile beacon, which becomes available with the rapid development of various related research area such as automation and aviation [10] [11] [12] [13] . The mobile beacon could be equipped with powerful computational ability to find a result in a very short time which is close to real-time and it could move flexibly according to the motivation it depends on to place human cannot reach. Therefore, diverse algorithms are designed to drive mobile beacon to work on field of Wireless Sensor Networks, but as a primary prerequisite, localization is the first step.

Therefore, more and more algorithms are proposed to acquire the position information of unknown nodes in wireless sensor networks with the help of mobile beacon, which becomes available with the rapid development of various related research area such as automation and aviation.


Among the various effective ways of addressing these significant problems, such as biological treatment intervention, adsorption, physical and chemical cleanings, as well as process intensification, the applications of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are making remarkable research grounds. The general mechanism of AOPs relies on the oxidative nature of reactive radical species generated from heterogeneous catalysts (TiO 2 , ZnO, Fe 3 O 4 , ZnS), oxidants (e.g. ozone, H 2 O 2 ) and/or irradiation [6] [7] [8] . Specifically, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles are widely investigated for its excellent photocatalytic activity, stability and anti-bacterial property [3, 9, 10] . When exposed to UV, electrons-hole pairs are generated on the surface of the nanoparticles reacting with the oxygen and water molecules to create radicals. However, the main technical barrier that impedes their commercialization is associated with the photocatalytic efficiency and post-recovery of the TiO 2 nanoparticles from the treated effluents. In order to overcome this barrier, the development of novel technologies, such as integrated ultrafiltration/microfiltration membranes, which were successfully reported for the removal of organic pollutants from water [11, 12] . However, considerations on the catalyst leaching, membrane fouling, pore blocking of TiO 2 fine powder, and the added process complexity are significant cost burdens on the operation and maintenance. Other examples of technologies are magnetic separation, catalyst immobilization, and photocatalytic TiO 2 membranes, has been recently discussed in several comprehensive thematic reviews [3, 10, 13, 14] .

The general mechanism of AOPs relies on the oxidative nature of reactive radical species generated from heterogeneous catalysts (TiO 2 , ZnO, Fe 3 O 4 , ZnS), oxidants (e.g. ozone, H 2 O 2 ) and/or irradiation.

Specifically, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles are widely investigated for its excellent photocatalytic activity, stability and anti-bacterial property.

In order to overcome this barrier, the development of novel technologies, such as integrated ultrafiltration/microfiltration membranes, which were successfully reported for the removal of organic pollutants from water.

Other examples of technologies are magnetic separation, catalyst immobilization, and photocatalytic TiO 2 membranes, has been recently discussed in several comprehensive thematic reviews.


In salmon aquaculture it is common to use different photoperiod regimes to produce robust smolts throughout the year while ensuring optimal growth and welfare of fish (Handeland and Stefansson, 2001) . In contrast, the preferred photoperiod protocol for production of rainbow trout smolts is LL, despite little evidence to support that LL is indeed best suited photoperiod to induce smoltification related traits in this species. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of different photoperiods on smoltification through the use of both traditional and well established smolt assessment tools, such as NKA activity measurement, and less established molecular tools, like the transcription of osmoregulatory genes through RT-PCR. According to results from this study, there is no reason to disregard LL as a suitable photoperiod regime for rainbow trout smoltification, although APP might be more beneficial. Moreover, since a growth-stunted phenotype of fish has been reported in rainbow trout once transferred to seawater, liver transcription of igf-I, igfbp1b, ghr1 and ctsl, and the abundance of circulating IGF-I in plasma were measured and evaluated in relation to both photoperiod treatment received in freshwater and somatic growth during the seawater phase. This experiment was performed on the winter to summer period, since a majority of the problems encountered by the industry occur in summer post smolts. In this study, a strong correlation between growth in seawater and IGF-I (both circulating in plasma and in liver transcription) was found, highlighting that low levels of this hormone (among others that were not tested; a hormonal dysregulation) is one of the factors involved in the development of the growthstunted phenotype.

In salmon aquaculture it is common to use different photoperiod regimes to produce robust smolts throughout the year while ensuring optimal growth and welfare of fish.


Halicyclops is a cosmopolitan cyclopoid genus of the subfamily Halicyclopinae, widely distributed in several kinds of surface brackish water bodies, tidal pools, lagoonal and estuarine coasts, anchialine caves, sinkholes, interstitial and sandy beaches habitats, as well as ponds and marshes (Pesce, 2011) . One-hundred-four species or subspecies are recorded in the genus (Walter and Boxshall, 2011) . In Korea, seven species of the genus Halicyclops are currently recognized (Chang, 2009) .

Halicyclops is a cosmopolitan cyclopoid genus of the subfamily Halicyclopinae, widely distributed in several kinds of surface brackish water bodies, tidal pools, lagoonal and estuarine coasts, anchialine caves, sinkholes, interstitial and sandy beaches habitats, as well as ponds and marshes.

One-hundred-four species or subspecies are recorded in the genus.

In Korea, seven species of the genus Halicyclops are currently recognized.


