Step index fibers are commonly used to transmit CO 2 laser light. The material loss of silica glass in the mid-infrared limits the transmission of mid-infrared light using silica step-index fibers. However, it is possible in principle to obtain a lower loss in hollow-core fiber than in step-index fiber because air does not contribute to material loss [4, 5] . In addition, the nonlinearity in the glass sets a limit to the transmitted power. Hollow-core fibers have low nonlinearity, because the light is mostly transmitted in air, which does not contribute to the nonlinearity. Recently, hollow-core negative curvature fibers have drawn a large amount of interest due to their attractive properties including low loss, broad bandwidth, and a high damage threshold [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] . The delivery of mid-infrared radiation has also been demonstrated using chalcogenide negative curvature fibers for a CO 2 laser at a wavelength of 10.6 µm [13] [14] [15] . Previous study shows that chalcogenide glass should be used for wavelength larger than 4.5 µm [16] . The relative simplicity of the negative curvature structure could enable the fabrication of fiber devices for mid-IR applications using non-silica glasses, such as chalcogenide [13] [14] [15] .

However, it is possible in principle to obtain a lower loss in hollow-core fiber than in step-index fiber because air does not contribute to material loss.

Recently, hollow-core negative curvature fibers have drawn a large amount of interest due to their attractive properties including low loss, broad bandwidth, and a high damage threshold.

The delivery of mid-infrared radiation has also been demonstrated using chalcogenide negative curvature fibers for a CO 2 laser at a wavelength of 10.6 µm.

Previous study shows that chalcogenide glass should be used for wavelength larger than 4.5 µm.

The relative simplicity of the negative curvature structure could enable the fabrication of fiber devices for mid-IR applications using non-silica glasses, such as chalcogenide.


The presence of weeds can be detrimental to the establishment and maintenance of eucalyptus forests. Weeds compete with eucalyptus for water, nutrients, light and other factors, reducing qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the eucalyptus (SOUZA et al., 2010) . This competition occurs when the supply of one or more factors essential to growth and development falls below the combined demands of the plants (ANDERSON, 1996) . Weed interference with forest species can be divided into three groups: (i) direct (e.g., competition and allelopathy); (ii) indirect (host of pests and diseases); and (iii) interfering with productive activities (e.g., manuring, irrigations, harvest) (SOUZA et al., 2003) .

Weeds compete with eucalyptus for water, nutrients, light and other factors, reducing qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the eucalyptus.

This competition occurs when the supply of one or more factors essential to growth and development falls below the combined demands of the plants.

Weed interference with forest species can be divided into three groups: (i) direct (e.g., competition and allelopathy); (ii) indirect (host of pests and diseases); and (iii) interfering with productive activities (e.g., manuring, irrigations, harvest).


Both the amount of ethylene that fruit produce and the effects of ethylene are influenced by temperature and fruit maturity (Agar et al., 1999) . It is important to understand the extent to which ethylene reduces pear quality during cold storage as its removal can be costly. As with other storage practices, the cost of any procedure must be less than the resulting economic benefits. It is, therefore, critical to know the effects of different ethylene concentrations on fruit quality and storage life.

Both the amount of ethylene that fruit produce and the effects of ethylene are influenced by temperature and fruit maturity.


Although the effects of ethylene on cool-stored 'Bartlett pears' are unclear, the fruit are certainly very sensitive to exogenous ethylene at room temperature. Ethylene treatments can be used to ripen pears, avoiding or decreasing the chilling requirements of pear varieties such as 'Bon Chretien', 'd'Anjou', 'Bartlett' and 'Forelle' (Maxie and Ginsburg, 1974; Chen et al., 1997; Agar et al., 1999; DuToit et al., 2001) . While the effects of ethylene are likely to be greatly reduced at low temperatures, it would seem possible that high concentrations may increase softening and yellow color development during storage. In this case, removing ethylene could extend storage life and improve quality.

Ethylene treatments can be used to ripen pears, avoiding or decreasing the chilling requirements of pear varieties such as 'Bon Chretien', 'd'Anjou', 'Bartlett' and 'Forelle'.


One good injury reducing measure would be to eliminate the level difference between the bus stop and the floor in the bus, as e.g. in the subway. A Volvo built system in Curitiba, Brazil (Figure 7) , may illustrate one way to solve this problem. An additional risk factor when alighting is the risk of slipping on badly snow cleared bus stops [40] [41] [42] . Effective snow clearance and slip control measures at bus stops, heating coils in the entrance steps of the bus, and ground heating, may have a potential to reduce many of these wintertime injuries.

An additional risk factor when alighting is the risk of slipping on badly snow cleared bus stops.


Other local treatment approaches consist of nasal rinses, moisturizing nasal sprays (NaCl), inhalations, and oils. Nasal rinses are listed in the guidelines for treating rhinosinusitis, although they are not explicitly recommended for use in rhinitis sicca [6] . The positive effect of nasal rinses and nasal sprays containing NaCl is based on moistening the nasal mucosa and softening of any existing crusts.

Nasal rinses are listed in the guidelines for treating rhinosinusitis, although they are not explicitly recommended for use in rhinitis sicca.


Besides the theoretical properties of estimators, the practical aspects related to the application of sampling designs should also be considered. Among the schemes considered in the present study, the implications for the sampling process are considerably more complex in the case of adaptive sampling. Generally, adaptive sampling requires, among others, that (1) the individuals of the target population(s) can be identified rapidly, (2) the spatial distribution of individuals is sufficiently patchy to be worth the extra effort of adaptive sampling, and (3) selection of a suitable critical value (Lo et al. 1997) . These requirements are difficult to meet in studies on benthic invertebrates, especially with regard to the effort needed for the identification of organisms and the acquisition of extra samples.

Generally, adaptive sampling requires, among others, that (1) the individuals of the target population(s) can be identified rapidly, (2) the spatial distribution of individuals is sufficiently patchy to be worth the extra effort of adaptive sampling, and (3) selection of a suitable critical value.


The former approach is more frequently used in practice of data mining. An entire spectrum of discretization algorithms was invented [7] . Using this approach discretization is performed as a preprocessing for the main process of rule induction.

An entire spectrum of discretization algorithms was invented.


China is promoting a transition to alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), because conventional vehicles (CVs) consume a large amount of petroleum and cause serious environmental problems. First, "China has been the world's largest net importer of petroleum and other liquids", surpassing the United States at the end of 2013 [1] . Of all oil, 68% is consumed by transportation sector [1] . Furthermore, the high use of petroleum in the transportation sector generates a high level of greenhouse gases and aggregates air pollution. Especially, automobile emissions generate amounts of particulate matter, such as PM 2.5, which pose a substantial risk to Chinese public health.

First, "China has been the world's largest net importer of petroleum and other liquids", surpassing the United States at the end of 2013.

Of all oil, 68% is consumed by transportation sector.


Although SD models have been widely applied in long-term policy analysis, SD models cannot make the reliable and accurate forecast for the future real world system, because deep uncertainties arise in the long-term future [19, 20] . Specialized literature on long-term policy analysis argues that SD models contribute to provide insight to future behavior of the real world system [28] . The SD model helps to test the behavior and response of real world systems when the policy changes. The overall aim of an SD model is to offer an enhanced learning about the real world system, rather than the accurate forecast [28] .

Although SD models have been widely applied in long-term policy analysis, SD models cannot make the reliable and accurate forecast for the future real world system, because deep uncertainties arise in the long-term future.

Specialized literature on long-term policy analysis argues that SD models contribute to provide insight to future behavior of the real world system.

The overall aim of an SD model is to offer an enhanced learning about the real world system, rather than the accurate forecast.


In summary, although the conjoint analysis is rarely incorporated into an SD model, discrete choice models are very common in SD models in relation to AFV diffusion. It is a new idea to incorporate the Sustainability 2018, 10, 3394 4 of 25 conjoint analysis and the discrete choice model into an SD model. Then, previous conjoint analyses focus on vehicle attributes, despite the fact that policies and the development of infrastructure drive the early diffusion of EVs. This research expects to use conjoint analysis to quantify consumer preference for policies and charging infrastructure, rather than vehicle attributes. Moreover, most previous research focuses on AFVs, which can be refueled within a short time [2, 5, 20, 21, 26, 38, 41, 42] . Some research only considers the number of charging stations [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] 43, 44] . This research proposes further study on the development of charging infrastructure from three aspects: charging piles, charging stations and charging positions. Furthermore, most research ignores the phase out strategy of policies, which is a dilemma currently faced by the government, although some research tests the duration of policies [19, 20] . One of contributions of this research is evaluating the influence of the phase out strategy of purchase subsidies.

Moreover, most previous research focuses on AFVs, which can be refueled within a short time.

Some research only considers the number of charging stations.

Furthermore, most research ignores the phase out strategy of policies, which is a dilemma currently faced by the government, although some research tests the duration of policies.


Since early physical prototype cars are highly cost intensive, there is an effort to build less of them during product development process. Additionally not all combination possibilities of derivatives and extra equipment can be physically assessed. Therefor digitalization is one promising approach to overcome these additional efforts [1] . Digital methods for assessment of product and production verification are already well-established in industry, so-called methods of the digital factory [2] . Digital verification methods are able to improve process models as well as product quality.

Therefor digitalization is one promising approach to overcome these additional efforts.

Digital methods for assessment of product and production verification are already well-established in industry, so-called methods of the digital factory.


