The rapid development of computer technologies allows a variety of algorithms based on fractional calculus to 2D image processing to be developed [28] [29] [30] [31] . Recently, analyzing surface roughness of a hard disk by visual measurements and assessment of the measurement precision (less 20 m), the effects on the processing of images captured by a camera have been developed through improved Harris algorithm employing fractional calculus [30] . The aim of this paper is to propose the adaptive fractional differentiation Harris corner detection algorithm for vision measurement of surface roughness.

The rapid development of computer technologies allows a variety of algorithms based on fractional calculus to 2D image processing to be developed.

Recently, analyzing surface roughness of a hard disk by visual measurements and assessment of the measurement precision (less 20 m), the effects on the processing of images captured by a camera have been developed through improved Harris algorithm employing fractional calculus.


This study takes into consideration the Pakistani equity market at different periods of time categorized into three prominent political regimes of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Trading days were treated as sequence of the days, that is, first day of trading (Day1), third day of trading (Day3), etc. Labels of the days i.e. Monday, Tuesday, etc. were ignored during the process (Nishat & Mustafa, 2002) . Thus quantitative method has been used in the study.

Labels of the days i.e. Monday, Tuesday, etc. were ignored during the process.


The theory of Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) was proposed by Fama in which he claims that financial markets are exceptionally capable of reflecting complete stock price information. This implies that the current price already reflects all known information about the stock and that it will not be possible to earn excess returns from the market. The EMH is associated with the idea of a "random walk," which is a term lightly used in the literature to illustrate the series of prices where all the succeeding changes in stock prices represent arbitrary differences from the previous stock prices (Malkiel, 2003) . It is therefore depicted that the information flows without any hindrance and is immediately reflected in stock prices.

The EMH is associated with the idea of a "random walk," which is a term lightly used in the literature to illustrate the series of prices where all the succeeding changes in stock prices represent arbitrary differences from the previous stock prices.


Inside the MR scanner, ECG signals are severely affected by the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. The MHD effect results from the interaction between the pulsatile blood flow -which is caused by the rhythmic action of the heart -and the static magnetic field of the MR scanner, B 0 [10] . The MHD effect leads to an induction of a voltage across blood vessels which are perpendicular to the MR scanner's static magnetic field. The resulting body surface potentials of the MHD effect superimpose the ECG signal which exacerbates the detection of the R-peaks. It is assumed that the majority of the MHD-related distortions are caused by the flow of blood in the aortic arch [11, 12] . The MHD effect is highest during the ejection phase, i.e. during the ventricular systole, where the blood from the ventricles flows into the aorta and the pulmonary arteries (Figure 1 ) a .

The MHD effect results from the interaction between the pulsatile blood flow -which is caused by the rhythmic action of the heart -and the static magnetic field of the MR scanner, B 0.

It is assumed that the majority of the MHD-related distortions are caused by the flow of blood in the aortic arch.


Initially ideas of mapping structured data models and canonical model construction for them were developed. The basic definitions of equivalence of database states, database schemas and data models were introduced to preserve operations and information while constructing of mappings of various structured data models into the canonical one [11] , [12] . According to this approach, each data model was defined by syntax and semantics of two languages -data definition language (DDL) and data manipulation language (DML). The main principle of mapping of an arbitrary source data model into the target one (the canonical model) constituted the principle of commutative data model mapping . According to it preserving of operations and information of a source data model while mapping it into the canonical one could be reached under the condition, that the diagram of DDL (schemas) mapping and diagram of DML (operators) mapping are commutative [12] . At that time in the process of data model mappings construction the denotational semantics was used as a formalism (metamodel), allowing to prove a commutativity of the diagrams mentioned [12] . Such a proof had to be carried out manually.

The basic definitions of equivalence of database states, database schemas and data models were introduced to preserve operations and information while constructing of mappings of various structured data models into the canonical one.

According to it preserving of operations and information of a source data model while mapping it into the canonical one could be reached under the condition, that the diagram of DDL (schemas) mapping and diagram of DML (operators) mapping are commutative.

At that time in the process of data model mappings construction the denotational semantics was used as a formalism (metamodel), allowing to prove a commutativity of the diagrams mentioned.


Our analysis could be extended, notably, to include neutrino-nucleus scattering data from CHARM, whose measurement of the cross-section ratio of NC to CC processes provides a well-known complementary constraint to CEνNS measurements in the ( u,V αβ , d,V αβ ) plane. It was omitted from this work for not providing a strong enough constraint relative to the parameter ranges we restricted ourselves to ( f,V αβ ∈ [−1, 1]), but for a broader parameter space it would be interesting to integrate CHARM data into the analysis strategy [20] . Additionally, there are numerous oscillation data sets readily available which could contribute to the statistical power of the analysis, integrated into a global NSI study in a similar manner to DUNE.

It was omitted from this work for not providing a strong enough constraint relative to the parameter ranges we restricted ourselves to ( f,V αβ ∈ [−1, 1]), but for a broader parameter space it would be interesting to integrate CHARM data into the analysis strategy.


Nowadays, FESS has become the most popular energy storage system because of advances in power electronics, materials and magnetic bearings [5] . The advantages of FESS against traditional batteries and SMES are higher power density, no hazardous chemicals, ease of checking the charge, insensitivity to environmental conditions and long life [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] . Modern FESS have been designed for a variety of applications, their capability to store energy is approximately 1-500 MJ and the peak power ranges from kilowatts to gigawatts, with the higher powers aimed at pulsed-power applications [5] . Today, power electronic devices and control systems enable FESS to respond to system disturbances within a few electrical cycles. Therefore, FESS will continue to be most popular in power system control.

Nowadays, FESS has become the most popular energy storage system because of advances in power electronics, materials and magnetic bearings.

The advantages of FESS against traditional batteries and SMES are higher power density, no hazardous chemicals, ease of checking the charge, insensitivity to environmental conditions and long life.

Modern FESS have been designed for a variety of applications, their capability to store energy is approximately 1-500 MJ and the peak power ranges from kilowatts to gigawatts, with the higher powers aimed at pulsed-power applications.


The Taiwan power system is medium sized and isolated. With the rapid growth of high-tech industrial development in Taiwan, there exist some special characteristics of the system that include a longitudinal transmission network, a large power deficit in the north, concentration of power sources and demand, and heavy line loading [1] . Therefore, reliable power supply has become one of the most important considerations for Taipower. To solve the problem, Taiwan Power Company (TPC) has to expand the generation capacity and 345 kV transmission lines. However, the problems of environmental protection and land acquisition make the installation of new generation plants and transmission lines very difficult. It has become a critical issue for Taipower to prevent catastrophic failures and to improve the transient stability of the power system.

With the rapid growth of high-tech industrial development in Taiwan, there exist some special characteristics of the system that include a longitudinal transmission network, a large power deficit in the north, concentration of power sources and demand, and heavy line loading.


Transient stability is one of the most important investigations in power systems. Power companies usually operate power systems close to their thermal and stability limits. But following sudden and large disturbances, a power system may lose stability in the first swing, if it is not equipped with proper transient control devices. In the past, much research interest has been directed towards the enhancement of the transient stability of power systems, ranging from theoretical studies to advanced control devices. Recently, many researchers have employed various flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices, such as braking resistors, thyristor-controlled series compensators, thyristor-controlled phase-angle shifters, unified power flow controllers, and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) [1] [2] [3] [4] . These devices have been shown to help reduce the flows in heavily loaded lines and improve stability of power systems.

Recently, many researchers have employed various flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices, such as braking resistors, thyristor-controlled series compensators, thyristor-controlled phase-angle shifters, unified power flow controllers, and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES).


Flame aerosol technology is the key process for large-scale production of nano-structured materials such as carbon blacks, fumed SiO 2 and TiO 2 and to a lesser extent, for specialty chemicals such as Al 2 O 3 and ZnO powders. Flame aerosol synthesis is a cost-effective and versatile process for controlled production of nanoparticles. Flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) process was systematically investigated using an external-mixing gas-assisted atomizer supported by premixed methane and oxygen flamelets [67, 68] . In flame reactors, the energy of flame is used to drive chemical reactions of precursors resulting in clusters which further grow to nanoparticles by surface growth and/or coagulation and coalescence at high temperature [69] . The advantage of FSP include the ability to dissolve the precursor directly in the fuel, simplicity of introduction of the precursor into the hot reaction zone (e.g. a flame), and flexibility in using the high-velocity spray jet for rapid quenching of aerosol formation. In general, a flame is used to force chemical reactions of precursor compounds, finally resulting in the formation of clusters, which increase their size to a range of some nanometers by coagulation and sintering. Finally, the nanostructured powders are collected on a filter [70, 71] . Moreover, at low oxidant flow rates, the specific surface area increased with increasing oxidant flow rate as the spray flame length was reduced, leading to shorter residence time and allowing less time for particle growth. Using oxygen as oxidant the droplets burn much faster than in air, thus, product particles experience longer residence times at higher temperature [70, 72] . The effect of solution feed rate on particles specific surface area and crystalline size was also investigated [73] . The solution feed rate increased the flame height, and therefore coalescence was enhanced, resulting in large primary particles [73] . Furthermore, the flame conditions can be used to control the morphology of particles. ZnO nanorods formation were produced by FSP, which was described by XRD lattice aspect ratio [74, 75] .

Flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) process was systematically investigated using an external-mixing gas-assisted atomizer supported by premixed methane and oxygen flamelets.

