Unlike the common sorghum, sweet sorghum attacks many pests and diseases as it has a much higher sugar content. Among them, cutworm (Agrotis spp.), anthranose (C. graminicola), rust (P. purpurea), maize aphid (R. maidis), sorghum aphid (M. saccari), and stem borer (B. fusca) are the major destructive causes of crop growth and yield [39] . Except for the stem borer, the cultivar 4A was little affected by infestation of the other pests and diseases, with anthracnose as the lowest (2.2%-3.4%); rust, maize aphid, and sorghum aphid was found in a slightly higher magnitude of 7.2%-13.0% (Table 10) . Similar to maize, the destruction of the stem borer against the cultivar 4A was found in 40.0%-58.5%, indicating that this pest is the major constrain for sweet sorghum production. The infestation level was not proportional to the sowing densities, suggesting that the sowing density could not control the destruction of this pest. Despite much effort to search for sweet sorghum cultivars resistant against stem borer has been conducted, successful control has not yet been approached [39] . The breeding of sweet sorghum with the Bt-resistant gene may be a solution to control this pest in enhancing productivity of sweet sorghum for ethanol production.

Among them, cutworm (Agrotis spp.), anthranose (C. graminicola), rust (P. purpurea), maize aphid (R. maidis), sorghum aphid (M. saccari), and stem borer (B. fusca) are the major destructive causes of crop growth and yield.

Despite much effort to search for sweet sorghum cultivars resistant against stem borer has been conducted, successful control has not yet been approached.


In Vietnam, cassava production ranges only after that of rice with an estimate of 8.5 million tons in 2010, and is the fourth greatest production in the world [18] . Most of cassava of the country is used to produce tapioca, and in a limited quantities of slices, cassava is used for the production of animal feeds or ethanol. However, it is uneconomical to produce ethanol from sliced cassava due to its low yields, unstable provision and significantly fluctuating price, and waste treatment is costly. In addition, these problems also attributed to the surging import from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia to China for ethanol production, up from 257,000 tons in 2000 to more than 3.3 million tons in 2005 [19] . By 2012, about 780 million L of ethanol was produced from cassava also in China, requiring close to 6 million tons of dried cassava, much of which much was imported from Southeast Asia [20, 21] .

In Vietnam, cassava production ranges only after that of rice with an estimate of 8.5 million tons in 2010, and is the fourth greatest production in the world.

In addition, these problems also attributed to the surging import from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia to China for ethanol production, up from 257,000 tons in 2000 to more than 3.3 million tons in 2005.

By 2012, about 780 million L of ethanol was produced from cassava also in China, requiring close to 6 million tons of dried cassava, much of which much was imported from Southeast Asia.


Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is one among the leading potential crops for biofuel production [8] . As a C4 plant, it shows an impressive absorption of CO2 during its fast growth in 4-5 months [9] [10] [11] . The US, Brazil, Germany, India, and China have already produced ethanol from sweet sorghum, although the production is limited as compared to cassava, maize, and sugarcane [12, 13] . It is well adapted to various types of soils and provides high production biomass production [14] . The stalks of sweet sorghum may obtain 8%-23% sugar content, depending on varieties and cropping seasons, and yield >100 tons ha −1 with high lignocellulose [15, 16] . The use of cassava and maize for ethanol production has increased the world's staple prices and is a matter of social controversy, as many developing countries are facing a food shortage problem. Sweet sorghum as an alternative crop for ethanol production and therefore helps to increase farmers' income in developing countries. Thus, this crop also provides a great biomass for manure and cattle fed and can be grown even in infertile soil [17] .

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is one among the leading potential crops for biofuel production.

As a C4 plant, it shows an impressive absorption of CO2 during its fast growth in 4-5 months.

The US, Brazil, Germany, India, and China have already produced ethanol from sweet sorghum, although the production is limited as compared to cassava, maize, and sugarcane.

It is well adapted to various types of soils and provides high production biomass production.

The stalks of sweet sorghum may obtain 8%-23% sugar content, depending on varieties and cropping seasons, and yield >100 tons ha −1 with high lignocellulose.

Thus, this crop also provides a great biomass for manure and cattle fed and can be grown even in infertile soil.


It may be questioned why organic fertilizers such as manure were not applied in this research. Recently, the combination of different doses of organic and chemical fertilizers on growth and ethanol yield of two sweet sorghum cultivars has been examined [41] . It was concluded that organic fertilizers may be better for soil properties, but chemical fertilizers cause higher biomass and ethanol yield. To increase nutrients and maintain the sustainability of soils, the use of a crop rotation such as legume crops after cultivation of sweet sorghum is suggested. In addition, in developing countries including Vietnam, with the unstable and sporadic management of cattle raising, it is rather difficult to accumulate enough manures for a large area for sweet sorghum cultivation, such as 10,000 ha for a manufacture producing ethanol. Therefore, the use of a sustainable cropping system is required, of which legume crops and vegetable are preferred. The combination of chemical fertilizers and microbial fertilizers are common to enhance soil nutrients and crop productivity.

Recently, the combination of different doses of organic and chemical fertilizers on growth and ethanol yield of two sweet sorghum cultivars has been examined.


Since 2008, there have been four large scale ethanol producing plants using cassava with daily capacity of 100,000 L built in Vietnam, with the average capital investment $80-100 million each. However, with the difficulties from the failure of wastewater treatment and unstable provision of cassava, many among them had to stop their ethanol production for several months. A tapioca factory with a capacity of 200 tons of cassava tubers per day may discharge approximately 100 tons of cassava waste. However, this waste is often dried in the sun before being used as raw material for produce animal feeds, resulting in the tendency of fungal and bacterial contaminations, posing the threat of aflatoxin production and environmental pollution to the air and water. Therefore, cassava waste has not been used in ethanol production in Vietnam [18] . Despite rice straw is a potential source for ethanol production, the lack of required technologies to produce high quanties of ethanol and difficulties in collecting rice straw in rural areas of Vietnam causes high prices [14] . In addition, production of ethanol from seaweed is also under research, due to Vietnam having an extensive freshwater network and a coastline of 3200 km and 639 seaweed species: of these belong 269 to Rhodophyta, 143 to Phaeophyta, 151 to Chlorophyta, and 76 to Cyanophyta [22] .

Therefore, cassava waste has not been used in ethanol production in Vietnam.

Despite rice straw is a potential source for ethanol production, the lack of required technologies to produce high quanties of ethanol and difficulties in collecting rice straw in rural areas of Vietnam causes high prices.

In addition, production of ethanol from seaweed is also under research, due to Vietnam having an extensive freshwater network and a coastline of 3200 km and 639 seaweed species: of these belong 269 to Rhodophyta, 143 to Phaeophyta, 151 to Chlorophyta, and 76 to Cyanophyta.


Overall, 30 consecutive patients underwent a total of 35 CT scans with axial imaging using a second-generation, 320 × 0.5-mm detector row CT unit (Aquilion ONE ViSION Edition; Toshiba Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan) with a gantry rotation time of 275 msec. There were 5 patients with a second CT scan as part of a serial evaluation, not due to an inadequate initial scan. Tube potential and tube current were determined by automatic exposure control ( SURE Exposure3D, Toshiba Medical Systems, SD 150 for non-contrast and SD 110 for contrast-enhanced images) on the basis of the X-ray attenuation on scout images and reconstruction kernel [26] . Images were reconstructed with a 512 × 512 matrix, 0.5 mm thick sections, and 0.25-mm increments using kernel FC03, iterative reconstruction AIDR3D standard (Toshiba Medical Systems) [27] .

Tube potential and tube current were determined by automatic exposure control ( SURE Exposure3D, Toshiba Medical Systems, SD 150 for non-contrast and SD 110 for contrast-enhanced images) on the basis of the X-ray attenuation on scout images and reconstruction kernel.

Images were reconstructed with a 512 × 512 matrix, 0.5 mm thick sections, and 0.25-mm increments using kernel FC03, iterative reconstruction AIDR3D standard (Toshiba Medical Systems).


The use of US for neuromodulation has been investigated sporadically for over 60 years but is only recently gaining significant momentum as a viable research area. Initial studies by Fry and others showed a variety of different US effects on neural tissue including potentiation and inhibition [7, 37] . The current research field can be divided into those studying peripheral nerve stimulation and others targeting central nervous structures, with the focus in both being on in vivo work.

Initial studies by Fry and others showed a variety of different US effects on neural tissue including potentiation and inhibition.


Several effective medical techniques already exist for stimulating the Central Nervous System (CNS). The FDA has recently approved DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) for various mental health and neurodegenerative disorders [25] . Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been approved for treatment of depression and for VNS (Vegas Nerve Stimulation) and is being assessed for epilepsy and depression [10] . Transcranial ultrasound theoretically has the potential to replace or improve all of these treatments, solving many of their drawbacks. Low Intensity, Low Frequency Ultrasound (LILFU) is well placed to make rapid changes to clinical practice with the widespread use of ultrasound (US) in hospitals, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) devices especially can be adapted to produce the LILFU stimulation protocols allowing potentially rapid transition from the lab to the clinic. Indeed with the medical safety record of therapeutic and imaging ultrasound protocols LILFU is not expected to be dangerous and cutting edge researchers are already testing ultrasound neuromodulation protocols in humans [18] .

The FDA has recently approved DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) for various mental health and neurodegenerative disorders.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been approved for treatment of depression and for VNS (Vegas Nerve Stimulation) and is being assessed for epilepsy and depression.

