Santos and Rüther quantified the potential of BIPV and BAPV systems for use with existing single-family detached residential buildings in Florianopolis, Brazil. They compared the output performance of photoelectron conversion efficiency for thin film ( -Si) and single-crystalline solar cells. The proposed PV kits were installed on the roof tops of 496 residential buildings in a mixed residential-commercial area. The roof of a typical single-family, detached home can easily accommodate the proposed PV kits, with 87% of these generators yielding at least 95% of the maximum theoretical generation output. The low-pitched, available roof covers of such residential buildings represent ideal locations for PV integration at low latitudes, and installing BIPV on all of the existing roof areas would be able to transform each and every house into a net energy-positive building [9] .

The low-pitched, available roof covers of such residential buildings represent ideal locations for PV integration at low latitudes, and installing BIPV on all of the existing roof areas would be able to transform each and every house into a net energy-positive building.


The world population exceeded seven billion in 2012, presenting problems with regard to shortages of food and conventional energy sources. In addition, emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen sulfide, and fluorine carbonate, which are related to the burning of fossil fuels, are adversely affecting the environment and leading to a rise in global temperature [1] . Solar energy is a renewable energy resource that can be easily obtained and presents no problems with regard to pollution. However, there are still two main issues that hinder the development of the solar cell industry. One is the cost of generating electrical power per unit cell, which cannot compete with conventional electrical power production based on fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Another is the varied distribution of sun irradiation on the earth's surface, which makes it difficult to obtain sufficient solar energy at a reasonable cost in many places.

In addition, emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen sulfide, and fluorine carbonate, which are related to the burning of fossil fuels, are adversely affecting the environment and leading to a rise in global temperature.


Most current solar cells use Si-based technology and can be divided into single-crystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous-silicon ( -Si) types. Single-crystal solar cells have the highest efficiency of 16 to 24%, with a maximum modular efficiency of 20%. Polycrystal and -Si solar cells have efficiencies of 14 to 18% and 4 to 10%, respectively. Although they have a lower photoelectron conversion efficiency compared with single-crystal solar cells, -Si and non-Si-based solar cells, such as CdTe, CIS, and CIGS, have the advantages of greater flexibility and transparency, as well as lower cost, and these qualities make them suitable for use in thin film technologies [2] .

Although they have a lower photoelectron conversion efficiency compared with single-crystal solar cells, -Si and non-Si-based solar cells, such as CdTe, CIS, and CIGS, have the advantages of greater flexibility and transparency, as well as lower cost, and these qualities make them suitable for use in thin film technologies.


The proposed framework is flexible: (1) different types of classifiers can be applied in the first stage; (2) preprocessing can be done separately for each single-class classifier, thus allowing one to take advantage of state-of-the-art algorithms for supervised discretization and feature selection; and (3) different types of MRF-based inference algorithms can be used for the subsequent classification, and the choice of method can therefore depend on the complexity of the model (exact or approximate inference) and the score to be maximized (calculation of marginal probabilities or a most probable explanation). Furthermore, the general method scale with the computational resources available as the base classifiers in the first stage can be learned independently and chosen to also support scalability at the individual classifier level [7] . Nevertheless, naively dealing with all pairs of class variables imposes a strong limitation on the number of class vari-ables the algorithm can handle. We therefore also outline strategies for scaling up the algorithm to datasets having a large number of class variables. Experiments carried out over a collection of benchmark datasets confirm the feasibility of the approach and show that the proposed method significantly outperforms or is comparable to the straw-men methods included in the comparison. This paper has a companion website, where the source-code and additional experimental results can be found: http://simd.albacete.org/supplements/FMC.html.

Furthermore, the general method scale with the computational resources available as the base classifiers in the first stage can be learned independently and chosen to also support scalability at the individual classifier level.


The increased importance of lightweight cryptography and its applications has lately been reflected in the NSA publishing two dedicated lightweight cipher families: Simon and Speck [5] . Considering that this is only the third time within four decades that the NSA has published a block cipher, this is quite remarkable. Especially as NIST has started shortly after this publication to investigate the possibilities to standardise lightweight primitives, Simon and Speck certainly deserve a thorough investigation. This is emphasised by the fact that, in contrast to common practice, neither a security analysis nor a justification of the design choices were published by the NSA. This lack of openness necessarily gives rise to curiosity and caution.

The increased importance of lightweight cryptography and its applications has lately been reflected in the NSA publishing two dedicated lightweight cipher families: Simon and Speck.


Between two nodes in a logistics network, normally more than one possible route is available. In other words, more than one route choice linking the transport origin and destination may be chosen. In this case, the decision on which route should be used can reduce the impact caused by the large amount of traffic flow at a given time, mainly if the routing decision is taken quickly on the basis of the observation of changes in the environment. It is also pointed out that competitive markets require greater agility from transport operations so that they can respond quickly to fluctuations [7] [8] [9] . Nevertheless, currently, most transport schedules take into account only local restrictions, ignoring dynamic environmental variables or external disturbances [10] .

It is also pointed out that competitive markets require greater agility from transport operations so that they can respond quickly to fluctuations.

Nevertheless, currently, most transport schedules take into account only local restrictions, ignoring dynamic environmental variables or external disturbances.


In countries where both parents are out for work during the day, it is common to employ domestic helpers. Examples of such phenomena can be found in countries ranging from Canada, Singapore to South Africa (Constable 2007) . These domestic helpers are often the main caregivers in households with children. They interact with the children while parents are away, hence, their language becomes one of the main sources of linguistic input for these children. The situation becomes more interesting when a second language (L2) is involved, i.e. in cases where the two parties do not share a common native language (L1), even more so when a different variety of an L2 than is taught in school is implicated. Despite the prevalence of such situations, very little research has been done to investigate child language acquisition in these circumstances.

Examples of such phenomena can be found in countries ranging from Canada, Singapore to South Africa.


Furthermore, the additional outcome of participants having superior abilities in listening to Filipino English compared to the controls can also be seen as a welcoming benefit in a society where there is a continuous upsurge in numbers of non-native English speakers. The population of speakers who speak English as a second language is rising rapidly and has long exceeded the total number of native speakers (Crystal 2008) . In other words, it is highly likely that English is used as a lingua franca among people who do not share a native tongue to communicate with each other instead of being used to converse with native English speakers (Graddol 2006) . Against this backdrop, the command in other varieties of English is an asset that will allow people to communicate effectively despite being dissimilar to native English speakers' norms.

The population of speakers who speak English as a second language is rising rapidly and has long exceeded the total number of native speakers.

In other words, it is highly likely that English is used as a lingua franca among people who do not share a native tongue to communicate with each other instead of being used to converse with native English speakers.


Several successful implementations for the GPU are described in literature [8, 21, 22] . Nonetheless, single-GPU implementations are bound by the device memory. The maximum available amount, when using GT200 GPUs, is 4 GB, which enables to handle at most about 2.83×10 7 nodes in single precision using the three-dimensional D3Q19 stencil. Multi-GPU implementations are therefore mandatory to run large scale LBM simulations, but are still a pioneering field and performance is often below what is expected from such hardware [20] .

Several successful implementations for the GPU are described in literature.

Multi-GPU implementations are therefore mandatory to run large scale LBM simulations, but are still a pioneering field and performance is often below what is expected from such hardware.


Correspondence to: A. V. Koustov (sasha.koustov@usask.ca) In the course of fitting, each velocity vector is assigned to a specific location by assuming that the received echoes are coming from the height of 300 km, for all echoes available. It has been general understanding that the assumptions of a fixed height for F region SuperDARN echoes and a specific choice of 300 km are both seldom correct, though the errors involved are typically not significant (Andre et al., 1997) . The echo location estimates for artificially produced irregularities confirms this opinion, to some extent (Yeoman et al., 2001) .

It has been general understanding that the assumptions of a fixed height for F region SuperDARN echoes and a specific choice of 300 km are both seldom correct, though the errors involved are typically not significant.

The echo location estimates for artificially produced irregularities confirms this opinion, to some extent.


There is poor understanding of the mechanisms involved in creating new channels for moisture migration and actual energy distribution inside the grapes when subjecting them to electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field distribution inside the microwave oven can be traced out by solving the Maxwell's equations [5] . Finite Element Method (FEM) is commonly used for solving Maxwell's equations to get the energy distribution in a complex object or within a multimode cavity and it is capable of simulating power density distribution in 3-D space [8, 9] .

The electromagnetic field distribution inside the microwave oven can be traced out by solving the Maxwell's equations.

Finite Element Method (FEM) is commonly used for solving Maxwell's equations to get the energy distribution in a complex object or within a multimode cavity and it is capable of simulating power density distribution in 3-D space.


FEM technique competes very favourably with the other numerical methods, as it is based on reducing the Maxwell's equations to a system of simultaneous algebraic linear equations [2] . FEM can readily model heterogeneous and anisotropic materials as well as arbitrarily shaped geometries. It can also provide both time and frequency domain analyses which are important to microwave heating problems like field distribution, scattering parameters and dissipated power distribution for various materials and geometries [1] .

FEM technique competes very favourably with the other numerical methods, as it is based on reducing the Maxwell's equations to a system of simultaneous algebraic linear equations.

It can also provide both time and frequency domain analyses which are important to microwave heating problems like field distribution, scattering parameters and dissipated power distribution for various materials and geometries.


Measurements and modelling of dielectric helps understanding, explaining, and simulating the microwave heating of the materials [4] . There are studies on the measurement and modelling of dielectric properties of grapes at 2.45 GHz for different temperatures [7] . But there is no data available on the dielectric properties of grapes at different frequency. Such data will give a better understanding of the behaviour of the grapes on a broader electromagnetic spectrum and helps further simulation studies at other permitted frequencies like 915 MHz.