For the nurse, the patient's past is based on ''the theory of a betrayed child'' whose existence is violated, a picture that agrees well with the traditional view of the psychiatric patient given in Swedish nursing education (Cullberg, 1999) . Looking more closely at the nurses' views of the patients' past, one logical explanation could be that the past can be seen as a social construction of the present. If so, the patient's loneliness is shaped by the concerns of her present, as it is understood by the nurse. This means that the nurses can use the past as an argument for their own beliefs, interests and aspirations in relation to their own views of the patient's present. This means that the patient's history will not be seen as continuous, but only as snapshots taken at different times and expressing various perspectives on her life, as perceived by the nurses. As a result, the nurses are able to use arguments to justify the care they give.

For the nurse, the patient's past is based on ''the theory of a betrayed child'' whose existence is violated, a picture that agrees well with the traditional view of the psychiatric patient given in Swedish nursing education.


A qualitative approach was chosen in this study (Patton, 2002) . When studying human experiences and understanding about people's lives and life worlds, it is important to talk to them, with the aim of understanding the world from their point of view. A person's lived experience can be described by getting her/his narrate stories about it. Data from which the interpretation originates represent personal statements/stories about personal experiences, which must always be regarded as unique.

A qualitative approach was chosen in this study.


Farmers in developing countries, especially small-scale farmers, have problems that are specific to their cultural, economic and environmental conditions, such as limited purchasing power to access proprietary technologies. Hence, the spillover from private sector research in developed countries has therefore had limited impact on the livelihoods of subsistence farmers in developing countries (FAO 2010) . GM crops and their creation may attract investment in agriculture, but it can also concentrate ownership of agricultural resources. In developing countries, patents may drive up costs, restrict experimentation by the individual farmer or public researcher, while undermining local practices that enhance food security and economic sustainability. There is particular concern that present intellectual property rights instruments, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs), will inhibit sowing of own seeds, seed exchange, and sale (IAASTD 2009) .

Hence, the spillover from private sector research in developed countries has therefore had limited impact on the livelihoods of subsistence farmers in developing countries.

There is particular concern that present intellectual property rights instruments, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs), will inhibit sowing of own seeds, seed exchange, and sale.


There are different methods for the removal of fluoride such as chemical treatment, membrane separation, electrolytic defluoridation, electrodialysis, membrane filtration, precipitation, nanofiltration, coagulation, electrocoagulation, chemical precipitation, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange. However, these techniques have certain disadvantages such as incomplete removal, complicated treatment process, high cost, high energy requirement and operational cost, use of chemicals, and generation of toxic sludge or other waste products that again require disposal (Dubey and Shiwani 2012; Aliabadi et al. 2012; Kumar et al. 2012) . Adsorption processes using natural adsorbents or agricultural waste products are becoming the new alternatives for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solution as they are cheap, simple, sludge-free, regenerable, environment friendly, involve small initial cost, and minimal chemical use (Saka et al. 2012; Zhu et al. 2012) .

However, these techniques have certain disadvantages such as incomplete removal, complicated treatment process, high cost, high energy requirement and operational cost, use of chemicals, and generation of toxic sludge or other waste products that again require disposal.

Adsorption processes using natural adsorbents or agricultural waste products are becoming the new alternatives for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solution as they are cheap, simple, sludge-free, regenerable, environment friendly, involve small initial cost, and minimal chemical use.


Filtration of fresh buffalo semen through 1 cm column of sephadex G-100 grade prepared in Tris buffer preferentially trapped more dead, non-motile and abnormal sperm as well as sperm having damaged acrosomes. The motility of spermatozoa was increased after filtration, so it is regarded as being of major importance for the viability of cells. Based on this assumption, visual assessment of motility is the most commonly used criteria for semen quality. The sephadex filtration of bull and stallion semen also had similar improvement in progressive sperm motility, live sperms and decline in sperm concentration, damaged acrosomes and abnormal sperms (Spreckels, 1994; Vyas et al., 1991; Vyas et al., 1992) .

The sephadex filtration of bull and stallion semen also had similar improvement in progressive sperm motility, live sperms and decline in sperm concentration, damaged acrosomes and abnormal sperms.


It has been established that kidney transplantation is superior to remaining on dialysis for patients with diabetes [5] . Among these patients, the survival rate benefit of kidney transplantation has been reported to be significantly larger compared to that of non-diabetic patients [18] . Therefore, people with diabetes and ESKD should be actively considered for kidney transplantation as the optimal choice of renal replacement therapy. The outcomes of living donor kidney transplantation are significantly better than those of deceased donor transplantation [19] . ABO-incompatible living donor kidney transplantation may therefore be a favorable renal replacement therapy for ESKD patients with diabetes.

It has been established that kidney transplantation is superior to remaining on dialysis for patients with diabetes.

Among these patients, the survival rate benefit of kidney transplantation has been reported to be significantly larger compared to that of non-diabetic patients.

The outcomes of living donor kidney transplantation are significantly better than those of deceased donor transplantation.


