Water vapor undergoes large variability in the troposphere and exhibits a bimodal probability distribution at certain levels of the upper troposphere in the western Pacific warm pool region (Brown and Zhang 1997) . The bimodality is likely to be associated with the tropical intraseasonal oscillation, also known as the MaddenJulian Oscillation (MJO) (Madden and Julian 1971, 1972) . The moist mode occurs mainly in convectively active phases of the MJO and the dry mode in suppressed phases. The fluctuations between the two modes can be as large as 50% in relative humidity and 2 g kg Ϫ1 in specific humidity in the upper troposphere. Water vapor content in the tropical troposphere above the boundary layer varies with deep convective activity.

Water vapor undergoes large variability in the troposphere and exhibits a bimodal probability distribution at certain levels of the upper troposphere in the western Pacific warm pool region.

The bimodality is likely to be associated with the tropical intraseasonal oscillation, also known as the MaddenJulian Oscillation (MJO).


In Korea, about 400 thousand tons of animal-fats are produced annually that can be transformed to biodiesel of 315,000 kL, equivalent to 25% of total tax-free fuel consumption amount (1,264 thousand kL) for protected crops production industry. Cow and swine fats are the main resources for animal-fats biodiesel production. Animal-fats biodiesel produced in the USA was about 450 million litres in 2008 that was taking up 20% of the total biodiesel production amount in 2008 (Goodfellow, 2010) . The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of tractor disel engine fuelled by animal-fats biodiesel comparing with light oil tractor diesel engine.

Animal-fats biodiesel produced in the USA was about 450 million litres in 2008 that was taking up 20% of the total biodiesel production amount in 2008.


Due to Japan's aging and shrinking population, such practices of non-market food provision have been decreasing in the country relative to 20 or 30 years ago [3] . It seems that in recent decades, urbanization and globalization have weakened community connections and sharing mechanisms, especially in urban settings with large amounts of built-up space. Meanwhile, new forms of market-based sharing such as car and bike sharing, room and space sharing (e.g., Airbnb), and information sharing have been expanding significantly especially in urban areas not only in Japan but also many countries [27] . One of the future studies include exploring how the emerging sharing economy can sustain non-market sharing practices and landscape conservation with support from new forms of sharing such as sharing information, experiences, and skills for food production and processing at household and community scales.

Due to Japan's aging and shrinking population, such practices of non-market food provision have been decreasing in the country relative to 20 or 30 years ago.

Meanwhile, new forms of market-based sharing such as car and bike sharing, room and space sharing (e.g., Airbnb), and information sharing have been expanding significantly especially in urban areas not only in Japan but also many countries.


The study also revealed that the households in deeper rural areas tend to purchase food via e-commerce more than those in flat agricultural areas and urbanized areas. This reflects the fact that people in the most isolated rural areas have the least access to local stores. In many rural areas in Japan, small local stores have been forced to close because of development of large-scale stores in suburban areas [22] . This situation, often described as a "food desert" problem, could have increasingly serious consequences because of the aging and shrinking population and the closing of local supermarkets in rural areas [22] [23] [24] .

In many rural areas in Japan, small local stores have been forced to close because of development of large-scale stores in suburban areas.

This situation, often described as a "food desert" problem, could have increasingly serious consequences because of the aging and shrinking population and the closing of local supermarkets in rural areas.


Quantification of signal intensity showed that α2 subunit expression levels in AMPKα1 -/denuded aorta accounted only for 20% of the total (α1 and α2) AMPK catalytic subunit expression ( Figure 5C ). In figure 5D , the 63-kDa labelled protein band corresponds either to both α1 and α2 subunits in AMPKα2 +/+ aorta, or to remaining α1 subunit in AMPKα2 -/aorta. Quantification of signal intensity showed that α1 subunit expression levels in AMPKα2 -/denuded aorta accounted for 80% of the total (α1 and α2) AMPK catalytic subunit expression ( Figure 5E ). Taken together, these data clearly show that α1 subunit of AMPK is the predominant form expressed in denuded mouse aorta, confirming the data obtained previously with porcine carotid arteries (Rubin et al., 2005) .

Taken together, these data clearly show that α1 subunit of AMPK is the predominant form expressed in denuded mouse aorta, confirming the data obtained previously with porcine carotid arteries.


To confirm the involvement of AMPK in the vasorelaxing effects of AICAR, and to investigate isoform specificity, experiments were repeated in AMPKα1 or α2 knock-out mice. The vasorelaxing effects of AICAR were completely abolished in α1 but not in α2 deficient mice. Others have shown that both metformin and AICAR significantly increase eNOS Ser1179 phosphorylation in wild-type but not in AMPKα1 -/treated mice, indicating that AMPKα1 is the main isoform in mouse aorta (Davis et al., 2006) . By contrast, another study showed that AICAR increased both α1 and α2 associated AMPK activity in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, although it increased AMPKα1 activity to a greater extent than AMPKα2 activity (Evans et al., 2005) . In our study, immunoblots of endothelium-freed aortas revealed that the AMPKα1 subunit is present in WT and AMPKα2 -/mice, while the AMPKα2 isoform is expressed at a lower level. Consistent with this, it was previously shown that there was little if any AMPKα2 subunit in carotid smooth muscle (Rubin et al., 2005) .

Others have shown that both metformin and AICAR significantly increase eNOS Ser1179 phosphorylation in wild-type but not in AMPKα1 -/treated mice, indicating that AMPKα1 is the main isoform in mouse aorta.

By contrast, another study showed that AICAR increased both α1 and α2 associated AMPK activity in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, although it increased AMPKα1 activity to a greater extent than AMPKα2 activity.

Consistent with this, it was previously shown that there was little if any AMPKα2 subunit in carotid smooth muscle.


These results are in contrast to a study on porcine carotid rings prestimulated with endothelin-1, which exhibited only minor (≅ 12%) relaxation in the presence of 2 mM AICAR, and without AMPK activation (Rubin et al., 2005) . The same study found that metabolic challenge induced 100% relaxation associated with AMPK activation. The reason why AICAR failed to activate AMPK in porcine carotid arteries in contrast to mouse aorta could be due to species and/or vascular bed differences. Normally, AICAR enters cells and is metabolized to ZMP, an intermediate in the pathway of de novo purine synthesis. ZMP can be further metabolized, suggesting that its accumulation will depend on the balance between synthesis and degradation rates, which may differ between tissues.

These results are in contrast to a study on porcine carotid rings prestimulated with endothelin-1, which exhibited only minor (≅ 12%) relaxation in the presence of 2 mM AICAR, and without AMPK activation.


In this study we investigated whether pharmacological activation of AMPK by AICAR could induce relaxation of preconstricted mouse aorta and whether this effect was mediated by endothelium and/or NOS activation. Furthermore, AMPK isoform specificity of AICARinduced relaxation was investigated in AMPKα1 and α2 knock-out mice and their littermate controls (Jorgensen et al., 2004; Viollet et al., 2003) . The results show that activation of AMPKα1 induces vasorelaxation of mouse aorta in an endothelium-and NOS-independent manner.

Furthermore, AMPK isoform specificity of AICARinduced relaxation was investigated in AMPKα1 and α2 knock-out mice and their littermate controls.


AMPK exists in cells as a heterotrimeric complex composed of a catalytic subunit (α) and two regulatory subunits (β and γ). Two α subunit isoforms exist, α1 and α2 that are unevenly distributed in the tissues. AMPK is expressed both in endothelial cells and in smooth muscle cells. The predominant isoform expressed in vascular endothelial cells is α1 (Davis et al., 2006; Zou et al., 2004) . AMPK expression in vascular smooth muscles is different from its expression in striated muscles (Rubin et al., 2005) . Both α1 and α2 catalytic subunits are expressed in arterial smooth muscle cells, although their relative proportion differs between different arteries (Evans et al., 2006; Rubin et al., 2005) .

The predominant isoform expressed in vascular endothelial cells is α1.

AMPK expression in vascular smooth muscles is different from its expression in striated muscles.

Both α1 and α2 catalytic subunits are expressed in arterial smooth muscle cells, although their relative proportion differs between different arteries.


Large scale structure (LSS) offers a complementary probe to the cosmic microwave background (CMB) to do precision cosmology. Owing to the large volume with full threedimensional (3D) information that is available in LSS surveys, they offer the promise to provide competitive, or even better, constraints on cosmological parameters compared to CMB-based experiments, in the near future. For example, it is possible that the next level of improved constraints on primordial non-Gaussianity would come from LSS [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] .

For example, it is possible that the next level of improved constraints on primordial non-Gaussianity would come from LSS.


Our paper is structured as follows. Section 2 introduces three classes of robust regression estimators and presents properties including the breakdown point and efficiency of estimation. The important family of soft trimming estimators, leading to downweighting of observations by a function ρ, derives from M estimation described in §2.2. The derived methods, S, MM and τ estimators, which differ in the way in which the error variance is estimated are the subject of the remainder of §2. In §3 we discuss choice of an appropriate form of robust regression, difficulties in numerical procedures and the interpretation of estimated parameters; we focus on standard errors of estimated regression coefficients. A second problem of interpretation is that of the effect of individual observations on inferences, which can be provided by the forward search (Riani et al., 2014c) .

Our paper is structured as follows.

A second problem of interpretation is that of the effect of individual observations on inferences, which can be provided by the forward search.