An interesting behavior is that the dispersion parameters get shifted even when the diameter of d 2 and d 3 is altered (Han et al., 2014) . In Fig. 5 maintaining the values of d 1 = 2.2 µm, d 2 = 2.0 µm and d 3 was increased from 0.7 µm to 0.8 µm, the phase-matching wavelength was increased from 1.31 µm to be centred around 1.345 µm with dispersion rising to -18,164 ps/(nm-km). Likewise, when d 2 was decreased to 1.8 µm with d 1 = 2.2 µm and d 3 = 0.7 µm, the phase matching wavelength decreased to 1.28 µm with an increase in chromatic dispersion around -20,985 ps/(nm-km). We investigated various combination of diameter for the d 2 and d 3 fixing d 1 at 2.2 µm and doping with an index difference of 1.92%. In the present proposed PQF design, the number of holes with diameter d 3 , d 2 and d 1 were 70, 50 and 5, respectively. The dispersion properties and phase matching wavelength of the PQF varies as a function of air filling fraction, contributed by different composition of air holes diameter. The dispersion was found to be maximum at 1.325 µm with -22,137 ps/(nm-km), for d 2 = 1.9 µm and d 3 = 0.8 µm. It was noteworthy to find that, the bandwidth is narrow when dispersion parameter was at its highest value and increased as the dispersion decreased (Mejbaul Haque et al., 2014) . There is generally a trade-off between the highest dispersion with bandwidth, which can be optimized by careful selection of holes diameter (Tee et al., 2013) .

An interesting behavior is that the dispersion parameters get shifted even when the diameter of d 2 and d 3 is altered.

It was noteworthy to find that, the bandwidth is narrow when dispersion parameter was at its highest value and increased as the dispersion decreased.

There is generally a trade-off between the highest dispersion with bandwidth, which can be optimized by careful selection of holes diameter.


One can examine that the phase-matching wavelength shifts as a function of doping percentage, further the radius of first cladding ring is varied showing a very high deviation in the dispersion parameter. From the Fig. 4 it is evident that when d 1 = 2.0 µm, d 2 = 2.0 µm and d 3 = 0.7 µm, the phase matching wavelength is at 1.44 µm for an index difference of 1.92%. When index difference is increased, the phase matching value relocates towards higher wavelength of 1.451 and 1.479 µm, respectively for 1.95 and 1.98%. The dispersion value for the above index variation falls at -7,514, -7,617 and -6,835 ps/(nm-km), respectively. Eventually, when d 1 = 2.2 µm d 2 = 2.0 µm and d 3 = 0.7 µm the dispersion parameter takes high values of -15,881, -17,241 and -16,291 ps/(nm-km) , respectively but the phase matching wavelength decreasing to 1.309, 1.319 and 1.33 µm, respectively (Ni et al., 2004) .

Eventually, when d 1 = 2.2 µm d 2 = 2.0 µm and d 3 = 0.7 µm the dispersion parameter takes high values of -15,881, -17,241 and -16,291 ps/(nm-km) , respectively but the phase matching wavelength decreasing to 1.309, 1.319 and 1.33 µm, respectively.


Allium saralicum (Valak Soori in Persian) is an endemic plant of Iran that grows widely in the western parts of the country. The genus Allium is placed in the family Amaryllidaceae and subfamily Allioideae. The cooking and consumption of parts of the plant is due to the large variety of flavors and textures of the species. Various Allium species have been cultivated from the earliest times and about a dozen species are economically important as crops or garden vegetables, and some species are important as ornamental plants [15, 16] .

Various Allium species have been cultivated from the earliest times and about a dozen species are economically important as crops or garden vegetables, and some species are important as ornamental plants.


Participants were least concerned about hiring workers with hearing and speech impairments, and HIV/AIDS. This confirms earlier research that has shown employers to view workers with sensory or physical disabilities more positively than those with emotional disabilities (Gouvier, Sytsma-Jordan, & Mayville, 2003; Hernandez et al., 2000; Ju et al., 2013; Unger, 2002) . The mixed response in regard to willingness to delegate direct customer services tasks to workers with HIV/AIDS (i.e., 26.3% were most willing; 42.9% least willing) may indicate that negative attitudes are present for many Hispanic small business owners toward persons with HIV/AIDS (e.g., business owners' beliefs that workers with HIV/AIDS require increased social distance from customers). This finding concurs with the employer attitude research that found negative attitudes toward people with HIV/AIDS to be evident across cultures (Rao, Angell, Lam, & Corrigan, 2008) .

This confirms earlier research that has shown employers to view workers with sensory or physical disabilities more positively than those with emotional disabilities.

This finding concurs with the employer attitude research that found negative attitudes toward people with HIV/AIDS to be evident across cultures.


The increased concern indicated by those Hispanic small business owners who were aware of the ADA when deciding to hire a person with a disability corresponds with the research suggesting the ADA is a cause for concern for both employers and workers with disabilities (Dong et al., 2012; Gilbride et al., 2003; von Schrader et al., 2014) . It may be that Hispanic small business owners vary in their levels of awareness or factual knowledge of the ADA which can lead to increased reservations or anxiety (Unger, 2002; von Schrader et al., 2014) . Concerns about accommodation costs and/or legal consequences may be additional challenges that small business owners face when deciding whether or not to hire a person with disability (von .

The increased concern indicated by those Hispanic small business owners who were aware of the ADA when deciding to hire a person with a disability corresponds with the research suggesting the ADA is a cause for concern for both employers and workers with disabilities.

It may be that Hispanic small business owners vary in their levels of awareness or factual knowledge of the ADA which can lead to increased reservations or anxiety.


All included attributes are significant determinants of choice in the pooled sample and Eastern Kenya, but taste better attribute had a positive but insignificant effect on the choices of respondents based in Western Kenya. Generally, farmers derive higher utility from better tasting and short time cooking attributes for beans. The results also indicate that the magnitude of the ranking for the choice options with high tolerance to environmental stresses (drought /disease) is higher in Eastern Kenya than in Western province. This means that environmental stress are more pressing for farmers in Eastern Kenya where susceptible crops like beans are at constant risk of drought occurrence (Katungi et al., 2010) .

This means that environmental stress are more pressing for farmers in Eastern Kenya where susceptible crops like beans are at constant risk of drought occurrence.


The material of kinetic theory of gases in the 2013 curriculum of Indonesia is given to 11-grade high school students of Natural Science major. The material is one of the fundamental concepts for Senior High Schools. Such material is a prerequisite to learn the next material, i.e., thermodynamics. Hence, students think that the material of kinetic theory of gases is challenging to understand due to the abstract character of the microscopic matters. The results of the research proved it since it showed 33 % students who have understood the material and 14 % students with misconceptions [10] . Student ability in defining an abstract concept is an essential ability to receive knowledge [11] . Therefore, a great reasoning skill is necessary to understand abstract concepts. Students' reasoning skills can be developed through their visualization improvements such as through texts, sound, images, videos, or simulations [12] . The PhET simulation is specifically designed to support students in developing their conceptual understanding of physics through explorations [13] .

The results of the research proved it since it showed 33 % students who have understood the material and 14 % students with misconceptions.

Student ability in defining an abstract concept is an essential ability to receive knowledge.

Students' reasoning skills can be developed through their visualization improvements such as through texts, sound, images, videos, or simulations.

The PhET simulation is specifically designed to support students in developing their conceptual understanding of physics through explorations.


Physics learning aims to develop problem-solving skills based on the constructivist theory where knowledge is not merely transferred by a teacher to students but to be constructed by the students with the assistance from their teacher and their prior knowledge [16] [17] . A constructivist learning allows students to understand new knowledge by using their current knowledge through an active mental activity [18] . Hence, physics learning enables students to get direct experiences so that they can construct, understand, and apply the concepts that they learn more efficiently.

Physics learning aims to develop problem-solving skills based on the constructivist theory where knowledge is not merely transferred by a teacher to students but to be constructed by the students with the assistance from their teacher and their prior knowledge.

A constructivist learning allows students to understand new knowledge by using their current knowledge through an active mental activity.


Inquiry-discovery based learning closely relates to problem-solving process since it is a learning system that can enhance students' problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities, which are necessary to be applied in their daily lives. Through Inquiry-discovery (ID), students do not only learn how to make inquiry and find the answer but also learn how to make an important inquiry. ID improves students' cognitive skills and assimilates students' skills in other lessons [23] . So far there is no any research on ID with the assistance of Phet simulation for improving students' problem-solving skills in the material of kinetic theory of gases so that this research was conducted. Moreover, this research aimed to investigate the impacts of Phet-aided Inquiry-discovery learning with a theoretical review on the problem-solving skills of students with high and low knowledge compared with the conventional learning.

ID improves students' cognitive skills and assimilates students' skills in other lessons.


Inquiry-discovery learning in physics is a process to inquire the characteristics and structure of the universe [3] . Inquiry and discovery require students to see daily phenomena, make a hypothesis, perform an experiment like a scientist, and further analyze the phenomena so that students need proper conceptual understanding and proper cognitive skills [22] . Students will get an individual happiness and mutual satisfaction from the activities and other students during the process of discovery when they take part in an investigation [23] . Further, this research aims to identify the impacts of PhET-aided Inquiry-discovery learning with the theoretical review, compared with the conventional learning, on the problem-solving skills of students with high and low prior knowledge.

Inquiry-discovery learning in physics is a process to inquire the characteristics and structure of the universe.

Inquiry and discovery require students to see daily phenomena, make a hypothesis, perform an experiment like a scientist, and further analyze the phenomena so that students need proper conceptual understanding and proper cognitive skills.

Students will get an individual happiness and mutual satisfaction from the activities and other students during the process of discovery when they take part in an investigation.