If in the past, the success of innovation was measured primarily in the economic sphere, recently, the non-economic sphere has increasingly become more a part of corporate management and, therefore, one of innovation management [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . Thus, starting from the year 2000, some companies have measured the results of innovation in relation to environmental criteria [3] . As a result of uncertainty about what "environmental" means in practice, it is difficult to formulate environmental success criteria for innovation projects [3, 4] . Although this may well be one constraint for the analysis of environmental innovations, other criteria can be identified that are very suitable. Thus, three weighting criteria are: (1) potential of minimizing environmental load; (2) level of novelty; and (3) environmental significance.

If in the past, the success of innovation was measured primarily in the economic sphere, recently, the non-economic sphere has increasingly become more a part of corporate management and, therefore, one of innovation management.

Thus, starting from the year 2000, some companies have measured the results of innovation in relation to environmental criteria.

As a result of uncertainty about what "environmental" means in practice, it is difficult to formulate environmental success criteria for innovation projects.


Collaboration between multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to set up a Flying Ad-Hoc Network (FANET) is a growing trend, since future applications claim for more autonomous and rapid deployable systems. In this context, FANETs have been employed in many kinds of new smart city scenarios, such as disaster recovery, environmental monitoring, and others. For such scenarios, multimedia data plays an important role in helping ground rescue teams to make appropriate decisions based on detailed visual information [1] .

For such scenarios, multimedia data plays an important role in helping ground rescue teams to make appropriate decisions based on detailed visual information.


Because of their band gap situated within the solar spectrum range, tungsten oxides are one of the solar energy transforming materials leading to applications of catalytic activity and photoconductivity [23] . Of special interest is the preparation of nanostructured tungsten oxide since nanometric structures exhibit novel properties due to large number of surface atoms and or three-dimensional confinement of electrons. Various methods including pyrolysis, thermal decomposition, wet chemical process such as sol gel, and colloidal and ion exchange method have been used to prepare WO 3 nanostructures [24] [25] [26] [27] . Tree like structure has been observed by heating a tungsten foil, partly covered by SiO 2 in Ar atmosphere at 1600 ∘ C, whereas WO 2 nanowires have been reported by heating tungsten wire under N 2 at the same temperature [28, 29] . Tungsten hot filaments have previously been used to prepare tungsten oxide nanostructures but studies on how to control the synthesis conditions to prepare different nanostructures are not yet clear [30] . Journal of Nanomaterials A proper understanding of the growth mechanism of nanostructure of WO 3 is essential for designing a wellcontrolled synthesis method. In the past, a variety of strategies have been developed to achieve growth of tungsten oxide. Generally, there are three distinct growths in tungsten oxides, though the mechanisms involved in each can often overlap. It refers to those materials that have the natural tendency towards growth due to their intrinsic highly anisotropic crystallographic structure. Such anisotropic growth most commonly exists in vapour deposition synthesis [31] [32] [33] . The second growth mechanism was self-assembly, and it refers to the fact that the nanostructures organise themselves to form morphology based on chemical and energetic influences [34] . The third mechanism named template directed growth represents a straightforward route to nanostructures. It involves the use of a scaffold within which a different material is generated in situ and shaped into a nanostructure with its morphology complementary to that of the template [35] .

Because of their band gap situated within the solar spectrum range, tungsten oxides are one of the solar energy transforming materials leading to applications of catalytic activity and photoconductivity.

Various methods including pyrolysis, thermal decomposition, wet chemical process such as sol gel, and colloidal and ion exchange method have been used to prepare WO 3 nanostructures.

Tree like structure has been observed by heating a tungsten foil, partly covered by SiO 2 in Ar atmosphere at 1600 ∘ C, whereas WO 2 nanowires have been reported by heating tungsten wire under N 2 at the same temperature.

Tungsten hot filaments have previously been used to prepare tungsten oxide nanostructures but studies on how to control the synthesis conditions to prepare different nanostructures are not yet clear.

Such anisotropic growth most commonly exists in vapour deposition synthesis.

The second growth mechanism was self-assembly, and it refers to the fact that the nanostructures organise themselves to form morphology based on chemical and energetic influences.

It involves the use of a scaffold within which a different material is generated in situ and shaped into a nanostructure with its morphology complementary to that of the template.


Our study has several limitations. Because of limited variation in provider race/ethnicity, we were unable to assess the effects of racial or ethnic concordance between patient and provider on communication. Also, patients and providers in our study knew that they were being recorded and may have attempted to communicate differently, which may have biased our study toward more favorable observed communication behaviors. Two prior studies, however, have directly addressed this issue, and neither found that recorded visits were substantively different from nonrecorded ones [37, 38] . Moreover, although both provider and patient response rates were relatively high, the sample cannot be considered nationally representative, limiting the generalizability of the results. Finally, we did not videorecord interactions and therefore did not assess non-verbal communication other than emotional tone, and we may not have had a large enough sample size to detect racial differences in some communication measures.

Our study has several limitations.

Two prior studies, however, have directly addressed this issue, and neither found that recorded visits were substantively different from nonrecorded ones.


