Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is one of the major causes of late graft failure and death in heart transplant patients [1] . The reported CAV prevalence varies according to the definition, population, transplantation period and follow-up protocol and ranges from 39 to 65 % at 10 years in single-centre studies, while in the large register of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) it is 50 % at 10 years [1] [2] [3] . CAV is characterised by concentric thickening of the wall of large and small coronary vessels and has various histological patterns, including inflammatory lesions, lesions rich in smooth muscle cells and fibrotic lesions, which have been related to the time passing after transplantation [4, 5] . The pathogenesis of CAV has been related to immunological and non-immunological factors in both the donor and the recipient, but the exact triggers and the pathophysiological pathways are still unknown [6, 7] . The data are heterogeneous due to different transplantation decades, different populations and treatment protocols and their generalisability is further hampered by various diagnostic criteria of CAV [6, 8] . Standardisation of the CAV diagnosis and gradation was recommended in 2010 by the ISHLT based on conventional coronary angiography [9] .

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is one of the major causes of late graft failure and death in heart transplant patients.

The reported CAV prevalence varies according to the definition, population, transplantation period and follow-up protocol and ranges from 39 to 65 % at 10 years in single-centre studies, while in the large register of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) it is 50 % at 10 years.

CAV is characterised by concentric thickening of the wall of large and small coronary vessels and has various histological patterns, including inflammatory lesions, lesions rich in smooth muscle cells and fibrotic lesions, which have been related to the time passing after transplantation.

The pathogenesis of CAV has been related to immunological and non-immunological factors in both the donor and the recipient, but the exact triggers and the pathophysiological pathways are still unknown.

The data are heterogeneous due to different transplantation decades, different populations and treatment protocols and their generalisability is further hampered by various diagnostic criteria of CAV.

Standardisation of the CAV diagnosis and gradation was recommended in 2010 by the ISHLT based on conventional coronary angiography.


First of all, her study is carried out in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, whereas the supervisors of this study come from the technical sciences. Traditionally the technical science culture is characterized more by co-operation with and funding by external firms, and male and masculine norms of academic life (Johnson, Lee, & Green, 2000) . This is also reflected in the differences between the two programs in this study. Program B, characterized by classic technical disciplines, is dominated by the market perspective. Program A, at the interface of technology and social science, is more diverse. Secondly, there is a difference between supervising master students and PhD students. PhD students are more frequently part of research and often financed by external sources, thereby introducing more market driven agendas. Finally, the time difference between 2005 and 2012 may also explain why knowledge production from a market perspective dominates the perspective of the supervisors in this study and is hardly traceable in the study of Grant. The development towards tighter time limits, more external funding, more PhD students per supervisor, and more international students is a development that has increased and spread to more and more departments during the last ten years -as is also visible in the transformation of the two research programs in this study. The supervisors from program B said their transformation started 10 years ago, while the supervisors from program A said their transformation started only a couple of years ago.

Traditionally the technical science culture is characterized more by co-operation with and funding by external firms, and male and masculine norms of academic life.


It is of paramount importance to look into how the three components of organizational justice will affect the psychological welling of employees. Since organisational justice is a major concern for many employees because it affects their daily lives and psychological well-being at the workplace, employees are now concerned about the fairness of resource distributions such as pay, promotions, and rewards (Colquitt, Greenberg, & Zapata-Phelan, 2005) . Besides resource distributions, employees are also concerned about the decision making procedures that lead to the outcomes and the interpersonal treatment received from authorities in the organisations (Colquitt et al., 2005) . Therefore, the promotion of justice at the workplace is important to ensure that the needs of its employees are met with fairness and adequately guarantee psychological well-being.

Since organisational justice is a major concern for many employees because it affects their daily lives and psychological well-being at the workplace, employees are now concerned about the fairness of resource distributions such as pay, promotions, and rewards.

Besides resource distributions, employees are also concerned about the decision making procedures that lead to the outcomes and the interpersonal treatment received from authorities in the organisations.


In the same vein, perceived interactional justice means appropriateness of the treatment one receives from authority figures in treating an employee with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Informational justice indicates sharing relevant information with employees, increases intrinsic motivation within employees, confidence, perceived growth, autonomy and competence thereby establishing healthy relationship in professional and personal life (Greenberg, 1993) . In other words, perception of interactional justice promotes positive attitudes of job satisfaction, commitment and trust, which in turn breeds healthy and constructive professional and inter-personal behaviour (Sheppard, Lewicki, & Minton, 2002; Storey, 2000) .

Informational justice indicates sharing relevant information with employees, increases intrinsic motivation within employees, confidence, perceived growth, autonomy and competence thereby establishing healthy relationship in professional and personal life.

In other words, perception of interactional justice promotes positive attitudes of job satisfaction, commitment and trust, which in turn breeds healthy and constructive professional and inter-personal behaviour.


RNA content was measured as % RNA by dry weight for eight individual chironomids ranging in size for each of eight different food C : P treatments. Nucleic acids were measured on frozen individual insects using protocols modified from methods used for zooplankton (Wagner et al. 1998; Gorokhova and Kyle 2002) . DNA and RNA were quantified by extraction with N-laurylsarcosine, followed by sonication and staining with RibogreenH (Molecular Probes). Nucleases were used to determine DNA and RNA separately.

Nucleic acids were measured on frozen individual insects using protocols modified from methods used for zooplankton.


Within minutes of focal stroke onset, a spreading depolarization originates from an area of severely decreased blood flow known as the ischemic core [1] [2] [3] [4] . In the core, where neurons do not repolarize, this prolonged spreading depolarization is called the anoxic or terminal depolarization [4] . It propagates into the ischemic penumbra along a decreasing gradient of metabolic stress and into normoxic tissue where it becomes short-lasting [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] . Recurring spontaneous spreading depolarizations arising at the perimeter of the core propagate throughout the penumbra for hours to days in animal models and patients [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . The prolonged duration of recurring spreading depolarizations further elevates metabolic stress in the penumbra due to the mismatch between energy supply and needs for recovery. Eventually penumbral neurons and astrocytes remain depolarized and overloaded with Ca 2+ , recruiting the tissue into infarct [11, 16, [18] [19] [20] . It has been proposed that a useful anti-stroke drug should abrogate spreading depolarizations without depressing normal synaptic function [4, 21] . We have recently shown that one such candidate is dibucaine, an FDA-approved local amide anesthetic and sodium channel blocker that potently inhibits terminal depolarization in rat brain slices while preserving synaptic function [22] . However, nearly all clinical trials of drugs that were effective in animal models of stroke/ischemia have failed, with the limited complexity of animal models compared to human stroke as well as fundamental differences between the brains of animals and humans assumed as contributing factors [23] . It is recognized by stroke experts that human brain slices are a crucial intermediate assay to forecast translational success before clinical trials [24] . Towards this end, we used light transmittance (LT) imaging to confirm that dibucaine diminishes the impact of terminal depolarization on live human neocortical slices prepared from pediatric brain tissue mostly resected for the treatment of intractable epilepsy as well as for neoplasm removal. We supplemented human slice experiments with a sophisticated in vivo approach using real-time 2-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) to show that spontaneous spreading depolarization-elicited dendritic damage is greatly reduced following photothrombosis-induced focal ischemia in dibucainetreated mice. This success of dibucaine in reducing the negative effects of spreading depolarization makes it a strong candidate for further investigation to prevent spreading depolarization-induced neuronal damage in the acutely injured brain.

Within minutes of focal stroke onset, a spreading depolarization originates from an area of severely decreased blood flow known as the ischemic core.

In the core, where neurons do not repolarize, this prolonged spreading depolarization is called the anoxic or terminal depolarization.

It propagates into the ischemic penumbra along a decreasing gradient of metabolic stress and into normoxic tissue where it becomes short-lasting.

Recurring spontaneous spreading depolarizations arising at the perimeter of the core propagate throughout the penumbra for hours to days in animal models and patients.

Eventually penumbral neurons and astrocytes remain depolarized and overloaded with Ca 2+ , recruiting the tissue into infarct.

It has been proposed that a useful anti-stroke drug should abrogate spreading depolarizations without depressing normal synaptic function.

We have recently shown that one such candidate is dibucaine, an FDA-approved local amide anesthetic and sodium channel blocker that potently inhibits terminal depolarization in rat brain slices while preserving synaptic function.

However, nearly all clinical trials of drugs that were effective in animal models of stroke/ischemia have failed, with the limited complexity of animal models compared to human stroke as well as fundamental differences between the brains of animals and humans assumed as contributing factors.

It is recognized by stroke experts that human brain slices are a crucial intermediate assay to forecast translational success before clinical trials.


For asynchronously clocked, Intensity-Modulation and Direct-Detection (IMDD) OOFDM transmission systems of interest of the present paper, Symbol Timing Offset (STO) and Sampling Clock Offset (SCO) play dominant roles in determining the achievable system performance [2] . STO and SCO occur due to the time delay of a transmission link and the clock mismatch between the transmitter and the receiver, respectively. A STO-induced synchronization error may cause a fraction of a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) window to occur in an extended region of an adjacent symbol, leading to system performance degradation. On the other hand, SCO causes not only the drift in symbol timing but the significant Inter-Carrier Interference (ICI) effect as well as the sampled value does not correspond to the maximum value of the OOFDM subcarrier spectrum ½sinðx Þ=x after the FFT in the receiver.

