Chlorophyll is a bright green natural pigment found in all photosynthetic plants, allowing them to absorb energy from light (Hörtensteiner & Kräutler, 2011) . Forms a and b are the major types of chlorophyll that predominate in the chloroplasts of all higher plants (Willows, 2004; Raven et al., 2005) . Most analytical studies have reported the total chlorophyll contents as the sum of Chl a and Chl b (Lanfer Marquez & Sinnecker, 2008) . On the other hand, carotenoids are a large group of deeply red or yellow lipophilic accessory pigments (Pfander, 1992) . Carotenoids are found in all photosynthetic organisms, being involved in photosystem assembly, and contribute to light harvesting by absorbing light energy in a region of the visible spectrum where chlorophyll absorption is lower and by transferring the energy to chlorophyll (Britton, 2008) . Also, carotenoids provide protection from excess light, free-radical detoxification and limiting damage to membranes (Cuttriss & Pogson, 2004) .

Chlorophyll is a bright green natural pigment found in all photosynthetic plants, allowing them to absorb energy from light.

Forms a and b are the major types of chlorophyll that predominate in the chloroplasts of all higher plants.

Most analytical studies have reported the total chlorophyll contents as the sum of Chl a and Chl b.

On the other hand, carotenoids are a large group of deeply red or yellow lipophilic accessory pigments.

Carotenoids are found in all photosynthetic organisms, being involved in photosystem assembly, and contribute to light harvesting by absorbing light energy in a region of the visible spectrum where chlorophyll absorption is lower and by transferring the energy to chlorophyll.

Also, carotenoids provide protection from excess light, free-radical detoxification and limiting damage to membranes.


The study showed that the confirmed status of children with limited math ability, since around 60% of them continually met the cutoff criterion below the 15th percentile on three assessment points more than 2 years after the original classification. Our finding is consistent with the study showing that approximately 66% of children with limited math ability continue to meet this criterion over time (Mazzocco & Räsänen, 2013) . Taken together, although the data document the stability of mathematical difficulties that become a distinctive feature for limited math ability children over time, persistent mathematical difficulties were also observed in approximately 30% of children with low math achievement.

Our finding is consistent with the study showing that approximately 66% of children with limited math ability continue to meet this criterion over time.


It is well recognized that many school-age children experience major difficulties in learning mathematics. Although having mathematical learning difficulties is not a new condition, only in recent years the research emphasis has been placed more seriously on this phenomenon by illuminating its complexity from varying perspectives, such as in terms of neuroscience; cognitive, developmental, and educational psychology; mathematics education; and special education. As a result of these efforts, a foundational pathway has been built for the establishment of a new discipline: mathematical learning difficulties (Siegler, 2007) .

As a result of these efforts, a foundational pathway has been built for the establishment of a new discipline: mathematical learning difficulties.


Multi-document summarization is regarded as the process of condensing, not just one document, but a set of related documents, into a single summary. This study aimed to develop an automatic method for summarizing sets of research abstracts that may be retrieved by an information retrieval system or web search engine in response to a user query. As an attempt to address the problem of information overload, most information retrieval systems and web search engines rank retrieved records by their likelihood of relevance and display titles and short abstracts to give users some indication of the document content. Since the related documents often contain repeated information or share the same background, these single-document summaries (or abstracts) are likely to be similar to each other and thus cannot indicate unique information in individual documents [1] . Moreover, the user has patience to scan only a small number of document titles and abstracts, usually in the range of 10-30 [2] . In such a situation, multi-document summarization for condensing a set of related documents into a summary is likely to be more useful than single-document summarization. A multi-document summary has several potential advantages over a single-document summary. It provides a domain overview of a topic based on a document set -indicating similar information in many documents, unique information in individual documents, and relationships between pieces of information across different documents. It can allow the user to zoom in for more details on particular aspects of interest, and zoom into the individual single-document summaries.

Since the related documents often contain repeated information or share the same background, these single-document summaries (or abstracts) are likely to be similar to each other and thus cannot indicate unique information in individual documents.

Moreover, the user has patience to scan only a small number of document titles and abstracts, usually in the range of 10-30.


Although we attribute the changes in threads and webs that we observed to the declining nutritional states of the spiders, we cannot entirely rule out the effect of aging. However, we judge the aging effects to be relatively minor as our study ended in August, and at this locality, C. turbinata adult females build webs until mid October. Additionally, the webs we observed were judged symmetrical by our indices and showed none of the characteristics of ''senile webs'' that are sometimes built by orb-weaving spiders near the end of their lives (Eberhard 1971) .

Additionally, the webs we observed were judged symmetrical by our indices and showed none of the characteristics of ''senile webs'' that are sometimes built by orb-weaving spiders near the end of their lives.


Theoretically, African RTAs are not expected to contribute significantly to bilateral trade because of similar comparative advantage or supply structures (Yang and Gupta 2005) . However, the new trade theory indicates that there is a rationale for trade between similar countries, taking the form of intra-industry trade (Feenstra, 2004) . In the case of Africa, this may invlove the crossborder trade of simple manufactures or varieties of agricultural commodity.

Theoretically, African RTAs are not expected to contribute significantly to bilateral trade because of similar comparative advantage or supply structures.

However, the new trade theory indicates that there is a rationale for trade between similar countries, taking the form of intra-industry trade.


A common issue affecting hardware-based approaches that rely on an isolated monitor is the semantic gap between the monitor and the target [48, 55, 63] . Such semantic gap issue occurs when the monitor only has a partial view of the target state. For example, if the monitor gets a snapshot of the physical memory without knowing virtual to physical mapping (e.g., CR3 register value on x86) it cannot reconstruct accurately the memory layout of the target. Our monitor addresses this issue by leveraging a communication channel that allows the target to send any information required to bridge this semantic gap. We enforce the communication of information relevant to the detection method via an instrumentation phase. In addition, we ensure that the attacker cannot forge messages without first being detected.

A common issue affecting hardware-based approaches that rely on an isolated monitor is the semantic gap between the monitor and the target.


Due to the low cost of the material and the high efficiency of removing contaminants, the employment of natural adsorbents of biological origin in adsorption studies has become an alternative and promising method. In general, the most widely used adsorbent material in studies involving the adsorption of contaminants is activated carbon. However, this material has a high cost and, moreover, it cannot be regenerated. Therefore, there is growing interest in the search for alternative materials with a lower cost that can replace activated carbon, such as peat (Hemmati et al., 2016) .

Therefore, there is growing interest in the search for alternative materials with a lower cost that can replace activated carbon, such as peat.


A wide range of technologies has been developed for the removal organic contaminants from waters and wastewaters to decrease their environmental impacts. In this context, there are different techniques that vary with regard to efficiency, cost, and process complexity, including precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption, coagulation, and reverse osmosis (Liu et al., 2008) . Among these, adsorption involves the ability of a substance to be incorporated into another compound by physical and/or chemical interactions. This technique is considered superior to the others because of the possibility of reusing water in terms of initial cost, flexibility and simplicity of the process design, and ease of operation. Moreover, this process also has the advantage of not leading to the formation of hazardous substances (Rafatullah et al., 2010) .

In this context, there are different techniques that vary with regard to efficiency, cost, and process complexity, including precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption, coagulation, and reverse osmosis.

Moreover, this process also has the advantage of not leading to the formation of hazardous substances.


A US Department of Energy (DOE) report published in October 2014 identified the communication infrastructure cost as the major portion of a PMU installation cost [3] . The report mentions that, in the absence of adequate existing communications and/or upgrades to communication infrastructure, the cost of installing PMUs could increase by a factor of seven. However, it also states that once a high-speed backbone telecommunications network is installed, the cost of installing additional PMUs drops considerably. Labor and substation outage costs were identified as the next most significant cost drivers.

A US Department of Energy (DOE) report published in October 2014 identified the communication infrastructure cost as the major portion of a PMU installation cost.


Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are devices that provide real-time voltage and current phasor measurements at those locations of a power system network where they are placed. When present at a sufficiently large number of locations inside the grid, these devices are capable of creating a power system state estimator that is completely linear and non-iterative [1] . Called a linear state estimator (LSE), it has numerous advantages over the classical state estimator in terms of speed, accuracy, and reliability [2] . However, PMUs cannot be placed at random inside the power system. This is primarily because of the associated communication infrastructure costs, as well as the costs incurred in upgrading substations.

When present at a sufficiently large number of locations inside the grid, these devices are capable of creating a power system state estimator that is completely linear and non-iterative.

Called a linear state estimator (LSE), it has numerous advantages over the classical state estimator in terms of speed, accuracy, and reliability.


Childhood abuse is defined as any kind of activity generally setting out to children aged under 18 actively and destroying their physical, emotional, mental and social development. On the other hand, neglect is applied for situations in which essential needs of children such as nutrition, nursing and education, are not satisfied (Zeytinoğlu, 1989) . While the abuse case is classified in various ways, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect are among the classifications observed mostly (Tyler, Allison & Winsler, 2006; Bernstein & Fink, 1998; Kara, Biçer, & Gökalp, 2004) .

On the other hand, neglect is applied for situations in which essential needs of children such as nutrition, nursing and education, are not satisfied.

While the abuse case is classified in various ways, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect are among the classifications observed mostly.