Finally, we have studied only the Wilson loop and a couple of related physical observables. Physical problems such as the spectrum in this model are still open. To solve them, one would need study more physical observables, a systematic scheme would be valuable. Indeed a possible such scheme, the free variable representation of master fields, has been the subject of a flurry of recent activities [14] - [18] . The master field was constructed by Singer for the 2D pure gauge theory. The relative ease in constructing it is due to the freeness of the master field in a special gauge. The model studied in this paper then presents a challenge: The master field is no longer expected to be free for different momentum modes.

Indeed a possible such scheme, the free variable representation of master fields, has been the subject of a flurry of recent activities.


A disagreement occurred when an item was scored differently (i.e., one observer scored the item as correct while the other scored the item as incorrect). Percent agreement was computed for each scored session by dividing the number of agreements by the number of disagreements plus agreements, and multiplying by 100% (Martin & Pear, 2011) . The mean percent agreement was 95%, ranging from 76% to 100%. Although a score of 76% agreement is not high, it occurred once during Baseline where it is more difficult to determine what the participant is doing and when trials begin and end. Without this outlier, agreement ranged from 88% to 100%, which is well within the acceptable range (Martin & Pear, 2011) .

Percent agreement was computed for each scored session by dividing the number of agreements by the number of disagreements plus agreements, and multiplying by 100%.

Without this outlier, agreement ranged from 88% to 100%, which is well within the acceptable range.


The latest E-200 experiment observed a clear difference between the interaction of the electron beam in a lithium plasma ionized by the electron beam itself and a plasma generated by the laser [4] . More energy gain and more participating charge were observed when the laser was fired into the lithium vapor ahead of the electron beam. This was a good indication that the electron beam was going through a laser-ionized lithium plasma. In the two-bunch experiments, the witness bunch was accelerated to higher energies in a laser-ionized plasma due to a longer beam-plasma interaction length.

The latest E-200 experiment observed a clear difference between the interaction of the electron beam in a lithium plasma ionized by the electron beam itself and a plasma generated by the laser.


To stay at a given depth, a fish must be neutrally buoyant, facilitated by either a swimbladder or a high body-fat fraction. In addition to neutral buoyancy, a fish must maintain balance, which depends on the equilibrium of the forces of buoyancy and gravity. A fish can compensate for the non-neutral buoyancy or balance by extending its paired pectorals as hydrofoils (Alexander, 1971) . Changing the form of the fins may increase lift, similar to the flaps on an aerofoil. This requires greater thrust to maintain speed and it results in a lower "distance covered" per tail beat (Videler, 1993, p. 120) .

A fish can compensate for the non-neutral buoyancy or balance by extending its paired pectorals as hydrofoils.


Our model also has advantages over alternative models of spontaneous CP violation. For example, consider the archetypal model of spontaneous CP violation, proposed by Nelson and Barr [26, 27] . This model assumes an exact CP symmetry in the UV, as well as additional scalars and vector-like fermions at a high scale charged under the SM flavor group. After a scalar gets a CP violating vev,θ is forbidden at tree-level due to conditions placed on the mass matrix by the GUT representations of additional fermions.

For example, consider the archetypal model of spontaneous CP violation, proposed by Nelson and Barr.


In this paper we de ne the notion of dependencies between elements of structured domains. Based on this notion a domain-independent architecture for the case-base is presented that extends the one developed in Prodigy/Analogy (Veloso, 1994) . By comparing it against the one in Prodigy/Analogy, we show that this architecture ensures the retrieval of relevant cases for structured domains in better time ranges.

Based on this notion a domain-independent architecture for the case-base is presented that extends the one developed in Prodigy/Analogy.


We reported Lepetodrilus concentricus n. sp. from three hydrothermal vent fields on the ESR and South Sandwich Arc, with phylogenetic analysis using the mitochondrial COI gene confirming a single MOTU across populations from all three vents. The shell profile of L. concentricus n. sp. is remarkably plastic and variable, which we infer to be most likely due to responses to differences in substrate type and morphology. Based on the examined specimens, size and sexbased habitat partitioning in L. concentricus n. sp. appears different to those reported in L. fucensis and L. tevnianus (Bates, 2008; Bayer et al., 2011) . The size frequency analysis examining the population structure in L. concentricus is consistent with continuous reproduction. Further, in-depth ecological studies at similar hydrothermal systems are required to examine the applicability of using such rates on species found inhabiting different hydrothermal systems.

Based on the examined specimens, size and sexbased habitat partitioning in L. concentricus n. sp. appears different to those reported in L. fucensis and L. tevnianus.


Subordinate coyotes marked correct feeders more often than expected, which suggests coyotes use scent cues to increase foraging efficiency. However, two coyotes did not mark feeders yet still successfully relocated food, which suggests they also use memory to relocate food resources. Approximately 93 percent of scent-marks were made to the correct feeder once it was empty, as coyotes revisited the feeder during the same trial. Animals may search empty food sites to sample, that is, gather information about resource distributions (Bednekoff & Balda 1997) . Furthermore, tracking changes in resource distributions and continually updating information could increase foraging adaptability in fluctuating environments (Bednekoff & Balda 1997) . Thus, marking may provide coyotes with useful information about the state of resources during future forays.