Physics is a series of knowledge of natural objects and phenomena obtained through reasoning and from investigations performed by scientists through experiments by using scientific methods. Therefore, physics learning should have been given based on scientific discoveries and approaches. Inquiry-discovery learning as discovery-based learning that applies scientific approach is recommended in the 2013 curriculum. This learning requires students to construct their knowledge and develop their problem-solving skills [19] [20] .

This learning requires students to construct their knowledge and develop their problem-solving skills.


In fact, students are sometimes unsuccessful in applying the knowledge obtained during lessons to solve daily problems, especially in physics course [6] . As a product of science, physics closely relates to empirical and theoretical studies [7] . An empirical study shows the acquisition of a physics product based on experiments while the theoretical study shows the acquisition of a physics product through theoretical inquiries. Therefore, in learning physics, students are expected and required to perform practical activities (empirical studies) as efforts to process their temporary acquisition (first ideas) and make logical inference (draw conclusion from information/theoretical review) until they find a solution to the problem in the form of a physics principle [8] . Thus, a physics product should be able to be studied empirically and theoretically so that it can be deemed as science. Nonetheless, unlike the material of kinetic theory of gases that is abstract, some physics materials cannot be experimented. Thus, it emphasizes theoretical reviews [9] .

In fact, students are sometimes unsuccessful in applying the knowledge obtained during lessons to solve daily problems, especially in physics course.

As a product of science, physics closely relates to empirical and theoretical studies.

Therefore, in learning physics, students are expected and required to perform practical activities (empirical studies) as efforts to process their temporary acquisition (first ideas) and make logical inference (draw conclusion from information/theoretical review) until they find a solution to the problem in the form of a physics principle.

Thus, it emphasizes theoretical reviews.


PhET (the Physics Education Technology) is a website that provides simulations for learning physics that can be downloaded for free. It can be used for teaching in the classroom or individual learning. PhET Colorado interactive simulation is an interactive simulation media that is fun for students and based on research in the form of software that can be used for clarifying physics concepts or a phenomenon [13] . The previous research findings revealed that the virtual media of phET could enhance students' learning outcome and it obtained positive responses from them [14] [15] .

PhET Colorado interactive simulation is an interactive simulation media that is fun for students and based on research in the form of software that can be used for clarifying physics concepts or a phenomenon.

The previous research findings revealed that the virtual media of phET could enhance students' learning outcome and it obtained positive responses from them.


Inquiry-discovery is one of the learning models that could improve students' problem-solving skills. The model is a combination of Inquiry and discovery. The inquiry is a process of understanding scientific characteristics by scientific experiments. By experimenting, testing, and searching for information, individuals could see a pattern or connection that leads to findings. Discovery is expected to result in an understanding of knowledge, concept, and generalization. At the same time, such simultaneous investigation and discovery also could develop students' skills in scientific processing and collecting facts [21] .

At the same time, such simultaneous investigation and discovery also could develop students' skills in scientific processing and collecting facts.


The advantage of the higher-order CFD schemes is that they give high accuracy on coarser grids with greater computational efficiency [13] . The difficulty that comes with the higher order CFD schemes especially near the boundaries makes many researchers shy away from using them in practical computations. To retain the accuracy of the schemes at the boundaries, the schemes are adjusted for the boundary points.

The advantage of the higher-order CFD schemes is that they give high accuracy on coarser grids with greater computational efficiency.


The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasing in an epidemic-like fashion in the last two decades globally. India is expected to become the world capital of DM by year 2030 [1] [2] [3] . Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is the second most common chronic disease of childhood believed to be autoimmune in nature and characterized by irreversible destruction of insulin-secreting pancreatic β islet cells. Symptoms of the disease appear when insulinmaking β cell mass gets reduced by approximately 90% leading to severe insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. At present the only therapeutic options for management are life-long exogenous insulin preparations. Sporadic reports of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been reported with limited success [4] .

India is expected to become the world capital of DM by year 2030.

Sporadic reports of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been reported with limited success.


Chromosome banding has been extensively used to study the distribution and nature of constitutive heterochromatin in fishes. The use of base-specific fluorochromes, such as chromomycin A 3 and DAPI, has helped to characterize the composition of the constitutive heterochromatin (GC-, AT-positive or devoid of GC or AT clusters). The occurrence of GC-positive heterochromatin sequences adjacent to or interspersed among NORs has been described for many organisms (Mayr et al., 1985; Schmid and Guttenbach, 1988; Phillips and Hartley, 1988; Sola et al., 1992; Kavalco et al., 2004b) . GC-positive heterochromatin not associated with NORs are very rare among fishes (Souza et al., 1996; Artoni et al., 1999; Margarido and Galetti Jr., 2000; Kavalco et al., 2004b) . AT-positive regions are also quite uncommon among fishes and have mainly been reported among some Hypostominae species (Artoni and Bertollo, 1999) .

The occurrence of GC-positive heterochromatin sequences adjacent to or interspersed among NORs has been described for many organisms.

GC-positive heterochromatin not associated with NORs are very rare among fishes.

AT-positive regions are also quite uncommon among fishes and have mainly been reported among some Hypostominae species.


This paper proposes a stabilizability solution of Linear Differential Inclusions (LDI) with a continuous state feedback minimum effort control that is designed according to a smoothed polyhedral Lyapunov function. Novelty of the proposed approach follows from a reinterpretation of classic piecewise linear functions that are expressed as intersection of linear functions according to R-functions theory. This framework naturally provides a simple way of smoothing inner level curves using the composition free parameter α. The proposed method was compared with a very close approach [8] . The difference is that now the sublevel sets are not parallel one another, but they get smoother close to the origin. This property should be desired to improve the control performances, and shown examples from literature validate the theoretical expectations.

The proposed method was compared with a very close approach.


Third, case-study methods inevitably raise questions about the representativeness of the chosen cases (Achen & Snidal, 1989; Collier & Mahoney, 1996; Geddes, 1990; King, Keohane, & Verba, 1994; Rohlfing, 2004; Sekhon, 2004) . To be a case of something broader than itself, the chosen case must be similar (in some respects) to a larger population. Otherwise-if it is purely idiosyncratic (unique)-it is uninformative about anything lying outside the borders of the case itself. A study based on a nonrepresentative sample has no (or very little) external validity.

Third, case-study methods inevitably raise questions about the representativeness of the chosen cases.


In recent years, with the rapid development of the Mobile Internet and social multimedia, a large number of images and videos are generated in the Internet every day. In the Mobile Internet era, people can take all kinds of pictures at any time or in any place and share them with their friends on the Internet, which results in the explosive growth of digital pictures. At present, hundreds and millions of pictures are uploaded to social media platforms every day, such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and so on. How to quickly search the similar images becomes a hot topic for the multimedia researchers, and the related research areas are also concerned [8] .

How to quickly search the similar images becomes a hot topic for the multimedia researchers, and the related research areas are also concerned.


The final result is that the amount of transferable information is bounded by of order the entropy of the black hole N S BH , as expected. In order to send this amount of information, we have to go beyond the s-channel and consider messages that are somewhat localized along the horizon. In particular we show that it is inefficient to localize messages on sub-AdS scales in the transverse directions, but it is possible if we couple many fields K. This would be needed for the comfortable journey of a cat through the wormhole envisioned by Maldacena, Stanford, and Yang [5] .

In particular we show that it is inefficient to localize messages on sub-AdS scales in the transverse directions, but it is possible if we couple many fields K. This would be needed for the comfortable journey of a cat through the wormhole envisioned by Maldacena, Stanford, and Yang.


We show that this result for the amount of information transfer is in accordance with CFT expectations coming from quantum teleportation. From the quantum theory perspective, the GJW protocol should be seen as analogous to quantum teleportation [5, 6] . Indeed, the thermofield double state is a specific pure, entangled state of two copies of the CFT. Roughly, each thermal cell of the left CFT, with size β, is entangled with the corresponding thermal cell in the right CFT.

From the quantum theory perspective, the GJW protocol should be seen as analogous to quantum teleportation.


They began with an eternal AdS black hole, which contains an Einstein-Rosen bridge (wormhole) which is marginally non-traversable. This geometry is dual to two CFT's entangled in the thermofield double state [3] . As we will review in the next section, they added a coupling between the two CFTs. From the gravity perspective, this is a non-local coupling between the left and right asymptotic regions. This nonlocal coupling allows for negative null energy and makes the wormhole traversable.

This geometry is dual to two CFT's entangled in the thermofield double state.


The capacity of Li-ion batteries inevitably degrades over time. Hence, monitoring the state of health of Li-ion batteries in operation is of great necessity. The monitored data can be used to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of Liion batteries, which can provide the basis for maintenance decisions and make the use of Li-ion batteries much more convenient and safer. Currently, the optimal prediction of the RUL of Li-ion batteries has aroused intense discussion in the Prognostic and Health Management (PHM) domain locally and abroad [1, 4] .

Currently, the optimal prediction of the RUL of Li-ion batteries has aroused intense discussion in the Prognostic and Health Management (PHM) domain locally and abroad.


Given the complexity of the system organization of Li-ion batteries, the appropriate operating conditions are changeable and the system often suffers from noise jamming, test data, model error, load variation, operating conditions, and other uncertain factors need to be taken into consideration [10] . PF is an effective solution for these problems in PHM for nonlinear non-Gaussian systems. PF is able to dynamically adjust model parameters of nonstationary conditions and predict the unknown parameters of the battery empirical model by tracking historical data. Accurate prediction as well as a confidence evaluation of the prediction value can be obtained by means of PF. The estimation of confidence interval is often characterized by PDF. PF describes the posteriori estimate of a state using a set of particles with weight; this method results in a probability expression for the prediction value. This description, which is based on Monte Carlo, is equivalent to a real posterior probability density function, and effectively expresses the uncertainty of the prediction outcome, thereby making PF an ideal method for state tracking and prediction [11] .