In flame reactors, the energy of flame is used to drive chemical reactions of precursors resulting in clusters which further grow to nanoparticles by surface growth and/or coagulation and coalescence at high temperature.

Finally, the nanostructured powders are collected on a filter.

Using oxygen as oxidant the droplets burn much faster than in air, thus, product particles experience longer residence times at higher temperature.

The effect of solution feed rate on particles specific surface area and crystalline size was also investigated.

The solution feed rate increased the flame height, and therefore coalescence was enhanced, resulting in large primary particles.

ZnO nanorods formation were produced by FSP, which was described by XRD lattice aspect ratio.


Our last motivation is the connection of these equations with theoretical condensed matter physics and the renormalization group [23, 28] . In particular this sort of equations has been proposed to describe the growth of some semiconductor structures by means of epitaxial methods. In this context the solution to the partial differential equation describes the height of the grown crystal and the domain where the equation is defined the substrate over which it is grown. This more phenomenological framework also opens the possibility of studying these equations in the field of non-equilibrium phase transitions, and in particular within the general theory of the propagation of stable phases over unstable ones. In this case the solution describes the front separating both. In physics there exists an interest in studying the dynamics and morphology of such fronts, a problem commonly approached with multi-scale methods like the renormalization group. An interesting fact is how the nonlinearities we consider transform under the renormalization group, what in turn is related to intriguing underlying physics, although this question is not free from technicalities. Despite the potential interest of our results in this field, in the present work we will limit ourselves to the development of mathematical theory and leave any application for the future.

Our last motivation is the connection of these equations with theoretical condensed matter physics and the renormalization group.


Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have numerous advantages over shape memory alloys to be utilized in technical requisitions. The important features are the superior restorable strain (well above 100%), low cost, and low density [1] . Even though chemo-responsive and photoresponsive SMPs have been produced, presently the most well-known SMPs are thermoresponsive SMPs. Shape memory alloys can be activated directly by Joule heating effect i.e. by the direct passage of an electrical current for the purpose of heating [2, 3] . However it is complicated to heat the polymers due to their intrinsically non-conductive nature. The electrically conductive SMPs can be recognized by their blending with different types of conductive additives such as carbon black [4, 5] . The actuation still cannot be initiated in a wireless way in SMPs. Recent developments in thermo-responsive SMP activating technologies include heating of SMP composites [6, 7] . Another development in thermo-responsive SMP activating technologies is laser heating. However laser heating is only appropriate for some particular transparent SMPs [8] .

The important features are the superior restorable strain (well above 100%), low cost, and low density.

Shape memory alloys can be activated directly by Joule heating effect i.e. by the direct passage of an electrical current for the purpose of heating.

The electrically conductive SMPs can be recognized by their blending with different types of conductive additives such as carbon black.

Recent developments in thermo-responsive SMP activating technologies include heating of SMP composites.

However laser heating is only appropriate for some particular transparent SMPs.


The importance of adaptive simulations in the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been pointed out by various authors in the last years [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . Non-uniform discretizations, adapted to local flow features, are necessary to capture strong variations in the solution, shocks, sharp fronts or boundary layers, while keeping a coarser mesh where it is possible. Moreover, in transient problems, the discretization must be regularly updated, to adapt to the flow features evolving in time. In this context, the efficiency of the error estimator, or indicator, and the automatic adaptive algorithm is crucial.

The importance of adaptive simulations in the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been pointed out by various authors in the last years.


Antibodies and antigens are extensively used as biomarkers for a wide variety of immunodiagnostic applications such as pregnancy testing or cancer diagnostics. Many of these technologies rely on the immobilization of antibodies on solid support interfaces, through strategies such as physical adsorption or covalent cross-linking, which result in a random particle distribution and considerably reduced antigen-binding activity. This phenomenon, generally attributed to shielding of antibody active sites and molecule denaturation upon contact with the solid surface, has been widely researched and described in the experimental literature, [8] , [11] , [12] . Of additional interest is the relationship between antigen-capturing activity and antibody surface density, with many papers reporting that crowding of antibodies has a detrimental effect on assay signal, [8] , [12] , [10] . Therefore, one of the primary considerations in immunoassay design is optimizing the concentration of capture antibody in order to achieve maximal antigen binding and, subsequently, improved sensitivity and limit of detection.

This phenomenon, generally attributed to shielding of antibody active sites and molecule denaturation upon contact with the solid surface, has been widely researched and described in the experimental literature.

Of additional interest is the relationship between antigen-capturing activity and antibody surface density, with many papers reporting that crowding of antibodies has a detrimental effect on assay signal.


It has been well documented that pregnant women are susceptible to hypertension that may require medical intervention [16] . Hypertension in pregnancy may persist and occur also at later stages of mothers' life and their offspring. Women who are prone to gestational hypertension are older, obese/overweight, or have an excessive gestational weight gain [17, 18] . A recently published study has shown that hypertension in pregnancy may also be caused by even very low lead exposure levels [19] .

It has been well documented that pregnant women are susceptible to hypertension that may require medical intervention.

Women who are prone to gestational hypertension are older, obese/overweight, or have an excessive gestational weight gain.

A recently published study has shown that hypertension in pregnancy may also be caused by even very low lead exposure levels.


The impact of the size of filler particles on the compressive strength of LC PMCCs has also been demonstrated by several authors. It has been found that nano-scale filler particles improve the mechanical properties of composites [19] . The higher compressive strength of nano-filled composites can be explained by the fact that small particles adhere more strongly to the matrix than larger ones [20] . In the present study, the universal type composites differed not only in the type of filler particles, but also in their size. The Z500 composite contained micro and nano-scale particles. UTEM, on the other hand, contained only microscale particles, which probably had a negative impact on its compressive strength.

It has been found that nano-scale filler particles improve the mechanical properties of composites.

The higher compressive strength of nano-filled composites can be explained by the fact that small particles adhere more strongly to the matrix than larger ones.


Operating conditions cause changes in the mechanical properties of LC PMCCs, in most cases, resulting in their gradual degradation. Exposure of a material to cyclic loads of alternating temperature can result in thermal fatigue, which, manifests, among others, as a decrease in mechanical properties. It has also been shown that good mechanical properties, obtained ad hoc, often do not correlate with the fatigue strength of materials [24] .

It has also been shown that good mechanical properties, obtained ad hoc, often do not correlate with the fatigue strength of materials.


In compositional gradable materials, quasielectric fields emerge due to the grading of the band gap. Since the energy band gap becomes composition (position)-dependent, conduction and valence bands' slopes may not be equal; therefore, electrons and holes may be affected by different electric fields, especially depending on the doping [37] . In Figure 2 , E c and E v are conduction and valence band edges, respectively, whereas F e and F h are "quasielectric" fields resulting from the slope of conduction and valence bands. As there is almost no depletion region and a barrier for the surface leakage, dark current is expected to be low in the nBn structure in (d).

Since the energy band gap becomes composition (position)-dependent, conduction and valence bands' slopes may not be equal; therefore, electrons and holes may be affected by different electric fields, especially depending on the doping.


Determination of polyamines in urine, hair and human tissues is being considered as an additional method, which might be used to support classical cancer diagnosis [9] [10] [11] [12] . The most important diagnostic tool for thyroid cancer is cytological examination of the samples obtained by fine-needle aspiration biopsy. However, application of this method has some shortcomings. Therefore search for new tools for supporting this diagnosis are of some value. Determination of the level of polyamines could serve here. Preliminary studies on the elaboration of the effective procedure for the use of liquid supported membrane technology to determine spermine, spermidine, cadaverine and putrescine and their relative ratios in urine and tissue homogenates indicate that this method could be considered as supportive diagnostic tool. However, the implementation of this method in clinics required additional extensive studies.

Determination of polyamines in urine, hair and human tissues is being considered as an additional method, which might be used to support classical cancer diagnosis.


Studying sustainability from the Operations Management (OM) field is essential since companies have to consider the footprint left behind in terms of the resources used (e.g., energy) [3] . Moreover, companies are required to operate responsibly for employees' health and safety and society's welfare. To conclude, "given the impact of the manufacturing industry on the environment, people and economy, OM gives new opportunities to significantly contribute to sustainability" [6] (p. 1).

Studying sustainability from the Operations Management (OM) field is essential since companies have to consider the footprint left behind in terms of the resources used (e.g., energy).

To conclude, "given the impact of the manufacturing industry on the environment, people and economy, OM gives new opportunities to significantly contribute to sustainability"(p. 1).


Finally, the adoption of sustainability or innovation programs enhances the business performance, whereas prior investigations on the inter-relationship between sustainability and innovation either lack taking into account the performance perspective or investigate the unidirectional relationship (through showing cases where either one impacts the other) [19] . However, investigating the bidirectional influence of sustainability and innovation performance is important because it can suggest the synergetic effect between them. To satisfy this need, we extend the course of this paper to test empirically the bidirectional influence of innovation and sustainability performance.

Finally, the adoption of sustainability or innovation programs enhances the business performance, whereas prior investigations on the inter-relationship between sustainability and innovation either lack taking into account the performance perspective or investigate the unidirectional relationship (through showing cases where either one impacts the other).


In this letter, we calculate the quasi-normal modes (QNMs) and time domain profiles for scalar and gravitational perturbations in theÖvgün bumblebee wormhole [14] . We obtain a range over the Lorentz violation parameter λ that satisfies to all flare-out and energy conditions. Furthermore, we also choose suitable LSB parameter that performs stable quasi-normal modes with a decreasing time-domain profile.