Animals may search empty food sites to sample, that is, gather information about resource distributions.

Furthermore, tracking changes in resource distributions and continually updating information could increase foraging adaptability in fluctuating environments.


Individuals can improve foraging efficiency by applying previous experience of resource distributions and adapt behavior accordingly. When resources are clumped and relatively stable, an animal should return to the area where food was previously found. When patches are variable and dispersed, an animal should search elsewhere once food is consumed at a particular location (Olton et al. 1981) . Foraging strategy models based on resource distributions have been described in various mammal species (Olton & Schlosberg 1978; Olton et al. 1981; MacDonald et al. 1994; Laughlin & Mendl 2000) .

When patches are variable and dispersed, an animal should search elsewhere once food is consumed at a particular location.

Foraging strategy models based on resource distributions have been described in various mammal species.


Despite the improvisations of current urban accessibility regulations and their systematic application in urban systems, it is a fact that our cities are not accessible in many cases. People with disabilities, either temporarily or permanently, are still facing an urban environment that is inaccessible, full of obstacles and indifferent to their daily problems [1] . The level of accessibility of urban public spaces absolutely affects the citizens' standard of living and limits their possibilities of enhancing relationships and social integration [2] . That is why, both the assessment of effectiveness of urban accessibility and its maintenance over time, are issues that require a more consistent approach.

People with disabilities, either temporarily or permanently, are still facing an urban environment that is inaccessible, full of obstacles and indifferent to their daily problems.

The level of accessibility of urban public spaces absolutely affects the citizens' standard of living and limits their possibilities of enhancing relationships and social integration.


Density is an important physical property of snow. It establishes the relationship between snow and its water content, correlates with snow strength and ease of removal, and is an input parameter in a snow accumulation algorithm used to estimate new snow depths with the NEXRAD WSR-88D radar (Super and Holroyd 1997) . It is used to forecast snowfall from an orographic precipitation model employed in the western United States. Snow density is a contributory factor in avalanche occurrence and a consideration in snow management programs, runoff predictions, high speed snow removal, and snow safety.

It establishes the relationship between snow and its water content, correlates with snow strength and ease of removal, and is an input parameter in a snow accumulation algorithm used to estimate new snow depths with the NEXRAD WSR-88D radar.


Due to the time-consuming nature of executing subjective experiments, large efforts have been made to develop objective quality metrics, alternatively called as objective quality methods. The purpose of such objective quality methods is to automatically predict MOS with high accuracy. Objective quality methods may be classified into psychophysical and engineering approaches [3] . Psychophysical metrics aim at modeling the human visual system (HVS) using aspects such as contrast and orientation sensitivity, frequency selectivity, spatial and temporal pattern, masking, and color perception. These metrics can be used for a wide variety of video degradations but the computation is generally demanding. The engineering approach usually uses simplified metrics based on the extraction and analysis of certain features or artifacts in a video but do not necessarily disregard the attributes of the HVS as they often consider psychophysical effects as well. However, the conceptual basis for their design is to do analysis of video content and distortion rather than fundamental vision modeling.

Objective quality methods may be classified into psychophysical and engineering approaches.


The nutritive value of legumes depends upon the processing methods, presence or absence of antinutritional or toxic factors and possible interaction of nutrient with other food component (Ghadge et al., 2008) . The level of anti-nutritional factors in legumes need to be reduced in order to improve the nutritional quality and enhance effective utilization of the legume for human consumption. So it is necessary to establish processing techniques to ensure its optimal utilization. In order to inactivate or reduce anti-nutrients, various conventional, simple processing methods have been used in legume seeds (Barbour et al., 2001; Farran et al., 2001) .

The nutritive value of legumes depends upon the processing methods, presence or absence of antinutritional or toxic factors and possible interaction of nutrient with other food component.

In order to inactivate or reduce anti-nutrients, various conventional, simple processing methods have been used in legume seeds.


Designing and implementing these new kinds of technology-rich learning activities poses many challenges for educational technology researchers and practitioners. One prospect for overcoming these obstacles is to utilize a design research approach. Design research and design experiments are concerned with the design of learning processes, taking account of the involved complexities, multiple levels and contexts of educational settings [8, 18] . Although design approaches for developing technology-enhanced learning have been in widespread use by researchers for last 15 years significant challenges remain as new technologies and user experiences continually evolve outside the classroom. In this paper we present our current efforts related to how to initiate the co-design process together with teachers, researchers, scientists, designers, and developers in order to develop mobile science collaboratories to support open inquiry-based learning.

Design research and design experiments are concerned with the design of learning processes, taking account of the involved complexities, multiple levels and contexts of educational settings.


Phosphorus is one of most important non-renewable nutrients for sustain high crop yields. As the demand for phosphorus as fertilizers, the world's reserves are predicted to last for about 125 years [1] . Global phosphorus gradually scarce is one of the important challenges in the 21st century [2] . Meanwhile, over enrichment phosphorus wastewater have discharged into water environment and related to eutrophication [3] .

