DW allocation patterns correlated with root morphology. Pearson correlation coefficients of root weight with root length and SRL were 0.93 (P < 0.01) and -0.44 (P < 0.01), respectively. Roots from compact trees originating within 10 cm of the root collar weighed the most, were longest, and had the lowest SRL (Table 3 , Fig. 4 ). In contrast, roots from dwarf trees weighed least but had the greatest SRL (Tables 3 and 5) . In dwarf trees, the dry matter partitioned to the root was used to elongate main axes, not thicken or increase number of FOL and SOL roots (Table 3) . Juvenile root systems and young roots will have high SRL (Fitter, 1985) . It is possible that the root morphology of the dwarf growth habit may reflect a slowdeveloping root system. This research demonstrated differences in root system branching, configuration, and DW distribution among growth habits of peach trees that reflected distinctly different shoot architectures. For example, trees with dwarf shoots had the smallest root system and compact trees had high branch frequency in both shoots and roots. Knowledge of such coordinated shoot and root growth may lead to a fuller understanding of root-shoot interactions that are particularly important for cultural management and rootstock selection of fruit trees. Shoot-and root-produced hormones can regulate growth and hormonal differences among peach growth habits, which may explain branch frequency and elongation of stem internodes and root links. Despite these branching and length differences, topology of subsystems of second-and higher-order lateral roots were very similar for compact, pillar, and standard trees. That is, the total number of links in paths from exterior links (i.e., root tips) to the root collar were the same but the link lengths and number of subsystems differed. Thus, root branching frequency and root link lengths varied and may be selected in a peach breeding program but root system topology varied little and may not be subject to selection. Root system development and configuration affects plant exploration and exploitation of the soil and the niche occupied by plants in an ecosystem. The root traits characterized in this research may ultimately affect orchard soil and tree management decisions. Trees with DW distributed to a highly branched root system composed of longer root links may more readily absorb mineral nutrients from soil than a less-branched root system. Trees with smaller root systems, e.g., Pillar, may be more sensitive to limitations of soil resources. The consistency of the observed traits in a heterogeneous field soil and in response to genetic-environmental interactions must be evaluated to determine the significance of these root differences to growers and breeders.

Juvenile root systems and young roots will have high SRL.


Horizontal maps of the composite 850 hPa vorticity, surface wind-speed, precipitation and 850 hPa relative humidity at day 0 are shown in Fig. 4 . The largest vorticity values are found (by construction) in the storm center, near the largest relative humidity values, which have a small shift to the east. The precipitation maximum occurs to the east of the storm center. We might find in this a vague similarity to observations which show precipitation maxima in real tropical cyclones to be asymmetric about the storm center (Frank, 1977) . The surface wind-speed has two maxima around the storm center, where a local minimum of the surface wind-speed is located. The horizontal structure of the storms at day 0 justifies our choice for the storm composite size.

We might find in this a vague similarity to observations which show precipitation maxima in real tropical cyclones to be asymmetric about the storm center.


The composite mean anomalous relative humidity (RH) for different levels is shown in Fig. 10 . The anomalous RH is positive at all times and levels, with larger values at higher levels. The RH anomalies at 850 and 700 hPa begin at 3 and 4% and increase slightly throughout the storm evolution, with weak minima around day 0 and 1 respectively. The RH at 500 and 300 hPa have distinct "bumps" centered roughly on day 0. Moistening at these levels is presumably caused by deep convection. This is consistent with the composite precipitation (Fig. 11) , which has a similar temporal structure to that of the upper level RH. The precipitation anomaly at day −7 is 4 mm d The temporal behavior of the standard deviation and skewess of different variables over the distribution of model storms was also analysed. An interesting signal is found in the skewness of the 850 hPa RH. Because the mean 850 hPa RH is high (around 80%), and the maximum possible is 100%, we naively expect negative skewness, in general. The standard deviation of the RH at 850 hPa (not shown) is approximately constant in time with a value of 5%, about one-fourth of the separation between the mean RH and the maximum of 100%. At most levels and times, a negative skewness is indeed found. However, at 850 hPa the RH skewness is slightly positive for several days just before and through day 0, as shown in Fig. 12 . This positive skewness, occurring prior to day 0, suggests the existence of a constraint excluding low RH values from the distribution. This is consistent with the idea, and previously observed and simulated fact, that a necessary condition for cyclogenesis is high RH values in the lower and middle troposphere (Gray, 1979; Rotunno and Emanuel, 1987; Emanuel, 1989; 1995) . The skewness signal suggests that the model may obey a similar constraint, such that precursor disturbances with lower 850 hPa RH do not develop further and thus are excluded from the composite. The composite RH skewness decreases throughout the period, becoming negative around day 0 and decreasing more rapidly thereafter. The skewness of the anomalous RH remains less negative than that of the composite mean, but nonetheless it seems that the systems at later stages of development can sustain drier lower tropospheres than those at earlier stages of development.