Measurements and modelling of dielectric helps understanding, explaining, and simulating the microwave heating of the materials.

There are studies on the measurement and modelling of dielectric properties of grapes at 2.45 GHz for different temperatures.


The concept of Application-Specific Instruction Set Processors (ASIPs) is a promising result of the trade-off exploration between flexibility and computation performance [1] . ASIPs are microprocessors with a unique instruction set optimized for a specific application domain. Since they execute a program, they can quickly adapt to the varying functional requirements. At the same time they have instructions and hardware resources optimized for the target application; therefore, they provide a higher computational performance than the general purpose microprocessors [2, 3] .

The concept of Application-Specific Instruction Set Processors (ASIPs) is a promising result of the trade-off exploration between flexibility and computation performance.

At the same time they have instructions and hardware resources optimized for the target application; therefore, they provide a higher computational performance than the general purpose microprocessors.


Although first described several decades ago, DLB currently remains a diagnostic challenge due to its clinical and pathological heterogenicity and its similarity in certain respects with other neurodegenerative diseases. To date, aside from some case reports, there has been limited information available about the clinical features of DLB in China [18] . This present study aimed to improve the understanding of DLB in Chinese patients by analyzing the clinical features of 37 Chinese DLB patients.

To date, aside from some case reports, there has been limited information available about the clinical features of DLB in China.


Chest radiography and CT findings show solitary or, more often, multiple randomly distributed, unilateral or bilateral nodules and/or masses with well-defined borders. The nodules may be present with or, more commonly, without calcification and are typically focal and irregular [10] . The calcified masses are more often multiple and bilateral [10] . Though rare, cavitation has been reported [10, 11] . Nodule size ranges from several millimeters to 15 cm in diameter, with an average diameter of 2 cm [9] . Adenopathy is usually not associated with this entity [1] .

The nodules may be present with or, more commonly, without calcification and are typically focal and irregular.

The calcified masses are more often multiple and bilateral.

Though rare, cavitation has been reported.

Nodule size ranges from several millimeters to 15 cm in diameter, with an average diameter of 2 cm.

Adenopathy is usually not associated with this entity.


Vibration signals originating from a helicopter transmission gearbox represent a rich source for monitoring its health. Many failures that occur in rotating components such as gears and bearings often show their signature in the vibration signal and can be well detected at early stages. Monitoring these vibrations often requires an extensive interpretation by a trained diagnostician, due to the complexity of such systems [1] . A major part of this involves the correct understanding and identification of the frequency content of the vibration signal. Understanding the frequency content of the signal and the different families of harmonics and sidebands would enable a correct analysis of the health of the machine.

Monitoring these vibrations often requires an extensive interpretation by a trained diagnostician, due to the complexity of such systems.


Flange joints connecting the section and the section (or the stage and stage) of space launch vehicles affect the stiffness of launch vehicle structures. Thus, the number of flange joints and their stiffness influence the modal characteristics of launch vehicles. Some computational structural analyses using the FE method have been performed for the flange joints of launch vehicles. The strength of flange joints for the KSLV-(Korea Space Launch Vehicle-) II was analyzed for their structural design [8] . The softening of flange joints under various loading conditions was investigated using the FE method [9] . However, there are limited studies on modal analyses for launch vehicles that include the modeling of flange joints.

The strength of flange joints for the KSLV-(Korea Space Launch Vehicle-) II was analyzed for their structural design.

The softening of flange joints under various loading conditions was investigated using the FE method.


In this section, we compare STEAM, STAMP, SMT, FDT, FIRE, and CUP discussed in Section 3. Table 1 shows their specifications. For comparison, the table also includes single-shot shadowgraphy (SS) with an ultrashort pulse laser as a conventional ultrafast imaging method, which can be considered as a special case of STAMP [51, 52] . Overall, SS, STEAM, SMT, and FIRE are continuous imaging methods that can continuously acquire image frames without a limit whereas STAMP, FDT, and CUP are burst imaging methods that can acquire image frames at a much higher rate than SS, STEAM, SMT, and FIRE, but with a limited total number of frames. For this reason, SS, STEAM, SMT, and FIRE are useful for evaluating and screening a large number of objects such as parts and biological cells while STAMP, FDT, and CUP are useful for studying fast transient dynamics in depth. As Table 1 shows, since there is no free lunch, all these imaging methods sacrifice one or more parameters of specificity to achieve ultrafast image acquisition.

Table 1 shows their specifications.

For comparison, the table also includes single-shot shadowgraphy (SS) with an ultrashort pulse laser as a conventional ultrafast imaging method, which can be considered as a special case of STAMP.


High-speed optical imaging is an indispensable technology for blur-free observation of fast transient dynamics in virtually all areas including science, industry, defense, energy, and medicine [1] [2] [3] . The quest for higher frame rates dates back to 1878 when Eadweard Muybridge performed motion-picture photography with an array of cameras as he captured a galloping horse in a sequence of shots to determine whether the horse's feet were all off the ground at once ( Figure 1 ) [4] . In today's scientific research, the ability to visualize dynamical processes is a critical requirement for uncovering and understanding the unknown or hidden laws of nature that govern the dynamics. Also, highspeed cameras are a common tool for industrial production and manufacturing, car crash testing, robotic vision, biomechanical analysis in sports, and capturing and tracking fast-moving objects in defense and help us see the fast dynamics in slow motion after recording them. By common definition, a high-speed camera is a device that can acquire image frames at a frame rate of 250 frames per second (fps), or higher, and record the frames on a storage medium [3] .

High-speed optical imaging is an indispensable technology for blur-free observation of fast transient dynamics in virtually all areas including science, industry, defense, energy, and medicine.

The quest for higher frame rates dates back to 1878 when Eadweard Muybridge performed motion-picture photography with an array of cameras as he captured a galloping horse in a sequence of shots to determine whether the horse's feet were all off the ground at once ( Figure 1 ).

By common definition, a high-speed camera is a device that can acquire image frames at a frame rate of 250 frames per second (fps), or higher, and record the frames on a storage medium.


Recent collaborative multi-national, inter-agency experiments such as ACE-1, PEM-Tropics A & B, INDOEX, ACEAsia, and TRACE-P have included airborne in-situ measurements of aerosol optical, chemical, and microphysical properties (Bates et al. 1998; Hoell et al. 1999; Huebert et al. 2003; Jacob et al. 2002; Ramanathan 2001; Raper et al. 2001) . These data sets are used to characterize aerosol sources/sinks, to initialize and evaluate chemical transport models (CTMs), to quantify aerosol direct and indirect radiative effects, and to validate satellite retrievals of aerosol optical properties. Use of the airborne observations in these types of investigations requires accurate determination of aerosol properties over a broad range of particle diameters. Aspiration of supermicrometer (D p > 136 This document is a U.S. government work and is not subject to copyright in the United States.

Recent collaborative multi-national, inter-agency experiments such as ACE-1, PEM-Tropics A & B, INDOEX, ACEAsia, and TRACE-P have included airborne in-situ measurements of aerosol optical, chemical, and microphysical properties.


Budget, human resources, and data requirements exert major influences on the choice of measuring technique (Wren et al., 2000) . Both technician-and instrument-based SS monitoring campaigns, including the measurement of turbidity as a surrogate for SS, are often limited either spatially or temporally due to cost. Spatial constraints (e.g. few monitoring sites) may leave sediment sources ill-defined, hampering subsequent decision-making and prioritisation of management interventions. Temporal constraints (e.g. infrequent researcher presence) may result in calendar-based or ad hoc sampling that fails to capture the important but unpredictable high flows, leading to under-estimation of fluxes and yields (Wolman and Miller, 1960; Knighton, 1984; Gordon et al., 2004) . These constraints strongly influenced our approach to SS sampling in the Tsitsa River in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Budget, human resources, and data requirements exert major influences on the choice of measuring technique.

Temporal constraints (e.g. infrequent researcher presence) may result in calendar-based or ad hoc sampling that fails to capture the important but unpredictable high flows, leading to under-estimation of fluxes and yields.


In the recent years, the clinical management of hypertension has been markedly improved by the widespread application of innovative technologies for medical assistance, high-definition diagnostic tools, and integrated and well-tolerated therapeutic strategies [1] [2] [3] . All these items have lead to a substantial rise in hypertension awareness and control in the setting of general practice, worldwide. In particular, the use of electronic supports for the clinical assessment, storage and sharing of medical records from individual patients has demonstrated to be a powerful tool for improving physicians' management of major cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension [4, 5] . It should be also noted, however, that despite these advantages, the overall prevalence of hypertension in the world has been continuously and progressively raising over the years and that control of high blood pressure (BP) remained unacceptably low in various Countries, including Italy [6] [7] [8] [9] .

In the recent years, the clinical management of hypertension has been markedly improved by the widespread application of innovative technologies for medical assistance, high-definition diagnostic tools, and integrated and well-tolerated therapeutic strategies.

In particular, the use of electronic supports for the clinical assessment, storage and sharing of medical records from individual patients has demonstrated to be a powerful tool for improving physicians' management of major cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension.

It should be also noted, however, that despite these advantages, the overall prevalence of hypertension in the world has been continuously and progressively raising over the years and that control of high blood pressure (BP) remained unacceptably low in various Countries, including Italy.


