In the Brazilian electricity market, energy trading is realized through auctions where the generators compete in order to meet the demand growth at the lowest price. The auctions procedure starts with the mid/long-term monthly demand forecasts provided by the distribution utilities and ends with the energy contracts agreed between all distributors and each generator that wins the auction [5] . The energy contracting occurs one, three or five years before supply starts with contracts lasting from five to thirty years [6] . Therefore, the mid-term electricity consumption forecasts play a fundamental role in the energy auctions. The demand for electricity can be divided into several groups: residential, commercial, industrial, rural and miscellaneous. These groups grow at different rates, thus each group must be forecast separately [1] .

The auctions procedure starts with the mid/long-term monthly demand forecasts provided by the distribution utilities and ends with the energy contracts agreed between all distributors and each generator that wins the auction.

The energy contracting occurs one, three or five years before supply starts with contracts lasting from five to thirty years.

These groups grow at different rates, thus each group must be forecast separately.


This work deals with this issue 1 . In this paper we describe different experiments concerning the combination of QA systems. We used two different available systems, QAVAL and RITEL, while RITEL includes two different answer extraction strategies. We propose to merge the results of these systems at different levels. First, at an intermediary step (for example, between snippet selection and answer extraction). This approach allows to evaluate a fusion process based on the integration of different strategies. Another way to proceed is to execute the fusion at the end of each system. The aim is then to choose between all the candidate answers the best one for each question. Such an approach has been successfully applied in the information retrieval field, with the definition of different functions for combining results of search engines (Shaw and Fox, 1994) . However, in QA, the problem is different as answers to questions are not made of a list of answers, but are made of excerpts of texts, which may be different in their writing, but which correspond to a unique and same answer. Thus, we propose fusion methods that rely on the information generally computed by QA systems, such as score, rank, an-swer redundancy, etc. We defined new voting and scoring functions, and a machine learning system to combine these features. Most of the strategies presented here allow a clear improvement (up to 19 %) on the first ranked correct answers.

This work deals with this issue 1 .

Such an approach has been successfully applied in the information retrieval field, with the definition of different functions for combining results of search engines.


In this study, we noticed that MCEE pretreatment reversed H 2 O 2 -induced cell damage, which was confirmed by reduced cell viability and increased intracellular LDH release (Figure 1) . Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), the most important ROS contributor, is easily accessible via the cell membrane and can be converted to the highly reactive hydroxyl radical (•OH) via the Fenton reaction [39] . ROS can oxidize essential biological macromolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, and induce mitochondrial damage and induce cell death through several pathways in a variety of cells, including neuronal cells [13, 32, 40] . Figure 2 shows that MCEE pretreatment reversed H 2 O 2 -induced cell damage through the inhibition of intracellular ROS production. In agreement with our results, several studies have reported that various natural product extracts ameliorate the negative changes of cell viability, LDH release, and intracellular ROS level by H 2 O 2 [10] [11] [12] [13] 15] . Furthermore, the reduction in oxidative stress by various natural products is associated with enhanced antioxidant defense, inhibited apoptosis, and regulation of the MAPKs and AKT/GSK-3b pathway. Thus, it may be reasonable to assume that these beneficial biological effects might have neuroprotective effects. Here, we tried to validate the mechanism of the above relationship on the neuroprotective effects of MCEE.

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), the most important ROS contributor, is easily accessible via the cell membrane and can be converted to the highly reactive hydroxyl radical (•OH) via the Fenton reaction.

ROS can oxidize essential biological macromolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, and induce mitochondrial damage and induce cell death through several pathways in a variety of cells, including neuronal cells.

In agreement with our results, several studies have reported that various natural product extracts ameliorate the negative changes of cell viability, LDH release, and intracellular ROS level by H 2 O 2.


In the biofilm system, the cells are held together by microbial secretions of various polysaccharides that act as a gel-like matrix surrounding the cells (Nelson et al., 1996) . This encapsulated structure results in the formation of concentration gradients for all relevant dissolved compounds due to microbial activity and diffusion. The biofilm-associated micro-organisms detach from the surface of the biofilm to populate a planktonic phase that contributes to the removal of organic carbon and nitrogen. The attached biofilm and suspended biomass make the fixed-film bioreactor (FFBR) a hybrid reactor (H-FFBR) rather than an exclusively attached or suspended phase system (Goode, 2010) .

In the biofilm system, the cells are held together by microbial secretions of various polysaccharides that act as a gel-like matrix surrounding the cells.

The attached biofilm and suspended biomass make the fixed-film bioreactor (FFBR) a hybrid reactor (H-FFBR) rather than an exclusively attached or suspended phase system.


Biological treatment has been widely used only to treat the wastewater following pre-treatment by processes of ammonia stripping and phenol solvent extractions to reduce the concentration of toxic compounds (Li et al., 2011) . As part of the conventional treatment process, biofilm processes are widely utilised to eliminate the organic carbon and nitrogen content of the wastewater. In biofilm processes, bacteria are grown on suspended carrier particles, fluidised on flocs, or fixed on immobile structures within the reactor. Such processes are aimed to extend the cell retention time (sludge age) of the system indefinitely (Li et al., 2003) .

Biological treatment has been widely used only to treat the wastewater following pre-treatment by processes of ammonia stripping and phenol solvent extractions to reduce the concentration of toxic compounds.

Such processes are aimed to extend the cell retention time (sludge age) of the system indefinitely.


Mean age has been identified as a valuable tracer to investigate stratospheric transport timescales, for example, by comparing model-derived mean age with observations. Long-term trends in mean age have been used to investigate long-term changes in the overall overturning circulation of the stratosphere (Brewer-Dobson circulation, BDC). An increase in the strength of the BDC is expected from model calculation with increasing greenhouse gas concentrations (Austin and Li, 2006; Butchart et al., 2006; Butchart, 2014) . This is reflected in overall shorter transit times, thus also lower mean age values in the models.

An increase in the strength of the BDC is expected from model calculation with increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.


During the last decade, due to the emergence of a new generation of materials with technological applications, the number of groups involved in nanomaterial research has been increased exponentially [1] . Nanomaterials are related with several scientific and technological domains such as chemistry, electronics, high density magnetic recording media, sensors and biotechnology. This, in part, is due to their novel properties that differ from both the isolated atoms and the bulk [2] . An ultimate challenge in materials research is now the creation of perfect nanometer-scale (in size and shape) crystallites, identically replicated in unlimited quantities which can be handled as easily as bulk materials.

During the last decade, due to the emergence of a new generation of materials with technological applications, the number of groups involved in nanomaterial research has been increased exponentially.

This, in part, is due to their novel properties that differ from both the isolated atoms and the bulk.


Colloidal solutions favor partial control of the size and shape of nanomaterials. Several techniques have been utilized to produce amorphous and crystalline nanomaterials by soft chemistry. Whatever the procedure is, the major factors involved in controlling the size and shape of nanoparticles are the concentration of reactants, electrostatic interactions between the nanoparticles and surfactants, and reactant solubility in the solvent. For technological applications, it is important to develop nanoparticle dispersions without aggregation or coalescence. After or during synthesis, the nanoparticles need to be passivated to prevent coalescence. A lesser amount of surfactant than the optimum, in which the surfactant doesn't perfectly cover the entire surface of the particles, can cause coalescence of the particles or uncontrolled increasing in particle size. On the other hand, excess amount of surfactant may cause aggregation of the particles through bridging between the surfactant molecules (generally some organic polymers). When an excess amount of surfactant/dispersant is added, non-adsorbed dispersant molecules increase in the solvent and, due to depletion effect, can be promote the coalescence of the particles. One of the first approaches to make nanoparticles was based on the variation of the solubility product of reactant with temperature [3] . This controls the particle size. Simultaneously, synthesis of nanoparticles was developed in aqueous solution in presence of charged polymers that strongly interact with one of the reactants [4, 5] .

One of the first approaches to make nanoparticles was based on the variation of the solubility product of reactant with temperature.

This controls the particle size.

Simultaneously, synthesis of nanoparticles was developed in aqueous solution in presence of charged polymers that strongly interact with one of the reactants.


In support of the first explanation, laboratory experiments with the centric coastal diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii have demonstrated competitive uptake inhibition between Cd and Fe (Foster and Morel 1982; Harrison and Morel 1983) . In single-species cultures of this organism, Cd uptake was inhibited by ϳ2-fold, from 0.23 to 0.12 ϫ 10 Ϫ18 mole cell Ϫ1 d Ϫ1 when pFe (Ϫlog[Fe 3ϩ ]) increased from 19.6 to 18.6. The authors of that study suggested that this antagonism between the two elements could be attributed to competition between Fe and Cd for cell surface transport sites (Harrison and Morel 1983) . We are not aware of similar studies that conclusively document competitive inhibition between Fe and Zn or between Fe and Co.

In support of the first explanation, laboratory experiments with the centric coastal diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii have demonstrated competitive uptake inhibition between Cd and Fe.

The authors of that study suggested that this antagonism between the two elements could be attributed to competition between Fe and Cd for cell surface transport sites.


To support such computations, researchers have proposed energy-efficient architectures that, because they omit some error detection and correction mechanisms, may expose soft errors to the computation [20, [23] [24] [25] 64] . A key aspect of these architectures is that they contain both reliable and (more efficient) unreliable components for executing the critical and approximate regions of a computation, respectively. The rationale behind this design is that developers can identify and separate the critical regions of the computation (which must execute on reliable hardware) from the approximate regions of the computation (which may execute on more efficient unreliable hardware).

To support such computations, researchers have proposed energy-efficient architectures that, because they omit some error detection and correction mechanisms, may expose soft errors to the computation.