As the demand for phosphorus as fertilizers, the world's reserves are predicted to last for about 125 years.

Global phosphorus gradually scarce is one of the important challenges in the 21st century.

Meanwhile, over enrichment phosphorus wastewater have discharged into water environment and related to eutrophication.


Thales Research and Technology has developed their own industrial model-based approach to risk assessment, supported by the Rinforzando tool [3] . The security risk assessment and modeling can be performed as stand-alone, but is also designed to serve as an integrated part of their mainstream system engineering workbench [23] . For this purpose, dynamic links can be built and maintained between the risk models and the system engineering models, the latter specified using a service oriented architecture (SOA) modeling suit. When any model changes are implemented during the system development process, either on the risk model or the system model, the changes are immediately propagated via the links to trigger updates and maintain the mutual consistency between the modeling domains. The approach is similar to ours in the sense of using traceability links between the risk model and the system model to maintain validity and mutual consistency. However, the integration with their system engineering process is hard-coded and much tighter than what is offered by CORAS. This is at the cost of general applicability, though, as Rinforzando is tied to the Thales engineering workbench, whereas CORAS allows any notation to be used for target modeling.

Thales Research and Technology has developed their own industrial model-based approach to risk assessment, supported by the Rinforzando tool.

The security risk assessment and modeling can be performed as stand-alone, but is also designed to serve as an integrated part of their mainstream system engineering workbench.


Traditional SPR systems usually require expensive equipment and complicated optics. The cost of commercial SPRs varies from $10,000 to $5,000,000, and the refractive index resolution ranges from 10 −5 RIU (refractive index unit) to 10 −7 RIU. Many optical-fiber based SPRs have been studied intensively in the literature [13] [14] [15] . The structure of these devices is relatively simple. However, the resolution and dynamic range are often sacrificed [16, 17] . To reach a high resolution of 10 −6 RIU or 10 −7 RIU, a spectrometer is always required for an optical-fiber SPR [18] .

Many optical-fiber based SPRs have been studied intensively in the literature.

However, the resolution and dynamic range are often sacrificed.

To reach a high resolution of 10 −6 RIU or 10 −7 RIU, a spectrometer is always required for an optical-fiber SPR.


The drivers for food intake are complex, and hedonic food control plays a major role for many people [23] [24] [25] . The hypothalamus is the major control center for energy balance and adipose tissue stores, but other brain centers also play a role [26] [27] [28] [29] . Therefore, therapy for adiposopathy hinges on effectively lowering the ratio of orexigenic to anorexigenic signals reaching the the hypothalamus and other relevant brain regions, favoring a lower caloric intake.

The drivers for food intake are complex, and hedonic food control plays a major role for many people.

The hypothalamus is the major control center for energy balance and adipose tissue stores, but other brain centers also play a role.


The findings also support the conceptualisation of the purpose of facilitation as a continuum ranging from a task oriented approach where the focus is on achievement of a goal to a holistic approach where the emphasis is on helping and supporting individuals and/or teams to improve their way of working [6] . These differing foci were in use simultaneously during our project. For example, project management which aimed to achieve specific implementation goals and team-building exercises to promote effective working in GPs ran alongside one another.

The findings also support the conceptualisation of the purpose of facilitation as a continuum ranging from a task oriented approach where the focus is on achievement of a goal to a holistic approach where the emphasis is on helping and supporting individuals and/or teams to improve their way of working.


In the world, there are millions of people with hearing loss (http://www.who.int/pbd/deafness/news/Millionslivewithheari ngloss.pdf; http://wfdeaf.org). In France over 11% of people suffer from hearing loss which causes several other limitations that are persistent [1] . The sensory problems involve both perceptual, speech, cognitive and social difficulties [2] [3] . The unemployment rate thus varies from 15 to 50% depending on the type of hearing loss.

In France over 11% of people suffer from hearing loss which causes several other limitations that are persistent.

The sensory problems involve both perceptual, speech, cognitive and social difficulties.


The influence of the atmosphere on reinforced concrete structures causes the carbonation of concrete (Kamaitis 2008) . As a result of this process, a reduction in the concrete cover protective properties occurs, along with an increased corrosion hazard for the reinforcement. The corrosion hazard can be reduced -and at the same time the durability of structures extended -by electrochemical realkalization treatment.

The influence of the atmosphere on reinforced concrete structures causes the carbonation of concrete.


Based on these previous works, it can be observed that foliage densities or leaves covered area are important parameters that influence the effectiveness of temperature decreases on building surfaces. However, research studying the effects of leaves densities or covering ratio in greenery layer is rare. Lack of experiments referring to the total energy savings related to these parameter make it possible to develop this research. This is part of a research series where leaves densities (percentage of leaves covered area) was used as the main parameter for observation [15] . The present study aimed to observe the thermal characteristics of the model with green façade under various kinds of leaves covered areas. Calculation of the time lag and decrement factor were done as important characteristics to determine the heat storage capabilities of the green façade model. Research on the heat flow then became the main objective to investigate thermal characteristics between the bare wall model and green façade models.