In this letter, we calculate the quasi-normal modes (QNMs) and time domain profiles for scalar and gravitational perturbations in theÖvgün bumblebee wormhole.


In this work, we study the bumblebee wormhole. This scenario has a Lorentz violation parameter λ, which allows the preservation of energy conditions, leading to a wormhole generated by non-exotic matter [14] . We study the possible choices of the parameters λ and w (associated to the relation P = wρ) that satisfies the flare-out and the energy conditions, as shown in Fig. 1 . In order to achieve an analytical and simplified tortoise coordinates transformation of Eq. 19, we renounce the SEC condition. However, all the other ones, namely, NEC, WEC, DEC and FOC remain valid. Moreover, the scalar and tensorial perturbation of bumblebee wormhole were obtained. We use the general expressions for the scalar and gravitational potential. Both the potentials admit positive bell-shaped (see Fig. 4 ). Hence we evaluate the quasi-normal frequencies for both perturbations. The QNMs are stable (as denoted in Tables 2 and 3) , and exhibits smooth curves (see Fig. 5 ). Besides, we compute the time-domain profile for both perturbations in Fig. 6 , from where we note that all QNMs studied perform damping oscillation profiles.

This scenario has a Lorentz violation parameter λ, which allows the preservation of energy conditions, leading to a wormhole generated by non-exotic matter.


The fifth category identifies the research methodology applied in the selected literature. The analysis clearly reveals that most of the research papers use empirical methodology (67 percent), while 27 percent of the papers employ case studies methodology. Although there exists empirical research in the field, more empirical studies are required in order to understand the important antecedents and outcome of social entrepreneurship [27, 28] . More in-depth interviews with informants shall better manage the cultural and social issues concerning access to informants, social desirability bias [29] .

Although there exists empirical research in the field, more empirical studies are required in order to understand the important antecedents and outcome of social entrepreneurship.

More in-depth interviews with informants shall better manage the cultural and social issues concerning access to informants, social desirability bias.


Further related values have recently been reported. In a study of iron gall ink drawings, conservators assessed that the risk of drawings becoming damaged during handling by non-expert users was too high at DP ~ 400 [14] . In a study of cellulose-based painting canvases, involving a panel of 19 conservation experts, it was estimated that the risk of painting transportation and handling became too high if the DP < 400 [15] .

In a study of iron gall ink drawings, conservators assessed that the risk of drawings becoming damaged during handling by non-expert users was too high at DP ~ 400.

In a study of cellulose-based painting canvases, involving a panel of 19 conservation experts, it was estimated that the risk of painting transportation and handling became too high if the DP < 400.


For paper-based material, brittleness is often discussed as the most important consequence of environmentally induced chemical degradation. A number of collection surveys performed since 1970s onwards, have relied on a fairly straightforward, although destructive, manual folding test [6] . In this test, a page corner is folded as many times it takes for it to break off on gentle pulling.

A number of collection surveys performed since 1970s onwards, have relied on a fairly straightforward, although destructive, manual folding test.


In continuous incremental degradation processes, such as degradation by chemical reactions whose rate is influenced by heat and humidity, or due to the effect of light/ UV or pollution, material change is most often modelled deterministically. Examples of such modelling are doseresponse functions, and the most recent review for historic paper was published in 2011 [1] . These presume that by knowing previous states of the material and all model parameters, material properties can be uniquely determined at any point in time. All objects that are exactly the same thus degrade in precisely the same way under the same conditions. This is a reasonable assumption that can be used in modelling, provided that we know the most important physical properties of historic objects that affect their degradation.

Examples of such modelling are doseresponse functions, and the most recent review for historic paper was published in 2011.


For the purpose of the case study, a set of mock documents (bound, i.e. books, and unbound, i.e. loose sheets) made from historic paper of known chemical and mechanical properties were subjected to physical challenges representative of handling that might be typical of a historic archive or library collection. After rounds of physical challenges (ten instances of handling each), the documents were assessed for changes to their physical state, i.e. deterioration. Of particular interest were tears and missing pieces, as their influence on user evaluation of fitness for use was assessed in our previous research [11] .

Of particular interest were tears and missing pieces, as their influence on user evaluation of fitness for use was assessed in our previous research.


Such a wear-out function for library and archival materials would need to be able to predict the point of loss of fitness for use for general access, i.e. in a reading room or an exhibition (e.g. reading with handling, or display), discussed in the first paper in this series [11] . It was shown that neither discolouration nor tears matter to users, while deterioration considered unacceptable for the purpose of reading (with handling) or display is related to missing pieces of text. It is therefore necessary to study how missing pieces accumulate during the use of paper with different mechanical properties.

Such a wear-out function for library and archival materials would need to be able to predict the point of loss of fitness for use for general access, i.e. in a reading room or an exhibition (e.g. reading with handling, or display), discussed in the first paper in this series.


In the early stage, jute fiber reinforced PLA resin has been made with good impregnation quality and mechanical properties using compression of microbraided yarns [4, 5] . The thermoplastic braided composite by pultrusion molding with various forms of materials has been widely studied. The method combines the braiding technique of the pultrusion process to produce multiaxially reinforced continuous beam were successful with using PP/Glass fiber [6] . The braiding technique was developed for pultrusion of the continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic tube which commingled yarn carbon fibers and PA66 which were used as intermediate materials [7] . The pultrusion technique was used to manufacture the continuous composite using flax fiber reinforced PP which offers good opportunities as the reinforcement material for composite, good mechanical properties and the ecological and environment advantages [8] .

In the early stage, jute fiber reinforced PLA resin has been made with good impregnation quality and mechanical properties using compression of microbraided yarns.

The method combines the braiding technique of the pultrusion process to produce multiaxially reinforced continuous beam were successful with using PP/Glass fiber.

The braiding technique was developed for pultrusion of the continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic tube which commingled yarn carbon fibers and PA66 which were used as intermediate materials.

The pultrusion technique was used to manufacture the continuous composite using flax fiber reinforced PP which offers good opportunities as the reinforcement material for composite, good mechanical properties and the ecological and environment advantages.


Thus, the most relevant characteristics of a good corporate governance should be (1) the transparency of the financial statements, the current operations and the internal processes of management and control, and (2) to protect and support the shareholders' rights. In order to obtain these characteristics, the firm should have objective advisors, that is, advisors without any conflict of interest. Lastly, it is essential to have competent independent bodies controlling the integrity and the efficiency of management (Olcese 2005) .

Lastly, it is essential to have competent independent bodies controlling the integrity and the efficiency of management.


The tilted version was proven in [14] . . When Σ * + = −.2637, the future asymptotic behaviour is dominated by the stable closed curve E(V II h ). As Σ * + increases to a value of Σ * + = −.2578, the closed loop E(V II h ) becomes unstable (still exists), and a new stable closed loop appears in the form of F (V II h ). When Σ * + = −.2518, the future asymptotic behaviour is still dominated by the stable closed loop F (V II h ). As Σ * + increases to a value of Σ * + = −.2458, the transverse wrapping of the orbits around the closed loop F (V II h ) is increasing. The orbits wrap transversely around the closed curve F (V II h ) so much so, that they catch up with themselves and create a new stable attractor that is topologically a torus (which we represent as T (V II h )). The creation of the torus is not especially clear in this view, because the interior radius of the torus is extremely small. Note the size of the throat of the torus. A tiny region of the parameter space (the loophole) was discovered in the Bianchi type IV model which contains no stable plane-wave equilibrium points. We proved the existence of a closed orbit in the loophole and provided criteria for its stability. With the use of theory and extensive numerical experimentation, a limit cycle was found inside the loophole which acts as an attractor (the Mussel attractor).

The tilted version was proven in..


The objective of this paper is to present a new hybrid model based on FANP and fuzzy TOPSIS for risk evaluation of dynamic alliance. According to FANP, the weights of criteria/indices are derived. The candidates can be ranked based on their relative closeness according to fuzzy TOPSIS. TOPSIS compromise solution is quite similar to what happens during the decision making process in risk evaluation: most of the time, the best solution is not reached since the criteria are not in agreement, some must be maximized and others minimized. Such an ANP/AHP-based TOPSIS driven by a set of weighting factors associated with the selected criteria has been proven effective for final ranking via an iterative procedure [14] .

Such an ANP/AHP-based TOPSIS driven by a set of weighting factors associated with the selected criteria has been proven effective for final ranking via an iterative procedure.


We know that an efficient MoM technique should apply an iterative method. This requires a set of basis functions that do not lead to an ill-conditioned matrix. One of the most efficient ways is to employ higher order basis functions. However, the traditional higher order basis functions usually lead to an ill-conditioned system matrix. This problem can be avoided by making the basis functions near-orthogonal. In 2004, Jorgensen introduced a set of higher order hierarchical basis functions that provide a lower condition number than the existing higher order basis functions [10] . The basis is derived from orthogonal Legendre polynomials which are modified to impose continuity of vector quantities between neighboring elements while maintaining most of their desirable features. Moreover, a further improvement of the matrix condition number is obtained by defining appropriate scaling factors that multiply each basis function. As a result of the low condition number, MoM matrix systems with even tenth-order Legendre basis functions can be solved iteratively. These basis functions also have some other properties such as decreasing the number of unknowns, reducing the computational complexity in filling the impedance matrix, allowing different order bases used on different patches, etc.

In 2004, Jorgensen introduced a set of higher order hierarchical basis functions that provide a lower condition number than the existing higher order basis functions.


