Any information utilities give to residential electricity customers must be adapted to the customer's needs, especially for those who have limited knowledge of electricity-related concepts or a low literacy level. The monthly bill is typically the sole form of information provided to US households, and it is often too complex to be useful. Customers scan it to identify what they owe and then discard it without using the opportunity to learn-either because the information is not interesting or because it is not readily understood [1] . For example, electricity use information is typically presented only in kilowatt-hours (kW h), a unit that is opaque to many customers [2] .

Customers scan it to identify what they owe and then discard it without using the opportunity to learn-either because the information is not interesting or because it is not readily understood.

For example, electricity use information is typically presented only in kilowatt-hours (kW h), a unit that is opaque to many customers.


Participants reported the strongest preference for bill-to-date and appliance-specific feedback. This finding is consistent with previous research on preferences for IHD content [2, 36, 20] . For the most part, they did not differentiate between the other types of information, such as projections or goals, but they did report a strong dislike of the more 'gimmicky' features, such as greenness and social comparisons. Expectations for monthly savings from results across a variety of psychological and economic studies, including a number of classic judgment studies [40, 41] . Additionally, MTurk participants will work at a high level of accuracy for payment levels well under those that we provided [42] . MTurk samples also provide a greater degree of demographic diversity than is available from other convenience samples (i.e. internet panels or college undergraduates). Furthermore, when responding to measures, they give answers that have as good psychometric properties (e.g. internal consistency) as other internet samples [43] .

This finding is consistent with previous research on preferences for IHD content.

Expectations for monthly savings from results across a variety of psychological and economic studies, including a number of classic judgment studies.

Additionally, MTurk participants will work at a high level of accuracy for payment levels well under those that we provided.

Furthermore, when responding to measures, they give answers that have as good psychometric properties (e.g. internal consistency) as other internet samples.


The TRACE-A (Transport and Atmospheric Chemistry near the Equator-Atlantic) campaign was conducted in October 1992, to study the source and transport of primary and secondary ozone precursors associated with biomass burning in South America and Southern Africa. The measurements conducted during this campaign have shown that the presence of widespread biomass burning, in both South America and southern Africa, is a primary driver of the "global smog" phenomenon observed in the southern tropics. How- ever, the presence of biomass burning is not sufficient to generate the ozone maximum observed far away from the trace gas source; relatively small scale convective processes occurring on each continent collectively become a necessary contributor to the large-scale observed ozone enhancement (Fishman et al., 1996b) .

How- ever, the presence of biomass burning is not sufficient to generate the ozone maximum observed far away from the trace gas source; relatively small scale convective processes occurring on each continent collectively become a necessary contributor to the large-scale observed ozone enhancement.


A lot of secure and high performance blockciphers have been designed benefited from advancing research which started since the development of DES [11] . For example, IDEA, MISTY1, AES, and Camellia are fruits of such research activities [1, 10, 15, 19] . New design and evaluation techniques are evolved day by day; topics on algebraic immunity and related-key attacks are paid attention recently [6, 8] . Moreover, light-weight ciphers suitable for a very limited resource environment are still active research fields. FOX and HIGHT are examples of such newly developed blockciphers [12, 13] .

A lot of secure and high performance blockciphers have been designed benefited from advancing research which started since the development of DES.

For example, IDEA, MISTY1, AES, and Camellia are fruits of such research activities.

New design and evaluation techniques are evolved day by day; topics on algebraic immunity and related-key attacks are paid attention recently.

FOX and HIGHT are examples of such newly developed blockciphers.


Our flavour symmetries are arranged in such a way that, in an appropriate weak basis, the contribution to the lepton mixing matrix U from the charged-lepton sector is given by U ω of eq. (3), whereas the neutrino sector contributes a matrix V constrained by either one or two 2 symmetries [5] . The matrix V is exclusively determined by the Majorana mass matrix M of the N jR . Our class of models allows one to impose 2 symmetries which lead to virtually any of the forms of U that have been proposed in the literature [5, 6] . This arbitrariness may be viewed as a weak point of our models, which on the other hand have the advantage of being renormalizable and natural in a technical sense.

Our flavour symmetries are arranged in such a way that, in an appropriate weak basis, the contribution to the lepton mixing matrix U from the charged-lepton sector is given by U ω of eq. (3), whereas the neutrino sector contributes a matrix V constrained by either one or two 2 symmetries.

Our class of models allows one to impose 2 symmetries which lead to virtually any of the forms of U that have been proposed in the literature.


Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a common condition that is increasing in prevalence with the ageing of the population and with improvements in the management of acute and chronic heart disease, especially ischaemic cardiomyopathies [1] . The prevalence of CHF in French general practice is estimated to be about 10 % for patients aged over 59 years [2] . The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend medical and electrical management to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life. They also recommend non-pharmacological management including self-care management, patient education, and self-care behaviour to improve patients' adherence to treatment and quality of life [3] .

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a common condition that is increasing in prevalence with the ageing of the population and with improvements in the management of acute and chronic heart disease, especially ischaemic cardiomyopathies.

The prevalence of CHF in French general practice is estimated to be about 10 % for patients aged over 59 years.

They also recommend non-pharmacological management including self-care management, patient education, and self-care behaviour to improve patients' adherence to treatment and quality of life.


Spectral densities can appropriately summarize characteristics of brain signals recorded in various experimental or clinical settings, as documented in the literature. For instance, certain spectral characteristics of EEGs recorded from patients who received electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment for major depression have been associated with the clinical efficacy of such treatment . Also, in the area of monitoring and detection of mental fatigue, prior EEG studies have suggested an association of fatigue with an increase in the theta (4-8 Hz) band power observed in the estimated spectral of signals recorded in channels located in mid-line frontal scalp areas (Trejo et al., 2007) .

Also, in the area of monitoring and detection of mental fatigue, prior EEG studies have suggested an association of fatigue with an increase in the theta (4-8 Hz) band power observed in the estimated spectral of signals recorded in channels located in mid-line frontal scalp areas.


Diets supplemented with rice bran (crude or parboiled) reduced the plasma LDL-C and liver cholesterol contents in Sprague-Dawley rats that were fed a high cholesterol diet for 3 weeks (Rouanet et al. 1993) . On the other hand, it has been reported that there are no differences in the serum lipids of rabbits among groups fed high cholesterol, white rice fraction and black rice fraction (Mattews et al. 1985) . Another study also reported that supplementation of rice bran was similar to white rice and brown rice in the plasma and liver lipid concentration (Marsono et al. 1993) . Our previous study demonstrated that the DF from rice bran reduces plasma lipid parameters and its effect is greater than that of an ethanol fraction (Ardiansyah et al. 2006) . The present results indicate that there was a significant decrease in plasma TC, LDL-C and TG levels in the DF and FA diet groups compared with the C diet group. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the total lipid and TG levels of the liver of the DF diet group. On the other hand, the FA diet group showed an increase in the total lipid content but no significant difference in the TG content compared to the C group. The FA diet group exhibited increased insulin level; this condition increases lipolysis and releases more NEFA into the blood (Agardh et al. 1999) . Enhanced lipolysis during diabetes also increases the synthesis of phospholipid; therefore, these conditions enhanced the level of hepatic total lipid in the FA diet group. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism by which FA lowers the plasma lipid levels is not known. Some studies report that FA significantly lowers the plasma TC and TG levels in Wistar rats after induction with streptozotocin (Balasubashini et al. 2003) . Another study also reports that FA does not significantly decrease lipid parameters in Sprague-Dawley rats (Frank et al. 2003) . This discrepancy could be due to the different animal models used. Future study is needed to explain these mediators to clarify the mechanism underlying the present experimental result despite the fact that FA has a potent antioxidant activity in vitro (Conessa et al. 1999; Saija et al. 1999) . From this viewpoint, the present study suggests that the DF from rice bran exerted a hypolipidaemic effect and this is considerably more effective than FA as a purified component. Therefore, we presume that the DF might play a protective role against the hyperlipidaemic effect in hypertensive conditions.

Diets supplemented with rice bran (crude or parboiled) reduced the plasma LDL-C and liver cholesterol contents in Sprague-Dawley rats that were fed a high cholesterol diet for 3 weeks.

On the other hand, it has been reported that there are no differences in the serum lipids of rabbits among groups fed high cholesterol, white rice fraction and black rice fraction.

Another study also reported that supplementation of rice bran was similar to white rice and brown rice in the plasma and liver lipid concentration.

Our previous study demonstrated that the DF from rice bran reduces plasma lipid parameters and its effect is greater than that of an ethanol fraction.

The FA diet group exhibited increased insulin level; this condition increases lipolysis and releases more NEFA into the blood.

Some studies report that FA significantly lowers the plasma TC and TG levels in Wistar rats after induction with streptozotocin.

Another study also reports that FA does not significantly decrease lipid parameters in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Future study is needed to explain these mediators to clarify the mechanism underlying the present experimental result despite the fact that FA has a potent antioxidant activity in vitro.


Polyimide fibers varying in their composition can be prepared by the dry or wet spinning of the PAA solution followed by thermal transformation (including drawing) of PAA fibers into PI ones. These products show an overall stability (e.g., heat, nuclear and UV radiation resistance, against mechanical stress and a lot of chemicals). They have also found end uses in protective clothing and filter bags [3] [4] [5] .

They have also found end uses in protective clothing and filter bags.


