Anomalous enhancement in emission was also observed from Rhodamine 6G coupled to morphology-dependent optical modes in liquid droplets [56] . The enhancement mechanism was interpreted as interaction of the excited molecule with surrounding solvent molecules causing the emission wavelength to wander dynamically, a phenomenon called spectral diffusion [57] . The time it takes to wander through the homogeneous linewidth of Rhodamine is estimated to be comparable to its radiative lifetime of 3:6 ns. The spectral diffusion effect is also prevalent in QD systems. Subnanosecond spectral diffusion time in a CdSe QD system was recently reported [58] . This mechanism can effectively enlarge the spectral bandwidth that can contribute to the cavity emission; therefore, this mechanism is likely to contribute significantly an additional enhancement in emission in our experiment within a much longer radiative lifetime of 2 μs.

Anomalous enhancement in emission was also observed from Rhodamine 6G coupled to morphology-dependent optical modes in liquid droplets.

The enhancement mechanism was interpreted as interaction of the excited molecule with surrounding solvent molecules causing the emission wavelength to wander dynamically, a phenomenon called spectral diffusion.

Subnanosecond spectral diffusion time in a CdSe QD system was recently reported.


The present study is the first in Sub-Saharan Africa to determine the feasibility and utility of modifying the SOFA score for evaluating organ dysfunction and critical care mortality in a resource-limited ICU. In our study we were able to calculate mSOFA for all patients even though we were unable to prove that it is a good predictor of mortality. Since 90% were missing PaO 2 values; majority of patients in our study did not have data required to calculate a traditional SOFA score. The use of simple, inexpensive and rapid methods to assess illness severity and predict outcomes is important in all clinical settings, especially those in low-income countries where resources are limited and illness severity is high [1, 4, 6, 11] . Recently the specificity of SIRS criteria for sepsis has come into question and led to the development of new sepsis definitions that now include the SOFA score [13, 14, 17, 18] . Although the Third Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock includes a discussion of quick SOFA (qSOFA) scores, the vast majority of efforts to simplify or validate scoring tools (like SOFA) take place almost exclusively in highincome countries.

The use of simple, inexpensive and rapid methods to assess illness severity and predict outcomes is important in all clinical settings, especially those in low-income countries where resources are limited and illness severity is high.

Recently the specificity of SIRS criteria for sepsis has come into question and led to the development of new sepsis definitions that now include the SOFA score.


The drying of corn, as other grains and seeds, can be performed naturally or artificially. Natural drying is the main method used by farmers in Cotopaxi as well as in other parts of Ecuador to dry the seeds, this consists in exposing them to the air, thereby taking advantage of solar energy. However, this method of drying has several disadvantages, such as we have pointed out in previous works [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] .

However, this method of drying has several disadvantages, such as we have pointed out in previous works.


Several types of dryers have been developed for the drying of grains and cereals [13] , [14] , [15] . None of them, however, have proved suitable to satisfy all the needs and drying requirements of the different seeds. The grain drying system may be classified as Solar drying, Batch drying and Continuous-flow drying systems [14] . The dryers most commonly used to dry seeds are fixed bed dryers (batch) and sliding bed dryers, in their various configurations (concurrent, counter-current, and cross flows) [13] , [14] . One of the first types of dryers used for drying corn seeds was the forced air dryer and many different innovative designs for forced-air corn drying have evolved in response to the needs of corn producers and processors [15] . However, this type of dryer has the disadvantage of requiring large amounts of thermal energy to vaporize the high moisture content of corn seeds. Therefore, the cost of producing this energy is the main disadvantage of this method.

Several types of dryers have been developed for the drying of grains and cereals.

The grain drying system may be classified as Solar drying, Batch drying and Continuous-flow drying systems.

The dryers most commonly used to dry seeds are fixed bed dryers (batch) and sliding bed dryers, in their various configurations (concurrent, counter-current, and cross flows).

One of the first types of dryers used for drying corn seeds was the forced air dryer and many different innovative designs for forced-air corn drying have evolved in response to the needs of corn producers and processors.


Corn or Maize (Zea mays L.), belongs to the grass family Poaceae (Gramineae), is the most extensively cultivated, produced and consumed cereal in the world [1] . Corn is considered as a staple food in many parts of the world and is also an important source of phytochemical compounds, such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds which could reduce the risk of several diseases such as atherosclerosis or cancer. Due to the presence of nutrients and phytochemicals it is considered as a healthy food [2] . Moreover, corn has a great economic importance worldwide not only as human food, but also as animal feed and as feedstock for a large quantity of industrial products and biofuels [1] .

Corn or Maize (Zea mays L.), belongs to the grass family Poaceae (Gramineae), is the most extensively cultivated, produced and consumed cereal in the world.

Due to the presence of nutrients and phytochemicals it is considered as a healthy food.

Moreover, corn has a great economic importance worldwide not only as human food, but also as animal feed and as feedstock for a large quantity of industrial products and biofuels.


Distribution networks are usually meshed in design but they are often radially operated, in order not to increase the operation and protection complexity and costs. Networks may be reconfigured with manual or automatic switching operations. Reconfiguration actions can be conducted with diverse goals, such as supplying loads at the minimum cost, increasing system security and reliability and enhancing power quality [1] . The reliability of distribution power systems is the ability to deliver electricity to all load points within acceptable levels of quality in the desired amount and the aim is to do it at the minimum cost. These are obviously conflicting goals, since to increase the quality and quantity of the energy delivered to customers necessarily increases the investment costs as well as the operation costs. The task of planners and operators is to find the adequate balance, taking into account the uncertainties of future conditions. Maximizing reliability in distribution power systems implies minimizing the unaserved energy as well as load curtailment, avoiding an important monetary loss due to undelivered energy, economy damage and inconvenience to the distribution power systems users. The reliability criteria used to support decision making can be deterministic or probabilistic. In both cases, it is necessary to make use of a consistent database and to undertake an exhaustive statistical analysis of all the available information, such as failure rates (λ) and average repair times (r) of each distribution system component. These components include overhead lines, cables, transformers, generators, switches, etc. Failure frequencies or probabilities of distribution overhead lines can be related to weather conditions and can also be impacted by the environment (such as tree falling or animal activities) and operational conditions (such as load levels) [2, 3] . Thus, a fuzzy approach allows obtaining adequate models to catch the fuzziness of component outage parameters. This paper presents a technique that aims to increase the probability of delivering power to any load point of the electrical distribution system by identifying new investments in distribution components. These investments aim to achieve failure rates and repair time reduction. Repair time reduction can be obtained by increasing operation personnel, upgrading the automation system, upgrading the communication system, etc. The applicability of the proposed methodology is restricted to radially operated distribution systems. A Mixed Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) method is developed to identify the distribution network components for which investments allow increasing the availability level for any costumer in the distribution system (keep the light ON) at minimum cost for system operator. This paper is organized as follows: Section "Methodology" depicts an explanation of the proposed methodology. Section "Case Study" presents a case study based on real 30 kV distribution network with one substation, 180 buses and 90 load points and a brief analysis of the obtained results. Finally, the last section presents the most relevant conclusions.

Reconfiguration actions can be conducted with diverse goals, such as supplying loads at the minimum cost, increasing system security and reliability and enhancing power quality.

Failure frequencies or probabilities of distribution overhead lines can be related to weather conditions and can also be impacted by the environment (such as tree falling or animal activities) and operational conditions (such as load levels).


It is important to consider baseline symptoms when assessing treatment-related side-effects. This is because both baseline and acute symptoms, have been found to be a precursor of late symptoms. This has been termed as consequential late effects [18, 19] . In addition, treatment factors (ADT, radiotherapy dose or fractionation) have been found to directly affect acute and late symptoms [20] . However, the research into treatment side-effects is now complemented by the evidence of an indirect effect of patient characteristics such as age, functional status or co-morbidities [21] [22] [23] .

This has been termed as consequential late effects.

In addition, treatment factors (ADT, radiotherapy dose or fractionation) have been found to directly affect acute and late symptoms.

However, the research into treatment side-effects is now complemented by the evidence of an indirect effect of patient characteristics such as age, functional status or co-morbidities.


Natural dyes, derived mostly from plants, were the mainstay of textile dyeing till the 1850's after which the synthetic dyes took over [16] . Synthetic dyes reign in the textile industry because of their low cost and brilliance while possessing excellent desirable properties, variety, and ease of application [17, 18] . Of late however, a subtle gap has been created by the restrictions placed on some carcinogenic and non-eco-friendly synthetic dyes [19] . Another factor could be the ecoconscious customer who wants to contribute by purchasing goods with the 'natural' tag even at premium prices. This has focused interest on the commercial viability of traditional natural dyes.

Natural dyes, derived mostly from plants, were the mainstay of textile dyeing till the 1850's after which the synthetic dyes took over.

Synthetic dyes reign in the textile industry because of their low cost and brilliance while possessing excellent desirable properties, variety, and ease of application.

Of late however, a subtle gap has been created by the restrictions placed on some carcinogenic and non-eco-friendly synthetic dyes.


Treatment of textile substrates is generally carried out by low temperature plasma of the vacuum or atmospheric pressure variety. Although the latter is a fairly recent development, the effects are comparable [12] [13] [14] [15] . Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment is economical and convenient for continuous production as it avoids working in a vacuum.

Although the latter is a fairly recent development, the effects are comparable.