Phyllostachys prominens, which belongs to the tribe Bambuseae, is an important bamboo species that is widely distributed in the south of China [8] . Phyllostachys prominens is not only used as a building material, but also as a source of high quality edible bamboo shoots. However, huge leaves of Phyllostachys prominens are generally disposed of as waste; thus, how to utilize such large amounts of bamboo leaves is an urgent problem. Exploring the medical value of bamboo leaves could potentially uncover a solution to this problem. Synthetic antioxidants have many risks because of their carcinogenicity and toxicity to the liver. Therefore, the development and utilization of more effective antioxidants of natural origins is desired.

Phyllostachys prominens, which belongs to the tribe Bambuseae, is an important bamboo species that is widely distributed in the south of China.


Around the world, agriculture and food industry suffer significant product losses from harvest to consumer, due to different factors involved. Such losses depend firstly on the management conditions existing in each region as well as on its economic resources. Thus in industrialized countries, more than 40 % of the food losses (including cereals, roots and tubers, oilcrops and pulses, fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and dairy) occur at retail and consumer levels, while in developing countries, more than 40 % of the food losses occur at postharvest and processing levels [52] . In the year 2011, Latin America presented the highest percentages of postharvest handling and storage losses (PHSL) in crops (28 %), while in industrialized countries (Europe and North America and Oceania), the percentages of PHSL were considerably minor (18 and 16 %, respectively; Table 1 ) [52] .

Thus in industrialized countries, more than 40 % of the food losses (including cereals, roots and tubers, oilcrops and pulses, fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and dairy) occur at retail and consumer levels, while in developing countries, more than 40 % of the food losses occur at postharvest and processing levels.

In the year 2011, Latin America presented the highest percentages of postharvest handling and storage losses (PHSL) in crops (28 %), while in industrialized countries (Europe and North America and Oceania), the percentages of PHSL were considerably minor (18 and 16 %, respectively; Table 1 ).


Moreover, the largest postharvest losses in fruit and vegetable crops are due to deterioration caused by microorganisms after harvest and during cold storage. Fruits, due to their low pH, higher moisture content and nutrient composition are very susceptible to the attack of fungi, while vegetables are generally less acidic, and their spoilage is usually by bacteria [60, 116] . Although it is very difficult to determine the full extent of postharvest losses due to decay (i.e., attack by microorganisms and physical damages), it is wellknown that these losses are significant [78] .

Fruits, due to their low pH, higher moisture content and nutrient composition are very susceptible to the attack of fungi, while vegetables are generally less acidic, and their spoilage is usually by bacteria.

Although it is very difficult to determine the full extent of postharvest losses due to decay (i.e., attack by microorganisms and physical damages), it is wellknown that these losses are significant.


The increasing consumer demand for fresh fruits and vegetables of higher quality and more nutritious has encouraged the food industry to develop new and better methods for maintaining food quality and extending shelf life [9] . Recent studies of postharvest treatments, particularly the use of edible coatings and nano-laminate coatings, are receiving a growing interest by food industry. It is known that producers in developing countries are largely small farmers, rarely associated with formal organizations; therefore, the access to technical training, and in general, new postharvest technologies, is limited; also the scarcity of information about costs and financial benefits of using these new technologies is a problem. The implementation of a technology from the laboratory to the field represents an area of opportunity [65, 66] .

The increasing consumer demand for fresh fruits and vegetables of higher quality and more nutritious has encouraged the food industry to develop new and better methods for maintaining food quality and extending shelf life.

The implementation of a technology from the laboratory to the field represents an area of opportunity.


The removal of matrix species is expected to increase the strength of the relationship between species richness and patch size (Cook et al ., 2002) . We demonstrated that after removing not only the generalist/matrix species, but also the edge-preferring species (retaining only the forest species for which the habitat fragments are islands), the strength of the species richness-area relationship increased. Moreover, the negative relationship between total species richness and forest area became positive, as predicted by the theory of island biogeography.

The removal of matrix species is expected to increase the strength of the relationship between species richness and patch size.


Maejima Tadaaki , known since 1950 as Haku Maki, established himself in the canon of Japanese printmakers by producing prints of modified Chinese characters (kanji) in brilliant, contrasting colors using an unusual embossing technique [1] . A small collection of his prints was gifted to the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) in 2013, and four of his works from the "Poem" series ( Fig. 1) were recently investigated to understand their state of preservation and to learn more about the materials of this innovative artist. This research considers issues of light in both appreciating and protecting these brightly colored artworks, while also demonstrating the application of light-based technologies for the analysis of art.

Maejima Tadaaki , known since 1950 as Haku Maki, established himself in the canon of Japanese printmakers by producing prints of modified Chinese characters (kanji) in brilliant, contrasting colors using an unusual embossing technique.


Of the 24 prints donated to the museum in 2013, a few were observed at the time of their accessioning into the collection to have patches of white efflorescence on their surface, most easily seen in the velvety black regions (see Fig. 1a ). These prints had been previously framed under glass, and it was thought that the white haze might be a fatty acid bloom arising from the printing ink's interaction with the storage environment [3, 4] . Although an investigation of the artworks' condition instigated the study of the prints discussed here, it was also desirable to learn more about Maki's choice of printing inks and paints as well as to assess the stability of these intensely luminous colorants to light prior to their exhibition.

These prints had been previously framed under glass, and it was thought that the white haze might be a fatty acid bloom arising from the printing ink's interaction with the storage environment.


The most important process in the thermalization era is the inelastic scattering process. This process results in the splitting of a high-energy particle, whose energy is larger than the temperature of the ambient plasma, into two high-energy particles. Here we assume m φ > T . A high-energy particle with an energy as large as the inflaton mass m φ splits into two particles whose typical energy is about the half of the initial one. Continuing this splitting process, the original high-energy particle splits into N particles with a typical energy of order m φ /N . This process continues until the energy drops to the temperature of the ambient plasma. This means that numerous high-energy particles are produced during the thermalization process from the decay of a single inflaton. The DM may be efficiently produced from those high-energy particles before they are completely thermalized [2] .

Here we assume m φ > T .

The DM may be efficiently produced from those high-energy particles before they are completely thermalized.


In the very early stage of reheating, the parametric resonance may take place [4] [5] [6] . There highenergy particles are produced non-perturbatively owing to the high occupation number of the inflaton. Particle production in this stage has been investigated in the literature [7] . However, typically, if the reheating proceeds via a very tiny coupling of the inflaton with radiation, e.g., Planck-suppressed operators, the resonance is soon shut off by the cosmic expansion. Afterwards, the reheating process is well described perturbatively. Even in this regime, there is a non-trivial way to create DM which we will investigate in this paper.

In the very early stage of reheating, the parametric resonance may take place.

Particle production in this stage has been investigated in the literature.


In practical applications with observational data, it is appropriate to model the errors i as random variables. Often it is assumed for simplicity that the errors are uncorrelated with zero mean (called white noise), but in actual fact the errors may have some correlation. This paper is mostly concerned with the latter situation. There are important applications in the geosciences, in particular, the estimation of the Earth's gravity field from satellite data [2] .

There are important applications in the geosciences, in particular, the estimation of the Earth's gravity field from satellite data.


The accuracy of the regularized solution f λ of (1.1) or (1.2) depends crucially on the choice of the regularization parameter λ. One of the most prominent methods for choosing the parameter is generalized cross-validation (GCV) due to Wahba [25] . GCV is known to have favorable asymptotic properties as n → ∞ for uncorrelated data [25, 3, 12, 13] .

One of the most prominent methods for choosing the parameter is generalized cross-validation (GCV) due to Wahba.

GCV is known to have favorable asymptotic properties as n → ∞ for uncorrelated data.


Although pain is among the most common of symptoms encountered by the hospital staff, it remains one of the most poorly treated. In a well-documented post-operative study, 32 percent of patients reported severe pain and 41 percent experienced moderate pain in the post-surgical period [1] . It is now apparent that with traditional as-required (PRN) dosing, a number of variables, including patient age, ASA status, site and extent of injury, and coping skills, must be accounted for in the algorithm of providing adequate analgesia. Most patients are either intentionally (fear of adverse drug effect, respiratory depression, addiction, and the like) or unintentionally (poor understanding of onset, minimal effective plasma concentra-351 tion, half-life of analgesic effect) undermedicated [2] . Many are prescribed analgesic dosages that are less than half of what is required to relieve pain adequately. In addition, nurses may further reduce dosage, leading to the patient's accurate perception that analgesics were not administered in a high enough dose or as frequently as was required [2, 3] . Some workers have shown that the amount of pain medication a patient receives is directly related to the number of nurses on duty [1, 2] . During the last decade, the medical community has become increasingly concerned over the significant morbidity associated with poorly controlled post-surgical pain. The importance of reducing emotional, hormonal, and neural stress responses associated with moderate to severe discomfort has emphasized the need for clinical specialists trained to formulate strategies that provide more uniform and effective levels of analgesia. The anesthesiologist, having a thorough understanding of opioid pharmacology, and skilled in regional forms of drug administration, is uniquely qualified for this role. Workers in this specialty have long recognized that there are more similarities than differences between numerous opioid derivatives, and that what was necessary for more effective pain management was the development of more appropriate methods of drug delivery [3] . In this regard, departments of anesthesiology have made significant contributions toward the clinical utilization of three new methods of pain control: namely, the "selective" analgesia provided by spinally acting opioids, the "demand" analgesia offered by patient-controlled administration of intravenous opioids, and interpleural catheter techniques utilizing local anesthetics.