During the MSFD legislative process, some Member States opposed a binding regional approach in the implementation phase (Maier, 2014) . However, after a long consultation, the parties agreed to implement the MSFD with a regional focus (Article 4, 5 and 6) but specific governance structures were not stipulated . Regional coordination relies upon existing structures, including the four European Regional Sea Conventions, but decisions taken through these are not binding. However, these structures should allow an exchange of information and good practices related to approaches to assess status, environmental targets and management measures common to the entire region. This paper questions whether this is the case.

During the MSFD legislative process, some Member States opposed a binding regional approach in the implementation phase.


Conifers are economically very important. They are not only sources of timber but also of wood pulp and resins. Both Araucaria and the genus Pinus L. also provide edible seeds (Zonneveld 2011) .

Both Araucaria and the genus Pinus L. also provide edible seeds.


Plantations were established in May 2007 in a randomized complete block design, using 25 cm willow unrooted cuttings and Caragana rooted whips of about 80 cm. Every site had 3 blocks with the following 4 treatments: monoculture of willow (W; Salix miyabeana Seemen (SX64)), monoculture of Caragana (C; C. arborescens Lam.), intercropping with a 2:1 willow/Caragana ratio (2W:1C) and intercropping with a 1:1 willow/Caragana ratio (1W:1C). Sites were first tilled to a depth of approximately 20 cm using a rotary tiller. Cuttings and whips were then inserted in the soil to a depth of about 20 cm with a planting dibble in a double row design with a spacing of 1.5 m between the double rows, 0.75 m between rows, and 0.60 m inter-rows, for a density of 14,818 shrubs per hectare. Each treatment/plot in a block contained 36 shrubs in a 15.75 m 2 plot. The blocks and the plots were each delineated by a double row buffer of willow. See Fig. 1 for plot arrangements for the 2W:1C and 1W:1C treatments. The SX64 willow clone has been demonstrated to be productive and hardy in SRIC in northeastern North America [27, 54] . The willow cuttings came from the Woody Biomass Program at the State University of New York, whereas the Caragana (Ross) was grown at the Agroforestry Development Center of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada in Indian Head, Saskatchewan. In order to limit soil disturbance, weeds were controlled initially with two applications of glyphosate in May and June of 2007 and then weed control was done by hand every 2 weeks until September 2007. Weed control was also required in May and June of 2008, but no weed control was required thereafter at any of the sites because of significant shading by the shrubs.

The SX64 willow clone has been demonstrated to be productive and hardy in SRIC in northeastern North America.


As energy demands increase worldwide over the next few decades, the production of woody biomass crops as a renewable energy source is expected to increase as well [17] . Willow (Salix) species are commonly used in temperate regions as a short rotation intensive culture (SRIC) for bioenergy, wood products, and environmental benefits [1, 9, 43] . Willow clones have been selected and grown in SRIC in northern temperate regions for more than four decades and are well-known for their ability to regrow after multiple rotations and produce significant biomass in a short time [26, 37] .

As energy demands increase worldwide over the next few decades, the production of woody biomass crops as a renewable energy source is expected to increase as well.

Willow (Salix) species are commonly used in temperate regions as a short rotation intensive culture (SRIC) for bioenergy, wood products, and environmental benefits.

Willow clones have been selected and grown in SRIC in northern temperate regions for more than four decades and are well-known for their ability to regrow after multiple rotations and produce significant biomass in a short time.


The increasing rate of remarriage is often considered to reflect broader social changes in modern China. Prior research on the aggregate population trends of divorce, widowhood, and remarriage in Chinese settings has tended to attribute these phenomena to macro social trends such as socioeconomic development and the massification of education (Wang, 2001; Wang & Zhou, 2010) . Research drawing on nationally representative individual-level data is scarce; most individual-level analysis has focused on remarriage either after divorce or after widowhood, not both. Drawing on data from the 2010 CFPS and 13 in-depth qualitative interviews, we address these gaps by exploring the gendered relationship between family relations and remarriage. In particular, we compare divorce and widowhood as two distinct life course trajectories leading to remarriage.

Prior research on the aggregate population trends of divorce, widowhood, and remarriage in Chinese settings has tended to attribute these phenomena to macro social trends such as socioeconomic development and the massification of education.


Nevertheless, although our interviewees reiterated their preference as "good mothers" to stay single to protect their children, they also hinted at an inner desire for remarriage, as "life would be so much easier if there were someone to share the [parental] responsibilities" (47 years, female, divorced, one 21-year-old son). However, despite the negative stigmas attached to single parenthood and stepfamilies, remarriage may function as a source of economic support that allows divorced mothers with young children to spend time on child care rather than paid work, particularly in the absence of state welfare provision (Koo & Suchindran, 1980) . Meanwhile, divorced men may view remarriage as a viable source of care for their young children and themselves, as women rather than men are expected to be the major care providers in China (Hu, 2016a) .

However, despite the negative stigmas attached to single parenthood and stepfamilies, remarriage may function as a source of economic support that allows divorced mothers with young children to spend time on child care rather than paid work, particularly in the absence of state welfare provision.

Meanwhile, divorced men may view remarriage as a viable source of care for their young children and themselves, as women rather than men are expected to be the major care providers in China.


It is also crucial to differentiate and compare distinctive life course trajectories that lead to remarriage. Few previous researchers have distinguished between remarriage after divorce and remarriage after widowhood (Huang, 2012; Wang & Zhou, 2010) . However, divorce and widowhood may entail drastically different life experiences, emotional contours, and circumstances. Although a small number of researchers have distinguished between remarriage postdivorce and postwidowhood, they have tended to focus on one or the other, not both (de Graaf & Kalmijn, 2003; Sweeney, 2010) . Only a few have compared postdivorce and postwidowhood remarriage in Western societies (Berntsen & Kravdal, 2012; Hans, Ganong, & Coleman, 2008) . Therefore, it is our second objective to explore the similarities and differences in the relationship between family relations and remarriage after divorce and after widowhood in China.

Few previous researchers have distinguished between remarriage after divorce and remarriage after widowhood.

Although a small number of researchers have distinguished between remarriage postdivorce and postwidowhood, they have tended to focus on one or the other, not both.

Only a few have compared postdivorce and postwidowhood remarriage in Western societies.


Our model reveals that sperm limitation can manifest itself in several different patterns of sperm release, depending on the fertilization curve, the physiology and anatomy of the reproductive tract, and male and female tactics. Fertilization rates may remain constant and high for all matings, constant and relatively low, or may decline over successive matings. Thus, while sperm limitation may be demonstrable by establishing diminishing fertilization rates with repeated matings, it cannot be disproved simply by showing constant high fertilization rates. Males, for example, may cease to mate when their sperm are depleted, as in deer mice, and experiments may be necessary to reveal the limits of sperm availability (Dewsbury and Sawrey, 1984) .

Males, for example, may cease to mate when their sperm are depleted, as in deer mice, and experiments may be necessary to reveal the limits of sperm availability.


In some cases, phylogenetic, developmental, or physical constraints may restrict the mechanism of sperm release such that a constant proportion of sperm remaining in the reproductive tract at the moment of spawning is released during successive spawns. In this case, the number of eggs fertilized or the fertility at each copulation by internal fertilizers would decline over successive matings (Austin and Dewsbury, 1986; Dewsbury and Sawrey, 1984) . We would expect females to compete for undepleted males, either by mating as early as possible in the mating period or by preferring males diat have not yet mated (Burt et al., 1988; Nakatsuru and Kramer, 1982; Pierce and Dewsbury, 1991) . If other constraints also operate during the spawning period of the day, interesting temporal sequences of spawns could result For example, if the male can only perform a limited number of spawns in a given short time period, either because spawning is demanding of energy or respiratory ability, or because the ejaculatory mechanism becomes exhausted, then successive spawning might occur in bouts. Each bout would consist of a very rapid sequence of spawns, resulting from female-female competition to obtain early spawns, separated by periods without spawns, as is found in the coral reef fish Pseudanthias squamipinnis (Martinez, 1990) .

In this case, the number of eggs fertilized or the fertility at each copulation by internal fertilizers would decline over successive matings.

We would expect females to compete for undepleted males, either by mating as early as possible in the mating period or by preferring males diat have not yet mated.

Each bout would consist of a very rapid sequence of spawns, resulting from female-female competition to obtain early spawns, separated by periods without spawns, as is found in the coral reef fish Pseudanthias squamipinnis.


Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) is a rare neoplasm, representing~2% of pancreatic tumors. The histological origin of the tumor is poorly understood, showing remarkable variability in their presentation, biological behavior and prognosis [1] . The occurrence of SPT at an ectopic pancreatic tissue is even more unusual. Our literature search has identified only 16 previously reported cases of SPT at an ectopic site [2] [3] [4] [5] . We report a case of 33-year-old male presenting with SPT arising in the root of small bowel mesentery with lymph-node metastasis. The site as well as the presence of lymph-node metastasis makes our case report unusual.

The histological origin of the tumor is poorly understood, showing remarkable variability in their presentation, biological behavior and prognosis.

Our literature search has identified only 16 previously reported cases of SPT at an ectopic site.


Let G be a graph and let N denote the set of nodes and L the set of links, with N = |N | nodes and L = |L| links, respectively. The Laplacian matrix of G with N nodes is a N × N matrix Q = ∆ − A, where ∆ =diag(d i ) and d i is the degree of node i ∈ N and A is the adjacency matrix of G. The Laplacian eigenvalues are all real and nonnegative [1] . The set of all N Laplacian eigenvalues μ N = 0 ≤ μ N −1 ≤ ... ≤ μ 1 is called the Laplacian spectrum of G.