Innovation is seen as a key element in transition research and socio-ecological resilience focussing on human wellbeing in the face of uncertainty and change (Olsson et al., 2014) . However, this research identifies that in vulnerable and indigenous communities, the process concerning innovation adoption and diffusion needs to be planned beyond just technological deployment, and inculcate a holistic approach across the cultural, social, economic dimensions. Much of the global aspiration involved in transitioning towards the Sustainable Development Goal targets will involve technology-based innovation, but the work presented here provides a salutatory and disquieting backdrop for more indigenous and vulnerable communities which are most at risk to sustainable development challenges.

Innovation is seen as a key element in transition research and socio-ecological resilience focussing on human wellbeing in the face of uncertainty and change.


Poverty reduction is the central objective in the Five-Year Development Plan for -04 (Government of Mozambique 2000 . However, achieving pro-poor growth is far from easy. Historically, services-particularly transport and shipping-are a major component of the Mozambican economy, yet these sectors yield few direct benefits to the majority of the population (Addison 2001) . The same goes for the largest export activity, prawn fishing. Another challenge is the low level of education of the poor, which makes it difficult for them to be absorbed by the relatively more dynamic urban sector. A third constraint relates to the high prevalence of subsistence farming.

Historically, services-particularly transport and shipping-are a major component of the Mozambican economy, yet these sectors yield few direct benefits to the majority of the population.


Quantum information processing has the potential to revolutionize computation and communication. However, the physical realization of a quantum information processor places stringent demands on the efficiency and reliability of the individual quantum gate operations that drive the computation [1] . Although many methods have been developed to characterize the performance of quantum gates, these may be difficult or computationally intensive to implement, and may be unable to distinguish between initialization, read-out, and gate errors [2, 3] .

However, the physical realization of a quantum information processor places stringent demands on the efficiency and reliability of the individual quantum gate operations that drive the computation.

Although many methods have been developed to characterize the performance of quantum gates, these may be difficult or computationally intensive to implement, and may be unable to distinguish between initialization, read-out, and gate errors.


In Usher matrix models, it is assumed that the growth speed of a tree is stationary, i.e., it depends only on the size of the tree [1] . In reality, the growth speed depends also implicitly on time. Therefore, we relaxed the stationarity assumption and used a non-stationary matrix model where the growth speed of the tree depends not only on the size class but also on the basal area of the forest stand (basal area evolves in time).

In Usher matrix models, it is assumed that the growth speed of a tree is stationary, i.e., it depends only on the size of the tree.


Cancer of the urinary bladder is a major epidemiological problem that continues to grow each year. Bladder cancers encompass urothelial carcinomas (UCs, or transitional cell carcinomas or TCCs), squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), adenocarcinomas and certain other infrequent tumor types. It is the fourth most common malignancy in males and the ninth most common malignancy in females in the United States. An average of 260,000 new cases of urinary bladder cancer are diagnosed worldwide every year with an estimated 63,210 cases in 2005 in the United States alone (about 47,010 in males and 16,200 in females) and 13,180 deaths (about 8,970 in men and 4,210 in women). The incidence of bladder cancer between 1997 and 2001 was estimated at 39 per 100,000 for males and 10 per 100,000 for females [1] .

The incidence of bladder cancer between 1997 and 2001 was estimated at 39 per 100,000 for males and 10 per 100,000 for females.


The second group of models is a direct development of Röntgen's two-state idea. These models suggest that water is a microheterogeneous system consisting of two microphases: one consisting of fragments of a hydrogen-bonded tetrahedral framework and another in which the molecules are not involved in hydrogen bonds. The most popular among these models is that proposed by Némety and Scheraga [10] . They considered that hydrogen-bonded water clusters are floating in a "sea"of nonbonded molecules. Both microphases of the classical two-state models came to be regarded as containing hydrogen bonds; the possibility of hydrogen-bond formation between the cavity and framework molecules began to be admitted by proponents of clathrate models. Thus, a picture of water as a continuous threedimensional network predominated on the eve of the computer simulation era. The impossibility of Némety and Scheraga type models was ultimately demonstrated when models based on percolation theory were applied to water [11] . The three dimensional network was accepted by practically all scientists involved in the study of water [12] .

The most popular among these models is that proposed by Némety and Scheraga.

The impossibility of Némety and Scheraga type models was ultimately demonstrated when models based on percolation theory were applied to water.

The three dimensional network was accepted by practically all scientists involved in the study of water.


Another related implementation of generic types is the PolyJ extension of Java developed at MIT [8] . The PolyJ website suggests that PolyJ is similar to NextGen in some respects, but the only published paper on PolyJ describes a completely different approach to implementing genericity from NextGen that relies on modifying the JVM. The distributed PolyJ compiler generates JVM compatible class files but the techniques involved have not been published. The PolyJ language design is not compatible with GJ or with recent Java evolution. The language design includes a second notion of interface that uses a more flexible matching scheme than Java interfaces. Neither inner classes nor polymorphic methods are supported. In addition, PolyJ does not attempt to support interoperability between generic classes and their non-generic counterparts in legacy code.

Another related implementation of generic types is the PolyJ extension of Java developed at MIT.


Towards realizing the goal of a complete solution, we experimentally and theoretically investigate the lowestorder transverse-electric ͑TE 1 ͒ mode of the PPWG. This work is motivated by a series of studies performed in the mid-infrared in the 1970's [13] [14] [15] . These earlier studies have discussed the possibility of achieving extremely low losses (in the dB/km range) and good energy confinement via the use of the TE 1 mode, although under singlefrequency or continuous-wave operation. However, until now, the TE 1 mode has not been considered for guiding THz pulses due to the obvious problems caused by the presence of a low-frequency cutoff f c = c / ͑2b͒, where b is the plate separation. For broadband THz pulses having frequency components extending from almost DC up to several THz, this would cause the loss of frequency components below cutoff and high GVD for components near the cutoff. These would result in severe distortion of the THz waveform and, therefore, have discouraged the use of this mode for THz pulse propagation in the past.

This work is motivated by a series of studies performed in the mid-infrared in the 1970's.


Figure 1(a) shows the TEM image of the graphene sheets, from which transparent graphene sheets are present over a large area, indicating that the graphene sheets have few layers and high purity. Also, the surfaces of the graphene sheets are not perfectly flat, with wrinkles over them giving different levels of transparency. The geometric means of the length and width of each sheet were used to define their size, which was in the range 50-100 nm. Figure 1(b) shows a typical Raman spectrum of the GNS powders. Three intense peaks are the D band at 1345 cm −1 , the G band at 1580 cm −1 , and the 2D band at 2695 cm −1 , respectively. The D peak located at 1345 cm −1 is due to the presence of structural disorders in graphene sheets. The G peak corresponds to the stretching vibration mode, 2g phonon at the Brillouin zone center. The (2D) peak is always present for crystalline carbon materials [35] .

The (2D) peak is always present for crystalline carbon materials.


There are bare of groups on the GNS sheets produced by arc discharge method. To realize good physiological stability and form stable dispersions, we develop a simple and convenient route to prepare functional GNS. Here, hydrophilic and biocompatible PAA are assembled onto GNS sheets to improve the aqueous solubility of the graphene. Scheme 1 shows the synthetic route for the preparation of PAA-GNS conjugate. The large conjugated structure of GNS can form -stacking interaction with the quinone portion of DOX. Amino (-NH 2 ) and several hydroxyl (-OH) groups are also on DOX. The carboxylic (-COOH) groups on the PAA-GNS sheet can form a strong hydrogen-bonding interaction with -OH and -NH 2 groups of DOX. Therefore, DOX is noncovalently loaded on PAA-GNS simply by mixing them in aqueous solution with the aid of slight sonication [10] .

Therefore, DOX is noncovalently loaded on PAA-GNS simply by mixing them in aqueous solution with the aid of slight sonication.


Herein, we have grafted acrylic acid monomers onto the GNSs surface by an in situ polymerization. The success of the functionalization is verified by AFM, FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopes, and TGA. The PAA-modified GNSs display good solubility in aqueous solutions and form stable dispersions for a long time. Due to the conjugated structure of graphene basal planes, PAA-GNSs can attach and absorb aromatic, water insoluble drugs [12] . And the amount of DOX loaded onto PAA-GNSs is significantly high and strongly dependent on pH value. Furthermore, the interaction between DOX and PAA-GNS was investigated by spectroscopy. It is believed that PAA-GNS could have great potential in biological applications for drug delivery.

Due to the conjugated structure of graphene basal planes, PAA-GNSs can attach and absorb aromatic, water insoluble drugs.


Successful functionalization of GNS is first evidenced by the high solubility and stability of PAA-GNS in salt and cellular solutions. After removing the residual AA by washing with distilled water and centrifugation, the precipitated PAA-GNS is found to be well dispersed in distilled water, PBS, and cell culture, respectively. It is stable after storage for 24 h, showing high stability (Figure 2 ). PEGylation of graphene derivatives was usually used to improve the stability of graphene derivatives under physiological conditions [15] . Instead of using expensive and large PEG molecules, we render the GNS stable in physiological solution by simple in situ polymerization with PAA that would graft many -COOH groups on the surface of GNS.

PEGylation of graphene derivatives was usually used to improve the stability of graphene derivatives under physiological conditions.


Except the previous hydrogen-bonding interaction, the -staking between the conjugated structure of GNS sheet and the quinone portion of DOX may be the most important interaction because the loading of DOX on GNS-PAA is still much high with the decreasing of the hydrogen bonding at pH 2. From the Figure 9 , DOX exhibits a fluorescence emission maximum at 566 nm with an excited source at 480 nm. However, GNS-PAA-DOX exhibited significant quenching of its emission band at the same wavelength. It implies the presence of a photoinduced electron-transfer process or efficient energy transferring between the GNS-PAA and DOX interface. According to the earlier report, this efficient quenching of fluorescence emission shows that there is strong -stacking interaction between GNS-PAA and DOX [10, 43] .