Determining the two pore moduli K p and K pp requires careful procedures and precise calibration, but the assessment of pore modulus K pp is particularly challenging in view of the very small amount of fluid exchanged between the porous solid and the measuring device, which further needs to be corrected for the compliance of the testing system. However, K pp could, in principle, be deduced from K p if the unjacketed pore modulus K s is known. Modulus K s characterizes the variation of pore volume under equal change of mean stress and pore pressure, e.g. when the porous solid is immersed within a pressure cell filled with the saturating fluid. Oil and gas exploration also relies extensively on knowing K s to distinguish different pore fluids [2] . Moreover, K s is needed in the well-known Gassmann's equation as of one the main parameters in evaluating the effect of pore fluid on the undrained bulk modulus of saturated rock [3] . Despite these needs, the direct measurement of K s has remained a challenge.

Oil and gas exploration also relies extensively on knowing K s to distinguish different pore fluids.

Moreover, K s is needed in the well-known Gassmann's equation as of one the main parameters in evaluating the effect of pore fluid on the undrained bulk modulus of saturated rock.


The volumetric response of a porous solid is naturally characterized by four distinct moduli: two describing the relative volume change of the porous solid due to a change of either mean stress P or pore pressure p and two describing the relative pore volume change due to a change of either P or p. If microcracks are present as is the case for rocks, the volumetric response of the porous solid is nonlinear, although essentially elastic over a significant range of pressure. Thus, the four moduli generally depend on both mean stress and pore pressure. The moduli attached to the pore volume change are of particular significance to reservoir engineering. Indeed, K pp , the modulus associated with pore pressure p, affects the pressure decline caused by the extraction of oil from deep hydrocarbon-bearing sedimentary layers, while both K p , the modulus linked to P, and K pp are needed to correct laboratory measurements of pore volume for in situ conditions [1] .

Indeed, K pp , the modulus associated with pore pressure p, affects the pressure decline caused by the extraction of oil from deep hydrocarbon-bearing sedimentary layers, while both K p , the modulus linked to P, and K pp are needed to correct laboratory measurements of pore volume for in situ conditions.


The computation of the unjacketed moduli for porous solids has been extended using models that account for heterogeneity at the microscale [23] [24] [25] [26] . However, for heterogeneous materials, K s has a complex dependence on the material properties and is generally not bounded by the elastic moduli of the solid constituents. Therefore, there is a need to perform direct measurements of K s . This paper addresses two key questions: (i) is K s a constant and (ii) under what conditions does K s = K s hold? We present unique laboratory experiments that enable, for the first time, the direct measurement of K s for ideal and natural porous solids. The theory proposes K s to be a constant, whereas previous indirect estimates of this parameter suggest otherwise. Our laboratory results are in agreement with theoretical predictions, showing that other pore moduli are only dependent on effective pressure. These results are novel from a fundamental point of view and provide a framework to determine pore moduli and other poroelastic parameters that are difficult to measure.

The computation of the unjacketed moduli for porous solids has been extended using models that account for heterogeneity at the microscale.


External Regulation: participating in sport in order to receive praise from one's coach or to be urged to do so by one's parents are actions motivated by external regulation. In this case, the sport is performed not for fun but to obtain rewards (e.g., praise) or to avoid negative consequences (e.g., criticisms from parents) (Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ntoumanis, 2001 (Deci & Ryan, 1985) . They are neither intrinsically motivated nor extrinsically motivated. When athletes are in such a state, they no longer identify any good reasons for continuing to train. Eventually, they may even decide to stop practicing their sport.

In this case, the sport is performed not for fun but to obtain rewards (e.g., praise) or to avoid negative consequences (e.g., criticisms from parents).


Motivation can be defined as the direction and intensity of effort. The direction of effort refers to whether an individual seeks out, approaches, or is attracted to certain situations. The intensity of effort refers to how much effort a person puts forth in a particular situation (Weinberg & Gould, 2011) .

The intensity of effort refers to how much effort a person puts forth in a particular situation.


Diffuse Galactic radio emission consists of a number of distinct components that emit via different emission mechanisms (notably synchrotron, free-free, and spinning dust). There is considerable interest in understanding these components in order to subtract foregrounds cleanly from cosmic microwave background (CMB) data and as a probe of the physics of the interstellar medium (ISM) and Galactic structure. The separation of the diffuse foregrounds into their separate constituent components is extremely difficult, since their spectra (except for free-free emission) are not well-known, and they have comparable intensities at microwave frequencies (Leach et al. 2008) .

The separation of the diffuse foregrounds into their separate constituent components is extremely difficult, since their spectra (except for free-free emission) are not well-known, and they have comparable intensities at microwave frequencies.


In the conventional vector control, the converter connected on the rotor side commonly named as Rotor side converter (RSC) regulates the active and reactive power and Grid side converter (GSC) regulates the DC link voltage. The performance of the conventional vector controlled DFIG system highly depends on the PI controller parameters. Several PI controllers tuning techniques like particle swarm optimization, Differential evolution, Bacteria foraging are proposed in the literature [11, 16, 17] . These methods are based on linearized model of DFIG around an operating point. However, DFIG system is a highly nonlinear system and thus performance of the conventional vector controlled DFIG system is compromised for large disturbances like three-phase faults. Nonlinear controllers are proposed in the literature as an alternative to overcome the nonlinearity behavior of DFIG system [3, 6, 14] .

Several PI controllers tuning techniques like particle swarm optimization, Differential evolution, Bacteria foraging are proposed in the literature.

Nonlinear controllers are proposed in the literature as an alternative to overcome the nonlinearity behavior of DFIG system.


Unlike the β-Al 5 FeSi phase, the δ-Al 4 FeSi 2 phase is rarely reported even in Al-Si alloys with relatively low Fe content (≤0.3 wt.%) although one would expect it. This is most likely due to a similar plate-like morphology and a close chemical composition of both phases which renders it difficult to distinguish between the two as demonstrated by SEM/EDS [20] . Thus, it is easy to incorrectly identify the δ phase as β phase especially when utilizing ex-situ microscopic methods that do not reveal the 3D morphology and environment of the phase and the time evolution of phase formation.

This is most likely due to a similar plate-like morphology and a close chemical composition of both phases which renders it difficult to distinguish between the two as demonstrated by SEM/EDS.


The Exo-MS biosynthesis genes fxbA, fxbB and fxbC (ferri exochelin biosynthesis) and the transport gene exiT (exochelin in transport) are involved in the synthesis, assembly and transport of Exo-MS in M. smegmatis. The fxbB and fxbC genes produce large proteins of 257 and 497 kDa, respectively, which catalyze the non-ribosomal peptide synthesis of Exo-MS [3] . The exiT gene encoding a protein for the export of Exo-MS is a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of transport proteins and fxbA is responsible for the formylation of the pentapeptide, a step necessary for Exo-MS production [4] .

The fxbB and fxbC genes produce large proteins of 257 and 497 kDa, respectively, which catalyze the non-ribosomal peptide synthesis of Exo-MS.

The exiT gene encoding a protein for the export of Exo-MS is a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of transport proteins and fxbA is responsible for the formylation of the pentapeptide, a step necessary for Exo-MS production.


The earliest reports of red VCSEL demonstrations were in 1993 from Sandia National Labs and Chiao Tung University in Taiwan [2, 3] . Some of this work was initially based upon the use of InGaAlP materials for both the quantum well active region and the mirrors, but fairly quickly most researchers adopted a structure that retained the InGaAlPbased quantum well active region, but used AlGaAs materials in the mirrors, all on a GaAs substrate, thus simplifying the challenge of growing lattice-matched structures. The initial devices were limited in output power and temperature range, as might be expected from the earliest demonstrations of a new technology.

The earliest reports of red VCSEL demonstrations were in 1993 from Sandia National Labs and Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.


The form of the improvement function varies with the features of interest, but in any case facilitates a balance between choosing points that exhibit local optimality (greedy search, new trials close to predicted feature of interest), and points with high uncertainty (global search, new trials away from previously sampled points) (Papalambros et al., 2002) . Finding the next design point (the point that maximizes the EI function) is necessary in order to ensure the estimation of features of interest in the smallest number of simulator runs. Finding this maximum is a difficult global optimization problem, and the addition of each point in the sequential design changes the EI function, requiring another search for the global optimum of EI in order to find the next point.

The form of the improvement function varies with the features of interest, but in any case facilitates a balance between choosing points that exhibit local optimality (greedy search, new trials close to predicted feature of interest), and points with high uncertainty (global search, new trials away from previously sampled points).


Surprisingly, the LMA-Dark solution not only passes all the bounds from various neutrino oscillation experiments but is also considered as one of the solutions for the suppression of the upturn on low energy spectrum of solar neutrinos which is in a mild tension with the standard neutrino oscillation scenario [1] . In other words, the compatibility of LMA-Dark solution with the neutrino data is even slightly better than the standard three neutrino oscillation scheme without Non-Standard Interaction (NSI). The reason for this solution staying in the shadow of the LMA solution is mostly theoretical. In fact, there is no shortage of beyond standard models that give rise to NSI of neutrinos with matter [2, 3] . The ratio of new effects within beyond Standard Model (SM) scenarios on forward scattering amplitude of neutrinos on matter to the SM contribution is expected to be given by (g 2 X m −2 X )/G F , where g X and m X are respectively the coupling and mass of the new particle whose exchange leads to an effective four-Fermi interaction between neutrinos and matter field. Taking m X m W to avoid bounds from direct collider searches of new particles and requiring g X to be relatively small to remain in the perturbative region, we find that the NSI effects are suppressed relative to the standard model effects. For the LMA-Dark solution, the NSI effects should be as large as the standard ones. Thus, in the framework of beyond standard models with heavy particles (m X m W ), there is no theoretical basis for the LMA-Dark solution. The purpose of this letter is to build a model or a class of models that provide such a basis.