This is consistent with the idea, and previously observed and simulated fact, that a necessary condition for cyclogenesis is high RH values in the lower and middle troposphere.


The aim of this research was to find easy-to-access variables that best explain the acoustic comfort people feel when they use open urban environments. It tries to contribute to the definition of an indicator of acoustic comfort for a place to be applied in studies about urban noise. A possible indicator of urban acoustic comfort is the pleasantness people associated with the sound in the local urban environment, i.e., the soundscape. We understand soundscape as being the perception of the sound environment by the people and communities that use the urban space. Therefore, to study urban acoustic comfort the focus of this work is the objective and objectifiable variables in the environment that best predict this experience, i.e., we focus on the concept of "place", a closely related concept that is integrated into what the ISO of soundscape calls "context" [1] .

Therefore, to study urban acoustic comfort the focus of this work is the objective and objectifiable variables in the environment that best predict this experience, i.e., we focus on the concept of "place", a closely related concept that is integrated into what the ISO of soundscape calls "context".


A common cause of NS during pregnancy is pre-eclamptic nephropathy [9] . NS occurring in GTD patients is rarely reported [1] [2] [3] [4] 6, 7] . Interestingly, GTN had a tendency to be associated with membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), according to the two cases presented earlier [2, 6] . Those reports of MGN described the regression by tumour resection alone, supporting that malignant trophoblastic tissue itself, or neoplastic antigens, is responsible for the development of MGN. We did not find any evidence of MGN by microscopic studies. The normal thickness of the glomerular basement membrane and foot process fusions were consistent findings of MCD. MCD may occur in association with haematologic malignancies, lymphoma or leukaemia [10] . Toxic lymphokines released from abnormal T cells may initiate glomerular injury, increasing the permeability of the glomeruli and capillaries in these disorders. Solid tumours are more commonly associated with an immune complexmediated disease such as MGN. However, rare cases of MCD associated with solid tumours have been reported. Clinical symptoms of MCD usually parallel the activity of the malignancy.

A common cause of NS during pregnancy is pre-eclamptic nephropathy.

NS occurring in GTD patients is rarely reported.

Interestingly, GTN had a tendency to be associated with membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), according to the two cases presented earlier.

MCD may occur in association with haematologic malignancies, lymphoma or leukaemia.


Of course there are higher-dimension potential counterterms than R 4 , which are relevant beginning at five loops. It is possible that E 7(7) and/or supersymmetry can be used to exclude these counterterms as well, up to a certain dimension or loop order. However, at eight loops a counterterm exists that is invariant under both supersymmetry and E 7(7) [15, 55] . It is still possible that E 7(7) plays a more subtle role in the excellent ultraviolet behavior of the theory, perhaps by relating somehow the coefficients of certain loop integrals making up the full multi-loop amplitude.

However, at eight loops a counterterm exists that is invariant under both supersymmetry and E 7(7).


Our computation shows that the double-soft limit of three distinct six-point O(α ′3 )-corrected N = 8 matrix elements yields the corresponding weighted sum of four-point amplitudes, precisely as dictated by E 7(7) invariance [46] . However, this is quite puzzling, given the nonvanishing singlesoft limits of the same six-point amplitudes. The most likely possibility seems to be that the double-soft limits will begin to fail, but only beginning with the NMHV seven-point amplitudes. It would be very interesting to test this limit, but that is beyond the scope of the present paper.

Our computation shows that the double-soft limit of three distinct six-point O(α ′3 )-corrected N = 8 matrix elements yields the corresponding weighted sum of four-point amplitudes, precisely as dictated by E 7(7) invariance.


Vascular inflammation is a primary event in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis [1] [2] [3] . The vascular inflammatory reaction is mediated by complex interactions between circulating leukocytes and the endothelium. Activation of endothelial cells by proinflammatory molecules, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), increases the expression of adhesion molecules and the adhesion of leukocytes to the vascular endothelium, which are critical steps in the initiation of atherosclerosis [4] . Vascular adhesion molecules are critical for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis [5] .

Vascular inflammation is a primary event in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis.