According to the earlier report, this efficient quenching of fluorescence emission shows that there is strong -stacking interaction between GNS-PAA and DOX.


Queries like the above produce integrated RDF schemas. Integration of schemas, in general, is considered as the task which produces a global schema to cover all involved schemas and is a widely studied research topic [10] . Our work, on the other hand, supports the integration of RDF schemas based on union, intersection and difference semantics provided by a set of operators. The integrated schema is the output of such operators applied on the involved schemas.

Integration of schemas, in general, is considered as the task which produces a global schema to cover all involved schemas and is a widely studied research topic.


We have designed, fabricated, and characterized efficient grating couplers incorporated on integrated Si 3 N 4 MZI biosensors working in the visible spectral range for both TE and TM polarization. Although higher experimental coupling efficiencies have been reported for grating coupler integrated with single-mode waveguides, a quite good coupling efficiency (up to 11.5%) has been obtained, taking into account that most of the parameters have been fixed to maintain the high surface sensitivity of the MZI device. We have demonstrated a LOD of Án min ¼ 1:6 Â 10 À7 RIU, which is comparable with the state-of-the-art IO biosensors [11] . We have proven that an excellent sensitivity can be achieved by incorporating the grating couplers as a way to efficiently couple the light into the rib waveguides. This result is an important milestone toward our final objective of assembling a portable LOC platform with multiplexing capabilities while maintaining the sensitivity level for the label-free detection required in the clinical diagnostic field. Next steps include the implementation of the multiplexed biosensors taking advantage of the grating couplers to form waveguide arrays, as well as the evaluation of the robustness of the LOC device in field condition.

We have demonstrated a LOD of Án min ¼ 1:6 Â 10 À7 RIU, which is comparable with the state-of-the-art IO biosensors.


Therefore, there is a strong need to achieve efficient grating couplers operating in the visible range. However, while most works are focused on designing grating couplers with the highest coupling efficiency without any particular constraint, the design of gratings integrated with visible IO biosensors is conditioned by the sensing capabilities of the device. Indeed, grating couplers with high coupling efficiency usually present complex layer structures, including for instance multilayer bottom reflectors [5] , [29] . For biosensing applications, this would not only increase the fabrication complexity of the whole structure but, above all, would drastically affect the biosensor sensitivity.

Indeed, grating couplers with high coupling efficiency usually present complex layer structures, including for instance multilayer bottom reflectors.


Whether other hemodynamic abnormalities such as high cardiac output and pulmonary hypertension (PHT) are directly related to massive splenomegaly is also uncertain. Splenomegalic, transfusion-dependent patients with beta-thalassemia major and intermedia frequently have evidence of a high cardiac output state, left ventricular remodeling and increased pulmonary artery pressure prior to splenectomy. However, these abnormalities were observed to remain unchanged even after splenectomy [29] . PHT has been reported in connection with several hemolytic conditions that are often associated with splenomegaly including various hemoglobinopathies and, more rarely, hereditary spherocytosis [30] [31] [32] . However, the key provocative factor appears to be vasculopathy consequent to a chronic hemolytic state rather than any mechanical effect associated with splenomegaly particularly in view of repeated observations that PHT is much more likely to be encountered in these conditions after rather than prior to splenectomy. PHT in patients with myelofibrosis secondary to myeloproliferative disease is also more likely attributable to combinations of hematopoietic infiltration of the pulmonary parenchyma, thrombocytosis, hypercoagulability associated with chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation, and left ventricular failure than to the mechanical effects of massive splenomegaly although a contribution from splenomegaly-induced portal hypertension and increased abdominal pressure cannot be discounted [33, 34] .

However, these abnormalities were observed to remain unchanged even after splenectomy.

PHT has been reported in connection with several hemolytic conditions that are often associated with splenomegaly including various hemoglobinopathies and, more rarely, hereditary spherocytosis.

PHT in patients with myelofibrosis secondary to myeloproliferative disease is also more likely attributable to combinations of hematopoietic infiltration of the pulmonary parenchyma, thrombocytosis, hypercoagulability associated with chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation, and left ventricular failure than to the mechanical effects of massive splenomegaly although a contribution from splenomegaly-induced portal hypertension and increased abdominal pressure cannot be discounted.


A energy regulation based variable-speed electrohydraulic drive has been proposed in order to improve responsiveness, especially when accelerating [12] . This drive is distinguished from the compound drive by the inclusion of an energy regulation device (ERD). The electric motor-pump cannot always speed up as needed when accelerating, so the ERD releases energy to improve the acceleration response. When decelerating but the electric motor-pump cannot always slow down as needed, so the ERD absorbs redundant hydraulic oil. In other cases, the ERD is turned off.

A energy regulation based variable-speed electrohydraulic drive has been proposed in order to improve responsiveness, especially when accelerating.

In other cases, the ERD is turned off.


In this paper, a calibration procedure will be described and performed on the coil systems of one old AC induction magnetometer -Ferrotester 2738/S-3. As an initial step in the calibration of the magnetometer, a homogeneity of the magnetic field inside a largediameter multilayer solenoid (large solenoid) has been investigated in the prior research [1] . It has been found that the homogeneity zone covers only one third of the solenoid (its central part). A variation of the magnetic field in this zone was less than 1 % of its maximum value. An inner coil system of this magnetometer contains five smaller coils, one coil for measurement of the magnetic field (empty coil) and two pairs of coils in mutual opposition for measurement of the magnetic flux density and magnetisation. The calibration of this coil system, along with the calibration of the magnetising solenoid, will be presented in this paper.

As an initial step in the calibration of the magnetometer, a homogeneity of the magnetic field inside a largediameter multilayer solenoid (large solenoid) has been investigated in the prior research.


China's economy has recently surpassed that of France, Britain, and Italy to become the fourth largest in the world behind the United States, Japan, and Germany. Fueled by doubledigit yearly growth, the nation has crossed this threshold as the result of the phenomenal momentum of a liberalized modern economy (Bradsher 2006) . Increased consumer spending, automobile and home ownership, small business creation, and many other indicators of market activity show an economy that is far from slowing. In fact, although the country's leaders are intent on raising per capita gross domestic product (GDP) to US$3,000 and quadrupling the economy from 2005 to 2020, many experts suspect that even official indicators of economic activity published by the central authorities underestimate the true size and growth rate of the economy.

Fueled by doubledigit yearly growth, the nation has crossed this threshold as the result of the phenomenal momentum of a liberalized modern economy.


The enormous industrial metabolism of China is creating the largest and most rapidly urbanizing nation in the history of the world. The unprecedented additions to new urban building volume dwarf construction in any other country and will strongly influence the metabolism of Chinese cities, the nation as a whole, and the distribution of global resources for many decades to come. Today Shanghai boasts more than 4,000 skyscrapers (18 floors or more) of which 1,000 exceed 100 m in height, far more than New York City. Continued migration to the cities promises to displace more than 75 million farmers during the next five years and possibly 170 million in the next ten (Rousseau and Chen 2001) . In addition, China's population will increase by about 200 million in the next 25 years. If current trends continue (and refrain from accelerating further) 25% to 40% of that additional population will seek housing in urban areas. Together, this could result in between 125 and 175 million additional urban dwellers seeking housing. Much depends on what proportion of China's new population seeks to migrate to urban centers.

Continued migration to the cities promises to displace more than 75 million farmers during the next five years and possibly 170 million in the next ten.


In addition to the general biophysical responses across land cover types, the relative contributions of albedo, Bowen ratio, and roughness to differences in surface temperature can vary by biome and latitude. In the high latitudes, albedo has been recognized as the dominant biophysical forcing factor of land cover on surface climate, primarily due to snow cover (Feddema et al., 2005; Betts et al., 2007; Davin et al., 2007; Burakowski et al., 2016) . In the tropics, forests cool surface temperatures through enhanced evapotranspiration compared to grassland and cropland (Li et al., 2015) . In the mid-latitudes, however, the contribution of LULCC-driven differences in albedo, evapotranspiration, and surface roughness to biophysical forcing of surface climate remains unclear (Bonan 2008) .

In the high latitudes, albedo has been recognized as the dominant biophysical forcing factor of land cover on surface climate, primarily due to snow cover.

In the tropics, forests cool surface temperatures through enhanced evapotranspiration compared to grassland and cropland.

In the mid-latitudes, however, the contribution of LULCC-driven differences in albedo, evapotranspiration, and surface roughness to biophysical forcing of surface climate remains unclear.


In this section, we present an experimental evaluation of our multi-tier cache allocation technique. We conduct experiments on our prototype storage system to evaluate the performance of our approach. We use two applications: TPC-W as the strict SLO (high-priority) application, and RUBiS as the best-effort application. We express the SLO in terms of average data access latency. A data access latency SLO of less than 500µs provides an average query response time below 500ms for both our benchmarks, which closely approximates values used as QoS for the two e-commerce applications in previous studies [28] . Thus, in our utility function, we set D = 500µs, D = 3500µs (the average disk access time), Umin = −100 and Umax = 100. In addition, we experiment with relaxing the SLO by varying the slack ( ) from 10% (D + ≤ 550µs) to 100% (D + ≤ 1000µs). We explore the effects of different application access patterns and the effect of different replacement policies on the optimal cache partitioning. We use 1 database server and 1 storage server, each configured with a 1GB cache.