The instrument used in this study was Honey & Mumford Learning Styles Model. It is used in finding out the learners' learning style preferences (Research question 1). Honey & Mumford Learning Styles Model was chosen because it has four stages of learning cycle that helped the researcher in varying the types of activities planned and designed in TEMI. The learning styles model consists of four dimesionalities learning styles namely Activist, Theorist, Pragmatist and Reflector (Honey & Mumford, 1992) .

The learning styles model consists of four dimesionalities learning styles namely Activist, Theorist, Pragmatist and Reflector.


The governing equations were subsequently reformulated to incorporate rigid body and flexible body degrees of freedom in each body, and to allow arbitrary interconnection topologies [2] . This methodology was incorporated in the General Rotorcraft Aeromechanical Stability Program (GRASP) [3, 4] . GRASP computed eigensolutions for a rotorcraft in vertical flight or ground contact. The run times required to calculate the motion of the reference frame degrees of freedom and the flexible body degrees of freedom associated with each element were high, even on the Cray supercomputer for which it was written.

The governing equations were subsequently reformulated to incorporate rigid body and flexible body degrees of freedom in each body, and to allow arbitrary interconnection topologies.

This methodology was incorporated in the General Rotorcraft Aeromechanical Stability Program (GRASP).


The presence of articulated flexible structures such as solar arrays, booms, and antennae on spacecraft stimulated the development of computational methods coupling rigid and flexible body dynamics. Early methods allowed articulated central rigid bodies (typically restricted to a tree topology) with flexible appendages. Ultimately, finite element and modal analysis methods were permitted for the appendages [1] .

Ultimately, finite element and modal analysis methods were permitted for the appendages.


Earlier reports from our laboratory have indicated that carbofuran at sublethal concentrations may induce oxidative stress in rats [15, 24, 25] . The pesticide induced free radicals mediated toxicity, however, may be ameliorated by introduction of extracts from some traditional Indian medicinal plants [17, [24] [25] [26] . The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of C. limon fruit extract against carbofuran induced toxicity in rats.

Earlier reports from our laboratory have indicated that carbofuran at sublethal concentrations may induce oxidative stress in rats.

The pesticide induced free radicals mediated toxicity, however, may be ameliorated by introduction of extracts from some traditional Indian medicinal plants.


The present work was designed to study the ameliorative effect of C. limon fruit extract against carbofuran induced hepatotoxicity. Carbofuran is hydrophobic in nature and the earlier studies with hydrophobic pesticides have experimentally shown the accumulation of pesticides in the phospholipid bilayers of the biological membrane [39] . The lipid-rich internal tissues together with body fat, skin, liver, kidney, ovaries, and elements of the central and peripheral nervous system possess pesticide accumulation properties [40, 41] . Metabolism of carbofuran occurs in the liver where metabolic intermediates including free radical species (FRS) are produced in high concentration which may cause generation of the oxidative stress in liver tissues [11] . The elevated MDA level in the present study due to carbofuran treatment is indicative of the liver damage by the oxidative stress. The elevated levels of AST, ALT, and LDH in the serum and the decreased levels of these parameters in the liver tissues indicated carbofuran induced damage of liver tissues. These results are in agreement with those reported by other workers with some different pesticides [42] . The animals when given the C. limon fruit extract before carbofuran treatment in the present study showed relatively lower impact of carbofuran, which reflects ameliorative property of the fruit extract. It may be due to the presence of antioxidative compounds in this citrus fruit. Since C. limon is reported to contain plenty of vitamin C, the antioxidative effect exerted by the fruit extract may be due to the presence of this compound. This notion is strongly supported by a recent report on the chemical analysis of C. limon fruit extract components showing antioxidant capacity of four Tunisian citrus varieties [43] .

Carbofuran is hydrophobic in nature and the earlier studies with hydrophobic pesticides have experimentally shown the accumulation of pesticides in the phospholipid bilayers of the biological membrane.

The lipid-rich internal tissues together with body fat, skin, liver, kidney, ovaries, and elements of the central and peripheral nervous system possess pesticide accumulation properties.

Metabolism of carbofuran occurs in the liver where metabolic intermediates including free radical species (FRS) are produced in high concentration which may cause generation of the oxidative stress in liver tissues.

These results are in agreement with those reported by other workers with some different pesticides.

This notion is strongly supported by a recent report on the chemical analysis of C. limon fruit extract components showing antioxidant capacity of four Tunisian citrus varieties.


The antioxidant compounds follow one or more than one type of mechanisms to reduce the hazards of oxidative stress induced in a living system due to exposure of any physical or chemical agents. Generally these molecules scavenge free radicals by forming complexes with prooxidants and thereby quenching the free radical species. In the biological systems, the antioxidants are of two types: nonenzymatic molecules like glutathione and vitamins C, D, and E and the enzymatic indices such as SOD, catalase, and GST [18] .

In the biological systems, the antioxidants are of two types: nonenzymatic molecules like glutathione and vitamins C, D, and E and the enzymatic indices such as SOD, catalase, and GST.


Major detoxification of various drugs and chemicals occurs in the liver, and the intermediate metabolites get accumulated in the liver cells, which may be responsible for oxidative stress into hepatocytes [16] . The chronic and acute exposure of carbofuran has been reported to cause perturbations into the levels of enzymes such as aminotransaminases, glutamate dehydrogenase, and glycogen phosphorylase (a and b) as well as other biomolecules including protein, amino acids, ammonia, and glycogen from rat liver and muscles [14] . The acute intoxication of carbofuran may cause alterations in the levels of globular protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, and depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) in rat liver and serum [17] .

Major detoxification of various drugs and chemicals occurs in the liver, and the intermediate metabolites get accumulated in the liver cells, which may be responsible for oxidative stress into hepatocytes.

The chronic and acute exposure of carbofuran has been reported to cause perturbations into the levels of enzymes such as aminotransaminases, glutamate dehydrogenase, and glycogen phosphorylase (a and b) as well as other biomolecules including protein, amino acids, ammonia, and glycogen from rat liver and muscles.

The acute intoxication of carbofuran may cause alterations in the levels of globular protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, and depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) in rat liver and serum.


This study evaluates the cut-off frequencies of TE 0 and TE 1 modes of a resonator printed on an anisotropic medium in order to optimize these structures according to their applications.These resonators appeared during the 1950s and especially were developed during the 1970s [12, 13] . They gather at the same time small size, simplicity, facility of manufacture and practical implementation. Moreover, they are easily matched to plane and non plane surfaces, and they exhibit a great robustness when assembled on rigid surfaces. They are also very effective in terms of resonance, polarization, input impedance and radiation diagram [14] [15] [16] .

These resonators appeared during the 1950s and especially were developed during the 1970s.

They are also very effective in terms of resonance, polarization, input impedance and radiation diagram.


The adopted approach in this paper can be employed during the analysis of the microstrip to predict the surface waves which appear in such structures. It can also be used for locating the integrands singularities that can be encountered in the solution by the method of moments via the Galerkin procedure The introduction of chiral leads to a diversity of applications. Its appreciable effect, which is the capacity of miniaturization of the structures, facilitates the electronic components integration [10, 11] . The chirality also moves away the surface waves from the operating frequency of the structure, which is an advantage for antennas. Whereas, for the filters, it is preferable to use the pure imaginary shape of the magnetoelectric elements of the chiral.This case of study of the TM or TE surface waves cutoff frequencies, with respect to the constitutive parameters of the medium, ended in results which show clearly that the possibility of excitation of the surface waves is more favored when the dielectric become increasingly thick, compared to components with traditional dielectrics.

Its appreciable effect, which is the capacity of miniaturization of the structures, facilitates the electronic components integration.


For use in medical applications, materials must be biocompatible, which means they cannot cause severe immune reactions when introduced to soft tissues or blood of a host organism. PHA materials must also not elicit immune responses during degradation in the body to be considered biocompatible. Typically, PHA polymers are degraded by the action of non-specific lipases and esterases in nature [4] . This is presumably how PHA implants and other medical devices are degraded at the site of implantation in animals. Degradation of PHA matrices in the tissues of the host organism offers the possibility of coupling this phenomenon with release of bioactive compounds, such as antibiotic or anti-tumor drug. If a PHA insert is impregnated with a compound, the degradation over time will release the compound, acting as an automatic dosing agent. The kinetics of dosing of a compound from a PHA matrix can be tuned by altering the polymer properties, including using different types of PHA with different monomer side chains (Figure 1) . In this review, we examine the findings of PHA biocompatibility studies, PHA medical application studies, and drug release studies. The wealth of data available currently, plus innovations occurring in the field at the present time suggest a bright future for the medical PHA field.

Typically, PHA polymers are degraded by the action of non-specific lipases and esterases in nature.


Prediction bounds for our proposal can be derived under the conditions presented in this work. But weaker conditions might be sufficient, following recent work studying the lasso for correlated designs (Dalalyan et al., 2017) . Another extension might concern the derivation of valid p-values or confidence intervals for the nonzero parameters identified by our proposal. Given its connection with the lasso, this post-selection inference might be derived by extending recent strategies proposed for lasso estimates (Lee et al., 2016) .

But weaker conditions might be sufficient, following recent work studying the lasso for correlated designs.

Given its connection with the lasso, this post-selection inference might be derived by extending recent strategies proposed for lasso estimates.