For asynchronously clocked, Intensity-Modulation and Direct-Detection (IMDD) OOFDM transmission systems of interest of the present paper, Symbol Timing Offset (STO) and Sampling Clock Offset (SCO) play dominant roles in determining the achievable system performance.


Thus S can be viewed as the limit object of the finite dimensional unitary representations {κ k } ∞ k=1 . One can ask the following question. If S : F r → U (N ) is a representation of the free group into the unitaries of a tracial von Neumann algebra, is it true that S is the limit of finite dimensional unitary representations. This question is called the Connes Embedding Problem [23] .

One can ask the following question.

This question is called the Connes Embedding Problem.


In an attempt to find compromising solutions to meet the different, and often conflicting, objectives of the multiple actors involved in any decision-making process, flexible methods and tools are needed. Under the objective of evaluating the output of the aforementioned collective intelligence processes that were applied in the context of CIPTEC, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods were employed. MCDA methods have gained wide acceptance due to the fact that they embody many quantitative and qualitative variables and the characteristics of several scenarios can be assessed simultaneously [2] . The use of MCDA in the field of transportation has shown a steadily increasing trend during the last years. There is no single way for conducting a MCDA; there is a large number of methods and techniques with the aid of which it could take place. The suitability of the method strongly depends on the research objectives and the scope of the analysis [3] .

MCDA methods have gained wide acceptance due to the fact that they embody many quantitative and qualitative variables and the characteristics of several scenarios can be assessed simultaneously.

The suitability of the method strongly depends on the research objectives and the scope of the analysis.


When Michael Fullan, the world authority on educational change, wrote on the topic of educational change in the 1980s, he argued that educational change was difficult to accomplish. Fullan maintained that a commitment to change by reformers did not necessarily mean that a particular change would be implemented (Fullan, 1982) . Further, even when policy-makers legislate that schools achieve certain goals, there was no guarantee that these goals will be achieved. He argued that deep-rooted factors work against change, and that the most beneficial approach is to understand the change process and then to work to influence the factors that are changeable and minimise those which are not.

Fullan maintained that a commitment to change by reformers did not necessarily mean that a particular change would be implemented.


Machine learning methods. Machine learning methods have been rarely applied to hand tracking due to the high variability in hand appearance and difficulty to distinguish different hand parts and find stable features [10] . However, due to the appearance of the RGB-D sensors, machine learning methods can be used for hand pose estimation more efficiently [11] . It is still difficult to apply them though, due to the shortcomings of the data delivered by depth sensors.

Machine learning methods.

Machine learning methods have been rarely applied to hand tracking due to the high variability in hand appearance and difficulty to distinguish different hand parts and find stable features.

However, due to the appearance of the RGB-D sensors, machine learning methods can be used for hand pose estimation more efficiently.


An independent approach that might shed some light on the problem of vanishing charges for CCBHs is the computation of holonomies, motivated by the result in 3D AdS gravity [3] . However, this computation would require the existence of non-contractible curves which enclose the horizon in higher dimensions. On the other hand, in the context of supersymmetry, arbitrary values of the parameters in the CCBH solution should produce an obstruction to the existence of globally-defined Killing spinors [34, 35] .

An independent approach that might shed some light on the problem of vanishing charges for CCBHs is the computation of holonomies, motivated by the result in 3D AdS gravity.

On the other hand, in the context of supersymmetry, arbitrary values of the parameters in the CCBH solution should produce an obstruction to the existence of globally-defined Killing spinors.


As AdS gravity in 3D is derived from a Chern-Simons action for SO(2, 2) group, the previous result can be extended to higher odd dimensions. Indeed, in Lovelock-Chern-Simons gravity, it is a formula proportional to Eq.(40) the one that produces the mass of black holes in that theory [32] . As a matter of fact, this is the only case one can atribute a nonvanishing mass to CCBHs [33] .

Indeed, in Lovelock-Chern-Simons gravity, it is a formula proportional to Eq.(40) the one that produces the mass of black holes in that theory.

As a matter of fact, this is the only case one can atribute a nonvanishing mass to CCBHs.


The same parameters of the TrN + Γ model were also used in the BI approach performed with the software programme MRBAYES version 2.01 (Huelsenbeck & Ronquist 2001) . Four Metropolis-coupled Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) chains with incremental heating temperature of 0.2 were run for 2 000 000 generations and sampled every 100th generation. The burn-in period was determined graphically, and the first 1000 of the 20 000 sampled trees were discarded. Estimation of tree topology and posterior probabilities of clades were based on the remaining 19 000 trees.

The same parameters of the TrN + Γ model were also used in the BI approach performed with the software programme MRBAYES version 2.01.


Energy is the basic factor of production of goods and services to enhance output and income (Asafu-Adjaye, 2000) . It acts as an indispensable part in enhancing production as well as economic growth (Lee & Chang, 2008) . It is a factor which accelerates the production efficiency and capacity. It is also helpful to fulfill the market demands of goods and timely services.

Energy is the basic factor of production of goods and services to enhance output and income.

It acts as an indispensable part in enhancing production as well as economic growth.


The present study was designed to investigate the epidemiology of these infections, correcting the deficiencies of the earlier studies by employing both an effective typing scheme and adequate methods for sampling skin flora. We also wished to test the hypothesis that infecting strains were more likely to adhere to plastic and produce extracellular slime than non-infecting (skin) strains. These properties have been claimed to be markers of special pathogenicity in coagulase-negative staphylococci (Baddour et al., 1986; Kristinsson et al., 1986; Beaman et al., 1987) .

These properties have been claimed to be markers of special pathogenicity in coagulase-negative staphylococci.


Open-plan offices are in widespread use in the service industry. The main feature of these workspaces is the absence of full-height partitions for isolating workers from one another. In comparison with conventional, closed offices, this creates a heightened feeling of crowding and distraction by the background noise [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . Among all the types of noise pollution, speech noise is particularly disruptive [6, 7] . Especially, speech intelligibility is considered as one of the main factors: the easier it is to understand neighbouring voices, the more upsetting they are [2] . Experimental studies on noise annoyance caused by speech in the workplace generally use the irrelevant sound effect (ISE) paradigm which is the phenomenon whereby a person is prevented from executing a task correctly by the presence of an unrelated noise [8] . The expression irrelevant speech effect can also be found when speech is a major part of the disruptive noise. To investigate ISE, researchers often use serial memory tasks. In this type of tasks, participants watch a series of digits or letters displayed on a screen, item by item. The screen then becomes blank for 5 to 10 seconds. After that pause, subjects must reproduce the series in the right order. The task is repeated several times, either in silence or in noisy environments. The decrease in performance between the quiet and the noisy conditions represents the magnitude of the ISE.

In comparison with conventional, closed offices, this creates a heightened feeling of crowding and distraction by the background noise.

Among all the types of noise pollution, speech noise is particularly disruptive.

Especially, speech intelligibility is considered as one of the main factors: the easier it is to understand neighbouring voices, the more upsetting they are.

Experimental studies on noise annoyance caused by speech in the workplace generally use the irrelevant sound effect (ISE) paradigm which is the phenomenon whereby a person is prevented from executing a task correctly by the presence of an unrelated noise.


One of the problems resulting from anxiety which the students of a foreign language experience is the possible negative effect of anxiety on the academic achievement of the students (Comunian, 1993; Mwamwenda, 1994) . There are many studies have been conducted in this regard which proved this view as those who experience high level of anxiety might get low averages whereas those who experience low level of anxiety get high academic averages in the courses which they study at the university. This means that if the students could lower the level of anxiety, they may improve their grades during their study. Studies among Yemeni students about anxiety are needed in order to attract the teachers to this problem and find practical solutions to alleviate the level of anxiety among the students.

One of the problems resulting from anxiety which the students of a foreign language experience is the possible negative effect of anxiety on the academic achievement of the students.


Learning English as a foreign language is not an easy task as students encounter different difficulties. These difficulties can be divided into three factors namely learner factors, teacher factors and language factors (Brown, 2007) . Every area of these factors has been investigated extensively particularly the learners' factors in which researchers have investigated even the psychological aspects of the learners. Anxiety is one of the psychological aspects which hinder students from improving their skills when learning English as a second or foreign language (Yamat & Bidabadi, 2012; Ali & Fei, 2016; Razak, Yassin, & Maasum, 2017) .

These difficulties can be divided into three factors namely learner factors, teacher factors and language factors.

Anxiety is one of the psychological aspects which hinder students from improving their skills when learning English as a second or foreign language.


In this paper, we speculate about how an advanced civilization would respond to the challenge of living in a universe that is dominated by dark energy. Here we have in mind a civilization that has reached Type III status on the Kardashev scale, which entails the ability to harness the energy produced by stars throughout an entire galaxy [31] . Given the inevitability of the encroaching horizon, any sufficiently advanced civilization that is determined to maximize its ability to utilize energy will expand throughout the universe, attempting to secure as many stars as possible before they become permanently inaccessible. To this end, they could build Dyson Spheres or other such structures around the stars that are encountered, and use the energy that is collected to propel those stars toward the center of the civilization, where they will become gravitationally bound and thus protected from the future expansion of space. Broadly speaking, the validity of this conclusion relies only on two modest assumptions, namely that 1) a highly advanced civilization will attempt to maximize its access to usable energy, and that 2) our current understanding of dark energy and its impact on the future expansion history of our universe is approximately correct.

Here we have in mind a civilization that has reached Type III status on the Kardashev scale, which entails the ability to harness the energy produced by stars throughout an entire galaxy.