Indeed with the medical safety record of therapeutic and imaging ultrasound protocols LILFU is not expected to be dangerous and cutting edge researchers are already testing ultrasound neuromodulation protocols in humans.


In almost all of the literature, in both peripheral and central nervous studies, the theme follows that very little to no effort has been made to control or correct for reflections of ultrasound. This leads to mistrust of stated values of intensity and pressure and when combined with the variety of models and often conflicting results, studies become very difficult to compare. The mixed findings in the literature have even on occasion called into question existence of the stimulatory effect itself [2, 8] . The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of how ultrasound affects nervous tissue and create a hypothesis, backed by experimental evidence for how the mechanical forces of ultrasound are transduced into propagating electrical activity in the nerve fibres.

The mixed findings in the literature have even on occasion called into question existence of the stimulatory effect itself.


Fixed grid methods (FGM) can be considered as ''mesh-free'' finite element methods where the computational mesh can be defined on a region of simple shape (say rectangular or hexahedral) which contains the domain over which the PDE is to be solved. The mesh need not conform to the potentially complex geometry of the boundary, but this flexibility is paid back by the necessity to determine which elements are inside, outside, or cut by the boundary and carry out numerical integration over each element type separately to ensure that void and full regions are accounted for correctly, impose boundary conditions on a surface which splits elements arbitrarily, etc. The step of identifying which elements are inside, outside, and cut by the boundary is known, in an extended finite element context, as ''mesh-geometry interaction'' [11, 12] .

The step of identifying which elements are inside, outside, and cut by the boundary is known, in an extended finite element context, as ''mesh-geometry interaction''.


The bone marrow examination for the detection of Gaucher's cells is important, but it is not pathognomonic. Sometimes a single bone marrow examination may not be sufficient, as the disease has a focal nature. In two of our cases we performed the bone marrow examination twice. The positivity of myelogram data in our patients was high (10/11). The hematological disorders are one of the more constant manifestations of this disease. In our group, the hemoglobin level was decreased in six cases, the platelet count was decreased in nine cases and the white blood cell count was decreased in two cases. Platelet count never reached levels under 50×10³/mm³ in any of our patients, and no secondary infection due to leucopenia was met [8, 10, 20, 21] .

Platelet count never reached levels under 50×10³/mm³ in any of our patients, and no secondary infection due to leucopenia was met.


Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the treatment of salivary gland dysfunction, the most common post-therapy complication for head and neck cancer patients [24] [25] [26] 37] . Previous studies have shown that expansion of the SSC pool either prior to radiation treatment or one day following radiation exposure through administration of growth factors (e.g. KGF, GDNF) partially restored salivary gland function [26, 28] . This suggested that at an early acute phase (one day post radiation), the SSC pool is not depleted and can be triggered to respond given the right stimuli. Recently, it was shown that the percentage of salivary gland label-retaining cells, which resembled SSCs in terms of in vitro self-renewal capacity and expression of stem/ progenitor markers, is maintained as late as 30 days following radiation treatment [38] . However, it is not completely understood whether at chronic time points following radiation damage, putative SSCs can still be stimulated and involved in repair and regeneration of salivary glands. The current study demonstrates that a subset population of parotid-derived cells capable of self-renewal in ex vivo sphere-forming assay are still present 30 days after radiation and respond to administration of extracellular growth factors.

Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the treatment of salivary gland dysfunction, the most common post-therapy complication for head and neck cancer patients.

Previous studies have shown that expansion of the SSC pool either prior to radiation treatment or one day following radiation exposure through administration of growth factors (e.g. KGF, GDNF) partially restored salivary gland function.

Recently, it was shown that the percentage of salivary gland label-retaining cells, which resembled SSCs in terms of in vitro self-renewal capacity and expression of stem/ progenitor markers, is maintained as late as 30 days following radiation treatment.


Bulimia nervosa occurs mainly in young women. It is a disease of emotional character in which the person misrepresents the body image, characterized by binge eating followed by purging, resulting in vomiting, excessive exercise and/or taking indiscriminately laxatives and diuretics [1] . Consequently, it leads to an almost constant homeostatic imbalance and to the triggering of several diseases associated to the immune and hormonal systems, as well as visible damage to the oral mucosa and tooth structure, such as: bilaterally swelling of the parotids, esophagus problems and peeling of oral mucosa [2] . Additionally, the fact that bulimic patients have both their salivary flow rate and buffer effect decreased makes that they be more prone to show dental erosion [3] .

It is a disease of emotional character in which the person misrepresents the body image, characterized by binge eating followed by purging, resulting in vomiting, excessive exercise and/or taking indiscriminately laxatives and diuretics.

Consequently, it leads to an almost constant homeostatic imbalance and to the triggering of several diseases associated to the immune and hormonal systems, as well as visible damage to the oral mucosa and tooth structure, such as: bilaterally swelling of the parotids, esophagus problems and peeling of oral mucosa.

Additionally, the fact that bulimic patients have both their salivary flow rate and buffer effect decreased makes that they be more prone to show dental erosion.


Another material that can be used for the restoration of teeth with erosion is glass ionomer cements (GICs), which shows as their main property the fluoride releasing. When compared to composite resins, they present smaller resistance to wear, greater solubility, and slightly lower esthetic because of their opacity caused by the difference between the refraction index of their components and the tooth. Because of the biocompatibility, it decreases the caries formation as well as shows a coefficient of thermal volumetric alterations very similar to those of the tooth structure [6] . The use of composite resins and glass ionomer cements should be carefully indicated only in moderate cases in order to protect the tooth remnant against an eventual evolution of the lesions by continuing the episodes [8] .

Because of the biocompatibility, it decreases the caries formation as well as shows a coefficient of thermal volumetric alterations very similar to those of the tooth structure.

The use of composite resins and glass ionomer cements should be carefully indicated only in moderate cases in order to protect the tooth remnant against an eventual evolution of the lesions by continuing the episodes.


Only after the adequate treatment of the disorder, the dentist is able of planning and performing the treatment of the tooth structure, that is, to rehabilitate the teeth damaged by acid erosion. High rates of wear provoke the loss of the anatomical shape due to the chemical attack of the oral environment added by the mechanical wear on the restoration, leading to the loss of interocclusal contact, migration of the antagonist tooth, alteration of the occlusal plane and masticatory cycle; also, the friction between the teeth may cause interproximal wear [4] . For the rehabilitation of erosive lesions, materials aiming to recover both the aesthetics and function of the tooth structure in a more conservative way are employed, changing the tooth shape, filling fractures, and restoring caries and erosion cavities [5] .

High rates of wear provoke the loss of the anatomical shape due to the chemical attack of the oral environment added by the mechanical wear on the restoration, leading to the loss of interocclusal contact, migration of the antagonist tooth, alteration of the occlusal plane and masticatory cycle; also, the friction between the teeth may cause interproximal wear.

For the rehabilitation of erosive lesions, materials aiming to recover both the aesthetics and function of the tooth structure in a more conservative way are employed, changing the tooth shape, filling fractures, and restoring caries and erosion cavities.


Embedded systems as they occur in application domains such as automotive, aeronautics, and industrial automation often have to satisfy hard real-time constraints [3] . Hardware architectures used in embedded systems now feature caches, deep pipelines, and all kinds of conjecture to improve average case performance. The speed and size are two concerns of embedded systems in the area of memory architecture design. In these systems, it is necessary to reduce the size of memory to obtain better performance. The speed of memory plays an important role in system performance. Cache hits usually take one or two processor cycles, while cache misses take tens of cycles as a penalty of miss handling, so the speed of memory hierarchy is a key factor in the system. Almost all embedded processors have in-chip instructions and data caches. Scratch-pad memory (SPM) has become an alternative for the design of modern embedded system processors [4, 5] .

Embedded systems as they occur in application domains such as automotive, aeronautics, and industrial automation often have to satisfy hard real-time constraints.

Scratch-pad memory (SPM) has become an alternative for the design of modern embedded system processors.


We allow filters to operate on diverse features and achieve additional benefits by embedding patches of the resulting feature map in an ordinal space using a highdimensional sparse feature descriptor [21] . By operating in this ordinal space, our similarity measure becomes rank correlation instead of the linear correlation implied by the dot product in the kernel of a traditional convolution. Rank correlation largely eliminates both linear and nonlinear scaling effects (including local contrast normalization) and reduces sensitivity to small perturbations in the underlying feature space (see Figure 1) . By performing this nonlinear embedding in a high-dimensional space, we are able to simplify the hashing process and apply large-scale linear solvers in training object models. Furthermore, this hashing scheme can be implemented exactly in the integer domain, a desirable property for achieving high performance.

We allow filters to operate on diverse features and achieve additional benefits by embedding patches of the resulting feature map in an ordinal space using a highdimensional sparse feature descriptor.


EUS is based on interaction of two signals: an electric AC signal and an ultrasonic signal, which are excited on different frequencies. The ultrasonic wave affects the charge carriers' transport in the structures and the intermodulation electrical signal which is created due to the interaction between the ultrasonic wave and charge carriers, is proportional to the density of structural defects. The ultrasonic phonons influence the transport of electrons, where the intermodulation of ultrasonic and electric current frequencies appears in the vicinity of defects. Thus, a new harmonic signal appears on the differential frequency of the exciting signals. It is the result of the electrical resistance change due to the variation of the inhomogenity effective area by ultrasonic excitation [3, 4] .

It is the result of the electrical resistance change due to the variation of the inhomogenity effective area by ultrasonic excitation.