The main factors affecting the EC of minced beef-fat blends having different fat level (2, 9 and 15 %) and full meat-fat samples were the temperature and the composition of the blends. The EC of the samples increased with increasing temperature up to 60-70°C temperature. The determination of EC is crucial to characterise the ohmic cooking of meat products and design of ohmic systems [8] . Performance evaluation of an ohmic heating unit for liquid foods was studied and it was reported that temperature affected EC values of fresh orange juice [19] . Electrical conductivities of six different fruits and three types of meat were determined from room temperature through to the sterilisation temperature (25-140°C) range [24] . Linear temperature-dependent EC relations were obtained for ohmic heating of fruit purees under voltage gradients in the range of 20-70 V/cm [9] .

The determination of EC is crucial to characterise the ohmic cooking of meat products and design of ohmic systems.

Performance evaluation of an ohmic heating unit for liquid foods was studied and it was reported that temperature affected EC values of fresh orange juice.

Electrical conductivities of six different fruits and three types of meat were determined from room temperature through to the sterilisation temperature (25-140°C) range.

Linear temperature-dependent EC relations were obtained for ohmic heating of fruit purees under voltage gradients in the range of 20-70 V/cm.


This technology provides rapid and uniform heating whereas the absence of a hot surface in ohmic heating reduces fouling problems and thermal damage to a product [25] . The EC of foods is a key parameter of the electrical properties due to its potential influence on ohmic heating [5] . The effects of insoluble solids and applied voltage on EC of pre-pasteurised carrot and tomato juices during ohmic heating have been studied [16] . Evaluation of EC of blanched 2 cm cubic particles (carrot, potato, radish, beef muscle, pork muscle and commercial ham) dispersed in carrier fluid (5 % w/w starch-water solution with 0.15-1.5 % w/w/salt concentrations) has been reported. EC was observed to be highly co-related to sample temperature and salt concentration [35] . EC of a two-phase food system comprising a liquid phase using 4 % w/w starch solution with 0.5 % w/w salt and a solid phase containing carrot puree and cubes of different sizes (6 and 13 mm) in different concentrations (30 and 50 % w/w) ranged from 0.2 to 1.8 S/m. The EC increased with the process temperature from 20 to 80°C [33] . Ohmic heating rates are critically dependent on the EC of the foods [6] .

This technology provides rapid and uniform heating whereas the absence of a hot surface in ohmic heating reduces fouling problems and thermal damage to a product.

The EC of foods is a key parameter of the electrical properties due to its potential influence on ohmic heating.

The effects of insoluble solids and applied voltage on EC of pre-pasteurised carrot and tomato juices during ohmic heating have been studied.

EC was observed to be highly co-related to sample temperature and salt concentration.

The EC increased with the process temperature from 20 to 80°C.

Ohmic heating rates are critically dependent on the EC of the foods.


Roasting at 190°C temperature for 10.75 min was observed to be optimum for stabilization of rice bran. The treatment resulted in 14.45 % oil yield, 5.80 % FFA and 8.25 mEq/kg peroxide values [2] . Dielectric heating (0.5 kV/cm, 13.56 MHz) to treat rice bran (21 % moisture content) was tried. It resulted in an increase of FFA from 4.2 to 6.2 % during a 6-week cold storage period [28] .

The treatment resulted in 14.45 % oil yield, 5.80 % FFA and 8.25 mEq/kg peroxide values.

It resulted in an increase of FFA from 4.2 to 6.2 % during a 6-week cold storage period.


Rice bran stabilised by microwave heating at 2,450 MHz for 3 min was found to be stable for up to 4 weeks in storage. FFA content of microwave stabilised bran increased from 4 to 4.9 % in long grain rice bran and from 4.6 to 6.25 % in medium grain rice bran, even when stored under unfavourable conditions (33 ± 2°C, 75 ± 5 % RH). In contrast, increase in FFA in the untreated bran ranged from 4 to 68.3 % and 4.6 to 56.8 % in long grain and medium grain bran, respectively [30] . Rice bran adjusted to 21 % moisture content wet basis was stabilized satisfactorily with ohmic heating and microwave heating. The FFA content of treated rice bran samples after 6 weeks of storage (at 4°C) was observed to be 3.89 and 5.47 % for microwave heated and ohmic heated samples, respectively [13] . The effect of ohmic heating on lipase activity, bioactive compounds and antioxidants of rice bran, at electric field strengths in the range of 140-225 V/cm was studied [12] . Chemical composition of rice milling fractions stabilised by microwave heating have been studied [2] .

In contrast, increase in FFA in the untreated bran ranged from 4 to 68.3 % and 4.6 to 56.8 % in long grain and medium grain bran, respectively.

The FFA content of treated rice bran samples after 6 weeks of storage (at 4°C) was observed to be 3.89 and 5.47 % for microwave heated and ohmic heated samples, respectively.

The effect of ohmic heating on lipase activity, bioactive compounds and antioxidants of rice bran, at electric field strengths in the range of 140-225 V/cm was studied.

Chemical composition of rice milling fractions stabilised by microwave heating have been studied.


Much of the effort in digital archaeology over the past two decades had primarily been directed towards accurate documentation, recording and representation of historic sites and buildings with not much emphasis on the socio-spatial patterns of human aspects of city life (Yang et al., 2006; Goodrick & Gillings, 2000) . Although virtual heritage, by contrast, possesses great potential to reconstruct our heritage and memory, critics often blame high cost, sophisticated hardware and software requirements, inaccessibility of technology and training, and high maintenance for preventing widespread dissemination and use of virtual heritage platforms (Mosaker, 2001) . Recent virtual heritage applications recognise the necessity of incorporating non-human controlled characters in order to enhance presence and provide the user with an engaging experience (Vosinakis & Avradinis, 2016) . Cultural content of Virtual Heritage focuses on the potentials of reducing technical limitations and addition of sub-grid cultural terrains to attain a degree of 'reality' and photorealism of culture as a measure for virtual environments; leading towards the amorphous nature of history. Trends in virtual reality applications, as a consequence, have become increasingly motivated by the use of immersive technology for real-time interaction.

Much of the effort in digital archaeology over the past two decades had primarily been directed towards accurate documentation, recording and representation of historic sites and buildings with not much emphasis on the socio-spatial patterns of human aspects of city life.

Although virtual heritage, by contrast, possesses great potential to reconstruct our heritage and memory, critics often blame high cost, sophisticated hardware and software requirements, inaccessibility of technology and training, and high maintenance for preventing widespread dissemination and use of virtual heritage platforms.

Recent virtual heritage applications recognise the necessity of incorporating non-human controlled characters in order to enhance presence and provide the user with an engaging experience.


Iconic heritage is increasingly threatened by terror, climate change, rampant commercialisation, and overexploitation by tourism; and in some cases, by significant disinvestment. Lack of responsible planning, maintenance and preservation strategies have equally caused unmitigated dereliction and irreversible damage to many heritage sites and cultural traditions in the medieval Middle East. With the increasing rate of destruction of heritage sites, such as Palmyra in Syria, digital preservation of historic artefacts and cultural heritage has become an international priority (Denker, 2016) . Hence, strategies, practices and technologies that can protect and sustain these places in other forms of reproductionsuch as digital modelling, immersive virtual and augmented reality, and cinematography and Audio-visual archives -have been key aspects of cultural heritage preservation over the past decade (Roussou, 2008) . Virtual environments which encompass cultural heritage offer the possibility to experience virtually reconstructed historic sites as visitors or travelers.

With the increasing rate of destruction of heritage sites, such as Palmyra in Syria, digital preservation of historic artefacts and cultural heritage has become an international priority.

Hence, strategies, practices and technologies that can protect and sustain these places in other forms of reproductionsuch as digital modelling, immersive virtual and augmented reality, and cinematography and Audio-visual archives -have been key aspects of cultural heritage preservation over the past decade.


Virtual, visual and digital display of lost heritage in the Middle East has inherent values in both the tourism industry and the education process for students in pre-university as well as graduate education. For architecture and archaeological students, in particular, it transfers theoretical courses of archaeology and conservation into real simulations of narratives and historical atmosphere. It helps enlivening the socio-cultural memory of local communities as essential part of their historic continuity and appreciated of heritage (Abdelmonem & Selim 2012) . For conservators, historians and archaeologists, it helps develop a rich library and digital archive of details, information and data necessary in restoring historical sites (Abdelmonem, 2017) . In this paper, we aim to uncover a conceptual framework for the development of virtual heritage platforms as a research, educational and engagement tool for the Middle East's historic cities that brings historic environments back to the recognition of the public eye of ordinary users. The paper analyses current virtual heritage productions both globally and regionally with focus on the centrality of narratives where life is explored and practiced in motion. The paper introduces an analytical approach to virtual heritage platforms including techniques, contexts, and outputs that are suitable to different purposes.

It helps enlivening the socio-cultural memory of local communities as essential part of their historic continuity and appreciated of heritage.

For conservators, historians and archaeologists, it helps develop a rich library and digital archive of details, information and data necessary in restoring historical sites.


By using the FD-method, we propose a recursive algorithm for finding a numerical solution of eigenvalue transmission problems with any desired accuracy. Contrary to finite element and finite difference methods, the algorithm has no restriction on the number of eigenvalues, approximations to which can be found, i.e., we are able to find numerically an eigenvalue with any desired ordinal number. It is shown that depending on the matching point, two series of eigenvalues of the basic problem may exist. As it follows from Theorem 3.1, the algorithm provides a different convergence rate for each sequence. For the first one, the greater the ordinal number, the better the convergence rate. For the second one, the convergence rate is the same and does not depend on the ordinal number of the trial eigenvalue. Based on the asymptotic behavior of the basic problem eigenvalues and using the functional-discrete method, the qualitative result on the arrangement of the original problem eigenvalues is established. Namely, it is shown that depending on the matching point, such pairs of eigenvalues can exist that the difference between them tends to a constant as the ordinal number tends to ∞ contrary to the classical Sturm-Liouville problem [17] . The numerical results confirm the theoretical ones.