Surprisingly, the LMA-Dark solution not only passes all the bounds from various neutrino oscillation experiments but is also considered as one of the solutions for the suppression of the upturn on low energy spectrum of solar neutrinos which is in a mild tension with the standard neutrino oscillation scenario.

In fact, there is no shortage of beyond standard models that give rise to NSI of neutrinos with matter.


The seed of Oryza species is commonly known as rice, which are the foremost cereal food crop in most of the developing countries. Approximately 95% of the rice production is documented in Asian countries, and about half of the world population consumes rice as their primary source of carbohydrate (Muthayya et al., 2014) . Rice grains, known as endosperm, are surrounded by nutrient rich (almost 60% of total nutritional value) outer layer called rice bran (RB) and it accounts for 8% of total weight of the rice. The color of the rice coat differs with respect to the degree of deposition of anthocyanin pigment. Consequently, the rice cultivars also varied with respect to the color of the rice, which can be black, brown, or red (Chaudhary, 2003) .

Approximately 95% of the rice production is documented in Asian countries, and about half of the world population consumes rice as their primary source of carbohydrate.

Consequently, the rice cultivars also varied with respect to the color of the rice, which can be black, brown, or red.


Considerable differences in antioxidant capacity of RBD extracts of different cultivars suggested that the content of the phytochemicals had a vast impact on their antioxidant properties (Iqbal et al., 2005; Chotimarkorn et al., 2008) . The chemical composition (tocols, γ-oryzanol), and antioxidant properties of white, red, and brown rice bran were compared with the unique extraction method (Aguilar-Garcia et al., 2007; Finocchiaro et al., 2007) . However, all previous studies have shown that the phytochemical composition and the ability of the antioxidant of rice varieties depend on many factors, majorly, cultivars, and extraction methods. The results of the current investigation suggested that hexane extraction yielded prosperous RBD with respect to the content of active phytochemicals and antioxidants. Development of new or modified extraction method independent of solvent usage that provides an efficient yield of RBD will eliminate the health hazards that might occur when used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Considerable differences in antioxidant capacity of RBD extracts of different cultivars suggested that the content of the phytochemicals had a vast impact on their antioxidant properties.

The chemical composition (tocols, γ-oryzanol), and antioxidant properties of white, red, and brown rice bran were compared with the unique extraction method.


Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease [1] . Postural instability and impaired balance is one of the cardinal symptoms of PD posing these patients at an increased risk of falling [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . Fallrelated injuries represent the most frequent reason for hospital admission in PD [8] . The occurrence of falls in patients with PD has been shown to be associated with increasing age, severity of symptoms, and use of dopaminergic drugs [3, 4, 7, 9] .

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease.

Postural instability and impaired balance is one of the cardinal symptoms of PD posing these patients at an increased risk of falling.

Fallrelated injuries represent the most frequent reason for hospital admission in PD.

The occurrence of falls in patients with PD has been shown to be associated with increasing age, severity of symptoms, and use of dopaminergic drugs.


Here we present quasi-UMIs (QUMIs), a normalization technique for scRNAseq read counts that, like census counts, attempts to match the UMI count distribution. Our approach differs from census counts in that we apply quantile normalization rather than a linear transformation, producing a discrete distribution. In general, quantile normalization forces all cells to follow a specific target distribution. The most widely implemented version of quantile normalization generates the target distribution by averaging over empirical distributions from the data [12] . In the case of scRNA-seq, however, we know that if we could remove PCR duplicates from read counts we would obtain UMI counts, which have a markedly different distribution from any of the empirical read count distributions [6] . We therefore use the characteristics of UMI counts as a guide to construct the QUMI target distribution such that it will approximate a true UMI count distribution. Specifically, we fit Poisson-lognormal models to three public datasets from different species and UMI protocols. The Poissonlognormal distribution has a heavy tail that approximates a power law, and power laws have been observed previously in gene expression [13, 14] . This target QUMI distribution depends on a single shape parameter and makes no assumptions about biochemical mechanisms. On three independent benchmark datasets where both read and UMI counts were available, we transformed read counts to QUMIs and census counts. We assessed accuracy by computing distances between normalized read counts and the true UMI counts. QUMIs had higher accuracy than census counts and read counts. Finally, on a dataset without UMIs, using QUMIs combined with a UMI count based dimension reduction reduced batch effects and increased detection of biological groups.

The most widely implemented version of quantile normalization generates the target distribution by averaging over empirical distributions from the data.

In the case of scRNA-seq, however, we know that if we could remove PCR duplicates from read counts we would obtain UMI counts, which have a markedly different distribution from any of the empirical read count distributions.

The Poissonlognormal distribution has a heavy tail that approximates a power law, and power laws have been observed previously in gene expression.


Fast-response optical saturable absorption in graphene has been studied to realize short pulse fiber lasers [1] , [2] , [3] . Optical saturable absorption has been studied using the Z-scan method in monolayer and multiple-layer graphene formed on a sheet of a transparent substrate [4] , [5] . Only a few results have been reported on graphene loaded optical planar waveguide. Among them, graphene loaded optical fiber was studied for a TE-pass polarizer [6] .

Fast-response optical saturable absorption in graphene has been studied to realize short pulse fiber lasers.

Optical saturable absorption has been studied using the Z-scan method in monolayer and multiple-layer graphene formed on a sheet of a transparent substrate.

Among them, graphene loaded optical fiber was studied for a TE-pass polarizer.


By employing graphene sheets in cascaded interferometers, we proposed a picosecond optical switching device [7] . By controlling signal amplitude, complete switching is performed with the proposed switch architecture. In most of conventional switches, the phase of the optical signal is controlled through refractive-index change. On the contrary, our proposed switch uses a change of the signal amplitude instead of the phase. We proposed to use saturable absorption for controlling the signal amplitude.

By employing graphene sheets in cascaded interferometers, we proposed a picosecond optical switching device.


Mine drainage system is an important part in the safety production of coal mine [1] . Due to the limited space and the high cost of equipment changing, water hammer is a common phenomenon in mine drainage system and its harm is inestimable [2, 3] . The minor injuries of water hammer can cause severe shock or even pipes breaking, and the major injuries can cause equipment damaging, pumping station flooding, or even injuries to underground staff. There are several traditional water hammer protection methods such as installing vacuum valves, exhaust valve, and pressure tank. However, when these water hammer protection methods are used to mine drainage system, the original piping arrangement has to be changed because additional equipment is needed. It is unenforceable to do this in this limited mine space and the cost is too high. In this situation, controlling the time and velocity of valve-closing is an effective means to protect water hammer in mine drainage system. A water hammer is easily to be formed in pipeline if the valve-closing is fast. On the contrary, the capability of pumps is inefficient if the valve-closing is too slow because pumps in mine drainage system are centrifugal. This inefficient operation has damage for pumps, because power provided by pumps is converted into heat. Therefore, it is important for us to research the critical valve-closing velocity for Hydraulic Control Valve (HCV). Researches of theoretical system and engineering applications for water hammer protection of pipeline fluid delivery areas are increasingly improved [4] [5] [6] . But it is still a difficult problem in mine drainage system because of the limited mine space [7, 8] .

Mine drainage system is an important part in the safety production of coal mine.

Due to the limited space and the high cost of equipment changing, water hammer is a common phenomenon in mine drainage system and its harm is inestimable.

Researches of theoretical system and engineering applications for water hammer protection of pipeline fluid delivery areas are increasingly improved.

But it is still a difficult problem in mine drainage system because of the limited mine space.


The level of MeHg in fish is of particular concern worldwide because significant exposure to MeHg can cause adverse effect to the nervous system, especially the developing brain. In 2000, JECFA established a PTWI of 3.3 ug per kg bw per week for the general population but highlighted that the fetus and infant might be at a greater risk of toxic effects [3] . In 2003, this PTWI was reduced to 1.6 ug per kg bw per week following further risk assessment [4] . This value was considered to be sufficient to protect the developing fetus, which are the most sensitive to MeHg.

In 2000, JECFA established a PTWI of 3.3 ug per kg bw per week for the general population but highlighted that the fetus and infant might be at a greater risk of toxic effects.

In 2003, this PTWI was reduced to 1.6 ug per kg bw per week following further risk assessment.


Most of the levels of MeHg (or tHg) and n-3 fatty acids used for the discussion were based on data extracted from different databases. However, levels of MeHg contamination vary widely. Among different species of tuna, there is a three-fold difference in mean levels of contamination between canned light tuna (0.128 ppm) and canned albacore tuna (0.350 ppm) or tuna that is sold fresh or frozen (0.391 ppm) [13] . MeHg contamination also varies greatly between individual fish and depends on its species, age (size), mercury levels in living environment, and food sources. Therefore, the evaluation between MeHg and omega-3 fatty acids based on data extracted from databases might not truly reflected the correlation but provided a general picture of the relationship.

Among different species of tuna, there is a three-fold difference in mean levels of contamination between canned light tuna (0.128 ppm) and canned albacore tuna (0.350 ppm) or tuna that is sold fresh or frozen (0.391 ppm).


The 38th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants requested the Codex Alimentarius Commission to convene a Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/ World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Consultation on the health risks associated with the presence of MeHg and dioxins in fish as well as the health benefits of fish consumption. FAO and WHO then convened a Joint Expert Consultation in Rome in January 2010 to assess the issues. The Expert Consultation concluded that fish is a major source of food and essential nutrients in some populations, and consumption of fish provides energy, protein, and a range of other important nutrients, including the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [12] . Among the general adult population, the consumption of fish, particularly fatty fish, lowers the risk of mortality from coronary heart disease. There is an absence of probable or convincing evidence of risk of coronary heart disease associated with MeHg.