Activation of endothelial cells by proinflammatory molecules, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), increases the expression of adhesion molecules and the adhesion of leukocytes to the vascular endothelium, which are critical steps in the initiation of atherosclerosis.

Vascular adhesion molecules are critical for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.


The catalytic aquathermolysis concept was field tested in the Liaohe Field, China in 2005 [16] . Twenty cyclic steam stimulation wells were treated by adding a dispersed catalyst formulation and hydrogen donors. Increases in the heavy oil production of the wells were obtained with high sulfur removal (86%) and asphaltene removal (28%) in comparison with the original crude oil.

The catalytic aquathermolysis concept was field tested in the Liaohe Field, China in 2005.


However, there are important technical challenges involved in developing subsurface upgrading processes. Firstly, downhole processes are difficult to monitor under reservoir conditions. Also, each well and reservoir requires individual treatment; thus, increasing the complexity of field operations [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] .

Also, each well and reservoir requires individual treatment; thus, increasing the complexity of field operations.


Since the diffraction efficiency is erased completely in Fig. 6(b) , we conclude that the diffusion of monomers is not observable in this regime. We can carry out the construction of m 0 and p (m 0 ) as described in Eqs. (4) and (5) . The results of the construction is shown in Fig. 7 . Clearly for the most part of the dynamics, scaling works extremely well. This is a strong proof of the bimolecular termination reaction that is expected to take place in these chemicals. It also agrees with the assumption that the kinetic constants are only functions of the local monomer concentration. In Fig. 8(a) the dynamics right after the writing is shown. The time it takes for the diffraction efficiency to peak signifies the radical dynamics r Ј, and, as shown, the scaling works for the radical dynamics as well. Note that in these figures the quantity of interest is the slope of the logarithmic decay curves. Parameters that affect the final results as multiplicative constants (such as film thickness, proportionality constants between index change, and monomer concentration ␤) are expected to result in vertical shifts of the curves. In Fig.  8 , such shifts are accounted for by alignment of the decay curves at long times.

We can carry out the construction of m 0 and p (m 0 ) as described in Eqs. (4) and.


Using the single factor CAPM, which is used by the Federal Reserve System to estimate the cost of equity for banks in six countries over the period 1990-2009, shows wide variation across banks, highlighting the difficulty of estimating expected returns using the CAPM. Moreover, using the CAPM in estimating the cost of equity capital for specific industries is imprecise due to uncertainty about the true expected risk premiums and imprecise estimates of industry betas (Fama & French, 1997) . In spite of the empirical evidence which suggests weakness of the CAPM, and the problems concerning the model assumptions, the CAPM remains a useful tool for estimating the cost of capital, evaluating the investment performance and event studies of efficient market (Moyer, McGuigan, & Kretlow, 2001 and Campbell, Lo, & MacKinlay, 1997) .

Moreover, using the CAPM in estimating the cost of equity capital for specific industries is imprecise due to uncertainty about the true expected risk premiums and imprecise estimates of industry betas.

In spite of the empirical evidence which suggests weakness of the CAPM, and the problems concerning the model assumptions, the CAPM remains a useful tool for estimating the cost of capital, evaluating the investment performance and event studies of efficient market.


After completion of each group meeting, participants were given a rating sheet in an envelope and asked to return the completed sheet (sealed in the envelope) to the instructor at the next class session. The sheets asked the participant to rate the other members of his/her discussion group on a set of bipolar adjectives (including shyness and talk-time) with 15-point rating scales. No ties were allowed: That is, no two members were to be assigned the same number on any one scale. Table 1 provides the intercorrelations among the self-report questionnaires. The pattern of intercorrelations among the Big Five dimensions is similar to that reported in the FFI manual (Costa & McCrae, 1989) . In addition, the α reliabilities for each measure are included along the diagonal: They appear to be satisfactory.

The pattern of intercorrelations among the Big Five dimensions is similar to that reported in the FFI manual.


Later it turned out that this work also has its natural place in explicit mathematics. Since the operations of explicit mathematics can be regarded as abstract computations, functionals of higher types can be added in a direct and perspicuous way. In explicit mathematics we basically deal with first and second order entities: operations which can be understood as abstract computations and classifications or types which are collections of operations. For the proof-theoretic analysis of functionals of higher types in this framework already the first-order applicative core of explicit mathematics is of significant interest. The corresponding axiomatic first order systems are often referred to as applicative theories. For a survey of this area see Jäger, Kahle and Strahm [18] .

For a survey of this area see Jäger, Kahle and Strahm.