Because of its good performance, a lot of scholars have solved many electromagnetic scattering problems using this kind of higher order basis functions [11] [12] [13] . However, there are few papers applying them to the anisotropic objects. In this paper, we will solve this problem using the higher order hierarchical Legendre basis functions.

Because of its good performance, a lot of scholars have solved many electromagnetic scattering problems using this kind of higher order basis functions.


First, the theoretical foundation for trusting in aid as a growth enhancing factor is spongy. Generation after generation of students have grown up with Meier's textbook, simple aggregate models such as the Harrod-Domar model and growth programming in the two-gap tradition. Yet, the bulk of this kind of work is by now rather dated, and several theoretical treatments of recent date suggest that the effectiveness of aid is doubtful (Boone, 1996; Tornell and Lane, 1999; Obstfeld, 1999; Svensson, 2000) . Moreover, the early aid-growth work was nested in a theoretical framework where savings behavior is exogenous. Thus, the fungibility of aid whereby aid is "diverted" from investment to consumption is treated as an exogenous phenomenon. This makes analytical contributions based on this approach vulnerable to the Lucas-critique, and it would appear that the credibility gap has by now widened to canyon like dimensions. In Section 2, we therefore reexamine the case for aid transfers in a theoretical framework where fungibility can arise endogenously.

Yet, the bulk of this kind of work is by now rather dated, and several theoretical treatments of recent date suggest that the effectiveness of aid is doubtful.


After being bitten by A. aegypti carrying the virus, individuals are infectious during the first five days of viremia. When an infected individual is bitten again by a mosquito, that mosquito will ingest infected blood; a blood meal involving another person thereby perpetuates the cycle. Isolating the virus requires serum collection during the first five days after symptoms appear [3] .

Isolating the virus requires serum collection during the first five days after symptoms appear.


Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a promising technology that aims at reducing CO 2 emissions from large point sources such as power plants [1] [2] [3] . However, high energy demands and excessive material usage associated with CO 2 compression and separation processes have been the main challenges currently facing the commercialization of most CO 2 capture and storage technologies [4] . There is a need to save energy and minimize material usage during CO 2 capture to ensure the economic advantage of the capture technology [5, 6] . This is because, the cost of energy and materials for CO 2 capture has increased and this trend is expected to continue with an increase of about 13.4% by the year 2040 due to consistent high energy demand from many industrialized nations globally [7] . The challenge of energy and excessive use of materials in process industries can be tackled to a large extent by minimizing the consumption of energy and mass [8] . In the context of this review, energy refers to the heat required during sorbent regeneration, while material (mass) refers to the mass separating agents (sorbents) and external utilities such as cooling water and steam which ought to be minimized during CO 2 capture.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a promising technology that aims at reducing CO 2 emissions from large point sources such as power plants.

However, high energy demands and excessive material usage associated with CO 2 compression and separation processes have been the main challenges currently facing the commercialization of most CO 2 capture and storage technologies.

There is a need to save energy and minimize material usage during CO 2 capture to ensure the economic advantage of the capture technology.

This is because, the cost of energy and materials for CO 2 capture has increased and this trend is expected to continue with an increase of about 13.4% by the year 2040 due to consistent high energy demand from many industrialized nations globally.

The challenge of energy and excessive use of materials in process industries can be tackled to a large extent by minimizing the consumption of energy and mass.


This last result relates to the case that older children have to justify their intuition, which corresponds with idea of PI about the use of Socratic discussions and moral philosophy (Lipman, 1988) . Children are expected to question, provide reasons, predict and theorise from a very young age, if only in the context of everyday activity. However, being 'open-minded' and having a balanced point of view needs knowledge of the self, as well as an understanding of others (Fisher, 2005) . Thus, there remains a substantial gap, and providing teachers of the right age groups with direct experience of how to apply a group discussion in class using the most effective materials would seem to be the only way forward. It is hoped that the present research might go some way toward encouraging others to explore this possibility.

This last result relates to the case that older children have to justify their intuition, which corresponds with idea of PI about the use of Socratic discussions and moral philosophy.

However, being 'open-minded' and having a balanced point of view needs knowledge of the self, as well as an understanding of others.


Traditional tillage method requires more time for land preparation which causes moisture loss or clod formation. Every crop has its optimum time of sowing/planting. Delay sowing/planting reduces yield significantly (Jat, 2013) . The lack of agricultural labor lead to increase in production cost, therefore mechanization represents an important factor to reduce the costs and increase the productivity (Hobbs, 2003) . Land preparation is one of the major activities to establish crop. Additional economic benefit incurred through higher yield in reduced tillage (Hobbs, 2003) . Upland crops like maize, wheat, paddy, jute, pulses and oil seeds can be cultivated under minimum tillage. Bangladeshi farmers still practicing hand broadcasting of seed in conventionally tilled soil.

Delay sowing/planting reduces yield significantly.

The lack of agricultural labor lead to increase in production cost, therefore mechanization represents an important factor to reduce the costs and increase the productivity.

Additional economic benefit incurred through higher yield in reduced tillage.


The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stability of these solutions. We shall examine three potential instabilites. First, we check whether there is a non-perturbative instability due to quantum nucleation of M5-branes (wrapping a 2-cycle in M 6 ) [9, 10] . We find that this does not happen for any M 6 : the 5-brane (Euclidean) action is always positive and an instanton describing such a process never exists.

First, we check whether there is a non-perturbative instability due to quantum nucleation of M5-branes (wrapping a 2-cycle in M 6 ).


Engineering activities do not have a significant influence on innovation performance, which is a result that is different from the results of prior research, which found that technological activities represent the core of value creation and contribute substantially to performance [42, 43, 70] . In our study of multi-organizational ecologies, engineering activities do not explain differences in performance. We do not mean to suggest that engineering activities are unimportant; rather, the insignificant effect of engineering activities may indicate that organizations are well aware of the importance of engineering activities, as implied by the high mean for those activities, which suggests that on average, projects put a great deal of effort into these activities. Engineering activities may be seen as a hygiene factor, which is understood by most projects and which therefore ensures a sufficient activity level. Thus, it is possible that the absence of a significant effect is caused by a "screening bias": the government agency has screened all of the projects on their technological merits, which has caused our sample to be limited to projects in which a great deal of attention was paid to engineering activities.

Engineering activities do not have a significant influence on innovation performance, which is a result that is different from the results of prior research, which found that technological activities represent the core of value creation and contribute substantially to performance.


Second, this study complements the traditional NPD literature that has investigated critical activities for successful NPD [20] [21] [22] 74] . Although this stream of literature has primarily focused on NPD in single organizations, our study shows that it is possible to translate such activities into a context of complex innovations involving multiple actors. This issue is not trivial: at first sight, three of our proposed activity sets (strategic predevelopment, engineering and commercialization) may seem to resemble findings from prior NPD studies, but the meaning of some of our activity sets differs in the context of complex innovations undertaken in multi-organizational ecologies. In strategic predevelopment, complex innovation projects must integrate techniques from a diverse set of actors, and those actors must critically assess these technologies (and their combination) before embarking on a project. Commercializing complex innovations entails brokering and legitimizing, which demands that more attention be paid to a broader set of stakeholders who must be convinced only partially acknowledged the activities that take place at the project level. Therefore, our study provides a first step to complement the innovation system literature by offering an approach to study activities at the project level. This is important because system change (the dependent variable in many innovation system studies) requires some individual projects to succeed [75] . In other words, system change is likely to be at least partially based on grassroots initiatives. Although system change certainly involves more than simply adding up individual projects in the relevant system, our approach provides a basis for understanding complex innovations at the project level and thus presents a new cornerstone for triggering system change.

Second, this study complements the traditional NPD literature that has investigated critical activities for successful NPD.

This is important because system change (the dependent variable in many innovation system studies) requires some individual projects to succeed.


Thus, despite these rich literature streams, we still lack an understanding of the innovation activities undertaken in multi-organizational ecologies. This paper aims to fill that gap in the literature. With its focus on innovation activities, the NPD literature appears to be a good starting point for addressing the gap in the literature. However, findings from the NPD literature might not translate directly to complex innovations because the activities studied in the NPD literature do not take place in a context of multi-organizational ecologies. Therefore, we set out to investigate the following research question: how can innovation activities be interpreted in the context of multi-organizational ecologies? We address this research question in two ways. First, we acknowledge that some activities may need to be adapted to a context of multi-organizational ecologies. Second, we study which underlying generic types of activities exist in the context of multi-organizational ecologies, acknowledging that activities may be categorized into activity sets. Thus, the goal of this paper is to develop a typology of innovation activities that are relevant to the context of multi-organizational ecologies. Typologies are an effective means "to bring order out of chaos", because they can transform complexity into well-ordered sets [23] . By constructing a typology, we can identify innovation activities and structure them by categorizing them into activity sets. To study the 7 relevance of our typology, we develop and test hypotheses about the effects of the identified activity sets on innovation performance (i.e., the degree to which an innovation is perceived to be a success in terms of business objectives [24] [25] [26] ). This paper not only has theoretical relevance, but also offers insights to managers and public policy officers. A better understanding of innovation activities in multi-organizational ecologies constitutes a substantial benefit because coordinating and developing complex innovations, undertaken by multiple parties, remains a constant challenge for managers [27, 28] . Furthermore, this paper may help public policy officers in evaluating innovation projects for funding decisions. Furthermore, insight into specific activities enables actors to manage innovation projects in multi-organizational ecologies.