The Laplacian matrix of G with N nodes is a N × N matrix Q = ∆ − A, where ∆ =diag(d i ) and d i is the degree of node i ∈ N and A is the adjacency matrix of G. The Laplacian eigenvalues are all real and nonnegative.


The first step of our econometric methodology consists in estimating the linear ARDL(p, q) model in Eq. (1). The SIC information criterion is employed to determine the optimal length orders p and q for each model (Cho et al. 2015) . Then, we run the quantile estimation in order to apply the QARDL approach. This econometric specification allows us to better understand the effect of energy price shocks on S&P 500 returns by simultaneously examining the longrun relationship between integrated time series and its associated short-run links across a range of quantiles (see Eq. 5).

The SIC information criterion is employed to determine the optimal length orders p and q for each model.


On the basis of the model presented in the previous sections, a case study has been analyzed. The plant is located in Naples, in the South of Italy, where the availability of the above presented geothermal resources is high. In this area, according to the Meteonorm weather database used in the simulations, the maximum radiation is equal to 1.01 kW/m . The case study is performed using the set of system design parameters shown from Table 2 to 8. Here, an iterative procedure has been implemented in order to achieve a suitable design configuration of the ORC system, as discussed in references [6, 18, 24, 36] . In particular, for the selected operating fluid and design inlet temperatures and mass flow rates (hot and cooling stream), heat exchangers are appropriately designed selecting tubes and shells diameters on the basis of a maximum flow velocity (1-2 m/s). Such parameters (diameters, pitch, thickness, etc.) are fixed using TEMA standards [24] . Then, number of pipes, pipe lengths and shell lengths are iteratively varied in order to achieve the desired temperature profiles and heat transfer rates. Finally, such values are subject to a parametric optimization in order to maximize the energetic efficiency of the ORC.

Here, an iterative procedure has been implemented in order to achieve a suitable design configuration of the ORC system, as discussed in references.

Such parameters (diameters, pitch, thickness, etc.) are fixed using TEMA standards.


One of the most common approaches for creating an ensemble classifier constructs multiple classifiers based upon a single given inducer e.g the nearest neighbor inducer and C4.5 [25] . The classifiers are constructed via a training step. Each classifier is trained on a different training set, all of which are derived from the original training set. The classification result of the ensemble algorithm combines the results of the different classifiers (e.g. by a voting scheme). Ensemble methods can also be applied to regressors in which case a multivariate function is used to combine the individual regression results of the classifiers [27] . In this paper, we focus on classifiers rather than on regressors.

One of the most common approaches for creating an ensemble classifier constructs multiple classifiers based upon a single given inducer e.g the nearest neighbor inducer and C4.5.

Ensemble methods can also be applied to regressors in which case a multivariate function is used to combine the individual regression results of the classifiers.


Preventable medical errors can be segmented into one of five categories. Errors of commission are mistakes that harm a patient. Errors of omission are errors that result from forgetting to perform an action. Errors of communication are errors that are caused by miscommunication between team members. Contextual errors are those that occur when a patient's condition affects the course of treatment. Finally, diagnostic errors occur when ailments affecting a patient are misdiagnosed [18] .

Finally, diagnostic errors occur when ailments affecting a patient are misdiagnosed.


Nuclear, hydel, coal, wind, LPG, gas and oil are prime resources in Pakistan. Since the per capita consumption of electricity and power outages are constantly increasing in Pakistan, it has become the national cause for public to take measures and policies to develop infrastructure for power generation including the increasing demand for constant energy supply. It has become a national public cause for power generation infrastructure, measures and policies to increase demand for energy (Goswami and Kreith 2015) .

It has become a national public cause for power generation infrastructure, measures and policies to increase demand for energy.


The use of preoperative MRI in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer is controversial. Proponents of the test are supported by studies showing that breast MRI detects mammographically occult disease in both the ipsilateral and the contralateral breast, has overall sensitivity rates ranging from 73 to 94%, and has a positive predictive value ranging anywhere from 24 to 89% [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] . There is speculation that better preoperative imaging with MRI may lead to decreased numbers of patients with positive margins, and thus lower recurrence rates and ultimately improved overall survival, although to date these data are conflicting [12, 13] . Because of the low recurrence rate after BCT, studies designed to show a difference in these outcome measures would require large numbers to achieve statistical significance and long term follow-up to detect recurrence rates, and may be difficult to perform. On the other hand, preoperative breast MRI has been criticized for several reasons. These include but are not limited to: delays in surgical management, an unacceptably high false-positive rate, increased costs associated with the test itself and with additional biopsies, heightened patient anxiety, and unnecessary changes in surgical management to avoid additional biopsy and/or the perceived risk of a future recurrence. Although individual studies vary, a recent review by Houssami and Hayes reported that, based on pooled estimates from meta-analyses, preoperative breast MRI led to more extensive surgery in 11.3% of patients, including wider resection or mastectomy, and that 8.1% of all women eligible for BCT were treated with mastectomy because of MRI-only detection of additional disease [14] .

Proponents of the test are supported by studies showing that breast MRI detects mammographically occult disease in both the ipsilateral and the contralateral breast, has overall sensitivity rates ranging from 73 to 94%, and has a positive predictive value ranging anywhere from 24 to 89%.

There is speculation that better preoperative imaging with MRI may lead to decreased numbers of patients with positive margins, and thus lower recurrence rates and ultimately improved overall survival, although to date these data are conflicting.

Although individual studies vary, a recent review by Houssami and Hayes reported that, based on pooled estimates from meta-analyses, preoperative breast MRI led to more extensive surgery in 11.3% of patients, including wider resection or mastectomy, and that 8.1% of all women eligible for BCT were treated with mastectomy because of MRI-only detection of additional disease.


To study the nanowire size effect on its bending behavior, the diameter of nanowires was varied and its length was fixed at 1000 nm to observe the maximum displacement. The results in Fig. 3 show that when the L/d aspect ratio is relatively small, the effects of the surface stress and non-local elasticity can be neglected. As the aspect ratio gets relatively larger, the surface stress effect decreases the maximum displacement significantly, while the non-local elasticity effect slightly increases the beam displacement for the S-S and C-C boundary conditions. The surface non-local elasticity effect has even greater impact on the bending deformation behavior than the surface elasticity effect as the aspect ratio increases. For the C-F nanobeam, the non-local elasticity has no obvious effect on the bending behavior when the end force is applied to the beam, as proven by Wang [11] . But at the same time, the surface nonlocal elasticity effect can affect the maximum displacement as the aspect ratio increases. The difference between non-local surface and surface elasticity is due to the effects of long range forces between the surface atoms.

For the C-F nanobeam, the non-local elasticity has no obvious effect on the bending behavior when the end force is applied to the beam, as proven by Wang.


A striking feature of trade diplomacy in recent years has been the pace of preferential goods trade liberalization and rule-making. In the last decade, a similar trend has been observed regarding services trade. Of the 83 preferential trade agreements (PTAs) notied to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in force prior to the year 2000, 73 (87.9%) featured provisions dealing exclusively with trade in goods. Since then and up until August 2013, another 176 PTAs have come into force of which 105 (59.7%) also include provisions on services trade 1 . This development indicates the rising importance of services trade in general, the growing need felt by countries to place such trade on a rmer institutional and rulemaking footing, and the attractiveness of doing so on an expedited basis via preferential negotiating platforms (Sauvé and Shingal, 2011) .

This development indicates the rising importance of services trade in general, the growing need felt by countries to place such trade on a rmer institutional and rulemaking footing, and the attractiveness of doing so on an expedited basis via preferential negotiating platforms.


Azithralosamine acetate was injected into the GC-MS apparatus, and total ion chromatogram and a full-scan mass spectrum were obtained. Figure 4 shows the mass spectrum, in which the base peak of m/z 200 is very prominent and m/z 84, 98, 123, 140, 158, 193, 207, 221, 223, 292, 401, 417, 487, 537 and 592 are observed but relatively weak. The m/z 200 ion is considered to be the desosamine acetate ion (Fig. 2) . Simultaneous monitoring of three ions is usually regarded as a minimum for identification by selected ion monitoring of GC-MS spectra (Sphon 1978) . In this work, we attempted to detect azithralosamine acetate using selected ion monitoring at m/z 200, 98, 123, 140, 158, 193, 207 and 221 . However, the sensitivity of detection is much lower (<1/10) than that using single-ion monitoring (SIM) at m/z 200 only. There are no interfering peaks on this chromatogram at the retention time of azithralosamine acetate.

Simultaneous monitoring of three ions is usually regarded as a minimum for identification by selected ion monitoring of GC-MS spectra.


Antibiotics are now used extensively in food-producing animals to maintain optimal health and to promote growth. The use of these drugs can leave drug residues in edible tissues. These drug residues may have direct toxic effects moreover; safety considerations may include allergic reactions of consumers and induction of resistant bacteria. Therefore, conditions of use must be established for animal drugs to assure human food safety as well as efficacy and safety to the animal species (Livingston 1985) .

Therefore, conditions of use must be established for animal drugs to assure human food safety as well as efficacy and safety to the animal species.


Both coulometric and amperometric methods for the detection of AZM in human and animal tissues and serum were used (Shepard et al. 1991) . The coulometric method has since been used by a number of investigators to characterize the pharmacokinetics of AZM in humans (Ripa et al. 1996; Conte et al. 1996) . HPLC with ultraviolet detection has been used for the analysis of AZM in bulk samples, for the separation of related compounds produced during synthesis and for acid degradation studies. Methods for the HPLC analysis of AZM in biological samples have also been described using various methods of detection in order to overcome the limitations of poor UV absorbance.