The Expert Consultation concluded that fish is a major source of food and essential nutrients in some populations, and consumption of fish provides energy, protein, and a range of other important nutrients, including the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.


On further examination, the results suggest that teachers were more knowledgeable regarding the general associated features of ADHD than they were regarding the symptoms and diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Across the subscales, lack of knowledge was found, particularly for "children with ADHD generally experience more problems in novel situations than in familiar situations"; "it is common for children with ADHD to have an inflated sense of self-esteem or grandiosity"; and "reducing dietary intake of sugar or food additives is generally effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD". In terms of misperception, teachers indicated more responses for: "Electroconvulsive Therapy (i.e. shock treatment) has been found to be an effective treatment for severe cases of ADHD"; "it is common for children with ADHD to have an inflated sense of self-esteem or grandiosity"; and "ADHD is more common in the 1st degree biological relatives (i.e. mother, father) of children with ADHD than in the general population". These findings are somewhat different to previous research, but similar in particular for the misperception that children with ADHD have higher self-esteem, and that a high sugar diet has an effect on ADHD (Alkahtani, 2013) . These responses may indicate that teachers required further training when it came to the identification of ADHD, since the teacher is often the first person to make a referral for assessment for ADHD (Malen, 2008) .

These findings are somewhat different to previous research, but similar in particular for the misperception that children with ADHD have higher self-esteem, and that a high sugar diet has an effect on ADHD.

These responses may indicate that teachers required further training when it came to the identification of ADHD, since the teacher is often the first person to make a referral for assessment for ADHD.


For the current sample, the majority of teachers indicated that they had received training on ADHD. However, this training may have been once-off. Perhaps the training should be continuous, as teachers need to be knowledgeable not only about the etiology, diagnosis and prognosis of the disorder, but also how to manage children diagnosed with ADHD in the classroom in order to effect positive outcomes (Alkahtani, 2013; Perold et al., 2010) . Furthermore, continuous training would ensure teachers are exposed to problemsolving situations, which may vary and differ for each child diagnosed with ADHD. This continuous training might also provide new approaches to managing children with ADHD in the classroom.

Perhaps the training should be continuous, as teachers need to be knowledgeable not only about the etiology, diagnosis and prognosis of the disorder, but also how to manage children diagnosed with ADHD in the classroom in order to effect positive outcomes.


Once a child is diagnosed with ADHD, available treatment for ADHD are psychostimulant medication, educational interventions, behaviour modification procedures, diet manipulation and supplements. The management of the disorder then becomes important, because the performance effects of the intervention strategies require close monitoring and feedback to all relevant role-players to improve the child's behaviour (DuPaul & Stoner, 2003) . Behaviour therapy and classroom behaviour interventions training for parents have been shown to have positive results when it comes to the treatment of ADHD (Anastopoulos & Farley, 2003) . This would then mean that the training of teachers to manage the behaviour of the child diagnosed with ADHD ought to be an important first step for classroom management. This training would need to include knowledge of symptoms and treatment of diagnosing ADHD, as well as managing the behaviour of the child in the classroom.

The management of the disorder then becomes important, because the performance effects of the intervention strategies require close monitoring and feedback to all relevant role-players to improve the child's behaviour.

Behaviour therapy and classroom behaviour interventions training for parents have been shown to have positive results when it comes to the treatment of ADHD.


In a survey investigating the diagnosis of ADHD, two-thirds of the survey respondents indicated that teachers most frequently made the initial referral for a child to be evaluated for ADHD (Malen, 2008) . In the course of the diagnosis, the teacher and parent reports are paramount (Snider, Busch & Arrowood, 2003) . Often, teachers initiate the referral for an ADHD assessment because the structured school environment means that children with problems of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity exhibit behaviours with which the other children and their teachers cannot cope.

In a survey investigating the diagnosis of ADHD, two-thirds of the survey respondents indicated that teachers most frequently made the initial referral for a child to be evaluated for ADHD.

In the course of the diagnosis, the teacher and parent reports are paramount.


In this paper, we evaluate several issues for a randomized scheduling algorithm in sensor networks through both analysis and simulation. We study network coverage intensity, asymptotic coverage intensity, detection probability, and detection delay. We analyze the problem of maximizing network lifetime under QoS constraints such as the bounded detection delay, detection probability, and coverage intensity. We study properties and asymptotic properties, disclose that the optimal solution exists, and present the conditions of the existence of the optimal solutions. Our results can provide people with better understanding of the network design and parameter selection. This work also lays a foundation for our future work on sensor network scheduling algorithms. Evidently, we have extended partially this work and investigated the properties of randomized scheduling algorithms in sensor networks where sensor nodes are deployed either on two-dimensional plane or in three-dimensional space and intrusion objects occupy either areas in a two-dimensional plane or volumes in three-dimensional space, respectively [23] .

Evidently, we have extended partially this work and investigated the properties of randomized scheduling algorithms in sensor networks where sensor nodes are deployed either on two-dimensional plane or in three-dimensional space and intrusion objects occupy either areas in a two-dimensional plane or volumes in three-dimensional space, respectively.


This community survey of a young population in the age groups at risk for HIV infection found that a majority of both men (60%) and women (64%) perceived themselves as not at risk of acquiring HIV infection. However, women were more willing than men to be tested for HIV infection. Acquisition of HIV has been shown to be more in the young and active segments of the population and HIV testing and counselling (HTC) is the gateway into treatment for HIV-infected persons. Timely initiation of effective HIV treatment can profoundly reduce AIDSrelated morbidity and mortality, as well as new infections [1] [2] [3] 21] . The perception of one being at risk of acquiring HIV should be a critical factor in the decision to seek testing and counselling. Thus, education of these populations is needed to change their perception to enhance voluntary testing or implementation of routine opt out testing in these communities which may be needed to improve testing rates as well as linkage of infected persons to care.

Timely initiation of effective HIV treatment can profoundly reduce AIDSrelated morbidity and mortality, as well as new infections.


This high female testing is consistent with previous findings in Ghana, which indicates high willingness for HIV testing among pregnant women in Ghana [14, 15] . The limited HIV testing among men is not a new phenomenon in Ghana. Over a decade ago, a study on HIV patients in Ghana found more females were getting tested in hospitals than males [6, 16] . Data of the NACP from 2007-2010, shows females comprised 58.2% of those tested for HIV in health facilities across the country, giving a female to male ratio (F: M ratio) of 1.4 [6] . In 2010, a similar F: M ratio of 1.4 for HIV testing was noticed from the community-based HIV testing campaigns. If PMTCT data is included in all HIV tests conducted in 2010, the overall F: M ratio in Ghana increased to 2.8 [6] .

This high female testing is consistent with previous findings in Ghana, which indicates high willingness for HIV testing among pregnant women in Ghana.

Over a decade ago, a study on HIV patients in Ghana found more females were getting tested in hospitals than males.

Data of the NACP from 2007-2010, shows females comprised 58.2% of those tested for HIV in health facilities across the country, giving a female to male ratio (F: M ratio) of 1.4.

If PMTCT data is included in all HIV tests conducted in 2010, the overall F: M ratio in Ghana increased to 2.8.


The great current demand for prebiotics, in particular FOS, requires a continuous search for new microorganisms capable of producing FTase with a good transfructosylation activity that can be further used to produce FOS. Aspergillus ibericus MUM 03.49 was isolated from Portuguese wine grapes (Serra et al., 2006) . The strain exhibits potential for FOS formation since a pronounced positive colour reaction was obtained while screening the transfructosylation activity of the microorganism in plate tests (Dominguez, Santos, Teixeira, & Lima, 2006) . Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the production of FOS by the new isolated A. ibericus MUM 03.49 strain, by means of a onestep fermentation. Fermentation conditions, namely temperature and pH were optimized in shaken flasks using a central composite design and the process was further scaled-up to a 2 L bioreactor. Since this is the first report on FOS obtained by this strain, the sugar mixture obtained was also analyzed by HPLC and chemically characterized by NMR to identify the chemical structures and compare it with other commercially available mixtures, namely regarding the linkage between the sugar monomers that may have an important impact on the prebiotic functionality of the oligosaccharide (Li et al., 2015) .

Aspergillus ibericus MUM 03.49 was isolated from Portuguese wine grapes.

The strain exhibits potential for FOS formation since a pronounced positive colour reaction was obtained while screening the transfructosylation activity of the microorganism in plate tests.

Since this is the first report on FOS obtained by this strain, the sugar mixture obtained was also analyzed by HPLC and chemically characterized by NMR to identify the chemical structures and compare it with other commercially available mixtures, namely regarding the linkage between the sugar monomers that may have an important impact on the prebiotic functionality of the oligosaccharide.


Several aspects of human health are influenced by the microbial communities colonizing the different regions of the human gut. Via fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates, e.g. oligosaccharides, the gut microbiota contributes with energy and nutrient supply to the host (Flint, Scott, Louis, & Duncan, 2012) . The daily intake of specific oligosaccharides, namely fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), has proved to be effective in the manipulation of the composition and functionality of the colonic microbiota (Scheid, Moreno, Maróstica Junior, & Pastore, 2013; Rastall et al., 2005) . FOS consumption by the probiotic bacteria results in (a) an increase of the expression or change in the composition of short-chain fatty acids; (b) an increased fecal weight; (c) a mild decrease in luminal colon pH; (d) a decrease in nitrogenous end-products; (e) an increased expression of the binding proteins or active carriers associated with mineral absorption, and immune system regulation (Younis, Ahmad, & Jahan, 2015) . These changes are reflected in a great number of health benefits for the humans such as reducing or preventing gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, allergies, obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, among others (Sabater-Molina, Larqué, Torrella, & Zamora, 2009; Slavin, 2013; Wang, 2009) . Therefore, FOS are one of the most commonly commercialized prebiotics (Nobre, Cerqueira, Rodrigues, Vicente, & Teixeira, 2015) .