Namely, it is shown that depending on the matching point, such pairs of eigenvalues can exist that the difference between them tends to a constant as the ordinal number tends to ∞ contrary to the classical Sturm-Liouville problem.


In conclusion, our findings support the call for making use of or building on the existing informal seed system when seeking to strengthen the diffusion and adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties, as suggested by others (Rachkara et al. 2017; McGuire and Sperling 2013) . However, when deciding how to proceed, a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the existing system, including information about local key knowledge holders and distributors of planting material, is needed. The aspects discussed in this section are topics to be considered for further research.

In conclusion, our findings support the call for making use of or building on the existing informal seed system when seeking to strengthen the diffusion and adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties, as suggested by others.


Several studies have demonstrated the induction of hepatocellular damage or necrosis by APAP overdose in experimental animals and in humans [20] . For screening of hepatoprotective agents, APAP-induced hepatotoxicity has been used as a reliable method. It is generally acknowledged that liver injury caused by APAP is associated with oxidative stress and free radicals. The overproduction of free radicals could directly injure hepatocellular membrane by lipid peroxidation or other means, followed by a series of cascades of cellular events such as the massive release of inflammatory mediators or cytokines, which eventually leads to liver damages [21] . Moreover, APAP overdose has been reported to cause acute centrilobular hepatic necrosis in humans and experimental animals [22] .

Several studies have demonstrated the induction of hepatocellular damage or necrosis by APAP overdose in experimental animals and in humans.

The overproduction of free radicals could directly injure hepatocellular membrane by lipid peroxidation or other means, followed by a series of cascades of cellular events such as the massive release of inflammatory mediators or cytokines, which eventually leads to liver damages.

Moreover, APAP overdose has been reported to cause acute centrilobular hepatic necrosis in humans and experimental animals.


In this study, it was found that APAP (3 g/kg) induced marked acute hepatotoxicity that was manifested by increases in serum AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin; and confirmed by severe histological changes in liver including moderate hydropic change, fatty change inflammation and congestion. The observed rise in serum levels of transaminases (AST and ALT) and ALP have been attributed to the damaged structural integrity of the liver, because these are normally located in the cytoplasm and are released into the circulation after cellular damage [23] . Elevation in the levels of bilirubin has been reported in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity [24] . Bilirubin level is also considered as one of the liver function tests as it reflects the functional integrity of the liver.

The observed rise in serum levels of transaminases (AST and ALT) and ALP have been attributed to the damaged structural integrity of the liver, because these are normally located in the cytoplasm and are released into the circulation after cellular damage.

Elevation in the levels of bilirubin has been reported in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.


By controlling for shared phylogenetic history between species -and therefore additional traits shared through common ancestry -phylogenetic comparative methods permit stronger tests of potential causal links between different species' characteristics (Harvey & Pagel 1991) . None of the studies testing for trait-colonization relationships in temperate forest herbs has taken account of the phylogenetic non-independence among species. Discerning the ecological importance of dispersal traits of understorey plant species requires a phylogenetic analysis if traits determining colonization capacity are phylogenetically conserved, that is when related species share similar traits that influence their colonisation capacity. A complementary approach to assessing the processes underlying community assembly is to test for clustering (i.e. underdispersion) or overdispersion of trait or phylogenetic differences among species occupying the same habitat (Webb et al. 2002) . In the case of post-agricultural forest colonization, the hypothesis of strong dispersal limitation would predict underdispersion of dispersal traits in post-agricultural forests. To the extent that dispersal traits are evolutionarily conserved, this hypothesis would also predict phylogenetic underdispersion.

By controlling for shared phylogenetic history between species -and therefore additional traits shared through common ancestry -phylogenetic comparative methods permit stronger tests of potential causal links between different species' characteristics.

A complementary approach to assessing the processes underlying community assembly is to test for clustering (i.e. underdispersion) or overdispersion of trait or phylogenetic differences among species occupying the same habitat.


The polar type of anterior lens opacity was the most common type of ALO in our study and this is consistent with previous reports [4] . Subscapsular cataracts were uncommon in our population with only two patients in our study having this subtype, although they have been reported to occur with higher frequency in other studies [4] . In the bilateral patients in this study, location of the cataract was similar in both eyes. About half of the patients had ALOs <1mm in size with very few having ALOs >3mm.

The polar type of anterior lens opacity was the most common type of ALO in our study and this is consistent with previous reports.

Subscapsular cataracts were uncommon in our population with only two patients in our study having this subtype, although they have been reported to occur with higher frequency in other studies.


Under the South Australian Work Health and Safety Act 2012, employers need to ensure "so far as is reasonably practicable" that the thermal environment is such that workers "are able to carry out work without risk to health and safety" [16] . The issues raised by callers highlight that, despite educational material being available and regulations existing for persons conducting a business or undertaking, these can be ignored or not understood, posing conditions that can jeopardise the health and safety of workers in harsh thermal environments. In this study, some workers reportedly became ill, and in one case there was a death.

Under the South Australian Work Health and Safety Act 2012, employers need to ensure "so far as is reasonably practicable" that the thermal environment is such that workers "are able to carry out work without risk to health and safety".


In addition to the negative index of refraction, metamaterials have another important property: the typical size of these resonant inclusions is approximately 10 times smaller than the vacuum wavelength of the light at the resonance frequency. The electromagnetic properties of such optical-scale subwavelength structures can then be evaluated by using an effective medium approximation. This property can also lead to different novel applications, such as the localization of the field into a subwavelength region. Recently, the localization of the field has attained great interest from the scientific community, since it is the key issue of several applications. One method for obtaining a localized field is to make a deformation in a unit cell of the periodic structure [13, 14] .

One method for obtaining a localized field is to make a deformation in a unit cell of the periodic structure.


The electromagnetic (EM) response of a homogeneous material is determined by two parameters. One of these parameters is permittivity (ε) which describes the response of a material to the electric component of an EM wave. The other one is permeability (μ), which is related to the response of the magnetic component. However, the index of refraction which is defined as εμ = n , is the more commonly used EM parameter. The index of refraction is positive for naturally occurring materials. However, there is a secret garden of electromagnetism that was first realized by the Russian physicist Vector Veselago. Veselago proposed that if a material were found that had ε < 0 and μ< 0, then its index of refraction would also be negative, n < 0 over a certain frequency range [1] . However, this idea had to wait more than 30 years to be confirmed experimentally. The discovery of Split Ring Resonator (SRR) by Pendry in 1999 enabled the possibility for the experimental verification of this idea [2] . An SRR response to the magnetic component of the EM field is used as the element to obtain negative µ. The working principle of the SRR is very similar to an LC resonator. A time varying magnetic field that is polarized perpendicular to the plane of the SRR will induce circulating currents according to Faraday's law ( Fig.1 (a) ). Although obtaining negative µ is an issue because of the lack of magnetic charge, it is possible to obtain negative µ by using SRR structures.

Veselago proposed that if a material were found that had ε < 0 and μ< 0, then its index of refraction would also be negative, n < 0 over a certain frequency range.

The discovery of Split Ring Resonator (SRR) by Pendry in 1999 enabled the possibility for the experimental verification of this idea.


However, increased bio-fuel production also led to the debate about sustainability of this alternative that lie at the interface of agriculture and energy. The food crisis in 2007-08 and the resultant rise in commodity prices fuelled the bio-fuel versus food security debate. In addition, issues of land use change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and possible increase in greenhouse gas emissions were also debated [3] . It has also been argued that while a rapid increase in biofuel production can bring in an agricultural renaissance thereby offering employment and income generation opportunities that can reduce poverty incidence, there is also the possibility of loss of access to land by the poorer groups, particularly in countries where the appropriate governance systems are not in place [4] .

In addition, issues of land use change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and possible increase in greenhouse gas emissions were also debated.

It has also been argued that while a rapid increase in biofuel production can bring in an agricultural renaissance thereby offering employment and income generation opportunities that can reduce poverty incidence, there is also the possibility of loss of access to land by the poorer groups, particularly in countries where the appropriate governance systems are not in place.


High dependence on fossil fuels has been the norm in the past and may continue even in the future in the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. This in turn has led to two grand energy challenges of our times, namely the security of energy supply and the climate change problem. The transport sector, contributing about a quarter of global CO 2 emissions, is the most fossil-fuel dependent sector of all. Limited substitutes for oil in transport and poor adaptability of mitigation options like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and geosequestration to this sector propagates the tendency to follow the business as usual path, thereby posing a real future challenge [1] .

Limited substitutes for oil in transport and poor adaptability of mitigation options like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and geosequestration to this sector propagates the tendency to follow the business as usual path, thereby posing a real future challenge.


The appropriate classification of the genus into subgenera is still debated, however, and is not the focus of our paper. Rather, we examined the climatic and habitat variables associated with the distribution of C 3 and C 4 Cyperus in temperate eastern North America. Finally, we ask if the distribution patterns of C 4 Cyperus in this region support current generalizations about the ecological and evolutionary significance of the C 4 pathway (Tieszen et al. 1979; Teeri et al. 1980; Ehleringer and Monson 1993) .

Finally, we ask if the distribution patterns of C 4 Cyperus in this region support current generalizations about the ecological and evolutionary significance of the C 4 pathway.