It has been estimated that approximately 10%-20% of all patients with colorectal cancer have either KRAS codon 61, KRAS codon 146, BRAF, NRAS, or PIK3CA gene mutations, suggesting that approximately 60,000-120,000 patients (10%-20% of the 600,000 who die annually from colorectal cancer) worldwide could be screened by this expanded mutation test. Furthermore, because the usefulness of regular administration of aspirin for patients with mutated PIK3CA colorectal cancer and the possibility of combining EGFR and BRAF inhibitors for patients with mutated BRAF colorectal cancer have been reported, detection of those mutations could become of greater importance in many ways [21, 22] . Once further studies with larger sample sizes and a range of clinical samples provide evidence of its clinical utility, this technique might advance the precision of colorectal cancer treatment.

Furthermore, because the usefulness of regular administration of aspirin for patients with mutated PIK3CA colorectal cancer and the possibility of combining EGFR and BRAF inhibitors for patients with mutated BRAF colorectal cancer have been reported, detection of those mutations could become of greater importance in many ways.


In this paper we study whether backreaction destroys the metastable state of D6 branes. For that we must first establish the metastability of D6-branes at the probe level which has not appeared in the literature before (see however [15] ). We then indeed find that backreaction destabilises the D6 branes. We are unable to address the D3-brane stability conclusively but we comment on it.

For that we must first establish the metastability of D6-branes at the probe level which has not appeared in the literature before (see however).


Multibeam antennas have been in the forefront for several decades. Their development mainly arose through the research in beamforming matrices. Mainly, an MBA is composed of a linear antenna array fed by a multiple input-multiple output beamforming network (matrix or lens). BFN provides an array with appropriate amplitude and phase excitations, whereas each BFN input port corresponds to a discrete radiated beam in space. Thus, on transmit mode, multiple independent beams can be created from a single aperture through the sequential excitation of BFN input ports. On the other hand, all beams are simultaneously available on receive mode. Multibeam antennas are extensively used in satellite communications, but also in radar and electronic warfare systems and point-to-multipoint ground communications [1] [2] [3] .

Multibeam antennas are extensively used in satellite communications, but also in radar and electronic warfare systems and point-to-multipoint ground communications.


Soil microbes affect soil fertility in many ways, for instance through their influence on organic matter turnover, mineral immobilization and dissolution, and soil aggregation [16] . As well, soil microbes such as Rhizobia bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form plant symbioses, improving plant nutrient supply or uptake. While management practices can alter microbial communities directly, for the most part, management practices change microbial communities indirectly by altering soil properties affecting microbial diversity. Because most microbes are heterotrophic, soil organic matter content and the type and amount of organic materials added to the soil are two critical soil factors affecting microbial diversity [17] . Genetic differences within a crop species (i.e., cultivar differences) may play a role in the structure of the microbial community. Differences have been found in microbial communities associated with different wheat and canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars [18] .

Soil microbes affect soil fertility in many ways, for instance through their influence on organic matter turnover, mineral immobilization and dissolution, and soil aggregation.

Because most microbes are heterotrophic, soil organic matter content and the type and amount of organic materials added to the soil are two critical soil factors affecting microbial diversity.

Differences have been found in microbial communities associated with different wheat and canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars.


The soil microbial community structure was different under the two management systems. The management practices that differed between the organic and conventional systems (crop rotation, along with fertility, pest management and tillage regimes) can all affect soil microbes, so we expected to see differences between the community structures of the two systems. Differences between organic and conventional management systems have been previously reported [21, 23] . Differences are generally expected between microbial communities of organic and conventional cropping systems, and instances of no significant differences have been attributed to overriding effects of soil type and/or time of sampling [21, 24, 25] .

Differences between organic and conventional management systems have been previously reported.

Differences are generally expected between microbial communities of organic and conventional cropping systems, and instances of no significant differences have been attributed to overriding effects of soil type and/or time of sampling.


Consumers purchase organic food products because they perceive these foods to have unique and/or superior quality attributes relative to conventional foods [1] . Organic food products are viewed as more healthy, safe and/or environmentally friendly than conventional food products [1] . Consumers list a number of benefits of organic products as important in their choice to buy organic from most important to least important: health, environment, taste, animal welfare, minimal processing, novelty and fashion [2] . Despite the perceived benefits of consuming organic foods, organic certification is based on the process used to produce the good, not on the product itself; meaning that organic certification is not a guarantee of the quality attributes of the product [3] . Many of the perceived attributes of organic products cannot be measured, and necessitate faith on the part of the consumer that the desired attributes are present [4] .

Consumers purchase organic food products because they perceive these foods to have unique and/or superior quality attributes relative to conventional foods.

Organic food products are viewed as more healthy, safe and/or environmentally friendly than conventional food products.

Consumers list a number of benefits of organic products as important in their choice to buy organic from most important to least important: health, environment, taste, animal welfare, minimal processing, novelty and fashion.

Despite the perceived benefits of consuming organic foods, organic certification is based on the process used to produce the good, not on the product itself; meaning that organic certification is not a guarantee of the quality attributes of the product.

Many of the perceived attributes of organic products cannot be measured, and necessitate faith on the part of the consumer that the desired attributes are present.


Both organic and conventional cropping systems involve the combination of a number of different management practices (chemical use, tillage, crop rotation and crop choice). Despite the ranges of management practices used in organic and conventional cropping systems, there are a number of factors which commonly differ between the two systems. On the western Canadian prairies, according to research conducted over the last 10 years, organic systems tend to have higher organic matter, more weeds, 10 to 50% lower grain yields and lower phosphorus (P) levels than conventional systems [19, 20] . The absence of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides in organic systems generally leads to greater weed populations, higher tillage intensities, and lower soil nutrient levels. Thus, at least in extensive grain producing systems of the northern Great Plains, organic systems generally tend to present greater biotic and abotic stresses to production systems than their conventional counterparts. This is, in part, because these stresses cannot be managed through chemical pesticides and fertilizer [20] .

On the western Canadian prairies, according to research conducted over the last 10 years, organic systems tend to have higher organic matter, more weeds, 10 to 50% lower grain yields and lower phosphorus (P) levels than conventional systems.

This is, in part, because these stresses cannot be managed through chemical pesticides and fertilizer.


Prostate cancer represents one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies in men worldwide [1] . Most patients progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer after several years of androgen-deprivation therapy, and no curative therapies are currently available for this condition [2] [3] [4] . Within a tumor microenvironment, chemokines and their receptors are key players in proliferation and metastasis [5, 6] . For instance, CCL2 has been reported to be present in the microenvironment of many types of cancers, and CCR2 has been demonstrated to be upregulated in cancer cells, including prostate cancer cells [7] . We previously reported that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote prostate cancer metastasis via activation of the CCL2-CCR2 axis [8, 9] . In addition, it has been reported that several chemokines are related to prostate cancer progression [10] [11] [12] . CCL17 and CCL22, which are high-affinity ligands of CCR4, have been reported to be secreted by TAMs (M2-type macrophages) and having immunosuppressive functions [13, 14] .

Prostate cancer represents one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies in men worldwide.

Most patients progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer after several years of androgen-deprivation therapy, and no curative therapies are currently available for this condition.

Within a tumor microenvironment, chemokines and their receptors are key players in proliferation and metastasis.

For instance, CCL2 has been reported to be present in the microenvironment of many types of cancers, and CCR2 has been demonstrated to be upregulated in cancer cells, including prostate cancer cells.

We previously reported that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote prostate cancer metastasis via activation of the CCL2-CCR2 axis.

In addition, it has been reported that several chemokines are related to prostate cancer progression.

CCL17 and CCL22, which are high-affinity ligands of CCR4, have been reported to be secreted by TAMs (M2-type macrophages) and having immunosuppressive functions.


In the current study, the G6PD RDT provided a superb margin of safety in the context of G6PD screening for the purpose of reaching a clinical decision on primaquine therapy (i.e., NPV = 100%). The FST resulted in two male subjects being falsely classified as normal despite enzyme activity below 10% of normal (NPV = 99.1%). Deviation from 100% NPV means vulnerable patients will be in danger of exposure to primaquine (Fig 4) , and this did occur in the current study with female G6PD RDT testing with NPV = 99.7% (at <30% analysis in one females subject with 22% of normal G6PD), as well as in two of the studies cited above: 97.7% [38] , 98.2% [39] . G6PD RDT and FST each showed a propensity for false deficient reads across the spectrum of G6PD activity among subjects, especially females. Test failure to chemically develop may result in falsely deficient outcomes. This apparently occurred at a relatively high rate in this study and others. The DPV of G6PD RDT and FST at a 30% enzyme activity threshold for females, 17% and 18%, reflected this diagnostic problem. In other words, 83% and 82% of female subjects screening as deficient were actually "normal" (>30% G6PD activity). Partial development of color or fluorescence would have prompted test readers to classify lesser color intensity as "deficient". We viewed this approach as clinically appropriate with respect to preventing exposure to primaquine in patients at risk, i.e. protecting NPV with compromise of DPV. That compromise results in patients who could safely consume primaquine therapy being denied it (Fig 4) .

Deviation from 100% NPV means vulnerable patients will be in danger of exposure to primaquine (Fig 4) , and this did occur in the current study with female G6PD RDT testing with NPV = 99.7% (at <30% analysis in one females subject with 22% of normal G6PD), as well as in two of the studies cited above: 97.7%, 98.2%.