Plasma technology is well known for imparting functional finishes to textile materials without the use of harmful chemicals or water [3, 4] . By plasma pre-treatment, the functionalities achieved include altered moisture relations (absorbance or repellence), anti-microbial, soil repellence, stain resistance, soft handle and improved dyeing [5] [6] [7] [8] . This variety is possible by altering process parameters such as supply frequency, discharge power, treatment time, type and pressure of gas. For example oxygen or helium plasma increases moisture absorbance while fluorocarbon increases water repellence. Several surface phenomenon such as adsorption, desorption, etching, cleaning, surface activation and cross-linking occur singly or in combination on exposure to plasma [9, 10] .

Plasma technology is well known for imparting functional finishes to textile materials without the use of harmful chemicals or water.

By plasma pre-treatment, the functionalities achieved include altered moisture relations (absorbance or repellence), anti-microbial, soil repellence, stain resistance, soft handle and improved dyeing.

Several surface phenomenon such as adsorption, desorption, etching, cleaning, surface activation and cross-linking occur singly or in combination on exposure to plasma.


The functional kriging with external drift model allows to predict a whole curve -regardless of the domain of the functional observations -taking into account exogenous covariates and the underlying spatial dependence. Nevertheless, uncertainty evaluation in the kriging context has not been addressed so far. The classic functional kriging variance provides a unique value over the whole domain T , while our aim is to provide an uncertainty measure whose value may change along the predicted curve. Given the lack of an analytic expression of the kriging variance for a curve, we propose a semiparametric bootstrap approach that not only allows the uncertainty to change over the domain T but also takes into account the uncertainty due to drift estimation. The contrast considered to build the uncertainty band, defined as the difference between the spatial prediction and the unknown value, could be thought of as a sort of pivotal quantity, the distribution of which is unknown. The use of a pivotal quantity is recalled to improve the performance of the bootstrap in the parametric framework [3] . We considered two different techniques proposed in the literature for ordering the bootstrapped curves, namely functional depth and L 2 distance, but we did not find great differences in the results for either the simulations or the two case studies. To be conservative, one could argue that it is safer to use the band depth as this criterion gives larger bands on average. Overall, using the known data at validation sites in both simulations and real case studies, it can be concluded that the proposed method appears to be a valid approach in evaluating uncertainty for a predicted curve. In particular, the simulation study shows that the width of the bands depends on the scale and range parameters of the covariance structure, at least for the exponential case, and becomes more stable over the domain T with increasing sample size.

The use of a pivotal quantity is recalled to improve the performance of the bootstrap in the parametric framework.


Solutions to energy saving in data centers equipped with air conditioning machines fall into three main categories: (1) selecting air conditioning machines with a high energy efficiency ratio; (2) managing auxiliary facilities or the automatic control of air conditioning to reduce energy consumption; and (3) designing a layout of the indoor air conditioners to optimize airflow to the server rooms, which is the most important approach. A perfect air conditioning system with optimal airflow according to the requirements of the equipment is the main problem in the design of data centers. Appropriately designed airflow can help achieve the best cooling effect, improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption [23] [24] [25] [26] .

Appropriately designed airflow can help achieve the best cooling effect, improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.


A novel branching mutant, branchless (bi), is responsible for branchless plants (Bergh and Lippert, 1964) . Several major genes and numerous modifier genes influence compact growth habit, largely as a result of shortened internodes (Bergh and Lippert, 1975; McCamon and Honma, 1984) . The recessive determinate gene (dt) results in determinate growth. The recessive compact gene (Ct) increases the number of erect axillary shoots and reduces plant height by 50%. Dominant Di and Ci result in indeterminate growth and are epistatic to one another. A dominant gene, Su (suppressor of indeterminate growth), suppresses the epistatic effects of Ct. Another gene, brl (bra quitica latifoiiata), causes shortened stem internodes as well as shortened leaf petioles (Daskalov and Poulos, 1994) .

A novel branching mutant, branchless (bi), is responsible for branchless plants.

Several major genes and numerous modifier genes influence compact growth habit, largely as a result of shortened internodes.

Another gene, brl (bra quitica latifoiiata), causes shortened stem internodes as well as shortened leaf petioles.


In addition to violet-to black-colored immature fruit, gradations in unripe pepper fruit color may vary from green to ivory. Green to ivory immature fruit color is attributed to a series of loci (Odland and Porter, 1938) . Ivory or sulfury white fruit color is conditioned by the sulfur white (sw i ) locus. Lettuce or yellow green color is attributed to the sw2 and dark green or cedar green color is conditioned by so3.

Green to ivory immature fruit color is attributed to a series of loci.


Software reliability is one of key factors in software qualities. It is one of the most important problem facing the software industry. There exists an increasing demand of delivering reliable software products. Developing reliable software is a difficult problem because there are many factors impacting development such as resource limitations, unrealistic requirements, etc. It is also a hard problem to know whether or not the software being delivered is reliable. To solve the problem, many software reliability models have been proposed over past 30 years, they can provide quantitative measures of the reliability of software systems during software development processes [1] [2] [3] .

To solve the problem, many software reliability models have been proposed over past 30 years, they can provide quantitative measures of the reliability of software systems during software development processes.


In general, Web mining can be characterized as the application of data mining to the content, structure, and usage of Web resources (Cooley, Mobasher, & Srivastava, 1997; Srivastava, Cooley, Deshpande, & Tan, 2000) . The goal of Web mining is to automatically discover local as well as global models and patterns within and between Web pages or other Web resources. The goal of Web usage mining, in particular, is to capture and model Web user behavioral patterns.

In general, Web mining can be characterized as the application of data mining to the content, structure, and usage of Web resources.


Electric power utilities have a key mandate to maintain a continuous and sufficient power supply to the customers at a reasonable cost. Power system cost-effectiveness, security, adequacy and reliability analyses have evolved over the years from mere theoretical topics of limited interest, during the era of generous economy and abundant supply and facilities, to a vital branch in today's highly-competitive business environment of power utility planning and operations [1] [2] [3] [4] . In response to the growing interest in system security and reliability by power utilities, several schools of thought have evolved with the associated pioneering research aimed at conducting the security and reliability assessment in an efficient, accurate manner and with as much realization of the business nature and practical circumstances of the power utility as possible. As has happened with many power system disciplines, the prime interest in system security, adequacy and reliability has gradually shifted from completing and refining the theoretical basis, through developing suitable computational tools for demonstrating the capability and practicality of the methodologies, to upgrading the computational tools to handle the large-scale nature of present power systems and, finally, to relate various security, quality and reliability indices to the practical concerns of utility engineers and executives regarding supply and/or transmission deficiencies as well as the risk associated with ignoring such deficiencies [5, 6] . This paper summarizes the results of a recent major industry-supported research and development study in which a novel framework was developed for evaluating performance quality indices associated with power system generation-demand balance. The novel technique utilizes a basic linear programming formulation, which offers a general and comprehensive framework to assess the harmony and compatibility of generation and demand in a power system. Using the method proposed in this paper, integrated system reliability evaluation and quality assessment can be performed globally on the whole system or locally on portions in the power grid. It can be applied to the system under normal operation or subject to contingencies with certain or random occurrences [7] [8] [9] [10] . The methodology presented in this paper has been implemented in an efficient computerized algorithm which analyzes the network structure, generation and load balance and evaluates various composite system performance quality indices. Practical application to a portion of the Saudi power grid is also presented in the paper for demonstration purposes.

Power system cost-effectiveness, security, adequacy and reliability analyses have evolved over the years from mere theoretical topics of limited interest, during the era of generous economy and abundant supply and facilities, to a vital branch in today's highly-competitive business environment of power utility planning and operations.

As has happened with many power system disciplines, the prime interest in system security, adequacy and reliability has gradually shifted from completing and refining the theoretical basis, through developing suitable computational tools for demonstrating the capability and practicality of the methodologies, to upgrading the computational tools to handle the large-scale nature of present power systems and, finally, to relate various security, quality and reliability indices to the practical concerns of utility engineers and executives regarding supply and/or transmission deficiencies as well as the risk associated with ignoring such deficiencies.

It can be applied to the system under normal operation or subject to contingencies with certain or random occurrences.


We propose an original combination of these two approaches, in what we call the sequence analysis multistate-model (SAMM) procedure. The SAMM procedure is a stepwise application of (i) SA-related methods to identify ideal-typical trajectories understood as the sequence of states experienced by each individual during a given time span and (ii) of multistate event history models to study the probability of transitioning from a state to such ideal-typical trajectories. The SAMM procedure offers several advantages for studying processes. First, it allows for modeling the relationship between time-varying covariates and patterns of change within processes that unfold over long periods of time. This closely corresponds to the theoretical concept of trajectories as "process outcomes" (Abbott 2005) . Second, studying trajectories holistically allows us to unveil potential interdependencies between states and transitions within trajectories. The social meaning of a given situation often depends on both previous and later events, which may be known in advance by the actors involved. For instance, a woman may start a new job, although (or because) she knows that it will be only temporary. Finally, the SAMM procedure can handle censored observations, which is possible only to a very limited extent in the traditional SA framework, and this allows for inclusion in the analysis of trajectories that are only partially observed.

This closely corresponds to the theoretical concept of trajectories as "process outcomes".