The test programs used are from the nofib suite maintained by the GHC developers (Partain, 1992) . All the tests were run on a lightly loaded, 600 Mhz Pentium III computer running GNU/Linux, with 256Mb of memory. All run time options were kept at the nofib defaults. Table 1 shows some statistics we gathered for all programs in the nofib suite. Of around 36,000 let or letrec bindings (both top level and otherwise), some 8,750 are function definitions; of these some 15% return a product type and have sufficient lambdas at the head of their definition. These are the functions which are eligible for the CPR transformation. Of these eligible functions our CPR pass discovers that about 70% have the constructed result property.

The test programs used are from the nofib suite maintained by the GHC developers.


An advantage of the type-based approach is that it is effective even for higherorder functions -that is, even if a function is passed as an argument to a higher-order function, its arguments and results can still use unboxed representations. This effect is achieved by wrapping a functional argument in an impedance-matching wrapper. There is a corresponding disadvantage too: it is possible to construct programs in which dynamically-composed impedance matchers repeatedly wrap and unwrap the same value before finally using it. Leroy describes this and other effects, before concluding that simpler, non-type-based approaches may be just as effective, or even slightly better than, type-based unboxing (Leroy, 1997) .

Leroy describes this and other effects, before concluding that simpler, non-type-based approaches may be just as effective, or even slightly better than, type-based unboxing.


Consumers interact with a huge number of diverse products during the course of their daily lives and therefore subconsciously develop sophisticated product evaluation skills. A consumer's purchase decision is based not only on a product's functionality and fitness for use, but also on the psychological response induced by its physical appearance. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in the case of mature consumer products such as automobiles, mobile phone, tableware, and computer accessories. These mature consumer products can still sell well in the market place even when lacking advanced technological features and functionalities provided that their form design finds favor with the consumers. As a result, consumer satisfaction with a product's form plays an essential role in determining the likelihood of its commercial success. However, product form design activities are often reduced to a discussion based on the designers' opinions and personal subjectivities, with no theoretical basis. To avoid the subjective judgments in the design process and to objectively relate consumers' psychological satisfaction with a product to its form features, many systematic design approaches have been proposed for modeling the correlation between the form features of a product and the consumers' perception of the product image [1] [2] [3] [4] . Amongst such techniques, Kansei Engineering (KE) is a fundamental consumer-oriented systematic design approach in which the consumers' feelings or product image perceptions are expressed using suitable image descriptors. KE has emerged as one of the most powerful techniques for taking account of the correlation between a product's attributes and the induced product image during the design process [5] .

To avoid the subjective judgments in the design process and to objectively relate consumers' psychological satisfaction with a product to its form features, many systematic design approaches have been proposed for modeling the correlation between the form features of a product and the consumers' perception of the product image.

KE has emerged as one of the most powerful techniques for taking account of the correlation between a product's attributes and the induced product image during the design process.


Multiple linear regression (MLR) is a technique for modeling and analyzing numerical data consisting of the values of a large number of independent variables and a smaller number of dependent variables. MLR enables the identification of a set of independent variables which explain a certain proportion of the variance in a dependent variable at a specified significance level. The relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables can be illustrated either graphically or, more usually, by means of an equation (model). Having established this model, it can be used to predict the value of the dependent variable for any given set of independent variables. Because of the effective learning and prediction capabilities for analyzing the relationship between the product form features (the input variables) and the consumers' perceptions (the output variables), nonlinear neural networks (NNs) have been successfully applied in a diverse range of fields [10, 11] . NNs are well suited to formulate the product design process for matching the product form to the consumers' perceptions, which is often a black box and cannot be precisely described [10, 12, 13] .

Because of the effective learning and prediction capabilities for analyzing the relationship between the product form features (the input variables) and the consumers' perceptions (the output variables), nonlinear neural networks (NNs) have been successfully applied in a diverse range of fields.

NNs are well suited to formulate the product design process for matching the product form to the consumers' perceptions, which is often a black box and cannot be precisely described.


Counterflow spray flames have been the subject of intensive research, and considerable numerical and experimental studies have been performed by considering laminar conditions [7, [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . Theoretical investigations provided understanding about the underlying physical processes, flame stabilisation and extinction processes of spray flames [11, [18] [19] [20] . Experiments in counterflow flames have been performed to examine extinction behaviour of mono-and polydisperse spray flames through strain variation and vortex interaction [21, 22] . More recently, bistable flame structures of laminar flames were considered for examining the bifurcation in three-dimensional turbulent counterflow spray flames [23] . As such, these studies demonstrated that the structure of spray flames is of fundamental relevance for a wide range of operating regimes.