Given the complexity of the system organization of Li-ion batteries, the appropriate operating conditions are changeable and the system often suffers from noise jamming, test data, model error, load variation, operating conditions, and other uncertain factors need to be taken into consideration.

This description, which is based on Monte Carlo, is equivalent to a real posterior probability density function, and effectively expresses the uncertainty of the prediction outcome, thereby making PF an ideal method for state tracking and prediction.


Peri-operative hearing impairment is a poorly reported and distressing morbidity related to anaesthesia. It could occur following virtually any type of anaesthetic technique. There are 52 reported cases following general anaesthesia in literature [1] . The incidence of hearing loss after spinal anaesthesia is more common and can be as high as 50% [2] . The true incidence, however, is unknown, owing both to lack of reporting and subclinical presentation, which goes unnoticed unless audiometry is performed [3] . We report a case of bilateral hearing impairment following a minor gynaecological procedure in our day care unit.

There are 52 reported cases following general anaesthesia in literature.

The incidence of hearing loss after spinal anaesthesia is more common and can be as high as 50%.

The true incidence, however, is unknown, owing both to lack of reporting and subclinical presentation, which goes unnoticed unless audiometry is performed.


This perspective raises two related families of philosophical worries (besides the many technical difficulties that the various QG approaches have to face). The first concerns the very possibility of empirical evidence, including the experimental confirmation of these theories themselves; after all, it seems that all experimental data ultimately always amount to some physical object, such as the 'pointer' of some measurement apparatus, having a certain position in space at a certain time. Indeed, if space and time are necessary 'preconditions' of theory confirmation in empirical science, then any theory denying the fundamental existence of spacetime undermines the very possibility of its own empirical justification. Consequently, such a theory would seem empirically incoherent (Huggett and Wüthrich 2013) .

Consequently, such a theory would seem empirically incoherent.


Although CMI has always been become the focus of TB vaccine designs, antibody responses are also essential to contain mycobacterial infection [3, 48, 49] . To date there are contrasting findings in terms of the proportion of B cells in TB patients. For example, some studies suggest that the percentages of B cells are lower in TB patients than in HS [28, 50] . Other studies indicates that the percentage of B cells is either higher or similar between PTB patients and HS [51, 52] . In our study PTB and PLTB patients had a higher proportion of B cells than HS. Current development and evaluation of vaccines that induce both CMI and humoral immunity is a clear testimony to paradigm shifts and a new era for TB vaccines [3] .

Although CMI has always been become the focus of TB vaccine designs, antibody responses are also essential to contain mycobacterial infection.

For example, some studies suggest that the percentages of B cells are lower in TB patients than in HS.

Other studies indicates that the percentage of B cells is either higher or similar between PTB patients and HS.

Current development and evaluation of vaccines that induce both CMI and humoral immunity is a clear testimony to paradigm shifts and a new era for TB vaccines.


It is proved that almost all the blackouts are caused by cascading failures, which are triggered initially by single or multiple disturbances in certain circumstances, such as long time overload or stability issues in bulk power system [1] . For example, the ''8Á14'' blackout in North America in 2003 was induced by five 345 kV AEP-DPL ground fault lines in MISO. Then, the transmission line cascading trips took place to make the failure propagation, and eventually power outage occurred [2, 3] .

It is proved that almost all the blackouts are caused by cascading failures, which are triggered initially by single or multiple disturbances in certain circumstances, such as long time overload or stability issues in bulk power system.

Then, the transmission line cascading trips took place to make the failure propagation, and eventually power outage occurred.


In an effort to mitigate climate change, the United States (US) pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 10 years by 26%e28% below 2005 levels [1] . To meet this goal the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Clean Power Plan regulation to reduce carbon pollution by establishing GHG emission guidelines for existing fossil-fuel power plants [2, 3] . In 2013, the EPA estimated that electricity generation accounted for 37% of all CO 2 emissions in the United States [4] . In this calculation the EPA accounted for an additional 5.5 GW e of nuclear capacity that is currently under construction in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee [5] . With the early retirement of Vermont Yankee, Crystal River, San Onofre, Kewaunee, FitzPatrick, and Pilgrim nuclear power facilities, there will roughly be no net gain of installed nuclear capacity. It is estimated that if license renewals are not extended beyond a 60-year lifetime, 30% of installed capacity will be lost by 2035 [6] . In the Clean Power Plan regulation, the EPA assumes that nuclear power plants will continue to run and does not account for any early retirements due to low natural gas prices and large maintenance costs.

In an effort to mitigate climate change, the United States (US) pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 10 years by 26%e28% below 2005 levels.

To meet this goal the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Clean Power Plan regulation to reduce carbon pollution by establishing GHG emission guidelines for existing fossil-fuel power plants.

In 2013, the EPA estimated that electricity generation accounted for 37% of all CO 2 emissions in the United States.

In this calculation the EPA accounted for an additional 5.5 GW e of nuclear capacity that is currently under construction in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

It is estimated that if license renewals are not extended beyond a 60-year lifetime, 30% of installed capacity will be lost by 2035.


ESSMArt addresses user request management from a holistic perspective and supports decision-makers by providing them with intelligent suggestions within the process. We looked into the whole process from the time receiving a request or question from a user to the time that the problem is resolved by the CRM or a task is assigned to a developer. This is unique as the existing research has been focused on the steps of this process in isolation only. The method development was inspired by the industrial collaboration project with BrightSquid, However, its underlying process is following the general steps of user request management and thus is applicable more broadly. We believe that automating the management of user requests and their escalation would increase the chance of innovation within organizations [34] . We consider the results as necessary, but not sufficient for claiming external validity. More empirical evaluation of the individual steps of the method as well as on the impact of the whole method is required. In particular, as the data is coming from one company only, the evaluation needs to be extended to other environments. Also, the existing prototype tool was intended to perform an initial evaluation and needs to be further enhanced and more comprehensively tested.

We believe that automating the management of user requests and their escalation would increase the chance of innovation within organizations.


The Collaborative Research Center SFB 653 "Gentelligent Components in Their LifecycleUtilization of Inheritable Component Information in Product Engineering" researches on technologies to enable components to store information on their own production, or to self-monitor their condition [1] . The influence of load and fatigue on subsurface properties, mainly residual stress, will be used to draw conclusions on the load history of a component and thus to predict the remaining life span. Being capable to induce a predefined residual stress profile offers the possibility to utilize the correlation between the effective stress at the workpieces surface and the residual stress relaxation, resulting of the load applied.

The Collaborative Research Center SFB 653 "Gentelligent Components in Their LifecycleUtilization of Inheritable Component Information in Product Engineering" researches on technologies to enable components to store information on their own production, or to self-monitor their condition.


Optimization of bone health is an important aspect of care to consider for patients with a breast cancer diagnosis at any stage. In patients with primary breast cancer, treatment associated bone loss can occur either with adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., aromatase inhibitors), or in patients with a reduction of ovarian function due to surgery or chemotherapy. Bone loss in this setting is due to enhanced bone turnover secondary to estrogen decline [1] . Other factors, unrelated to breast cancer, that may also contribute to the risk of bone loss, include age (>65 years), race (Caucasian), low body mass index (<20 kg/m 2 ), family and personal history of fractures, menopausal status, oral corticosteroid use, history of osteoporosis, and smoking [2] . In the primary breast cancer setting, bone loss can present (as is the case with osteopenia or osteoporosis) as bone fractures, bone pain, and/or impaired mobility. The rate of vertebral fractures is five times higher among women with breast cancer, compared to the general population [3] . As such, there is an impact on overall quality of life for these patients.

Bone loss in this setting is due to enhanced bone turnover secondary to estrogen decline.

Other factors, unrelated to breast cancer, that may also contribute to the risk of bone loss, include age (>65 years), race (Caucasian), low body mass index (<20 kg/m 2 ), family and personal history of fractures, menopausal status, oral corticosteroid use, history of osteoporosis, and smoking.

The rate of vertebral fractures is five times higher among women with breast cancer, compared to the general population.


Boron and boron-related compound nanostructures have received much interest recently because they are predicted to possess unique properties, such as high temperature stability, high wear resistant material for manufacturing cutting tools and abrasives [13] . B 2 O 3 has a lot of application in industry as an essential fluxing agent for glasses and enamels, a basic component for boron and borosilicate glasses, an additive for optical fibers or as an acid catalyst in organic synthesis [14] . The general benefits of B 2 O 3 in glass formulations are reduction of melting temperature, increased thermal resistance and mechanical strength, and enhanced aqueous and chemical durability. Borosilicate glass has increased thermal shock resistance because B 2 O 3 have lowers expansion coefficient [15] .

Boron and boron-related compound nanostructures have received much interest recently because they are predicted to possess unique properties, such as high temperature stability, high wear resistant material for manufacturing cutting tools and abrasives.

B 2 O 3 has a lot of application in industry as an essential fluxing agent for glasses and enamels, a basic component for boron and borosilicate glasses, an additive for optical fibers or as an acid catalyst in organic synthesis.

Borosilicate glass has increased thermal shock resistance because B 2 O 3 have lowers expansion coefficient.