A data access latency SLO of less than 500µs provides an average query response time below 500ms for both our benchmarks, which closely approximates values used as QoS for the two e-commerce applications in previous studies.


Coordination between the database buffer pool and stor-age cache has already been shown to be an effective mechanism in the context of cache replacement policies [19, 32] . However, coordinated cache replacement is an efficient mechanism for improving the performance of a single application, whereas in the presence of multiple applications, an orthogonal coordinated cache partitioning mechanism is still required. In this paper, we show that integrating our cache partitioning solution with current coordinated cache replacements policies provides further performance improvements that are not achievable using replacement policies alone. Towards addressing the dynamic resource allocation problem in shared server environments, we introduce a novel technique for coordinated cache partitioning of the database server and storage caches. Our technique is independent of the cache replacement policy used at each level and it works with both coordinated and uncoordinated cache replacement policies. Our technique determines per-application resource quotas in each of the two caches on the fly, in a transparent manner, with minimal changes to the DBMS, and no changes to existing interfaces between components. To achieve this, we augment the DBMS with a resource controller in charge of partitioning both the buffer pool and the storage cache between applications. The target is to find a setting that maximizes the overall utility associated with the SLOs of a given set of applications. The resource controller maps the application specified SLO to a target data access latency, which is the average block access latency measured at the database buffer pool required to meet the SLO.

Coordination between the database buffer pool and stor-age cache has already been shown to be an effective mechanism in the context of cache replacement policies.


Biologists and conservationists have expended significant effort to understand the factors that account for the decline in biodiversity, and communicate their importance in a policy context [3, 11] . Understanding the empirical relationship between biodiversity risk and economic growth measures can help ground these efforts. The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis postulates an inverted U-shaped relationship between some environmental degradation measure (graphed on the vertical axis) and some measure of economic growth or welfare, such as the level of per capita income (graphed on the horizontal axis). In other words, under the EKC hypothesis environmental degradation is initially expected to rise with increases in economic development and then fall after per capita income passes beyond a certain critical threshold (or income "turning point"). Mixed empirical evidence in support of the EKC hypothesis has sometimes been construed to imply that countries (or states and regions) can simply grow their economy out of environmental degradation [12, 13] . Yet, many authors are highly skeptical of this idea because of the mixed pattern of evidence supporting the EKC, that many estimated income turning points are at extremely high level, and broader notions of ecological thresholds and environmental carrying capacities [14] .

Biologists and conservationists have expended significant effort to understand the factors that account for the decline in biodiversity, and communicate their importance in a policy context.

Mixed empirical evidence in support of the EKC hypothesis has sometimes been construed to imply that countries (or states and regions) can simply grow their economy out of environmental degradation.

Yet, many authors are highly skeptical of this idea because of the mixed pattern of evidence supporting the EKC, that many estimated income turning points are at extremely high level, and broader notions of ecological thresholds and environmental carrying capacities.


We will focus mainly on the three-torus with H-flux. Although not a true string theory background, this provides an interesting simplified model of the sort of non-geometric effects we are interested in, and the behaviour under T-duality of the string in this background has received plenty of attention [11, 61, 63, [65] [66] [67] [69] [70] [71] [72] . By carrying out T-dualities along the two isometry directions of this model one obtains firstly a twisted torus (with geometric flux) and secondly a non-geometric background (with Q-flux). In the nongeometric background the metric and B-field can only be globally defined up to a T-duality transformation.

Although not a true string theory background, this provides an interesting simplified model of the sort of non-geometric effects we are interested in, and the behaviour under T-duality of the string in this background has received plenty of attention.


The inherited disorders of hemoglobin like sickle cell and β-thalassemia are the commonest monogenic disorders causing major health problem. With a population of over 1.25 billion individuals, it is estimated that India is home to over 50 % of the world's sickle cell disease (SCD) patients (Shrikhande et al 2014; Kate and Lingojwar 2002) . As per the hospital data, the prevalence of sickle gene is found to be 0-18 % in north eastern India, 0-33.5 % in western India, 22.5-44.4 % in central India, and 1-40 % in southern India (Gorakshakar 2006) . Sickle cell is specifically prevalent in some ethnic groups because they have practiced or are practicing endogamy (Shrikhande et al 2014) .

With a population of over 1.25 billion individuals, it is estimated that India is home to over 50 % of the world's sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.

As per the hospital data, the prevalence of sickle gene is found to be 0-18 % in north eastern India, 0-33.5 % in western India, 22.5-44.4 % in central India, and 1-40 % in southern India.

Sickle cell is specifically prevalent in some ethnic groups because they have practiced or are practicing endogamy.


Let G be a compact quantum group. A right coideal is a von Neumann subalgebra of the function algebra on G which is globally invariant under the right translation action of G. Taking the fixed point algebra of a left action of a quantum subgroup gives an example of a right coideal. We say that such a right coideal is of quotient type. When G is an ordinary group, it is well-known that all the right coideals are of quotient type. However, when G is a quantum group, not all the right coideals are realized as quotients [18] , [19] , [22] . This fact presents a contrast between the quantum groups and the ordinary ones.

Let G be a compact quantum group.

However, when G is a quantum group, not all the right coideals are realized as quotients.


Birkhoff sums over an irrational rotation are estimated as follows if the function has bounded variation. If p/q is the periodic continued fraction approximation of α, then |S q | ≤ C for all q implies |S k | ≤ C 1 k 1−1/r log(k) with a k independent constant C, if α is of Diophantine type r (see i.e. [11, 4] ). In the golden mean case, where r = 1, this gives |S k | ≤ K log(k) for some other constant K.

If p/q is the periodic continued fraction approximation of α, then |S q | ≤ C for all q implies |S k | ≤ C 1 k 1−1/r log(k) with a k independent constant C, if α is of Diophantine type r (see i.e.).


Since our focus is on the effects of a preferential FTA we estimate elasticities of substitution across multiple foreign supply sources. We do not use cross-exporter variation in prices or tariffs alone. Exporter price series exhibit a high degree of multicolinearity, and in any case, would be subject to unmeasured quality variation as described previously. Similarly, tariff variation by itself is typically unhelpful because by their very nature, Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs are nondiscriminatory, affecting all suppliers in the same way. Tariff preferences, where they exist, are often difficult to measure -sometimes being confounded by quantitative barriers, rules of origin, and other restrictions. Instead we employ a unique data set drawing on not only tariffs, but also bilateral transportation costs for goods traded internationally (Hummels, 1999) . Transportation costs vary much more widely than do tariffs, allowing more precise estimation of the trade elasticities that are central to CGE analysis of FTAs. We have highly disaggregated commodity trade flow data, and are therefore able to provide estimates that precisely match the commodity aggregation scheme employed in the subsequent CGE model. We follow the GTAP Version 5.0 aggregation scheme which includes 42 merchandise trade commodities covering food products, natural resources and manufactured goods.

Instead we employ a unique data set drawing on not only tariffs, but also bilateral transportation costs for goods traded internationally.


We conclude that during early postdrainage development, competition among trees, if any, was symmetric. The steady change from positively skewed to normal to clearly negatively skewed DBH distributions towards the end of the 60year postdrainage stand development is evidence of increasing asymmetric intertree competition (Cannell et al. 1984; Cannell and Grace 1993; Schwinning and Weiner 1998) . The asymmetric competition was not intensive enough to result in distinct differentiation of separate tree layers, but the range of tree diameters slightly increased. On the other hand, size inequality among trees remained rather constant after an initial slight increase following drainage. This suggests a simultaneous component of symmetric competition (Weiner 1990) .

The steady change from positively skewed to normal to clearly negatively skewed DBH distributions towards the end of the 60year postdrainage stand development is evidence of increasing asymmetric intertree competition.

This suggests a simultaneous component of symmetric competition.


TBI sustained during deployment is considered a significant predictor of the development of PTSD (Yurgil et al., 2014) . Clinical symptoms of TBI and PTSD also have significant overlap and include sleep disruption, cognitive impairments (such as decreased memory or concentration), depression, and anxiety, to name a few (Dolan et al., 2012) . Comorbid TBI and PTSD is a complex condition for which 'personalized medicine' methods would be tremendously useful. The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE), a military treatment centre at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland, US, utilises a four-week interdisciplinary programme for active duty SMs diagnosed with TBI and underlying psychological health conditions to include PTSD. A holistic care model is used to individualise diagnosis and treatment for the patient. The centre uses state-of-the-art neuroimaging and behavioural health/rehabilitative medical practices including an array of integrative treatments such as creative arts therapies to include art, music, and dance/movement therapy, which are psychotherapeutic in nature. Other integrative mind-body and wellness techniques, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, canine-assisted therapy, therapeutic writing, guided imagery, and biofeedback-assisted relaxation techniques, provide the SMs myriad treatment choices.

TBI sustained during deployment is considered a significant predictor of the development of PTSD.

Clinical symptoms of TBI and PTSD also have significant overlap and include sleep disruption, cognitive impairments (such as decreased memory or concentration), depression, and anxiety, to name a few.