Pendimethalin is currently registered in lima bean, snap bean and adzuki bean in Ontario. Pendimethalin is also being considered for registration in additional market classes of dry bean as earlier studies have shown that pendimethalin applied PPI or PRE at the proposed rate of 1080 g ai ha −1 has an adequate margin of crop safety for use in black, cranberry, kidney, and white bean under Ontario environmental conditions [7] [8] . Availability of pendimethalin would provide Ontario dry bean producers with a new herbicide for the control of annual grasses and small seeded broadleaved weeds. Using pendimethalin in a diversified, integrated weed management program could also help reduce the selection intensity for herbicide resistant weeds. Dry bean growers often seed winter wheat immediately following dry bean harvest. To our knowledge, there is no published study that addresses the effect of pendimethalin residues in the soil on winter wheat seeded in the same field season in Ontario.

Pendimethalin is also being considered for registration in additional market classes of dry bean as earlier studies have shown that pendimethalin applied PPI or PRE at the proposed rate of 1080 g ai ha −1 has an adequate margin of crop safety for use in black, cranberry, kidney, and white bean under Ontario environmental conditions.


We here have two goals motivated directly by questions in practice. The first is to evaluate the error rate performance after each transmission, which is equivalent to evaluating performance of punctured turbo codes on time varying channels. The second is to show how one should go about choosing the signal power and the number of bits for transmission j after a failed transmission j − 1. To approach and solve both problems, we introduce the idea of random transmission assignments of the mother code bits, which is related to our previous work on randomly punctured turbo codes [20] , [21] .

To approach and solve both problems, we introduce the idea of random transmission assignments of the mother code bits, which is related to our previous work on randomly punctured turbo codes.


Our findings suggest a state of host adaptive immunity deficiency (HAID) in the patients with severe pandemic influenza, leading to an unremitting cycle of viral replication and innate cytokine-chemokine release ( Figure 5 ). This scenario of HAID resembles to the concept of immunoparalysis described for sepsis [30] . Interruption of this deleterious cycle may lead to improved disease outcome.

This scenario of HAID resembles to the concept of immunoparalysis described for sepsis.


That construction noise woke residents up and made sleeping and relaxing di⁄cult was the primary concern of residents. Students close to the construction site also reported interference with speech communication on the phone and in their rooms. Raising the voice is one way of coping but it obviously lowers the quality of social interaction. Construction noise also a¡ects residents' enjoyment of life in general. Students living near the construction site had to turn up their television in order to be able to hear. These results are consistent with the e¡ects reported by residents exposed to train and aircraft noise (Ahrlin, 1988; Bronzaft et al., 1998) .

These results are consistent with the e¡ects reported by residents exposed to train and aircraft noise.


Previously we have argued that the fundamental attributes of design representations are combination, control-flow and abstraction [5, 6, 7] . Here we claim that these attributes enable modularity, regularity and hierarchy and lead to improved evolutionary performance. To support this claim we compare evolutionary performance on different sizes of a table design problem using representations with different attributes enabled and find that better performance is achieved with representations having more features implemented. In addition we define metrics for measuring MR&H in evolved designs and show that in offspring increases in MR&H values are more strongly correlated to increases in fitness than decreases in fitness, and similarly that decreases in MR&H values are more strongly correlated with decreases in fitness than increases in fitness.

Previously we have argued that the fundamental attributes of design representations are combination, control-flow and abstraction.


The knowledge of the main thermodynamic and kinetic factors influencing the photoreactivity is essential to make predictions on the feasibility of photoprocesses [12] . To the best of our knowledge, little is known on the photocatalytic degradation of phenol red (PR) using TiO 2 [13, 14] . Moreover, there is no data documented in the literature about the quantitative data on thermodynamic parameters relating the kinetics and photodegradation process. Therefore, in this study, phenol red was chosen as model phenolic pollutant. Phenol red possesses wide range of applications, such as bromination catalysts, pH indicator, and estrogenic properties [15] [16] [17] . Correspondingly, present study was aimed at elucidating the impacts of several processing parameters, such as initial concentration of the dye, photocatalyst dosage, initial pH, UV light intensity, initial H 2 O 2 concentration, photocatalyst particle size and irradiation time on the photodegradation of this harmful material employing synthesized slurry nanoTiO 2 particles.

The knowledge of the main thermodynamic and kinetic factors influencing the photoreactivity is essential to make predictions on the feasibility of photoprocesses.

To the best of our knowledge, little is known on the photocatalytic degradation of phenol red (PR) using TiO 2.

Phenol red possesses wide range of applications, such as bromination catalysts, pH indicator, and estrogenic properties.


K. Fig. 1 shows the dependence of the compressibility factor on the pressure P , expressed in the units MeV/fm 3 for argon-40, copper-65, molibden-100. The dashed lines are the isotherms of the Bose branch constructed by means of formulas (15)- (16) . The temperature is equal to the extremal value of the separation energy of the neutron B nExp , indicated in table 1.

The dashed lines are the isotherms of the Bose branch constructed by means of formulas (15).


Let {P K } be an infinitely small sequence, coinciding with the infinitely small quantity (15)- (16) . The temperature is equal to the energy needed for the separation of the neutron B nExp (see Table 1 ). The corresponding value of a 0 is given in Table 1 .

Let {P K } be an infinitely small sequence, coinciding with the infinitely small quantity (15).


Efficient evacuation of passengers from large-scale transport terminals in an emergency can be challenging. The complex layout of these structures makes maintaining spatial awareness and wayfinding difficult. In such circumstances, people often attempt to evacuate via familiar routes or the way they entered the building, bypassing or ignoring alternative means of escape, such as emergency exit routes and emergency exits [1] - [3] . In hazardous situations, such as may result from an accidental fire or a terrorist lead incident, safe evacuation can be even more challenging as the available safe evacuation time may be limited and evacuation routes may be compromised due to the rapidly deteriorating environment.

In such circumstances, people often attempt to evacuate via familiar routes or the way they entered the building, bypassing or ignoring alternative means of escape, such as emergency exit routes and emergency exits.


The residual biomass, referred to here as "lipid extracted algae" or "LEA", is rich in carbohydrate and proteins, and has significant value. LEA can become contaminated when a solvent is used for lipid extraction and hence, is not suitable for use as feed/food for consumption by animals/humans. Direct combustion of delipidized biomass is an inefficient process and also, leads to loss of valuable nutrients (N, P) in the form of unwanted emissions to the atmosphere. The utility of unspent LEA biomass is still not clear, although recently, researchers have suggested using it to produce gaseous fuel via anaerobic digestion [9] . The DOE has also envisioned using residual algal biomass for biogas production via anaerobic digestion [10] . However, digestion of residual algal feedstock is limited by several bottlenecks including low biodegradability, ammonia toxicity and sodium toxicity [9, 11] .

The utility of unspent LEA biomass is still not clear, although recently, researchers have suggested using it to produce gaseous fuel via anaerobic digestion.

The DOE has also envisioned using residual algal biomass for biogas production via anaerobic digestion.

However, digestion of residual algal feedstock is limited by several bottlenecks including low biodegradability, ammonia toxicity and sodium toxicity.


The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including major risk factors are abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Moreover, other risk factors have been proposed including physical inactivity, aging, smoking, and carbohydrate and fat dietary intake [1] . The incidence and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome are rapidly growing causing a significant burden for health systems worldwide [2] .

Moreover, other risk factors have been proposed including physical inactivity, aging, smoking, and carbohydrate and fat dietary intake.

The incidence and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome are rapidly growing causing a significant burden for health systems worldwide.


The major technical problem with whole ovary freezing is the increased volume, complexity, and diversity of tissues leading to slow penetration of CPA and increased risk of damage to the cellular structure. Studies showed that perfusion of the ovary via its afferent vessel with CPA increased survival and restoration of ovarian function [16, 17] . However, vascular perfusion, both alone and in combination with cryopreservation, showed deleterious effects on the ovarian stroma and follicles [8, 9, 18] . The mechanism of cellular damage and loss is mainly ice crystal formation. Not only the formation of intracellular ice but also the formation of ice in extracellular locations, particularly in blood vessels, can produce serious injury and prevent organ revascularization during cooling and warming [19] . Therefore, effective perfusion methods need to be explored [20] .

Studies showed that perfusion of the ovary via its afferent vessel with CPA increased survival and restoration of ovarian function.

However, vascular perfusion, both alone and in combination with cryopreservation, showed deleterious effects on the ovarian stroma and follicles.

Not only the formation of intracellular ice but also the formation of ice in extracellular locations, particularly in blood vessels, can produce serious injury and prevent organ revascularization during cooling and warming.

Therefore, effective perfusion methods need to be explored.


Recording and analyzing responses to environmental enrichment is critical for evaluating and refining enrichment programs (Mellen and MacPhee, 2001) . This study helps advance environmental enrichment practices for captive coyotes and possibly other canids. Enrichment structures appear to be utilized for resting and vigilance. While these results provide insight into winter responses of captive coyotes to human activity, their behavior and enclosure utilization should also be evaluated in other seasons. Further, additional information could be assessed regarding pair dynamics. In this study we evaluated individual behavioral and spatial responses and controlled for pair within analysis, but it is likely that individuals within each pair influence one another. However, this influence may be minimal as canids are known to travel alone, especially to increase foraging efficiency when hunting small mammals (de Almeida Jácomo et al., 2009; Kitchen et al., 2005; Poulle et al., 1994; White et al., 2000) . Evaluating whether pairs of captive coyotes spatially or behaviorally respond to one another could inform captive care and our understanding of coyote social dynamics. Finally, we relied on one observer throughout the study. While this method eliminates inter-observer bias, it may have introduced intra-observer error, especially in the form of observational drift (Kazdin, 1977) . Given the location used in this study to observe all test enclosure areas, it was not possible to video record coyote behavior to test for intraobserver error across time. Doing so could improve similar studies in the future.