All the age groups cooperate more when playing with relatives, with this trend being more evident for the youths and the parents than for the grandparents. Thus, family ties appear to have a positive relationship to contributions to the Public Good. We find that the level of cooperation of the youths is significantly lower than that of the parents and the grandparents, consistent with the prior literature showing that young people are less cooperative (Peters et al. 2004; Charness and Villeval 2009; Gutiérrez-Roig et al. 2014) .

We find that the level of cooperation of the youths is significantly lower than that of the parents and the grandparents, consistent with the prior literature showing that young people are less cooperative.


Several conclusions can be drawn from our experiment. We find that the level of cooperation of the youths is significantly lower than that of the parents and the grandparents, consistent with prior literature showing that young people are less cooperative (Peters et al. 2004; Charness and Villeval 2009; Gutiérrez-Roig et al. 2014) . Furthermore, in comparison with a setting where players are randomly assigned to a group, family ties have a positive relationship to the contributions to the Public Good, with this effect being greater for the youths than for the parents and the grandparents. Also, youths and parents contribute more to the Public Good when the group has a generational structure, while grandparents are not affected in this behavior. This evidence indicates that the behavior of parents and grandparents is not greatly affected by the treatment, while youths contribute significantly less when not playing with their own family members. Finally, the differences in the contribution by youths, on the one hand, and parents and grandparents, on the other, are larger when playing with randomly-assigned players.

We find that the level of cooperation of the youths is significantly lower than that of the parents and the grandparents, consistent with prior literature showing that young people are less cooperative.


In this article, we implemented two computational methods, the Chebyshev spectral method and the fractional FDM for solving system of FDEs. The work emphasized our belief that the methods are reliable techniques to handle linear and non-linear system of FDEs. We derived an approximate formula of the fractional derivative. The properties of the Chebyshev polynomials are used to reduce FDEs to the solution of system of algebraic equations. Special attention is given to study the convergence analysis and estimate the upper bound of the error of the derived formula. Also, we studied the stability of the numerical scheme which was obtained from the fractional FDM using the Gru¨nwald-Letnikov's approach. From the solutions obtained using the suggested methods, we can conclude that these solutions are in excellent agreement with the exact solution and show that these approaches can solve the problem effectively. It is evident that the overall errors can be made smaller by adding new terms from the Chebyshev series (25) . All numerical results are obtained using Matlab 7.5.

It is evident that the overall errors can be made smaller by adding new terms from the Chebyshev series.


As mentioned above, both approaches rely on accurate process model knowledge. In practice, the structure of dependence and/or the time series parameters have to be estimated on the basis of n observations from an IC process. The typical design procedure consists in controlling the false alarm rate. In the presence of modeling errors, the rate of incorrect signals is a random variable, being a function of the estimated model parameters. Thus, if the fitted model is inaccurate, the control limits of the modified and residual control schemes will fail to provide the desired RL properties. Indeed, much of the recent research that investigates the impact of estimation error, shows that even small errors in parameter estimates can significantly alter the RL characteristics (Adams and Tzeng, 1998; Boyles, 2000; Kramer and Schmid, 2000; Apley, 2002; Apley and Lee, 2003; Testik, 2005; Jensen et al., 2006) . Furthermore, the identification of an appropriate time series model is sometimes difficult and requires skill obtained by experience.

Indeed, much of the recent research that investigates the impact of estimation error, shows that even small errors in parameter estimates can significantly alter the RL characteristics.


It has been found that hPDL cells express CB2, and activation of CB2 is able to enhance osteogenic differentiation of hPDL cells and potentially create a favorable osteogenic microenvironment [14] . However, the functional importance of CB2 in hPDL cells exposed to the inflammation promoter LPS is not known. We hypothesized that LPS might affect CB2 expression and activation of CB2 might regulate LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and osteoclastogenic gene expression in hPDL cells. Thus, we undertook the present study to verify this hypothesis.

It has been found that hPDL cells express CB2, and activation of CB2 is able to enhance osteogenic differentiation of hPDL cells and potentially create a favorable osteogenic microenvironment.


This finding suggests that traditional method may have some beneficial effect on the nutrient profiles, time and economy of Musa flour production. Improved cultivars of plantain and banana may provide high quality whole flour from the entire fruit for livestock feed, which may eventually provide protein in human diet from consumption of meat and other products of livestock. Such flour may be employed in traditional dishes for human consumption based on their nutritional profiles. There is need to investigate the application of whole Musa flour in baking and confectioneries from the point of view of their pasting properties. The use of entire fingers of plantain and banana could be a rapid approach in flour production with improved levels of nutrients, especially minerals, which are concentrated in the peel (Izonfuo and Omuaru, 1988) .

The use of entire fingers of plantain and banana could be a rapid approach in flour production with improved levels of nutrients, especially minerals, which are concentrated in the peel.


As a result of prolonged duration of therapy, there is the associated adverse toxicity as well as poor patient compliance to the treatment regimen. The poor compliance is often a cause for selection of drug resistant strains of tuberculosis which have been reported recently (multidrug resistant and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis) (Mariita et al., 2010a) . The pathogen M. tuberculosis has been reported to rapidly develop resistance to several classes of antibiotics and this is largely attributable to it highly hydrophobic cell envelope which acts as a permeability barrier to most conventional drugs (Cole and Telenti, 1995) . Additionally, other potential resistance determinants encoded in tuberculosis genome include: hydrolytic or drug modifying enzymes (beta-lactamases, aminoglycoside acetyl transferases) and many potential drug-efflux systems (14 members of the major facilitator family and numerous ABC transporters) (Brennan and Draper, 1994) .

The poor compliance is often a cause for selection of drug resistant strains of tuberculosis which have been reported recently (multidrug resistant and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis).

The pathogen M. tuberculosis has been reported to rapidly develop resistance to several classes of antibiotics and this is largely attributable to it highly hydrophobic cell envelope which acts as a permeability barrier to most conventional drugs.

Additionally, other potential resistance determinants encoded in tuberculosis genome include: hydrolytic or drug modifying enzymes (beta-lactamases, aminoglycoside acetyl transferases) and many potential drug-efflux systems (14 members of the major facilitator family and numerous ABC transporters).


During the past years, increasing traffic appears to be one of the major problems in urban and sub-urban areas [1] . Traffic congestion and jams are one of the main reasons for immensely increasing transportation costs due to the wasted time and extra fuel. Conventional stationary ground measurement systems such as inductive loops, radar sensors or terrestrial cameras are able to deliver precise traffic data punctually with high temporal resolution, but their spatial distribution is still limited to selected motorways or main roads.

During the past years, increasing traffic appears to be one of the major problems in urban and sub-urban areas.


Changes in timing and magnitude of the pulse wave reflection are considered important determinants of the cardiac muscle cells to adapt to hypertrophy [14] . In this study, LPS challenge did not modify the LV systolic load, which was characterized by no alterations in R f (Fig. 6C) and t (Fig. 6D) . However, treating LPSchallenged rats with MP contributed to a significant decrease in t and an increase in R f , deteriorating the systolic loading conditions for the left ventricle coupled to the arterial system. The enhanced systolic load imposed on the heart by MP was supposed to cause the cardiac muscle cells to hypertrophy. However, the ratio of LV weight to body weight remained unaltered when LPS-challenged rats were treated with MP (Table 1) .

Changes in timing and magnitude of the pulse wave reflection are considered important determinants of the cardiac muscle cells to adapt to hypertrophy.


A reverse acoustic target-pointer experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of off-centre listener positioning on localisation with first and third order ambisonics. The experiment was carried out on a 5 m radius loudspeaker array and the results are compared to earlier ones obtained from a 2.2 m radius array. The first order system had higher overall error than the third order one, as shown in previous localisation experiments [13, 25, 7, 8] . The pointer was shifted toward the further side of the loudspeaker array to compensate for the proximity of the nearest loudspeakers, which have both earlier arrival times and increased gains relative to the centre position.

The first order system had higher overall error than the third order one, as shown in previous localisation experiments.


Different types of behavior can be observed regarding the solar irradiation in Brazil, since the country has a vast territorial extension. In Brazilian northwest there is the highest solar potential in the country, presenting an average value of 5.49 kWh.m -2 of global irradiation. Similar average values are observed for the southeast (5.26 kWh.m -2 ) and center-west (5.20 kWh.m -2 ) regions of Brazil. This is an indication that in these 3 regions the use of solar radiation for AOP treatments can be done with good potency (PEREIRA et al, 2017) .

This is an indication that in these 3 regions the use of solar radiation for AOP treatments can be done with good potency.


Iodine (I), the oxidized form of I − , is an essential constituent of thyroid hormones which are phenolic rings joined by an ether link iodinated at 3 positions (3,5,3 -tri-iodo-Lthyronine, or T 3 ) or 4 positions (3,5,3 ,5 -tetra-iodo-L-thyronine or T 4 ) [6] . The uptake of iodine through the basolateral membrane of the follicular thyroid cells is a key point in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormone. This process is mediated by the sodium-iodine symporter (NIS), a 13-transmembrane domain glycoprotein that relies on the sodium (Na + ) electrochemical gradient created by the Na + /K + ATPase and allows 4 Case Reports in Endocrinology active concentration of iodine by electrogenic symport of sodium (2 : 1 Na + to I − stoichiometry). Trapping, organification, and storage of iodine are usually more prominent in functioning thyroid tissue than other organs. Based on that principle, radioactive iodine has been used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with DTC [7] .