There have been many advances in nonlinear digital image filtering in recent years. More accurate image processing requires the use of nonlinear algorithms because images do not produce linear signals. In the past, the hypotheses of Gaussianity and stationarity were used to produce valid linear models, however, these filters were not capable of removing all noise without distorting the signal. For instance, impulsive noise can be removed from an image using a linear filter; however, edges and small details are blurred in the process [1] . Recent work has delved into advancing the architectures of individual, nonlinear filters in response for this demand for more accurate filtering processes.

For instance, impulsive noise can be removed from an image using a linear filter; however, edges and small details are blurred in the process.


The above virtual ®eld has been used in the linear system and the identi®cation procedure has been applied with the simulated data provided by the FE computations. Results are reported in Table 6 . When no error is considered, the accuracy is about the same as in the preceding case. The sensitivity to a global shift is however much lower. This feature is directly related to the angle u 4 introduced above. This angle is reported in Table 5 , row 2. As can be seen, the value of this angle is higher than in the preceding case, but it is clearly the lowest of the four angles. The consequence appears in Table 6 , where one can observe that the sensitivity of Q rr , Q xz and K to noise in the data has been improved since it is lower than in the previous case. It is however greater than that obtained when the elastic parameters only are identi®ed [26] .

Results are reported in Table 6 .

It is however greater than that obtained when the elastic parameters only are identi®ed.


For all tested samples, the adsorption-desorption isotherms of water vapour belonged to the second type and had the shape typical of the physical adsorption process (Fig. 1) (Brunauer et al., 1938) . The isotherms were characterized by occurrence of small inflection at low values of relative water vapour pressure (p p 0 -1 = 0.1), more or less steep in the central part (p p 0 -1 from 0.1 to 0.8), and a rapid increase in the quantity of adsorbed water vapour from p p 0 -1 = 0.8. Determination coefficients R 2 , obtained in the range where the multilayer is formed (0-0.35 p p 0 -1 ), were higher than 0.99, reflecting that the BET equation described the experimental data well.

For all tested samples, the adsorption-desorption isotherms of water vapour belonged to the second type and had the shape typical of the physical adsorption process (Fig. 1).


Knowledge about soil characteristics is essential for description, interpretation, and prediction of the course of physical, chemical, and biological processes that take place in soils (Bieganowski et al., 2013) . Most chemical processes occur on colloid surfaces because of their chemical cover, large surface area, as well as surface charge. Sorption is a process in which one substance takes up or holds another one and, in the case of soil, it determines soil ability to retain (absorption or adsorption) ions, particle suspensions, gases, vapours, and micro-organisms. Sorption processes play a fundamental role in the maintenance of the proper soil structure, supply of plant nutrients, their migration and bioavailability (Kalembasa et al., 2011) . Furthermore, it has an influence on the water flow as well as dissolution and neutralization of various pollutants that have been introduced to soil. However, an extremely complex mineral, organic, and ionic composition (clay minerals, crystalline and amorphous iron and aluminum oxides, amorphous minerals, humus as well as clay-humus complexes) causes high non-uniformity and thereby difficulty in the interpretation of the soil medium properties (Józefaciuk et al., 2006; Sokołowska, 1992) . Thus, studies of surface chemistry frequently involve the analysis of water vapour adsorption and potentiometric titration curves.

Knowledge about soil characteristics is essential for description, interpretation, and prediction of the course of physical, chemical, and biological processes that take place in soils.

Sorption processes play a fundamental role in the maintenance of the proper soil structure, supply of plant nutrients, their migration and bioavailability.

However, an extremely complex mineral, organic, and ionic composition (clay minerals, crystalline and amorphous iron and aluminum oxides, amorphous minerals, humus as well as clay-humus complexes) causes high non-uniformity and thereby difficulty in the interpretation of the soil medium properties.


The amount of variable charge depended strongly on the pH of the soil solution (R = 0.764, α = 0.05) ( Table 2) . Changes in pH can affect the charge of soil by adsorption or desorption of exchangeable cations, modification of clay mineral structure, and changes in the magnitude of variable surface charge (Józefaciuk et al., 2002) . In general, a decrease in soil surface variable charge with a pH decrease and its increase when pH increases are observed.

Changes in pH can affect the charge of soil by adsorption or desorption of exchangeable cations, modification of clay mineral structure, and changes in the magnitude of variable surface charge.


We found that three substrates commonly used in oxidase assays each revealed distinct trends with respect to pH and soil type. Thus measuring soil oxidase activity remains a challenge. Our results lead to several recommendations for overcoming this challenge and improving oxidase techniques. For research questions that require standardized comparisons across multiple soil types, we recommend conducting assays with multiple substrates at a reference pH (e.g. 5.0) to obtain a more complete profile of oxidation potentials and identify potential sources of interference. Furthermore, by standardizing assay conditions and verifying reaction linearity, inconsistencies due to methodological differences can be minimized, allowing for a sharper focus on the oxidative variation across soil types due to enzymatic or abiotic factors. For studies that focus on a single system, researchers should evaluate multiple substrates at an assay pH that approximates the soil pH before proceeding (Burns et al., 2013) . Our data on autoclaved and combusted soils suggest that assays with common oxidase substrates detect oxidative potential of the entire soil matrix rather than just potential enzyme activity (Sinsabaugh, 2010) . Minerals probably contribute to this oxidative function, particularly at neutral to alkaline pH. Therefore measured oxidation rates should not necessarily be interpreted as a metric of enzyme abundance in the soil. Overall, our findings and recommendations should help generate more reliable assays of soil oxidase activities that improve our understanding of soil carbon cycling in ecosystems.

For studies that focus on a single system, researchers should evaluate multiple substrates at an assay pH that approximates the soil pH before proceeding.

Our data on autoclaved and combusted soils suggest that assays with common oxidase substrates detect oxidative potential of the entire soil matrix rather than just potential enzyme activity.


Although PYGL, L-DOPA and ABTS are commonly used to assay the phenol oxidase and peroxidase potentials of soils, they are rarely used concurrently, which limits comparisons of oxidative activity across studies (Eichlerová et al., 2012) . When comparisons have been made for particular soils or litter types, the substrates tend not to produce mutually consistent results, and absolute and relative oxidation rates vary widely among substrates in relation to soil type and assay pH (Sinsabaugh, 2010) . In our experience, oxidase assays often show no detectable activity with one substrate whereas another appears to work without interference. Given the variation in oxidative enzyme activities among soils and substrates, a negative control would be useful for determining the influence of abiotic factors, such as soil mineralogy. However, negative controls for these assays have been poorly evaluated.

Although PYGL, L-DOPA and ABTS are commonly used to assay the phenol oxidase and peroxidase potentials of soils, they are rarely used concurrently, which limits comparisons of oxidative activity across studies.

When comparisons have been made for particular soils or litter types, the substrates tend not to produce mutually consistent results, and absolute and relative oxidation rates vary widely among substrates in relation to soil type and assay pH.


Extracellular enzymes are the proximate agents of organic matter decomposition, and thus the activities of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g. cellulases, phosphatases, chitinases, proteases) are widely measured in ecosystem studies (German et al., 2011) . In contrast, phenol oxidase and peroxidase activities have been measured in a smaller number of soil enzyme studies. Fungi and bacteria express oxidases for a variety of functions, including cellular processes and defense, as well as carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) acquisition (Sinsabaugh, 2010) . Once in the soil environment, these enzymes mediate the biogeochemical processes of lignin degradation, carbon mineralization and sequestration, and dissolved organic C export.

Extracellular enzymes are the proximate agents of organic matter decomposition, and thus the activities of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g. cellulases, phosphatases, chitinases, proteases) are widely measured in ecosystem studies.

Fungi and bacteria express oxidases for a variety of functions, including cellular processes and defense, as well as carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) acquisition.


The participant as autism expert partly relates to their wish to educate and inform, however it can also be seen as how the individual defines their (autistic) self. All confess a natural curiosity and love of learning, which led them to pursue the acquisition of knowledge not just about their autism, but also in terms of gaining qualifications in education. They represent knowledge about autism not just based on their 'insider' position, but by individual achievements such as acquiring expert knowledge to train others, or pursuing research within the field of adult autism. This of course is not generalizable or representative of the population of adults with autism, however, there are a growing number of research projects which include researchers on the autistic spectrum, and autism advocates who are vocal about their experiences and wish to share them with the wider public (Milton, & Bracher, 2013) .

This of course is not generalizable or representative of the population of adults with autism, however, there are a growing number of research projects which include researchers on the autistic spectrum, and autism advocates who are vocal about their experiences and wish to share them with the wider public.


Accuracy of nurses' scoring of case scenarios for ESI level 1 and level 2 were rated noticeably lower than the average. On these ESI levels, less than half of the test ratings were accurate. The most significant differences among the four hospitals were observed at ESI level 1. Regarding setting-related influences on accuracy, the particularly poor performance in triage level assignments of the triage nurses in Hospital B as well as the wide range of case scenario rating results among triage nurses of all four hospitals is obvious. The very low percentage correct for two of the questions suggests that these test questions might be particularly challenging or may be ambiguous. In clinical practice, usually ESI level 1 corresponds to the smallest group of patients [7] . Regarding the individual nurses and the settings, triage nurses may have less practical experience in triaging ESI level 1 patients, which might contribute to explaining their underperformance in these case scenario ratings. The significantly higher accuracy in ESI-level 1 case scenarios in tertiary care hospitals compared to secondary care hospitals supports this assumption, since it is expected that tertiary hospitals are more regularly confronted with ESI level 1 patients. Variations regarding the accuracy among the four hospitals might further depend on variability of training programs for nurses and case mix variations, e.g. in some EDs only adult patients are treated. Finally, as regards training, the tertiary hospitals at which the nurses performed better regarding ESI 1 patients had regular refresher training, whereas the nurses at the secondary hospitals did not. In contrast, ESI level 3 corresponds to a very large group of ED patients [7] . This might explain the highest accuracy in ESI level 3 ratings, as triage nurses are confronted to these situations more frequently. The significant differences between tertiary and secondary hospitals on correctly rating patients at ESI level 5 could reflect the assimilation of triage nurses to the setting. Nurses at secondary hospitals would be more likely to treat ESI level 5 patients more frequently.