Both coulometric and amperometric methods for the detection of AZM in human and animal tissues and serum were used.

The coulometric method has since been used by a number of investigators to characterize the pharmacokinetics of AZM in humans.


Performance evaluation as a method to execute strategy Strategic planning and objectives play an important role in determining the success of an organisation. These objectives must be reached through the actions and behaviour of all employees of the organisation. Performance evaluation is necessary to determine how well or how poor employees reach these objectives, and it also serves as a development aid to employees to help improve their performance (Cascio, 1991) . Improved performance thus can be directly linked to an improvement in strategic effectiveness of the organisation.

Performance evaluation is necessary to determine how well or how poor employees reach these objectives, and it also serves as a development aid to employees to help improve their performance.


Organisations today compare well with one another in terms of the utilisation of technology and the resources to obtain this technology. Strategic advantage is therefore not so much found in equipment and technology, but rather in new, innovative strategies, methods and resources (Kaplan & Norton, 1996) . Organisations increasingly seem to focus on their workforce in their search for these strategies, methods and resources. To stay competitive, organisations focus their attention on human resource development in order to develop a workforce which is motivated, skillful and competitive (Williams, 1998) .

Strategic advantage is therefore not so much found in equipment and technology, but rather in new, innovative strategies, methods and resources.

To stay competitive, organisations focus their attention on human resource development in order to develop a workforce which is motivated, skillful and competitive.


The results from the relative permittivity and dielectric losses measurements of the bended piezoelectric microgenerator samples are shown in Figure 5a ,b. They indicate that the bended sample shows a lower permittivity than the case before mechanical loading. This can be ascribed to the dipoles' displacement, and the decrease of the distance between them after deformation [32] . This effect is enhanced by the non-centrosymmetric microstructure of the ZnO due to additional polarization induced by the strain gradient across the sample length (the mechanical loading is different at the maximum curvature and at the attachment points of the samples to the measurement Dielectric losses indicate that a decrement with almost one order of magnitude can be seen in the lower frequency region from a few Hz up to 10 kHz, except for the negative temperature (−10 • C), where first there is a small increment in the lowest frequency range. All curves follow a similar trend for frequencies higher than 10 kHz. The dielectric losses increase with the temperature (and with the frequency). The higher values at the lower frequency region are related to the electric energy converted into heat loss when the electric field is applied, probably due to impossibility of the dipoles to move fluently among the branched media when no stress (displacement) is applied. The higher values of the dielectric losses at frequencies higher than 30 kHz occurred because of the low dipoles mobility, which prevented any following of the fast changes of the stimulus polarity. The relative permittivity decreased sharply up to 200 Hz, and after that slowed down. This is due to the dipoles' low mobility; because they do not have much time to polarize the media at higher frequencies, weak dependence of the permittivity on the frequencies was observed. The higher permittivity of the nanobranched ZnO (ε r~1 5) compared with the typical values known (ε r~9 ) is probably due to high branch interfacial polarization, which causes an accumulation of charges at the interfaces between each side dendrite and the main core. The dielectric permittivity increased with the temperature increase, too. This can be ascribed to improving the crystallinity, which leads to stronger interfacial polarization.

This can be ascribed to the dipoles' displacement, and the decrease of the distance between them after deformation.


While we used the four predictive characteristics identified in other studies as criteria for matching, we were unable to apply them simultaneously [11, 22, 30, 31] . This was due to the time limitation for the selection of the controls (maximum 48 h). Therefore, we selected controls that were similar to the cases for at least one of the four matching criteria; this is a limitation of the study. Although we did analyse the coverage of life saving interventions, we were not able to assess whether the interventions were implemented appropriately. Also, we used only SMO cases to determine the relatively CFRs, instead of all cases with particular obstetrical complications and this could explain the high rate found in our study as not all cases fitted the SMO criteria.

While we used the four predictive characteristics identified in other studies as criteria for matching, we were unable to apply them simultaneously.


On the other hand, sodium metaperiodate (NaIO 4 ) oxidizes o-diphenol to o-quinones but does not hydroxylate monophenols to o-diphenols (Munoz et al., 2004) . In all cases, the resulting quinones may undergo non-enzymatic autopolymerization to produce colored compounds (Oktem et al., 2012) . However, quinones also can produce red compounds with 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH). Therefore the development of PPHs sensor with NaIO 4 can be done by detection quinones that forming red compounds with MBTH (Hamzah et al., 2011) .

On the other hand, sodium metaperiodate (NaIO 4 ) oxidizes o-diphenol to o-quinones but does not hydroxylate monophenols to o-diphenols.

In all cases, the resulting quinones may undergo non-enzymatic autopolymerization to produce colored compounds.

Therefore the development of PPHs sensor with NaIO 4 can be done by detection quinones that forming red compounds with MBTH.


Isokinetic muscle testing is used in the swimming and has for example been shown to be reliable for establishing association between the functional abilities of quadriceps muscle group and the swimming speed (Dalamitros et al., 2014) . Also, a correlation has been found between the isokinetic strength of knee extensors and the flutter kicking in short distance swimming of 25 and 50 yards (Mookerjee et al., 1995) . Nevertheless, the relationship of functional status of various muscles with the swimming performance has yet to be studied extensively.

Isokinetic muscle testing is used in the swimming and has for example been shown to be reliable for establishing association between the functional abilities of quadriceps muscle group and the swimming speed.

Also, a correlation has been found between the isokinetic strength of knee extensors and the flutter kicking in short distance swimming of 25 and 50 yards.


Finswimming is a popular cyclic sport which is performed either on the surface or underwater. Compared to the classical swimming finswimmers make use of the fins that alter the load profile of the muscular work. In the classical swimming major propulsion forces are generated by the muscles of the upper body limbs. However, in Finswimming athletes avoid using upper extremities and try to keep them in a streamline position throughout the distance to minimize the resistance from the drag and they utilize mainly lower limbs alongside with trunk muscles to produce propulsion movement channelling the forces via the surface of the monofin (Rejman et al., 2003) . Legs in a coordinated effort with trunk and hip muscles produce a kicking movement which is similar to the classical dolphin style swimming leg kicking technique. Two types of fins and corresponding sports disciplines are in use: bi-fin with two independent fins for each leg, and a single monofin that combines work of both legs in one common movement. Current study is about monofin swimming.

However, in Finswimming athletes avoid using upper extremities and try to keep them in a streamline position throughout the distance to minimize the resistance from the drag and they utilize mainly lower limbs alongside with trunk muscles to produce propulsion movement channelling the forces via the surface of the monofin.


Decomposition study of DPBF was performed with the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate that generates ROS upon irradiation. As a ROS quencher, DPBF readily undergoes 1,4-cycloaddition reaction with singlet oxygen to form an endoperoxide that decomposes into the irreversible product (1,2-dibenzoylbenzene) [24] . It is also reported that DPBF can be decomposed by superoxide anion radical of ROS [32, 33] . As shown in the inset of Figure 4 , the optical densities of DPBF absorption peak at 415 nm are not changed by the irradiation of light and, also, by the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy without the light irradiation condition. Therefore, the decomposition rate induces the decrease of the optical density of the DPBF absorption peak at 415 nm as shown in Figure 4 , which indicates the generation of ROS from the photoirradiated surface of the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate. Figure 5 shows the fluorescence microscope image for the comparative morphologies of the cells after laser irradiation on the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate by fluorescence microscope. RAOSMC had well organized plasma membrane (Red) and the actin cytoskeleton (Green) on the pure Co-Cr alloy plate. The morphology of the cells on the pure Co-Cr alloy plate was not changed even with the laser irradiation compared to the nontreated cells (Figures 5(a)-5(c) ). Also, the morphology of the cells on the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate was not changed in the dark condition. However, the cells appeared loosely to be adherent and lost their normal morphology after laser irradiation of 15 mW/cm 2 for 15 min on the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate ( Figure 5(e) ). Also, the cells get rounded and detached from the surface with the irradiation of 30 min ( Figure 5(f) ). These results reveal that the cells are damaged by ROS from the photo-irradiated surface of the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate upon irradiation of light [34, 35] .

As a ROS quencher, DPBF readily undergoes 1,4-cycloaddition reaction with singlet oxygen to form an endoperoxide that decomposes into the irreversible product (1,2-dibenzoylbenzene).

It is also reported that DPBF can be decomposed by superoxide anion radical of ROS.

These results reveal that the cells are damaged by ROS from the photo-irradiated surface of the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate upon irradiation of light.


The chlorinated organic solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA), and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) have been widely used for decades as a degreasing agent, a cleaning agent, and organic synthesis intermediates in chemical, pharmaceutical, electronic, tanning, printing, and other industries [1] [2] [3] . The chlorinated organic solvents were considered as priority toxic pollutants and associated risks to humans representing a public health threat. Historically, the improper disposal of these chlorinated organic solvents has resulted in extensive contamination of soils and groundwater. Due to the high density and low water solubility, the chlorinated organic solvents sink beneath the water table, do not pool, and rather continue to migrate downward in the aquifer, displacing the water until reaching a formation of sufficient impermeability to prevent further migration. That is, it will last a long time, once subsurface medium was contaminated. Therefore, it is urgent to find a fast and efficient method to remediate chlorinated solvents in soils.

The chlorinated organic solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA), and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) have been widely used for decades as a degreasing agent, a cleaning agent, and organic synthesis intermediates in chemical, pharmaceutical, electronic, tanning, printing, and other industries.


