We consider the relatively simple but non-trivial example of an optimal design problem with a weakly discontinuous objective functional. The objective functional is quadratic and was suggested by Tartar in his “Remarks on optimal design” paper. We analyze a problem of finding a layout of a conducting composite such that the fields in both phases provide least squares fit to a given field. The m...

Estimation of the mean function in nonparametric regression is usefully separated into estimating the means at the observed factor levels—a one-way layout problem— and interpolation between the estimated means at adjacent factor levels. Candidate penalized least squares (PLS) estimators for the mean vector of a one-way layout are expressed as shrinkage estimators relative to an orthogonal regre...

Euler diagrams are often used for visualizing data collected into sets. However, there is a significant lack of guidance regarding graphical choices for Euler diagram layout. To address this deficiency, this paper asks the question ‘does the shape of a closed curve affect a user’s comprehension of an Euler diagram?’ By empirical study, we establish that curve shape does indeed impact on underst...

Genetic relationships were studied among eight species of three taxa in the genus Chaenomeles by nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) analysis. A genetic distance matrix based on ITS sequences was estimated according to the formula of Kimura-2 parameter and a neighbour-joining phenogram, which were obtained with Clustalx4.1 software. The results showed that the germplasms of Mugu...

Nutrient losses from residential lawns and landscapes can negatively impact water quality. Information about nutrient leaching from established residential landscapes containing a mixture of woody ornamental plants and turfgrass is limited. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of vegetation cover (turfgrass vs. woody ornamental) on nutrient leaching from established landscapes...

Brevipalpus mites colonize a great number of fruit and ornamental plants. Mite species belonging to this genus have been associated with many plant viruses. Citrus leprosis (CiLV) is the most economically important virus transmitted by B. phoenicis mites. It has recently been shown that ornamental plant species can be alternative hosts of this virus. The high volume of trade and frequent moveme...

Visual pollution, observed in urban areas, makes human beings suffer indirectly from mental distress and illnesses in long term. We are daily confronted with a variety of advertisement pictures in city squares and review them in our minds. But we may not be aware of the fact that such a visual scramble leads to mind distraction, decreasing mental concentration. The present study applies the tec...

Visual pollution, observed in urban areas, makes human beings suffer indirectly from mental distress and illnesses in long term. We are daily confronted with a variety of advertisement pictures in city squares and review them in our minds. But we may not be aware of the fact that such a visual scramble leads to mind distraction, decreasing mental concentration. The present study applies the tec...

The ornamental pet trade is often considered a key culprit for conservation problems such as the introduction of invasive species (including infectious diseases) and overharvesting of rare species. Here, we present the first assessment of the biodiversity of freshwater molluscs in the ornamental pet trade in Singapore, one of the most important global hubs of the ornamental aquarium trade, and ...