Recording and analyzing responses to environmental enrichment is critical for evaluating and refining enrichment programs.

However, this influence may be minimal as canids are known to travel alone, especially to increase foraging efficiency when hunting small mammals.

While this method eliminates inter-observer bias, it may have introduced intra-observer error, especially in the form of observational drift.


Coyotes are ubiquitous across the contiguous USA and readily populate urban environments (Gehrt et al., 2009; Poessel et al., 2017) . Responses to human interaction may vary among individual coyotes, but those living in urban areas typically co-occur with humans by partitioning their activity patterns, spatially or temporally, to maximize resources (Gehrt et al., 2009) . Like urban coyotes, captive coyotes must cope with human disturbances on a daily basis. To gain a clearer understanding of how captive coyotes respond to human activity, this study aimed to evaluate behavioral and spatial responses during periods with and without human interruption. We hypothesize that human activity will affect coyote behavior as well as their spatial utilization of enclosure space by prompting vigilant and other active behavior that is often demonstrated at the enclosure perimeter, thereby reducing inactive behavior that may normally occur at shelter structures that offer protection and space to rest.

Coyotes are ubiquitous across the contiguous USA and readily populate urban environments.

Responses to human interaction may vary among individual coyotes, but those living in urban areas typically co-occur with humans by partitioning their activity patterns, spatially or temporally, to maximize resources.


Coyotes were located at enrichment structures more often and were mainly inactive when there was no human activity. Enrichment structures and open areas had similar counts of inactive behavior when no human activity was occurring. Since the enrichment structures occupied a comparably small proportion of enclosure space, it appears that coyotes actively selected for complex environmental features when resting during undisturbed conditions. Other species of captive animals have been shown to exhibit preferences for more complex environments. Indian leopards (Panthera pardus) housed in more complex enclosures spent more time in the enriched areas compared to leopards housed in less complex enclosures (Mallapur et al., 2002) . Captive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were also observed to utilize structurally enriched areas more than barren areas (Kistler et al., 2010) . This study found that enrichment structures were used less during human activity events. Even though no in-ground dens were accessible, coyotes did not appear to hide at the structures when human disruption occurred. Instead, the enrichment structures were utilized for resting during periods of no human activity.

Indian leopards (Panthera pardus) housed in more complex enclosures spent more time in the enriched areas compared to leopards housed in less complex enclosures.

Captive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were also observed to utilize structurally enriched areas more than barren areas.


To perform these new studies it will be necessary to establish new instruments for the specific assessment of affective disorders in ASD, tools that facilitate improvements in prevention, identification, and treatment. These should not only prove their validity, but also show their specificity for differential diagnosis and assessment of depression in individuals with ASD, resolving the difficulty that standardised administration generates in this population [107] . To accomplish this and in agreement with the needs detected and analysed in our work, large-scale population studies that are descriptive, epidemiological, and etiological and by intervention should be carried out. Such studies would make more in-depth research possible on incidence and risk groups, symptomatological expression, differential diagnosis, duration, prognosis and treatment of depression, and prevention of suicide, in the individuals with ASD.

These should not only prove their validity, but also show their specificity for differential diagnosis and assessment of depression in individuals with ASD, resolving the difficulty that standardised administration generates in this population.


The second approach is oftentimes named the portfolio balance theory [4] . If stock prices are higher this makes people wealthier. Higher wealth increases the domestic and foreign demand for the US dollar which thereby appreciates. Higher wealth increases also the domestic demand for money, raising interest rates and attracting more foreign capital and, consequently, the US dollar again appreciates. Of course this assumes that central banks do not react by countering the rise in interest rates. However, there is an inherent problem with such a transmission channel. The change in stock prices is considered exogenous. There is a need to know which factor has caused the change in stock prices. If the change comes from higher earnings then this second approach becomes similar to the first approach whereby product exports or imports of inputs affect earnings, and therefore stock prices.

The second approach is oftentimes named the portfolio balance theory.


There are three recognized determinants of stock market returns in the literature. The first determinant is inflation, the second one is inflation uncertainty, and the last one is the foreign exchange rate. Empirically, stock returns are negatively related to actual inflation, and to expected and unexpected inflation. Nonetheless more recent theoretical and empirical evidence challenges the existence of such a negative relation, and considers this relation to be nonfundamental once a "fundamental" variable is included in the regressions [1] . This fundamental variable is derived from the Gordon constant growth dividend model, and is the change in the cost of equity.

Nonetheless more recent theoretical and empirical evidence challenges the existence of such a negative relation, and considers this relation to be nonfundamental once a "fundamental" variable is included in the regressions.


The third relation is between US stock prices and the US dollar. There are two theoretical justifications for a link between stock markets and the foreign exchange rate. The first approach is concerned about the current account of the balance of payments [3] . A depreciation of the foreign exchange rate makes export-oriented firms more competitive and they generate more profits from international trade. Since stock prices are equal to discounted future cash flows, and since higher earnings mean higher cash flows, then stock prices are positively impacted. Nonetheless such a relation breaks down, and changes sign, if firms are import-oriented, relying on foreign inputs into their production process. In such a case a depreciation of the foreign exchange rate raises the cost of inputs and compresses profits, lowering stock prices. In both cases the causality runs from the foreign exchange rate to the stock market.

The first approach is concerned about the current account of the balance of payments.


Historically, foreign trade analyses were conducted at the national level. However, the growing importance of regions as actors in the economic processes, globalisation, polarisation of the economic potential on a regional scale and the transmission of competitiveness studies to a regional level -are shifting the focus of foreign trade analyses to the regional context (Umiński, 2016) . In the empirical literature devoted to the notion of trade, regions -similarly to countries -are treated as small open economies (Llop, Manresa, 2007; Scott, Storper, 2010) .

However, the growing importance of regions as actors in the economic processes, globalisation, polarisation of the economic potential on a regional scale and the transmission of competitiveness studies to a regional level -are shifting the focus of foreign trade analyses to the regional context.

In the empirical literature devoted to the notion of trade, regions -similarly to countries -are treated as small open economies.


A limitation of this research is that the sample is limited in size and may not be representative of the population of Minnesota. Nevertheless, there is su¢ cient variation in demographics to analyze heterogeneity in both time preferences and the marginal utility of bene…ts and costs. Furthermore, a rule of thumb from marketing research suggests that I need approximately 1550 choices for the results to be reliable in terms of statistical power, which is less than the 1819 choices present in this sample (Hensher et al., 2005) .

Furthermore, a rule of thumb from marketing research suggests that I need approximately 1550 choices for the results to be reliable in terms of statistical power, which is less than the 1819 choices present in this sample.


China is currently the world's largest consumer of N fertilizer. In 2006, annual N fertilizer consumption in China was 31 million metric tons or 31.7% of the global N consumption (Heffer, 2008) . About 18% of this N was used for rice production in China (Heffer, 2008) . China accounts for about 19% of the world's rice planting area and produced 29% of global rice production in (FAOSTAT, 2008 . Rice crops in China use about 36% of the total N fertilizer used for rice production in the world (Heffer, 2008) .

In 2006, annual N fertilizer consumption in China was 31 million metric tons or 31.7% of the global N consumption.

About 18% of this N was used for rice production in China.

Rice crops in China use about 36% of the total N fertilizer used for rice production in the world.


The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of pH and moisture content on current density requirement of ICCP using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and response surface methodology (RSM). In conservative OFAT aspect, the corrosion factors are used by changing only one factor while holding the other factors to be constant. This approach is easiest and simplest to apply and mostly helps in selection of significant parameters affecting the current density requirement. However, this method is not only time restrictive, but also ignore the combined interaction among factors [8] .

However, this method is not only time restrictive, but also ignore the combined interaction among factors.


In the literature, the studies on experimental and simulation studies on harvesters get much interest to apply the above-mentioned structures: As the main rule, the magnetic flux and air gap are vital to achieve the maximal voltage [5, 6] . In addition, the number of coil turns, electromagnetic (EM) damping and velocity of the moving part (i.e. magnet or coil) important role to get the maximal power [1] . Voltage and power are vital quantities to determine the harvesting from a harvester. In the EM harvesters, power obtained from the harvester is governed by the electrical load [7, 8] . Indeed, the output terminals of the harvesters may provide better power when the impedances of the harvester and the electrical load are equalized [7, 8] . From electrical point of view, the maximal power idea defines the exact power point for the maximal value. Indeed, it aims to consider the electrical load where the multiplication of current and voltage becomes maximal, thereby many tests are applied to the devices in order to optimize the system. In that respect, the optimization gets much intention because of the exploration of the system parameters including electrical load, air gap, core geometry, permeability, mass, winding geometry and frequency depending on the device features.

In the literature, the studies on experimental and simulation studies on harvesters get much interest to apply the above-mentioned structures: As the main rule, the magnetic flux and air gap are vital to achieve the maximal voltage.

In addition, the number of coil turns, electromagnetic (EM) damping and velocity of the moving part (i.e. magnet or coil) important role to get the maximal power.