Iodine (I), the oxidized form of I − , is an essential constituent of thyroid hormones which are phenolic rings joined by an ether link iodinated at 3 positions (3,5,3 -tri-iodo-Lthyronine, or T 3 ) or 4 positions (3,5,3 ,5 -tetra-iodo-L-thyronine or T 4 ).

Based on that principle, radioactive iodine has been used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with DTC.


Awareness of a destination is essential to the success of tourism and places strive to draw favorable attention to them in an intensely competitive marketplace [16] . Competitiveness is one of the most important concerns of today's business and activity in a dynamic and competitive environment. In recent years, competition has become an economic concept that influences the sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry [1] . The intense competition between cities as a tourist destination has led cities to find ways to differentiate themselves from the other cities and destinations. Studies have shown that cultural industries and creations grow faster than other sectors of the economy [2] . These industries and related networks are effective in competitiveness, sustainable development, innovation, integrity and local development and they will lead to the branding of the city in the discussed area. Today, the brand is defined as the perception and the tourist's image from the destination, the proper service, and in some way the identity, function, and identity of the tourism destination [3] . Tourism and its brand depend heavily on the relations between the stakeholders and the establishment and the development of communication between them is the key for success. Hanksinson outlined these interactions in four main categories: primary communication services, infrastructure communications, consumer communications and media communications [4] . In this context, media communication and its impact on urban branding are explored.

Awareness of a destination is essential to the success of tourism and places strive to draw favorable attention to them in an intensely competitive marketplace.

In recent years, competition has become an economic concept that influences the sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry.

Studies have shown that cultural industries and creations grow faster than other sectors of the economy.

Today, the brand is defined as the perception and the tourist's image from the destination, the proper service, and in some way the identity, function, and identity of the tourism destination.

Hanksinson outlined these interactions in four main categories: primary communication services, infrastructure communications, consumer communications and media communications.


The cultural exchange of societies promotes the development of theories and ideas, the awareness of people about other cultures, and the influence and impact of this exchange on the development of societies can be considered by the experts in their various topics of tourism. Today, in the Communication era with the invention of the mass media development of tourism industry has been influenced by mass media meanwhile TV as the magic box and the secondbest media outlet among the inhabitants of the planet has featured a great deal. Undoubtedly, the growth and development of the role of media in our modern society has been so high that almost no activity without the use of it will have the impression of development. In this area, the media, and in particular the TV can be the main factor and actor for the development of the tourism industry. Mass media, and in particular television, can play an irreplaceable role in the tourism industry through its capabilities and functions such as information, education, entertainment, persuasion, promotion, public mobilization and culture. Harold Laswell regards the role of mass media as communicating, monitoring, guidance and education, and later the role of entertainment was added to this set by Charles Wright [6] .

Harold Laswell regards the role of mass media as communicating, monitoring, guidance and education, and later the role of entertainment was added to this set by Charles Wright.


Although the incidence of secondary cancer in patients with neuroblastoma is not high, it is a profound issue for patients. The reported mortality rate is ten times higher than that of the general population [2] . Therefore, reducing secondary cancer risk from radiotherapy is a major goal of the development of neuroblastoma treatment as well as those of other pediatric cancer [3, 4] .

The reported mortality rate is ten times higher than that of the general population.

Therefore, reducing secondary cancer risk from radiotherapy is a major goal of the development of neuroblastoma treatment as well as those of other pediatric cancer.


Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs, for example ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and titanium dioxide) efficiently clean waste water of organic micropollutants by mineralizing the organic molecules to water and carbon dioxide. The degradation is based on the generation of hydroxyl radicals, which oxidize organic molecules effectively and non-selectively [4] . The heterogeneous photocatalyst titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) holds many advantages over other AOPs, like its photo and chemical stability, nontoxicity, reusability, and its low price [4] .

The degradation is based on the generation of hydroxyl radicals, which oxidize organic molecules effectively and non-selectively.

The heterogeneous photocatalyst titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) holds many advantages over other AOPs, like its photo and chemical stability, nontoxicity, reusability, and its low price.


In this paper, a new closed-looped machining approach was presented to deal with dynamic machining error. In essence, the approach is to create a Variational Part Model that inherently possesses the dynamic errors associated with machining. The two tests demonstrate the validity of the Variational Part Model concept and prove that automatic closed-loop machining is possible. In addition, the proposed method could easily be integrated in an iterative part programming routine as well as be used with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to account for errors when related features are used such as orientation tolerances. Several methods for improving the accuracy of machine tools exist. Volumetric error modeling like that used in the geometrical error feedback routine compensate for a machine's ball screw errors, as well as a workspace's perpendicularity errors. Although none of these methods were implemented on the Sugino test mill, the results presented in this paper compare very well if not better than the referenced geometrical error feedback routine results, which did include volumetric error modeling [10] . With the application of accuracy improving methods, even better results could be obtained.

Although none of these methods were implemented on the Sugino test mill, the results presented in this paper compare very well if not better than the referenced geometrical error feedback routine results, which did include volumetric error modeling.


Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignant tumor in urinary system with high mortality [1] . Increased incidence was observed during the last decades [2] . Nearly 40% of the RCC patients were died from cancer progression [3] . The prognosis markers are valuable for RCC patients. However, the exact mechanisms which promote the progression of RCC are still unclear.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignant tumor in urinary system with high mortality.

Increased incidence was observed during the last decades.

Nearly 40% of the RCC patients were died from cancer progression.


In the very beginning we proposed that we are interested in generalization of the notion of Kružkov entropy solution to more general class of possible fluxes F F F. For this purpose we shall follow three recent results and attempt to combine them in a proper way to develop a unified theory. First fundamental result we refer to is the paper of Audusse and Perthame [4] . The authors dealt with F F F being possibly discontinuous with respect to x and proposed for d = 1 the generalized entropy inequality (1.2), where instead of taking constant k, they considered k being a function of x such that (1.4) div F F F(x, k(x)) = 0.

First fundamental result we refer to is the paper of Audusse and Perthame.


Tsushima's dimension formula can give clues-apart from the dimensions-about the structure of the modules of forms. For instance, the dimension formula can predict relations and in those cases the modules will not be free. When no relations are predicted, the modules could be freely generated over the ring of classical modular forms of even weight. Ibukiyama has conjectured that one of the modules he studied is in fact free, but he did not prove this [13] . In this paper we will prove his hypothesis and in order to do this, we develop some methods for constructing vector-valued Siegel modular forms of genus 2. Our method allows us to compute a few eigenvalues for the Hecke operators. Our results agree with calculations done by van der Geer based on his joint work with Faber [6, 7] .

Ibukiyama has conjectured that one of the modules he studied is in fact free, but he did not prove this.

Our results agree with calculations done by van der Geer based on his joint work with Faber.


In mid-volume mid-variety manufacturing systems, a significant portion of manufacturing costs are related to designing and fabricating different fixtures. Looking to the literature, the fixtures' associated costs are about 10 to 20 percent of the total manufacturing costs [1] , [2] . Increasing the variety of products which are produced in a manufacturing system increase the fixtures cost. In todays' competitive world mass production of a few products is no longer efficient. Because manufacturers are faced with different customers in a wide geographic region who presumably have different needs and expectations, they need to provide them with different products and features. Otherwise the company will lose its market share in different regional and international markets. Also, firms are faced with continuous changes in customers' needs and they have to make their customers satisfied through offering variety of products and features. With emerging new materials and technologies, products' life cycles are reduced, intensifying the competition among manufacturers to produce greater varieties of products and services [1] .

Looking to the literature, the fixtures' associated costs are about 10 to 20 percent of the total manufacturing costs.

With emerging new materials and technologies, products' life cycles are reduced, intensifying the competition among manufacturers to produce greater varieties of products and services.


Most time-based studies have generally shown that longer treatment times lead to better mechanical properties and enhanced cellulose exposure [17] . However, fibers can also exhibit lower mechanical properties if treated too long. As previously stated, the mechanical performance and composition of natural fibers can be influenced significantly by alkali treatment parameters. Unfortunately, treatment times in many natural fibers have not been extensively analyzed to determine how the duration of treatment affects the morphology, surface chemistry, and fiber bonding for later use with common resins, such as epoxies and polyesters.

Most time-based studies have generally shown that longer treatment times lead to better mechanical properties and enhanced cellulose exposure.


Previous studies have revealed how various methods such as silane, alkali, peroxide, and isocyanate treatments affect the properties of natural fibers [8, 9] . Out of these methods, it has been observed that one of the simplest, most economical and effective forms of treatments with least environmental impact, is alkali treatment particularly mercerization using NaOH [10] . Much work has been done with alkali treating natural fibers for use in composites [11, 12] . Temperature-dependent alkali treatment studies have shown how fibrillation is affected with increased treatment temperatures [13] . At higher temperatures, it was discovered that fibrillation and the removal of noncellulose components occurred at a faster rate [13] . On the other hand, if the treatment temperature is too high, it is possible to deteriorate cellulose, resulting in lower mechanical properties of the fibers. Literature has also shown the effect of varying alkali concentrations and times during natural fiber mercerization [14] . In one study, jute fibers were treated with multiple alkali solutions at two different times. The authors reported a 79% increase in modulus in jute fibers [15] . Another group of authors investigated how different alkali treatment times and concentrations affected properties of Indian grass fibers [16] . SEM showed that fibers were finer in size after mercerization, which could have been evidence of increased fiber fibrillation. On the other hand, plant-based fibers are fairly difficult to measure due to the inconsistencies with varying fiber diameters.