An 8% solution of PA6.6 in 85% formic acid was gently stirred at ambient temperature for 12 hours until the polymer granules dissolved completely. The nonwoven web from PA6.6 nanofibres had been formed using the electrospinning equipment "Nanospider" (Figure 1 ). The principle of this equipment includes the rotating roller which is submerged in a bath filled with polymer solution. The Taylor cones with increasing electrostatic forces are formed on the rotating roller. When electrostatic forces overcome the surface tension, a jet of polymer solution is ejected from the Taylor cone and it is directed up to the support material [14] . During this experiment the electrode with narrower tines has been selected as it is easier to form PA6.6 nanofibres. The sufficiently powerful electric field is not formed by means of the cylindrical electrode; consequently the continuous flow of Taylor cones cannot be formed. According to the electric field theory, the major supply of electric charge has been collected on the top of tines, where the surface curvature is greater and the surface electric field density in these places is higher. As a result, the continuous flow of Taylor cones can be formed on the tines [15] .

When electrostatic forces overcome the surface tension, a jet of polymer solution is ejected from the Taylor cone and it is directed up to the support material.

As a result, the continuous flow of Taylor cones can be formed on the tines.


Electrospinning is one of the most common processes used for nonwovens production. The diameters of electrospun fibres diameter may range from 10 nm to 1500 nm [1] . It has been discovered that the diameter of nanofibres and the final properties of the produced nonwovens depend on type of polymer, solution properties (viscosity, conductivity, surface tension, etc.), applied voltage, distance between electrodes, coating time of support material, air humidity, and temperature [2] [3] [4] [5] . The diameter of the fibre is arguably the most important factor for determining the quality of nonwoven structure. So, it is very important to understand how the diameter of fibre and its distribution is affected by various parameters [6] .

The diameters of electrospun fibres diameter may range from 10 nm to 1500 nm.

It has been discovered that the diameter of nanofibres and the final properties of the produced nonwovens depend on type of polymer, solution properties (viscosity, conductivity, surface tension, etc.), applied voltage, distance between electrodes, coating time of support material, air humidity, and temperature.

So, it is very important to understand how the diameter of fibre and its distribution is affected by various parameters.


State-of-the-art research and development motivates various charging circuits serving for different applications, where isolation is always demanded for safety and reliability. There are many feasible choices for the isolated unidirectional charging circuits. Flyback and forward converter are the typical examples. However, both these converters will induce highvoltage spikes owing to the existence of leakage inductance [1] [2] [3] [4] . Therefore an auxiliary snubber circuit is needed especially at high-power operations. As an alternative, a halfbridge unidirectional DC-DC converter is a favourable choice for many applications [5, 6] . Different from the previous two topologies, this alternative magnetises the isolated transformer in both directions. Therefore the demagnetising circuit is no longer needed. Meanwhile the leakage inductance of the transformer is not injurious in the transient process, but necessary for energy transfer. The same principle applies to a full-bridge DC-DC converter [7, 8] . Compared with forward or flyback converters, the electrical pressure of semiconductors is reduced in half-bridge-and full-bridge-based chargers. Compared to half-bridge converters where only half of the secondary sets are conducting at any moment, a full-bridge converter utilises the transformer more efficiently. Although more semiconductors are needed in a full-bridge converter, soft-switching control can be easily implemented to increase system efficiency and reduce device pressure [9, 10] . The detailed comparison of different charger topologies is shown in Table 1 .

However, both these converters will induce highvoltage spikes owing to the existence of leakage inductance.

As an alternative, a halfbridge unidirectional DC-DC converter is a favourable choice for many applications.

The same principle applies to a full-bridge DC-DC converter.

Although more semiconductors are needed in a full-bridge converter, soft-switching control can be easily implemented to increase system efficiency and reduce device pressure.


Anthropogenic emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides have increased the acidity of surface waters in large areas of the world, especially in eastern North America and several European countries (Rodhe et al., 1995) . This process has been a major threat to biodiversity in both continents, and has also led to severe fish damage (Tammi et al., 2003; Keller et al., 2007) . In Norway, water quality deterioration through acidification has severely impoverished fish communities (Hesthagen et al., 1999a) . Nearly 10,000 lake-dwelling populations were extirpated during the 20th century, primarily brown trout (Salmo trutta).

Anthropogenic emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides have increased the acidity of surface waters in large areas of the world, especially in eastern North America and several European countries.

This process has been a major threat to biodiversity in both continents, and has also led to severe fish damage.

In Norway, water quality deterioration through acidification has severely impoverished fish communities.


The paper is organized as follows. The proof of Theorem 1, together with miscellaneous necessary prerequisites and the results for the minimal ball, occupies Section 2. Applications to the TYZ expansion appear in Section 3, and the results on Hankel operators in Section 4. The final section, Section 5, concludes by a small observation concerning the so-called balanced metrics on H in the sense of Donaldson [8] .

The paper is organized as follows.

The final section, Section 5, concludes by a small observation concerning the so-called balanced metrics on H in the sense of Donaldson.


Rene Arbter stated that dry-spots are separated into many small voids instead of being spilled out as a whole bubble [2] . Other studies show that mechanical properties such as shear strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of composite parts decrease with increasing void content [5, 6, 8, 15, 16] . Therefore final products with more than 2 % of void defects should be rejected.

Rene Arbter stated that dry-spots are separated into many small voids instead of being spilled out as a whole bubble.

Other studies show that mechanical properties such as shear strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of composite parts decrease with increasing void content.


However, void removal during injection of dry laminate is possible. The transport of mobile voids in the pressure field of the resin injection has a significant influence on the removal of voids [12] . Voids are removed by reaching the flow front, but can also remain in the cured laminate if held back by mechanical traps [7, 13] . Examples for mechanical traps are sewing threads or intersections of warps and wefts. A further possibility of void removal is the diffusion of trapped gas into the resin system [13] .

The transport of mobile voids in the pressure field of the resin injection has a significant influence on the removal of voids.

Voids are removed by reaching the flow front, but can also remain in the cured laminate if held back by mechanical traps.

A further possibility of void removal is the diffusion of trapped gas into the resin system.


Although undesirable factors such as parenting stress and behavior problems have the potential to negatively impact the parent-child interaction, protective factors may have the potential to positively impact the interaction. Protective factors are individual or environmental characteristics that promote or maintain healthy development and moderate or buffer the negative effects of stress (Rutter, 1979) . Individual protective factors include behaviors such as self-control, initiative, attachment, and the ability to communicate effectively (LeBuffe & Naglieri, 1999) . Children exhibiting these behaviors are more likely to have stronger relationships with parents, childcare providers and teachers. Children exercising self-control and initiating behaviors toward peers are also more likely to be accepted by their peers (Raver, Blackburn, Bancroft, & Torp, 1999) . These positive responses from peers and adults have been suggested to lead to more positive outcomes for children, including higher academic achievement and stronger relationships with peers and teachers. Given this, it is important to examine the association between protective factors and parenting variables, such as parenting stress. Positive behaviors exhibited by children and lower stress experienced by parents could serve as protective factors for both children and parents.

Protective factors are individual or environmental characteristics that promote or maintain healthy development and moderate or buffer the negative effects of stress.

Individual protective factors include behaviors such as self-control, initiative, attachment, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Children exercising self-control and initiating behaviors toward peers are also more likely to be accepted by their peers.


Parenting stress is defined as the aversive psychological reaction to the demands of being a parent and are perceptions made by the parent in the context of the parenting role. Parenting stress is often created when there is a discrepancy between the perceived demands of parenting and the resources available to meet those demands (Abidin, 1995) . It is represented by a process linking a) the task demands of parenting, b) the parent's psychological well-being, c) parenting behavior, d) qualities of the parent-child relationship, and e) the child's psychological adjustment. This can take the form in parents' feelings of low efficacy and competence to parent their child as well as negative perceptions of their child. It has been suggested that these feelings and perceptions are associated with an increased likelihood of poor parenting behaviors, which may lead to negative child behavior, thus exacerbating negative perceptions and elevating stress. Given this, convincing evidence has been provided to suggest that parenting stress is a risk factor for the development and/or maintenance of behavior problems (Qi & Kaiser, 2003) .

Parenting stress is often created when there is a discrepancy between the perceived demands of parenting and the resources available to meet those demands.

Given this, convincing evidence has been provided to suggest that parenting stress is a risk factor for the development and/or maintenance of behavior problems.


Children and their families attending Head Start are considered at-risk given their low-income status. Parents with low socioeconomic status (SES) may experience parenting stress more frequently given their limited financial resources, which may produce additional stress (Linver, Brooks-Gunn, & Kohen, 2002) . Additionally, low SES is also related to the development of social-emotional and behavioral problems in children (Qi & Kaiser, 2003) . Prevalence rates of children exhibiting behavior problems from low-income families range from 16% to 31% compared to 3% o 6% of the children in the general population (Qi & Kaiser, 2003) . Families from low SES backgrounds are more likely to experience disruptions in parent-child relationships and exhibit poorer parenting practices (Conger et al., 2002; Mistry, Vandewater, Huston, & McLoyd, 2002) .

Parents with low socioeconomic status (SES) may experience parenting stress more frequently given their limited financial resources, which may produce additional stress.

Additionally, low SES is also related to the development of social-emotional and behavioral problems in children.

Prevalence rates of children exhibiting behavior problems from low-income families range from 16% to 31% compared to 3% o 6% of the children in the general population.

Families from low SES backgrounds are more likely to experience disruptions in parent-child relationships and exhibit poorer parenting practices.