More generally, within the SAMM procedure, transitions, turning points, and changes are conceived as lasting over a certain period; they are not instantaneous events, as is usually assumed in EHA. Furthermore, studying patterns of change makes it possible to uncover potential interdependencies among states and transitions along the trajectories. The SAMM procedure also considers the duration of a spell-an important dimension of life trajectories and processes. More importantly, within this framework, one can estimate the effects of time-varying covariates on the identified patterns of change. This is crucial for our illustrative example, so that we could not only study how individual trajectories are linked to macro-structural changes but also address the issue of linked lives or how various life domains are entwined (Elder 1974) . Finally, unlike the typical SA, the SAMM procedure can handle with censored observations: in our application, this characteristic made it possible to include younger cohorts whose trajectories are only partially observed.

This is crucial for our illustrative example, so that we could not only study how individual trajectories are linked to macro-structural changes but also address the issue of linked lives or how various life domains are entwined.


The paper is organized as follows. In section 2 we briefly summarize the theoretical ideas on the role of entanglement in high energy collisions, and discuss the possible link between entanglement and thermalization. In section 3 we analyze the transverse momentum distributions of charged hadrons produced in inelastic pp collisions at √ s = 13 TeV. Here we find both the "thermal" (falling off exponentially) and "hard" (falling off as a power) components, with the effective temperature and semi-hard scattering scales related in a way similar to what has been found at lower energies [8] . In section 4 we analyze the single-and double-diffractive Drell-Yan production pp → µ + µ − X at √ s = 13 TeV. The dominant mechanism of µ + µ − production is the photon-photon fusion γγ → µ + µ − , so these diffractive processes allow an analysis of the fragmentation of a high energy proton in an intense electromagnetic field produced by the other proton. We observe that the thermal component of the hadron spectrum disappears in this class of events even though the events are inelastic and do produce many hadrons. In section 5 we analyze the transverse momentum distribution of the Higgs bosons produced in pp collisions at √ s = 13 TeV. Surprisingly, we find that this transverse momentum distribution is also accurately described by the superposition of a power-like "hard" component with the hardness scale set by the Higgs boson mass M H and the thermal component with a very high effective temperature T ∼ M H , where the proportionality coefficient is close to the one observed for other inelastic processes. Finally, in section 6 we discuss our results and their implications for understanding the mechanism of apparent thermalization in high energy collisions.

The paper is organized as follows.

In section 3 we analyze the transverse momentum distributions of charged hadrons produced in inelastic pp collisions at √ s = 13 TeV. Here we find both the "thermal" (falling off exponentially) and "hard" (falling off as a power) components, with the effective temperature and semi-hard scattering scales related in a way similar to what has been found at lower energies.


All of these features of the data seem to be consistent with the picture of thermalization induced by quantum entanglement. Indeed, in this scenario the effective temperature is proportional to the momentum transfer Q in the collision that provides the UV cutoff for the quantum modes. This expectation agrees with our analysis of the inclusive charged hadron and Higgs boson transverse momentum distributions, in which the typical momentum transfers are vastly different. We have found that the thermal component is present in both cases, but the values of the effective temperature differ by over an order of magnitude 1 . In diffractive production, one studies the coherent response of the entire proton, and there is no associated entanglement entropy [2] . In this case, in the "thermalization through entanglement" picture advocated here, we expect to find no thermal component at all. This prediction is confirmed by the data on diffractive Drell-Yan production analyzed in this paper, as well as by the diffractive deep-inelastic scattering data [7] .

In diffractive production, one studies the coherent response of the entire proton, and there is no associated entanglement entropy.

This prediction is confirmed by the data on diffractive Drell-Yan production analyzed in this paper, as well as by the diffractive deep-inelastic scattering data.


Attributable mortality rates up to 45% have been reported in case of an inadequate choice of empirical therapy in patients with nosocomial bacteremia [26] . Because microbiological results generally only are available 48-hrs after blood cultures were obtained, and adjustment of inadequate therapy at this time poorly influences outcome, there is need for clinical or biochemical parameters to warn the clinician of an inadequate empiric choice at an earlier stage in the course [15, 27] . In our study cohort, episodes of nosocomial BSI due to Gram positive bacteria received similar rates of adequate antibiotics compared with episodes of GNB; however, a substantial delay in the start was observed (P < 0.001). We noted a high rate (47.6%) of inadequate therapy within the first 24-hrs following onset of infection among episodes of GPB. This figure illustrates that particularly in this subgroup; considerable benefit could be achieved with respect to this time delay. Taken the relationship between the delay in starting adequate antimicrobial therapy and clinical outcome, a role for serial measurements of WCC and especially CRP serum concentrations in the early detection, as well as for follow up of bacteremia among critically ill patients may be presumed. Because in patients with GPB the highest rates of inadequate treatment are recorded, an increase of both CRP and WCC levels could be expected. However, this was not confirmed in our data. No significant differences were found in CRP and WCC levels according to the appropriateness of empirical antibiotic treatment.

Attributable mortality rates up to 45% have been reported in case of an inadequate choice of empirical therapy in patients with nosocomial bacteremia.

Because microbiological results generally only are available 48-hrs after blood cultures were obtained, and adjustment of inadequate therapy at this time poorly influences outcome, there is need for clinical or biochemical parameters to warn the clinician of an inadequate empiric choice at an earlier stage in the course.


Thelohania solenopsae is widely present within polygynous S. invicta in some areas of the United States; the infection rate in some areas of Florida is above 50% (RMP, unpublished data). Alone, the entomopathogen T. solenopsae results in a decline in red imported fire ant colony members, culminating in colony death (Oi and Williams, 2002) . Unfortunately, colony demise is effected only after extended durations of infection (months to years). Our results show that detrimental effects of T. solenopsae infection can be significantly improved and accelerated (3-fold) with hydramethylnon treatment. The combination of the microsporidium, T. solenopsae, and hydramethylnon provides an excellent example of an integrated approach to controlling the red imported fire ant. This approach, combined with the use of the Pseudacteon spp., parasitic phorid flies, is being tested currently in a large-scale, USDA-sponsored areawide project in Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.

Alone, the entomopathogen T. solenopsae results in a decline in red imported fire ant colony members, culminating in colony death.


SYNTAX score is used to estimate the extent and severity of the CAD through the assessment of the number of angiographically detected coronary lesions, their functional effects, locations, and complexity. The following variables are taken into consideration for SYNTAX score estimates: coronary dominance, location at bifurcation, trifurcation, or ostial lesions, tortuosity, calcifications, the content of the thrombus, presence of diffuse disease, and elongated lesions. This tool provides guidance on the appropriate revascularization technique to be used [4] .

This tool provides guidance on the appropriate revascularization technique to be used.


Because a fully mediated model was not supported in this study, it is clear that parenting styles are not the only factors that may mediate cultural differences in parental attitudes and use of child behavior management techniques. It would be helpful for future research to extend the model to include other relevant variables, such as mothers' normative beliefs and perceived control as suggested by the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen 1991) . Other contributing factors to consider include perceived barriers to treatment participation, parental attributions, motivation and readiness to change, or parenting efficacy. It also is important to note that although the mediation models in this study tested the pathways in a specific direction (i.e., from culture to intent through parenting style and acceptability), the results do not, and cannot, imply causality, since there is no temporal precedence of the mediator and outcome variables in this study.

It would be helpful for future research to extend the model to include other relevant variables, such as mothers' normative beliefs and perceived control as suggested by the theory of planned behavior.


Implicit theories, defined as lay beliefs about the world, play a pivotal role in social understanding and guide people's motivational goals, information processing, and patterns of responding to events (Dweck 1999) . Two types of implicit theories are distinguished: entity theory that portrays personal attributes as relatively fixed, and incremental theory that portrays attributes as relatively malleable. The theories orient individuals to focus on different goals. Individuals with an entity theory orient more towards highlighting positive attributes and downplaying negative ones. On the other hand, individuals with an incremental theory orient more towards highlighting negative traits or behaviors to improve on, in lieu of emphasizing positive ones. Importantly, cultural differences exist in the extent to which these different implicit theories are embraced, with Euro-North-Americans more likely to hold the entity theory, whereas East-Asians are more likely to hold the incremental theory (Heine et al. 2001) .

Implicit theories, defined as lay beliefs about the world, play a pivotal role in social understanding and guide people's motivational goals, information processing, and patterns of responding to events.

Importantly, cultural differences exist in the extent to which these different implicit theories are embraced, with Euro-North-Americans more likely to hold the entity theory, whereas East-Asians are more likely to hold the incremental theory.


Creol offers a very flexible model of encapsulation based on interfaces. An interface exposes some of an object's methods to the environment. Fields are not exposed, and may only be accessed by the object itself. However, an object can offer several interfaces, and each interface may require a cointerface; i.e., a static requirement on the caller which enables call-back between peer objects in the distributed environment. Thus, asynchronous method calls through interfaces is the only means of inter-object communication. Creol's interface and cointerface concepts ensure that method calls and call-backs are type-safe [35] .

Creol's interface and cointerface concepts ensure that method calls and call-backs are type-safe.


The effectiveness of the system, at 64%, was nearly twice as good as the distrust measure, at 36%, during the evaluation sessions. From this we conclude that for the purposes of browsing, the system did mimic the user's behaviour to some degree, but it did not improve as the user used the system. It is interesting to note that at 64%, the system is in the low end of effectiveness of systems designed to use interest profiles based on page content where the task is more narrowly defined by a topic of interest [17] .