The design and development of nanoparticles and nanostructural materials have opened a new area for constructing well-designed nanostructures that have been considered as a novel class of materials for catalytic, optical, electronic and biomedical applications [1] . In this area, nanocomposites are a relatively new family of composite materials in which, at least one of the dimensions of the filler, is in the nanometer range [2] . Nanocomposite materials based on polymeric matrices containing inorganic nano-materials have been intensively studied in recent years because the introduction of an inorganic phase dispersed at a nanoscale into the polymer matrix allows to obtain a final product with enhanced performances [3] . In general, polymer nanocomposites are made by dispersing of inorganic or organic nanoparticles into either a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer offering remarkable improvement in performance properties of the polymer [2] .

The design and development of nanoparticles and nanostructural materials have opened a new area for constructing well-designed nanostructures that have been considered as a novel class of materials for catalytic, optical, electronic and biomedical applications.

In this area, nanocomposites are a relatively new family of composite materials in which, at least one of the dimensions of the filler, is in the nanometer range.

Nanocomposite materials based on polymeric matrices containing inorganic nano-materials have been intensively studied in recent years because the introduction of an inorganic phase dispersed at a nanoscale into the polymer matrix allows to obtain a final product with enhanced performances.

In general, polymer nanocomposites are made by dispersing of inorganic or organic nanoparticles into either a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer offering remarkable improvement in performance properties of the polymer.


According to the results of a national survey among occupational therapists in Taiwan, the KHTP test is one of the most frequently used evaluative tools in Taiwan (Hsiao, Pan, Chung, & Lu, 2000) . Although there are currently very few studies providing a description of the psychometric qualities of the test, a scoring system for the KHTP test has now been developed based on an extensive review of the literature and clinical experience. Its aim, essentially, is to identify the psychiatric symptoms of people with psychiatric disorders in an objective and systematic way, which would reduce the bias and subjectivity of the interpretation (Li, Chen, Helfrich, & Pan, 2011) .

According to the results of a national survey among occupational therapists in Taiwan, the KHTP test is one of the most frequently used evaluative tools in Taiwan.

Its aim, essentially, is to identify the psychiatric symptoms of people with psychiatric disorders in an objective and systematic way, which would reduce the bias and subjectivity of the interpretation.


Different ways of measuring the characteristics of the drawers have been developed by many scholars in an attempt to capture the meanings of the drawings, as well as the effects of art activities on the well-being of clients (Bonder, 1993; Tanaka & Sakuma, 2004; Groth-Marnat & Roberts, 1998; Lally, 2001; Polatajko & Kaiserman, 1986; and Thompson & Sheena, 1998) . A study of the KHTP test in the early stages of its professional use in Taiwan revealed that there were cultural differences between people with mental illnesses in the United States and those in Taiwan. Examples of such differences included the structure of the house, the activities chosen for the drawings, and the colours most frequently used (Drake, Lo, Hwang, & Shih, 1995) .

Different ways of measuring the characteristics of the drawers have been developed by many scholars in an attempt to capture the meanings of the drawings, as well as the effects of art activities on the well-being of clients.

Examples of such differences included the structure of the house, the activities chosen for the drawings, and the colours most frequently used.


Based on the findings of previous pilot studies measuring depressive and anxious symptoms for college students using 35 KHTP scoring items, the total scores were significantly correlated with other standardized psychiatric screening tools and able to predict health-related quality of life (Li et al., 2006; Pan et al., 2007) . In addition, this study provided utility evidences of the KHTP total scores in distinguishing between general population and individuals with psychiatric disorders. Thus, besides the clinical settings, the KHTP scoring system is also suggested to be used as a screening tool for detecting potential psychiatric problems for the college students.

Based on the findings of previous pilot studies measuring depressive and anxious symptoms for college students using 35 KHTP scoring items, the total scores were significantly correlated with other standardized psychiatric screening tools and able to predict health-related quality of life.


In addition to the aforementioned advantages, compared with standardized tools commonly used to detect psychopathology, the KHTP serves as an alternative tool that can identify complex personality traits and alexithymia characteristics for the college students (Fukunishi, Mikami, & Kikuchi, 1997) . That is, the KHTP test can reduce the potential embarrassment of using a standardized symptom checklist and therefore minimize the stigma issue for the people at risk. In addition, the KHTP not only can assist to express the distress or discomfort of the persons at risk, but also can be used to improve self-awareness (Burns, 1987) . Furthermore, the administration of the KHTP provides a way to establish rapports with the examinees (Polatajko & Kaiserman, 1986) .

In addition to the aforementioned advantages, compared with standardized tools commonly used to detect psychopathology, the KHTP serves as an alternative tool that can identify complex personality traits and alexithymia characteristics for the college students.

In addition, the KHTP not only can assist to express the distress or discomfort of the persons at risk, but also can be used to improve self-awareness.

Furthermore, the administration of the KHTP provides a way to establish rapports with the examinees.


A set of 54 drawing characteristics relating to depression/ anxiety and psychiatric symptoms was collated from the KHTP user manual in conjunction with a survey of the extensive literature (Li et al., 2011) . Once these items were collated, five occupational therapists were invited to examine their appropriateness and comprehensibility. These five occupational therapists were all master-level students who majored in occupational therapy with a legal professional license for practising in Taiwan. The major working area for all of them is the field of mental health in occupational therapy. Three of them had more than 5-years working experiences, whereas two of them had more than 1-year working experience. Finally, there were four subscales within the KHTP scoring system; these were the drawing characteristics relating to general, house, tree, and person. Each item was allotted a score of 1 if the drawing characteristic was present, with a higher score in the test indicating a higher probability of the presence of psychopathology.

A set of 54 drawing characteristics relating to depression/ anxiety and psychiatric symptoms was collated from the KHTP user manual in conjunction with a survey of the extensive literature.


The imbalance between availability and demand is therefore increasing due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. The purpose of this paper is to consider the current water resource situation in Chile regarding availability and use from a regional viewpoint, and to test the potential impact of water conservation measures to reduce scarcity and improve the sustainability of the main water consuming industries. The study is important in a local context as it investigates the degree of water scarcity in regions of Chile which are large industrial contributors to the Chilean economy and are potentially at risk of water scarcity. There has been very little research conducted investigating the problem of water scarcity in Chile or even compiling relevant data. Furthermore, this study considers which sectors contribute the most to regional water demand, and mitigation strategies are proposed. This work can be used as an introductory study as much of the data used is slightly dated but should be developed when more recent data becomes available. In an international context, this study can be of interest to those working on similar studies in other water scarce regions of the world. To calculate water scarcity, data regarding water availability and water use was obtained from records published by the Chilean Water Authority, academic and corporate reports. The data sources The regions from Region Metropolitan to the far north are of clear hydrological deficit. Historic mean dam storage values are lower than the deficit and with reducing rainfall and greater consumption it is forecast that the water balance deficit will increase considerably in each of the central and northern regions of Chile [16] . In the Far North, the balance deficit is forecast to increase to´1602 MM m 3 /year, 1299 MM m 3 /year in the Near North and´2844 MM m 3 /year in Central Chile [16] . In terms of water consumption, agriculture accounts for around 77.8% of all consumptive water use, industry accounts for 9.1%, mining for 7.2% and drinking water for 5.9% [12] . The proportions, however, vary greatly between regions depending upon the ecosystem services. Agriculture, for example, is mainly concentrated in the south and south central regions where there is high water availability whereas water use from heavier industries is more apparent in the central north and northern regions where minerals are more abundant [12] . Using data from the 2007 water demand report of the Chilean Water Authority (Dirección General de Aguas, DGA) it was calculated that mining accounted for around 64.1% of the total water use in the region of Antofagasta [17] . In the Atacama region, it was calculated to be 10.4% but due to the increasing expansion of mining in this region it is estimated that this will increase to 25.4% by 2032 putting additional stress on the region's water resources [17] . Water consumption of the mining industry is expected to increase in all regions due to an increase in mining developments and a reduction in ore concentration resulting in greater processing requirements [18] . The water consumption of the copper mining industry in 2014 was estimated to be 14.8 m 3 /s which is forecast to increase to around 24.6 m 3 /s by 2025 [18] .

Historic mean dam storage values are lower than the deficit and with reducing rainfall and greater consumption it is forecast that the water balance deficit will increase considerably in each of the central and northern regions of Chile.

In the Far North, the balance deficit is forecast to increase to´1602 MM m 3 /year, 1299 MM m 3 /year in the Near North and´2844 MM m 3 /year in Central Chile.

In terms of water consumption, agriculture accounts for around 77.8% of all consumptive water use, industry accounts for 9.1%, mining for 7.2% and drinking water for 5.9%.

Agriculture, for example, is mainly concentrated in the south and south central regions where there is high water availability whereas water use from heavier industries is more apparent in the central north and northern regions where minerals are more abundant.

Using data from the 2007 water demand report of the Chilean Water Authority (Dirección General de Aguas, DGA) it was calculated that mining accounted for around 64.1% of the total water use in the region of Antofagasta.

In the Atacama region, it was calculated to be 10.4% but due to the increasing expansion of mining in this region it is estimated that this will increase to 25.4% by 2032 putting additional stress on the region's water resources.

Water consumption of the mining industry is expected to increase in all regions due to an increase in mining developments and a reduction in ore concentration resulting in greater processing requirements.

The water consumption of the copper mining industry in 2014 was estimated to be 14.8 m 3 /s which is forecast to increase to around 24.6 m 3 /s by 2025.