In a well-documented post-operative study, 32 percent of patients reported severe pain and 41 percent experienced moderate pain in the post-surgical period.

Most patients are either intentionally (fear of adverse drug effect, respiratory depression, addiction, and the like) or unintentionally (poor understanding of onset, minimal effective plasma concentra-351 tion, half-life of analgesic effect) undermedicated.

In addition, nurses may further reduce dosage, leading to the patient's accurate perception that analgesics were not administered in a high enough dose or as frequently as was required.

Some workers have shown that the amount of pain medication a patient receives is directly related to the number of nurses on duty.

Workers in this specialty have long recognized that there are more similarities than differences between numerous opioid derivatives, and that what was necessary for more effective pain management was the development of more appropriate methods of drug delivery.


However, the three ways for calculating critical speed have advantages and disadvantages. The continuation method is undoubtedly rigorous but time-wasting. The other two ways are fast but existing problems, one of which may be overshooting the bifurcation point [4] . Moreover, decreasing speed is a necessary step in both the ramping and the third method, as we know; we must determine the speed which makes the periodical solution converge to the trivial one. That is another problem where we usually calculate the inaccurate critical speed especially for the supercritical Hopf bifurcation type.

The other two ways are fast but existing problems, one of which may be overshooting the bifurcation point.


A higher decrease of xanthophylls after the drying of grains was observed. When correlating it to the antioxidant properties of lutein, which helps fight the seed aging fighting free radicals and reactive oxygen species, leading to consequent reduction of this compound in the seed (Pinzino et al., 1999) . Thus, it is suggested that lutein is the main carotenoid acting as an antioxidant after the physiological maturation of the grain.

When correlating it to the antioxidant properties of lutein, which helps fight the seed aging fighting free radicals and reactive oxygen species, leading to consequent reduction of this compound in the seed.


Influence of the moisture at harvest and drying process of the grains on the level of carotenoids in maize (Zea mays) There are few reports quantifying the possible losses related to carotenoid pigments, despite factors such as oxygen, temperature and light, present in the harvest and in the drying of seeds and grains of maize (Burt et al., 2010; Moura et al., 2015) . More research is needed to recommend the best drying method for maize (Moura et al., 2015) . Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different levels of moisture in the harvest and of the type of drying on the concentration of the main carotenoids present in grains of yellow maize.

Influence of the moisture at harvest and drying process of the grains on the level of carotenoids in maize (Zea mays) There are few reports quantifying the possible losses related to carotenoid pigments, despite factors such as oxygen, temperature and light, present in the harvest and in the drying of seeds and grains of maize.

More research is needed to recommend the best drying method for maize.


In the evaluation of the effects of different types of drying, the greatest loss of carotenoids was observed in grains subjected to the drying in the sun. This result was expected, since carotenoids are highly susceptible to oxidative degradation and geometrical isomerization caused by light (Britton et al., 1995) . The degradation of all-trans-β-carotene during drying are *Results expressed on a dry basis, representing the median of three field repetitions analyzed in doubles + the standard deviation. Medians followed by the same lowercase letter (column) and the same capital letter (line) do not differ by the Tukey's test at 5% probability.

This result was expected, since carotenoids are highly susceptible to oxidative degradation and geometrical isomerization caused by light.


The main carotenoids found in the chromoplasts of maize endosperm are classified as xanthophylls (lutein, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin) and carotenes (β-carotene, α-carotene, and β-zeacarotene) (Janick-Buckner et al., 1999) . The xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin were major carotenoid species in maize milled fractions, accounting for 70% of total carotenoid content (Kean et al., 2008) . In the kernel most of the carotenoids are associated with endosperm tissue. Total carotenoid concentration in corn belt dent (CBD) germplasm ranges from 0.15 to 51.4 μg g -1 dry weight (DW), with β-carotene ranging from 0.07 to 7.64 μg g -1 DW, β-cryptoxanthin from 0.07 to 4.9 μg g -1 DW, lutein from 0.00 to 27.59 μg g -1 DW, and zeaxanthin from 0.01 to 30.7 μg g -1 DW (Kurilich & Juvik, 1999; Egesel et al., 2003) . The distribution of carotenoids in the grain of dry dent corn is 74% to 86% in the vitreous endosperm, 9% to 23% in the farinaceous endosperm, 2% to 4% in the germ and 1% in the pericarp (Blessin et al., 1963) .

The main carotenoids found in the chromoplasts of maize endosperm are classified as xanthophylls (lutein, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin) and carotenes (β-carotene, α-carotene, and β-zeacarotene).

The xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin were major carotenoid species in maize milled fractions, accounting for 70% of total carotenoid content.

Total carotenoid concentration in corn belt dent (CBD) germplasm ranges from 0.15 to 51.4 μg g -1 dry weight (DW), with β-carotene ranging from 0.07 to 7.64 μg g -1 DW, β-cryptoxanthin from 0.07 to 4.9 μg g -1 DW, lutein from 0.00 to 27.59 μg g -1 DW, and zeaxanthin from 0.01 to 30.7 μg g -1 DW.

The distribution of carotenoids in the grain of dry dent corn is 74% to 86% in the vitreous endosperm, 9% to 23% in the farinaceous endosperm, 2% to 4% in the germ and 1% in the pericarp.


We have presented a set of improvements to our English Switchboard system that lowered the error rate substantially compared to our previous best result [13] . In decreasing order of importance these are: rescoring with strong language models trained on diverse data sources; joint training of an RNN and a CNN with 32000 outputs on 2000 hours of audio and maxout networks with annealed dropout. We expect additional accuracy gains by training the maxout nets and larger CNNs with a 512/512 filter configuration on all the data.

We have presented a set of improvements to our English Switchboard system that lowered the error rate substantially compared to our previous best result.


Extensive research is presently being carried out to develop compact antennas for multiband wireless systems like smart phones [1] . Nowadays the wireless communications market has expanded to include smart phones, Wi-Fi, tablets, and Global Position System (GPS) receivers [2À4] . Originally mobile handsets employed monopole antennas that had omnidirectional radiation patterns with horizontal polarisation. Such linear polarisation antennas can cause severe limitations for practical applications. Hence, these antennas were replaced with the next generation of helical antennas that offered wide bandwidth and circular polarisation. As the efficiency of the antennas is an important factor, especially for cell phone applications, this necessitates the length of the helical antenna to be approximately one-quarter wavelength [1À4] .

Extensive research is presently being carried out to develop compact antennas for multiband wireless systems like smart phones.


Countries with well-developed networks of HSR have seen various types of economic impact. Many have experienced the strengthening of their large, globally active city centers and business hubs as transportation between major cities has become simplified and faster [2] . Many of the dense cities in Europe and Asia were experiencing strong air pollution and traffic congestion issues. High speed rail reduces both of these issues with lower emissions and an attractive and often faster mode of transportation to travelers and workers [2] . Rail networks are not only linking major cities in European countries, but those in other countries as well as the network grows to span across the region. In this article, the various technologies and economic impacts will be reviewed and compared to examine how HSR is changing the global transportation scene. Figure 1 on the next page shows the HSR network in Asia. Japan debuted the first high speed rail system in 1964 with speeds of about 210 km/h [1] . Compared to other modern systems, this speed would be considered somewhat modest for current technology, but it held the top spot in the World Speed Survey until 1981 [3] . Also, it sparked an interest for nations around the world in the consideration of long distance travel. The Shinkansen tracks of Japan have grown to stretch fourteen hundred miles with speeds slightly under 325 km/h. The electric trains contain powered axles beneath the train, whereas other countries implemented locomotive-powered, fast trains [1] . Lightweight designs and low maintenance are strong advantages to the Shinkansen technology. Also used in Shinkansen designs is distributed traction, which increases payload space, powers more axels for better adhesion, and regenerative breaking systems that turns slowing down into an energy source [3] .

Many have experienced the strengthening of their large, globally active city centers and business hubs as transportation between major cities has become simplified and faster.

High speed rail reduces both of these issues with lower emissions and an attractive and often faster mode of transportation to travelers and workers.

Japan debuted the first high speed rail system in 1964 with speeds of about 210 km/h.

Compared to other modern systems, this speed would be considered somewhat modest for current technology, but it held the top spot in the World Speed Survey until 1981.

The electric trains contain powered axles beneath the train, whereas other countries implemented locomotive-powered, fast trains.

Also used in Shinkansen designs is distributed traction, which increases payload space, powers more axels for better adhesion, and regenerative breaking systems that turns slowing down into an energy source.


Recently, neural networks controller has been developed and applied in several flight control applications [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] . The development of neural networks as a control system is driven by a requirement of using an adaptive controller when a specified plant is contained within uncertain conditions, without the need for tuning offline. Nowadays a more efficient algorithm has been developed based on the identification of nonlinear system using a multilayer feedforward neural network with backpropagation learning and its variations. Neural networks are able to identify and control the dynamic so that it was chosen for modelling the non-linear systems using multi-layer neural network approximation. A direct inverse control (DIC) technique using a neural networks architecture is chosen as the controller in this paper because of its simplicity to implement within the constraints of the flight control computer software, easy to be optimized optimization the control, including when This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which permits distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Recently, neural networks controller has been developed and applied in several flight control applications.