It is interesting to note that at 64%, the system is in the low end of effectiveness of systems designed to use interest profiles based on page content where the task is more narrowly defined by a topic of interest.


Inulin is also a "prebiotic", which increases the growth and activity of specific intestinal bacteria. The result of prebiotic supplementation is an improvement of gastro-intestinal problems [23] . Numerous studies suggest a link between the gut microbiota composition and obesity. In many reports, a difference has been observed between the dominant microbiome phyla of obese and lean mice. Accordingly, changing the microbiota composition through direct administration of bacteria (probiotics) or indirect effect of prebiotics leads to weight loss [24] . In a recent study, the use of inulin has been shown to affect the gut microbiota of rats that were fed a high fat diet, and improve lipid metabolism [25] . Our results are similarly showing that inulin can correct an impaired lipid profile.

The result of prebiotic supplementation is an improvement of gastro-intestinal problems.

Accordingly, changing the microbiota composition through direct administration of bacteria (probiotics) or indirect effect of prebiotics leads to weight loss.

In a recent study, the use of inulin has been shown to affect the gut microbiota of rats that were fed a high fat diet, and improve lipid metabolism.


In another aspect, seed vigour has been associated not only with the germination percentage or biometric measurements but also with biochemical characteristics and nutrient quality [29] . By improving seed vigour through phenolic synthesis it has been suggested that antioxidants, such as vitamin C, could potentially serve for the evaluation of plant growth [30] . According to our results, the highest concentration of vitamin C was established in radish seeds after one day germination ( Table 3 ) and in wheat seed after 3 days germination (Table 4) . Interestingly, the variation of vitamin C content in lentil seeds ( Table 2 ) was not remarkable after 1 day or 3 days of germination. The significant positive effect of supplemental green light (L4) was observed in all treated seeds. Meanwhile sole red radiation (L1) led to a significant decrease of vitamin C content.

In another aspect, seed vigour has been associated not only with the germination percentage or biometric measurements but also with biochemical characteristics and nutrient quality.

By improving seed vigour through phenolic synthesis it has been suggested that antioxidants, such as vitamin C, could potentially serve for the evaluation of plant growth.


The search for efficient designs is as old as engineers. The traditional design of concrete structures aims at producing safe structures that sustain the loads and deformations, as well as the durability conditions of their intended life [1] . Also traditionally, designs have been usually based on the prior experience of the structural engineer, which has derived in a number of rules of thumb about crosssection dimensions and material grades based on sanctioned common practice. Once the structure is defined according to experience, it follows the analysis of stress resultants and the computation of passive and active reinforcement that satisfy the limit states prescribed by concrete codes. Should the dimensions or material grades be insufficient, the structure is redefined on a trial and error basis. Such process leads to safe designs, but the economy and constructability of the concrete structures are, therefore, very much linked to the experience of the structural designer. Alternatively, modern computational techniques of optimization offer another approach to the design of structures. In this sense, artificial intelligence has dealt, since its appearance in the mid-fifties, with a variety of fields that include the optimization of constrained problems. And basically, the design of concrete structures is a problem of selection of design variables subject to structural constraints for which artificial intelligence is very much suited. Design variables include material grades, cross section dimensions and reinforcement.

The traditional design of concrete structures aims at producing safe structures that sustain the loads and deformations, as well as the durability conditions of their intended life.


As the demands for potable water are rising every year and more stringent environmental legislation is issued, there is a clear need for the development of new technologies and materials to meet these challenges. Even though many new approaches are examined every day in order to find a solution with lower energy consumption, higher effectivity, and the possibility of using alternative energy sources, most novelties are not as durable and reliable as existing technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO). Future prospects of RO, on the other hand, may seem quite complicated as the energy demands and brine production are both unsustainably high [1] . In this perspective, membrane distillation (MD) is theoretically a very attractive alternative: not pressure but temperature driven up to saturated concentrates, with high salt rejection and possibility of being powered by solar or geothermal energy, or low-graded waste heat [2] . What has always held MD from becoming a mainstream technology were suitable membranes, or more precisely the lack of them, which would provide fluxes comparable with traditional RO. Hence, the interest to develop new membranes specifically for MD has been quite intense in recent years [1] .

Future prospects of RO, on the other hand, may seem quite complicated as the energy demands and brine production are both unsustainably high.

In this perspective, membrane distillation (MD) is theoretically a very attractive alternative: not pressure but temperature driven up to saturated concentrates, with high salt rejection and possibility of being powered by solar or geothermal energy, or low-graded waste heat.

Hence, the interest to develop new membranes specifically for MD has been quite intense in recent years.


Section 2 discusses a number of preliminary ideas regarding GLMMs. Section 3 reviews the Bayes factor and approaches for estimating it. Section 4 compares the different approaches in the context of a random effects probit regression model applied to data from a natural selection study (Janzen, Tucker, and Paukstis 2000) . Section 5 takes up a more complex example, a Poisson-normal regression model with spatial random effects and heterogeneity random effects applied to Scotland lip-cancer data (Clayton and Kaldor 1987) . Section 6 provides a discussion of our findings and recommendations.

Section 4 compares the different approaches in the context of a random effects probit regression model applied to data from a natural selection study.

Section 5 takes up a more complex example, a Poisson-normal regression model with spatial random effects and heterogeneity random effects applied to Scotland lip-cancer data.


One important imperative in pragmatism is that knowledge should make a difference in action (Dewey, 1931) . What kind of differences can the argumentation of this paper imply for qualitative researchers? What will qualitative researchers do differently on the basis of what has been stated in this paper? How do the two research paradigms reviewed inform each other in practical research? These are demanding questions and I can only give some summarizing answers in this conclusion part: A pure and narrow interpretive researcher would broaden the focus besides the beliefs of people to what people actually do. A pure and narrow pragmatist researcher would broaden the focus besides the actions of people to what people think of the world. An action researcher would not only aim for local change but also for knowledge aimed for change in general practice. An action researcher would not only study local change but also describe what is going on in terms actions and beliefs. A design researcher would not only produce an artefact but also describe processes in terms of actions and beliefs. A design researcher would not only produce a local artefact but also useful design knowledge aimed for general practice.

One important imperative in pragmatism is that knowledge should make a difference in action.


Stephenson"s vision has already materialised in many respects in MMORPGs such as Second Life. Second Life, which was launched in June 2003 by Linden Labs, is a continuous and persistent world that was designed to provide users with control over nearly all aspects of their world, in order to stimulate users" creativity and selfexpression which would translate into a vibrant and dynamic world full of interesting content (Ondrejka, 2004c) . In Second Life users can be whoever they want to be and do whatever they want to without many of the various constraints of the physical world. To participate in Second Life users need only to download and install the required software. They can then connect to the grid and customise their avatars, i.e. the virtual character that will be representing them. Each avatar"s choice of body shape (assuming they will be human) and clothing style may represent the real user or may be completely different. Using their avatars, users can explore the three dimensional world and interact with the various objects and buildings through a simple-to-use interface. They can also communicate with other nearby users by typing their messages or by using the game"s instant messaging facility.

Second Life, which was launched in June 2003 by Linden Labs, is a continuous and persistent world that was designed to provide users with control over nearly all aspects of their world, in order to stimulate users" creativity and selfexpression which would translate into a vibrant and dynamic world full of interesting content.


A relevant finding was the significant interaction between literacy level and task difficulty on measures of social speech and externalized private speech. In this study, we observed that adults with basic and intermediate literacy levels tended to use less often these types of speech with increasing task difficulty, while those with advanced literacy levels increased the frequency of social speech and externalized PS with the difficulty of the task. These data should be interpreted taking into account the collaborative context in which the school-like task was completed. As researchers have noted, in social settings, both social speech and externalized PS have task and regulatory functions (Centeno-Cortés and Jimenez 2004; De Guerrero 1994 , 2004 McCafferty 1994) . Other studies have pointed out the relevance of social speech in adults while working in collaborative problem-solving tasks (Dixon et al. 1997; Kimbler and Margrett 2009; Meegan and Berg 2002) . In a collaborative situation, every statement, social and private, may have a regulatory role for the listener and the speaker, serving to focus the attention of the participants in the new information to solve the problem (Antón and DiCamilla 1998; DiCamilla and Antón 2004; Frawley and Lantolf 1985; Lantolf and Frawley 1984) . This regulatory function of out-loud statements, social speech and private speech, would explain why the interaction effect between literacy level and task difficulty was observed for participants' social speech and externalized private speech, while the low volume partially internalized private speech, which is clearly not directed to the others, was always more frequently observed across those with higher literacy level and during lower difficult tasks. Those settings are where illiterate adults are more autonomous or self-regulated.

As researchers have noted, in social settings, both social speech and externalized PS have task and regulatory functions.

Other studies have pointed out the relevance of social speech in adults while working in collaborative problem-solving tasks.

In a collaborative situation, every statement, social and private, may have a regulatory role for the listener and the speaker, serving to focus the attention of the participants in the new information to solve the problem.


In order to test if the photon emissions of even non-neural cells would respond to physiologically-patterned, weak magnetic fields, we tested the effects of the temporal structure known to induce LTP in hippocampal slices to preparations of microtubule preparations (and nuclei) from melanoma cells. We employed a specific exposure protocol, involving initial durations of 20 ms magnetic fields that were rotated through a circularly array of eight solenoids because of its demonstrated efficacy for producing maintained photon emissions from chemo luminescent reactions [10] . Here we demonstrate that brief exposures to LTP patterned fields produce a conspicuous shift in the peak spectral power density of photon emissions from aggregates of microtubules.