In terms of water consumption, agriculture accounts for around 77.8% of all consumptive water use, industry accounts for 9.1%, mining for 7.2% and drinking water for 5.9% [12] . The proportions, however, vary greatly between regions depending upon the ecosystem services. Agriculture, for example, is mainly concentrated in the south and south central regions where there is high water availability whereas water use from heavier industries is more apparent in the central north and northern regions where minerals are more abundant [12] . Using data from the 2007 water demand report of the Chilean Water Authority (Dirección General de Aguas, DGA) it was calculated that mining accounted for around 64.1% of the total water use in the region of Antofagasta [17] . In the Atacama region, it was calculated to be 10.4% but due to the increasing expansion of mining in this region it is estimated that this will increase to 25.4% by 2032 putting additional stress on the region's water resources [17] . Water consumption of the mining industry is expected to increase in all regions due to an increase in mining developments and a reduction in ore concentration resulting in greater processing requirements [18] . The water consumption of the copper mining industry in 2014 was estimated to be 14.8 m 3 /s which is forecast to increase to around 24.6 m 3 /s by 2025 [18] .


In Section 1, we give basic definitions and background concerning Grothendieck polynomials, describe the Monk formulas in K-theory and the Pieri formula in cohomology that this work generalizes, and state our Pieri-type formula. A uniqueness result about chains proven in Section 2 implies a version of the formula in which the coefficients are naturally certain binomial coefficients. Section 2 also collects some technical results on the Bruhat order used in our proof of the Pieri-type formula, which occupies Section 3. We conclude in Section 4 with a dual Pieri-type formula and a discussion of the specialization of our formula to the Pieri-type formula in the K-theory of a Grassmannian [14] .

We conclude in Section 4 with a dual Pieri-type formula and a discussion of the specialization of our formula to the Pieri-type formula in the K-theory of a Grassmannian.


The influence of the operative procedure on the prognosis in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has been investigated in a number of retrospective and in one prospective, randomized study [1] . The disadvantage of the blunt transhiatal resection is the reduced transthoracic lymph node dissection, which is unfortunately limited to the lower posterior, mediastinal lymph nodes [12] [13] [14] [15] . In the present investigation, a higher number of mediastinal lymph nodes were consequently seen to be excised in the course of transthoracic resections, a situation which has also resulted in an increase in the number of involved lymph nodes. The number of afflicted, abdominal lymph nodes was seen to be similar following both of the two types of operative procedures.

The influence of the operative procedure on the prognosis in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has been investigated in a number of retrospective and in one prospective, randomized study.

The disadvantage of the blunt transhiatal resection is the reduced transthoracic lymph node dissection, which is unfortunately limited to the lower posterior, mediastinal lymph nodes.


Generally, there seems to be a more uniformity for EMS performance parameters among the more developed EMS systems. The major problem with the EMS agencies in the cities of developing countries like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur is inadequate or unavailable of data pertaining to EMS performance. This is partly due to lack of uniform and standardized data collection. EMS agencies in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, and Singapore utilize established electronic patient care record systems for all EMS cases [20] . This allows a more consistent and sustainable data collection for multiple purposes, including for performance analysis. Unfortunately, the EMS agencies in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur do not use similar electronic patient care record systems. Most patient care records are manual, and data collection is not standardized and non-uniform. Interestingly, the obvious difference in the structure of EMS between the developed and developing countries in Asia lies with the EMS providers and their location. The cities in the more developed countries utilize the fire department and their personnel as the providers whereas the cities in the developing countries prefer hospital-based EMS provision. Similarly, the training hours for the EMS providers for each city differ significantly, partly due to different training legislation and requirements. The ratio of the number of ambulance to the number of providers varies from 2.16 in Bangkok to 0.05 in Taipei. Such data is unavailable for Kuala Lumpur. Mean response time for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is within 10 min for all the cities in the developed countries. The response time is much longer in Kuala Lumpur and unavailable for Bangkok. Singapore reported the highest pre-hospital defibrillation rate compared to other cities but unfortunately, the survival to discharge is fairly low. No such data is available for Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

EMS agencies in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, and Singapore utilize established electronic patient care record systems for all EMS cases.


This should not be surprising at all considering that maintaining a minority migrant language is extremely challenging because it is not only 'emotionally demanding' , but also those demands are often invisible and change over time (Okita, 2002) . The parents know that English has a much higher marketplace value than Mandarin Chinese has in an English-speaking country. In New Zealand, it is widely known and repeatedly reported that inadequate English language ability, non-recognition of their qualifications and lack of work experience are the biggest problems for new immigrants with a non-native English-speaking background (Henderson, 2003: 156; Boyer, 1996: 66) . They know exactly how seriously they have been disadvantaged by their inadequate English language proficiency. For those immigrants who are looking for a better life in a different country, the priority for the whole family is to improve their skills in the mainstream language therefore neglecting to maintain their mother tongue.

This should not be surprising at all considering that maintaining a minority migrant language is extremely challenging because it is not only 'emotionally demanding' , but also those demands are often invisible and change over time.


The use of herbal medicine is a very historic and widespread phenomenon. Inspite of the common use of herbal medicine in the healthcare delivery in many countries, like Nigeria, and the availability of medicinal herbs in local markets, herbal concoctions are not in use in government health centres (Tella, 1986) . This is partly due to lack of adequate information and detailed scientific analyses of the commonly used herbal medicines.

Inspite of the common use of herbal medicine in the healthcare delivery in many countries, like Nigeria, and the availability of medicinal herbs in local markets, herbal concoctions are not in use in government health centres.


Modern agriculture becomes an increasingly high-technology branch of the economy, which should provide safe and high-quality food for the population of the country. In Russia, in the last two or three years, agriculture has been used as an example of an industry that has benefited from the policy of import substitution (Idrisov, 2015) . In this regard, practical approval of the methodology for estimating the dynamics of import-substituting modernization was carried out using agriculture as an example (Table 2) .

In Russia, in the last two or three years, agriculture has been used as an example of an industry that has benefited from the policy of import substitution.


According to Kadochnikov, a decrease in the real exchange rate of the national currency is a favorable factor for the development of import substitution, which should be used and supported by additional stimulation measures including the creation of favorable conditions for attracting investments. Another important factor in the balance of food markets is the price. Any national food market is more subject to price volatility than the global market. These and other features have allowed finding several sustainable regularities in an influence of changes to prices upon a status of security (Kuzmin, 2016) .

These and other features have allowed finding several sustainable regularities in an influence of changes to prices upon a status of security.


To clearly detect stimulation of the diaphragm by hypercapnia or photoactivation of the phrenic neurons, diaphragmatic EMG activities were measured in anesthetized, intubated, and vagotomized mice that provided flat-line readings. Extraneous cardiac tracings could be identified, but they did not obscure the EMG tracings. The diaphragmatic EMG tracings of all WNV-, POWV-, and NSV-infected mice with very low MVs were undetectable or nearly undetectable, whereas infected mice with MVs within 2 SDs of the normal mean value were identifiable. One exception was the EMG activity associated with photoactivation of mouse 172, which had an MV of <20 mL/min but a large amplitude of activity detected by EMG (Figure 4) . We speculate that the neurons regulating diaphragmatic EMG activity in this mouse may have experienced hyperexcitability before completely losing their function [28, 29] .

We speculate that the neurons regulating diaphragmatic EMG activity in this mouse may have experienced hyperexcitability before completely losing their function.


Our findings also show that health workers responded positively to non-monetary incentives such as positive affirmation and program leadership styles that enhanced health worker commitment. The finding that non-monetary approaches are influential in sustaining health worker commitment is supported in the literature [47, 48] . In the context of resource-limited settings, nonmonetary health worker incentives are especially appropriate. Training programs for ART clinic managers in adopting program leadership styles that enhance staff motivation are recommended. In this study, we found that 53 % of the health facilities reported the presence of an internal 'program champion' and this was a motivating factor for the health workforce. Identifying internal program champions in implementing organizations has been consistently associated with the sustainment of health care interventions [37, 49] .

The finding that non-monetary approaches are influential in sustaining health worker commitment is supported in the literature.

Identifying internal program champions in implementing organizations has been consistently associated with the sustainment of health care interventions.


In light of the extent of task shifting reported in our nationally representative sample and that this study adds to the accumulating evidence on task shifting, we recommend that non-physician cadre roles be formally expanded beyond ART delivery to include a wider range of programs including primary care services [51] . In the context of the rising non-communicable disease (NCD) epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is opportune to consider the potential role of task shifting approaches. It is common to find overflowing out-patient clinics for treating diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular disease in Uganda. With the requisite training and supervision, task shifting could ameliorate the HRH capacity constraints for managing the increasing caseload of chronic diseases in Uganda and other resource-limited settings. This study agrees with calls for the leveraging of ART scale-up lessons in the response to the NCD pandemic [52, 53] .

In light of the extent of task shifting reported in our nationally representative sample and that this study adds to the accumulating evidence on task shifting, we recommend that non-physician cadre roles be formally expanded beyond ART delivery to include a wider range of programs including primary care services.

This study agrees with calls for the leveraging of ART scale-up lessons in the response to the NCD pandemic.


Finally, two of the sociodemographic variables that are usually explored in this context are those related to the gender and status of the bully. As for the gender of the bully, the evidence is contradictory. On one hand, some studies suggest that men appear as bullies in greater proportion than women (Einarsen & Skogstad, 1996; Zapf, Einarsen, Hoel, & Vartia, 2003) . One possible explanation that has been given for this result is that workplace bullying includes direct forms of aggression (jokes, humiliation, public ridicule) that would be more typical of men than women, who prefer to use more indirect forms of aggression (isolation of the victim, gossip, manipulating others to carry out bullying activities). In other words, women would use a "relational" style of bullying, in which tactics of social exclusion are primary. On the other hand, other studies find no differences related to the gender of the bully (Leymann, 1990a) .