A key benefit of art therapy as observed by the authors is that the creative and psychotherapeutic processes provide patients with the opportunity to freely express symptoms and associated trauma, which are not merely physical in nature. The ability to express specific experiences, emotions or memories and the associated granularity/richness of those subjective psychological elements cannot fully be expressed with standard clinical testing. Cognitive and physical tasks involved in art-making can offer assessment opportunities, outcome improvement, and therapeutic, artistic, and verbal processing of the injury experience (David, 1999; Walker et al., 2017) . The 'open canvas' concept of art therapy, therefore, offers a more robust and holistic option for describing trauma and disability in a respectful and dignified manner. This small case series illustrates the potential for combining personal, subjective and individualised patient outcomes in art therapy, and objective measures of brain activity and function with advanced fMRI. The integration of art therapy helps to better engage the patient in the treatment process, offers an additional perspective of the patient with complex injuries, and serves as a catalyst for personalised medicine.

Cognitive and physical tasks involved in art-making can offer assessment opportunities, outcome improvement, and therapeutic, artistic, and verbal processing of the injury experience.


Art therapy provides outward physical representations of thoughts, emotions, and feelings with unconstrained creative opportunity for self-representation which may provide a surrogate of 'state of mind' as captured by task-free resting state fMRI. Resting state fMRI is thought to provide a means to measure one's 'state of mind' when the brain switches states during the absence or presence of stimuli. However, 'state of mind' is a complex idea and is determined by many factors such as emotions, feelings, and pathology which are often represented as differences in connectivity patterns in resting state fMRI. In this case series, the injured/traumatic group demonstrated lower DMN connectivity and entropy on resting state fMRI suggesting they could not put their minds at ease during rest. This group also demonstrated higher PTSD scores of which rumination and constant stress is a common symptom. For these patients, art therapy may help signal the shift from the survival brain, which is focused on self-preservation, to the learning brain, which is relaxed and receptive to new information (Ford, 2009; Tripp, 2016) . However, future studies with larger sample sizes will be required to demonstrate correlations of art therapy results and the state of the human brain. Follow-up studies including fMRI pre-and post-treatment are needed to support the idea that engagement in art therapy can help to create healthier brain function and connectivity. Performing brain scans before and after art therapy treatment has the potential to monitor and demonstrate changes in the brain induced by not only maskmaking but other directives used within art therapy, as well.

For these patients, art therapy may help signal the shift from the survival brain, which is focused on self-preservation, to the learning brain, which is relaxed and receptive to new information.


The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of the laser power in Ti6Al4V powder sintering on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of the final product. The opportunity to modify the surface morphology of implants by an abrasive blasting with two blasting abrasives is verified as well. The influence of sintering parameters on final properties of material in DMLS technology [23] .

The influence of sintering parameters on final properties of material in DMLS technology.


On the other hand, neural networks have been proven to be one of the most practical effects in modelling and forecasting [1] . There are three major advantages of neural networks. First, neural networks are able to learn any 2 complex non-linear mapping. Second, they do not make a priori assumption about the distribution of data. Third, they are very flexible with respect to incomplete, missing and noise data and therefore eliminate concern about this issue [2] . Moreover, neural networks, regardless of the region and country, are a general solution in all areas.

On the other hand, neural networks have been proven to be one of the most practical effects in modelling and forecasting.

Third, they are very flexible with respect to incomplete, missing and noise data and therefore eliminate concern about this issue.


Data from the WHO in 2004 suggest that the estimated agestandardized mortality from CV disease may be up to three times higher in some SSA countries than in some countries of Europe [21] . As many rural populations in SSA are undergoing an epidemiological transition towards a more urban (or Western) way of life, the prevalence of hypertension as well as other CV risk factors in many of these areas may be on the increase. Previous epidemiological studies from many SSA countries have shown higher prevalence of hypertension in urban compared to rural areas. Result of the International Collaborative Study of Hypertension in Blacks [ICSHIB]) in seven populations of West African origin have shown a lower prevalence of hypertension in more rural West Africa where one in seven adults was found to be hypertensive compared with one in three adults in the United States (using the cut-off of 140/90 mm Hg) [22] . Even within West Africa, the ICSHIB study found that the prevalence of hypertension was higher in urban than in rural Cameroon whether blood pressure cut-off was taken as $140/90 mmHg (19.1% vs 15.4%) or $160/95 mmHg (8.7% vs 6.1%) [22] . Our study shows a reversal of that trend, with a slightly higher prevalence of hypertension in rural compared to urban parts of Abia state (32.0% vs 30.7%). We believe a large part of this can be explained not only by the differences in income, education or use of smokeless tobacco between rural and urban dwellers but by the similarities in their diet (Table 2) . Age might also have played a role for the differences in hypertension prevalence between urban and rural dwellers in our study as rural dwellers were older than urban dwellers and age is a strong determinant of hypertension in this study (Tables 1 and 5 ). In Africa, rural dwellers are frequently peasants with low income and are often assumed to more likely consume a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This may not always hold true, as this study has shown a similar proportion of urban and rural dwellers who consume inadequate amounts of fruits and vegetables (69.8% vs 70.9%). This could therefore indicate an increased adoption of the unhealthy lifestyles that predispose to hypertension among rural dwellers. Although a recent study from the same region in Nigeria reported a higher prevalence of hypertension in urban dwellers, there was significant under-sampling from the rural area in that study [23] .

Data from the WHO in 2004 suggest that the estimated agestandardized mortality from CV disease may be up to three times higher in some SSA countries than in some countries of Europe.

Result of the International Collaborative Study of Hypertension in Blacks [ICSHIB]) in seven populations of West African origin have shown a lower prevalence of hypertension in more rural West Africa where one in seven adults was found to be hypertensive compared with one in three adults in the United States (using the cut-off of 140/90 mm Hg).

Even within West Africa, the ICSHIB study found that the prevalence of hypertension was higher in urban than in rural Cameroon whether blood pressure cut-off was taken as $140/90 mmHg (19.1% vs 15.4%) or $160/95 mmHg (8.7% vs 6.1%).

Although a recent study from the same region in Nigeria reported a higher prevalence of hypertension in urban dwellers, there was significant under-sampling from the rural area in that study.


Finally, for observed residuals distribution normality was estimated. The estimation of normality distribution was performed according to the Shapiro-Wilks, as it has become the preferred test of normality because of its good power properties as compared to a wide range of alternative tests (for example widely used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test) [29] . Moreover it is rather seldom discussed the problem of statistical evaluation of neural networks experiments [30] .

The estimation of normality distribution was performed according to the Shapiro-Wilks, as it has become the preferred test of normality because of its good power properties as compared to a wide range of alternative tests (for example widely used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test).

Moreover it is rather seldom discussed the problem of statistical evaluation of neural networks experiments.


The basic parameters of fresh mineral oil are presented in Table 2 , where GOZ150 is lubricity parameter, so-called limiting load of wear, determined at the rotational speed of 500 rpm, under constant load of P = 147.15 daN (150 kG) within the 60-second run [22] . The characteristics of friction torque and temperature were very stable for all chosen conditions in the test 1, as it is shown in Fig. 6 . Mass decrease of oil was generally about 0.05 to 0.3 g and was in good and significant correlation with averaged bearing temperature (r = 0.7438). TAN values of oil samples from the bearings were in the range of 1.04 -4.24 mgKOH/g and did not change significantly compared to the fresh oil. The tendency was also confirmed in the research of FTIR spectrums and showed no meaningful structural changes in oxidation products area (Fig. 7) . Antiwear additive peak was not also decreased dramatically. It was characteristic for the test 1 that the most intensive changes were observed for peaks 1244 cm -1 and 1150 cm -1 indicating the presence of C-O structure. Comparing the results after test 2 achieved characteristics of friction torque were stable at temperature of 60 and 80 °C. During the tests at 130 °C friction torque was unstable and all the bearings were seizured shortly before 500 hour. Consequently, a 1000 hour test at highest temperature was not performed. The mass loss of oil was also measured and its highest value was observed for the bearings tested at 130 °C. TAN values of oil samples extracted from the bearings were in the range of 1.29…4.02 mgKOH/g after the test at 60 and 80 °C. However increase of the temperature resulted in much higher values of TAN reaching even 27.07 mgKOH/g. FTIR spectrums of investigated oils proved that tendency (Fig. 8) .

The basic parameters of fresh mineral oil are presented in Table 2 , where GOZ150 is lubricity parameter, so-called limiting load of wear, determined at the rotational speed of 500 rpm, under constant load of P = 147.15 daN (150 kG) within the 60-second run.


Selection bias occurs if the error term of the outcome equation in the selected sample, i.e. the seasonal versus longer-term choice, is correlated with the error term of the selection equation, i.e. the general migration decision (Wooldridge 2002) . Since the same person or household who makes the decision to migrate also makes the decision whether to migrate seasonally or permanently, it is possible that the error terms in the two equations are indeed correlated. This would render our approach of separate logit models invalid, even for our comparative purposes.

Selection bias occurs if the error term of the outcome equation in the selected sample, i.e. the seasonal versus longer-term choice, is correlated with the error term of the selection equation, i.e. the general migration decision.


Seasonal and permanent migration are likely to have very different consequences for migrant-sending and migrant-receiving countries. The labour market effects in the source country are certainly less severe if large proportions of the migrants are "only" seasonal. Also, seasonal migrants are usually not accompanied or followed by their family members, which can make a huge difference for receiving countries. Additionally, seasonal migrants tend to work illegally abroad, many under dismal conditions. In fact, due to their short stay in the host country and given their mostly irregular status many seasonal migrants are forced to accept harsh working conditions (Okólski 2004) . Taken together, it could be of much interest to policymakers to understand which households typically choose for seasonal migration and which ones engage in longer-term or even permanent migration.