Let z be a coordinate on L which is 0 and ∞ at J and γ(J) respectively, and in which the antipodal map is γ(z) = −z −1 . This choice of coordinate is unique up to rotations. The domain of τ is now a neighbourhood U ⊂ C of the origin. The function φ : U → C 2 also has the property that φ ′ (0) and Given such a pair (τ, φ) the corresponding twistor space can be explicitly reconstructed; hence (τ, φ) completely determines the twistor space-and so the anti-self-dual metric-and all such pairs arise. Taking into account the rotational freedom in the choice of coordinate z gives the following result. Let S denote the set of germs, taken at generic points, of toric anti-self-dual conformal classes, modulo conformal equivalence; let T denote the set of all pairs (τ, φ) as described above, modulo the action of S 1 by rotation. Theorem 2.3 (Donaldson-Fine, [7] ). The sets S and T are in natural oneto-one correspondence.

Theorem 2.3 (Donaldson-Fine,).


In these analyses (Tables 3 and 4) , after adjusting for deprivation, social class and ethnicity, a higher supply of GPs was associated with lower mortality, lower hospital utilisation and lower rates of teenage conceptions as reported previously [8] . The socio-demographic characteristics of the populations registered with practices were strongly associated with each of the population health measures. Health authorities with a high proportion of rural patients registered with their practices had more favourable values for each of the measures of population health or health service utilisation. The proportion of registered patients aged 75 years or over, was associated generally with lower values for the health indicators although conventional levels of statistical significance were not reached for mortality from acute myocardial infarction or hospital admissions for chronic conditions. Note that each of the population health measures was either standardised or stratified for age. When the association of GP supply and all cause mortality SMR was adjusted for percent of rural patients and percent of registered patients ≥ 75 years, as well as Townsend score, social class and ethnicity, the coefficient was reduced to -3.7 (-7.2 to -0.2, P = 0.036).

In these analyses (Tables 3 and 4) , after adjusting for deprivation, social class and ethnicity, a higher supply of GPs was associated with lower mortality, lower hospital utilisation and lower rates of teenage conceptions as reported previously.


In microreactors, the thickness of the solid walls can be comparable to the height of microchannels. The walls of microchannels have shown to have non-negligible impact on the thermal performances of the system [15, 16] . Recently, a number of studies have examined the effects of walls on the thermal performance of chemically inert microchannels [17, 18] . Extension of these to microreactors has been slow and only the most recent studies considered thick-wall microreactors [15, 16] . It has been shown that the effects of walls' thickness can be on various thermochemical specifications of the system, from temperature distribution and Nusselt number to concentration of the species [19] . Yet, addition of radiative effects to the conductive and convective modes of heat transfer in microreactors has remained as a totally unresolved issue.

The walls of microchannels have shown to have non-negligible impact on the thermal performances of the system.

Recently, a number of studies have examined the effects of walls on the thermal performance of chemically inert microchannels.

Extension of these to microreactors has been slow and only the most recent studies considered thick-wall microreactors.

It has been shown that the effects of walls' thickness can be on various thermochemical specifications of the system, from temperature distribution and Nusselt number to concentration of the species.


Landscape ecological risk assessment is useful in representing landscape ecological security, which is a critical domain of landscape sustainability [50] [51] [52] . In the assessment process of this study, the higher landscape ecological risk means the more vulnerability and disturbance on the important landscape units relate to less benefit in the future. The result with high risk may suffer more damages in the future which threatens the sustainability of the landscape. Finally, a zoning to identify the spatial risk should be useful to prevent risks and support a sustainable landscape planning. In the former landscape ecological risk assessment studies, ecological disturbance and vulnerability have attracted much attention [53] . However, the concern for ecological importance is less than those two domains. In the study, on one hand, fragmentation of landscape has been introduced to modify the ecosystem services in the assessment of ecological importance, which is an improvement in the evaluation; on the other hand, the uncertainty of risk was often ignored in the former assessment, and the sensitivity analysis in this study may be a novelty in regional ecological risk study.

Landscape ecological risk assessment is useful in representing landscape ecological security, which is a critical domain of landscape sustainability.

In the former landscape ecological risk assessment studies, ecological disturbance and vulnerability have attracted much attention.


In spite of the above significant advances in DUEA, most of above results aim at dealing with single disturbance or uncertainty [2, 29] . However, in most practical engineering problems, the sources of disturbances and uncertainties are naturally multiple, and those multiple disturbances may exhibit distinct features and should be represented by different models and signals [2] . Taking the speed regulation problem of a permanent magnetic synchronous motor as an example, the unknown load torque would be a constant or bounded time-varying variable, the dead zone of inverter may cause harmonic speed ripple with unknown amplitude and frequency, and the inertial of moment could cause nonlinear uncertainties of the dynamics [24, 25] . Clearly, those unknown uncertain factors have different features, and the existing DUEA approaches developed for a single disturbance is not capable of achieving higher control performances in the presence of multiple distinct disturbances and uncertainties [27] .

In spite of the above significant advances in DUEA, most of above results aim at dealing with single disturbance or uncertainty.

However, in most practical engineering problems, the sources of disturbances and uncertainties are naturally multiple, and those multiple disturbances may exhibit distinct features and should be represented by different models and signals.

Taking the speed regulation problem of a permanent magnetic synchronous motor as an example, the unknown load torque would be a constant or bounded time-varying variable, the dead zone of inverter may cause harmonic speed ripple with unknown amplitude and frequency, and the inertial of moment could cause nonlinear uncertainties of the dynamics.

Clearly, those unknown uncertain factors have different features, and the existing DUEA approaches developed for a single disturbance is not capable of achieving higher control performances in the presence of multiple distinct disturbances and uncertainties.


Soybean, in symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium, has the ability to fix nitrogen at a rate of up to 300 kg N ha -1 under favorable conditions (Smith and Hume, 1987) . Optimizing this symbiosis can both increase yields and improve soil fertility, thus reducing the costs and environmental impacts caused by nitrogen fertilizer application (Peoples et al., 2009; Canfield et al., 2010) . Therefore, increasing the use of legume crops and identifying important factors related to nodulation are needed to reduce the use of nitrogenous fertilizers and improve the sustainability of agriculture (Peoples et al., 2009; Canfield et al., 2010; Jensen et al., 2012) . Selection of an efficient strain is considered to be one of the major factors affecting symbiotic N fixation.

Soybean, in symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium, has the ability to fix nitrogen at a rate of up to 300 kg N ha -1 under favorable conditions.

Optimizing this symbiosis can both increase yields and improve soil fertility, thus reducing the costs and environmental impacts caused by nitrogen fertilizer application.

Therefore, increasing the use of legume crops and identifying important factors related to nodulation are needed to reduce the use of nitrogenous fertilizers and improve the sustainability of agriculture.


Milk yield varied significantly by 2.26 l during the lactation. Milk fat concentration was lowest when the milk yield was at the highest in April (Table 3 ). This can be attributed to the dilution effect due to the greater amount of milk produced in April (LOCK & GARNSWORTHY 2003) . A similar explanation can also put forward for observed changes in milk solids-non-fat, lactose and protein yields.

This can be attributed to the dilution effect due to the greater amount of milk produced in April.


It is concluded from this work that carbendazim may induce oxidative stress and result in hepatotoxicity in albino rats. G. biloba extract EGb 761 was found to scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species, inhibit lipid peroxidation and lower malondialdehyde levels [41] . Thus, EGb 761 may remove free radicals and protect hepatic cells against oxidative stress induced by carbendazim.

G. biloba extract EGb 761 was found to scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species, inhibit lipid peroxidation and lower malondialdehyde levels.


The concept of electrifying auxiliary systems on-board an aircraft that were previously powered through mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic means is known as the more electric aircraft (MEA) concept. Some of the key benefits of the MEA concept include improving fuel efficiency and reducing the maintenance costs [1] . As a result of this technology change, a number of new electrical power system architectures are being developed including AC and DC sub-systems which require a range of power electronic converters to form the interconnections [1, 2] .

Some of the key benefits of the MEA concept include improving fuel efficiency and reducing the maintenance costs.

As a result of this technology change, a number of new electrical power system architectures are being developed including AC and DC sub-systems which require a range of power electronic converters to form the interconnections.


DC-AC converters are likely to perform many of the power conversion functions in a MEA power system, such as engine starting and active rectification functions in the generator converters, control of high speed pumps and flight control actuators, and synthesizing an AC electrical system for the hotel and auxiliary loads. Therefore there is a growing need for high efficiency DC-AC converters capable of operating at powers in the kWs range and at fundamental frequencies of 400 Hz and above [1, 2] . High efficiency is essential to minimize the size of the converter and reduce fuel burn.

Therefore there is a growing need for high efficiency DC-AC converters capable of operating at powers in the kWs range and at fundamental frequencies of 400 Hz and above.


The three-level T-Type converter (3LTTC) and the three-level neutral point clamped converter (3LNPCC) have been reported to offer efficiency gains of 1-2% over the two-level converter (2LC) with Si devices [4] . Therefore this paper seeks to examine the performance of the 2LC, 3LNPCC and the 3LTTC when using SiC technology for typical MEA applications. Initially, analytical equations to estimate the semiconductor losses in the converters are described. Then based on the loss equations, converters are analysed at a range of power levels and switching frequencies that would be required on-board an aircraft. The analysis is first performed for converters with Si devices and then with SiC devices and finally combinations of Si and SiC devices. Figure 1 shows the converter legs of the topologies considered in this study. The complete converters will have three legs for a three phase converter and a greater number for multiphase systems.

The three-level T-Type converter (3LTTC) and the three-level neutral point clamped converter (3LNPCC) have been reported to offer efficiency gains of 1-2% over the two-level converter (2LC) with Si devices.