Via fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates, e.g. oligosaccharides, the gut microbiota contributes with energy and nutrient supply to the host.

The daily intake of specific oligosaccharides, namely fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), has proved to be effective in the manipulation of the composition and functionality of the colonic microbiota.

FOS consumption by the probiotic bacteria results in (a) an increase of the expression or change in the composition of short-chain fatty acids; (b) an increased fecal weight; (c) a mild decrease in luminal colon pH; (d) a decrease in nitrogenous end-products; (e) an increased expression of the binding proteins or active carriers associated with mineral absorption, and immune system regulation.

These changes are reflected in a great number of health benefits for the humans such as reducing or preventing gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, allergies, obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, among others.

Therefore, FOS are one of the most commonly commercialized prebiotics.


In recent years, interest in microcantilever-based chemical and biochemical sensing systems has risen due to their projected high sensitivity [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . The large ratio of surface area to volume makes the microcantilever extremely sensitive to surface processes. For (bio)chemical detection, the microcantilever is usually coated with a (bio)chemically sensitive layer whose purpose is to selectively sorb the analyte or molecule of interest. The sorbed substance can then be detected by monitoring either the resonant frequency shift (dynamic mode) or the quasi-static deflection (static mode). A simplified way to explain the basic principle of such sensors is to say that in the case of dynamic mode operation, the change in mass associated with the sorption of analyte onto/into the sensitive coating causes a shift in resonant frequency, which may be correlated to the ambient concentration of the target substance. For static-mode operation, the sorption of analyte causes a cantilever deflection that is induced by surface stress or by the tendency of the sensitive coating to expand or contract upon analyte sorption or desorption (modification of strain and stress in the coating). In this paper we will focus on the use of the dynamic mode.

In recent years, interest in microcantilever-based chemical and biochemical sensing systems has risen due to their projected high sensitivity.


In order to better understand the measurements and validate the empirical findings, empirical data collection on material efficiency KPIs compounded with discussions with different organizational functions including environmental manager, area manager or production manager. This also helped capturing a broad perspective of material efficiency measurements in connection to different organizational levels. Documents were also briefly studied to get a basic insight about companies, their overall strategy and environmental target and current improvement (both environmental and operational) projects. The data analysis included data reduction, data displays, and conclusion drawing and verification, as suggested by Miles and Huberman [15] . Results were afterwards compared and analyzed in an iterative and explorative nature to increase understanding and generalizability of empirical findings.

The data analysis included data reduction, data displays, and conclusion drawing and verification, as suggested by Miles and Huberman.


Over 1.2 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were registered with the UK feed in tariff scheme in August 2012. More than 65% of these were less than 4 kW in size and installed on the rooftops of properties connected to the low voltage (LV) distribution network [1] . By averting fossil fuel generation, PV can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide as well as other harmful gases [2] . The feed in tariff incentive was designed to encourage installation of PV and to help the UK achieve its environmental target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050 [3] .

More than 65% of these were less than 4 kW in size and installed on the rooftops of properties connected to the low voltage (LV) distribution network.

By averting fossil fuel generation, PV can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide as well as other harmful gases.

The feed in tariff incentive was designed to encourage installation of PV and to help the UK achieve its environmental target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.


Demand side management (DSM), including distributed energy storage, are also methods available to DNOs but these are not widely installed in the UK. If suitably sized, these provide benefits such as prevention/reduction of reverse power flow or overvoltage problems by absorbing energy. Storage can also provide peak shaving and reduced losses by discharging stored energy [8] .

Storage can also provide peak shaving and reduced losses by discharging stored energy.


Water trading is the act of transferring the rights of a license to abstract water (e.g. for drinking water supply or agricultural purposes) from one user to another for the benefit of both users. Where each licence has a set of associated rules which may state a volume of water for abstraction (over a season or through the year) and may also have a flow below which no abstraction can take place step, allowing trading with downstream abstractors. Different constraints on behaviour can be built into the model, for example different environmental flow (hands off flow) requirements can be tested to explore the flexibility of the environment (Erfani et al., 2015) . However this stops short of investigating the effect of the potential changes in the hydrological regimes on in-stream habitat, delivering only the changed flow regimes resulting from the water market.

Different constraints on behaviour can be built into the model, for example different environmental flow (hands off flow) requirements can be tested to explore the flexibility of the environment.


Like the media, the Maintenance system also downplays the emotional and psychosocial role played by fathers. The challenges experienced and multiple roles played by fathers are also rarely acknowledged [12, 16, 20] . Again the law only requires fathers to illustrate their role in provider terms since it mostly focuses on their payment and or non-payment of maintenance, but fails to signify their presence and contribution in other ways [10, 21] . The flaw in legitimising fatherhood only through signifying the provider role is that it marginalises men that are socioeconomically unable to provide. When a father is unable to financially provide for their children, his parenting status and powers are relinquished. It needs to be noted that this happens in a context where many women are unable to access maintenance as some men refuse and or default from paying child support even when they can afford to maintain [12, 16] . In South Africa, the media and public discourse on child support and fatherhood tends to indiscriminately shame and criminalise fathers that face challenges with financial provision for their children. This article therefore aims to show how shaming is used as a tool to correct and realign fathers to the notion of man as primarily a provider.

The challenges experienced and multiple roles played by fathers are also rarely acknowledged.

Again the law only requires fathers to illustrate their role in provider terms since it mostly focuses on their payment and or non-payment of maintenance, but fails to signify their presence and contribution in other ways.

It needs to be noted that this happens in a context where many women are unable to access maintenance as some men refuse and or default from paying child support even when they can afford to maintain.


At present, most of the world's energy consumption comes from oil, coal and natural gas, but these sources are limited because of their fossil origin, and it is a fact that they will be depleted in the near future. Therefore, it is essential to find alternative energy from renewable sources. Biodiesel has a promising potential as an alternative energy source. First, biodiesel represents a strategic renewable energy source that can replace diesel oil; second, biodiesel may be useful for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases [1] . It has been established that the combustion of diesel oil by engines produces mixtures of anhydride pollutants (CO x , SO x and NO x ), solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons that generate multiple environmental and health problems and contribute to global warming and the formation of acid rain [2] [3] [4] .

First, biodiesel represents a strategic renewable energy source that can replace diesel oil; second, biodiesel may be useful for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.

It has been established that the combustion of diesel oil by engines produces mixtures of anhydride pollutants (CO x , SO x and NO x ), solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons that generate multiple environmental and health problems and contribute to global warming and the formation of acid rain.


Here M denotes the mass matrix, D denotes the damping matrix and K denotes the stiffness matrix. We assume that M is a non-singular matrix and that matrices M , D and K are real matrices of order n. Vector q ∈ R n contains the state variables, while the vector y ∈ R r denotes the observed output which together with the output matrices C 1 , C 2 ∈ R p×n determine the system displacements and velocities of interest. System disturbances are denoted by the vector u ∈ R m and the matrix B 2 ∈ R n×m . The first equation in (1) is usually called the state equation. Systems of the form (1) are used as a linearized model for a large class of vibrational systems. Vibrations are typical and mostly unwanted phenomenon in mechanical systems, since resonance and sustained oscillations can have undesired effects such as energy waste, noise creation and even structural damage. Thus, the minimization of vibrations is a widely studied topic. There is a vast literature in this field of research, particularly in the engineering and applied mathematics. For a brief insight we give just a few references: [2, 23, 24, 13, 33, 9, 15] . All these references contain the topic of the minimization of dangerous vibrations from different aspects and for different problems.

For a brief insight we give just a few references.


With increasing atmospheric pollution problems, effective monitoring and controlling systems for detection and quantification of pollution sources have become increasingly important. Presently, standard air pollution measurements utilize analytical instruments such as optical spectroscopy, gas chromatography/spectroscopy. These instruments can provide precise analysis, however they are time consuming and expensive. Solid-state gas sensors have been more widely used in many gas-sensing applications due to their low cost, high sensitivity, fast response, and simple electronic interface, however they are less accurate and less selective than analytical instruments. With intense research and development, their performance has been improved dramatically and thus they could soon be effective alternatives for air pollution measurement. Among different types of gas sensors, thin film type semiconductor gas sensors have recently been of much interest because of microelectronic compatibility, ease of control of processing parameters, reproducibility, fast response, and relatively low cost [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] .

Among different types of gas sensors, thin film type semiconductor gas sensors have recently been of much interest because of microelectronic compatibility, ease of control of processing parameters, reproducibility, fast response, and relatively low cost.


Poly (chloro-p-xylylene), parylene C, is a widely-used MEMS material. Besides serving as a structural material, parylene C can also serve as a good encapsulation material, since parylene C can achieve conformal and pin-hole free coating. With the emergence of bio-implantable technology, lots of bio-implantable devices employ parylene C as a hermetic packaging material [1] . The intensive and extensive studies of parylene C as a hermetic packaging material are needed.

With the emergence of bio-implantable technology, lots of bio-implantable devices employ parylene C as a hermetic packaging material.


Approximately 80% of all breast tumors are positive for estrogen receptor (ER+), which is an indicator of potential responsiveness to endocrine therapy both in the adjuvant and advanced settings [1] . Despite the efficacy of endocrine therapy for treatment of ER+ breast cancer, a significant number of patients develop resistance to these drugs. There is considerable evidence suggesting that acquisition of endocrine resistance is accompanied by accelerated tumor growth and increased metastatic propensity, and is associated with morphological changes characteristic of cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [2] . However, key questions remain regarding the central molecules controlling the EMT process during development of endocrine resistance, which may be promising therapeutic targets in combination with endocrine therapy.