In fact, due to their short stay in the host country and given their mostly irregular status many seasonal migrants are forced to accept harsh working conditions.


The human spine consists of 33 vertebral bodies which with the exception of C1 and C2, and the sacrum, are separated by an intervertebral disc (IVD) [17] . This is a specialized structure consisting of three interdependent tissues, the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposus (NP) which are sandwiched in part between two cartilage endplates (CEP) that are integrated to the adjacent vertebral bodies [43, 104] . The outer annulus fibrosus is responsible for withstanding tensile stresses primarily (circumferential, longitudinal and torsion), the NP compressive stress and the inner annulus a mixture of both [43, 104] . Together these can handle more load than each tissue alone stressing the importance of intact properly integrated structures. The cartilage endplate plays a critical role in maintaining the viability of nucleus pulposus cells [42, 74] . It also prevents protrusion of the nucleus pulposus into the adjacent vertebral body. Thus all three tissues are critical to the proper functioning of the disc.

The human spine consists of 33 vertebral bodies which with the exception of C1 and C2, and the sacrum, are separated by an intervertebral disc (IVD).

This is a specialized structure consisting of three interdependent tissues, the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposus (NP) which are sandwiched in part between two cartilage endplates (CEP) that are integrated to the adjacent vertebral bodies.

The outer annulus fibrosus is responsible for withstanding tensile stresses primarily (circumferential, longitudinal and torsion), the NP compressive stress and the inner annulus a mixture of both.

The cartilage endplate plays a critical role in maintaining the viability of nucleus pulposus cells.


Our technique relies on a number of configuration parameters described in Sec. 4: the calibration parameter α shaping the distribution of scores and the weight map w balancing weights of specific relationship types. We fine-tuned these parameters using the hill climbing optimization technique [6] . Our goal was to find a single combination of parameter values yielding the best average accuracy for all cases. The motivation for doing so was the premise that a configuration that achieved good results on most members of a set of unrelated class models might produce good results on other class models, too. The results are summarized in Table 2 .

We fine-tuned these parameters using the hill climbing optimization technique.

The results are summarized in Table 2 .


The dynamics across the phase transition is well understood by the Kibble-Zurek mechanism [9, 10] . The scenario of the Kibble-Zurek mechanism is described as follows. Suppose that the system is driven from a disordered state to an ordered state by changing a parameter with a finite speed. The order parameter of the system in the initial state is uniformly zero. When the parameter comes close to the critical point, the healing time is so long that the parameter is changed further before the system attains the static state. Hence the system cannot evolves into the perfectly ordered state after the parameter passes through the critical point. The system after evolution consists of domains with different phases of the order parameter. The average of the domain size, i.e., the correlation length grows with decreasing the changing speed of the parameter. The growing rate is a universal function of the changing speed.

The dynamics across the phase transition is well understood by the Kibble-Zurek mechanism.


From the late 1980s, a second wave of research appeared. This second wave embraces a resurgence of the interests of the first wave, which is concerned on the interactions and relationships between individuals, but it is characterized by its focus on the exchanges and linkages between organizations (Powell, Koput & Smith-Doerr, 1996; Håkansson, 1987; Burt, 1980) . Last years, part of this trend has also looked at the effect of individual relationships such as trust, commitment or conflict on the strategic goals on alliance performance in a separate way (Cullen, Johnson & Sakano, 2000; Luo, 2008; Perry, Sengupta & Krapfel, 2004; Das & Teng, 1998; Nielsen & Nielsen, 2009; Jiang, Jiang, Cai & Liu, 2015) .

This second wave embraces a resurgence of the interests of the first wave, which is concerned on the interactions and relationships between individuals, but it is characterized by its focus on the exchanges and linkages between organizations.

Last years, part of this trend has also looked at the effect of individual relationships such as trust, commitment or conflict on the strategic goals on alliance performance in a separate way.


In the production of quality cast irons the inoculation process is of vital importance. When comparing un-inoculated and inoculated irons, differences in microstructure are easily revealed with strong effect on the final mechanical properties of the casting. Through inoculation the graphite nucleation and eutectic under-cooling of the iron can be controlled and this will be of crucial importance in giving the iron its required service properties [11] . Inoculation introduces additional nuclei which cause graphite precipitation and reduces the under-cooling and formation of carbides [12] .

Through inoculation the graphite nucleation and eutectic under-cooling of the iron can be controlled and this will be of crucial importance in giving the iron its required service properties.

Inoculation introduces additional nuclei which cause graphite precipitation and reduces the under-cooling and formation of carbides.


Pouring very thin sections ductile iron presents danger of massive carbide precipitation [8] . The time after spheroidal treatment (holding time) has significant effect on the elongation, but negiligble effect on the tensile strength and hardness of TWDI castings. The graphite shape is also influenced by the holding time [7] . The wall thickness of spheroidal graphite cast iron has very strong effect on the graphite size and shape of the castings [9] .

Pouring very thin sections ductile iron presents danger of massive carbide precipitation.

The graphite shape is also influenced by the holding time.

The wall thickness of spheroidal graphite cast iron has very strong effect on the graphite size and shape of the castings.


The fast cooling of thin section ductile iron castings requires special consideration to produce carbide-free castings [4] . The common feature that all ductile irons share is the spherical shape of the graphite nodules. These graphite nodules are nucleated on small inclusions during solidification [5] . The relative possibilities for nucleation and growth depend upon foreign particles in the melt, whether as trace impurities or as deliberate additions [6] . The amount and form of graphite in ductile iron are determined during solidification and cannot be altered by subsequent heat treatment. The principal factor in determining the different grades of ductile iron in specifications is the matrix structure [7] . In the as-cast condition the matrix will consist of varying proportions of pearlite and ferrite, these can be further altered by heat treatment.

The fast cooling of thin section ductile iron castings requires special consideration to produce carbide-free castings.

These graphite nodules are nucleated on small inclusions during solidification.

The relative possibilities for nucleation and growth depend upon foreign particles in the melt, whether as trace impurities or as deliberate additions.

The principal factor in determining the different grades of ductile iron in specifications is the matrix structure.


In the production of sound Thin Wall Ductile Iron (TWDI) castings, adequate melt treatment involving efficient inoculation and nodularization are imperative. There should be synergy between these two important treatments for the production of good nodularity, high nodule count and carbide free TWDI. Nodularization treatment is carried out first and followed by a two step inoculation treatment. Nodularization treatment is a modification treatment where the shape of the graphite is changed from flake to spheroid or nodules. This shape is responsible for the peculiar properties of ductile iron. Inoculation is followed immediately to facilitate heterogeneous nucleation for increase nodule count and suppression of carbide formation. Prior to the nodule treatment, it is important to ensure the melt is very low in sulphur (0.01% ≤ S ≤ 0.03%). The ferroalloys of ferrosilicon-magnesium and ferrosilicon used for these treatments have fading tendencies. Thus, the melt have to be poured into the mould within a maximum period of seven minutes after the nodularization treatment is done or the treatments would be ineffective. Temperature and treatment technique would affect nodularity and nodule count which in turn influences mechanical properties. The suppression of carbide formation is associated with the nucleating properties of the nodularizer and innoculant alloys. The nucleating property is understood as the number and potency of nuclei formed by the alloy addition. The nodularizer and innoculant additions also influence ductile iron solidification shrinkage [1] .

The nodularizer and innoculant additions also influence ductile iron solidification shrinkage.


Eye movement disorders include difficulty maintaining the position of the eyes and in coordinating their movement. As well as making it difficult to search, eye movement disorders can affect perception of depth (MacIntosh, 2003) . A recent retrospective study of over 11,000 participants enrolled in stroke trials estimated the incidence of stroke-related visual field deficit or eye movement disorders to be 60%; with 35% having HH (Ali et al., 2013) . Recovery of field loss and eye movements occurs in the early weeks after stroke but is often partial; about 28% are left with complete HH 90 days post stroke (Ali et al., 2013) .

As well as making it difficult to search, eye movement disorders can affect perception of depth.

A recent retrospective study of over 11,000 participants enrolled in stroke trials estimated the incidence of stroke-related visual field deficit or eye movement disorders to be 60%; with 35% having HH.

Recovery of field loss and eye movements occurs in the early weeks after stroke but is often partial; about 28% are left with complete HH 90 days post stroke.


Video recordings were analysed using a framework developed by occupational therapy researchers. Framework analysis allows complex cross-sectional descriptive data to be managed and analysed systematically and transparently (Pope et al., 2000) . The method can be used deductively as well as inductively. Framework analysis comprises four main stages: familiarisation with the data, identification of thematic framework, indexing and charting, mapping and interpretation. The framework was informed by consideration of visual search, motor learning and occupational therapy literature and by viewing the first video. Initial framework headings developed from the literature were 'Environment', 'Structure of Task', 'Scanning and Search', 'Techniques and Approaches', 'Education and Advice' and 'Other Points'. These headings were considered to provide coverage of aspects of occupational therapy intervention specific to visual scanning training, learning theory approaches and other person-centred considerations which may have influenced the therapist's actions. The columns in the framework beneath each heading allowed the researchers to make annotations about the therapist's actions observed on the video recordings.

Framework analysis allows complex cross-sectional descriptive data to be managed and analysed systematically and transparently.