NiO-YSZ and NiO-SDC) have been the dominant SOFCs anodes for some fifty years [6] . The typical NiO-YSZ anode with excellent catalytic properties and good electrical conductivity is deactivated during operation because of its sensitivity to carbon build-up from in complete oxidation of methane, which can be improved through the substitute of ceria-based oxidation catalysts (e.g. SDC) [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] . Recently, some new microstructure for NiO-SDC anodes were investigated as alternative anode materials for direct use with methane fuels, such as surface modification of NiO-SDC anode by impregnation [9] [10] [11] . This results have indicated that the adjustment of NiO-SDC anodes are very effective in suppressing catalytic carbon formation by blocking methane from approaching the nickel, which is catalytically active towards methane pyrolysis [13] [14] [15] [16] .

NiO-YSZ and NiO-SDC) have been the dominant SOFCs anodes for some fifty years.

The typical NiO-YSZ anode with excellent catalytic properties and good electrical conductivity is deactivated during operation because of its sensitivity to carbon build-up from in complete oxidation of methane, which can be improved through the substitute of ceria-based oxidation catalysts (e.g. SDC).

Recently, some new microstructure for NiO-SDC anodes were investigated as alternative anode materials for direct use with methane fuels, such as surface modification of NiO-SDC anode by impregnation.

This results have indicated that the adjustment of NiO-SDC anodes are very effective in suppressing catalytic carbon formation by blocking methane from approaching the nickel, which is catalytically active towards methane pyrolysis.


The development of alternative chemical approaches toward composite NiO-SDC materials, where the molecular for each phase are incorporated in a single step, may prove to be successful in not only creating a homogeneous composite material, but also creating a nanostructure [25] . The use of the direct hydrocarbon fuels can lower their operation costs by eliminating the need for an additional external reforming process. In addition, such commercial natural gas can be more safely stored and more readily available than hydrogen, which can also reduce the operation costs of SOFCs and enhance the overall system efficiency. The codoping strategy functioned in a cooperative way was adopted to improve the ionic conductivity of doped ceria and the ability to resist deactivation by carbon coking, which appears linked to the collaborative mechanism of the rare earth elements for methane cracking and reforming [17] . In Yoon's report, a new microstructure for NiO-SDC anodes with the improved performance, in which the nickel surface of the anode is covered with a porous SDC thin film, was fabricated by traditional impregnation process and employed as an alternative to conventional NiO-electrolyte composite anodes [18] .

The development of alternative chemical approaches toward composite NiO-SDC materials, where the molecular for each phase are incorporated in a single step, may prove to be successful in not only creating a homogeneous composite material, but also creating a nanostructure.

The codoping strategy functioned in a cooperative way was adopted to improve the ionic conductivity of doped ceria and the ability to resist deactivation by carbon coking, which appears linked to the collaborative mechanism of the rare earth elements for methane cracking and reforming.

In Yoon's report, a new microstructure for NiO-SDC anodes with the improved performance, in which the nickel surface of the anode is covered with a porous SDC thin film, was fabricated by traditional impregnation process and employed as an alternative to conventional NiO-electrolyte composite anodes.


The anodic microstructure depends mainly on the characteristics of the starting powders, which is relevant to the synthesis route [17, 18] . It is difficult to achieve an uniform distribution of NiO and SDC particles with conventional mechanical mixing methods [19] . To achieve high-performance SOFC, researchers have lengthened the triple phase boundary (TPB) and redesigned the microstructure of the anodes [20] .

The anodic microstructure depends mainly on the characteristics of the starting powders, which is relevant to the synthesis route.

It is difficult to achieve an uniform distribution of NiO and SDC particles with conventional mechanical mixing methods.

To achieve high-performance SOFC, researchers have lengthened the triple phase boundary (TPB) and redesigned the microstructure of the anodes.


In conclusion, while online surveying is far from a panacea and is plagued by numerous pitfalls that can lead to potentially disastrous results, there is clearly an appropriate and legitimate role for online surveys in human dimensions studies. Results do not always produce data that is "worse than no data" (Duda & Nobile, 2010) . This study, along with the growing number of surveys using various online protocols and combinations of approaches, demonstrates that valid results are possible when using an appropriate sampling design and quality control procedures for implementation.

Results do not always produce data that is "worse than no data".


Non-response bias is one of the greatest threats to validity in any survey, and is becoming increasingly important as response rates to all types of surveys have shown a declining trend (Connelly, Brown, & Decker, 2003; Cook, Heath, & Thompson, 2000; Tuckel & O'Neill, 2002) . Unfortunately, little is known about non-response bias in Web-based surveys (Couper, 2000) . In many cases (especially open-access surveys posted on websites), response rates to online surveys cannot be determined, much less assessed for their impact on sample validity. When they can be determined, response rates to online surveys are generally lower than those of mail and telephone surveys (Lozar Manfreda, Bosnjak, Haas, & Vehovar, 2008; Miller & Rogers, 2010; Shih & Fan, 2008) . One reason for this is that surveys embedded in e-mails may be "filtered out" or, if received, ignored or quickly deleted by disinterested recipients (Duda & Nobile, 2010) .

Non-response bias is one of the greatest threats to validity in any survey, and is becoming increasingly important as response rates to all types of surveys have shown a declining trend.

Unfortunately, little is known about non-response bias in Web-based surveys.

When they can be determined, response rates to online surveys are generally lower than those of mail and telephone surveys.

One reason for this is that surveys embedded in e-mails may be "filtered out" or, if received, ignored or quickly deleted by disinterested recipients.


Both survey mode and demographic variables were much more strongly related to recreation activity participation than they were to conservation attitudes and funding priorities. These findings are generally consistent with existing understanding of demographic differences in outdoor activity participation. Rates of participation in most outdoor recreation activities decline with age and increase with higher levels of education and income. These differences were much greater and more consistent for the non-wildlife-related activities. Given that online respondents were more likely to participate in many outdoor activities, conducting this type of survey online (or offering an online option as in the case of this study) may exacerbate the non-response biases inherent in other survey methods, such as the tendency for those more interested in the topic to complete the survey (Duda & Nobile, 2010) . In this study, non-response bias was a factor in both the mail and online protocols and was possibly greater for the Internet respondents as a result of their lower ages and corresponding more active outdoor recreation lifestyles.

Given that online respondents were more likely to participate in many outdoor activities, conducting this type of survey online (or offering an online option as in the case of this study) may exacerbate the non-response biases inherent in other survey methods, such as the tendency for those more interested in the topic to complete the survey.


A relevant number of risk factors have been associated to the development of bladder cancer, such as occupational exposure to aromatic amines and to organic chemical substances in various professional activities. However, smoking is one of the most important risk factors, responsible for over 33% of the cases of bladder cancer [20] [21] . Furthermore, the cancers may possibly originate from the CSCs, and, hypothetically, the latter are responsible for the occurrence of metastasis and tumor relapse after an initial treatment, as well as for the invasive characteristics of the tumors determined by the stem cell ability to interact with the stroma [22] . The recent identification of cancer stem cells in the bladder as mediators of resistance to conventional therapies make these cells candidates to biological target therapies [1] .

However, smoking is one of the most important risk factors, responsible for over 33% of the cases of bladder cancer.

Furthermore, the cancers may possibly originate from the CSCs, and, hypothetically, the latter are responsible for the occurrence of metastasis and tumor relapse after an initial treatment, as well as for the invasive characteristics of the tumors determined by the stem cell ability to interact with the stroma.

The recent identification of cancer stem cells in the bladder as mediators of resistance to conventional therapies make these cells candidates to biological target therapies.


MCMAS is released as GNU GPL open-source software and is currently used in a number of projects worldwide [21, 28, 29, 44] . Several extensions are currently being developed by various groups. Many of these extensions already have in-house prototypes featuring, for example, abstraction, symmetry detection, and combinations with bounded model checking. This paper does not address these new features but instead focuses on the core, underlying technology of the MCMAS checker.

MCMAS is released as GNU GPL open-source software and is currently used in a number of projects worldwide.


Redundancy is a classical approach to provide safety in different systems. It is efficient to tolerate physical faults. On the other hand, redundancy without diversity is inefficient against design faults which can be exploited by an attacker to compromise the whole system. In a redundant system, it is necessary to diversify at least some components to detect or tolerate intrusions. Two articles advocate the use of redundancy and diversity in the security field [11, 17] .

Two articles advocate the use of redundancy and diversity in the security field.


Our results suggest that the successful overland dispersal of byssally attached dreissenid mussels exposed to air for a short period of time (days) is highly probable. We found that large D. polymorpha (length >20 mm) may survive 5 days in still air in environmental conditions typical of an early temperate summer (20°C, 50% RH). This compares favourably with reports of D. polymorpha surviving 3-4 days emersion in natural (and variable) conditions (Griffiths et al. 1991; Wisniewski 1992) . Mussels may survive 10-15 days out of water in the cool, humid conditions (10°C, 95% RH) that often occur in late autumn or early spring (Table 2) .

This compares favourably with reports of D. polymorpha surviving 3-4 days emersion in natural (and variable) conditions.


When an intense laser beam propagates within medium with nonlinear refractive index, a spatial phase shift is induced on laser beam by this medium. As a result of this phase shift, a diffraction pattern will appear on the screen behind the sample. This phenomenon is called spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) and normally happens for laser with no uniform spatial intensity profile like Gaussian beam [8] - [11] . The obtained diffraction patterns are related to the nonlinear refractive index of samples and can be used to obtain nonlinear refractive index of the samples. In this paper, we present the investigation of SSPM from the palm oil/Ag-NPs.

This phenomenon is called spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) and normally happens for laser with no uniform spatial intensity profile like Gaussian beam.