Approximately 80% of all breast tumors are positive for estrogen receptor (ER+), which is an indicator of potential responsiveness to endocrine therapy both in the adjuvant and advanced settings.

There is considerable evidence suggesting that acquisition of endocrine resistance is accompanied by accelerated tumor growth and increased metastatic propensity, and is associated with morphological changes characteristic of cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).


The present study revealed the occurrence of a differential spatial distribution in the population according to sex, size, moulting, and carapace coloration of the crabs inhabiting the Mondego estuary. This species spawn inside the estuary (at the mouth) and the first zoeae are mainly transported to coastal waters. Later occurs a reinvasion of the estuary by the megalopae stage, using selective tidal stream transport (Queiroga et al., 1997) . This study reinforces the notion that the exchange of meroplankton between estuaries and open coastal waters are of extreme importance. Moreover, specifically it helps to clarify the distribution pattern and life cycle of this species that present a high ecologic relevancy at local and regional scales.

Later occurs a reinvasion of the estuary by the megalopae stage, using selective tidal stream transport.


The enrollment blood samples for these men were tested for HSV-2 antibodies using the HSV-2 ELISA (Kalon Biological Ltd.). On the basis of prior evaluation of test performance in Ugandan sera using HSV-2 University of Washington Western blot as the gold standard, HSV-2 positive status was defined as a Kalon ELISA index value of $1.5 [15] . Men with a Kalon index value #0.9 were classified as HSV-2 negative. Trial enrollment samples with Kalon index values between 0.90-1.49 were classified as indeterminate HSV-2 status. Only HSV-2 negative individuals were evaluated for HSV-2 seroconversion (index value $1.5). All seroconversions were confirmed by Euroimmun Western blot (Euroimmun). HSV-2 serostatus was classified into four mutually exclusive groups; HSV-2 positive at enrollment, HSV-2 indeterminate at enrollment, HSV-2 seronegative at enrollment and throughout follow up, and HSV-2 seroconversions. HIV status was determined by two separate ELISAs and confirmed by HIV-1 Western blot, as previously described [3] . Serologic syphilis was assessed at each study visit on the basis of a positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) (Becton Dickinson) or toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) (New Horizons Diagnostics Corporation) and confirmed by a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) (Serodia-TP PA kit, Fujirebio Inc.).

On the basis of prior evaluation of test performance in Ugandan sera using HSV-2 University of Washington Western blot as the gold standard, HSV-2 positive status was defined as a Kalon ELISA index value of $1.5.

HIV status was determined by two separate ELISAs and confirmed by HIV-1 Western blot, as previously described.


In Thailand, there are about 2075 million tons of coal reserves. Approximately 99% of these coals are lignite and sub-bituminous. In 2011, the total coal consumption in Thailand was about 36 million tons, whereas 19 million tons were domestic coal and 17 million tons were imported from Indonesia, Australia, China, etc. The imported coal usually is bituminous class [1] . In the near future, except for natural gas, coal seems to be the main fuel for electricity generation and industry because of its competitive price. The estimated coal ash generated from coal combustion would be around 4 million tons per year (based on the average ash content of coal which is approximately 10% by weight). About 3 million tons of fly ash and 1 million tons of bottom ash are produced annually. In Thailand, coal ash is classified as a hazardous waste which might cause significant environmental problems. The hazardous constituents in coal ash can migrate and contaminate to both ground water and surface water, and hence living organism if these ashes are disposed improperly. At present, both bottom ash and fly ash from coal fired power plants in Thailand are sold to cement and concrete production industries, which seems to be surplus right now. An attempt to find an alternative way of coal based bottom ash utilization to reduce the burden of waste disposal is essential.

The imported coal usually is bituminous class.


Another approach which achieve a similar goal is to use a expectation semiring (Eisner, 2001; Eisner, 2002; Li and Eisner, 2009) . In this semiring, all values are pairs of probabilities and expectations. The inside-outside algorithm with the expectation semiring requires the usual inside and outside calculations over the probability part of the semiring values, followed by a third traversal over the parse forest to populate the expectation part of the semiring values. The approach taken in this paper also requires the usual inside and outside calculations, but o third traversal of the parse forest. Instead, the proposed approach requires two passes over the rules of the grammar per EM iteration. The asymptotic time complexities are thus equivalent for the two approaches.

Another approach which achieve a similar goal is to use a expectation semiring.


Bakarakos and collaborators implied that p-mTOR was related to an aggressive phenotype in invasive breast cancer [22] . In our hands, no prognostic value of p-mTOR-s2448 could be detected. The early stage of breast cancer in the present cohort may explain the distinctions between the studies. P-mTOR, as a single biomarker for tamoxifen response, showed close to significant interaction in the ER/ PgR-positive subgroup. The PgR has for long been used as a marker of estrogen-dependent tumor growth and an indicator of a functional ER, even though the clinical value of PgR as an endocrine treatment predictive marker has been questioned recently [23, 24] . In vitro, mTORC1 inhibition restored tamoxifen sensitivity in Akt-induced tamoxifen resistant cell lines [25] . The mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin induced a modest reduction of ER transcriptional activity, while a combinatorial inhibition of mTOR and MEK more significantly reduced ER activity, implying that both the PI3K-and the MAPK-pathways regulate ER driven cell growth [26] . Ongoing clinical studies, most recently the phase III BOLERO-2 trial, investigate the possibility to combine endocrine treatment with mTOR inhibitors [27] [28] [29] . Results are promising, with higher response rate in combination-therapy arms; however, it is not known what magnitude of benefit from the combined therapy that would be achieved in the adjuvant setting. To further delineate which patients have the best treatment benefit and who should be spared the side effects of a non-functional therapy, the signaling pathways need to be further investigated.

Bakarakos and collaborators implied that p-mTOR was related to an aggressive phenotype in invasive breast cancer.

The PgR has for long been used as a marker of estrogen-dependent tumor growth and an indicator of a functional ER, even though the clinical value of PgR as an endocrine treatment predictive marker has been questioned recently.

In vitro, mTORC1 inhibition restored tamoxifen sensitivity in Akt-induced tamoxifen resistant cell lines.

The mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin induced a modest reduction of ER transcriptional activity, while a combinatorial inhibition of mTOR and MEK more significantly reduced ER activity, implying that both the PI3K-and the MAPK-pathways regulate ER driven cell growth.

Ongoing clinical studies, most recently the phase III BOLERO-2 trial, investigate the possibility to combine endocrine treatment with mTOR inhibitors.


The experiment consisted of four sweet potato varieties (Awassa-83, Kabode, Kulfo and Tulla) and it was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications according to Gomez and Gomez [18] . Thus, there were four treatments in each replication. The space between rows and plants was 75x30 cm having a plot size of 4.50 x 3.60 m (16.20 m 2 ) and 72 plants per plot will be considered. The space between replications and plots will be 1.5 m and 1 m, respectively. Plants in the four middle rows out of the six rows per plot were constitute the net plot to be used as the sampling units. Eight plants from the middle rows were taken for sampling and data analysis. All appropriate agronomic practices such as weeding, watering and hoeing were conducted manually at the experimental field.

The experiment consisted of four sweet potato varieties (Awassa-83, Kabode, Kulfo and Tulla) and it was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications according to Gomez and Gomez.


Both CPEs shows exponent n lower than 1 while pure capacitance show exponent n = 1 . Decreasing n reveals more disordered structure and dispersion of transport processes. The dynamic origin related to multiple trapping systems can be the reason of such behavior. Both, CPE capacitance P and its exponent n depends on the applied DC bias, see Figs. 7-9. Near capacitive behavior (n is closed to 1 and voltage independent), as it is clearly recognized in Fig. 9 , was observed for second CPE element in AC equivalent circuit for both samples. The capacity of the structure in forward direction is closely related to the minority charge carriers and thus recombination rate. Second CPE capacitance consistently increases with increasing bias voltages for both samples as one can recognize in Fig. 8 . CPE capacitance P 1 decreases for both BB1 and BB2 samples (Fig. 7) while CPE capacitance P 2 increases when DC bias is increased (Fig. 6) . The injection of minority carriers results in diffusion (dynamic) CPE capacitance increase at higher forward bias as typical for this type of structure [23] . Similarly, as in the case of capacitances, the two types of resistances are taken into account in the AC equivalent circuit. In terms of obtained resistance, Fig. 6 shows behavior of both samples. The voltage dependence of resistance indicates two areas dependent on voltage. Two types of resistances are related to shunt and dynamic resistance. The resistance R 2 is ascribed to space charge region of the junction and of course it is dependent on the applied bias. Its value under forward direction is much lower than that one under reverse bias. The higher its value, the better the diode interface [24] . At higher forward voltages the transport process is governed by series resistance.

The injection of minority carriers results in diffusion (dynamic) CPE capacitance increase at higher forward bias as typical for this type of structure.

The higher its value, the better the diode interface.


In rice, NUE is the main parameter used to determine nutrient uptake [27] . In Asia, N fertilizer use is very high but in rice cultivation it is inefficient, as only 30% -40% of the applied N is recovered [28] . The low NUE of rice reflects N loss in soil-plant systems, which has been explained not only by the dependence solely on chemical fertilizer application, but also by volatilization of NH 3 , loss of nitrate (NO 3 ) from leaching, inadequate soil conditions, surface run off, soil erosion, environmental factors, and the use of nitrification inhibitors [29] .