There is also recognition that the occupational therapy profession should be more active in vision rehabilitation (Warren, 2011a) . A recent survey of current occupational therapy practice for visual problems in inpatient stroke services in Scotland found that out of 55 occupational therapy inpatient stroke services 45 (82%) deliver treatment to patients with SN and 38 (69%) report treating HH; suggesting that a striking 31% do not. The most common treatments reported for both disorders were ADL training and scanning training (Pollock et al., 2011a) . The respondents also reported providing information and environmental modifications. Barriers to the management of visual problems after stroke included: lack of protocols (33/55, 60%), lack of awareness of best practice treatment options (25/55; 45%) and lack of specialist training (27/55, 49%). The picture is likely to be similar throughout the United Kingdom (UK).

There is also recognition that the occupational therapy profession should be more active in vision rehabilitation.

The most common treatments reported for both disorders were ADL training and scanning training.


Spatial neglect (SN) is a syndrome of behaviours characterised by a failure to attend to one side of space. Leftsided neglect is a common manifestation of right middle cerebral artery stroke because the cortical areas of the right hemisphere involved in spatial attention are extensive . Estimates of the incidence of SN after stroke are based on small studies and results vary greatly according to the samples selected and measures used (Bowen et al., 1999) . A good estimate of recovery rates was provided by a study of 66 consecutive patients admitted to a district general hospital with right hemisphere stroke (Cassidy et al., 1998) . Forty per cent of the sample showed signs of SN when assessed using a battery of tests in the first week; three months later this figure reduced to 9%. SN and HH often co-occur, but both can occur alone.

Estimates of the incidence of SN after stroke are based on small studies and results vary greatly according to the samples selected and measures used.

A good estimate of recovery rates was provided by a study of 66 consecutive patients admitted to a district general hospital with right hemisphere stroke.


In the absence of severe motor impairments, communication or swallowing difficulties, many people with visual field loss are often regarded as having only minor disabilities and may be discharged from hospital within a few days of admission with little or no rehabilitation provided (personal observation, author PC). Yet a recent research priority setting study highlighted visual impairment post stroke as a significant problem. The James Lind Alliance priority setting exercise for stroke rehabilitation research in Scotland, which consulted people with stroke, their carers' and professionals has 'What are the best ways to treat visual problems after stroke?' at number 5 in its top 10 research questions (Pollock et al., 2012) .

The James Lind Alliance priority setting exercise for stroke rehabilitation research in Scotland, which consulted people with stroke, their carers' and professionals has 'What are the best ways to treat visual problems after stroke?' at number 5 in its top 10 research questions.


Disordered visual search after stroke is caused by three common problems: visual field loss, impaired eye movements and impaired visuo-spatial attention or neglect. Visual field loss results from disruption to the visual pathways causing part of the field of view to be lost from both eyes, so that the person is unable to see part of a scene on one side. The side and size of the visual field deficit depends on the site in the visual pathway that is interrupted by stroke (Fahle, 2003) . Loss of half the field is known as homonymous hemianopia (HH).

The side and size of the visual field deficit depends on the site in the visual pathway that is interrupted by stroke.


Mathematical models have been used to help understand the dynamics of viral infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C infection [11, 12] . Following these approaches, dynamic models were developed to analyze the changes in hepatitis B virus levels during drug therapy [13, 14, 15, 10] . In this article,we develop a HBV transmission model. The infectious class is divided into two stages, such as acute infectious and chronic infectious stage. Thus, the total population is divided into four compartments, S(t) susceptible, I 1 (t) infected with acute hepatitis B, I 2 (t) infected with chronic hepatitis B and R(t) recovered individuals.

Mathematical models have been used to help understand the dynamics of viral infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C infection.

Following these approaches, dynamic models were developed to analyze the changes in hepatitis B virus levels during drug therapy.


This infection has two possible phases: (1) acute and (2) chronic. Acute hepatitis B infection lasts less than six months. If the disease is acute, your immune system is usually able to clear the virus from your body, and you should recover completely within a few months. Most people who acquire hepatitis B as adults have an acute infection. Chronic hepatitis B infection lasts six months or longer. Most infants infected with HBV at birth and many children infected between 1 and 6 years of age become chronically infected [7] .

Most infants infected with HBV at birth and many children infected between 1 and 6 years of age become chronically infected.


Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is a major global health problem. It can cause chronic liver disease and chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer [7] . Infections of hepatitis B occur only if the virus is able to enter the blood stream and reach the liver. Once in the liver, the virus reproduces and releases large numbers of new viruses into the blood stream [8] .

It is a major global health problem.

It can cause chronic liver disease and chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

Once in the liver, the virus reproduces and releases large numbers of new viruses into the blood stream.


In recent years, efforts have been made to better understand GBMs through basic researches (molecular and genetic) [4] . Generally, individual gene or protein assays used alone or in combination with histological features do not predict the survival of GBM patients and are unable to guide therapeutic decisions. Although the genes and proteins themselves may play a role in the biology of GBM, their utility as diagnostic or prognostic markers is not yet clear, perhaps due to molecular heterogeneity within the tumor groupings.

In recent years, efforts have been made to better understand GBMs through basic researches (molecular and genetic).


Deregulation processes during the last two decades across many developed economies have motivated the need for more accurate forecasting tools of electricity markets [1] . Short-term electricity prices forecasting is required by producers and consumers to derive their bidding strategies to the electricity market. Deregulation brings electricity prices uncertainty, placing higher requirements on forecasting [2] . Therefore, price forecasting tools are essential for all market participants for their survival under deregulated environment [3] . In most competitive electricity markets the series of prices presents the following features: high frequency, non-constant mean and variance, daily and weekly seasonality, calendar effect on weekend and public holidays, high volatility and high percentage of unusual prices [4] .

Deregulation processes during the last two decades across many developed economies have motivated the need for more accurate forecasting tools of electricity markets.

Deregulation brings electricity prices uncertainty, placing higher requirements on forecasting.

Therefore, price forecasting tools are essential for all market participants for their survival under deregulated environment.

In most competitive electricity markets the series of prices presents the following features: high frequency, non-constant mean and variance, daily and weekly seasonality, calendar effect on weekend and public holidays, high volatility and high percentage of unusual prices.


In this paper, we propose a general method to automatically detect both the 3D location and direction of both dyadic (vertebrate) and polyadic (fruit fly) synaptic contacts. The proposed algorithm is designed to predict the proximity (and polarity, as we will explain later) of every 3D voxel to a synaptic cleft using a deep fully convolutional network, namely a U-net [16] . A set of putative locations, along with their connection direction estimates, are computed given a segmentation of the volume and the voxelwise prediction from the U-net. A second stage of pruning, performed by a deep convolutional network, then trims the set of candidates to produce the final prediction of 3D synaptic cleft locations and the corresponding directions.

The proposed algorithm is designed to predict the proximity (and polarity, as we will explain later) of every 3D voxel to a synaptic cleft using a deep fully convolutional network, namely a U-net.


While fully explaining observed asymmetries in following behavior is beyond the scope of this article, we suggest that the differences could lie in both supply-side and demandside factors. Partisan outlets in the conservative media ecosystem are simply not a mirror image of the mainstream news outlets that they often position themselves against. Opinion plays an outsize role in this ecosystem, while it is only a part of what mainstream news organizations produce. By the same token, professional journalistic norms are not as widely established in partisan conservative media, so that conservatives with a taste for both traditionally reported news and congenial opinion may need to sample more widely than liberals with analogous tastes (Grossmann & Hopkins, 2016) . On the demand side, some have argued that conservatives rely on a wider set of moral foundations than liberals, leading to greater "moral pluralism" and more willingness to engage with different belief systems (Graham, Haidt, & Nosek, 2009) . We suspect that the answer may also be related to the other pattern revealed in our data-that the most conservative respondents in our sample tended to have one of two distinct media diets, with ideological distributions either centered around more mainstream news outlets or skewed exclusively toward strongly right-wing sources. Our research design also allowed us to explore distinctions between accounts followed, on one hand, and all tweets potentially seen, on the other. When analyzing social media diets using all "received" tweets, we find similar levels of overlap between users at the opposite ends of the political spectrum than when looking only at accounts followed. Also, when looking at received tweets instead of accounts, larger shares of the most liberal and conservative respondents are potentially exposed to counter-attitudinal content. We additionally find that retweets lead to somewhat more ideologically heterogeneous information environments than looking at directly authored tweets alone. The magnitude of this difference is statistically significant but not especially large, with the exception of tweets from politicians. This suggests the limits of weak ties as conduits for incidental exposure to diverse content on Twitter. By contrast, we note that the relatively moderating effect of incidental exposure to retweetsresulting in more conservative information environments for liberal users and more liberal ones for conservative users on average-appears robust and substantial.

By the same token, professional journalistic norms are not as widely established in partisan conservative media, so that conservatives with a taste for both traditionally reported news and congenial opinion may need to sample more widely than liberals with analogous tastes.

On the demand side, some have argued that conservatives rely on a wider set of moral foundations than liberals, leading to greater "moral pluralism" and more willingness to engage with different belief systems.


In recent years environmental awareness has significantly increased and this has prompted Sappi Saiccor to discover ways of improving the quality of the mill's effluent before it is disposed of into the sea. At present, a large proportion of the calcium spent liquor effluent is pumped to an adjacent plant, where the crude lignosulphonates are recovered for commercial purposes (Thubron, 2002) . In addition, the effluent from the magnesium pulp section is greatly reduced during the recovery process of the magnesium oxide base material. The only waste going to the effluent stream in this section is in the form of a condensate formed during the evaporation of the liquor. Saiccor's next step has been towards the characterisation of the effluent with the intention of identifying any commercially exploitable compounds, which can be extracted and marketed, thereby further reducing the impact of their industrial waste effluent on the environment.