This is part of a research series where leaves densities (percentage of leaves covered area) was used as the main parameter for observation.


In tropical areas, façades and roofs are parts of the building that receive the greatest impact of solar radiation. As a result, the temperature inside buildings will increase rapidly. Previous studies proved that façades covered by plants and roof gardens can reduce thermal loads and prevent overheating conditions inside buildings, especially during the summer period when solar radiation is very strong [4] [5] [6] [7] . Particularly, in the microclimate around buildings, the greenery applications contribute in decreasing the urban heat island (UHI) effects that cause increasing temperatures around urban areas [8, 9] . Similar to other green infrastructures, green façades are considered as a future design to increase energy savings.

Previous studies proved that façades covered by plants and roof gardens can reduce thermal loads and prevent overheating conditions inside buildings, especially during the summer period when solar radiation is very strong.

Particularly, in the microclimate around buildings, the greenery applications contribute in decreasing the urban heat island (UHI) effects that cause increasing temperatures around urban areas.


From a scientific point of view, there has long been awareness that the description of the gene as an active agent determining phenotypic traits by itself is a Bstrawman model^-used in genetic studies as an instrumental model focusing on the genetic factor (nature). It ignored environmental factors (nurture), since environment was not the focus of genetic studies (Lawrence 1992) . Already in the 1930s, Thomas Hunt Morgan stated the importance of the environment as an agent in the development of physical traits (Morgan 1934) . Hence, it is reasonable to assume that knowledge about genetics and the influence of the environment on biological outcomes might reduce beliefs in genetic determinism. Moreover, in the last decades, the development of genomics and epigenetics has reinforced the notion of gene action as probabilistic and mutually interdependent with the environment through regulatory processes of gene activity, further contradicting the understanding of genes as sole active agents in the construction of phenotypes. Hence, one can conjecture that knowledge in modern genetics and genomics may counteract beliefs in the excessive attribution of trait formation to genes and, thus, beliefs in genetic determinism.

It ignored environmental factors (nurture), since environment was not the focus of genetic studies.

Already in the 1930s, Thomas Hunt Morgan stated the importance of the environment as an agent in the development of physical traits.


As very little is known on the nature of the dark components, the interacting models have been introduced so far only on a pure phenomenological, rather than physical, basis. In this work we propose a possible explanation for the interaction between dark matter and dark energy, which is grounded on a physical mechanism that is ubiquitous in nature: diffusion. Our starting point here is the assumption that the matter particles (baryonic and dark) undergo velocity diffusion in an expanding, homogeneous and isotropic universe. It turns out that an interaction between dark energy and dark matter results as a natural consequence of the relativistic diffusion mechanism. We remark that dissipative effects are not very unlikely to occur in the universe [17] . Hence, the introduction of dissipative mechanisms (in our case, the matter particles velocity diffusion) represents a step towards a more realistic description of the dynamics of the universe than the one provided by perfect fluids.

We remark that dissipative effects are not very unlikely to occur in the universe.


Moringa oleifera, a multipurpose plant species belongs to the family Moringaceae (Iqbal et al., 2006) . Though it originated from India, it has been domesticated in Africa, Arabia, South East Asia, South America, Pacific and Caribbean Islands (Iqbal et al., 2006) . Moringa oleifera has been naturalized in many tropic and sub-tropic regions worldwide, and is referred to by a number of names including: horseradish tree, drumstick tree, ben oil tree, miracle tree, Benzoline, Kelor, Marango, Mlonge, Mulangay, Saijihan, Sajna (Moyo et al., 2011) . In Nigeria, Moringa is referred to as "Zogale" in Hausa, "Gawara" in Fulfulde, "Okwe oyibo" in Igbo, and "Ewe Igbale" in Yoruba (Adelanwa and Haruna, 2013) . The leaves of Moringa plant can be eaten raw or cooked and this has served as source of vitamins and minerals due to its high nutritional value (Papillo, 2007) . Moringa oleifera is consumed in most parts of the world as a means of personal health preservation and self-medication in various disease conditions because the leaves of this plant is characterized as contains vitamins, minerals, amino and fatty acids (Abdull et al., 2014) . The leaves have also been reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and antioxidative properties (Agoyi et al., 2015; Kasolo et al., 2010) . The use of traditional medicine in humans and animals for the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases is common in developing countries due to lack of access to quality orthodox health care, traditional beliefs, and poverty (Akinloye and Yinusa, 2011) . Moringa oleifera leaves is believed to be an effective herb by natives of some developing countries and have been used traditionally in the treatment of different ailments and diseases. In this study, the phytochemicals present in Moringa oleifera leaves harvested from Sokoto state and the uses in humans and animals where investigated.

Moringa oleifera, a multipurpose plant species belongs to the family Moringaceae.

Though it originated from India, it has been domesticated in Africa, Arabia, South East Asia, South America, Pacific and Caribbean Islands.

Moringa oleifera has been naturalized in many tropic and sub-tropic regions worldwide, and is referred to by a number of names including: horseradish tree, drumstick tree, ben oil tree, miracle tree, Benzoline, Kelor, Marango, Mlonge, Mulangay, Saijihan, Sajna.