In the EM harvesters, power obtained from the harvester is governed by the electrical load.

Indeed, the output terminals of the harvesters may provide better power when the impedances of the harvester and the electrical load are equalized.


Temporal recruitment during FES is affected by the frequency of the pulses. During voluntary contraction temporal recruitment is asynchronous whereas during FES-induced contractions temporal recruitment is synchronous. Modulation of temporal recruitment is also known as rate-coding and there have been some studies on isometric contractions (constant muscle length, varying force) in the lower limb that suggest that varying the temporal recruitment and spatial recruitment simultaneously during FES induced contractions may reduce FESinduced muscle fatigue [5] [6] [7] . Despite this, rate-coding is not used in clinical settings, there have been no studies on this strategy employed in the upper limb or which simultaneously vary all parameters controllable during FES (amplitude[current or voltage], pulse-width, and frequency), and the evidence towards combined spatial and temporal recruitment control as a FES-induced fatigue reduction tool is not yet conclusive [8] .

Modulation of temporal recruitment is also known as rate-coding and there have been some studies on isometric contractions (constant muscle length, varying force) in the lower limb that suggest that varying the temporal recruitment and spatial recruitment simultaneously during FES induced contractions may reduce FESinduced muscle fatigue.

Despite this, rate-coding is not used in clinical settings, there have been no studies on this strategy employed in the upper limb or which simultaneously vary all parameters controllable during FES (amplitude[current or voltage], pulse-width, and frequency), and the evidence towards combined spatial and temporal recruitment control as a FES-induced fatigue reduction tool is not yet conclusive.


The e-textile electrodes used in this study have been made from commercially available conductive fabric [16] . The electrodes measure 50 mm x 50 mm which is the same size as the commercial hydrogel electrodes produced by Verity Medical LTD which were used in these tests ( Figure 1) . The e-textile electrodes have a Velcro backing which attaches to the inside of an arm band which is wrapped around the upper arm over the bicep muscles. This ensures that the electrodes are in close contact with the skin and once the appropriate position is found the electrodes can be left in the same place for later testing resulting in a consistent positioning between testing and a fast setup time.

The e-textile electrodes used in this study have been made from commercially available conductive fabric.


During functional electrical stimulation the fibres are recruited indiscriminately which contributes to an earlier onset of muscle fatigue as the more fatigable fast-twitch fibres are recruited more readily than they would be during a voluntary contraction [3] . Electrodes placed over the muscle belly stimulate all the motor units beneath them. The larger the stimulation amplitude, the larger the spatial recruitment as the current is able to penetrate deeper into the muscle and stimulate more motor units. The spatial recruitment of FES is affected by three key parameters; the voltage, the current, and the pulse-width.

During functional electrical stimulation the fibres are recruited indiscriminately which contributes to an earlier onset of muscle fatigue as the more fatigable fast-twitch fibres are recruited more readily than they would be during a voluntary contraction.


Due to this lack of security controls in mobile ad-hoc networks, we must picket not only against normal attacks such as denial of service, but also against selfish attacks and other malicious attacks. Intrusion prevention can be used as a first line of defense, but this system was not sufficient to prevent it directly [3] . Intrusion detection system was used as a mechanism for representing promising security failures in the system. This is simple way to classify in order to decide whether some observed traffic data is ''normal'' or ''abnormal''. The classification objective is to minimize the probability of error and to diminish the time period to get precise classification rate.

Intrusion prevention can be used as a first line of defense, but this system was not sufficient to prevent it directly.


To analyze composite materials one has to consider mathematical models of elastic bodies with elastic and rigid inclusions as well cracks. In such a case, new types of boundary value problems and boundary conditions appear. In particular, nonlocal boundary conditions appear suitable from the mechanical standpoint. Rigid inclusions may be delaminated, hence the crack approach with non-penetration conditions is to be applied. Existence theorems and qualitative properties of solutions in equilibrium problems for elastic bodies with rigid inclusions can be found in the literature [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] .

Existence theorems and qualitative properties of solutions in equilibrium problems for elastic bodies with rigid inclusions can be found in the literature.


The simulations demonstrated the utility of the model for certain purposes (prediction, theoretical investigation, sensitivity analysis), but ultimately we should like to use it as a basis for the real-time control of blood-clotting. Now, the standard technique for control of hybrid systems is numerical solution of a set of partial differential equations-the Hamilton-Jacobi equations-which for systems of dimension greater than about five is computationally infeasible (a consequence of the curse of dimensionality) [10] . Unfortunately, our system has upwards of 100 state variables, so this technique is patently unworkable.

Now, the standard technique for control of hybrid systems is numerical solution of a set of partial differential equations-the Hamilton-Jacobi equations-which for systems of dimension greater than about five is computationally infeasible (a consequence of the curse of dimensionality).


At the same time, different attempts are being made to determine parameters to measure the quality of experience (QoE) both from a technical and from a user perspective [3] . The definition of QoE differs slightly depending on the perspective. Within the ITU, we find a more technical definition of QoE: "The overall acceptability of an application or service, as perceived subjectively by the end-user" [4] . This is a rather broad definition, which only states that QoE involves acceptability as perceived by the user, which is also the case in the standardized lab-tests as described above. However, they do add the following two notes: 1) Quality of Experience includes the complete end-to-end system effects (client, terminal, network, services infrastructure, etc) and 2) Overall acceptability may be influenced by user expectations and context" [4] .

At the same time, different attempts are being made to determine parameters to measure the quality of experience (QoE) both from a technical and from a user perspective.

Within the ITU, we find a more technical definition of QoE: "The overall acceptability of an application or service, as perceived subjectively by the end-user".

However, they do add the following two notes: 1) Quality of Experience includes the complete end-to-end system effects (client, terminal, network, services infrastructure, etc) and 2) Overall acceptability may be influenced by user expectations and context".


Centralized and mass manufactured goods are often still unaffordable to remote communities of the developing world because of proportionally large distribution and transportation costs [9] . These transportation costs have a concomitant embodied energy and environmental impact of transportation that can be substantial [10] . Centralized manufacturing, thus is deficient in two fronts; cost in the developing world and environmental impact. A sustainable manufacturing system with optimized value calls for a broader and more holistic view than lowest unit cost of production and points to the potential for distributed manufacturing systems encompassing engineeringmanagement aspects, economic and technical issues, environmental drivers and social implications [11, 12] . Until recently there was no technology capable of providing the necessary low costs and the ability to be distributed to isolated regions.

Centralized and mass manufactured goods are often still unaffordable to remote communities of the developing world because of proportionally large distribution and transportation costs.

These transportation costs have a concomitant embodied energy and environmental impact of transportation that can be substantial.

A sustainable manufacturing system with optimized value calls for a broader and more holistic view than lowest unit cost of production and points to the potential for distributed manufacturing systems encompassing engineeringmanagement aspects, economic and technical issues, environmental drivers and social implications.


In other words, it is not sufficient to guide tourism supply towards more sustainable practices; it is also necessary that tourists appreciate these efforts and are willing to make their own efforts by improving their behavior, of course, and by paying a higher price to enjoy a destination that is making an effort to be more sustainable. In this way, the demand would support the actions undertaken on the supply side. The long-run sustainability of tourism is not a utopian idea, but it requires a careful management and strategic planning [113] .

The long-run sustainability of tourism is not a utopian idea, but it requires a careful management and strategic planning.


To summarize, market segmentation in tourism is useful for the sake of planning and managing demand-oriented policies. Hence, a segmentation based on tourists' "sustainable intelligence" could be a crucial tool for improving sustainable destination development. To identify "pro-sustainable" tourists would be extremely useful, especially in destinations whose public policies are committed to sustainability, such as Western Costa del Sol, because within the extensive body of literature on sustainable tourism, its successful implementation is an emerging and important theme [111] .

To identify "pro-sustainable" tourists would be extremely useful, especially in destinations whose public policies are committed to sustainability, such as Western Costa del Sol, because within the extensive body of literature on sustainable tourism, its successful implementation is an emerging and important theme.


Several factors, however, are slowly reshuffling the cards. First, groundwater is increasingly considered as a key strategic resource to ensure domestic water supply, the Minister emphasizing publicly that the alternative sources (through desalination or the Red-Dead project) will be six to seven times more costly (El Naser, 2013) . Second, there is a growing awareness of the water crisis among Jordanian citizens in general and politicians in particular (as expressed by an MP interviewed). Outrage at the violations on the Disi pipe and water mains slowly extends to illegal wells, undermining the overall tolerance for abuse. Some powerful people have been heavily fined, named and shamed in the newspapers, which is certainly a rare instance in the Middle East and North Africa region in general. Last, the current Minister has shown an exceptional level of leadership in attacking the problem on several fronts, while securing high-level support, not least from His Majesty the King. While donors (most particularly USAID), had been influential in the past in pushing for measures such as metering and tariffs, there is a feeling that the government is now coming to grips with an issue that threatens the country's stability.

First, groundwater is increasingly considered as a key strategic resource to ensure domestic water supply, the Minister emphasizing publicly that the alternative sources (through desalination or the Red-Dead project) will be six to seven times more costly.


It allows for exible inclusion of explanatory variables and does not require distributional assumptions for the tails curves. Furthermore, treating load curves as functional data has the advantage that one step ahead forecasts yield forecasts for the whole next day and that forecasts are continuous functions and thus available for every point in time. We expect that exogenous variables like meteorological factors do not only eect the amount of electricity consumed, but also the distribution over the day and thus the shape of the load curves (Engel et al. 1986; Harvey and Koopman 1993; Taylor and McSharry 2007) .