Typologies are an effective means "to bring order out of chaos", because they can transform complexity into well-ordered sets.

To study the 7 relevance of our typology, we develop and test hypotheses about the effects of the identified activity sets on innovation performance (i.e., the degree to which an innovation is perceived to be a success in terms of business objectives).

A better understanding of innovation activities in multi-organizational ecologies constitutes a substantial benefit because coordinating and developing complex innovations, undertaken by multiple parties, remains a constant challenge for managers.


A variety of materials are more enriched in 15 N than the majority of rocky bodies, including the Mars atmosphere, CB ⁄ CH chondrites, organic materials within primitive chondrites and IDPs, comets, and Titan's atmosphere. These additional enrichments of 15 N most likely reflect processes specific to each of these reservoirs. For example, the high 15 N ⁄ 14 N ratio in the Mars atmosphere can be understood as reflecting preferential loss of 14 N during nonthermal escape from the top of the atmosphere (Fox and Dalgarno 1983) . The same appears to be true for the atmosphere of Titan (Lammer et al. 2000; Niemann et al. 2005) .

For example, the high 15 N ⁄ 14 N ratio in the Mars atmosphere can be understood as reflecting preferential loss of 14 N during nonthermal escape from the top of the atmosphere.

The same appears to be true for the atmosphere of Titan.


Bacteria coordinate gene expression as a function of cell density in a communication mechanism named quorum sensing (Fuqua et al., 1994) . This process occurs through the production, release and detection of signaling molecules by bacterial cells (González & Keshava, 2006) . The signaling molecules are usually termed as autoinducers belonging to the acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) group, commonly referred to as autoinducer 1 (AI-1), which are used by Gram-negative bacteria; autoinducer peptides (AIP) used by Gram-positive bacteria; and autoinducer 2 type molecules (AI-2) used by both groups. Dther types of signaling molecules such as p-coumaryl-homoserine lactone, unsaturated fatty acids, quinolone, and a substituted alkane, among others have also been described (Tsai & Winans, 2010) .

Bacteria coordinate gene expression as a function of cell density in a communication mechanism named quorum sensing.

This process occurs through the production, release and detection of signaling molecules by bacterial cells.

Dther types of signaling molecules such as p-coumaryl-homoserine lactone, unsaturated fatty acids, quinolone, and a substituted alkane, among others have also been described.


Eugenia brasiliensis, popularly known as grumixama or Brazilian cherry, is a fruit from the Myrtaceae family, and it has been shown to be a source of phenolic compounds (Moreno et al., 2007) . The essential oil extracted from its leaves presented anti-diarrhea, anti-fever, anti-infllamatory, and antibacterial activities (Magina et al., 2009) . Little is known about the antimicrobial effects of the fruit and no study has been found reporting its anti-quorum sensing activity. Therefore, this work aimed at evaluating the quorum sensing inhibitory potential of phenolic extracts obtained from E. brasiliensis fruit against commonly phenotypes regulated by quorum sensing in Chromobacterium violaceum, Aeromonas hydrophila and Serratia marcescens (Morohoshi et al., 2007; Pinto et al., 2007; Ponce-Rossi et al., 2016) .

Eugenia brasiliensis, popularly known as grumixama or Brazilian cherry, is a fruit from the Myrtaceae family, and it has been shown to be a source of phenolic compounds.

The essential oil extracted from its leaves presented anti-diarrhea, anti-fever, anti-infllamatory, and antibacterial activities.

Therefore, this work aimed at evaluating the quorum sensing inhibitory potential of phenolic extracts obtained from E. brasiliensis fruit against commonly phenotypes regulated by quorum sensing in Chromobacterium violaceum, Aeromonas hydrophila and Serratia marcescens.


Three mouse models are being used currently in a majority of studies in obesity and diabetes; db/db, ob/ob and DIO mice primarily on a C57BL/6 background. The db/db and ob/ob mice have leptin receptor and leptin defects respectively while the DIO mice require high fat diets to become obese. The leptin receptor and leptin defects result in an obese phenotype that leads to insulin resistance, glucose resistance and hyperglycemia. However, defects in the leptin pathway are extremely rare in the human population [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] . They also interfere with normal hypothalamic signaling pathways, which compromises the testing of compounds that have CNS activity [42, 43] . DIO mice require high fat diets to become insulin resistant and glucose intolerant; however, these models develop only moderate hyperglycemia. Although a number Changes in blood glucose and glucose responses to a glucose load during performance of oral glucose tolerance test in male FATZO mice following administration of semaglutide. Post-prandial glucose measured 24 hours after administration of semaglutide was dose-dependently reduced compared to vehicle over the course of the study (A) (two-way ANOVA, * p < .05 when compared to baseline). Terminal glucose data were also plotted as % decrease in glucose concentrations compared to baseline. The responses of all of the semaglutide groups were significantly higher than that of vehicle treated animals (B). Improvements in glucose handling were dose-dependent and significant compared to vehicle when administered at 10 nmol/kg (C, D) [Vehicle •, 1 nmol/kg ■, 3 nmol/kg ▲, and 10 nmol/kg ▼] (one-way ANOVA, * p < .05 when compared to vehicle).

However, defects in the leptin pathway are extremely rare in the human population.

They also interfere with normal hypothalamic signaling pathways, which compromises the testing of compounds that have CNS activity.


The SNIa test works well also when baryonic and cold dark matter (CDM) are added to the system [12] . The combination of the tachyonic scalar field and dust however leads to an additional problem when reaching the singularity. Despite the tachyonic energy density vanishing at the singularity, the dust still arrives with a nonzero energy density there, hence the expansion rate is nonvanishing. Similar features emerge when adding a dust component to an anti-Chaplygin gas. In both cases the Hubble parameter acquires a nonzero value at the singularity due to the dust component, implying further expansion. With continued expansion however, both the energy density and the pressure would become ill-defined, hence only a contraction would be allowed. The paradox is resolved by suitably redefining the antiChaplygin gas in a distributional sense [13] . Then due to a sudden reversal of the expansion rate (a jump in the Hubble parameter) a contraction could instantly follow the expansion phase. This is analogous to a ball bouncing back in a perfectly elastic manner from a wall.

The SNIa test works well also when baryonic and cold dark matter (CDM) are added to the system.

The paradox is resolved by suitably redefining the antiChaplygin gas in a distributional sense.


As an alternative, certain transformations of the properties of both the anti-Chaplygin gas and the tachyonic scalar field could lead to a smooth passage through the soft singularity even in the presence of a dust component. The expansion is continued for a while after the singularity, with a full stop arising later on, followed by a contraction, a second passage through the singularity and then further contraction until the Big Crunch is reached [12] . By analogy this process is similar to modeling the deformations of the ball during the collision process with the wall, which will lead to a full stop of the ball at the detriment of its temporary deformation.

The expansion is continued for a while after the singularity, with a full stop arising later on, followed by a contraction, a second passage through the singularity and then further contraction until the Big Crunch is reached.


Crystals 2017, 7, 7 2 of 10 occurrence because it occurs between two enantiomorphic phases, which also mean noncentrosymmetric phases. The properties such as ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and second-order optical nonlinearlity are allowed in a noncentrosymmetric structure. Other noncentrosymmetric SCSC transitions have been previously reported [14] . We discuss a possible mechanism for the enantiomorphic SCSC phase transition based on the crystal structure changes between the α-and β-forms. The temperature dependence of the dielectric constant in the single crystalline state was also measured.

Other noncentrosymmetric SCSC transitions have been previously reported.


A single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) phase transition is defined as a micro-mutual transformation in crystal structure with no destruction of the crystal lattice. A reversible SCSC phase transition can occur when the changes in the molecular conformation and packing arrangement in the crystal are very small at the phase transition, so there are no cracks or breaks in the crystal. Hence, the reversible SCSC phase transition is a fascinating phenomenon because of its potential applications in ferroelectric and switchable dielectric devices [1] [2] [3] . Several molecular crystals that undergo temperature-induced reversible SCSC phase transition have been reported [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] .

Hence, the reversible SCSC phase transition is a fascinating phenomenon because of its potential applications in ferroelectric and switchable dielectric devices.

Several molecular crystals that undergo temperature-induced reversible SCSC phase transition have been reported.


The compound enol-(S)-1 was synthesized as reported previously [15] . Single crystals were obtained by slow evaporation of a solution in 2-propanol at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of enol-(S)-1 was performed over the temperature range from 10 to −10 • C at a rate of 2 • C·min −1 with cooling initially and then heating (Figure 1 ). Cooling the crystalline sample of enol-(S)-1 had an exothermic peak at 2.2 • C. The phase transition started at 2.7 • C and ended at 0.1 • C. Heating the crystalline sample of enol-(S)-1 had an endothermic peak at 3.9 • C. The reverse phase transition began at 3.6 • C and ended at 4.8 • C. The sharp shapes of these two peaks and the thermal hysteresis of 1.7 • C reveal a first-order phase transition. The enthalpy at the exothermic and endothermic peaks was −0.69 and 0.67 kJ·mol −1 , respectively. This small thermal hysteresis might be a general feature of SCSC transition because small hysteresis was reported also in the previous papers [4, 7, 10] . DSC curves in wide temperature ranges indicated no existence of additional phase transition ( Figure S1 ).

The compound enol-(S)-1 was synthesized as reported previously.

This small thermal hysteresis might be a general feature of SCSC transition because small hysteresis was reported also in the previous papers.