We employed a specific exposure protocol, involving initial durations of 20 ms magnetic fields that were rotated through a circularly array of eight solenoids because of its demonstrated efficacy for producing maintained photon emissions from chemo luminescent reactions.


This discussion has focused on the value Q = −0.5. The results are similar for other values of Q. For all the cases that we examined, we found only one bifurcation point along the symmetric branch and none on the antisymmetric branch. As Q increases, the bifurcation point on the symmetric branch moves to smaller values of D. This behaviour contrasts with the situation for capillary waves, where the number of bifurcations along the symmetric branch varies with Q (Blyth & Vanden-Broeck 2004) .

As Q increases, the bifurcation point on the symmetric branch moves to smaller values of D. This behaviour contrasts with the situation for capillary waves, where the number of bifurcations along the symmetric branch varies with Q.


All MREs consist of two key components, the elastomeric matrix and ferromagnetic particles. MREs can also be classified into two broad groups; isotropic and anisotropic. Isotropic MREs contain an almost homogeneous distribution of magnetic particles whereas anisotropic MREs contain aligned particle chains. These chains are formed by the application of a magnetic field during the curing process [4] . Once the matrix has been cured, the particle mobility is reduced and the aligned chains remain in position. MREs with aligned particles normally exhibit a greater magnetorheological effect than isotropic MREs when the magnetic field is applied parallel to the direction of the particle chains [4] .

These chains are formed by the application of a magnetic field during the curing process.

MREs with aligned particles normally exhibit a greater magnetorheological effect than isotropic MREs when the magnetic field is applied parallel to the direction of the particle chains.


Magnetorheological Elastomers (MREs) are classified as smart materials that undergo a change in their physical properties which is observed as an increase in modulus when a magnetic field is applied to an MRE [2] . The increase in the modulus is caused by the ferromagnetic particles which are added to the elastomer during the curing process, tending to align with the applied magnetic field. The alignment occurs because the applied field results in dipole-dipole interactions between the particles which move to screen each other from the field and adopt a minimum energy configuration [3] .

Magnetorheological Elastomers (MREs) are classified as smart materials that undergo a change in their physical properties which is observed as an increase in modulus when a magnetic field is applied to an MRE.

The alignment occurs because the applied field results in dipole-dipole interactions between the particles which move to screen each other from the field and adopt a minimum energy configuration.


This paper is based on a case study with a company that is an engine component and subsystem developer in the aerospace industry with a strong focus on traditional product development and additional maintenance services. The company has recently been transforming towards a PSS provider. On the military business side where the company is an engine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), it has come far in service integration to the product offers and provides complete product-service systems. On the commercial business side where the company is a component developer, which requires close collaboration with the OEM, the company has recently increased the solution-based offers. This collaboration with the OEMs is described as a risk and revenue sharing partnership, where the partners shares development cost, risk and revenue throughout the engine program, which it is not in a ordinary customersupplier relationship. Since the company is undergoing the transition towards PSS development, it is hence an ideal case for the purpose of this paper. Data has been collected through observations at the company and ten semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in PSS development and business development, which include engineers, project managers, process owners, business developers, and company specialists, where some also have used the BMC in their work. The data has been analyzed using a pattern matching technique to find coinciding (and non-coinciding) patterns [25] . The BMC has been used to summarize the data, deriving the key business elements to the PSS concepts from the traditional product sales situation. Furthermore, BMC elements have been used as a guiding tool for interviews.

The data has been analyzed using a pattern matching technique to find coinciding (and non-coinciding) patterns.


FSFI evaluated 6 dimensions of sexual function (sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, dyspareunia, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction) in the recent four weeks. In this scale, scores of 0-5 were assigned to the items related to sexual desire, 1-5 to those related to arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and dyspareunia, and 0-5 to the items dealing with satisfaction. The total score of the index was also computed by summing up the scores of these 6 dimensions. Accordingly, higher scores represented better sexual functioning. In order to equiponderate the dimensions, the maximum score was considered 6 for each dimension and 36 for the whole scale. The reliability of the FSFI was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha >0.70 for all the dimensions. It should be noted that the cut-off point of 28 was considered for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction (Ramondetta, 2013) .

It should be noted that the cut-off point of 28 was considered for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction.


In comparison, the TiO 2 semiconductor commonly used in photocatalytic processes is nontoxic, chemically stable, available at a reasonable cost, and capable of repeated use without substantial loss of catalytic ability [11] . Heterogeneous photocatalysis using titanium dioxide is a safe, nonhazardous, and ecofriendly process which does not produce any harmful byproducts. Extensive research in this field has been done in the area of photocatalytic removal of organic, inorganic, and microbial pollutants [12, 13] .

In comparison, the TiO 2 semiconductor commonly used in photocatalytic processes is nontoxic, chemically stable, available at a reasonable cost, and capable of repeated use without substantial loss of catalytic ability.

Extensive research in this field has been done in the area of photocatalytic removal of organic, inorganic, and microbial pollutants.


Although the two sectors are quite different from each other with regard to age and size, yet they are following similar pattern in HRM. This is quite consistence with earlier studies (Tung and Havlovic, 1996; Budhwar and Boyne, 2004; Thang and Quang, 2005; Wei and Lau, 2005; and Pearson et al., 2006) . This means that the significant difference between them regarding age and size has made no impact at all on structure, strategy and other characteristics of HRM.

This is quite consistence with earlier studies.


Humans are the integral part of every organization. Human resources (HR) are a source of sustained competitive advantage for every organization because they meet the criteria of being valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable (Wright, McMahan, and McWilliams, 1994) . Activities performed under human resources management (HRM) targets towards the utilization of individuals to achieve organizational objectives. Ever since the beginning of 1990s, it has been accepted that in order to improve business performance and develop organizational culture that foster innovation and flexibility, there should be a linking of HRM with strategic goals and objectives of an organization (Schuler, 1992) . Such a linking of HRM to the strategic needs of the business is called strategic human resource management (SHRM).

Human resources (HR) are a source of sustained competitive advantage for every organization because they meet the criteria of being valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable.

Ever since the beginning of 1990s, it has been accepted that in order to improve business performance and develop organizational culture that foster innovation and flexibility, there should be a linking of HRM with strategic goals and objectives of an organization.


A Scandinavian country like Norway experiences cold climate conditions during about one-third of the year and, hence, requires high space heating energy demands during cold winter periods. In 2010, Norwegian household energy consumption was 34% of the total energy production, and space heating accounts for two-thirds out of that consumption [1] . According to the Norwegian Building Code issued in 2010, all buildings must be heated to a thermally comfortable temperature when they are occupied. During the unoccupied periods, the temperature can be lowered to a predefined setpoint above 0 • C, because lowering the temperature to sub-zero levels may cause a risk of condensation or frost with respect to the water sources. In that case, increasing the energy efficiency of the existing building stock is directed towards better heating control systems, and opportunely, at present, there is a trend towards better systems.

In 2010, Norwegian household energy consumption was 34% of the total energy production, and space heating accounts for two-thirds out of that consumption.


The modeling of household furniture, including internal walls, is important when modeling the buildings. They act as either a heat sink or heat source depending on the temperature difference between themselves and surrounding air. The availability of furniture prolongs the heating and cooling times of buildings. To simplify the modeling approach of furniture, it is speculated as a spherical object with equal mass and equivalent average thermal diffusivity. The heat equation in spherical coordinates is discretized to develop a model for furniture as given by the Equation (12) . T f ur is the temperature of furniture, and r represents the radius of the sphere formed by furniture. Equations (7) and (8) should be modified accordingly to represent the heat absorption or heat release by furniture.

The heat equation in spherical coordinates is discretized to develop a model for furniture as given by the Equation.


Building energy management systems (BEMS) are a rapidly expanding new technology that has recently gained attention as a standard way of controlling buildings [2] . BEMS monitor and control the indoor climatic conditions while maintaining the operational performance along with the safety and comfort of the occupants [3] . Usually, BEMS utilize classical control techniques, such as on-off control, P control, PI control, PID control and optimum start-stop routines, as the control algorithms. These control algorithms are normally good for single-input single-output systems. The heat dynamics associated with buildings show a multi-variable behavior owing to the thermal interactions amongst different zones and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Therefore, the buildings that have a multi-variable behavior cannot be perfectly controlled with classical controllers. This will result in high energy consumption and huge wastage owing to the abundant instabilities and frequent overshoot of the setpoints [3] . Even though improvements to these systems have enhanced the system performance, improper gain selections can make the entire system unstable [3] . According to these considerations, the use of advanced control techniques, such as predictive, adaptive and optimal controllers, which are integrated with a mathematical building heating model, may afford better control of building heating systems with energy savings and occupant comfort. The building heating model plays a vital role in addressing most of the insufficiencies present in the current control systems and, hence, increases the energy efficiency of buildings. Either dynamic, static or hybrid models can be integrated with BEMS.

Building energy management systems (BEMS) are a rapidly expanding new technology that has recently gained attention as a standard way of controlling buildings.

BEMS monitor and control the indoor climatic conditions while maintaining the operational performance along with the safety and comfort of the occupants.

This will result in high energy consumption and huge wastage owing to the abundant instabilities and frequent overshoot of the setpoints.