In clinical practice, usually ESI level 1 corresponds to the smallest group of patients.

In contrast, ESI level 3 corresponds to a very large group of ED patients.


The first reported case of ectopic mediastinal pancreas was published in 1957 by Shillitoe and Wilson [2] . They described a fifteen year old female that had benign ectopic pancreatic tissue in the anterior mediastinum. Ectopic Pancreas in the anterior Mediastinum is extremely rare. Only twenty one case reports were described in the literature, all in young adults. The lesions were solid-cystic. The pathology and the clinical course were benign in twenty cases and malignant in one case. There were no signs of pancreatitis. Posterior mediastinal pseudocyst is a different entity associated with acute pancreatitis. In those cases surgery is not recommended.

The first reported case of ectopic mediastinal pancreas was published in 1957 by Shillitoe and Wilson.

The lesions were solid-cystic.

There were no signs of pancreatitis.


Commercial UWB systems require small low-cost antennas with omnidirectional radiation patterns and large bandwidth [1] . It is a wellknown fact that planar monopole antennas present really appealing physical features, such as simple structure, small size and low cost. Due to all these interesting characteristics, planar monopoles are extremely attractive to be used in emerging UWB applications, and growing research activity is being focused on them.

Commercial UWB systems require small low-cost antennas with omnidirectional radiation patterns and large bandwidth.


Ultrasound is the only real-time imaging modality that allows visualisation of the extent or thickness of the oesophagus wall. However, this is an invasive imaging technique that requires operator experience. Placement of a nasogastric tube to allow oesophageal location mapping is associated with some risk of trauma and bleeding, particularly for anti-coagulation. Barium paste can be used to visualise the true width of the lumen for a few seconds, although information regarding oesophageal wall thickness is difficult to infer as only the lumen is visualised [16] .

Barium paste can be used to visualise the true width of the lumen for a few seconds, although information regarding oesophageal wall thickness is difficult to infer as only the lumen is visualised.


This study has novelty in light of an employed manufactured VED with amplitude and frequency dependence and a proposed placement-design procedure of the VEDs utilizing the equivalent linearization under the interstory drift constraint. Although most previous studies have dealt with idealized VED, which comprises a linear dashpot element, we employ a manufactured wall-type VED that uses our newly produced VE material with low temperature dependence. A mechanical model for the VED was proposed using a non-linear four-element (NLF) model that comprises two non-linear dashpot elements and two non-linear spring elements (Nakamura and Kaneko, 1998) . A placement-design procedure is proposed for the VEDs such that each peak interstory drift is limited to the specified value for a given design response spectrum (Nakamura and Hanzawa, 2002) . The proposed design procedure has originality in the equivalent linearization of the VED based on the interstory drift constraint and the expanded CQC method in the peak response estimation. The validity of the proposed design procedure is demonstrated by design examples of high-rise building models.

A mechanical model for the VED was proposed using a non-linear four-element (NLF) model that comprises two non-linear dashpot elements and two non-linear spring elements.

A placement-design procedure is proposed for the VEDs such that each peak interstory drift is limited to the specified value for a given design response spectrum.


Cost-benefit analysis of buses with alternative fuel systems was carried out with reference to diesel buses. As a result, four hybrid (two series, two parallel) and one electric bus were evaluated as the most significant potential vehicle types. It is shown that increase in electrification of the bus configuration resulted in increase in energy efficiency of the buses as well. In this sense, electric buses are two to three times more energy efficient than conventional diesel buses and parallel hybrids [9] . Transportation-related factors are in the leader among the main causes of air pollution in cities of the 21st century. It is stated that it is imperative to use "zero emission vehicles" in California, USA. In this respect, at least 2% of the newly sold vehicles were zero-emission vehicles in California between 1998 and 2000 [10] . In Sweeden three different scenarios have been implemented for electric buses, which have been used for a variety of predictions for the years between 2005 and 2020. In the study, increased energy needs, limited fossil fuel resources and environmental factors are shown as the most important current problems. It is mentioned that many kinds of financially appropriate and efficient drive systems will take place in the future. Also it is predicted that the prices of batteries and ultra-capacitors will be five times cheaper in 2020 than in 2005 [11] . Another study conducted in Taiwan shows that hybrid electric buses have emerged as the best alternative to public transport for the city. It is also suggested that range values for electric buses should be increased for better alternatives. It is stated that all vehicles with alternative fuel systems provide significant benefits in terms of air pollution. It is also reported that hybrid buses are good alternatives and expected to fill the gap during the transition period until electric bus technology matures sufficiently. According to the legislation applied in the country, it is stated that income from the tax deductions resulting from exceeding the emission limits in public transportation is transferred to electric bus technology development works. However, in the medium term in the country, local government encourages the bus operators to replace their old buses with electric buses. In the long term, they are planning to establish a domestic electric bus industry as well [12] .

In this sense, electric buses are two to three times more energy efficient than conventional diesel buses and parallel hybrids.

In this respect, at least 2% of the newly sold vehicles were zero-emission vehicles in California between 1998 and 2000.

Also it is predicted that the prices of batteries and ultra-capacitors will be five times cheaper in 2020 than in 2005.

In the long term, they are planning to establish a domestic electric bus industry as well.


Hypoxemia is common in patients with chronic liver disease [17, 18] . A rare cause is HPS that may cause dyspnea, platypnea, and orthodeoxia and poor prognosis [19] . Because other abnormalities, (e.g., hydrothorax, ascites) may coexist in HPS patients and contribute to respiratory insufficiency, measurement of a lowered paO 2 or SaO 2 alone is not sufficient to make the diagnosis of HPS. The diagnostic criteria of HPS include liver disease, hypoxemia with a paO 2 <70 mmHg and evidence for intrapulmonary vascular dilation. This study was conducted to evaluate pulse oximetry as a non-invasive screening for HPS in patients with chronic liver disease. Therefore, arterial blood gas analyses were only obtained from patients with a SaO 2 below the threshold value of 92% or a decrease in SaO 2 of ≥4% after change from supine to the upright position (∆SaO 2 ). In liver transplant candidates a threshold level of SaO 2 of 94% detected all subjects with an arterial pO 2 <60 mm Hg [20] . A patient with a SaO 2 >92% and no significant decrease in this value in the upright position is unlikely to have a paO 2 <70 mm Hg and pulmonary shunts without these being detected by our screening. There may be a small subgroup of patients with positive contrast echocardiograms and essentially normal or slightly changed oxygenation due to form fruste or subclinical HPS. We cannot determine how many patients we missed to detect due to a lack of a position change in SaO 2 . The incidence and clinical significance of these forms of HPS is not clear. However, patients with clinically apparent HPS have a significant mortality and have to be identified, because HPS is an indication and not a contraindication for liver transplantation [21] [22] [23] . Our intention was not to determine the true prevalence of HPS including minor forms but to detect clinically relevant cases by a simple screening algorithm.

Hypoxemia is common in patients with chronic liver disease.

A rare cause is HPS that may cause dyspnea, platypnea, and orthodeoxia and poor prognosis.

In liver transplant candidates a threshold level of SaO 2 of 94% detected all subjects with an arterial pO 2 <60 mm Hg.

However, patients with clinically apparent HPS have a significant mortality and have to be identified, because HPS is an indication and not a contraindication for liver transplantation.


Students need comfortable accommodation for them to be able to carry out their primary function in their institutions. It was the original idea of students' housing which led to the construction of hostels within the first generation tertiary institutions in the country (Egunyenga, 2009; Osagie, 1993) . However, due to the increased number of candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions, the situation of hostels now is the opposite of what it used to be. The resultant effects of this increased population include increased pressure on utilities, frequent breakdown of the sewage disposal system, and the unsanitary condition of some of the halls of residence (Akinpelu, 2015) . This situation is believed to have significant influence on the performance of students in these institutions.

It was the original idea of students' housing which led to the construction of hostels within the first generation tertiary institutions in the country.

The resultant effects of this increased population include increased pressure on utilities, frequent breakdown of the sewage disposal system, and the unsanitary condition of some of the halls of residence.


Cognitive and socioemotional characteristics of individuals have often been though of as measures of developmental outcomes and not as precursors or producers of later development (Bronfenbrenner and Morris, 1998) . We argued in this paper that the developmental systems perspective considers the influence of these characteristics on the emergence and operation of proximal processes with a given environment. Applying theoretical frameworks can be helpful improving educational policy and practice in the area of inclusive education. We argued that the developmental systems theory as represented in the bioecological model and the transactional model can serve as heuristic platform for exploring the ecology of the inclusion of pupils with ASD in mainstream schools.

Cognitive and socioemotional characteristics of individuals have often been though of as measures of developmental outcomes and not as precursors or producers of later development.