We expect that exogenous variables like meteorological factors do not only eect the amount of electricity consumed, but also the distribution over the day and thus the shape of the load curves.


In the Emoti-Picture frame system, a tangible interface has been added to the digital photo frame for emotion sharing with remote users [21] . This system consists of the picture area (on the left) and the feeling area (on the right). The picture area shows the photograph of the remote user's emotions. The feeling area consists of emotion buttons and heart-shaped emotion indicator used for expressing user emotion. The emotion buttons are used to express user emotion on the photo to the remote user. The related photo is displayed on the frame along with the heart-shaped indicator blinking.

In the Emoti-Picture frame system, a tangible interface has been added to the digital photo frame for emotion sharing with remote users.


Regarding education, our study identified that educated households were less likely to have reported taking climate change action. This is counterintuitive, as other evidence suggests that education is usually associated with climate change action [35] . This relationship may be partly explained because educated household members may recognize their own limitations. They may assume that they are doing less in comparison to the growing body of knowledge about mitigation and adaptation measures that can be used to limit the magnitude of climate change, therefore reporting doing less than what they are actually doing. Another possible explanation could be that they simply have a better living environment, which is less vulnerable to climate change. From our qualitative data analysis, many respondents were of the opinion that education level does play a role in taking climate change action. Further research is needed to explain this result.

This is counterintuitive, as other evidence suggests that education is usually associated with climate change action.


An increase in the number of people in the household would generally translate into a higher resources demand. Nonetheless, some mitigation measures appear to be affected positively by having additional members in the household. This could be due to a "household economies of scale," in which emissions decrease with household size, as household members tend to share appliances and living space [45] . In contrast, a negative relationship was found between mitigation actions and households who do not have any members actively working, in other words, households in which there are other sources of incomes such as government pensions. This relationship might be explained by the fact that the majority of households that reported having other sources of income belong to single pensioners or pensioner couples.

This could be due to a "household economies of scale," in which emissions decrease with household size, as household members tend to share appliances and living space.


Social capital was found to have a positive influence on household adaptation. In other words, a household's reliance on family and friends significantly facilitates the adoption of adaptation measures against climate change. Our findings are in accordance with previous work that observed that social capital facilitates the adoption of adaptation measures by promoting exchange of information and resources [33, 46] . This is validated by our qualitative analysis, as one of the main themes among responses was the importance of other household members to assist in taking action.

Our findings are in accordance with previous work that observed that social capital facilitates the adoption of adaptation measures by promoting exchange of information and resources.


In an attempt to comprehensively investigate these issues, the present study evaluated current knowledge of GMOs among the Polish population, attitudes towards their use and their potential benefits, the general fears and expectations related to GM foods and views on their production and distribution as well as labelling policy. A number of earlier studies have assessed each of these issues in various other countries (Verdurme and Viaene 2003; Sturgis et al. 2005; Chen and Li 2007) . The present study has evaluated all of them at once and has made a comparison of them among groups of different demographic characteristics. Such a simultaneous comparison is of great interest to those working in the biotechnological industry, policy makers and some members of the general public, allowing identification of those who are enthusiasts or opponents of GMO technology. Furthermore, the results of the study could also be useful in developing evidence-based educational programmes designed to raise public understanding of the possibilities and limitations, risks and benefits of biotechnology.

A number of earlier studies have assessed each of these issues in various other countries.


Based on observations with Group D and B particles under slugging conditions in three ambient, laboratory fluidized beds, it appears that significant information about the bed dynamics can be obtained with simple acoustic signal recording and processing. We were able to monitor slugging events by measuring and processing bed sounds to highlight the lowfrequency sound-intensity modulation. This technique could prove useful for monitoring fluidized-bed systems, especially in hazardous systems where avoiding direct contact with the process is an advantage. Such monitoring capability could be used for process diagnostics (e.g., the detection of agglomerates) and possibly for dynamic slugging control [24] .

Such monitoring capability could be used for process diagnostics (e.g., the detection of agglomerates) and possibly for dynamic slugging control.


The DNA immobilization procedure on the electrode surface is a very important aspect since it influences the characterisation of the DNA probe, the sensor response, and its performance [7] . Thus, a key issue with a DNA biosensor is the accessibility and molecular orientation of the probe DNA, which requires a high degree of control over the immobilisation of the probe oligonucleotides. Selfassembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols, which have shown to provide molecular level control over the immobilisation of several types of biomolecules, have been used as active films on which DNA segments can be attached using covalent linkers [8] .

The DNA immobilization procedure on the electrode surface is a very important aspect since it influences the characterisation of the DNA probe, the sensor response, and its performance.

Selfassembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols, which have shown to provide molecular level control over the immobilisation of several types of biomolecules, have been used as active films on which DNA segments can be attached using covalent linkers.


To examine the effects of the intervention package on competitive triathlon performance, a single-subject, multiple-baseline across individuals design was employed (Martin & Pear, 1996) . The introduction of the intervention took place when the dependent variable was consistent over a period of time or performance moved in the opposite direction to that expected when the treatment was introduced (Kazdin, 1992) . A sequential introduction of the intervention took place until all participants had received the intervention package.

To examine the effects of the intervention package on competitive triathlon performance, a single-subject, multiple-baseline across individuals design was employed.

The introduction of the intervention took place when the dependent variable was consistent over a period of time or performance moved in the opposite direction to that expected when the treatment was introduced.


Eutrophication of surface waters is a major environmental concern world wide. As point sources have been able to cut down nutrient emissions, the focus of abatement policies has moved to nonpoint sources, especially agriculture. In the Baltic Sea catchment area, for example, agriculture and managed forestry are estimated to account for 57% (68%) of the anthropogenic phosphorus (nitrogen) loading entering inland surface waters (HELCOM, 2004) . So far, only little progress has been made in tackling this problem. Reductions in phosphorus loads would be essential in particular when improving the water quality of many inland waters.

In the Baltic Sea catchment area, for example, agriculture and managed forestry are estimated to account for 57% (68%) of the anthropogenic phosphorus (nitrogen) loading entering inland surface waters.


One of the most important challenges of high energy physics is the detection of dark matter (DM) [1] . This discovery can explain a number of very important unsolved problems in astrophysics, astronomy and particle physics. One of these unsolved problems is the origin of the spontaneous symmetry breakdown of the electroweak gauge group. In the SM, the electroweak symmetry is broken by Higgs field that has an ad hoc tachyonic mass term. One explanation for the tachyonic mass is radiative symmetry breaking, which is known as Coleman-Weinberg (CW) mechanism [2] .

One of the most important challenges of high energy physics is the detection of dark matter (DM).

One explanation for the tachyonic mass is radiative symmetry breaking, which is known as Coleman-Weinberg (CW) mechanism.


The crystalline properties of a material are important when considering the material for medical applications because the crystalline properties of a polymer have a direct bearing upon the degradation behavior in vivo [19, [31] [32] [33] . A high or low degradation rate may be desirable, depending on the application of the material. It would therefore be beneficial if the degree of crystallinity of electrospun polymer fibres can be tailored by controlling the electrospinning process/parameters.

The crystalline properties of a material are important when considering the material for medical applications because the crystalline properties of a polymer have a direct bearing upon the degradation behavior in vivo.


The high elongation strains and shear stresses that are exerted on polymer chains within the electric field during electrospinning are reported to cause the macromolecular chains to align along the fibre axis, leading to high degree of molecular orientation in the fibres [1] [2] [3] 29, 30] . Molecular orientation has been shown to be directly proportional to the degree of crystallinity [1, 30] . It is therefore reasonable to suggest, that if electrospinning is able to cause molecular orientation of polymer chains, then it may be possible to influence the degree of crystallinity by carefully controlling the electrospinning parameters.

The high elongation strains and shear stresses that are exerted on polymer chains within the electric field during electrospinning are reported to cause the macromolecular chains to align along the fibre axis, leading to high degree of molecular orientation in the fibres.

Molecular orientation has been shown to be directly proportional to the degree of crystallinity.


The Penrose-Hawking singularity theorems assume, as notion of singularity, some form of geodesic incompleteness [6] . This tells us that the spacetime manifold has singular points which can be reached in finite proper time and at which some components of the spacetime curvature become infinite in a coordinate-independent way. This typically implies that an observer following a geodesic would experience infinite tidal stresses. This is often considered a situation in which the theory loses predictivity because there is no prescription to continue geodesics past that point. Since the classical equations of motion of known fields 'break down' there, one can, in Hawking's words, put it more strikingly: "One does not know what will come out of a singularity" [11] .

The Penrose-Hawking singularity theorems assume, as notion of singularity, some form of geodesic incompleteness.

Since the classical equations of motion of known fields 'break down' there, one can, in Hawking's words, put it more strikingly: "One does not know what will come out of a singularity".


Furthermore, in the presence of a poverty trap, shocks that push herd sizes below a critical threshold at which herd dynamics bifurcate can have especially severe consequences. The point of bifurcation is critical because below this threshold the rate at which the livestock asset is depleted due to death loss far exceeds any short run possibility of rebuilding the herd. Thus insurance that effectively protects households from slipping into the poverty trap can be of especially high value to those near the threshold (Lybbert and Barrett 2011) . Conversely, insurance that consumes scarce resources and fails to protect the household from catastrophic shocks can do damage.

Thus insurance that effectively protects households from slipping into the poverty trap can be of especially high value to those near the threshold.