The significant negative correlation between parenting stress and protective factors was slightly stronger than the significant positive correlation between parenting stress and behavior concerns. Two previous studies that have examined prosocial behaviors and parenting stress found parenting stress was overall more strongly related to children's social competence compared to behavior problems, as reported by teachers (Anthony et al., 2005; Mistry et al., 2002) . The current study found similar results and extends these findings, given that children' protective factors were parent-reported, rather than teacher-reported, and were examined in relation to parenting stress levels.

Two previous studies that have examined prosocial behaviors and parenting stress found parenting stress was overall more strongly related to children's social competence compared to behavior problems, as reported by teachers.


The issue of the I/Q imbalance problem in multicarrier systems was extensively investigated in the literature [5] [6] [7] . However, to the best of our knowledge, a few papers have only discussed the I/Q imbalance problem in DFT based SC-FDMA (DFT-SC-FDMA) system [10] . Moreover, the issue of the I/Q imbalance problem in DCT based SC-FDMA (DCT-SC-FDMA) system is not studied in the literature. All that motivated us to do the research of this paper.

The issue of the I/Q imbalance problem in multicarrier systems was extensively investigated in the literature.

However, to the best of our knowledge, a few papers have only discussed the I/Q imbalance problem in DFT based SC-FDMA (DFT-SC-FDMA) system.


Collaboration is a powerful way to help both novices and experts push their creative boundaries and inspire their creative process. As collaborators make complimentary and unexpected contributions, their shared product grows in an emergent manner that would be more creative than what each partner could achieve individually [30] . Developing agents to facilitate collaboration can provide insight into the nature of collaboration as well as means of supporting collaborative creativity. To investigate improvisational collaboration, we developed a co-creative drawing partner called the Drawing Apprentice, shown in Figure 1 . This system collaborates with users in real time using turn taking to gradually build a drawing through time [10] .

As collaborators make complimentary and unexpected contributions, their shared product grows in an emergent manner that would be more creative than what each partner could achieve individually.

This system collaborates with users in real time using turn taking to gradually build a drawing through time.


Cognitive agents, from the perspective of enaction, interact to gradually determine patterns of regularity and meaning using dynamic feedback loops [15] . Therefore, each collaborator is influenced both by the content of actions (i.e. lines of a drawing) as well as the dynamics of interaction that have emerged during in-the-moment interaction, such as the rhythm of turn taking, area of focus, and manner of motion. This dual feedback system has the potential to lead collaborators into new realms of creative expression with dynamic, multi-layered, and sometimes competing mental models for evaluating what creative contributions 'make sense' in the current situation.

Cognitive agents, from the perspective of enaction, interact to gradually determine patterns of regularity and meaning using dynamic feedback loops.


Regarding IPH treatment, a number of therapeutic approaches have been applied with conflicting results. Disease rareness and the absence of firm diagnostic criteria preclude the existence of randomized controlled trials estimating the efficacy of immunomodulatory and/or anti-inflammatory agents for IPH. Therefore, treatment strategy is based upon small case series or case reports [7, 8, 24, 25] . Corticosteroids still represent the cornerstone of IPH therapeutic strategy. Results from individual case studies, as well as case series studies, report remission of pulmonary bleeding as well as higher survival rates and slower pulmonary fibrosis progression following treatment with corticosteroids of different therapeutic regimens ranging from 0.5 mg/kg/day to 2 mg/kd/day during acute symptoms and tapering after remission [4, 8, [24] [25] [26] . Azathioprine and hydroxychloroquine have also been used in a small number of patients with steroid-refractory disease with favourable results [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] . On two cases, lung transplantation was performed but bleeding recurrence within the allograft discouraged future attempts [32, 33] . Despite the positive effect of immunosuppressive therapy for most patients, about 14-29% of them die from acute or to chronic respiratory failure [7, 26] . The course of IPH appears to be more severe in children [7] . Adults seem to have a more prolonged survival [26] . Patients usually have more than one acute episodes of DAH. Those who survive tend to develop pulmonary fibrosis due to recurrent intrapulmonary bleeding, associated with exertional dyspnoea and chronic anaemia.

Therefore, treatment strategy is based upon small case series or case reports.

Results from individual case studies, as well as case series studies, report remission of pulmonary bleeding as well as higher survival rates and slower pulmonary fibrosis progression following treatment with corticosteroids of different therapeutic regimens ranging from 0.5 mg/kg/day to 2 mg/kd/day during acute symptoms and tapering after remission.

Azathioprine and hydroxychloroquine have also been used in a small number of patients with steroid-refractory disease with favourable results.

On two cases, lung transplantation was performed but bleeding recurrence within the allograft discouraged future attempts.

Despite the positive effect of immunosuppressive therapy for most patients, about 14-29% of them die from acute or to chronic respiratory failure.

The course of IPH appears to be more severe in children.

Adults seem to have a more prolonged survival.


For more than 20 years, the first dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has been published by O'Regan and Grätzel [1] . The DSSCs have been extensively studied because of their high performance, simple fabrication processes, low-cost materials, and manufacturing processes. The DSSCs consist of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coated glass, TiO 2 photoelectrode, Ru complex photosensitizer such as N719 dye molecules, redox electrolyte such as I − /I 3− (iodide/triiodide), and Pt counter electrode [2] . High performance dyesensitized solar cells require the nanocrystalline TiO 2 electrode to have a large surface area, high crystallinity without cracks, and good electrical contact with the conducting glass substrate so that a high amount of dye molecules can be adsorbed and the electrons can be quickly transferred [3] . However, a problem of the DSSC is the low energy conversion efficiency when compared with silicon solar cells. Main reasons are charge recombination loss arising at the semiconductor/dye/electrolyte interface and low dye absorption towards the infrared region.

For more than 20 years, the first dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has been published by O'Regan and Grätzel.

The DSSCs consist of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coated glass, TiO 2 photoelectrode, Ru complex photosensitizer such as N719 dye molecules, redox electrolyte such as I − /I 3− (iodide/triiodide), and Pt counter electrode.

High performance dyesensitized solar cells require the nanocrystalline TiO 2 electrode to have a large surface area, high crystallinity without cracks, and good electrical contact with the conducting glass substrate so that a high amount of dye molecules can be adsorbed and the electrons can be quickly transferred.


Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) is used when measurements of optical properties of materials is required. Materials have unique molecular structures that cause them to absorb or transfer EM radiation as a function of radiation frequency [2] . This is due to molecular vibrations, rotations and electron spin flips. Table 1 shows the different types of absorption resonances. The FTIR can measure transmission and refection in wide band of wave numbers 5 cm −1 -10,000 cm −1 . Optical properties of solids, liquids, gasses and powders can be measured using the FTIR [2] . Since it has high sensitivity to changes in the chemical structure of the samples, it makes the spectral measurements attractive compare to X-ray diagnostics or other chemical conventional diagnostic methods. The principle of operation is based upon a Michelson interferometer with one displacement mirror and a fixed mirror. Sophisticated FFT procedure is used to obtain the signal as function of wave number [2] .

Materials have unique molecular structures that cause them to absorb or transfer EM radiation as a function of radiation frequency.

Optical properties of solids, liquids, gasses and powders can be measured using the FTIR.

Sophisticated FFT procedure is used to obtain the signal as function of wave number.


Diagnostics and analysis of human sperm are required as part of couples infertility investigation and treatments. It is also used to test human donors for sperm donation. The conventional tests done today are not perfect, time consuming and very expansive [1] . Furthermore, those tests are inaccurate since it depends on the experience of the lab technician [1] .

The conventional tests done today are not perfect, time consuming and very expansive.

Furthermore, those tests are inaccurate since it depends on the experience of the lab technician.


The multivariable models showed that DASH, Quick-DASH, and pain were predicted by the same questionnaires in short and long formats. This indicates criterion validity. This is an argument for the use of the short questionnaires in orthopaedic practice. The questionnaires tested in this study were predictors of disability and pain, consistent with earlier studies [3, 17, 29, 32] .

This indicates criterion validity.

The questionnaires tested in this study were predictors of disability and pain, consistent with earlier studies.


China is one of the countries with the highest CO 2 emissions in the world [29] . From the CO 2 emissions structure, due to China's coal-dominated energy structure, CO 2 emissions mainly come from the energy sector at present [30] . Hebei Province, abbreviated as HB, which is located in the north of China, near the capital of Beijing, with iron and steel, equipment manufacturing, petroleum and chemical industries as pillar industries, has a large quantity of ECCE. Large population base, low forest coverage, and the more serious environmental pollution in HB hinder the coordinated development between ECCE and population, resources, economy and social system. In recent years, the central government has focused on the environment governance of HB and set a goal summarized as "two insurances, two declines and two promotions". Two insurances are to ensure obvious and decisive progress in air quality improvement and excess capacity dissolution. Two declines mean that the total discharges of major pollutants and the proportion of coal consumption decrease significantly. Two promotions represent that water quality and greening continue to improve steadily. Besides, the renewable energy sources of the HB grid continued to maintain a rapid development trend in 2016, with the year-on-year growth of 80.2%. This year there were 31 new inputs of photovoltaic power stations and the power generating capacity increased by 1.253 million kW. Wind farms increased by two, with 270,000 kW capacity. The total installed wind power and photovoltaic capacity was up to 3.255 million kW, among which the installed wind power capacity was 1.0618 million kW with the year-on-year growth of 34.4% and the installed photovoltaic capacity was 1.111 million kW with a year-on-year growth of 112.8%. From the information above, we can conclude that clean energy has accounted for 13.1% of the total installed capacity of the HB grid with a year-on-year increase of 3.7%. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and forecast the security early warning of ECCE in HB as this is of much practical significance.