Previous studies have revealed how various methods such as silane, alkali, peroxide, and isocyanate treatments affect the properties of natural fibers.

Out of these methods, it has been observed that one of the simplest, most economical and effective forms of treatments with least environmental impact, is alkali treatment particularly mercerization using NaOH.

Much work has been done with alkali treating natural fibers for use in composites.

Temperature-dependent alkali treatment studies have shown how fibrillation is affected with increased treatment temperatures.

At higher temperatures, it was discovered that fibrillation and the removal of noncellulose components occurred at a faster rate.

Literature has also shown the effect of varying alkali concentrations and times during natural fiber mercerization.

The authors reported a 79% increase in modulus in jute fibers.

Another group of authors investigated how different alkali treatment times and concentrations affected properties of Indian grass fibers.


Many plant-based fibers are known to exhibit high mechanical properties and are thought to have the potential to possibly replace some synthetic composite reinforcement [1] [2] [3] [4] . Unlike synthetic fibers, natural fibers are inexpensive, lower in density, yearly renewable, carbon neutral, and are known to pose no health hazard to workers [5, 6] . However, many factors can prevent natural fibers from displaying their full potential due to resin-reinforcement incompatibility and the presence of surface impurities.

Many plant-based fibers are known to exhibit high mechanical properties and are thought to have the potential to possibly replace some synthetic composite reinforcement.

Unlike synthetic fibers, natural fibers are inexpensive, lower in density, yearly renewable, carbon neutral, and are known to pose no health hazard to workers.


In another study, curaua fibers were alkali treated for 2 hours with a 10 wt% or 15 wt% NaOH solution and used as reinforcement in a thermoplastic matrix [12] . Although several different composite processing methods were studied, biocomposites that contained alkali-treated curaua fibers showed superior tensile properties compared to untreated curaua biocomposites. Once again, the increase in tensile properties was assumed to be the result of an increase in interfacial bonding between the fibers and matrix, which was caused from the removal of lignin and other incompatible ingredients [12] .

In another study, curaua fibers were alkali treated for 2 hours with a 10 wt% or 15 wt% NaOH solution and used as reinforcement in a thermoplastic matrix.

Once again, the increase in tensile properties was assumed to be the result of an increase in interfacial bonding between the fibers and matrix, which was caused from the removal of lignin and other incompatible ingredients.


Chemical treatment has been a well-known method employed to clean the surfaces of fibers and remove unwanted components, such as waxes, pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin. The removal of these materials has been observed to help with improving interfacial bonding with the commonly used industrial resins [7] . In addition, since the cellulose content increases, the fiber tensile properties also improve. However, the success of treatment in cellulose-based fibers depends not only on the type of treatment, but also on treatment parameters, such as time, concentration, and temperature.

The removal of these materials has been observed to help with improving interfacial bonding with the commonly used industrial resins.


Stochastic algorithms are a subset of metaheuristic algorithms. Literature tend to indicate to stochastic methods as metaheuristics [3, 4] . Heuristic refers 'to discover solution by trial and error'. When referring to a "higher-level heuristic" that refers to Meta-heuristic, whose search is the result of a trade-off between local search and randomization. The balance among exploration and exploitation or diversification and intensification is focused on bio-inspired algorithm [5] .

Literature tend to indicate to stochastic methods as metaheuristics.

The balance among exploration and exploitation or diversification and intensification is focused on bio-inspired algorithm.


In order to verify these findings, this paper focuses on analysing the CSR practices implemented by Spanish companies and the relationship between these practices and corporate performance. A study of Spanish enterprises is interesting because Spain forms part of a group of European countries with quite similar development and cultural characteristics. A growing body of evidence suggests that cultural differences, associated with several countries and regions, affect CSR development (Muller-Rommel, 1989; Jamali and Mirshak, 2007; Prado et al., 2008) . Cultural factors may help to explain differences in environmental decisions, the strength of green politics and demands for enterprises to act in a socially responsible manner. Bearing in mind the issue being dealt with in this paper, we should stress that Spain is a country whose CSR ranks behind that of others such as the UK and the USA.

A growing body of evidence suggests that cultural differences, associated with several countries and regions, affect CSR development.


We have further explored the effect of a horizontal offset between the centre of the vortex and the centre of the filament. For large offsets, the vortex is hardly disturbed but seeds a disturbance on the buoyancy filament which causes it to roll up. For moderate offsets, the vortex is initially propelled along the filament, disturbing different parts as it moves. This leads to a more complex asymmetric interaction. We have identified a condition for vortex extension in the case of adverse shear, namely that the local horizontal shear at the vortex centre ∂u/∂y exceeds 0.0768q where q is the PV within the vortex. The shear ∂u/∂y can be calculated semi-analytically from the initial buoyancy distribution. This condition is based on the behaviour of an initially spherical QG vortex subject to uniform horizontal shear (McKiver and Dritschel (2003) ).

This condition is based on the behaviour of an initially spherical QG vortex subject to uniform horizontal shear).


Universities are not equally successful in commercializing their knowledge. In the United States, a number of universities have demonstrated considerable success in their valorization activities (Carlsson and Fridh 2002) . The Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) has shown that the number of patents granted to U.S. universities on an annual basis has risen from less than 300 in 1980 to 3,278 in 2005, while licensing of these patents to existing firms has increased fourfold since 1991. Moreover, the revenue generated through these licensing activities in the U.S. increased from almost $160 million in 1991 to $1.4 billion in 2005, a year in which 628 university spin-offs were launched as well. This marks a global phenomenon, with vast increases in patenting, licensing, and spinoff formation observable across Canada, Australia, and Europe . Technologies that have been transferred from research to industry have resulted in some of the most innovative companies of the past decades, including Genentech Inc., Plastic Logic, and Google. It therefore comes as no surprise that technology transfer is generally recognized as an immensely valuable process, improving local economic development, generating novel products and services, and generally enhancing the quality of life through various spill-over effects (Shane 2004) .

In the United States, a number of universities have demonstrated considerable success in their valorization activities.

It therefore comes as no surprise that technology transfer is generally recognized as an immensely valuable process, improving local economic development, generating novel products and services, and generally enhancing the quality of life through various spill-over effects.


Unfortunately, no such description can be given regarding the technology transfer process in the Netherlands. Indeed, the very few studies performed that assess the output of the Dutch universities' valorization activities were unable to provide clear answers regarding their performance, mostly due a lack of obtained data (Bakker 2010) . Nevertheless, quantifying the commercial output generated via the technology transfer activities of universities relative to their research output is an important measure for the success and effectiveness of this very process. Especially since commercialization is becoming a more prominent aspect of a universities' objectives and many of its activities are funded with public money, shedding more light on the direct commercial output is much needed to acquire a full understanding of the valorization activities of a university and its relative success (Ndonzuau et al. 2002) .

Indeed, the very few studies performed that assess the output of the Dutch universities' valorization activities were unable to provide clear answers regarding their performance, mostly due a lack of obtained data.

Especially since commercialization is becoming a more prominent aspect of a universities' objectives and many of its activities are funded with public money, shedding more light on the direct commercial output is much needed to acquire a full understanding of the valorization activities of a university and its relative success.


In the last few decades, the economies of developed countries have become increasingly knowledge dependent (Brinkley and Lee 2006) . Knowledge has become an essential element of the production of products and services, and is nowadays the key engine of productivity and long-term economic growth (Acs and Audretsch 2010; Agrawal 2001; Ndonzuau et al. 2002) . Therefore, economies in the Western world are becoming increasingly dependent on knowledge producers. A substantial amount of knowledge is produced at universities and research centers (Löfsten and Lindelöf 2002) . However, for economies to benefit from this knowledge, the results of research need to be transferred from the university to society. This specific form of knowledge valorization is known as university technology transfer.

In the last few decades, the economies of developed countries have become increasingly knowledge dependent.

Knowledge has become an essential element of the production of products and services, and is nowadays the key engine of productivity and long-term economic growth.

A substantial amount of knowledge is produced at universities and research centers.


Why students" with higher control cognitions in grade 6 lose a greater amount of enjoyment between grades 6 and 7 compared to students with lower control cognitions currently remains an open question and needs further research. One explanation is that those who own more are at risk to lose more (Hagenauer and Hascher 2011) . Grades drop independent of students" achievement level in secondary schools compared to primary schools. High achievers may suffer more extensively from a perceived decrease in competence beliefs as they were used to being successful most of the time in previous years. It is also possible that during grade 7 these students are more aware that their achievement level is only partly in their control (= lower control cognitions) which leads to the observed reduction of enjoyment.

One explanation is that those who own more are at risk to lose more.


Optimal wound healing requires haemostasis, an inflammatory response, cell proliferation and remodelling. Haemostasis and inflammation are the initial events involving multi-cellular chemotaxis followed by proliferation and remodelling phases [12] . Sternal instability may have an adverse impact on wound healing phases by delaying haemostasis and prolonging inflammation as well as disrupting formation of the extra-cellular matrix and epithelialization. Sternal union requires dependable biomechanical fixation. It is recognized that optimal sternal stabilization prevents the incidence of DSWI [13] . An unstable surgical wound, usually attributable to a technical fault, is a recognized risk factor for wound infection [14] . The lack of association of SSWI and DSWI supports the hypothesis that it is the sternal instability per se that is the main driver for the development of DSWI rather than the presence of micro-organisms in the more superficial layers of the wound.