Even though improvements to these systems have enhanced the system performance, improper gain selections can make the entire system unstable.


In general, non-residential buildings, like schools and offices, have regular occupancy hours and are intermittently occupied. Further, most of the residential buildings can be admitted as intermittently occupied spaces, and also, they can be adjusted to have lower setpoint temperatures during the night. Comfortable temperatures need to be maintained only during the times that the spaces are occupied. The temperature drop during the non-occupied periods and nights along with the temperature recovery period of the heating system determine the possible amount of energy savings of the building. This control strategy is called weekend or night setback. Bloomfield and Fisk have shown that intermittent heating grants seasonal savings of 34% and 12% for lightweight and heavyweight office buildings [4] . Unfortunately, the maximum amount of energy savings is not achieved from the buildings owing to the unavailability of suitable controllers for intermittent heating [5] . Further, in most of the cases, for fear of ill-evaluation, lowering the temperature during non-occupancy is minimal, which reduces the energy savings.

Bloomfield and Fisk have shown that intermittent heating grants seasonal savings of 34% and 12% for lightweight and heavyweight office buildings.

Unfortunately, the maximum amount of energy savings is not achieved from the buildings owing to the unavailability of suitable controllers for intermittent heating.


From this study, we propose an additional mechanism of differential responsiveness of TKI sensitive (L858R, delE746-A750) and resistant (T790M) EGFR mutants to erlotinib treatment. Our data suggest a differential effect of erlotinib on destabilizing various EGFR mutants which, along with differential ATP affinity and drug binding of EGFR mutants, is responsible for differential therapeutic outcomes observed in subsets of NSCLC patients. Based on an ectopic EGFR expression model, cancer cell lines expressing various EGFR mutants, and a tumor xenograft model, we found that erlotinib inhibits EGFR phosphorylation across the models, but protein degradation is induced only in the case of erlotinib responsive cells, which correlates with the response. Our study adds to the potential mechanisms by which resistance to TKIs can develop and is consistent with an earlier study with PC9 cells that contained the delE746-A750 mutant EGFR. Treatment of these cells with gefitinib caused rapid internalization of surface EGFR, which was not the case in TKI resistant cell lines that contained wild-type EGFR [34] . In contrast, here we show that ligand-induced degradation of EGFR is independent of kinase mutations, as both the sensitive and the resistant EGFR mutants show a similar rate of EGFR decay upon stimulation with EGF. Our data also indicate that continuous treatment with erlotinib blocks EGFR phosphorylation and down-stream signaling in both TKIsensitive and resistant cells, but EGFR is degraded only in the erlotinib responsive cell lines. Erlotinib induced EGFR degradation appears to be c-CBL-independent. These are novel observations and are in contrast to the notion that suggests that erlotinib treatment blocks EGFR and c-CBL binding in cells that express TKI resistant mutant EGFR, thus inhibiting EGFR degradation resulting in TKI resistance.

Treatment of these cells with gefitinib caused rapid internalization of surface EGFR, which was not the case in TKI resistant cell lines that contained wild-type EGFR.


Moreover, ENO was found to be rich in glycosides and polyphenols as evidenced by its concentration and characterization in our earlier investigations [21, 22] . Glycosides and polyphenolic compounds are reported to inhibit HMG CoA reductase activity [44] [45] [46] . Likewise, �avonoids may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing the two ratios HDL/TG, HDL/LDL which may hasten removal of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to liver for catabolism and excretion [7, 9] .

Moreover, ENO was found to be rich in glycosides and polyphenols as evidenced by its concentration and characterization in our earlier investigations.

Glycosides and polyphenolic compounds are reported to inhibit HMG CoA reductase activity.

Likewise, �avonoids may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing the two ratios HDL/TG, HDL/LDL which may hasten removal of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to liver for catabolism and excretion.


Triton induction was also reported to interact preferentially with HDL, changing the size and density of lipoproteins which used as substrates for the enzyme LCAT, enzyme activity decreased in parallel to the displacement of apo A-1 [43] . In the present study, reduction in HDL-C in tritoninduced animals is agreeable with the earlier statement. In our study, the changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels induced by triton WR-1339 can be resisted by ENO (10 and 30 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (30 mg/kg) pretreatment during triton induction. Substantially, ENO treatment boosted the HDL levels at doses of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg which might be through the inhibition of the activity of HMG CoA reductase and the stimulation of LCAT activity. Similarly, ENO results were found to be comparable with atorvastatin. Atorvastatin is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, our results corroborate with this statement.

Triton induction was also reported to interact preferentially with HDL, changing the size and density of lipoproteins which used as substrates for the enzyme LCAT, enzyme activity decreased in parallel to the displacement of apo A-1.


In these days, P2P has become the most popular method in storage intensive applications. One of important parameters is data durability, which means that the data which a user has put into a P2P network are not lost due to node failures, and most P2P storage networks replicate data in order to keep high durability. Each participant monitors its data durability and replaces lost redundancy on others in reaction to failures [2] , [4] , [5] . However, P2P networks suffer from high node churn and replication methods in these networks should consider the efficiency which means minimizing data traffic overhead.

Each participant monitors its data durability and replaces lost redundancy on others in reaction to failures.


The majority (96%) of emissions produced in both the city of Helsinki and the metropolitan area stems from the consumption, production and distribution of energy. A previous study also revealed that 95% of emissions produced in the city of Helsinki were energy-based [48] . Expectations suggested that the energy industries in the Helsinki metropolitan area would rely more on renewable fuels, but in 2014, renewable fuels comprised only 5% of the energy consumption of Helen Ltd. and 15% of Vantaan energia. Helen Ltd.'s target to increase the share of renewables to 20% by 2020 currently seems quite difficult to reach. Likewise, the use of other renewable energy sources in the metropolitan area remains quite small. Currently, no attractive subsidies for small-scale renewable energy production in Finland exist. Thus, more renewable energy incentives may promote the production of both the small-scale and farm-level renewable energy sources.

A previous study also revealed that 95% of emissions produced in the city of Helsinki were energy-based.


Both quantitative and qualitative, methods for data collection were chosen in order to gain relevant information and produce an integrated assessment. The qualitative approach was seen as appropriate since it helped to include the dimension of social and cultural relations and organizational structures [9, 10] . The observational survey and the questionnaires were useful for the quantitative analysis and in order to get real and timely snapshot of the situation. In Table 1 , a list of the methods that were used to collect and analyze data is reported.

The qualitative approach was seen as appropriate since it helped to include the dimension of social and cultural relations and organizational structures.


There is a vast literature concerning the existence of solutions to an initial value problem for the differential equations with the Riemann-Liouville or Caputo fractional derivatives [29] [30] [31] [32] . While in the setting of the conformable fractional derivatives, as far as we know, the global existence and extension and boundedness of solutions have not been discussed in the literature. It is worth pointing out that the global existence and boundedness of solutions play a prerequisite role in the discussion of the stabilities of solutions.

There is a vast literature concerning the existence of solutions to an initial value problem for the differential equations with the Riemann-Liouville or Caputo fractional derivatives.


Fractional derivative is a generalization of the classical one to an arbitrary order, and it is as old as calculus. It has been applied to almost every field of science, engineering, and mathematics in the last three decades [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] . At present, there exist a number of definitions of fractional derivatives in the literature, each depending on a given set of assumptions, the most popular of which are the Riemann-Liouville and Caputo fractional derivatives. But it is worth noting that these two kinds of derivatives do not satisfy the classical chain rule.

It has been applied to almost every field of science, engineering, and mathematics in the last three decades.


It is open to conjecture what impact an improved water supply might have at Barombi Kotto in terms of transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis, if similarly installed and used since risk factors at each lake are clearly different, Table 2 . While there are direct and indirect impacts of improving WASH for those who would no longer depend on drawing domestic water from the lake but, however, for those that fish, cross by canoe or play in the lake their cumulative water contact levels, and risk of infection, might not significantly reduce. All of the latter are significant local risk factors, see Table 3 . Future recourse to snail control with focal molluscicides could be beneficial, and particularly insightful when set against previous attempts locally [ [32] [33] [34] . Historically, however, the prevalence of STH was much less than that at Barombi Mbo and in explanation, the volcanic soil type at Barombi Kotto might not be favourable for STH. Nevertheless, a safer water supply for the inhabitants on the Barombi Kotto island would be beneficial as a significant complementary factor for intensified treatment interventions and for several other reasons outside that of current STH and schistosomiasis control perspectives.

Future recourse to snail control with focal molluscicides could be beneficial, and particularly insightful when set against previous attempts locally [.


In view of the importance of this issue, a great deal of research work has been carried out in recent years [6] [7] [8] . The main research can be categorized into three groups. The first group focuses on the approaches for handling the imbalance both at the data and algorithm levels. The second group explores proper evaluation metrics for imbalanced learning algorithms [9, 10] . The third one is to study the nature of the class imbalance problem; that is, what data characteristics aggravate the problem, and whether there are other factors that lead to performance reduction of classifiers [11, 12] .

In view of the importance of this issue, a great deal of research work has been carried out in recent years.

The second group explores proper evaluation metrics for imbalanced learning algorithms.

The third one is to study the nature of the class imbalance problem; that is, what data characteristics aggravate the problem, and whether there are other factors that lead to performance reduction of classifiers.