China is one of the countries with the highest CO 2 emissions in the world.

From the CO 2 emissions structure, due to China's coal-dominated energy structure, CO 2 emissions mainly come from the energy sector at present.


Until the reunification of Germany in 1990, the former East German state was the biggest producer of lignite, or brown coal, worldwide (in 1978: 253 264 t a -1 ) [1] . Lignite was not only used for the production of energy, but also formed the basis for a whole branch of chemical industry, namely, carbochemistry. This sector thrived until 1990, but caused considerable environmental damage [2] . Nearly a third of the mass of pyrolyzed lignite is water (reaction and inherent water) which is heavily loaded with volatile organic substances (mainly phenols and lower fatty acids) and ammonia [3] .

Until the reunification of Germany in 1990, the former East German state was the biggest producer of lignite, or brown coal, worldwide (in 1978: 253 264 t a -1 ).

This sector thrived until 1990, but caused considerable environmental damage.

Nearly a third of the mass of pyrolyzed lignite is water (reaction and inherent water) which is heavily loaded with volatile organic substances (mainly phenols and lower fatty acids) and ammonia.


With the development of a series of urban size distribution theories, such as the law of the primate city and the city rank-size rule, researchers have conducted research on the scale distribution and evolution characteristics of urban systems on a national scale, regional scale, and urban agglomeration. At present, the study of the distribution of urban size in China mainly includes two categories. One category is the study of urban population size distribution, and the other is the study of urban land scale distribution. Through examining existing studies, it was found that under the conditions of selecting different spatial units, countries, or historical development stages, the scale structure of the urban system obtained by the relevant research institutes is not completely consistent [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] . At the same time, we also found that most of the existing research uses statistical data as research data, including urban resident population data and urban built-up area statistical data, but with the constant adjustment of administrative divisions in China, the population statistical data and the built-up urban areas are also constantly changing, which creates certain difficulties for understanding the long-term serial spatiotemporal dynamics of the distribution of regional cities. As the number of remote sensing data sources massively increase, the use of remote sensing data to analyze the distribution of urban size has also received increasingly more attention [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] . These studies mostly explore the model simulations of nighttime light and human society-related factors such as urbanization, urban population, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. There are few comprehensive analysis and research studies on urban systems, urban spatial structures, and pattern evolution [29] .

Through examining existing studies, it was found that under the conditions of selecting different spatial units, countries, or historical development stages, the scale structure of the urban system obtained by the relevant research institutes is not completely consistent.

As the number of remote sensing data sources massively increase, the use of remote sensing data to analyze the distribution of urban size has also received increasingly more attention.

There are few comprehensive analysis and research studies on urban systems, urban spatial structures, and pattern evolution.


This "ladder technique" was used in [5] Acknowledgements. This article has been originally developed during my undergraduate thesis at the University of Paris VI written under the supervision of Andreas Höring. I would like to thank Andreas Höring for all the things he taught me during this work, for constantly guiding and supporting me, for all the remarks on several drafts of this paper. He made me also notice the result of Hwang that improves the statement of Theorem 1.2. I would also like to thank Claire Voisin and Andreas Horing for bringing to my attention the fact that Theorem 1.2, together with their result, leads to Theorem 1.4.

This "ladder technique" was used in Acknowledgements.


In a typical TR experiment, a source emits a short pulse in a medium, which generates a wavefield that propagates away from it. Then this wavefield is measured onto a set of location on an array of sensors, the so-called time reversal mirror (TRM). The measured signals are digitized, memorized, and flipped in time. This first step, known as the "learning step", results in the knowledge of a set of impulse responses between the source and the TRM, which are the broadband equivalents of the Green's functions. In the second step, the time reversal one, these time reversed signals are sent back in the medium by the sensors, which results in a spatiotemporal focusing of the generated wavefield onto the initial source position, and at a specific time named the "collapse time" [1] [2] [3] .

In the second step, the time reversal one, these time reversed signals are sent back in the medium by the sensors, which results in a spatiotemporal focusing of the generated wavefield onto the initial source position, and at a specific time named the "collapse time".


It has been shown that the temporal focusing of the wave depends on the medium as well as on the bandwidth used and the number of sensors constituting the TRM [2] [3] [4] . On a spatial point of view, in a homogeneous medium, time-reversed waves converge toward the focal point on a spot whose width is limited by the numerical aperture of the TRM, similar to the way conventional lenses focus light [1, 5] . In heterogeneous media, however, TRM behaves very differently than regular lenses, and it has been proved that the numerical aperture of the TRM does not play any role when the complexity of the medium is increased [2] . In the extreme case of TR in a chaotic closed cavity, it has even been shown that a single channel TRM can focus waves down to the size International Journal of Microwave Science and Technology of half a wavelength, that is, the diffraction limit, provided that broadband signals be used [6] .

It has been shown that the temporal focusing of the wave depends on the medium as well as on the bandwidth used and the number of sensors constituting the TRM.

On a spatial point of view, in a homogeneous medium, time-reversed waves converge toward the focal point on a spot whose width is limited by the numerical aperture of the TRM, similar to the way conventional lenses focus light.

In heterogeneous media, however, TRM behaves very differently than regular lenses, and it has been proved that the numerical aperture of the TRM does not play any role when the complexity of the medium is increased.

In the extreme case of TR in a chaotic closed cavity, it has even been shown that a single channel TRM can focus waves down to the size International Journal of Microwave Science and Technology of half a wavelength, that is, the diffraction limit, provided that broadband signals be used.


The serotonin system in the spinal cord is an important modulator for sensory, motor as well as autonomic function. This system normally exercises its function via the interaction between ligand 5-HT and a number of 5-HT receptors expressed in different structures in the spinal cord. Among the 14 5-HT receptor subfamilies at least 12 have been detected in the spinal cord, in which 5-HT1A, 2A, 2C, and 7 receptors have been demonstrated to be more important for motor control. In normal physiological states, these receptors coordinate with each other and also with other monoamine systems to enable smooth and controllable motor outputs for our physical activity [200] . Following SCI extensive plastic changes occur for a number of 5-HT receptor subfamilies, mostly with increased receptor numbers and/or constitutive activity. In addition, plasticity also occurs for descending serotonergic fibers (in the case of incomplete SCI) and intraspinal serotonin-producing cells. The coeffects of these plastic changes, together with the plastic changes of other monoamine systems, ultimately lead to increased motoneuron excitability in the chronic phase [17, 21, 108] . These plastic changes have both beneficial and detrimental effects for spinal motor outputs after SCI. Although the plastic changes can result in an adaptive compensation of the lost transmitters and thus assist in motor functional recovery, they can also result in a plethora of maladaptive problems, such as spasticity. In clinical practice, a strategy needs to be set so as to maximally take advantage of the positive side of the plasticity to promote motor functional recovery and meanwhile to reduce negative effects to a minimal extent. To reach this endpoint, pharmacological and/or genetic interferences need to be utilized so that the activity of different 5-HT receptors and 5-HT supply in the spinal cord reach a new balance and consequently an appropriate motor behavior is generated. Such a strategy would certainly have great implications for future treatment of SCI patients.

In normal physiological states, these receptors coordinate with each other and also with other monoamine systems to enable smooth and controllable motor outputs for our physical activity.

The coeffects of these plastic changes, together with the plastic changes of other monoamine systems, ultimately lead to increased motoneuron excitability in the chronic phase.


Pseudodifferential operators with smooth negative definite symbols have for some time been investigated as pregenerators of Markov processes. An extensive summary of this topic including lists of references can be found in N. Jacob [10] [11] [12] . In order to see the connection between pseudodifferential operators and Markov processes, the key observation is that every Lévy process (X t ) t≥0 with state space R n is uniquely determined by a function ψ : R n → C which is defined by E e iXt·ξ = e −tψ(ξ) .

An extensive summary of this topic including lists of references can be found in N. Jacob.


The result for ensembles of ellipsoidal particles show that the overall scattered intensity is dominated by particles at certain orientations: particles that are oriented with their smallest dimension along the x axis of the laboratory frame contribute the highest intensity to the overall signal. A similar observation was made for cylindrical particles [37] . For cylinders, however, the distinction can be made between contributions from the sides and from the caps of the cylinder, where the more intense contribution originates from the sides, and the less intense one from the caps. Similarly, for prolate ellipsoids, the dominant contribution originates from the sides (i.e., the area near the equator) of the particles. Therefore, an SFG spectrum measured from such an ensemble will predominantly show the signature of molecules present in this area, which may be of importance for particles with inhomogeneous surface coverage, e.g., vesicles containing phospholipids with a preferential curvature [67] .

A similar observation was made for cylindrical particles.

Therefore, an SFG spectrum measured from such an ensemble will predominantly show the signature of molecules present in this area, which may be of importance for particles with inhomogeneous surface coverage, e.g., vesicles containing phospholipids with a preferential curvature.


The ongoing efforts in the biopharmaceutical industry to balance the increased workload required to address process and product quality control coupled with the reduced resources availability have heightened the implementation of HTP systems to support development work. One of the HTP strategies utilized in upstream process development is the use of disposable microbioreactors for cell culture process development These disposable micro-bioreactors are expected to perform in a high-throughput manner under controlled bioreactor operation conditions similar to those at bench and largescale, but without extensive bioreactor set-up and cleanup procedures. These systems may replace the use of shake flasks for early stage of cell culture process development and optimization studies [2] [3] [4] [5] .

These systems may replace the use of shake flasks for early stage of cell culture process development and optimization studies.