Haemostasis and inflammation are the initial events involving multi-cellular chemotaxis followed by proliferation and remodelling phases.

It is recognized that optimal sternal stabilization prevents the incidence of DSWI.

An unstable surgical wound, usually attributable to a technical fault, is a recognized risk factor for wound infection.


Within the creative cognition approach creativity is argued to be best researched through the use of experiments (Ward, 2007) . Although experiments allow looking in more detail at which cognitive processes facilitate creativity, the experimental approach is limiting THE SHORT UCCS SCALE 4 in its use to study relationships between creativity and other psychological constructs in real life contexts. Therefore, there is a need of developing self-reported measures that assess the cognitive processes associated with creativity in relevant contexts, particularly in the study domain.

Within the creative cognition approach creativity is argued to be best researched through the use of experiments.


Because nutrition labeling has since expanded in South Korea, some positive effects on patients with chronic diseases, particularly dyslipidemia, have been linked closely to dietary patterns [15, 16] . Despite increased dyslipidemia prevalence and the expansion of nutrition labeling in South Korea, few studies have investigated their relationship. As introducing the nutrition labelling system in South Korea, we expected that the health information related to food consumption would be well provided to South Korean. Therefore, South Korean would easily access to health information which might be helpful in well managing their health compared to past. Based on our hypothesis that nutrition labeling may help prevent dyslipidemia, we analyzed the potential association between nutrition labeling-based awareness and the prevalence of dyslipidemia among individuals not yet diagnosed.

Because nutrition labeling has since expanded in South Korea, some positive effects on patients with chronic diseases, particularly dyslipidemia, have been linked closely to dietary patterns.


Dyslipidemia is a state of abnormal amounts of lipids in the blood and is characterized by conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolemia, and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolemia [5] . Dyslipidemia can be managed by diet, exercise, and sometimes drug injections, depending on the health of the patient [6] . However, based on previous studies in South Korea, the prevalence rate of dyslipidemia has gradually increased since 2000 [7] . Although not necessarily harmful itself, the condition is a major risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [8] . Mortality due to CVD has also increased in recent years, making it the second most common cause of death in South Korea [9] . Therefore, it is essential to investigate alternatives for effectively preventing and/or managing dyslipidemia.

Dyslipidemia is a state of abnormal amounts of lipids in the blood and is characterized by conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolemia, and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolemia.

Dyslipidemia can be managed by diet, exercise, and sometimes drug injections, depending on the health of the patient.

However, based on previous studies in South Korea, the prevalence rate of dyslipidemia has gradually increased since 2000.

Although not necessarily harmful itself, the condition is a major risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Mortality due to CVD has also increased in recent years, making it the second most common cause of death in South Korea.


There is a considerable variation in the levels of wheat allergy reported in the literature. In the past decade the prevalence of sensitivity to wheat among children and adult patients has been reported to have increased to levels of approximately 15%-20% of the human population, presenting a major health problem in industrial countries (Hischenhuber et al. 2006) . Celiac disease primarily affects the Caucasian population of countries where wheat, rye, and/or barley are important nutrients (Corazza and Gasbarrini 1995) . Gluten sensitive disease is uncommon in Africa, as well as only rare cases were identified from Eastern and Southern Asia. About 15-20 years ago, the reported cumulative incidence rate of celiac disease in Europe was widely different ranging between 1:400-1:12800 births; however, with the development of diagnostic tools the reported prevalence rates have reached the 1:100-1:300 in the European countries (Greco et al. 1992; Anderson and Wieser 2006) .

In the past decade the prevalence of sensitivity to wheat among children and adult patients has been reported to have increased to levels of approximately 15%-20% of the human population, presenting a major health problem in industrial countries.

Celiac disease primarily affects the Caucasian population of countries where wheat, rye, and/or barley are important nutrients.

About 15-20 years ago, the reported cumulative incidence rate of celiac disease in Europe was widely different ranging between 1:400-1:12800 births; however, with the development of diagnostic tools the reported prevalence rates have reached the 1:100-1:300 in the European countries.


Results shown in Table 2 indicate that in Australia the prevalence of wheat allergy in a randomly selected population is 2.5% where both positive IgE immune response and symptoms against wheat were observed. These results are in full agreement with similar investigations on wheat where the prevalence of wheat IgE sensitization in European countries is 2.9% (Zuidmeer et al. 2008; Siles and Hsieh 2013) . Specific IgE levels higher than the cut off value (0.10 kU/L or 60 RU) suggests sensitization but are not necessarily predict clinical symptoms. Such tests can confirm the diagnosis of an allergic disorder, supplementing a clinical history consistent with an allergic reaction.

These results are in full agreement with similar investigations on wheat where the prevalence of wheat IgE sensitization in European countries is 2.9%.


Through a combination of HR-TEM, EFTEM, and XRD, we can conclude that for Ba contents less than or equal to 4 %, there is no significant phase separation suggesting Ba ions are incorporated substitutionally in the MgO lattice [34] . Accompanied with the introduction of Ba is a slight increase in the average particle size and a slight loss of the highly cubic nanocrystal morphology. Owing to the larger ionic radii Ba is expected to preferentially occupy sites of reduced coordination at surfaces. This expectation is supported by the first principles theoretical calculations showing Ba ions at surfaces are around 8 eV more stable than in the bulk. The structural models of the surface Ba sites are relatively simple-involving substitution of Mg for Ba at highly symmetrical structural features such a nanocube corners and edges. Here, we do not consider the possibility that Ba segregation may induce a reconstruction of surface features, nor do we consider more complex features such as interfaces [30, 31] . A more complete model would need to consider a statistically representative distribution of complex Ba-modified surface/interfaces features. The simpler models considered here offer a compromise between simplicity and feasibility allowing us to investigate the effects of Ba doping on the optical properties of MgO nanocrystals in a systematic way.

Through a combination of HR-TEM, EFTEM, and XRD, we can conclude that for Ba contents less than or equal to 4 %, there is no significant phase separation suggesting Ba ions are incorporated substitutionally in the MgO lattice.

Here, we do not consider the possibility that Ba segregation may induce a reconstruction of surface features, nor do we consider more complex features such as interfaces.


We first provide a brief overview of the types of inorganic luminescent particles currently in use and development (Fig. 1) . The classes of system shown in Fig. 1 differ both in terms of the materials used and the nature of the luminescence effect. Absorption and luminescence in QDs involve transitions between electronic states which are extended throughout the particle volume [17] [18] [19] . The luminescence energies can be easily tuned by varying the particle size and shape, and they exhibit a very high quantum yield. On the other hand, QDs are complex nanomaterials to synthesize, often contain toxic elements like Cd, and there are also issues associated with photostability and thermal quenching [1] . Another class of materials system is characterized by dopants (e.g., rare-earth ions) embedded in an inorganic particle which act as luminescence centers (Fig. 1) [3, 4] . In some wide band gap semiconductors, significant luminescence can even be observed in undoped materials due to the presence of intrinsic defects [20] [21] [22] [23] . While rare-earthdoped materials are currently employed commercially, there are a number of issues associated with supply, toxicity, and non-radiative surface recombination at surfaces which are problematic [2, 24, 25] . The successful elimination of degradation effects also remains an unresolved topic in many cases. The third class of system shown in Fig. 1 is polymerinorganic composites which are characterized by a chemically more complex and often scarcely characterized interface [5, [26] [27] [28] [29] . These materials systems have a variety of advantages which start with the opportunity of self assembly and materials integration into hierarchically organized structures. In particular, hybrid structures comprising biopolymers and functional inorganic phases can replace conventional materials in several high technology or bioapplications that are performed in the ambient or under biocompatible conditions. Many nanocomposites are composed of a luminescent organic dye that is attached to or incorporated in the inorganic nanoparticle [5, [26] [27] [28] [29] . Chemical and thermal stability issues as well as materials deterioration via leaching of the luminescence component, however, are continued challenges in the development of this class of material. In the final class of system shown in Fig. 1 , the luminescence is associated with low-coordinated surface or interface features on either pure or doped inorganic nanoparticles. For example, highly dispersed AEO surfaces provide bright colored light emission and show a so far unnoticed potential for applications such as inorganic phosphors with adsorption-dependent optical properties [13] . The advantages of this type of material are that it is nontoxic, highly stable, and widely available. In particular, doped AEO nanomaterials are mechanically robust and chemically unreactive and so should not suffer from degradation or stability issues that many of the other classes of system shown in Fig. 1 suffer from (e.g., oxidation of semiconductor dots or abrasive degradation of organicinorganic nanocomposites). Since the luminescence in these materials has a surface origin, scaling particle size to the nanoscale can improve quantum yield while also reducing multiple scattering. On the other hand, tuning and optimizing absorption and luminescence properties of nanoparticles will require precise control over the surface structure and compositon of nanoparticles as well as interfaces between nanoparticles which is challenging [30, 31] .

Absorption and luminescence in QDs involve transitions between electronic states which are extended throughout the particle volume.

On the other hand, QDs are complex nanomaterials to synthesize, often contain toxic elements like Cd, and there are also issues associated with photostability and thermal quenching.

Another class of materials system is characterized by dopants (e.g., rare-earth ions) embedded in an inorganic particle which act as luminescence centers (Fig. 1).