In rice, NUE is the main parameter used to determine nutrient uptake.

In Asia, N fertilizer use is very high but in rice cultivation it is inefficient, as only 30% -40% of the applied N is recovered.

The low NUE of rice reflects N loss in soil-plant systems, which has been explained not only by the dependence solely on chemical fertilizer application, but also by volatilization of NH 3 , loss of nitrate (NO 3 ) from leaching, inadequate soil conditions, surface run off, soil erosion, environmental factors, and the use of nitrification inhibitors.


Currently, global crop production requires inputs of roughly 105 million tons of nitrogen (N), 20 million tons of phosphorus (P), and 23 million tons of potassium (K) [1] . The recovery efficiency of applied fertilizer is low: ≤50% for N, <10% for P, and ~40% for K [2] [3] . However, in recent years, sustainable agriculture has received considerable attention from environmentalists, agriculturists, and consumers [4] .

Currently, global crop production requires inputs of roughly 105 million tons of nitrogen (N), 20 million tons of phosphorus (P), and 23 million tons of potassium (K).

The recovery efficiency of applied fertilizer is low: ≤50% for N, <10% for P, and ~40% for K.

However, in recent years, sustainable agriculture has received considerable attention from environmentalists, agriculturists, and consumers.


Studies have shown that a reduction of 10 mmHg of blood pressure can result in a reduction of 25% of CHD, 45% of stroke and 55% of heart failure [14, 15] . Furthermore, a 1% decrease in HbA1c level can lead to a reduction of fatal and non-fatal MI by 14%, peripheral vascular disease by 43% and heart failure by 16% [16] . For LDL cholesterol level, every 38 mg/dl of LDL reduction associated with 20% reduction of CVD events [17] . In view of the treatment given and the control rates achieved, there would be substantial improvement of all the CV risk factors in our study population over the 10-year period, leading to significant reduction of ASCVD events. One of the reasons the pooled cohort risk score was introduced is because it is derived from a more diverse population when compared to FRS which is based on a more homogenous cohort. While the pooled cohort risk score has not been widely validated yet, the Framingham General CVD risk score has been well studied even outside the US [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] . However, NRI of 3.1% in our study showed there was no substantial improvement of the pooled cohort risk score over the FRS suggesting that both risk scores are equivalent.

Studies have shown that a reduction of 10 mmHg of blood pressure can result in a reduction of 25% of CHD, 45% of stroke and 55% of heart failure.

Furthermore, a 1% decrease in HbA1c level can lead to a reduction of fatal and non-fatal MI by 14%, peripheral vascular disease by 43% and heart failure by 16%.

For LDL cholesterol level, every 38 mg/dl of LDL reduction associated with 20% reduction of CVD events.

While the pooled cohort risk score has not been widely validated yet, the Framingham General CVD risk score has been well studied even outside the US.


A very recent study validated the pooled cohort risk score in a US population and found it to work very well [2] . Our study showed that the pooled cohort risk score has moderate discrimination and good calibration in an Asian population. One possible explanation of our finding of only moderate discrimination could be because of the high prevalence of patients with CV risk factors (i.e. the high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension seen) and therefore a clustering of patients with higher risk and fewer patients with lower risk. Hence in a general population of subjects with a wider range of CV risk, this risk prediction model may give a better discrimination.

A very recent study validated the pooled cohort risk score in a US population and found it to work very well.


A voltage-capacitance measurement system which consisted of the readout instrumentation, pressure sensor dummy, coupling distance testing platform, and computer as shown in Fig. 7 was designed. The readout circuit and the sinusoidal signal source circuit were encapsulated in the readout instrumentation. The reader antenna and the sensor dummy were a certain distance apart without any electric connection, the coupling distance which could be measured by the platform shown in Fig. 7 Experimental tests on the measurement system have been carried out by varying the sensing adjustable capacitance, with the parameter values summarized in Table 3 , and the reader antenna inductor and the sensing inductor were designed identically. Figure 8 shows the measured output voltage of the readout circuit versus the sensing adjustable capacitance using an LC resonator as a sensor dummy inductively coupled to the reader antenna. We can see that the tendency of the measured output voltage is in good accordance with the simulation result. It proves the feasibility of the readout system. The LC passive pressure sensor designed based on the HTCC has been tested as a function of the pressure from 0 bar to 2 bar with the wireless pressure sensing system consisting of the pressure controller, readout instrumentation, pressure vessel, and computer shown in Fig. 9 . The reader antenna and sensor were put into the pressure vessel, where nitrogen gas was pumped through G E PACE 6000 pressure controller to make sure of a controllable uniform pressure condition. The reader antenna was connected to the readout instrumentation through test ports of the pressure vessel. The frequency of sinusoidal signal was set as 32.9 MHz, which was equal to the measured resonant frequency of the sensor at zero pressure. From the measurement results shown in Figs. 10 and 11, it is clear that the measured output voltage of the readout circuit increased as the pressure increased from 0 bar to 2 bars. The tested sensor's capacitance at zero pressure was 3.8 pF, which was 7.34% larger than the theoretical value (3.54 pF). The discrepancy of the sensor's capacitance is mainly caused by the possible factors concluded as following: (1) large cavity dimensions cause the collapse of the membrane, the distance between electrodes become small, finally the capacitance becomes larger; (2) the capacitor electrodes are larger than the cavity. The superfluous parts of the electrodes, which were sandwiched between ceramic layers but not the ceramic layer and vacuum as the overlap parts, distributed a lot to the sensor's capacitance because of the larger dielectric constant of the ceramic compared to the vacuum [15] . Both effects would increase the capacitance. In addition, the measurement results may be influenced by the surrounding environment and the measurement setup.

The superfluous parts of the electrodes, which were sandwiched between ceramic layers but not the ceramic layer and vacuum as the overlap parts, distributed a lot to the sensor's capacitance because of the larger dielectric constant of the ceramic compared to the vacuum.


In some harsh environment applications, it is almost impractical to connect the pressure sensitive element to the conditioning electronics by the standard cables to measure the pressure, for example, in the automotive or biomedical field when the packages are inside the human body or upon rotating systems, for example in the industrial field when the harsh environment is incompatible with electronics. Therefore, sensors capable of measuring the pressure in harsh environments are needed. Inductor and cavity (LC) resonant sensors can represent valid solutions since they do not require a wiring liking and power supply. The sensors are composed of a capacitance cavity which is sensitive to the external pressure and a planar spiral inductor which is connected to the capacitance to form an LC resonant circuit, and they have been widely used in many applications [1] [2] [3] [4] .

The sensors are composed of a capacitance cavity which is sensitive to the external pressure and a planar spiral inductor which is connected to the capacitance to form an LC resonant circuit, and they have been widely used in many applications.


Women practicing sport in the past (physically active and non-sports ones) obtained significantly higher result in the category of positive attitude. Among persons with the sports-past, women remaining physically active brought to light higher HRB level in categories of nutritional habits and prophylaxis behaviours (Table 3) . The investigative tool was the Inventory of HealthRelated Behaviours by Juczyński (where health-related behaviours were rated in four categories: eating habits, prophylaxis behaviours, and positive attitude and health practices. The questions in the inventory refer to four categories of health-related behaviours (HRB): proper nutritional habits (NH) that is the kind of consumed food, the frequency of meals, prophylaxis behaviours (PB) that is abiding by health recommendations, learning about health and illness, positive attitude (PA) that is avoidance of strong excitements, tensions, stresses, and health practices (HP) that is everyday activities containing physical activity, sleep and recreation [9] . Additionally the author′s questionnaire containing the biometrical information was carried out.

The questions in the inventory refer to four categories of health-related behaviours (HRB): proper nutritional habits (NH) that is the kind of consumed food, the frequency of meals, prophylaxis behaviours (PB) that is abiding by health recommendations, learning about health and illness, positive attitude (PA) that is avoidance of strong excitements, tensions, stresses, and health practices (HP) that is everyday activities containing physical activity, sleep and recreation.


Research on different aspects of women's lifestyle is carried out often enough [20] [21] [22] . The Inventory of HealthRelated Behaviours was used in research on other social groups (the youth, students). The results obtained by Kozieł, Lewko and Naszydłowska were close to the results of present work. They showed namely the average level of health-related behaviours of respondents [23] [24] [25] .

Research on different aspects of women's lifestyle is carried out often enough.

They showed namely the average level of health-related behaviours of respondents.


The problem of civilization diseases concerns increasingly more persons. A lifestyle plays a special role in prophylaxis, especially of these diseases which are developed as a result of harmful habits. The greatest and most dangerous group of diseases are the ones of circulatory system. They are the major cause of premature deaths in Europe [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . In Poland in 2006 they determined the reason of 46% of all deaths [4] . At sources of circulatory system diseases lie most simple health-related behaviours -such as quality and quantity of consumed meals, taking of stimulants (cigarettes, liquor), or the activity and physical fitness levels [4] . Enlarged body mass can be the first symptom. It is estimated that in fully developed countries percentage of overweight and obese persons exceeds 50% of population [6] . Therefore physical activity is becoming more and more often promoted as one of educational actions of governments, autonomies and non-governmental organizations [5, 7] .

They are the major cause of premature deaths in Europe.

In Poland in 2006 they determined the reason of 46% of all deaths.

At sources of circulatory system diseases lie most simple health-related behaviours -such as quality and quantity of consumed meals, taking of stimulants (cigarettes, liquor), or the activity and physical fitness levels.

It is estimated that in fully developed countries percentage of overweight and obese persons exceeds 50% of population.

Therefore physical activity is becoming more and more often promoted as one of educational actions of governments, autonomies and non-governmental organizations.