In this paper, we analyze whether the slow-down in convergence in per capita income between East and West Germany and the lower international openness of East Germany are linked. One reason for the slow-down in growth could be the phasing out of investment subsidies since the mid-1990s (Sinn 2002) . However, the relatively weak growth performance of East Germany could also be the result of its low degree of integration into international markets. This could prevent East German firms from exploiting scale economies and benefiting from an international division of labor.

One reason for the slow-down in growth could be the phasing out of investment subsidies since the mid-1990s.


The importance of service operations (SOs) has been growing significantly in the latest decade. SOs management focuses on how excellent services could be delivered effectively. To realize the correlated business value and achieve business success, the concept of SOs has become quite popular throughout the whole business process. It is well known that supply chain is the important areas in SOs management, which are the key to deliver values to consumers and, as a result, improve customer satisfaction and create great business value [1] .

It is well known that supply chain is the important areas in SOs management, which are the key to deliver values to consumers and, as a result, improve customer satisfaction and create great business value.


Optimal control approach is popularly adopted in SOs management. The theory of optimal control is a mature mathematical approach with numerous applications in science, engineering, and business [5] . Optimal control has been applied to determine the optimal ways in controlling a dynamic system, such as the optimal decisions in SOs management system. In SOs literature, optimal control techniques are commonly adopted to manage the tradeoff strategies between service quality and operational cost. Providing good services could enhance the customers' satisfaction, and then customers are more willing to pay premium for the value-added experience. However, enhancing service quality incurs a large number of operational costs. Thus, in order to maximize profit, service providers have to manage the tradeoff between customer satisfaction and operational costs by the scientific optimization approaches.

The theory of optimal control is a mature mathematical approach with numerous applications in science, engineering, and business.


Supply chain management is pervasive and is creating the considerably huge values to both firms and customers [2] . Many scholars claim that supply chain is the tool to guarantee the service quality [3, 4] . However, with the prevailing trend of electronic commerce, SOs management is increasingly critical in supply chain. For example, the attractive online advertising films provide consumers' psychological boost in purchasing intention; online retailers (e.g., Amazon and Taobao) attract millions of customers because they are able to not only purchase food, fashion products, toys, books, electronics, film tickets, optimal services, and nursery items in a one-stop integrated place, but also receive the products in a prompt way supported by efficient delivery services [4] .

Supply chain management is pervasive and is creating the considerably huge values to both firms and customers.

Many scholars claim that supply chain is the tool to guarantee the service quality.

For example, the attractive online advertising films provide consumers' psychological boost in purchasing intention; online retailers (e.g., Amazon and Taobao) attract millions of customers because they are able to not only purchase food, fashion products, toys, books, electronics, film tickets, optimal services, and nursery items in a one-stop integrated place, but also receive the products in a prompt way supported by efficient delivery services.


The occurrence of such instabilities in combustors remains a challenging problem to the industry as they may be driven by a variety of flow and combustion processes which are usually coupled with one or more of the acoustic modes of the combustor [1] . Since only a small fraction of the available energy from combustion is sufficient to drive such instabilities and the corresponding attenuation in the combustion chambers is weak, large amplitude pressure oscillations are easily established in these systems resulting in performance losses, reduced operational range and structural degradation due to increased heat transfer [2, 3] . There is hence a need for reliable and robust warning signals that presage impending combustion instability.

The occurrence of such instabilities in combustors remains a challenging problem to the industry as they may be driven by a variety of flow and combustion processes which are usually coupled with one or more of the acoustic modes of the combustor.

Since only a small fraction of the available energy from combustion is sufficient to drive such instabilities and the corresponding attenuation in the combustion chambers is weak, large amplitude pressure oscillations are easily established in these systems resulting in performance losses, reduced operational range and structural degradation due to increased heat transfer.


The principal aim of the current study is to understand whether the measured signals during regimes of combustion noise shows signs of determinism. The presence of determinism allows for measures to be defined that can predict the onset of combustion instability. Techniques from nonlinear time series analysis have already been applied to predict lean blowout in gas turbines [21] . In a similar vein, the present study tries to identify precursors to impending combustion instability, through active monitoring, allowing for quick and efficient prevention of oscillations and thereby extend the boundaries of operability of combustors.

Techniques from nonlinear time series analysis have already been applied to predict lean blowout in gas turbines.


Decentralization is generally defined as the transfer of certain administrative and fiscal functions or powers of a central authority to several local authorities. The main advantage of local decentralization is that local governments are more efficient (or at least as efficient) at providing certain public services compared to the higher levels of government (Oates, 1972) . On the other hand, the theoretical literature in this area argues that there are limits to decentralization and points to an optimal level of fiscal federalism.

The main advantage of local decentralization is that local governments are more efficient (or at least as efficient) at providing certain public services compared to the higher levels of government.


In the past decades the main focus of pig breeders has been on growth rate, feed conversion efficiency and reproductive performance, with less concerned about meat quality such as meat colour, pH, drip loss, intramuscular fat content, tenderness, back fat thickness, etc. This is partially due to the difficulty in improving these type of traits through traditional quantitative genetics. However, the development of molecular genetics this is changing, because many candidate genes have been identified which could be used to improve pork quality through marker assisted selection (MAS) (Dekkers, 2004) .

However, the development of molecular genetics this is changing, because many candidate genes have been identified which could be used to improve pork quality through marker assisted selection (MAS).


Traditionally, database query languages have focused on data retrieval, with complex data transformations left to applications. The new eXtensible Markup Language (XML) data exchange standard for the Web, and emerging applications requiring data wrapping and integration, have shifted the focus towards data transformations. A typical scenario is provided by a mediator system, where the integrated view is constructed from the data sources [20] . Several languages have been proposed to express XML transformations [11, 12, 15, 33] .

A typical scenario is provided by a mediator system, where the integrated view is constructed from the data sources.

Several languages have been proposed to express XML transformations.


In a recent paper Martinec and Warner showed that the Riemann surfaces which describe the moduli space of quantum vacua for N = 2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories with a simple gauge group G is described by spectral curves of the periodic Toda lattice for the dual group. Their solution coincides with the known curves so far and provides new solutions for the unknown cases. The curves read and similar expressions for the exceptional groups. There exist simple tranformations between the forms of A l , B l , D l and the known curves in the literature [17] . There is no known expression for the C l groups in terms of hyper-elliptic curves.

There exist simple tranformations between the forms of A l , B l , D l and the known curves in the literature.


Recently much interest were focused on the FRG equation of various Matrix and TGFT models [39] - [46] . The differential equations of the flow were derived using Wetterich's equation [49] . The fixed points were given and further evidence of asymptotically safety and asymptotically freedom were derived around these fixed points in the UV.

Recently much interest were focused on the FRG equation of various Matrix and TGFT models.

The differential equations of the flow were derived using Wetterich's equation.


Tensor models (TMs) generalize matrix models and are considered as a convenient formalism for studying random geometries [1] - [17] . TMs also offer an alternative to other approaches dealing with quantum gravity (QG) which is based on new mathematical/statistical tools, for example, the 1/N expansion recently discovered [16] - [17] . On the other hand, group field theory (GFT) is a quantum field theory over group manifolds and is considered as a second quantization of loop quantum gravity [18] - [22] . Both TMs and GFT belong to the so-called background-independent scenario for QG. They aim at describing a rudimentary phase of the geometry of spacetime, namely, when this geometry is hypothetically still in a discrete form, or at least not yet continuous. It is also named "pregeometric" phase of our spacetime. Recently TMs and GFT have been combined to provide a new class of field theories so called tensorial group field theory (TGFT). TGFTs improve the GFTs in order to allow for renormalization [23] - [32] . Moreover, it has been shown that several TGFTs models are asymptotically free in the UV, in other words, near the Gaussian fixed point [33] - [43] .

Tensor models (TMs) generalize matrix models and are considered as a convenient formalism for studying random geometries.

TMs also offer an alternative to other approaches dealing with quantum gravity (QG) which is based on new mathematical/statistical tools, for example, the 1/N expansion recently discovered.

On the other hand, group field theory (GFT) is a quantum field theory over group manifolds and is considered as a second quantization of loop quantum gravity.

TGFTs improve the GFTs in order to allow for renormalization.

Moreover, it has been shown that several TGFTs models are asymptotically free in the UV, in other words, near the Gaussian fixed point.


Biomass fires emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, where they affect the interannual variability and growth rate of CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 O and other trace gases . Anthropogenic emissions of non-CO 2 gases from peat and forest fires were 300 million tCO 2 eq yr -1 on average over the period , with prescribed burning of savanna adding 200 million tCO 2 eq yr -1 (Tubiello et al. 2014) . Slash and burn practices associated with deforestation were furthermore responsible for over 1.5 billion tCO 2 eq yr -1 as direct CO 2 gas ). Specific fire emission categories are significant in terms of their overall regional impacts. For instance, in Africa, prescribed burning of savanna represents 25 % of total agricultural emissions (Tubiello et al. 2014) . In South-east Asia, fires in drained tropical peatland, often linked to palm oil cultivation, can lead to significant emissions in specific years, with impacts seen at large regional and even global scales (Hayasaka et al. 2014) .

Anthropogenic emissions of non-CO 2 gases from peat and forest fires were 300 million tCO 2 eq yr -1 on average over the period , with prescribed burning of savanna adding 200 million tCO 2 eq yr -1.

For instance, in Africa, prescribed burning of savanna represents 25 % of total agricultural emissions.

In South-east Asia, fires in drained tropical peatland, often linked to palm oil cultivation, can lead to significant emissions in specific years, with impacts seen at large regional and even global scales.