On one hand, some studies suggest that men appear as bullies in greater proportion than women.

On the other hand, other studies find no differences related to the gender of the bully.


I'd like to thank Robin Hartshorne and Juan Migliore for editorial suggestions, especially regarding the first section. I appreciate personal communications with A. P. Rao about the details of his work. Finally, I'd like to thank Martin-Deschamps and Perrin for their book [10] . The generality with which they handle the fourth chapter saved this author a great deal of work.

Finally, I'd like to thank Martin-Deschamps and Perrin for their book.


In a system of symmetrically coupled identical oscillators a limit set relating to synchronous oscillations locates in the symmetric subspace (Xl x2) (for the in-phase synchronization) or in the antisymmetric subspace (xl--x2) (for the antiphase synchronization) of the whole phase space of the system, where xa and x2 are vectors of identical dynamical variables of interacting subsystems. If the chaotic set is attractive in the normal to the subspace direction, namely when the largest normal Lyapunov exponent is negative, the synchronous oscillations are observed in experiment. When the exponent changes its sign to the positive, the chaotic attractor becomes nonattracting in the normal direction and transforms to the chaotic saddle. The synchronous oscillations lose its stability and they are not observed in experiment further. However, it is possible that the largest Lyapunov exponent on the chaotic attractor is negative, but the exponents on some limit sets encapsulated in the attractor are positive. In this case the synchronous regime remains stable but becomes unrobust. Any infinitesimal noise or the parameters mismatch can lead to the bubbling of attractor. The time-series of the difference between oscillations in the subsystems (x-x2) is intermittency process when the phase point moves in vicinity of the symmetric subspace for a long time (laminar phase) and leave away from it from time to time (turbulent bursts) (Platt, 1993) . The bubbling of attractor is the first step to the desynchronization of chaos. Then, with changing of the controlling parameters more quantity of encapsulated cycles lose their stability in the normal direction. This enforces the process of bubbling and then the averaged on the attractor highest normal Lyapunov exponent can become positive. As a result, the chaotic set in the symmetric subspace becomes nonattractive. This phenomenon is called the blowout bifurcation (Ashvin, 1994) . The bubbling of attractor can be followed by the riddling of its basins when "holes" from the basins of another attractor appear in infinitesimly small vicinity of the attractor. In this case, the presence of small noise or the parameters mismatch leads to leaving of the phase point to the another attractor. Regimes which accompany the process of chaotic synchronization loss in the coupled logistic maps were described in works (Fujisaka, 1985; Kuznetzov, 1985) .

The time-series of the difference between oscillations in the subsystems (x-x2) is intermittency process when the phase point moves in vicinity of the symmetric subspace for a long time (laminar phase) and leave away from it from time to time (turbulent bursts).

This phenomenon is called the blowout bifurcation.

Regimes which accompany the process of chaotic synchronization loss in the coupled logistic maps were described in works.


As it was shown the in-phase complete synchronization of chaos exists in the determine interval of the coupling coefficient. With changing the coupling the regime of synchronization breaks. This process can be accompanied by the bubbling phenomenon, the blowout bifurcation and the riddled basins (Ashvin, 1994; Lai, 1996) . A lot of works considering characteristic bifurcations which lead to destruction of the regime of synchronous oscillations appear for the last time (Pikovsky, 1991; Astakhov, 1998) . There are reasons that scenarium of loss of chaotic synchronization must be in close connection with bifurcational mechanisms which form the chaotic attractor related to the synchronous oscillations. One of the typical mechanisms for many systems is the period-doubling cascade. The chaotic attractor formed on the base of the cascade of subhurmonic bifurcations contains infinite number of saddle cycles which form the skeleton of the chaotic attractor.

This process can be accompanied by the bubbling phenomenon, the blowout bifurcation and the riddled basins.

A lot of works considering characteristic bifurcations which lead to destruction of the regime of synchronous oscillations appear for the last time.


There are several ways to produce steam, but productions by a dual-fuel furnace and by a gas turbine are very interesting options (Ganapathy 1996; Poullikkas 2005) . The turbine has been widely used because it allows cogeneration. In what follows, only steam production is taken into account.

There are several ways to produce steam, but productions by a dual-fuel furnace and by a gas turbine are very interesting options.


Nowadays, with the development of the Word Wide Web, e-learning system provides many benefits to individuals and organizations. Additionally, it enables the employees to access the training materials from any way at any time which have overcomes the many challenges with the traditional training methods. Also, such system offers an enjoyable training environment due to the presentation of the materials in various forms (e.g. video, audio, animation and etc.). Furthermore, with the increasing demand to improve the employees" skills and knowledge reflecting on their work performance and their productivity, web based training system enables the organizations to offer the training for their employees without any adversely effect on work performance. Additionally, web based training reduces the training cost and time and support the customers [12] .

Additionally, web based training reduces the training cost and time and support the customers.


Estimating the precise localization of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is an important requirement for a wide range of underwater applications, such as area coverage, monitoring, demining, reconnaissance of objects in hostile waters and prevention of algae blooms in drink water reservoirs [1] [2] [3] . Furthermore, solving this problem is a very challenging task in robotics, specially given that the sensors availability in underwater environments is quite restricted when compared to terrestrial environments. Many studies about autonomous underwater vehicles were presented in the last years, detailing the variety of navigation techniques, the different sensors used, among other topics [4] [5] [6] . In our work, we focus on the development of a strategy for obtaining robust robot localization based on seamarks detection.

Estimating the precise localization of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is an important requirement for a wide range of underwater applications, such as area coverage, monitoring, demining, reconnaissance of objects in hostile waters and prevention of algae blooms in drink water reservoirs.

Many studies about autonomous underwater vehicles were presented in the last years, detailing the variety of navigation techniques, the different sensors used, among other topics.


With this research it was possible to improve the precision in the robot localization using the hybrid probabilistic-interval approach. The hybrid approach with SIVIA obtains enhanced information about the robot localization and keeps the benefits presented in the first hybrid approach [10] . Some of the benefits are the higher coverage of the uncertainty region and a fast detection in case of wrong convergence.

The hybrid approach with SIVIA obtains enhanced information about the robot localization and keeps the benefits presented in the first hybrid approach.


Alkenes are key intermediate products for the petrochemical industry. Most biodegradable detergents are sulphonated derivatives of linear alkyl benzene compounds. These compounds are synthesised by alkylation of benzene by long chain linear monoolefins (generally 10 to 14 carbon atoms) under suitable operating conditions. These olefins can be prepared industrially by dehydrogenation of long chain paraffins on a specific dehydrogenation catalyst in a fixed bed reactor. Due to the thermodynamic constraints, the reaction is conducted at high temperature (typically 723-773 K) and low pressure (200-300 kPa) in the presence of hydrogen [1] . In addition to the formation of linear olefins, other undesired products such as diolefins, triolefins, aromatics, iso-paraffins, iso-olefins, cracking products and coke are also observed. A catalyst with maximum selectivity for the production of monoolefins is therefore required. Figure 1 shows the various reactions likely to occur on a catalyst during dehydrogenation of a long chain paraffin.

Due to the thermodynamic constraints, the reaction is conducted at high temperature (typically 723-773 K) and low pressure (200-300 kPa) in the presence of hydrogen.


Several of the control variables had significant effects, though in most cases the magnitude of these effects varied considerably across equations. Interestingly, employee earnings had a consistent (and positive) effect on only one outcome variable, OCB. A possible explanation for this is that higher-level jobs may have more discretion built in, hence more opportunity for OCB. Earnings was not significantly related to contingent pay satisfaction, a result that stands in contrast to studies that have assessed affects of pay level on other forms of pay satisfaction (Heneman, 1985) .

Earnings was not significantly related to contingent pay satisfaction, a result that stands in contrast to studies that have assessed affects of pay level on other forms of pay satisfaction.


Probiotics are defined as selected, viable microbial dietary supplements that, when introduced in sufficient quantities, beneficially affect human organism through their effects in the intestinal tract. Some selected strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Lactococcus and Saccharomyces have been promoted in food products because of their reputed health benefits. Lactic acid bacteria constitute a diverse group of organisms providing considerable benefits to humans, some as natural inhabitants of the intestinal tract and others as fermentative lactic acid bacteria used in food industry, imparting flavor, texture and possessing preservative properties (Grajek et al., 2005) .

Lactic acid bacteria constitute a diverse group of organisms providing considerable benefits to humans, some as natural inhabitants of the intestinal tract and others as fermentative lactic acid bacteria used in food industry, imparting flavor, texture and possessing preservative properties.


Some research was based on producing synbiotic beverages using carrot. Carrots contain fructooligosaccarides and inulin as prebiotics and facilitate the growth of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. bulgaricus (Nazzaro et al., 2008) . Carrot is one of the important root vegetables rich in bioactive compounds like carotenoids and dietary fibers with appreciable levels of several other functional components having significant health-promoting properties. The consumption of carrot and its products is increasing steadily due to its recognition as an important source of natural antioxidants having anticancer activity (Sharma et al., 2012) .

Carrots contain fructooligosaccarides and inulin as prebiotics and facilitate the growth of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. bulgaricus.

The consumption of carrot and its products is increasing steadily due to its recognition as an important source of natural antioxidants having anticancer activity.