As the quality of astrophysical data rapidly improves over the next decades, we are presented with rich opportunities to consider and constrain models of both large-and small-scale structure in the universe which take into account the true, inhomogeneous and anisotropic nature of structure. With goals to constrain cosmology at the percent level utilizing upcoming survey results, the consideration of second-order or nonlinear effects is becoming a priority [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . One such avenue of exploration is in employing structure models, which are exact solutions to Einstein's field equations in general relativity but are not restricted to homogeneity and isotropy, and developing the methods necessary to compare observational predictions of these models to new and improving data [9, 10] . This includes the identification of what impact inhomogeneities and anisotropies will have on astrophysical observables such as lensing and dynamical mass estimates. While this is worthwhile in its own right as an examination of what more general exact models of structure in general relativity predict, it also informs us of biases in the interpretation of observational data which symmetry assumptions might cause. These models also take into account the full nonlinearity of general relativity without assumptions or simplifications, so that higher order and relativistic effects which have recently attracted attention in the literature are automatically included.

With goals to constrain cosmology at the percent level utilizing upcoming survey results, the consideration of second-order or nonlinear effects is becoming a priority.

One such avenue of exploration is in employing structure models, which are exact solutions to Einstein's field equations in general relativity but are not restricted to homogeneity and isotropy, and developing the methods necessary to compare observational predictions of these models to new and improving data.


Permission to make digital or hard copies of all or part of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Copyrights for components of this work owned by others than ACM must be honored. Abstracting with credit is permitted. To copy otherwise, or republish, to post on servers or to redistribute to lists, requires prior specific permission and/or a fee. Request permissions from permissions@acm.org. CHI '16, May 7-12, 2016 Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) and other computer-based education (CBE) systems have been developed in the last decades to aid this learning process. There have been promising results; meta-analyses revealed that students tend to learn faster and more accurately, and have increased enjoyment of their learning material [27] .

Abstracting with credit is permitted.

There have been promising results; meta-analyses revealed that students tend to learn faster and more accurately, and have increased enjoyment of their learning material.


We use a musical task on the piano keyboard because it lends itself well to task segmentation with increasing levels of difficulty and to high element interactivity due to concurrency. A musical task is also easy to evaluate in terms of accuracy and speed when compared with a control condition. Research has shown that cognitive workload can indeed be measured with fNIRS brain sensing while playing the piano [55] .

Research has shown that cognitive workload can indeed be measured with fNIRS brain sensing while playing the piano.


It was reported that the in-vivo and vitro degradation of aliphatic polyesters was catalyzed by carboxyl end groups formed by chain cleavage and the amorphous regions are preferentially degraded (Li, 2006) . In general, the hydrolytic degradation of semi-crystalline, high molecular weight PLLA proceeds through random bulk hydrolysis in two distinct stages. The first stage is characterized by the preferential attack of the ester linkages in the more accessible amorphous regions, while the second stage is characterized by the attack of the less accessible crystalline regions. It was reported that the cleavage of an ester bond of PLGA polymers yielded a carboxyl end group and a hydroxyl one, and thus formed carboxyl end groups were able to catalyze the hydrolysis of other ester bonds (Li, 2006) . This phenomenon is called autocatalysis. Autocatalysis rate equation is applicable when the extent of reaction is slow or before the specimen experiences significant weight loss. There are several methods to fabricate scaffolds which include non-designed manufacturing techniques and designed manufacturing techniques. Non-designed manufacturing techniques include emulsion freezing/freezedrying, solvent casting/particulate leaching, phase separation, gas foaming/high pressure processing, melt moulding, electrospinning and combination of these techniques. Designed manufacturing techniques include solid free-form (SFF) or rapid prototyping (RP) technologies which have attracted much attention recently. To fabriccate polymer scaffold, the emulsion freezing/freezedrying technique is potentially a very useful method (Whang et al., 1995) .

It was reported that the in-vivo and vitro degradation of aliphatic polyesters was catalyzed by carboxyl end groups formed by chain cleavage and the amorphous regions are preferentially degraded.

It was reported that the cleavage of an ester bond of PLGA polymers yielded a carboxyl end group and a hydroxyl one, and thus formed carboxyl end groups were able to catalyze the hydrolysis of other ester bonds.

To fabriccate polymer scaffold, the emulsion freezing/freezedrying technique is potentially a very useful method.


Subsistence agriculture entails large inefficiencies in resource allocation that poor countries can ill afford. Subsistence farmers are among the poorest and most vulnerable of all groups. Integrating traditional smallholder peasants into the exchange economy is therefore important for stimulating growth, economic development, food security and poverty alleviation. The need for increased agricultural commercialization is nowhere as evident as in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Large numbers of African households remain excluded from participating in the cash economy, 1 and risks and transaction costs far exceed those of any other region of the world (Delgado, 1995) .

Large numbers of African households remain excluded from participating in the cash economy, 1 and risks and transaction costs far exceed those of any other region of the world.


However, the growing popularity of cycling traffic also entails safety concerns as observed in accident and injury statistics. Traffic accident proportion of cyclists has always been high because cyclists are vulnerable groups in the traffic conflict. In 2010, 4616 regular bicyclists were killed and 14,283 were seriously injured in road accidents, representing 7.1% of all traffic fatalities and 5.6% of injuries [5] . With the rapidly increasing number of electric bikes, more and more people pay much concerned about traffic security problems involved electric bikes. In 2004, 589 electric bike riders were died and 5295 were seriously injured in road accidents [6] . In 2010, the corresponding figures increased to 4029 and 20,311, respectively, representing 6.2% of all traffic fatalities and 8.0% of injuries [5] . Accident analysis reveals that over 60% of cyclist fatal crashes were caused by violation of traffic rules [5] . Redlight crossing is a typical type of rule violation behavior. Because of the poor law enforcement and peoples' low safety awareness, violation behavior in the red-light period is rather prevalent and represents a substantial safety problem in Chinese urban intersections [7] . Particularly, electric bike riders with relatively high speed are much more likely to increase the risk of traffic incident.

In 2010, 4616 regular bicyclists were killed and 14,283 were seriously injured in road accidents, representing 7.1% of all traffic fatalities and 5.6% of injuries.

In 2004, 589 electric bike riders were died and 5295 were seriously injured in road accidents.

In 2010, the corresponding figures increased to 4029 and 20,311, respectively, representing 6.2% of all traffic fatalities and 8.0% of injuries.

Accident analysis reveals that over 60% of cyclist fatal crashes were caused by violation of traffic rules.

Because of the poor law enforcement and peoples' low safety awareness, violation behavior in the red-light period is rather prevalent and represents a substantial safety problem in Chinese urban intersections.


In this paper, a facile method to prepare superhydrophobic surface by phase-separation technology was proposed. The hydrophobicity of the prepared OTS film was greatly enhanced compared to the conventional dip-dry method with the contact angle less than 120 ∘ [10] . To carry out the icing experiment, a small cold storage was established which could offer temperature low at −30 ∘ C. Both of the static and dynamic hydrophobicities of the prepared surface were studied in subzero environment. The icing process on the superhydrophobic surface was also observed. Based on the classical heterogeneous nucleation theory, the icing behaviors of droplets on superhydrophobic surface were discussed. Based on the bonding forces measured between the prepared surface and ice, the ice adhesion strengths were calculated and compared with those of blank surface.

The hydrophobicity of the prepared OTS film was greatly enhanced compared to the conventional dip-dry method with the contact angle less than 120 ∘.


Numerous researchers have reported the application of superhydrophobic surface on water repellency at room temperature [12, 13] . It has been reported that icing may be retarded on superhydrophobic surface [14] . However, few researches were concerned with the possibility of applying superhydrophobic surface in subzero environment. And the effect of surface wettability on retarding ice formation still needs experimental investigation.

Numerous researchers have reported the application of superhydrophobic surface on water repellency at room temperature.

It has been reported that icing may be retarded on superhydrophobic surface.


The literature on efficiency of agricultural markets has revealed that there are several impediments to the efficient functioning of these markets in the developing economies like India. The continuing debate concerning the appropriate agricultural marketing policies, government intervention in the marketplace, determinants of agricultural marketing efficiency, and the need to estimate the effects of these determinants have made it necessary for the researchers to either modify the traditional techniques or develop methods that would enable analysis of market competence. An intrusion by the government in marketing may be justified if it remedies the nearby imperfections and does not augment distortions in the market functioning. To monitor whether the government strategy has perked up market functioning or not, is a complex phenomenon in the actual sense. However, one way to throw some light on this issue is to analyze the market performance by studying market integration (Mukhtar and Javed, 2007) . This market integration can be measured in terms of the strength and speed of price transmission between markets across various regions of the country (Ghafoor et al., 2009) . The degree to which consumers and producers would benefit, depends on how domestic markets are integrated with world markets and how different regional markets are integrated with each other (Varela et al., 2012) .

However, one way to throw some light on this issue is to analyze the market performance by studying market integration.

This market integration can be measured in terms of the strength and speed of price transmission between markets across various regions of the country.

The degree to which consumers and producers would benefit, depends on how domestic markets are integrated with world markets and how different regional markets are integrated with each other.


Length, width and thickness of veneers were taken as constant for the recovery analysis. Theoretical recovery, as the maximum recovery rate to be obtained for a log, was determined by the difference between the volume of the log small-end diameter under bark and a residual core 10 cm of width (Lynch and Clutter 1998) . From the difference between individual log prices, and the gross revenue obtained by them, it was possible to determine the economic benefit depending on the log assortment (diameter and pruning). Other costs related to the industrial process were not considered in this study.