Perfusion cultures involve continuously supplying the culture with fresh culture media whilst continuously removing the spent media at an identical rate, ensuring the working volume remains constant. This culture type has the advantage to obtain high cell densities whilst continuously supplying the cells with all the essential nutrients and removing all the waste by-products. The cells are usually retained within the reactor by a cell separating device such as a spin filter, cross flow filter, hydrocyclone or acoustic cell settler, Figure 1A . However, these cell separators represent an added cost, can gradually foul or are difficult to scale-up. On the other hand immobilized cultures do not require sophisticated equipment to retain the cells within the vessel. A simple mesh is sufficient to extract the spent media as represented in Figure 1B [5] . Mammalian cell cultures are highly complex and may vary from one culture to another. To fully characterize a culture each process parameter must be continuously monitored. Biomass quantification and viability determination is a key aspect to any upstream bioprocess. Though cell immobilization offers many advantages, the cells are not readily accessible for culture analysis. Continuously removing a small sample of carriers or microcapsules would mean reducing the available space for the cells to colonize, thus reducing the total number of cells and diminishing the global productivity.

A simple mesh is sufficient to extract the spent media as represented in Figure 1B.


This study followed an interpretative qualitative research approach. Data were collected through four focus group interviews with students in the project, one day after the final screening of the digital stories. In total 19 self-selected students took part in these conversations, which lasted between one and two hours. We chose focus groups as a method of data collection to create a less intimidating, more gratifying and stimulating space for students than is possible, for example, in a one-to-one interview (Madiz, 2003) . We deliberately kept the groups small to allow a safe space for students to reflect on their emotional engagement in the process of creating, sharing and listening to each other"s digital stories.

We chose focus groups as a method of data collection to create a less intimidating, more gratifying and stimulating space for students than is possible, for example, in a one-to-one interview.


The first step to manufacture nanostructured parts is to employ a SPD Process, such as the Equal Channel Angular Extrusion or Pressing (ECAE or ECAP), to produce the nanostructured material. Then, the SPD material is forged, generally by isothermal forging to produce the part. The SPD material has good forgeability compared with the same alloy that has not been processed by SPD [5] .

The SPD material has good forgeability compared with the same alloy that has not been processed by SPD.


Equal Channel Angular Extrusion or Pressing (ECAE/ECAP) is a SPD process that can be employed to manufacture nanostructured materials [2] . The material in the ECAE or ECAP processes is extruded trough two channels that intersect at an angle and with almost the same cross-section. The material is plastically deformed mainly by shear. As the channels have almost the same cross-section, the dimensions of the processed billet are not modified, although the material has been highly deformed. The processed billet can be processed several times in order to impart higher plastic strain to the material [3] . In Figure 1 an ECAE die is shown. ECAE is an excellent SPD process due to the high levels of plastic strains imparted to the processed material and the possibility of manufacturing materials with a great degree of homogeneity by using processing routes. By this process, larger parts of nanostructured SPD material can be manufactured compared to other SPD processes [4] .

Equal Channel Angular Extrusion or Pressing (ECAE/ECAP) is a SPD process that can be employed to manufacture nanostructured materials.

The processed billet can be processed several times in order to impart higher plastic strain to the material.

In Figure 1 an ECAE die is shown.

By this process, larger parts of nanostructured SPD material can be manufactured compared to other SPD processes.


The scenario results show that, despite vast differences in China's climate zones, heating and cooling energy consumption of the CLT building is approximately 25%-35%, equal to 20%-30% of carbon emissions, lower than that of the concrete building in the operation stage for China's 31 key cities. The percentages of energy saving and carbon reduction have shown little relationship to the climate zone, which indicates that CLT as a sustainable material can be developed nationwide in China. Figure 12 shows how much energy of 1 cubic meter CLT can be saved in 31 key cities compared to RC buildings. The trend indicates that more energy savings can be obtained per unit CLT in severe cold and cold regions. Taking the total amount of energy consumption into consideration, the buildings in severe cold and cold regions consume much more energy than those in other regions for heating. For the policy makers in China, under the condition of limited timber production, it is better to develop the CLT system in cold and severe cold regions first. Policies in the buildings sector should take into consideration the different buildings energy demands in the various climate regions. In severe cold and cold regions, where heating accounts for the majority of energy consumption, coal is the main energy source. There is great potential to improve the energy efficiency of the heating supply. More efficient solutions, such as solar thermal, heat pump technologies, biomass boilers and micro co-generation units, have the potential to reduce heating energy consumption in buildings [6] . In southern China, where cooling dominates, electricity is the main energy source. A variety of technologies, including highly efficient solar roof top units Policies in the buildings sector should take into consideration the different buildings energy demands in the various climate regions. In severe cold and cold regions, where heating accounts for the majority of energy consumption, coal is the main energy source. There is great potential to improve the energy efficiency of the heating supply. More efficient solutions, such as solar thermal, heat pump technologies, biomass boilers and micro co-generation units, have the potential to reduce heating energy consumption in buildings [6] . In southern China, where cooling dominates, electricity is the main energy source. A variety of technologies, including highly efficient solar roof top units (RTUs) in commercial areas and high-efficiency heat pumps in residential areas, will play a key role in reducing cooling demand.

More efficient solutions, such as solar thermal, heat pump technologies, biomass boilers and micro co-generation units, have the potential to reduce heating energy consumption in buildings.


Evidently, the role of sky model validation is to evaluate the performance of theoretical models based on the first of these causes, since it is impossible 31/7/2008 16:04Draft to account for the second cause of divergence. Prior to the work reported here, sky model evaluation has largely been carried out in terms of the differences between modelled and measured sky luminance patterns [1] [2] . It is noted however that in the vast majority of published work on sky modelling, the stated principle application of the models is to determine "an accurate estimate of the daylight available" [2] . In support of those aims, this study evaluates sky model performance on the basis of a comparison of predictions of internal daylight illuminance with measurements.

Prior to the work reported here, sky model evaluation has largely been carried out in terms of the differences between modelled and measured sky luminance patterns.

It is noted however that in the vast majority of published work on sky modelling, the stated principle application of the models is to determine "an accurate estimate of the daylight available".


Symbiotic interactions between J. curcas plants and R. intraradices under cold stress were studied in the present work. Our results showed 60% of AM roots colonization at 70 days after sowing. This high rate of fungal root colonization will probably enhance AM effects on plants development (Smith & Read, 2010) .

This high rate of fungal root colonization will probably enhance AM effects on plants development.


All of the simulations in this work were performed at a temperature of 300 K. We first applied interlayer voltages to the terminals as in Fig. 1 , such that V TL = −V BL = V il /2 and V TR = −V BR = 0. The interlayer bare coupling was taken to be between nearest-neighbor "A" sublattice atoms of the two layers. Coupling is through a dielectric and therefore not intrinsically Bernal-like, and any A-to-A coupling component is expected to dominate any A-to-B component [3, 4] .

Coupling is through a dielectric and therefore not intrinsically Bernal-like, and any A-to-A coupling component is expected to dominate any A-to-B component.


The Bilayer PseudoSpin Field Effect Transistor (BiSFET) is a novel "beyond CMOS" device concept based on interlayercoherent electron-hole exciton condensates in two graphene layers, one n-type and one p-type, separated by a thin dielectric [1] . Such condensates, created by the interlayer exchange interactions, have been predicted to exist possibly above room temperature [2] . In the presence of the condensates, the interlayer tunneling is expected to be greatly enhanced, but only up to a critical current, analogous to the DC Josephson effect and for the similar reasons. Moreover, as a collective effect, in principle the critical voltage associated with the critical current could be smaller compared to the thermal voltage k B T/q, which is ~26 mV at 300 K [1] [2] [3] [4] . It has been shown by SPICE-level circuit simulations that the consequent switching power with a 25 mV clocked power voltage could then be on the scale of 10 −20 J (10zJ) per device, lower than the "end-of-roadmap" CMOS by two to three orders of magnitudes [1, 5, 6] .

The Bilayer PseudoSpin Field Effect Transistor (BiSFET) is a novel "beyond CMOS" device concept based on interlayercoherent electron-hole exciton condensates in two graphene layers, one n-type and one p-type, separated by a thin dielectric.

Such condensates, created by the interlayer exchange interactions, have been predicted to exist possibly above room temperature.

Moreover, as a collective effect, in principle the critical voltage associated with the critical current could be smaller compared to the thermal voltage k B T/q, which is ~26 mV at 300 K.

It has been shown by SPICE-level circuit simulations that the consequent switching power with a 25 mV clocked power voltage could then be on the scale of 10 −20 J (10zJ) per device, lower than the "end-of-roadmap" CMOS by two to three orders of magnitudes.


Mus musculus is an introduced, invasive species that can increase in abundance rapidly when required resources become available [44] . In the first year of our study, M. musculus abundance increased across trapping periods from July-December 2009. Appearance of M. musculus in study plots in late August 2009 occurred simultaneously with harvest of corn (Zea mays) fields located adjacent to the north and east borders of our study area (Figure 1 ). Based on initial captures, abundance of M. musculus adults increased, suggesting an initial immigration event occurred on the study site from adjacent agricultural fields. Additional support for the immigration of M. musculus onto the study site from agricultural fields comes from our trapping data that shows individuals were first captured at trap stations close to the adjacent corn fields.

Mus musculus is an introduced, invasive species that can increase in abundance rapidly when required resources become available.