In some wide band gap semiconductors, significant luminescence can even be observed in undoped materials due to the presence of intrinsic defects.

While rare-earthdoped materials are currently employed commercially, there are a number of issues associated with supply, toxicity, and non-radiative surface recombination at surfaces which are problematic.

The third class of system shown in Fig. 1 is polymerinorganic composites which are characterized by a chemically more complex and often scarcely characterized interface [5.

Many nanocomposites are composed of a luminescent organic dye that is attached to or incorporated in the inorganic nanoparticle [5.

For example, highly dispersed AEO surfaces provide bright colored light emission and show a so far unnoticed potential for applications such as inorganic phosphors with adsorption-dependent optical properties.

On the other hand, tuning and optimizing absorption and luminescence properties of nanoparticles will require precise control over the surface structure and compositon of nanoparticles as well as interfaces between nanoparticles which is challenging.


The UV diffuse reflectance spectra measurements show that doping with small amounts of Ba induces significant Fig. 9 a UV diffuse reflectance and b photoluminescence excitation spectra (k EM = 580 nm, hv EM = 2.1 eV) for the 6 % BaO-doped MgO powder sample changes in the optical absorption spectra of MgO nanocrystals. In particular, absorption features are introduced at lower energies than that observed for pure MgO. The theoretical calculations of optical absorption spectra help to explain this effect as resulting from electronic transitions involving Ba ions located at low-coordinated surface sites. The excited state calculations are performed using time-dependent density functional theory and the B3LYP hybrid density functional theory which has been shown to predict optical excitation energies in MgO for a wide range of defects, in good agreement with experiment [30, 41] . These calculations show that incorporation of Ba leads to a red-shift in the optical absorption in semiquantitative agrement with the experimental results. A full quantitative prediction of the absorption spectra would require a more complete sampling of the possible local environments of Ba in the MgO nanopowders.

The excited state calculations are performed using time-dependent density functional theory and the B3LYP hybrid density functional theory which has been shown to predict optical excitation energies in MgO for a wide range of defects, in good agreement with experiment.


While the particular color and temperature dependence exhibited by the samples considered here are not optimal for SSL applications, there are indications that properties could be further improved by controlling particle morphology, doping levels, and post-processing treatments. In addition, practical SSL downconverters should have quantum yields close to 95 %. Owing to the surface/interface nature of PL emission in these materials, improved quantum yields can be obtained simply by increasing the concentration of active low-coordinated sites. This can be achieved by reducing particle size, modifying surface structure, or compression of nanopowders. In a recent work, we have demonstrated that extended defects such as grain boundaries and dislocations introduced by compression introduce absorption and PL emission features with even lower energies than low-coordinated surface sites [24, 31] . Early studies suggest quantum yields can be increased easily to above 25 % and this is without systematic optimization.

In a recent work, we have demonstrated that extended defects such as grain boundaries and dislocations introduced by compression introduce absorption and PL emission features with even lower energies than low-coordinated surface sites.


In groupware systems there are no well known patterns for designing the communications infrastructure. The few patterns that have been defined in this area are focused on the collaborative application design [10] . Therefore, this paper proposes the CAGS architectural pattern as a guideline to design and implement the communications infrastructure of groupware systems. This pattern is the result of more than six years of experience in designing and implementing groupware systems.

The few patterns that have been defined in this area are focused on the collaborative application design.


We have computed transition and turbulent decay of an initially laminar vortex ring together with its radiated acoustic field. After an initial transient, instabilities with specific azimuthal mode numbers (primarily n = 6 and n = 7) and a particular radial structure grow most rapidly, in accord with linear stability theory [8] . During later stages, nonlinear interactions bring about significant growth of the lower azimuthal modes (n = 0, 1, and 2) and lead to the strongest acoustic radiation. Eventually the vortex breaks down and the turbulence decays. During decay, we find a good collapse of the azimuthally and ensemble-averaged velocity fields with the self-similar theory [12] .

After an initial transient, instabilities with specific azimuthal mode numbers (primarily n = 6 and n = 7) and a particular radial structure grow most rapidly, in accord with linear stability theory.

During decay, we find a good collapse of the azimuthally and ensemble-averaged velocity fields with the self-similar theory.


Two objectives of this paper are concerned with reflectarrays for nadir looking dual-polarization dual-beam radar interferometers, such as the WSOA [2] . First, it will be shown that for a fully planar reflectarray, the use of rectangular patches improves the gain by 0.3 to 0.5 dB over the square patch array counterparts. Future space based interferometric radars with nadir looking dual polarized dual beams will require ever increasing aperture sizes. Offset parabolic reflectors are not suited to such systems because of their poor beam scan performance with displaced feeds. Fully planar microstrip reflectarrays exhibit good scan performance but they have severe bandwidth limitation for large apertures because of the modulo 2π phase correction employed in the design of reflectarrays. PPPR will obviate this bandwidth limitation. Hodges and Zawadzki found that the symmetric arrangement of PPPR leads to increased mass and moment of inertia, and limits the ability to control the center of gravity of the instrument. The offset tilted PPP reflectarray was proposed to improve the spacecraft accommodation of the WSOA but it exhibits poor scan performance [2] . With the use of rectangular patches in a tilted PPPR, dual polarized dual beams can be designed for two feeds without the need for scan. The second objective of this paper is to demonstrate the excellent pattern and bandwidth performance (bandwidth limited by the patch resonance only) of PPPR employing rectangular patches.

Two objectives of this paper are concerned with reflectarrays for nadir looking dual-polarization dual-beam radar interferometers, such as the WSOA.

The offset tilted PPP reflectarray was proposed to improve the spacecraft accommodation of the WSOA but it exhibits poor scan performance.


Fish is a highly nutritious food and it is particularly valued for its protein which is of high quality compared to meat and egg (Ojutiku et al., 2009) . It contains high quality protein, amino acids and absorbable dietary minerals (Bruhiyan et al., 1993) . Fish contribute to the world protein and is being used as a good tool for food therapy and source of therapeutic substances for the treatment of coronary diseases, auto-immune diseases, anaemia and protein energy malnutrition (Glomset, 1986; Iheanacho et al., 2017) .

Fish is a highly nutritious food and it is particularly valued for its protein which is of high quality compared to meat and egg.

It contains high quality protein, amino acids and absorbable dietary minerals.

Fish contribute to the world protein and is being used as a good tool for food therapy and source of therapeutic substances for the treatment of coronary diseases, auto-immune diseases, anaemia and protein energy malnutrition.


Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) that typically affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can affect other sites as well (extrapulmonary TB). The disease is spread in the air when people who are sick with pulmonary TB expel bacteria by, for example, coughing. In general, 10% of people infected with MTB will go on to develop TB disease, whereas in 90% of the cases the subjects are asymptomatic and non-infectious because the host immune system contains the tubercular infection [1] . In these subjects, the infection persists in a latent form for the lifetime of the individual. Conditions such as HIV, malnutrition, and inflammatory diseases, which all require immunosuppressive drugs, may cause a latent tubercular infection (LTBI) to become an active TB infection [1] . In 2010, there were an estimated 8.8 million incident cases of TB (ranging between 8.5 million and 9.2 million) globally, equivalent to 128 cases per 100,000 of the population [2] . The greatest amount of the estimated number of cases in 2010 occurred in Asia (59%) and Africa (26%); smaller proportions of cases occurred in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (7%), Europe (5%) and the Americas (3%) [2] . Of the 8.8 million cases of TB in 2010, 5.7 million were diagnosed and reported to national TB control programmers (NTPs). Among notified cases, there were an estimated 290,000 cases of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), of which only 53,000 (18%) were reported to have been diagnosed and enrolled in appropriate treatment [3] . Earlier and improved detection of TB and expanded capacity to diagnose cases of MDR-TB are thus global priorities for TB control. Diagnosis of tuberculosis can be made using direct and indirect methods. Indirect diagnosis can identify the subjects infected with MTB, but the assays that are now available do not discriminate between LTBI and active TB; consequently, diagnosis of active TB is still made using sputum smear microscopy, isolating MTB and identifying specific MTB DNA sequences.

In general, 10% of people infected with MTB will go on to develop TB disease, whereas in 90% of the cases the subjects are asymptomatic and non-infectious because the host immune system contains the tubercular infection.

Conditions such as HIV, malnutrition, and inflammatory diseases, which all require immunosuppressive drugs, may cause a latent tubercular infection (LTBI) to become an active TB infection.

In 2010, there were an estimated 8.8 million incident cases of TB (ranging between 8.5 million and 9.2 million) globally, equivalent to 128 cases per 100,000 of the population.

The greatest amount of the estimated number of cases in 2010 occurred in Asia (59%) and Africa (26%); smaller proportions of cases occurred in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (7%), Europe (5%) and the Americas (3%).

Among notified cases, there were an estimated 290,000 cases of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), of which only 53,000 (18%) were reported to have been diagnosed and enrolled in appropriate treatment.


For 1 D >> , a random vector with pD of 1s has approximately the same entropy. The entropy of N vectors is () NDhp. When N vectors are stored in NAM, the entropy per connection is [40, 41] .

The entropy of N vectors is () NDhp.

When N vectors are stored in NAM, the entropy per connection is.