Theoretical recovery, as the maximum recovery rate to be obtained for a log, was determined by the difference between the volume of the log small-end diameter under bark and a residual core 10 cm of width.


The cognitive linguistic approach thus appears to serve as an alternative and complementary strategy for teaching and learning idioms. In the cognitive linguistic view, idioms are decomposable and analyzable, and their meanings are not arbitrary but are motivated by conceptual systems that exist in the minds of people. Cognitive linguistic insights hence assume that enhanced metaphor awareness will help students infer the meaning of an idiom on the basis of the information conveyed by the conceptual metaphors of the constituent words and will encourage them to figure out the meanings of unfamiliar idioms independently before turning to the teacher or a dictionary for help (Boers, 2004) . Developing the ability to transfer the strategies of visualizing idioms in terms of conceptual metaphors-metaphoric extensions of the meaning of the word (Littlemore & Low, 2006, italics added) -is the mainstay of the cognitive linguistic approach. The metaphoric extension skills will prompt learners to identify metaphoric themes underlying the constituent words of the idiom and to categorize them independently. This will ultimately help learners to learn idioms faster and retain them longer. The metaphoric extensions appear to explain the reason the students in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group in this study.

Cognitive linguistic insights hence assume that enhanced metaphor awareness will help students infer the meaning of an idiom on the basis of the information conveyed by the conceptual metaphors of the constituent words and will encourage them to figure out the meanings of unfamiliar idioms independently before turning to the teacher or a dictionary for help.


Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the most important cause of premature death in Western societies. Adherence to healthy nutritional and lifestyle recommendations can play an essential role in the prevention of CVD [1] . Major independent cardiovascular risk factors are cigarette smoking, elevated blood pressure, elevated serum LDL cholesterol, low serum HDL cholesterol, diabetes mellitus and advancing age.

Adherence to healthy nutritional and lifestyle recommendations can play an essential role in the prevention of CVD.


Nitrogen is the primary limiting nutrient for productivity in the world open ocean, and biological dinitrogen (N 2 ) fixation represents an important supply of new nitrogen to the euphotic layer in tropical and subtropical regions (Karl et al., 2002) . N 2 fixation can be more effective in sustaining net biological CO 2 drawdown than the vertical flux of nitrate, since the latter is also coupled with an upward flux of CO 2 from deeper waters (Michaels et al., 2001) . In the oceans, N 2 fixation is carried out by cyanobacteria and, within this group, the most studied species belong to the genus Trichodesmium (Capone et al., 1997; Galloway et al., 2004) .

Nitrogen is the primary limiting nutrient for productivity in the world open ocean, and biological dinitrogen (N 2 ) fixation represents an important supply of new nitrogen to the euphotic layer in tropical and subtropical regions.

N 2 fixation can be more effective in sustaining net biological CO 2 drawdown than the vertical flux of nitrate, since the latter is also coupled with an upward flux of CO 2 from deeper waters.

In the oceans, N 2 fixation is carried out by cyanobacteria and, within this group, the most studied species belong to the genus Trichodesmium.


Nevertheless, the school environment is much wider and is not limited to the classroom only through the relationship between students and students and also students and teachers (Susan & Ruth, 2015) . Culture can be seen as behavior, values, and attitudes in the environment and the way of an individual life to make adjustments to the environment. The school environment also refers to a system of values, beliefs, and norms which are commonly accepted and implemented with full awareness that natural behavior is shaped by the environment (M. . As a formal institution that focuses on education, the school is capable of shaping the students' characters through knowledge and behavior via the teaching and learning process in the classroom. The classroom is a place for education as well as the center for human development. In the classroom, the role of teachers is very important to inculcate the values for positive character formations through expertise, competence, and skills and using appropriate strategies and methods of teaching and learning (Poekert, 2012) .

Nevertheless, the school environment is much wider and is not limited to the classroom only through the relationship between students and students and also students and teachers.

In the classroom, the role of teachers is very important to inculcate the values for positive character formations through expertise, competence, and skills and using appropriate strategies and methods of teaching and learning.


The environment is one of the important aspects required to produce this type of competent individual. The school environment can be defined as a set of internal features that differentiate one school from another and that influence the behavior of staff and students. The environment in general plays a vital role in the life of every individual including students, teachers, employers, or employees (Chukwuemeka, 2013) . The aims of education today are to offer experiences to provide the students with chances and opportunities to develop the necessary understanding, skills, and attitudes to become lifelong learners, capable of identifying and solving problems, and dealing with change.

The environment in general plays a vital role in the life of every individual including students, teachers, employers, or employees.


In the appendices, we study several examples explicitly. In Appendix A, we study the moduli stabilization in the semi-classical regime. In Appendix B, we study the case with SU (N ) gauge group [21, 22] . Although the expression for the metric is complicated for general N , we are able to compute its curvature at the origin of the moduli space. Using this, we find an explicit form of the superpotential that generates a metastable vacuum at the origin. In this case, the superpotential can be chosen as a single-trace operator.

In Appendix B, we study the case with SU (N ) gauge group.


In recent years, nanomaterials have captured more and more attention because of their unique structures and properties. The concept of "nanomaterials" formed in the early 1980s, referring to zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, twodimensional, and three-dimensional materials with a size of less than 100 nm [5, 6] . Nanomaterials can be divided into four categories of nanopowder, nanofiber, nanomembrane, and nanoblock, in which development of nanopowder is longest, and its technology is most mature [6] . Nanomaterials have small size, large surface area, high surface energy, a large proportion of surface atoms, and four unique effects: small size effect, quantum size effect, quantum tunneling effect, and surface effect [7] . Development of nanomaterials has greatly enriched the field of research in materials science including biomaterials. As people understanding of natural biological material properties and microstructure at nanoscale is gradually deepening, the role of nanomaterials in biomedical material science is more important [7, 8] . Studies showed that a natural tooth is biological nanomaterial, which is composed of enamel, dentin, and cementum with nanoscale particles.

The concept of "nanomaterials" formed in the early 1980s, referring to zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, twodimensional, and three-dimensional materials with a size of less than 100 nm.

Nanomaterials can be divided into four categories of nanopowder, nanofiber, nanomembrane, and nanoblock, in which development of nanopowder is longest, and its technology is most mature.

Nanomaterials have small size, large surface area, high surface energy, a large proportion of surface atoms, and four unique effects: small size effect, quantum size effect, quantum tunneling effect, and surface effect.

As people understanding of natural biological material properties and microstructure at nanoscale is gradually deepening, the role of nanomaterials in biomedical material science is more important.


Dental enamel comprises 80-90% volume of calciumdeficient carbonate hydroxyl apatite. Mature-human-enamel crystallites are 26.3 ± 2.2 nm thick, 68.3 ± 13.4 nm wide, and between 100 and 1,000 nm long ( Figure 1 ) [9, 10] . Dentine is a hydrated tissue made up of approximately 50 vol.% mineral, 30 vol.% collagenous and noncollagenous proteins, and 20 vol.% fluids. The dentinal matrix is mainly composed of type I collagen fibrils forming a three-dimensional scaffold matrix, reinforced by hydroxyl apatite crystallites, measuring approximately 20 nm in size [11, 12] . This natural dental hard tissue structure provides a foundation platform for biological research of nanomaterials with biomimetic manners.

Mature-human-enamel crystallites are 26.3 ± 2.2 nm thick, 68.3 ± 13.4 nm wide, and between 100 and 1,000 nm long ( Figure 1 ).

The dentinal matrix is mainly composed of type I collagen fibrils forming a three-dimensional scaffold matrix, reinforced by hydroxyl apatite crystallites, measuring approximately 20 nm in size.


The importance of the Internet as an influencing factor for the tourism business is marked by the steadily increasing number of online travel sales worldwide. This makes tourism the leading application in business-to-consumer e-Commerce (Werthner & Ricci, 2004) . Besides this economic perspective of e-Tourism, from which users increasingly act as their own travel agents, the Internet has become much more than an additional sales channel or a platform for conducting business transactions. It is an important source of information supporting the pre-trip search as well as the decision making process of tourists.

This makes tourism the leading application in business-to-consumer e-Commerce.


Long-term data are essential to understand the trajectory of changes in macrophyte communities and their ability to take up nutrients, particularly in water bodies exposed to human pressures (Hellsten et al., 1996; Egertson et al., 2004) . Macrophytes are excellent indicators of the ecological state of water bodies, mainly because they integrate environmental changes over periods of a few years, and reflect the cumulative effects of successive disturbances (Tremp & Kohler, 1995) . Most studies have, however, analyzed the effects of water level fluctuations in short term or in experimental conditions (Coops et al., 1996; Casanova & Brock, 2000; Deegan et al., 2007) . However, in the longer term, plants may either adapt to the new hydrological conditions or disappear. Therefore, it is necessary to consider macrophyte responses from a longer term perspective in order to correctly identify the relative impacts of hydrological change on nutrient cycling and other processes.

Long-term data are essential to understand the trajectory of changes in macrophyte communities and their ability to take up nutrients, particularly in water bodies exposed to human pressures.

Macrophytes are excellent indicators of the ecological state of water bodies, mainly because they integrate environmental changes over periods of a few years, and reflect the cumulative effects of successive disturbances.

Most studies have, however, analyzed the effects of water level fluctuations in short term or in experimental conditions.