Moreover, the induced phase-shift can also be positive or negative corresponding to this fact that the nonlinear medium acts as a self-focusing or self-defocusing material, respectively. The emerged patterns of the samples as shown in Figure 4 (a)-(d) are thick diffraction ring pattern with a central dark spot and a relatively large distribution range. This is attributed to this fact that the sign of phase shift is negative and consequently palm oil/Ag-NPs act as a self-defocusing material. It can be observed from the numerical and practical results depicted in Figure 4 , the nonlinear phase-shift ∆φ 0 increases linearly with the number of bright diffraction rings (N) around the dark spot increment such that |∆φ o | = 2πN [12] . On the other hand, nonlinear refractive index also increases proportional to the induced phase shift according to equation 5 and thereby the nonlinear refractive index of the applied sample can be calculated as reported in Table 1 . The presence of the large number of rings in the detected diffraction patterns which arises from the induced phase shift indicates a remarkable value of the nonlinear refractive index of the palm oil/Ag-NPs.

It can be observed from the numerical and practical results depicted in Figure 4 , the nonlinear phase-shift ∆φ 0 increases linearly with the number of bright diffraction rings (N) around the dark spot increment such that |∆φ o | = 2πN.


Surgery induces stress and metabolic responses manifested in postoperative insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia and increased metabolism. Preoperative fasting reduces systemic reserves of glucose and enhances postoperative insulin resistance. Preoperative supply of carbohydrates reduces insulin resistance and exerts beneficial effects on metabolism of proteins [17] . We assessed the effects of the ready-to-use carbohydrate solution on metabolism of carbohydrates in children. Serum concentrations of glucose in both study groups did not show significant differences either before or after surgery. The concentration of insulin before surgery in the group receiving carbohydrates revealed a decreasing tend. Similar results have been found in patients qualified for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy who received oral solutions of carbohydrates [18] . Likewise, meta-analyses evaluating the effects of such a policy in adults showed decreases in insulin concentrations before surgery [19, 20] . This fact results from higher tissue sensitivity to insulin in patients receiving preoperative carbohydrates, as the supply of carbohydrates has been demonstrated to increase insulin sensitivity by about 50%, to reduce nitrogen losses with urine and to decrease degradation of organ proteins [17] .

Preoperative supply of carbohydrates reduces insulin resistance and exerts beneficial effects on metabolism of proteins.

Similar results have been found in patients qualified for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy who received oral solutions of carbohydrates.

Likewise, meta-analyses evaluating the effects of such a policy in adults showed decreases in insulin concentrations before surgery.

This fact results from higher tissue sensitivity to insulin in patients receiving preoperative carbohydrates, as the supply of carbohydrates has been demonstrated to increase insulin sensitivity by about 50%, to reduce nitrogen losses with urine and to decrease degradation of organ proteins.


Protection coatings applied to wood surfaces vary in their performance in outdoor situations. Among the weathering factors that may affect wood and coatings, solar radiation and water are considered very important (Chang et al. 1982) . The performance of opaque or pigmented coatings is superior to that of clear coatings (Cassens & Feist 1991) .

Among the weathering factors that may affect wood and coatings, solar radiation and water are considered very important.

The performance of opaque or pigmented coatings is superior to that of clear coatings.


Hence, there is clearly a need to study the issue of adoption of ATM Nigerian context, especially from the perspective of information science. This is because the diffusion of the innovation of automatic teller machines can be specifically perceived through the attitudes and actions of users. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), used in this study, attempted to examine the factors that influenced an individual to adopt an innovation. The theory proposed five focal beliefs or constructs that influence the adoption of any innovation. These are relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, trialability, and observability. Relative advantage indicates the usefulness of an innovation; compatibility is the degree to which an innovation is perceived as consistent with existing values, past experiences, and the needs of the potential adopter; complexity is the degree to which an innovation is perceived as relatively difficult to understand and use; trialability is trying out or testing an innovation so that it makes meaning to the adopter; and observability is the degree to which the results of an innovation are visible to others (Rogers, 1995) . The essence of the use of these constructs is to empirically test part of DOI's attributes with a view to exploring factors that brought about the adoption of the innovation (automatic teller machines). An innovation in this study is taken to mean an idea, practice, or object that is perceived to be new by a person or adopting entity.

Relative advantage indicates the usefulness of an innovation; compatibility is the degree to which an innovation is perceived as consistent with existing values, past experiences, and the needs of the potential adopter; complexity is the degree to which an innovation is perceived as relatively difficult to understand and use; trialability is trying out or testing an innovation so that it makes meaning to the adopter; and observability is the degree to which the results of an innovation are visible to others.


Findings on the Observability construct showed that the observations made by the respondents effectively convinced them to use ATMs which corroborate the theoretical underpinnings of the social learning theory that people learn from others by observing them (Rogers, 2003) . Influence was apparently a factor for using ATM probably because users are likely to encourage others to do the same (Weiss, 1969; Shao, 2007) . Another construct that influenced attitude supported in this study is trialability. Thus, potential ATM adopters will be more inclined to use it if they can try it out first. The Trialability construct only loaded into one factor. It showed that ATMs were tested or tried out usually before steady usage. Trying out ATM before conscious adoption and eventual use was more likely to inspire confidence in using it. This was significant because ATMs were located in public places, and a user might not want to appear in public as a novice while using it. Studies have shown that most people will not adopt an innovation without first personally testing it to see if it could fit into their needs and desires (Rogers, 1995) .

Findings on the Observability construct showed that the observations made by the respondents effectively convinced them to use ATMs which corroborate the theoretical underpinnings of the social learning theory that people learn from others by observing them.

Influence was apparently a factor for using ATM probably because users are likely to encourage others to do the same.

Studies have shown that most people will not adopt an innovation without first personally testing it to see if it could fit into their needs and desires.


As mentioned in the Introduction, Trace and Shortlist diverge much more clearly in their predictions for medial mismatches than for initial mismatches. For Shortlist, the presence of word-internal mismatching information in the signal produces bottom-up inhibition that strongly deactivates the lexical target. In contrast, since the target word no longer has any lexical competitors when the mismatching information is received, Trace predicts no difference between the activation curves for word and nonword conditions due to lateral inhibition. The predictions of the two models were con rmed by pilot simulations (Frauenfelder & Content, 2000) . The activation curves produced by Shortlist decreased dramatically at the moment when the mismatching phoneme is received and remained only weakly activated for the remaining input. It is important to note that unlike the quantitative differences in models' predictions for Experiment 1, the predictions here are qualitatively different and result from explicit architectural choices on activation ow.

The predictions of the two models were con rmed by pilot simulations.


Two observations can be made about the results for the full activation condition. First, our nding of an increasing lexical effect with later target positions in this condition replicates a well-established result in the literature (Frauenfelder et al., 1990; Marslen-Wilson, 1984; Pitt & Samuel, 1995) . As more bottom-up input supporting the target bearing word arrives, even after the uniqueness point, the target's activation level continues to increase. Second, the decrease in the detection latencies observed in the baseline nonword condition for the nal target position might appear to be somewhat surprising. One might expect that since the lexicon does not contribute to the detection responses for these items, the latencies should be constant across target position. However, it is important to note that the two target positions are not identical from a bottom-up perspective. In particular, there is no following acoustic information to mask the target in item nal position, and therefore the detection process is quicker. This nding of faster RTs to item nal targets is, in fact, rather consistently observed (Frauenfelder et al., 1990; Pitt & Samuel, 1995) .

First, our nding of an increasing lexical effect with later target positions in this condition replicates a well-established result in the literature.

This nding of faster RTs to item nal targets is, in fact, rather consistently observed.


Interference effects arising in the photoionization of molecular hydrogen are now well understood from a theoretical point of view [10] [11] [12] [13] . In particular, it has been realized that double-slit interferences are strongly affected by the vibrational motion of the nuclei. This aspect offers the opportunity for solving in an elegant and consistent way the problem of the rapid decrease of the cross section with the energy when, instead of the molecular-frame photoelectron angular distribution, only integral photoelectron cross sections are measured, i.e. by monitoring the ratios between vibrationally resolved photoelectron cross sections, as opposed to the unresolved total cross section itself. This is so because partial cross sections are subject to a comparable decrease with the photon energy, but are unequally affected by the two-center interferences. High-resolution third-generation synchrotron facilities have made it possible to resolve the photoelectron peaks corresponding to different vibrational states of the parent ion, thus demonstrating unambiguously and conclusively the original Cohen-Fano prediction [14] .

Interference effects arising in the photoionization of molecular hydrogen are now well understood from a theoretical point of view.

High-resolution third-generation synchrotron facilities have made it possible to resolve the photoelectron peaks corresponding to different vibrational states of the parent ion, thus demonstrating unambiguously and conclusively the original Cohen-Fano prediction.


An unambiguous determination of double-slit interference was eventually accomplished by studying double ionization of H 2 with synchrotron radiation in association with a COLTRIMS detection [7, 8] . In these latter experiments, the molecule is stripped of both electrons and all the charged fragments are detected in coincidence, thus making it possible to reconstruct the angular distribution of the two electrons in the molecular frame. At extreme unequal energy sharing the fast electron displays interference fringes in agreement with the predictions of a modified Cohen-Fano model that accounts for the interaction of the photoelectron with the two bare nuclear charges [9] .

An unambiguous determination of double-slit interference was eventually accomplished by studying double ionization of H 2 with synchrotron radiation in association with a COLTRIMS detection.

At extreme unequal energy sharing the fast electron displays interference fringes in agreement with the predictions of a modified Cohen-Fano model that accounts for the interaction of the photoelectron with the two bare nuclear charges.