The international standards describe that the probiotic products should be contained minimum of 108 viable probiotic bacteria per mL of the product at the time of consumption for health and functional claiming (Samona and Robinson, 1991) . The beverage has reached to around 108 viable probiotic bacteria per mL of the product at the end of the 7th week (47 days). Therefore, this beverage could be considered as a heath drink if consumed at 6 weeks of cold storage at 5±1°C (Table 01) . Similar research was undertaken to determine the suitability of cabbage as a raw material for production of probiotic cabbage juice by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Some researchers have viewed that several factors may affect the survival of lactic acid bacterial strain, inoculation level incubation temperature, pH growth promoters, inhibitors, presence of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen concentration of metabolites, buffering capacity of the media, storage temperature and availability of nutrients. In this study, even after 6 weeks of storage at 5±1°C , L. casei capable of surviving in the fermented carrot juice at pH 5.0 . In the present study, the levels of pH was maintained for the survival of bacteria in the product.

The international standards describe that the probiotic products should be contained minimum of 108 viable probiotic bacteria per mL of the product at the time of consumption for health and functional claiming.


In animal and plant breeding the 'Finlay-Wilkinson' regression has long been used but very rarely outside this field (James, 2009) . I argued here that it can be useful as a 'yardstick' in analyses exploring individual (and genetic) variation in reaction norm slopes as its results are unbiased by the correlation between it and the environmental variable causally affecting the trait. This can be especially relevant for studies not finding statistically significant IxE and could therefore give us a better understanding how prevalent (or not) individual-by-environment interactions really are.

In animal and plant breeding the 'Finlay-Wilkinson' regression has long been used but very rarely outside this field.


Post-treatment evaluation and follow-up. There was no intention to perform planned ND patients after the completion of chemoradiotherapy. CT scans were performed 4-8 weeks after the completion of chemoradiotherapy to evaluate nodal response. CT scan criteria of less than 15mm for maximum diameter without any focal abnormalities were reported previously and were applied for evaluation of radiographic complete response (CR) in current study [6, 7] . If residual neck disease was apparent or suspected, we performed early salvage ND. In cases with a radiographic CR based on CT, PET was applied 10-12 weeks after the completion of chemoradiotherapy for reconfirmation. In cases with a CR based both on CT and PET, we took a " wait and see " approach. Patients were usually monitored monthly for the detection of recurrence in the first year, every couple of months in the second year, and every 6 or 12 months thereafter. CT scans were routinely performed once every three months in the first year, and every 6 or 12 months thereafter. If lymph node and/or primary recurrence were observed in the follow-up CT, we performed salvage surgery. When no viable tumor cells were observed in the surgical specimens obtained by ND, nodal metastasis was defined as controlled by weekly cisplatin chemoradiotherapy alone. When salvage ND was performed, we intended to preserve the internal jugular vein, sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the spinal accessory nerve, where possible. The extent of neck dissection included level II, III, IV.

CT scan criteria of less than 15mm for maximum diameter without any focal abnormalities were reported previously and were applied for evaluation of radiographic complete response (CR) in current study.


It is evident that the role of H is twofold: it acts both as derivation matrix and also as some type of creation matrix ; in fact, the different kinds of Appell polynomials are uniquely determined from (4) by choosing the entries of the initial value vector p(0). In some sense, this matrix reveals the arithmetical tape which glues the different types of Appell polynomials together. The prototype of an Appell sequence are the monomials p k (x) = x k . The Bernoulli polynomials as the most prominent representatives of Appell polynomials are in Numerical Analysis almost so important as orthogonal polynomials are [12, 13, 25] . But the list of Appell polynomials includes, among others, also the classical polynomials named after Frobenius-Euler, Hermite, Laguerre, and Chebyshev.

The Bernoulli polynomials as the most prominent representatives of Appell polynomials are in Numerical Analysis almost so important as orthogonal polynomials are.


In the present study, all GAS isolates were susceptible to penicillin, which is comparable with other studies conducted in Ethiopia and elsewhere [31, 38] . Penicillinresistant GAS is not yet reported from this setting [38, 39] . Penicillin non-susceptible S. agalactiae/ group B streptococcus and susceptible group G and F streptococci were, however, observed in the present study, which is in contrast with studies conducted elsewhere [31, 32] . Penicillin and oxacillin susceptibility results were also discordant in this study.

In the present study, all GAS isolates were susceptible to penicillin, which is comparable with other studies conducted in Ethiopia and elsewhere.

Penicillinresistant GAS is not yet reported from this setting.

Penicillin non-susceptible S. agalactiae/ group B streptococcus and susceptible group G and F streptococci were, however, observed in the present study, which is in contrast with studies conducted elsewhere.


Case discussion G.D. is a case of dementia with primary progressive aphasia and preserved musical expression. In the present study, we show that his loss of speech affected speaking and singing in a similar fashion. This observation argues against the notion that singing enhances speech fluency. It also questions the claim that stuttering can be alleviated by singing (Bloodstein, 1995) .

It also questions the claim that stuttering can be alleviated by singing.


The idea that musical abilities are autonomous from language abilities, and generally isolable from other cognitive functions, is also given as a prime characteristics of dementia. Demented people are typically described as musically apt while being severely compromised by the disease in their general cognitive functioning (Brontons, 2000) . Some demented patients can even learn new songs while being unable to learn how to find their own room in the geriatric care unit (Beatty et al., 1988) . G.D.'s general behavior and neurological condition certainly fit this broad characterization. One unexpected outcome of the present investigation was that G.D. stopped his constant mumbling and started humming instead, to the relief of his wife.

Demented people are typically described as musically apt while being severely compromised by the disease in their general cognitive functioning.

Some demented patients can even learn new songs while being unable to learn how to find their own room in the geriatric care unit.


The key role for Th2 cells in driving allergies was challenged by the observation that mice with an absent adaptive immune system are still able to mount a strong type 2 response [7, 8] . This finding led to the identification of a previously unrecognized innate cell population, which was named type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) [9] . ILCs are classified into three different types, based on a similar cytokine profile corresponding to the helper T subsets Th1, Th2, and Th17, respectively. ILC2s lack the specific antigen receptor of Th2 cells, yet provide an important source of type 2 cytokines and are therefore potential new players in type 2 immunity and allergic asthma [10] .

The key role for Th2 cells in driving allergies was challenged by the observation that mice with an absent adaptive immune system are still able to mount a strong type 2 response.

This finding led to the identification of a previously unrecognized innate cell population, which was named type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2).

ILC2s lack the specific antigen receptor of Th2 cells, yet provide an important source of type 2 cytokines and are therefore potential new players in type 2 immunity and allergic asthma.


A fundamental advance towards a H 2 -based energy system are fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Thus far, several car manufacturers have already put on the market fuel-cell car models, in areas where hydrogen fueling stations are available [3] . Nevertheless, several challenges must still be overcome before FCVs will become a successful and competitive alternative for consumers [6] . A representation of an FCV, with details showing the core components of the propulsion system, is shown in Figure 1a .

Thus far, several car manufacturers have already put on the market fuel-cell car models, in areas where hydrogen fueling stations are available.

Nevertheless, several challenges must still be overcome before FCVs will become a successful and competitive alternative for consumers.


There have been dramatic improvements in access to life-saving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). In 2014, 14.9 million people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were receiving cART globally, 13.5 million of whom live in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1] . While cART has markedly improved the prognosis of people living with HIV, deficits in adherence to the spectrum of HIV care pose significant barriers to its long term success [2] [3] [4] . Effective cART requires optimal adherence to maintain suppression of viral replication with non-adherence resulting in treatment failure, disease progression and/or the emergence of drug resistance [4] [5] [6] .

In 2014, 14.9 million people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were receiving cART globally, 13.5 million of whom live in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).

While cART has markedly improved the prognosis of people living with HIV, deficits in adherence to the spectrum of HIV care pose significant barriers to its long term success.

Effective cART requires optimal adherence to maintain suppression of viral replication with non-adherence resulting in treatment failure, disease progression and/or the emergence of drug resistance.


In addition to affecting the cement interfaces, cooling-induced thermal stresses in the casing string may inadvertently affect the casing itself. In particular, tensile axial stress in the casing caused by cooling-induced contraction may affect the integrity of the couplings (Maharaj, 1996) . These effects, however important they may be, were not considered in this study.

In particular, tensile axial stress in the casing caused by cooling-induced contraction may affect the integrity of the couplings.


The axial stress change in cement is on the order of 2-3 MPa at the peak of the cooling (blue and green curves in Figure 7a ). If the initial axial stress was below 1-2 MPa, such stress change could induce disking of the cement sheath. However, the initial axial stress in the cement sheath is expected to be on the order of the hydrostatic weight of the cement column (and of whatever is above the column). The original hydrostatic pressure of the slurry column (with the overlaying fluids) would, in practice, be about 20 MPa at the depth modelled in this study (1450 m) . This is the axial stress in cement before the set. After the set, the vertical stress would be somewhat reduced because of shrinkage, yield strength buildup and wall friction development (Chenevert and Jin, 1989) . Nonetheless, it is highly unlikely that the axial stress in the cement sheath would drop as low as 3 MPa at the depth of 1450 m. The risk of cement sheath disking at 1450 m during CO 2 injection is therefore judged to be minimal. If, however, our analysis were conducted at smaller depths, the conclusions might be different (both because the hydrostatic pressure in cement is lower and the CO 2 flowing down the well is colder at shallow depths).

After the set, the vertical stress would be somewhat reduced because of shrinkage, yield strength buildup and wall friction development.