Changes in the aboveground biomass production and nutrient concentrations in plant tissue account for the total nutrient standing stock. The annual N storage varied between 5 and 39 g m -2 and the P storage between 0.39 and 4.23 g m -2 . Moreover, the highest concentrations of nutrients in standing stocks were observed during higher water levels, and these concentrations were high in comparison with other studies (Meuleman et al., 2002; Van der Wygaert et al., 2003) . Our results show different responses of wetland species to water depth, which contradicts the results shown by who found no differences between nutrient concentrations and standing stock in reeds under different water level treatments. This indicates differential sensitivity of macrophytes to changes in the hydrological regime.

Moreover, the highest concentrations of nutrients in standing stocks were observed during higher water levels, and these concentrations were high in comparison with other studies.


In recent years polymer -bioactive ceramic composite materials have been developed as bone repair devices because of their high bioactivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Mainly the first two properties of tissue engineering scaffolds influence the important initial steps related to cell attachment, prior to cell proliferation and differentiation. An important step to engineer tissues is the development of porous three-dimensional scaffolds for different anatomical locations in the body. Ideally, the scaffolds should be porous and the porosity should be both macroscopic for cell growth and migration, as well as microscopic to allow the transport of nutrients and oxygen, as well as the removal of cellular waste products [1] . The relevant properties of ideal scaffolds and the requirements for their successful application in bone tissue engineering have been extensively discussed in the literature [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . They state that scaffolds need to be biocompatible. A three-dimensional (3D) internal geometry, similar to bone morphology, and the retention of mechanical properties after implantation are required for scaffolds in order to maintain a tissue space of prescribed size and shape for tissue formation. Porosity higher than 70% seems to be necessary. In addition, a macroporosity of 200-500 µm is needed to promote bone cell attachment, and a microporosity should promote ion and liquid diffusion [7] .

Ideally, the scaffolds should be porous and the porosity should be both macroscopic for cell growth and migration, as well as microscopic to allow the transport of nutrients and oxygen, as well as the removal of cellular waste products.

The relevant properties of ideal scaffolds and the requirements for their successful application in bone tissue engineering have been extensively discussed in the literature.

In addition, a macroporosity of 200-500 µm is needed to promote bone cell attachment, and a microporosity should promote ion and liquid diffusion.


Other researchers have recognized the potential utility of these heading (McKnight, 2003; Xu, 2006; Lin, 2006) . It has also been recognized that scientific abstracts with such labels could be of importance to text summarization, information retrieval and question answering (Lee, 2006; Zweigenbaum, 2003) . We share similar goals to previous research; the section headings of these structured medical abstracts can be used as training data for building labelers that can tag unstructured abstracts with discourse structure. But also, there is a large number of heading names. Sentences that occur under these heading names form a labeled training set which could be used to build a classifier that recognizes similar sentences. Ultimately, we would like to build finer-grained classifiers that exploit these semantic labels.

Other researchers have recognized the potential utility of these heading.

It has also been recognized that scientific abstracts with such labels could be of importance to text summarization, information retrieval and question answering.


The development of virtual systems fulfilling the requirements of engineering education has been attracting more and more research interest. Certainly, Industry 4.0 is a current trend and it requires prompt, effective, and efficient maintenance and training to acquire advanced solutions and thrive in highly competitive markets [11, 30, 31] . After analyzing the literature and studying various computer-based teaching techniques, the concept of VLF in the manufacturing education domain has been introduced in this paper. The concept of VLF has been utilized to teach students about changeable manufacturing systems. The proposed methodology would also enable students to assess the performance of the implemented layout. A case study that takes advantage of VR has been developed to teach students about the complicated tasks of design and operation of automated manufacturing systems. Moreover, it explains how a course has to be designed depending on VLF in order to inform students of the complexity of designing, implementing, assessing the performance, and the operation of RMS.

Certainly, Industry 4.0 is a current trend and it requires prompt, effective, and efficient maintenance and training to acquire advanced solutions and thrive in highly competitive markets.


Organizations and industries assume that fresh graduates being hired are completely trained and capable to handle complex systems. However, the actual situation is entirely contradictory, where the new engineers or operators are not fully equipped to deal with the complexities of modern technologies. The existence of traditional teaching methods and lack of practical applications in the present education system are some of the primary reasons for the scarcity of thoughtful students. Generally, the universities and training institutions in the current education environment design their curricula around modular courses, where each course addresses a particular aspect. For example, the subjects or the courses in industrial and systems engineering programs are dedicated to product innovation and design, facility planning and design, manufacturing engineering (including materials sciences, processes, automation, and control), ergonomics, logistics and operations management, planning, scheduling, optimization, information systems, and statistics. Indeed, each of these courses introduces a part of the overall complexity. However, the actual problem lies in designing courses that integrate such modules which can present real-scale problems and solutions to the students. The modular courses do not consider the unpredictability involved in real situations, rather they presume the ideal, unrealistic conditions. Lately, the concept of learning factories (LF) has been introduced to modernize the learning process and to make training procedures more realistic environments [7] . Similarly, Virtual Reality (VR) can be demonstrated as a competent method for teaching challenging concepts to trainees and students [8, 9] . VR can be defined as an advanced visualization technique which is effective and valuable due to the fact that it can assume the real situation and realize the final outcome adequately [10] . The engineers or the operators can interact with the manufacturing set ups, practice on them, and analyze their performance in a more intuitive and comprehensive manner with the digital environment offered by VR. Within the ideology of Industry 4.0 sustained by ingenious technologies such as the Internet of Things and Cloud technology, VR can contribute significantly in manufacturing education [11, 12] . Therefore, the adoption of new teaching methods such as LF and VR are necessary to enhance the capabilities and skills of young engineers in addition to integrating knowledge from various modular courses. Although there have been many such ideas and innovative teaching techniques, there is still a dearth of methodologies, guidelines, and case studies focusing on the role of education and practical training for the development of technical proficiency in Industry 4.0. In this work, a methodology based on VR has been introduced to design a course and prepare students to deal with future manufacturing complexities. A case study has been presented to aid students in understanding the complexities of design, implementation, and assessing the performance and operation of reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS).

Lately, the concept of learning factories (LF) has been introduced to modernize the learning process and to make training procedures more realistic environments.

Similarly, Virtual Reality (VR) can be demonstrated as a competent method for teaching challenging concepts to trainees and students.

VR can be defined as an advanced visualization technique which is effective and valuable due to the fact that it can assume the real situation and realize the final outcome adequately.

Within the ideology of Industry 4.0 sustained by ingenious technologies such as the Internet of Things and Cloud technology, VR can contribute significantly in manufacturing education.


Manufacturing processes and technologies have been subjected to continuous advancements and transformations in the Industry 4.0 concept owing to fickle customer demands as well as precise quality requirements [1] . The growing complexities of design and the need of efficient production practices have resulted in the evolution of manufacturing methods. Cutting edge, distinct, and new manufacturing techniques and tools are consistently being developed to meet fluctuating market demands. Certainly, in the time period of Industry 4.0, engineers or workers have to become adaptable to volatile market situations and to the intricacy of contemporary technologies existing in the manufacturing process [2] . The Industry 4.0 revolution, with advancements in automation, information, and communication technologies, has improved the capabilities and flexibilities of manufacturing systems. However, they also augment inherent system complexities, which make them cumbersome to understand and difficult to operate. As a result, there is a need for the development of advanced, novel, and innovative teaching and training methods in order to keep up with the pace of advances in manufacturing systems [3] .

Manufacturing processes and technologies have been subjected to continuous advancements and transformations in the Industry 4.0 concept owing to fickle customer demands as well as precise quality requirements.

Certainly, in the time period of Industry 4.0, engineers or workers have to become adaptable to volatile market situations and to the intricacy of contemporary technologies existing in the manufacturing process.

As a result, there is a need for the development of advanced, novel, and innovative teaching and training methods in order to keep up with the pace of advances in manufacturing systems.


The different levels of reconfiguration in a manufacturing system have been considered in this work. For example, the reconfiguration of storage systems, reconfiguration of material handling systems, reconfiguration of machines, workstations and/or production cells, reconfiguration of manufacturing processes, and reconfiguration of plant layout have been explored. The RMS has capability to adapt to rapid or unpredictable market changes in an efficient manner. The RMS consists of reconfigurable modules, reconfigurable controllers, and methodologies for their systematic design and rapid upgrading. These modules are the foundations of the new manufacturing paradigm of Industry 4.0 [32] . An RMS has the ability to reconfigure hardware and control resources at all of the functional and organizational levels, in order to quickly adjust production capacity and functionality in response to sudden changes in market or in regulatory requirements [33] . The response to the demands of complex processes, reconfigure technologies, and the development of physical and logical change enablers should be considered and realized while designing a sustainable manufacturing system [34] . It can be very challenging for universities or training centers to teach students about the concept of RMS and other similar techniques without a well-defined approach. Education and training institutions have to adopt emergent strategies to overcome the existent challenges and revolutionize the current teaching environments through the employment of LFs or laboratories [35] .

These modules are the foundations of the new manufacturing paradigm of Industry 4.0.

An RMS has the ability to reconfigure hardware and control resources at all of the functional and organizational levels, in order to quickly adjust production capacity and functionality in response to sudden changes in market or in regulatory requirements.

The response to the demands of complex processes, reconfigure technologies, and the development of physical and logical change enablers should be considered and realized while designing a sustainable manufacturing system.

Education and training institutions have to adopt emergent strategies to overcome the existent challenges and revolutionize the current teaching environments through the employment of LFs or laboratories.