Note that the main part of our argument, presented in section 4, does not make use of the colour structure of the hard scattering subprocesses and is valid for the production of colourless particles as well as coloured ones. However, other parts of the factorisation proof, in particular the discussion of the Glauber region, are more complicated if coloured particles are produced. We recall that for this reason TMD factorisation has only been established for the production of colourless particles, even in SPS [18, 27] .

We recall that for this reason TMD factorisation has only been established for the production of colourless particles, even in SPS.


The first approach toward PPy nanoparticles was reported by Bjorklund and Liedberg, who polymerized pyrrole in water in the presence of methyl cellulose. Particles of 100 nm to 200 nm size were observed in films spread from the reaction mixture [4] . Arms and Vincent prepared colloidally stable dispersions of PPy nanoparticles by aqueous dispersion polymerization in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizer [5] . PPy spherical nanoparticle dispersions have been prepared by a dispersion or microemulsion polymerization [6, 7] . One of the motivations of these studies was the desire to overcome the difficult processing of conjugated polymers, most of which are insoluble unless substituted with appropriate side chains.

Particles of 100 nm to 200 nm size were observed in films spread from the reaction mixture.

Arms and Vincent prepared colloidally stable dispersions of PPy nanoparticles by aqueous dispersion polymerization in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizer.

PPy spherical nanoparticle dispersions have been prepared by a dispersion or microemulsion polymerization.


The demand for new technologies that require high performance materials has driven materials research towards the development of novel functional nanoscaled materials with superior properties. Conducting polymers are a promising class of materials that possess unique properties that allow them to be used in a wide variety of applications [1] . The conductive properties of polyacetylene resulted in the 2000 Nobel Prize in chemistry and various analogues of it have been investigated throughout the years including polyphenylene, polyaniline, polythiophene, and polypyrrole [2] . PPy, one of the most prominent types of conjugated polymers, is a promising conducting polymer in electronics and biological and medical areas due to its straightforward polymerization, environmental stability, and high electrical conductivity that can be controlled by changing the doping degree [3] . But the poor processability and inadequate mechanical properties limit its commercial applications. In order to overcome these problems, several processing methods have been studied.

Conducting polymers are a promising class of materials that possess unique properties that allow them to be used in a wide variety of applications.

The conductive properties of polyacetylene resulted in the 2000 Nobel Prize in chemistry and various analogues of it have been investigated throughout the years including polyphenylene, polyaniline, polythiophene, and polypyrrole.

PPy, one of the most prominent types of conjugated polymers, is a promising conducting polymer in electronics and biological and medical areas due to its straightforward polymerization, environmental stability, and high electrical conductivity that can be controlled by changing the doping degree.


Another material having high specific area is T-CNs, mainly composed of nanocrystals. Tunicate cellulose (TC) exhibits an ultrafine fibrous network, highly crystalline structure and aspect ratio, purity monoclinic cellulose I allomorph, low density, and remarkable mechanical strength [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] . Although TC is not a starting material for the textile industry, it is a versatile biopolymer with a wide range of properties that can be used for several innovative applications, including biomedical devices and scaffolds for tissue engineering [28] . Due to the presence of some amorphous regions, T-CNs may have better film-forming properties when compared to Cladophora [29] .

Tunicate cellulose (TC) exhibits an ultrafine fibrous network, highly crystalline structure and aspect ratio, purity monoclinic cellulose I allomorph, low density, and remarkable mechanical strength.

Although TC is not a starting material for the textile industry, it is a versatile biopolymer with a wide range of properties that can be used for several innovative applications, including biomedical devices and scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Due to the presence of some amorphous regions, T-CNs may have better film-forming properties when compared to Cladophora.


High fruit abortion was observed in all cases resulting from pollination with irradiated pollen, irrespective of low (50 Gy) or five-fold higher doses (250 Gy). Each irradiation dose was associated with a significantly lower number of seeds that had no embryos. In kiwifruit, seeds resulting from pollination with irradiated pollen at 700 and 900 Gy had 90% of the seeds containing only endosperm and 9.6% seeds containing both endosperm and embryos (Musial and Pryzwara, 1998) . On the other hand, in plum (Prunus domestica), there was a continuous fruit drop in number from 30 to 70 DAP due to absence or occurrence of fertilization, followed by a rapid rejection of the male genome (Peixe et al., 2000) .

In kiwifruit, seeds resulting from pollination with irradiated pollen at 700 and 900 Gy had 90% of the seeds containing only endosperm and 9.6% seeds containing both endosperm and embryos.

On the other hand, in plum (Prunus domestica), there was a continuous fruit drop in number from 30 to 70 DAP due to absence or occurrence of fertilization, followed by a rapid rejection of the male genome.


However, many countries do not have in place the legal or procedural mechanisms to protect local rights and take account of local interests, livelihoods, and welfare. Even where legal requirements for community consultation are in place, the involvement of local communities in the negotiation process is not guaranteed. A lack of transparency and of checks and balances in contract negotiations create breeding grounds for corruption and land deals that do not maximize the public interest. Insecure use rights on state-owned land, inaccessible registration procedures, vaguely defined productive use requirements, legislative gaps, and compensation limited to loss of improvements like crops and trees (thus excluding loss of land) all undermine the position of local people [10] . Thus, the political economy of land and biofuel development is seriously contested.

Insecure use rights on state-owned land, inaccessible registration procedures, vaguely defined productive use requirements, legislative gaps, and compensation limited to loss of improvements like crops and trees (thus excluding loss of land) all undermine the position of local people.


The cultivation of Jatropha and Castor has affected local respondents in the Ghanaian and Ethiopian study sites in both positive and negative ways. We explored these effects using two criteria and their associated indicators to frame the discussion: (1) Negative effects of biofuel projects on local landholdings and land use are minimized; and (2) Household-and community-level socio-economic effects are addressed [6] . These two criteria were written in such a way as to indicate the desired state.

We explored these effects using two criteria and their associated indicators to frame the discussion: (1) Negative effects of biofuel projects on local landholdings and land use are minimized; and (2) Household-and community-level socio-economic effects are addressed.


The advantage of demand delivery is that water users can withdraw water when and where it is needed, allowing not only improved crop yields, but water conservation due to the avoidance of hoarding and subsequent excess irrigation. However, the difficulty associated with demand delivery is that control variables must be changed in response to changes observed in the system, and required changes are not easily found. Indeed, identifying the change in control variables needed to restore a system to a desired condition is a tedious trial-and-error process that requires many sequential solutions of the unsteady flow equations (Reddy et al. 1992) . This is clearly undesirable for demand-oriented control, because it must be implemented in real time.

Indeed, identifying the change in control variables needed to restore a system to a desired condition is a tedious trial-and-error process that requires many sequential solutions of the unsteady flow equations.


We have proposed and demonstrated a photonic approach to achieving microwave frequency doubling and a full 360 tunable phase shifter simultaneously. Phase shifted microwave signals with frequency doubling are obtained with a flat amplitude and phase response over a frequency range from 20 GHz to 33 GHz. Furthermore, four-channel microwave signals with independent phase shift setting has also been experimentally validated in order to satisfy WDM operation. The proposed method has potential applications in WDM radio-over-fiber system, broadband and high frequency beam-forming system, and array signal processing systems. On the other hand, in order to reduce the cost, we can use the liquid crystal on silicon based array to act as programmable optical filter [12] . Meanwhile, the TLS (tunable laser source) can be replaced by a laser source with fixed wavelength. In particular, as we can generate four channels of phase shifted microwave signals simultaneously, the average cost can be further reduced.

On the other hand, in order to reduce the cost, we can use the liquid crystal on silicon based array to act as programmable optical filter.


To have a better insight and to learn about dispersions of nanotubes in a polymer matrix we incorporated DWNTs in PEEK because as we will see, double wall carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) can serve as a local sensor for the interaction of the carbon nanotubes with the matrix. The G band of DWNTs is broadened due to the contribution of the two walls. It has been shown how doping and high pressure influences the outer and inner tubes [16, 17] . Recently it has been shown how bundling or agglomeration of DWNTs affects the G band [18] . The difference in the frequency shifts from insulated and bundled DWNTs gives the possibility to distinguish their agglomeration state. In the present work we use Raman spectroscopy as a sensitive tool to evaluate the distribution of the DWNTs and to quantify the dispersion of the nanotubes in the polymer matrix. The results obtained from the Raman imaging are compared with the electrical conductivity measurements.

It has been shown how doping and high pressure influences the outer and inner tubes.

Recently it has been shown how bundling or agglomeration of DWNTs affects the G band.


It is known that the percolation threshold and the conductivity depend strongly on the polymer type and synthesis method, aspect ratio of CNTs, disentanglement of CNT agglomerates, uniform spatial distribution of individual CNTs and degree of alignment. It is interesting to compare the physical parameters of DWNTs/PEEK composites such as p c , t and r max obtained at room temperature with results observed in CNTs /PEEK or CNTs/semi-crystalline matrix. The same maximum conductivity of 10 À2 S cm À1 was observed in SWNTs/PEEK composites [6] . In MWNTs/PEEK composites, a percolation was observed at 1.3 wt% with a low value of the critical exponent t = 1.2 and a conductivity of 10 À2 S cm À1 for 0.2 wt% of MWNTs [8] . For a poly(e-caprolactone)/polylactide semi-crystalline matrix filled by MWNTs, a percolation threshold of 0.2 wt% with a critical exponent of 2.2 and a conductivity of 10 À4 S cm À1 for 4 wt% were observed [21] . The electrical conductivity of DWNTs/PVDF composites displayed a percolation behavior for only p c = 0.27 wt% of DWNTs and t = 1.91 with a maximum conductivity of 10 À1 S cm À1 for 2.6 wt% [22] . This shows that for DWNTs or MWNTs the percolation threshold is higher and often the electrical conductivity is smaller than when using SWNTs.