However, the assessment of when humans crossed the Strait of Gibraltar for the first time is a complex issue with many uncertainties. Although it is generally thought that human movements can be traced back to the mid-or Late Pleistocene, the first definite evidence for deep-sea fishing and navigation within the region dates to only the 12th millennium bc (Straus, 2001; Broodbank, 2006) . Consequently, due to the complexity in clarifying which scenario is associated with each expansion event, there is a need to deepen our knowledge of the genetic spatial structure of populations across their Mediterranean range, by comparing their genetic signatures with both conservative and rapidly evolving markers.

Although it is generally thought that human movements can be traced back to the mid-or Late Pleistocene, the first definite evidence for deep-sea fishing and navigation within the region dates to only the 12th millennium bc.


This statement let us draw two important insights. First, the understanding of something is a capacity to explain some of its characteristics (interestingly, this statement is backed up by research in pedagogy [5] ). Second, the explanation must be given with respect to another knowledge domain we are supposed to know already (the application domain in this case). Therefore, in our definition, we take for granted that the maintenance engineer knows the application domain of the program he is trying to understand. For example, in the banking domain, he would be able to explain what an interest rate is, how it is computed, in what banking operation it is used and so on.

First, the understanding of something is a capacity to explain some of its characteristics (interestingly, this statement is backed up by research in pedagogy).


In sustainable mobility, electric vehicles significantly improve local air quality, hence they can be made nearly CO2-free, depending on the primary energy source used [10] . Electric mobility is confronted with several persisting barriers to market penetration, like the high purchase price, the limited range and the lack of charging infrastructure [11] . Despite these shortcomings, France, for instance, feels optimistic about electric vehicles, and the target there is to have 2 million by 2020 [12] .

In sustainable mobility, electric vehicles significantly improve local air quality, hence they can be made nearly CO2-free, depending on the primary energy source used.

Electric mobility is confronted with several persisting barriers to market penetration, like the high purchase price, the limited range and the lack of charging infrastructure.

Despite these shortcomings, France, for instance, feels optimistic about electric vehicles, and the target there is to have 2 million by 2020.


The influentials could also sway opinions in political campaigns, elections, and affect reactions to government policies [4] . Tapping on the influentials can help understand the changing interests, foresee potential pitfalls and likely gains, and adapt plans timely and pro-actively (not just reactively). The influentials can also help in customer support and troubleshooting since their solutions are trustworthy because of the sense of authority these influentials possess. For example, Macromedia 1 aggregates, categorizes and searches the blog posts of 500 people who write about Macromedia's technology. Instead of going through every blog post, an excellent entry point is to start with the influentials' posts.

The influentials could also sway opinions in political campaigns, elections, and affect reactions to government policies.


The CLOU concept was developed based on the use of oxygen carrier materials which can release gaseous oxygen and thereby allow the solid fuel to be burnt with gas phase oxygen [4] . These materials can also be regenerated at high temperatures. Complete combustion and CO 2 capture rates close to 100% have been found in a 1.5 kW th CLOU unit due to the fast combustion of coal with gaseous oxygen generated in-situ in the fuel reactor [5] .

The CLOU concept was developed based on the use of oxygen carrier materials which can release gaseous oxygen and thereby allow the solid fuel to be burnt with gas phase oxygen.

Complete combustion and CO 2 capture rates close to 100% have been found in a 1.5 kW th CLOU unit due to the fast combustion of coal with gaseous oxygen generated in-situ in the fuel reactor.


Thus, from results obtained in this work is recommended for industrial application a solids inventory higher than 500 kg/MW th to reduce the total oxygen demand of the process, and a high temperature in the fuel reactor (close to 1000ºC) as well as a highly efficient carbon stripper to improve the CO 2 capture rate [34] . Considering the required cross-section area and pressure drop in the fuel reactor, the proposed design will allow the operation with the recommended solids inventory [28] . Also, a double loop seal, which was used to control the flow of solids to the carbon stripper and air reactor, is an extended technology in the industry to split a flow of solids.

Thus, from results obtained in this work is recommended for industrial application a solids inventory higher than 500 kg/MW th to reduce the total oxygen demand of the process, and a high temperature in the fuel reactor (close to 1000ºC) as well as a highly efficient carbon stripper to improve the CO 2 capture rate.

Considering the required cross-section area and pressure drop in the fuel reactor, the proposed design will allow the operation with the recommended solids inventory.


The CO 2 capture rate increased with fuel reactor temperature, and a value of 88% at 991ºC was found. This value could be increased by increasing fuel reactor temperature or optimizing operation in carbon stripper; see Figure 5 . Nevertheless, the efficiency of the carbon stripper could not be calculated at this time. Theoretical simulations can be used in order to estimate the efficiency of the carbon stripper [12] . When comparing the total oxygen demand for the same results of CO 2 capture rate, i.e. 85% at 990ºC, we obtained  T = 7.5% in the experiments and  T = 7.3% from predictions in Figure 5 , which was a good agreement. For this case, the predicted carbon stripper efficiency was 96%.

Theoretical simulations can be used in order to estimate the efficiency of the carbon stripper.


In breeders, the egg production and quality were determined in three 14-day cycles. At the end of each 14-day interval, for four consecutive days, the egg weight, specific gravity, and eggshell percentage and thickness were determined. All intact eggs of each experimental unit have weighed and tested for specific gravity in saline densities ranging from 1.066 to 1.082 g/mL. The Haugh unit was determined in three eggs/experimental unit, according to the formula: UH=100log (H+7.57-1.7 W 0.37 ), where: H=albumen height (mm), W=egg weight (grams) (Haugh, 1937) . The shells were washed and dried to determine their percentage and thickness with the aid of digital caliper.

All intact eggs of each experimental unit have weighed and tested for specific gravity in saline densities ranging from 1.066 to 1.082 g/mL. The Haugh unit was determined in three eggs/experimental unit, according to the formula: UH=100log (H+7.57-1.7 W 0.37 ), where: H=albumen height (mm), W=egg weight (grams).


As described above, common foods consist of several taste qualities. Gustatory processing of common foods will differ from that observed in experimental evaluations of taste solutions containing a single chemical substance, such as sucrose or citric acid [38] [39] [40] . For example, consumers perceive the value of sensory evaluation for a particular taste quality after they notice it among other taste qualities. In other words, there seems to be a temporal order on psychological processing between noticing a taste quality included in common food (the advance processing) and evaluating its perceived intensity (the subsequent processing).

Gustatory processing of common foods will differ from that observed in experimental evaluations of taste solutions containing a single chemical substance, such as sucrose or citric acid.


Sensory evaluation is an essential tool in the development of new products. Physical measurements cannot normally determine consumer response or preference because psychological or sensory responses are difficult to mimic (Dubost et al. 2003) . However, this type of evaluation can be characterised by imprecision, inaccuracy and uncertain repeatability (Sinija and Mishra 2011) . Therefore, it is important to find a good objective method that can predict the sensory perception of the product (Segnini et al. 1999) .

Physical measurements cannot normally determine consumer response or preference because psychological or sensory responses are difficult to mimic.

However, this type of evaluation can be characterised by imprecision, inaccuracy and uncertain repeatability.

Therefore, it is important to find a good objective method that can predict the sensory perception of the product.


In the research work reported here, the authors focused on the absorption of energy in the human head from near-field radiation of wireless phones. Two models for mobile phone (half-wavelength dipole and a quarterwavelength monopole) and two simple models for head (homogenous and multi-layer spherical) were considered. A modern method for calculating maximum SAR (10 g) was introduced and the results were compared with a realistic MRI model of head [6, 7] .

A modern method for calculating maximum SAR (10 g) was introduced and the results were compared with a realistic MRI model of head.


Natural gas hydrates are crystalline solids composed of water and gas. The gas molecules (guests) are trapped in water cavities (host) composed of hydrogen-bonded water molecules. Typical natural gas molecules include methane, ethane, propane, and carbon dioxide [1] [2] [3] . Natural gas hydrate is widely distributed in areas with permafrost and offshore regions, and are estimated to contain approximately 20,000 trillion m 3 of potential energy [3] [4] [5] .

Typical natural gas molecules include methane, ethane, propane, and carbon dioxide.

Natural gas hydrate is widely distributed in areas with permafrost and offshore regions, and are estimated to contain approximately 20,000 trillion m 3 of potential energy.


Content analysis was carried out on responses of the first and second rounds of the Delphi study. This analyses the qualitative written data in an objective, systematic way in order to identify and quantify recurring patterns and themes in the data (Zikmund, 2003) . The process exposed 13 core corporate governance dilemmas facing boards. They are presented in Table 4 together with frequency of occurrence and as a percentage of the total incidence of all dilemmas. No additional dilemmas were captured in the second round of the study. All dilemmas were considered valid based on the fact that they fit the criteria for a dilemma outlined in the literature review. These dilemmas were therefore included in the second round of the Delphi study. The importance of a dilemma to the panel was established by contending that the dilemma would only be included in the third round of the Delphi study if the dilemma appeared with a consistency of more than fifty percent in the second round. Table 4 illustrates that this is not the case for dilemma nine which has nine votes for and nine votes against and hence this dilemma was excluded in the next round.

This analyses the qualitative written data in an objective, systematic way in order to identify and quantify recurring patterns and themes in the data.