In Nigeria, Moringa is referred to as "Zogale" in Hausa, "Gawara" in Fulfulde, "Okwe oyibo" in Igbo, and "Ewe Igbale" in Yoruba.

The leaves of Moringa plant can be eaten raw or cooked and this has served as source of vitamins and minerals due to its high nutritional value.

Moringa oleifera is consumed in most parts of the world as a means of personal health preservation and self-medication in various disease conditions because the leaves of this plant is characterized as contains vitamins, minerals, amino and fatty acids.

The leaves have also been reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and antioxidative properties.

The use of traditional medicine in humans and animals for the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases is common in developing countries due to lack of access to quality orthodox health care, traditional beliefs, and poverty.


Even though spawning can be induced on an environmental basis, mullet farming still depends on fry or fingerlings stocked from natural water. This fact combined with behaviour of mullets, promotes disease including parasite infestation (Paperna and Overstreet, 1981) . This results in constant dissemination of disease-causing agent between cultured and natural population of mullet. Transmission can occur through water and intermediate host. Thus there is need for comprehensive study of parasites from natural stocks.

This fact combined with behaviour of mullets, promotes disease including parasite infestation.


The purpose of this paper is the construction of socio-environmental convenience indexes and integrated sustainability indexes for the provision of sports facilities. The index must summarize the main needs expressed by the stakeholders. Composite indicators of this type can also be defined for different types of projects. This objective is pursued using different multi-criteria evaluation techniques, in view of the distinction between "weak sustainability" and "strong sustainability", opposing the idea of the almost complete against the idea of only the limited substitutability of natural capital with physical capital, respectively [7] . In particular, two different decision-making models, suitable for evaluating the contribution of public investments and private investments of public interest from the two-fold point of view of sustainability understood in a weak and strong sense, are proposed.

This objective is pursued using different multi-criteria evaluation techniques, in view of the distinction between "weak sustainability" and "strong sustainability", opposing the idea of the almost complete against the idea of only the limited substitutability of natural capital with physical capital, respectively.


The formation of metropolitan cities, with geographic extensions much greater than the past, and the integration of original cultures from different countries raise the level of complexity of infrastructures in urban systems (transport, education, health, sports, etc.). At the same time, the recent economic crisis has placed the institutions that have historically been producers of the investment needed for such public works in front of the problem of having to find sufficient financial resources. In Europe, the financing channels have been primarily identified as the resources made available by the European Community, as well as the most advanced forms of public-private partnership. Private partners base the decision about their adhesion to projects of public interest on the fundamental criterion of the economic and financial convenience, which must be verified by using the appropriate financial evaluation techniques. Although the verification of the economic and financial feasibility is a necessary requirement for the realization of the project by private parties, the interest of the local community can be measured through a purely monetary analysis [1] [2] [3] [4] . Therefore, the point of view of the public authority is broader. Based on the adopted strategic policies, it is interesting to know the level of satisfaction on social, cultural and environmental requests [5] .

Although the verification of the economic and financial feasibility is a necessary requirement for the realization of the project by private parties, the interest of the local community can be measured through a purely monetary analysis.

Based on the adopted strategic policies, it is interesting to know the level of satisfaction on social, cultural and environmental requests.


Hierarchical models where prior distributions are placed on the unknown parameters θ, are known as Bayesian hierarchical models (BHMs). As both |D L m | and |D L f | increase, MCMC schemes may become prohibitive due to the time taken to obtain a single sample from the posterior distribution and due to poor mixing resulting from increased correlations between θ and (Y f , Y m ) . To deal with this, one can implement empirical hierarchical models (EHMs, see [14, pp. 20-21] ) in which the parameters θ are treated as fixed unknowns that are estimated using standard maximum-likelihood techniques. MCMC is then used to sample from the empirical give reasonable results at a fraction of the computational cost of BHMs [31] . We discuss how adjusted intervals may be obtained for EHMs in Section 5.

MCMC is then used to sample from the empirical give reasonable results at a fraction of the computational cost of BHMs.


Copies of the RCTs thus found were obtained in full. Data were extracted and validated independently by both authors. Discrepancies were settled through discussions. A meta-analytic approach was considered but had to be abandoned due to clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the primary data. The methodological quality of all RCTs was evaluated using the Jadad score [7] .

The methodological quality of all RCTs was evaluated using the Jadad score.


Unfortunately, there are also significant downsides of these free and always available communication services from a security point of view; in particular, user privacy suffers. While the underlying communication can easily be secured against eavesdropping by utilizing TLS, the service provider has full, unfettered access to every message exchanged through their infrastructure. Service providers can (ab)use this power to record and store exchanged messages indefinitely; for example, to collect information about specific users and serve them targeted ads [7] . Moreover, these messages can be accessed by rogue employees of the service provider, or criminals who gain access to social media accounts. Service providers can also be subpoenaed to hand over the stored data to government and law enforcement agencies that request access to a user's communication logs.

Service providers can (ab)use this power to record and store exchanged messages indefinitely; for example, to collect information about specific users and serve them targeted ads.