The same maximum conductivity of 10 À2 S cm À1 was observed in SWNTs/PEEK composites.

In MWNTs/PEEK composites, a percolation was observed at 1.3 wt% with a low value of the critical exponent t = 1.2 and a conductivity of 10 À2 S cm À1 for 0.2 wt% of MWNTs.

For a poly(e-caprolactone)/polylactide semi-crystalline matrix filled by MWNTs, a percolation threshold of 0.2 wt% with a critical exponent of 2.2 and a conductivity of 10 À4 S cm À1 for 4 wt% were observed.

The electrical conductivity of DWNTs/PVDF composites displayed a percolation behavior for only p c = 0.27 wt% of DWNTs and t = 1.91 with a maximum conductivity of 10 À1 S cm À1 for 2.6 wt%.


Direct and alternating-current electrical properties of thermoplastic polymers including PEEK were also studied using carbon black, graphite, and CNF [9] . It has been shown that carbon black and graphite fillers have a lower electrical conductivity than CNF. To improve the electric performance of CNT polymer composites it is important to control the filler dispersion in the polymer matrix. Comparative analysis of different nanocomposites shows heterogeneity of the experimental percolation thresholds depending on the filler, polymer and preparation methods [10] . For example the effect of the stirring speed on the percolation threshold show that at lower speed percolation threshold value is lower [11] .

Direct and alternating-current electrical properties of thermoplastic polymers including PEEK were also studied using carbon black, graphite, and CNF.

Comparative analysis of different nanocomposites shows heterogeneity of the experimental percolation thresholds depending on the filler, polymer and preparation methods.

For example the effect of the stirring speed on the percolation threshold show that at lower speed percolation threshold value is lower.


Based on the above challenges and the fact that Lagos is a mega city (highly industrialized) with a population estimate of about 9,113,505 (2006 Population Census Commission), growing at the rate of 6-8% annually, and generating about 9000 metric tons of waste daily at 0.5 kg per capita per day which is quite a great quantity, it is a huge burden to the state. More so it was found that waste management which entails disposal is a labour and capital intensive function often consuming 20-50% of the municipal operational budget [12] . In light of this, the state government has contracted the solid waste collection and disposal to the private sector operators with the hope that a clean Lagos can be sustained at no extra cost implication to the government. The issue here is how sustainable the project is in the state ensuring that all the waste generated by residents and establishments are collected without dumps on the streets of Lagos State and also a cleaner Lagos State for a long time. More so, conservation interventions can only be successful in the long term if their aims and activities are accepted by local people [13] . On the other hand, a key determinant of acceptability is the perceived fairness of the distribution of the costs and benefits of the intervention [13] . Arising from the foregoing, the study intendsto analyze the performance of the private sector participation in domestic solid waste management operations in Lagos State. Specifically, it evaluates the general characteristics of private sector participation contractors in domestic solid waste management and the users in Lagos State. Also attempts to evaluate the extent to which the objective of service is met in practice-effectiveness (quality of service rendered) evaluate the efficiency in production of the PSP operators in waste management of the selected areas, examine the factors influencing the production efficiency of the PSP operators, and highlight constraints associated with effective operations of the PSP operators in the state.

More so it was found that waste management which entails disposal is a labour and capital intensive function often consuming 20-50% of the municipal operational budget.

More so, conservation interventions can only be successful in the long term if their aims and activities are accepted by local people.

On the other hand, a key determinant of acceptability is the perceived fairness of the distribution of the costs and benefits of the intervention.


Waste generation nationally is alarming, on the increase with an estimated annual rate of about 0.5-0.7% and current 2 Journal of Waste Management figures ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 Ton per capita per annum. Complexity in waste is also increasing with biodegradable waste currently accounting for over 50% [9] . This amounts to an annual average approximately 50 million tons per annum of waste burden on the nation with less than 10% waste management capacity [10] . Management has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing state and local government environmental protection agencies in Nigeria as the volume of solid waste generated increases at a faster rate than the ability of the agencies to improve on the financial and technical resources needed to parallel this growth. It was also found that waste disposal habit of the people, corruption, work attitude, and inadequate plants and equipment among others are militating against effective waste management in Nigeria.

Complexity in waste is also increasing with biodegradable waste currently accounting for over 50%.

This amounts to an annual average approximately 50 million tons per annum of waste burden on the nation with less than 10% waste management capacity.


Different treatments with PAs induced considerable percentage of disturbed metaphase (Fig.  13) , disturbed anaphases (Fig. 14) and disturbed telophases (Fig. 15, Tables 4-6 ). In the mitotic cells treated especially with low concentration of Put, disturbed anaphase almost at all periods were significantly higher than the controls ( pϽ0.05). In the cells treated with 0.01 mM Spm for 24 h (Table 4 ) and 1 mM Spd for 3 and 6 h (Table 5 ) and with 2 mM Put for 24 h (Table 6 ), the disturbed metaphases were significantly higher than the controls. Disturbed stages were noticed frequently after all treatments with three polyamine titers. It could be attributed to the interference of the polyamines with tubilin and/or polymerization of the microtubule subunits forming the spindle apparatus (Pickett-Heaps and Spurck 1982) .

It could be attributed to the interference of the polyamines with tubilin and/or polymerization of the microtubule subunits forming the spindle apparatus.


To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study to describe prognosis and prognostic factors in patients seeking care in primary care for back-related leg pain, including sciatica, of any duration and severity. The prognosis of low backrelated leg pain is similar in those with and without a clinical diagnosis of sciatica, with 55% meeting the study's criterion for improvement in disability. The improvements in disability from baseline in our cohort were similar, but mostly higher (mean change score; 4.8), compared with some LBP cohorts (UK) with or without leg pain, receiving primary care including physiotherapy interventions ((4.3) [28] , (2.4) [29] ). The percentage of patients with sciatica reporting improvement (55%) at 1 year is within the range of reports from secondary care populations, irrespective of outcome definition (range 32%-65%) [13, 14, 30] .

The improvements in disability from baseline in our cohort were similar, but mostly higher (mean change score; 4.8), compared with some LBP cohorts (UK) with or without leg pain, receiving primary care including physiotherapy interventions ((4.3), (2.4)).

The percentage of patients with sciatica reporting improvement (55%) at 1 year is within the range of reports from secondary care populations, irrespective of outcome definition (range 32%-65%).


We have performed the calculation in N = 1 superspace using dimensional regularization. The loop-integrals have been evaluated in momentum space with the method of uniqueness [14, 15] . In momentum space nontrivial, potential contributions appear as local divergent terms that are easily isolated and evaluated. Finite contributions would correspond to contact terms and can be neglected.

The loop-integrals have been evaluated in momentum space with the method of uniqueness.


WSN is distributed and centralized system, in which a large number of little and inexpensive devices, sometimes called Motes or sensor nodes are deployed. The sensor nodes collect and aggregate data from the environment via multiple hops relaying. Wireless sensor networks are a facilitator for different applications: sound, vibrations, pressure, temperature, agricultural, medical, habitat monitoring, military surveillance and environmental. Sensor networks bridge the gap between the physical and computational world by allowing the reliable, scalable, fault tolerant and precise monitoring of the physical phenomenon. A node of the WSN consists of the battery, a radio transceiver with an internal antenna or connection to an external antenna, sensing hardware and embedded processor and memory. Traditional ad hoc networks are limited in memory, energy and computational capacity in contrast to WSNs. An important issue in sensor networks is power scarcity, driven in part by battery size and weight limitations. Mechanisms that optimize sensor energy utilization have a great impact on prolonging the sensor network lifetime [1] . Power saving mechanism can be classified into two ways: adjusting the transmission or sensing range and scheduling the sensor nodes. In this power saving mechanism, makes cover sets and change sensor nodes Positions i.e alternate between active and sleep modes [2, 3, 4] .

Mechanisms that optimize sensor energy utilization have a great impact on prolonging the sensor network lifetime.

In this power saving mechanism, makes cover sets and change sensor nodes Positions i.e alternate between active and sleep modes.


We have meanwhile turned to a different compactification scheme (namely, on a sphere of radius R) [3] . This compactification scheme offers two advantages. It removes both the need of a difficult localization of the gauge fields, and also spurious fermionic zero-modes which may appear due to a boundary in extra dimensions.

We have meanwhile turned to a different compactification scheme (namely, on a sphere of radius R).


A considerable amount of attention has been devoted to the narrow pulse in recent years ， due to the fact that it has widespread applications in a number of different promising fields. For example, pulse power supply can be used to improve the locality of the electrochemical dissolution and to increase the process stability in the micro electrochemical machining (ECM). Moreover, the narrower the pulse width is, the higher the accuracy of the ECM is [1] [2] . Narrow pulses are also commonly used to drive LED in spectroscopy measurements for material research [3] . Even electric field aroused by narrow pulses is being used these days to induce apoptosis for the treatment of cancer and other diseases in the Biomedical field [4] [5] . Furthermore, narrow pulses with nanosecond pulse width and the following order of magnitude are typically utilized for data communication in the ultrawideband wireless communications [6] [7] .

Moreover, the narrower the pulse width is, the higher the accuracy of the ECM is.

Narrow pulses are also commonly used to drive LED in spectroscopy measurements for material research.

Even electric field aroused by narrow pulses is being used these days to induce apoptosis for the treatment of cancer and other diseases in the Biomedical field.

Furthermore, narrow pulses with nanosecond pulse width and the following order of magnitude are typically utilized for data communication in the ultrawideband wireless communications.