At present, a large proportion of the calcium spent liquor effluent is pumped to an adjacent plant, where the crude lignosulphonates are recovered for commercial purposes.


Recent studies have concentrated on the isolation and characterisation of lignosulphonates from spent bisulphite liquor. A large number of sulphonated lignin-derived monomers and dimers have been isolated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Bialski et al., 1986; Luthe, 1990) . Examples of such compounds include 1-syringyl-2-propene-1-sulphonic acid, methyl-3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulphonate, 3-guiacylpropanal-3-sulphonic acid and 1,2-disulphonomethyl-1-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-propane (Bialski et al., 1986; Luthe, 1990) .

A large number of sulphonated lignin-derived monomers and dimers have been isolated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Examples of such compounds include 1-syringyl-2-propene-1-sulphonic acid, methyl-3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulphonate, 3-guiacylpropanal-3-sulphonic acid and 1,2-disulphonomethyl-1-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-propane.


The Sappi Saiccor factory is situated at Umkomaas, 50 km south of Durban. It is the world's single largest manufacturer of chemical cellulose with the capacity to produce up to 560 000t of dissolving pulp per year (depending on grade mix), most of which is exported to Europe, America and Asia. It is also renowned for being the first company to produce high-grade chemical cellulose from the Eucalyptus tree (Thubron, 2002) . Sappi Saiccor is one of the few pulp mills that produces chemical cellulose by the acid sulphite process, using both calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) as bases. The wood chips are cooked in large digesters with liquor under high temperature (140°C) and pressure (10 bar). This process renders the lignin and hemicellulose in the wood soluble, so that it can then be washed out into the effluent streams. The four main streams of non-recovered effluent, that is, the calcium spent liquor, the magnesium pulp condensate and the two streams from the bleaching stages combine to form the main effluent stream before being pumped out to sea through a 7 km pipeline. Thus, the main effluent should contain a large proportion of lignins and lignosulphonates, as the main aim of the process is to produce a high-grade cellulose pulp free of lignin. Other components of the effluent would be hemicelluloses, resin acids, tannins and sugars.

It is also renowned for being the first company to produce high-grade chemical cellulose from the Eucalyptus tree.


It must, however, be noted that the demographic pattern of adolescent immigrants families differs between four developed countries with large immigrant population. Canada, the country cited as having no differences between the achievement of immigrant and native adolescents, has adolescent immigrant students living with highly educated parents with relatively high occupational status. On the other hand, in France and Germany, where there is a huge disparity between immigrant and native students, few immigrant students came from families with substantial educational resources. It is important to point out that the French and German data underestimate the situation of adolescents who are immigrants in those countries because only students were sampled by the PISA 2003 data collection. It was only in recent years that foreign-born adolescents were given the same rights to education as the citizens of France. In addition, immigration flows into France have been small compared to Germany as their immigration policies in the past decade have shifted providing for only asylum seekers [33] . In Germany, as in many European countries, although the educational system is considered open for all, the language acuity requirement for the secondary students keeps out many immigrants [33] .

In addition, immigration flows into France have been small compared to Germany as their immigration policies in the past decade have shifted providing for only asylum seekers.

In Germany, as in many European countries, although the educational system is considered open for all, the language acuity requirement for the secondary students keeps out many immigrants.


Although educational strategies are important in understanding student achievement, a host of studies have demonstrated that the family is a major contributor to students' educational success [2, [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . However, several studies have reported inconsistent results on whether family characteristics predict achievement among immigrant students [10] [11] [12] . Those inconsistencies may be due to the fact that the samples were drawn from different countries, students in each study were of different ages, and achievement was measured differently across studies. For this study we utilize PISA 2003 data to examine family characteristics of immigrant adolescent students in countries that receive a high number of immigrants and investigate how those characteristics are associated with educational outcomes. It is our contention that focusing on just the immigrant adolescents, in contrast to seeking a comparison with the native-born students, will reveal the complexities of profiling educational success within the adolescent immigrant students and in so doing will enrich the present policy discourse as schools seek to facilitate the academic success of this growing population of students within their classrooms.

Although educational strategies are important in understanding student achievement, a host of studies have demonstrated that the family is a major contributor to students' educational success.

However, several studies have reported inconsistent results on whether family characteristics predict achievement among immigrant students.


Third, educational policy within nations should be based on empirical findings about the diversity of the immigrant population and the value of family involvement within immigrant populations. A report about the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act, a central educational policy document in the USA, identified increased parental involvement as a priority to increase the academic success of immigrant students [36] . Nationally representative studies need to examine associations between parent involvement and educational success taking into account the diversity of the immigrant student population. It is likely that the success of parent involvement strategies will depend on how aligned they are with cultural practices and beliefs. Unfortunately, we could not examine more about parent involvement. The PISA 2003 data did not collect information on some potentially important family processes such as parental monitoring of the adolescent, parent school communication, or parent attendance at school events or conferences.

A report about the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act, a central educational policy document in the USA, identified increased parental involvement as a priority to increase the academic success of immigrant students.


Linguistic acuity also has been identified as a key contributor to school success and academic achievement. Some scholars argue that discontinuities between conversation patterns at home and school have a negative impact on academic achievement [22, 23] . Others focus on the effect that speaking a different language at home may have on school achievement because students with limited practice speaking the school language have restricted abilities to understand or express themselves in school. Current research, however, raises questions about that argument. Some researchers have discovered that speaking a different home language than what is spoken in school does not have a negative impact on academic achievement [24] . Bilingualism may offer cognitive advantages. Thus, this study will examine how home language affects academic achievement using the PISA 2003 data on the four identified resettlement countries.

Some scholars argue that discontinuities between conversation patterns at home and school have a negative impact on academic achievement.

Some researchers have discovered that speaking a different home language than what is spoken in school does not have a negative impact on academic achievement.


Family structure is another important characteristic related to achievement [20] . Children living in single parent homes typically have access to less financial and social capital than children living in households with multiple adults. Single parents are shouldering the burden of family responsibilities alone and might not have as much time to devote to fostering their children's education. Therefore, family structure is considered as potentially relevant to adolescent education in this study.

Family structure is another important characteristic related to achievement.


Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common and account for a significant burden of hospital admissions and associated healthcare expenditure [1] . Treatment has become more challenging due to an ageing population, high rates of comorbid disease and polypharmacy, allergy or intolerance to antimicrobial drugs, a growing number of patients with underlying immunological or anatomical defects, and the increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant pathogens [1, 2] . Re-evaluation of 'neglected' antibacterial drugs is one approach to tackling this complicated burden of disease [3, 4] . One such agent, fosfomycin, is being called back into play in the UK for treating UTI [5, 6] .

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common and account for a significant burden of hospital admissions and associated healthcare expenditure.

Treatment has become more challenging due to an ageing population, high rates of comorbid disease and polypharmacy, allergy or intolerance to antimicrobial drugs, a growing number of patients with underlying immunological or anatomical defects, and the increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant pathogens.

Re-evaluation of 'neglected' antibacterial drugs is one approach to tackling this complicated burden of disease.

One such agent, fosfomycin, is being called back into play in the UK for treating UTI.


Despite its significance though, annual mileage is usually available as an average value for the entire gasoline or diesel car fleet, without distinguishing into more emission-relevant criteria, such as type of road or length of service that affect the emission assessment (Ntziachristos et al., 2008) . Often, mileage values used in national emission inventories are not based on measured data but are just calibrated values, estimated so as to achieve a balance between the fuel consumption calculated by the model and official statistics on fuel sold. Although this produces an inventory which is consistent with total energy statistics, it does not guarantee a correct allocation of consumption to the different vehicle types, neither that total activity is correctly disseminated to the various vehicle types and ages.

Despite its significance though, annual mileage is usually available as an average value for the entire gasoline or diesel car fleet, without distinguishing into more emission-relevant criteria, such as type of road or length of service that affect the emission assessment.


Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in the United States, 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 boys) are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), thus translating to over 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. In fact, these prevalence rates have increased 17% annually in recent years. Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder which is related to a triad of impairments: i) atypical development in reciprocal social interaction, ii) atypical communication, and iii) restricted, stereotyped and repetitive behaviours [1] . Diagnosis typically occurs by the age of three, when children start showing delays in developmental milestones. Very early detection of ASD, however, allows for interventions to be administered at an early age, thus improving their chances of success [2] . As such, very early detection has become a key research priority.

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder which is related to a triad of impairments: i) atypical development in reciprocal social interaction, ii) atypical communication, and iii) restricted, stereotyped and repetitive behaviours.

Very early detection of ASD, however, allows for interventions to be administered at an early age, thus improving their chances of success.


Tetranychus urticae is an important pest of a variety of agricultural crops [9] . Adults and immatures feed primarily on leaves producing tiny gray or silvery spots known as stippling damage. Damage to the leaves inhibits photosynthesis, and severe infestations can result in premature leaf fall, shoot dieback, and decreased plant vigor [10] - [12] .

Tetranychus urticae is an important pest of a variety of agricultural crops.

Damage to the leaves inhibits photosynthesis, and severe infestations can result in premature leaf fall, shoot dieback, and decreased plant vigor.