Performing ALPPS, the precise assessment of the FLR function seems to be more important than its volume alone to determine the optimal time of hepatectomy to avoid postoperative small-for-size syndrome [11] . The described liver function determined by the LiMAx test thus has the potential to help to define the right timing of the second step of the ALPPS-procedure. Here we report our experience with the LiMAx test in a patient who recently underwent the ALPPS-procedure.

Performing ALPPS, the precise assessment of the FLR function seems to be more important than its volume alone to determine the optimal time of hepatectomy to avoid postoperative small-for-size syndrome.


In addition, among the multihulls, the catamaran mode demonstrates slightly smaller heave and pitch responses compared to the trimaran. Conversely, the trimaran showed smaller roll response to the catamaran. This is because of the number of hulls, in which trimaran has more hulls and hence the total ship breadth. This further cause better or lower roll response, but higher heave and pitch responses, and this corresponds well with Rawson and Tupper [26] .

This further cause better or lower roll response, but higher heave and pitch responses, and this corresponds well with Rawson and Tupper.


The current research study could be helpful for both in-service and pre-service training and improvement of science and biology teachers vocational qualifications. Moreover, pre-service teachers' performance and efforts in the future can be estimated and revision of the education programs can be provided with this study (Yılmaz, 2012) . The findings of this study may also explain some of the reasons why students fail biology in international exams such as TIMSS and PISA and help to find ways to overcome this failure.

Moreover, pre-service teachers' performance and efforts in the future can be estimated and revision of the education programs can be provided with this study.


Product innovation is the introduction of new materials and/or components into the constructed product, and there has been a great deal of this form of innovation in recent decades. Its counterpart, process innovation, is generally more difficult to manage and deals with the development of new organisational structures, management methods, and other techniques or actions that improve business processes and competitiveness. The construction industry"s sense of its history, with strong craft traditions and focus on individual projects, has significantly affected efforts to improve the constructed product in terms of cost, time and quality (Woudhuysen and Abley 2004) .

The construction industry"s sense of its history, with strong craft traditions and focus on individual projects, has significantly affected efforts to improve the constructed product in terms of cost, time and quality.


Massive neutrinos are our first and only undoubted evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model (SM). The evidence arises from a variety of neutrino experiments which have detected the effect of their mass via the flavour oscillation of neutrinos with energies ranging between tens of keV and tens of GeV [1] . The obvious question that this observation raises is that of the dynamics of the New Physics (NP) responsible for the neutrino mass.

The evidence arises from a variety of neutrino experiments which have detected the effect of their mass via the flavour oscillation of neutrinos with energies ranging between tens of keV and tens of GeV.


Our results are valid for all completely integrable systems that agree up to the cubic terms with the normal form we analyse. The higher order terms do not change the asymptotic properties of the frequency map when sufficiently close to the origin. An arbitrary Hamiltonian system near the 1 : −2 resonance is generically non-integrable due to higher order terms. Thus is does not posses a frequency map. Using our results about the non-degeneracy of the frequency map, then KAM theory can be invoked to show the persistence of tori whose frequencies are Diophantine. Moreover, monodromy can be defined for the nearby non-integrable system [3] .

Moreover, monodromy can be defined for the nearby non-integrable system.


One hypothesis for the survival differences between insured and uninsured patients is that insurance status may indirectly indicate the socioeconomic status of the individual. On one hand, it has been demonstrated that residence in counties with higher levels of poverty and rural residence were associated with being uninsured versus having non-Medicaid insurance [19] . Uninsured patients are less likely to schedule recommended surgery due to potential economic constraints. On the other hand, individuals with financial capacity and social support may have easier access to high-quality home and hospital care, which might lead to potential advantages in survival outcome [20] . Insured individuals are more likely to have regular access to health care [21] . An alternative explanation is that uninsured patients may experience medical comorbidities that potentially preclude surgical treatment, while insured patients may have lower levels of comorbidity. As SEER dataset did not provide detailed information about patient comorbidity, we could not further investigate this correlation. Medicaid beneficiaries were described as underinsured or inadequately insured in other types of malignancies such as lymphoma, pediatric cancers and head and neck cancers [22, 23] . Interestingly, the results according to the multivariate analyses suggested that there were no significant differences between non-Medicaid patients and Medicaid beneficiaries in GBC (P=0.162). Nevertheless, uninsured patients had worse survival outcome compared to patients with insurance coverage (Non-Medicaid or Medicaid). Further studies with larger sample size are needed to verify this finding.

On one hand, it has been demonstrated that residence in counties with higher levels of poverty and rural residence were associated with being uninsured versus having non-Medicaid insurance.

On the other hand, individuals with financial capacity and social support may have easier access to high-quality home and hospital care, which might lead to potential advantages in survival outcome.

Insured individuals are more likely to have regular access to health care.

Medicaid beneficiaries were described as underinsured or inadequately insured in other types of malignancies such as lymphoma, pediatric cancers and head and neck cancers.


Despite their benefits, the development of harmonious exporter-importer relationships is hindered by many problems, mainly caused by the extent of the geographic and cultural distance separating the parties involved (Nes, Solberg, & Silkoset, 2007) . One source of problems is rooted in differences in the values held by the interacting parties, which are identified at the national, corporate, or personal level (Lee et al., 2007) . This is because having dissimilar values is responsible for understanding and interpreting issues concerning the working relationship in a different way (Scholtens & Dam, 2007) . One key issue that warrants particular attention is that of marketing ethics, since, among the various enterprise functions, marketing has often been at the forefront of criticisms concerning unethical practices (Akaah & Lund, 1994) .

Despite their benefits, the development of harmonious exporter-importer relationships is hindered by many problems, mainly caused by the extent of the geographic and cultural distance separating the parties involved.

One source of problems is rooted in differences in the values held by the interacting parties, which are identified at the national, corporate, or personal level.

This is because having dissimilar values is responsible for understanding and interpreting issues concerning the working relationship in a different way.

One key issue that warrants particular attention is that of marketing ethics, since, among the various enterprise functions, marketing has often been at the forefront of criticisms concerning unethical practices.


Increasing globalization, intensifying competition, and advancing transportation, communication, and information technologies have been responsible for the phenomenal growth of international business (Keegan, 2009) . A large part of this activity is derived from import-export operations, where success relies heavily on building sound working relationships between the interacting parties (Holm et al., 1996; Leonidou & Kaleka, 1998) . These relationships enable exporters to better satisfy the needs of their import customers, secure the continuation of purchases from them, minimize the possibility of foreign customer loss, and use customers as a source of new product ideas and foreign market information. On the other hand, importers can ensure the long-term supply of products from foreign suppliers, suggest ways of improving the efficiency of the production/delivery process, use the suppliers' expertise to protect their cost structure and achieve better prices, and exploit ideas relating to the technical development of products (Han et al., 1993; Sheth & Sharma, 1997) .

Increasing globalization, intensifying competition, and advancing transportation, communication, and information technologies have been responsible for the phenomenal growth of international business.

A large part of this activity is derived from import-export operations, where success relies heavily on building sound working relationships between the interacting parties.

On the other hand, importers can ensure the long-term supply of products from foreign suppliers, suggest ways of improving the efficiency of the production/delivery process, use the suppliers' expertise to protect their cost structure and achieve better prices, and exploit ideas relating to the technical development of products.


However, the negative effects of overconfidence resulting from exaggerated ratings of self-reported driving skills have been shown to be buffered by high levels of safety skills (Sümer et al., 2006) . On the other hand, studies have also shown that drivers tend to overestimate their safety skills (Delhomme, 1991; Walton, 1999; McKenna et al., 1991) . Overestimation of own driving skills have been found to be dangerous or unsafe, as it can lead to biased risk assessment leading to a higher risk acceptance (Deery, 1999; Groeger and Brown, 1989) .

However, the negative effects of overconfidence resulting from exaggerated ratings of self-reported driving skills have been shown to be buffered by high levels of safety skills.

On the other hand, studies have also shown that drivers tend to overestimate their safety skills.

Overestimation of own driving skills have been found to be dangerous or unsafe, as it can lead to biased risk assessment leading to a higher risk acceptance.


Hypothetically, persons who are aware of their shortcomings in driving skills should also report aberrant driving behavior that reflects these limitations, and the other way around. The present study verifies whether the DBQ and the DSI are consistent, and assesses whether drivers are consistent in their reporting of their own driving abilities, by jointly analyzing the two instruments in a cluster analysis. Different from the traditional way of looking at DBQ and DSI data (where principal component analysis or exploratory factor analysis are performed in order to look into the factor structure within a population), the current study wants to explore the data based on similar and dissimilar drivers. Cluster analysis is used to explore the data based on objects, giving information about similar groups of answers in the population (Kaufman & Rousseeuw, 1990) .

Cluster analysis is used to explore the data based on objects, giving information about similar groups of answers in the population.


The debonding generally occurs before the ultimate tensile stress in the FRP or in the concrete and steel is reached. Therefore, it has often to be considered as the critical failure mode when designing the strengthening. Over the last years, this phenomenon has been studied closely, and more and more models predicting the FRP IC debonding have been developed [2, 3, 4] . However, the uncertainty underpinning the issue is hardly impossible to remove. This is why both a correct estimate of the safety factors and a better knowledge of the accuracy of the models are extremely important. The calculation of the safety factors should be made through a reliability-based approach, to consider as best as possible all the uncertainties connected to the adopted materials, the acting loads and the applied analytical model.

Over the last years, this phenomenon has been studied closely, and more and more models predicting the FRP IC debonding have been developed.