When working with larger images of greater bit depth, the images tend to become too large to transmit over a standard Internet connection. In order to display an image in a reasonable amount of time, techniques must be incorporated to reduce the image's file size. These techniques make use of mathematical formulas to analyze and condense image data, resulting in smaller file sizes. This process is called compression [3] . In images there are two types of compression: lossy and lossless compression [3] . Compression plays a very important role in choosing which steganographic algorithm to use. Lossy compression techniques result in smaller image file sizes, but it increases the possibility that the embedded message may be partly lost due to the fact that excess image data will be removed. Lossless compression though, keeps the original digital image intact without the chance of lost, although it does not compress the image to such a small file size.

This process is called compression.

In images there are two types of compression: lossy and lossless compression.


Passing then to the wave-mechanical case, de Broglie's relation = p k  clearly tells us that the Helmholtz rays (with wave vector k ) of de Broglie's matter waves coincide with the dynamical trajectories of the associated particles with momentum p , thus laying the foundations of Wave Mechanics. Each particle is guided along its path by the energy-preserving "gentle drive" of a matter wave having a well-established physical existence [16] . Our approach reaches the double goal of a clear insight into the mechanism of wave-particle duality and of a simple numerical computability: a necessary condition for any theory of practical interest.

Each particle is guided along its path by the energy-preserving "gentle drive" of a matter wave having a well-established physical existence.


As such, the transformation is not expected to occur at a single temperature, even at equilibrium, but rather occur over a temperature range. With further cooling below the point at which crystalline C18E0 appears, progressively more C18E0 is expected to crystallise out of EC. The system is further complicated by the existence of several solid phases for C18E0 [13] . Furthermore, as the EC phase becomes highly viscous, kinetics also play a strong role, as seen when comparing both graphs. Although temperature changes were done in steps (change, stabilisation and measurement), one can nevertheless give average cooling rates around 50°C, the temperature of the feature seen in the 2 nd cycle: 30 K/h for the 1 st cycle, and 9 K/h for the 2 nd . Apparently, the slower cooling gives more time for crystallisation, resulting in a lower resistivity. This hypothesis is confirmed when comparing the end of the 1 st cycle with the beginning of the 2 nd : in the 16-day period between both measurements, resistivity noticeably decreased, indicating that slow crystallisation takes place even at room temperature if the sample was cooled relatively fast.

The system is further complicated by the existence of several solid phases for C18E0.


Although the etiology and pathogenesis of IPF remain poorly understood, current research suggests that the mechanisms driving IPF reflect abnormal, deregulated wound healing in response to multiple sites of ongoing alveolar epithelial injury, involving increased activity and possibly exaggerated responses by a spectrum of proinflammatory and profibrogenic factors [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] . So far, despite intense research efforts and clinical trials, there is still no effective treatment that can prolong the survival of patients with IPF [11] [12] [13] [14] . Conventional therapeutic approach includes combination of corticosteroids, anti-oxidants, immunosuppressants and immunomodulatory anti-fibrotic agents [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] . However, the only, so far, therapeutic approach that has been proven effective in terms of prolonging patient's survival is lung transplantation. Nonetheless, not all the patients with IPF are eligible for lung transplantation whereas there is a significant proportion of these patients that finally succumb while waiting in a lung transplantation list. Therefore, there is critical need for more effective and reliable therapeutic modalities.

Although the etiology and pathogenesis of IPF remain poorly understood, current research suggests that the mechanisms driving IPF reflect abnormal, deregulated wound healing in response to multiple sites of ongoing alveolar epithelial injury, involving increased activity and possibly exaggerated responses by a spectrum of proinflammatory and profibrogenic factors.

So far, despite intense research efforts and clinical trials, there is still no effective treatment that can prolong the survival of patients with IPF.

Conventional therapeutic approach includes combination of corticosteroids, anti-oxidants, immunosuppressants and immunomodulatory anti-fibrotic agents.


Organic amendments and Zn application significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the [phytate]:[Zn] molar ratio (Fig. 2a) . These results indicate that addition of organic manures with Zn fertilization has potential to decrease grain phytate zinc molar ratio and increase the bioavailable Zn in maize grains. It might be due to the increase in grain yield and fertilization of Zn (Imran and Rehim 2017) .

It might be due to the increase in grain yield and fertilization of Zn.


It is a rich source of dietary fiber (72%), proteins (10%), and energy (365 kcal/100 g) with low fat (4%). It can be processed in a number of food ingredients such as oil, alcohol, and starch sweeteners (Ranum et al. 2014) . High yielding cultivars require maximum fertilizers which led to the decline in soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, plant available micronutrient and hampered the farming systems, and food availability in developing countries (Cakmak 2008; Jones and Healey 2010) .

It can be processed in a number of food ingredients such as oil, alcohol, and starch sweeteners.

High yielding cultivars require maximum fertilizers which led to the decline in soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, plant available micronutrient and hampered the farming systems, and food availability in developing countries.


Bioavailability of Zn in maize grains and stover was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased by addition of organic manures and Zn fertilization (Table 4 ). This increase in Zn grain concentration, Zn stover concentration, Zn content, and Zn accumulation in shoots indicates that all the manures have potential to increase the phytoavailability of Zn to maize crop. It might be due to application of Znenriched manures with Zn fertilization, because organic manures in soil influence the microbial population which can enhance Zn content in rhizosphere by changing soil chemistry and release at time for plant uptake (Tejada et al. 2006; Zhang et al. 2013; Patil et al. 2017) . Foliar spray of Zn (1840 g ha −1 ) and (1500 g ha −1 ) resulted in increase of 28-68% and 61%, respectively, Zn in wheat (Zhang et al. 2010; Zhao et al. 2014) . Therefore, organic manures specifically, farm yard manure, fisheries manure, and press mud along with Zn foliar and soil fertilization can influence the availability of Zn to shoot and grains of maize crop.

It might be due to application of Znenriched manures with Zn fertilization, because organic manures in soil influence the microbial population which can enhance Zn content in rhizosphere by changing soil chemistry and release at time for plant uptake.

Foliar spray of Zn (1840 g ha −1 ) and (1500 g ha −1 ) resulted in increase of 28-68% and 61%, respectively, Zn in wheat.


The hallmark of MEMS is the ability to produce extremely small structures capable of movement. As with macro-scale devices, these parts require control systems to influence their motion or orchestrate the operation of the device as a whole. Just as shrinking electronic features sizes has continued to provide increased performance and higher device density, process advancement has similar scaling benefits with MEMS, where smaller physical size allows greater device sensitivity and more devices to be fabricated on a single die. With smaller physical size, comes lower tolerance for error, and therefore the necessity for higher control precision. Additionally, these miniature devices are capable of extremely fast movement requiring very high control bandwidth to ensure their stability [10, 9] . With time constants several orders of magnitude faster than their non-MEMS counterparts, many MEMS devices require control bandwidth and accuracy exceeding the ability of conventional digital solutions.

Additionally, these miniature devices are capable of extremely fast movement requiring very high control bandwidth to ensure their stability.


The research model of this study was turned out to significantly predict and account for ICT-related variables with regard to teachers' integration of ICT into their teaching practices in the Turkish context. The study indicated that there were main differences and commonalities in relation to the teacher groups' perceptions for their use of ICT in education. It was revealed that the pre-service teachers needed more training to be competent in ICT and therefore, they experienced more computer anxiety. On the other hand, the starting teachers needed more training to be a competent user of ICT in education as well. However, they were less anxious for computers in their teaching practices. This could be due to the fact that they allocate more time to be familiar with the curriculum, classroom management in their first years rather teaching with ICT (Chen, 2010) .

This could be due to the fact that they allocate more time to be familiar with the curriculum, classroom management in their first years rather teaching with ICT.


Predation risk is greater for a wandering, sampling female than one who stays at her burrow, because ¢ddler crabs evade predators by retreating into burrows (Crane 1975) . Although the act of copulation may be more risky when performed on the surface, this risk is probably far smaller than that the total risk arising from mate searching prior to burrow mating. Wandering females sometimes fail to locate a burrow when frightened by a predator and are therefore prone to being eaten. In contrast, surface-copulating pairs break-up rapidly when a predator approaches and quickly retreat into their respective burrows (personal observations). Females should therefore be sensitive to predation risk and less inclined to leave their burrow when predation risk is unacceptably high.

Predation risk is greater for a wandering, sampling female than one who stays at her burrow, because ¢ddler crabs evade predators by retreating into burrows.


The study site was on the west bank of the Paci¢c entrance of the Panama Canal (Christy 1988a) . Uca beebei occurs in an almost monospeci¢c colony on the central elevated section of the mud£at. Here, the great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus, is a common and persistent avian predator of U. beebei.

The study site was on the west bank of the Paci¢c entrance of the Panama Canal.


Some limitations of the study should be acknowledged before proceeding to discuss practice implications and future research. Decision-making is a complex process and may likely be subject to variation influenced by many factors within the decision-maker's daily high-demand environments. Decision choices might be consistent across multiple test administrations but might as easily be likely to change under different environmental demands. Respondents were forced to make decisions based on limited (but adequate) contextual information and evidence. It is generally acknowledged, however, that decision makers employ a limited amount of information, even when more detail is available, to make decisions (Kahneman, Slovic, & Tversky, 1982) . Finally, although the validity and reliability of the test instrument with this sample are encouraging, they cannot be assumed absent further testing.

It is generally acknowledged, however, that decision makers employ a limited amount of information, even when more detail is available, to make decisions.