Our results unequivocally confirmed the more efficient utilization of the organic form of selenium in chickens as reflected by its higher levels in most of tissues and mainly in the muscles than with Na 2 SeO 3 . The most striking finding in Group 3 given Se-yeast was the double Se contents in muscle during entire experiment comparing to birds of Group 2 with an adequate intake of sodium selenite. Another noteworthy result of the Se analysis in muscle is that during whole experiment (7 weeks) we did not find significant differences in any of weekly collected samples among chickens given a diet with the basic selenium content or diet with the additional selenite supply. Moreover, the muscle Se level in 7-week-old birds supplied with inorganic Se fell highly significantly to a value less than half of that on day of hatching (from 11.8Ȁ1.3 to 5.5Ȁ0.2 Ȑmol·kg -1 of DM, P < 0.001). The larger body retention of selenium from Se-yeast than from selenite was recently demonstrated also in our balance experiments in chicks (Gre‰áková et al. 2002) .

The larger body retention of selenium from Se-yeast than from selenite was recently demonstrated also in our balance experiments in chicks.


This can be an explanation why the occasional overdosing with selenomethionine does not result in such severe toxic consequences in animals as is the case with inorganic Se (Surai 2002) . Our recent work demonstrated that 4-week-old chickens did not respond to feeding a marginal supply of organic Se (plus 0.7 mg·kg -1 Se) by a higher production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver than the birds on basic diet with 0.12 mg·kg -1 of Se (Holovská et al. 2003) . Thereafter the harmful prooxidative effects of selenide to selenite recycling are almost eliminated with using of organic Se in feedstuffs.

This can be an explanation why the occasional overdosing with selenomethionine does not result in such severe toxic consequences in animals as is the case with inorganic Se.

Our recent work demonstrated that 4-week-old chickens did not respond to feeding a marginal supply of organic Se (plus 0.7 mg·kg -1 Se) by a higher production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver than the birds on basic diet with 0.12 mg·kg -1 of Se.


Previous meta-analysis and randomized trials have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of day-care laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) compared to overnight-stay LC with no significant differences in morbidity, pain control, quality of life, patient satisfaction or return to normal daily activities [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . Traditional LC with diathermy hook dissection starting from the triangle of Calot has been the gold standard. However, ultrasonic dissection of the gallbladder has been shown to cause less thermal injury in the surrounding tissues than diathermy hook [6] . Previous randomized studies using the fundus-first approach and ultrasonic dissection have shown less pain, intraoperative bleeding and intraoperative gallbladder perforations, and shorter sick leave than LC with traditional diathermy dissection [7, 8] . Moreover, the fundus-first approach has been described to shorten operative time, reduce postoperative PONV and increase same-day discharge [7, 8] .

Previous meta-analysis and randomized trials have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of day-care laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) compared to overnight-stay LC with no significant differences in morbidity, pain control, quality of life, patient satisfaction or return to normal daily activities.

However, ultrasonic dissection of the gallbladder has been shown to cause less thermal injury in the surrounding tissues than diathermy hook.

Previous randomized studies using the fundus-first approach and ultrasonic dissection have shown less pain, intraoperative bleeding and intraoperative gallbladder perforations, and shorter sick leave than LC with traditional diathermy dissection.

Moreover, the fundus-first approach has been described to shorten operative time, reduce postoperative PONV and increase same-day discharge.


Diesel engines possess noticeable advantages in terms of efficiency, reliability, and power density compared with their gasoline counterparts. However, diesel engine emission control, especially NO x reduction, is much more challenging than that for gasoline engines. The lean burn combustion characteristic of diesel engines is notable of high engine-out NO x emissions. It is very challenging to achieve the tight NO x emission regulations by engine control and combustion improvements alone [29] . A catalytic aftertreatment is necessary for diesel engine-powered vehicles to control the NO x emission level below the stringent regulations. Among a variety of selections, the most promising NO x aftertreatment systems are lean NO x traps (LNT) for light-duty diesel vehicles and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts for medium-and heavy-duty diesel vehicles. This paper deals with the control of LNTs.

It is very challenging to achieve the tight NO x emission regulations by engine control and combustion improvements alone.


LC is a cancer with high mortality and morbidity in China and many other countries in the world and LC patients can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy [45] . A number of studies have searched for serum protein biomarkers that can distinguish LC from controls and various associations have been suggested in the literature [46] . However, no biomarker reported so far is of great clinical interest due to the poor specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, the search for better biomarkers, either individual molecules or specific combinations of molecules, continues.

LC is a cancer with high mortality and morbidity in China and many other countries in the world and LC patients can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

A number of studies have searched for serum protein biomarkers that can distinguish LC from controls and various associations have been suggested in the literature.


Ion exchange resins are solid and suitable in solubilised high molecular weight polyelectrolytes that can exchange their mobile ions of equal charge with the surrounding medium reversibly and stotiometrically. They are available in desired size ranges. Bitter cationic drugs can get adsorbed on to the weak cationic exchange resins of carboxylic acid functionally to form the complex which is not bitter. Further resinates can be formulated as lozenges, chewing gum, suspension or dispersible tablet and mask the taste (Rishi, 2004) . Drug can be bound to the resin with the drug solution. Drugs are attached to the oppositely charged resin substrate or resonate through weak ionic bonding so that dissociation of the drugresin complex does not occur under salivary pH conditions. This suitably masks the unpleasant taste and odour of drugs (Kaushik et al., 2004) .

Further resinates can be formulated as lozenges, chewing gum, suspension or dispersible tablet and mask the taste.

This suitably masks the unpleasant taste and odour of drugs.


Following the advent of precision Higgs physics, top-quark mass effects are currently a very active topic, which was also heavily featured at this conference [1] . We show sample diagrams for some of the relevant processes in Figure 1 , where the fermion lines correspond to the top quark. These gluon-fusion processes have in common that they are loop-induced and that their perturbative expansions only converge slowly, implying that higher-order corrections are both important and very challenging to compute. Traditionally, the infinite top-quark mass limit has been used beyond leading order to considerably simplify calculations. In many cases, higher powers in the large top-quark mass expansion (LME) were computed to refine predictions and obtain rough estimates for the uncertainties related to the approximation. While the expansion yields reliable results for single on-shell Higgs production, it breaks down in kinematic regimes of 2 → 2 processes where the internal top quarks can be on their mass shell, e.g. at large invariant masses or transverse momenta.

Following the advent of precision Higgs physics, top-quark mass effects are currently a very active topic, which was also heavily featured at this conference.


Currently, ACOG lists both the NDDG and CC criteria for the diagnosis of GDM [70] . The ADA acknowledged the GDM screening and diagnosis controversy in their 2015 Practice Guidelines, and now recommends either the onestep IADPSG or the two-step method (either the NDDG or CC criteria) preferred by ACOG. However, recent data support the use of the CC criteria over NDDG criteria [13] . Outside the USA, the WHO and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) support the use of the IADPSG criteria [83] . Other varieties of responses to the IADPSG recommendations from the other nations also demonstrate the complexity and controversy, especially given concerns around access to healthcare and costs due to increases in the prevalence of GDM with the one-step IADPSG diagnostic criteria.

Currently, ACOG lists both the NDDG and CC criteria for the diagnosis of GDM.

However, recent data support the use of the CC criteria over NDDG criteria.

Outside the USA, the WHO and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) support the use of the IADPSG criteria.


It should be emphasized that the three methods aforementioned can be used to treat arbitrary motion of boundaries. If only some particular types of motion are considered, one can resort to some techniques that are non-generalizable. For example, if only one moving part is considered, a non-inertial reference frame which moves with the solid body can be used in the formulation and subsequent solution of the Navier-Stokes equation. Another method exclusively designed for rotation is the 'shear-slip mesh update' method proposed by Behr and Tezduyar [12] . Actually, this method is very similar to the overset grid method in handling moving boundaries. The only difference is that it uses a simple 'shear-slip layer' (which includes very few elements) to connect the two independent meshes in lieu of the overlapping region in the overset method. In this method, a local re-meshing in the shear-slip layer is needed. Although these methods are effective in dealing with certain problems, their limitations are also obvious. The non-inertial frame approach cannot handle problem that involves multiple parts with relative motions; whereas the 'shear-slip mesh update' method fails in the presence of irregular boundary motions.

Another method exclusively designed for rotation is the 'shear-slip mesh update' method proposed by Behr and Tezduyar.


In the polar winters of both hemispheres, large differences of mixing ratios of chemical tracers inside and outside the polar vortices are a typical feature as well as large gradients at the vortex edge. HALOE does not sample the polar vortex on a regular basis. However, often the polar vortices are displaced from a circumpolar symmetry and large fractions of the polar vortex reach latitudes at which HALOE does observe. These air masses contain information from the polar vortex and typically have high potential vorticity (PV) values. Therefore the PV information was used in compiling the climatology presented here. The observations were sorted and combined with respect to equivalent latitude (Lary et al., 1995) . The equivalent latitude was derived from PV using the analyses provided by the United Kingdom Meteorological Office (UKMO). Figure 2 shows the HALOE coverage with respect to equivalent latitude. Clearly, the range of equivalent latitudes covered by HALOE is larger than the range of latitudes, especially during the polar winter in both hemispheres.

The observations were sorted and combined with respect to equivalent latitude.


Agricultural Engineering university studies are undergoing great changes and improvements, thanks to the use of these technologies. Thus, it has been demonstrated the improvement in the development of agricultural engineering class sessions by using the flipped classroom learning environments (combination of the conventional and virtual teaching) [3] . Other authors proposed the implementation of distance-learning in engineering studies and use it for the benefit of increasing their attractiveness [4] .

Thus, it has been demonstrated the improvement in the development of agricultural engineering class sessions by using the flipped classroom learning environments (combination of the conventional and virtual teaching).

Other authors proposed the implementation of distance-learning in engineering studies and use it for the benefit of increasing their attractiveness.


Generally, students in our department are first exposed to the basic concepts of the equations required to calculate power balances. They then have to use this new knowledge to work out some general problems. These calculations are performed manually with the aid of a calculator. Each question demands considerable time on the part of the student, who has to repeat the majority of the calculations made if any condition of the problem is changed. However, our students are allowed access to the program described, either individually or in groups. They can then check their calculations and easily modify variables to see what effect this has on the final result-something that should reinforce their understanding of the basic concepts they have been taught. This type of software-supported learning for the verification of results has been tried in other areas of engineering by other authors [6, 11] .

This type of software-supported learning for the verification of results has been tried in other areas of engineering by other authors.


Our target application is monitoring of physical activity using WBAN of intelligent motion and ECG sensors [2] . Motion sensors can be deployed on characteristic body points, such as ankle, chest, wrist, and hip. Real time analysis of signals from motion sensors can provide information about the user's position and state of activity (laying, sitting, walking, running).

Our target application is monitoring of physical activity using WBAN of intelligent motion and ECG sensors.


The past years demonstrated growing interest of the world market to small hidden wearable devices for monitoring of chronic deceases and vital signs. Such devices must preferably be wireless and form a body-area network. Constant monitoring of physiological parameters will improve preventive healthcare through early detection of deceases and the parameter deviation. This will help to hold in control the gradually increasing cost of curative medicine [1] . Logically, such devices must be integrated in the things already existing on the human body such as watches, jewelry, and garments. The necessity of a battery complicates device integration and slows down wide spread of health monitoring devices on the market. However, the battery in a wearable sensor could be provided with or replaced by an energy scavenger, or harvester, that would transform available ambient energy into electrical one. Among ways of scavenging ambient energy, three could be considered: the photovoltaic conversion of ambient light, the conversion of mechanical energy of a person, which can be done through electromagnetic, electrostatic, or piezoelectric mechanisms, and the thermoelectric conversion of human heat.

This will help to hold in control the gradually increasing cost of curative medicine.


As an example of where resources and specializations can address multiple barriers, KSU's narrowly disciplinary and unintegrated concept for SD comprised six separate V&L barriers, so it is a major impediment to an integrated curriculum program (such as an academic sustainability certificate available to all students across all majors). SD advocates who are full-time faculty, can respond meaningfully to this multi-faceted barrier by highlighting the interdisciplinarity inherent in current university-wide events. For example, KSU already holds an annual "Equinox Week" celebration and symposium organized according to the UN Sustainability Goals, and this allows disparate departments to network. Here again, policy is an important resource. Faculty can demonstrate that SD in general and a certificate in particular would aid the university in pursuing its Strategic Plan. This plan includes the goal of transformational learning and an action step of high-impact teaching; in turn, these are linked in university documents to student research projects, internships, and project-and service-learning [28] . By using the university-approved terminology and by emphasizing the relevance of SD to its new plans, advocates can demonstrate that SD is a broad content-based mechanism toward "transformational learning" because students value education that they readily identify as relevant to their personal life choices, their career options, and the quality of life in their globally connected communities.

This plan includes the goal of transformational learning and an action step of high-impact teaching; in turn, these are linked in university documents to student research projects, internships, and project-and service-learning.


In applied disciplines like engineering and business, case studies are popular educational and research tools. The same holds true in the social sciences in general and in the study of SD in HE in particular (for the advantages of case-study methodology in the social sciences, see George and Bennett [20] ). According to Hoover and Harder, "case[-]study methodology has become one of the most common qualitative approaches in research on sustainability in HE" for it captures the complex nature and fluid boundaries of sustainability in academia [21] (p. 176). Case studies are a powerful method to convey the "sustainability story" of a university in ways that help define problems and help effect change [21] . These features make the case study an ideal research tool for examining sustainability within higher education [22] . Following suit, the research team applied the case-study methodology to a major southeastern university's sustainability quest. The approach, however, differed from the traditional case-study methodology in two ways: (1) it brought together two major theoretical frameworks and then applied them to KSU (see Section 2), and (2) it developed an overarching process model of organizational change for sustainability. Both of these contributions are in line with calls for case studies not only to make recommendations and provide strategic direction but also "to develop models or frameworks" that address the context-specific nature of sustainability in HEIs and the ensuing organizational change [21] (p. 177).

The same holds true in the social sciences in general and in the study of SD in HE in particular (for the advantages of case-study methodology in the social sciences, see George and Bennett).

According to Hoover and Harder, "case[-]study methodology has become one of the most common qualitative approaches in research on sustainability in HE" for it captures the complex nature and fluid boundaries of sustainability in academia(p. 176).

Case studies are a powerful method to convey the "sustainability story" of a university in ways that help define problems and help effect change.

These features make the case study an ideal research tool for examining sustainability within higher education.

Both of these contributions are in line with calls for case studies not only to make recommendations and provide strategic direction but also "to develop models or frameworks" that address the context-specific nature of sustainability in HEIs and the ensuing organizational change(p. 177).


At KSU, the lack of authority and paucity of resources with potential for high impact means that self-determination becomes the dimension of empowerment with chief importance. Indeed only 2 out of 10 barriers in Table 2 have no change driver identified for self-determination (lack of campus-wide funding, and state-level educational priorities that prevent new SD programming). Among the rest, self-determination at KSU is often unsurprising in form; change drivers have been maintaining participation in SD-related events or continuing to advocate for administrative support. However, in 2017 a group of faculty opportunistically gained support (for books and travel) from the KSU's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) to form a Faculty Learning Community (FLC), which has since modified its plan of work to advance SD and address multiple barriers. Initial work focused on addressing the lack of SD in general education curricula, and later the development and implementation of the faculty survey. These efforts are still in process and could have lasting impact over the long term. For instance, if the director position is re-established, the FLC is well poised to suggest a certificate program, and the survey results can be used as the starting point for a research clearinghouse or networking directory. The FLC also identified ways that the broader KSU faculty can enhance the resiliency of SD in the absence of authority (see Table 3 ). These are actions of self-determination whose impact is directly proportional to the number of individuals who carry them out. ' s idea of achieving change in HEIs by empowering faculty and staff, the middle part of the organization. In fact, "the greatest potential for long-term change comes from active intrapreneurship by faculty and staff" [11] (p. 351). Understanding the complexities of HEIs, faculty and staff can act as change agents who effect change within organizational boundaries. Change at the faculty/staff level is "'middle-out' change" or transformative change from within [11] (p. 340). Faculty, however, differ from staff in terms of expertise and specialization. As specialists who can understand and relay technical information, faculty are "'transmitters' of implementation processes" [17] (p. 172). They can effect change by serving to bridge the gap between administrators and other campus agents such as staff and students [17] . As the research team discovered, faculty can also act as self-sufficient innovators-change agents who take it upon themselves to introduce micro-change and push for macro-change.

In fact, "the greatest potential for long-term change comes from active intrapreneurship by faculty and staff"(p. 351).

Change at the faculty/staff level is "'middle-out' change" or transformative change from within(p. 340).

As specialists who can understand and relay technical information, faculty are "'transmitters' of implementation processes"(p. 172).

They can effect change by serving to bridge the gap between administrators and other campus agents such as staff and students.


Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene with CO 2 (ODH) is a promising alternative to the industrially applied catalytic non-oxidative dehydrogenation due to the strong market incentive for styrene production [1] . As industrial demand for styrene grows, its production via ODH of ethylbenzene is assuming great importance. Indeed, styrene is of interest to the petroleum industry for the production of polystyrene, styrene-butadiene rubber, fibers and resins [2] . However, the major challenges associated with the dehydrogenation are requirement of developing selective and stable catalysts, since the deactivation of the solids due to coke formation is inevitable.

Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene with CO 2 (ODH) is a promising alternative to the industrially applied catalytic non-oxidative dehydrogenation due to the strong market incentive for styrene production.

Indeed, styrene is of interest to the petroleum industry for the production of polystyrene, styrene-butadiene rubber, fibers and resins.


The third phase consisted of direct shear tests [20] . The test procedure included thoroughly mixing ovendried sand with oven-dried CaL powder at the desired gravimetric lignin contents. The preselected amounts of water were then added to the dry mix, depending on the desired configuration, and again mixed thoroughly. Each sample was then placed in the shear box and compacted statically to the desired height, thus giving the desired dry mass density. In order to obtain early age strength, the samples were tested immediately after static compaction.

The third phase consisted of direct shear tests.


Although lignin materials have long been known as a coproduct of the paper industry, it has only recently become a coproduct of the biofuel industry. The most common use of lignosulfonate today is as a dust palliative. However, in the future the use of lignin materials could prove to be an effective and sustainable method for preventing slope erosion and possibly stabilization of paved road beds and slopes. The importance of lignin could also increase substantially in the future due to its status of a highly sustainable and rapidly renewable material. Presently, the sustainability of soil additives is a topic of increasing relevance. For example, replacing traditional road bed stabilizers with lignin materials could reduce man-made carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, thus decreasing the overall greenhouse gas emissions [5] .

For example, replacing traditional road bed stabilizers with lignin materials could reduce man-made carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, thus decreasing the overall greenhouse gas emissions.