Counterflow spray flames have been the subject of intensive research, and considerable numerical and experimental studies have been performed by considering laminar conditions.

Theoretical investigations provided understanding about the underlying physical processes, flame stabilisation and extinction processes of spray flames.

Experiments in counterflow flames have been performed to examine extinction behaviour of mono-and polydisperse spray flames through strain variation and vortex interaction.

More recently, bistable flame structures of laminar flames were considered for examining the bifurcation in three-dimensional turbulent counterflow spray flames.


Motivated by the utilisation of liquid fuels for transportation and propulsion systems, considerable progress has been made on the analysis of spray flames [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . While gaseous diffusion flames are characterised by the competition between scalar mixing and chemistry, spray flames require the continuous supply of gaseous fuel via evaporation and transport to the reaction zone to sustain combustion. Because of this complexity, the investigation of spray flames in canonical combustion configurations, such as mixing layers, coflow and Downloaded by [Stanford University] at 10:53 12 December 2015 counterflow flames, represents a viable approach for obtaining physical insight into the behaviour of spray flames [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] .

Motivated by the utilisation of liquid fuels for transportation and propulsion systems, considerable progress has been made on the analysis of spray flames.

Because of this complexity, the investigation of spray flames in canonical combustion configurations, such as mixing layers, coflow and Downloaded by [Stanford University] at 10:53 12 December 2015 counterflow flames, represents a viable approach for obtaining physical insight into the behaviour of spray flames.


Reaching towards a knowledge society is a priority for the near future, and achieving the objectives of the information society are still in progress; according to "merge theories", if the solutions of the informational society are applied in organizational and social systems with firm mature trends, one can reach -through a jump -directly to the emergence of some features of knowledge society. We consider it useful to study in Finland and its internet development due to the fact that we talk about a developed country, that considers important social responsibility and protection of the environment, and besides this is the first country in the world where broadband internet access has become a privilege, ensuring that all Finns have access to such a connection The Internet is evolving, technologies are changing every day, the web sites are becoming more and more interactive, the way one can access the Internet are proliferating, it is clear that we are doomed to change. In the early '90s, Web 1.0 was offering the channel to access and transmit in a rapid manner some static information. The web sites were built by people with solid knowledge; visitors were only able to leave suggestions, without being able to edit the original content [1] . The term of Web 2.0 has officially appeared in 2004 at a brainstorming session between the O'Reilly Media and Media Live International, the concepts were based on Tim O'Reilly's article, "What Is Web 2.0 -Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software" [2] . In fig.2 is presented a comparation between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. Engineers of the IT industry are already thinking about Web 3.0. They say that the step forward in comparison with Web 2.0, will be constituted by semantic Internet, which means that the new programs will "understand" the meaning of words, in the context of the phrases, as does the human brain [3] .

The web sites were built by people with solid knowledge; visitors were only able to leave suggestions, without being able to edit the original content.

The term of Web 2.0 has officially appeared in 2004 at a brainstorming session between the O'Reilly Media and Media Live International, the concepts were based on Tim O'Reilly's article, "What Is Web 2.0 -Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software".

They say that the step forward in comparison with Web 2.0, will be constituted by semantic Internet, which means that the new programs will "understand" the meaning of words, in the context of the phrases, as does the human brain.


Fingerprint matching is majorly performed in fingerprint-based human verification and identification systems. It is also performed when the need for establishing the degree of resemblance among different fingerprints arises. Fingerprint matchi ng involves the use of coarse and smooth level characteristics of fingerprint. At the coarse level, fingerprints are classified into six main classes; namely arch, tented arch, right loop, left loop, whorl and twin loop which are shown in Figure 1 [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] .

At the coarse level, fingerprints are classified into six main classes; namely arch, tented arch, right loop, left loop, whorl and twin loop which are shown in Figure 1.


The biofloc technology (BFT) system has become a promising alternative to promote the sustainability and biosecurity of shrimp culture by the utilisation of smaller volumes of water. Biofloc are aggregates of organic material and microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and algae. As such, it is considered a supplementary food source for animals raised in this type of farming system (Avnimelech, 1999) .

As such, it is considered a supplementary food source for animals raised in this type of farming system.


Apparent feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio showed similar efficiency in 100% replacement (Table 3) , which could be explained by a similar apparent crude protein digestibility in diets with different levels of fishmeal or SPC inclusion (Carvalho et al., 2016) . This corroborates other studies with L. vannamei, in which SPC was used as the main protein source in the diet (Bauer et al., 2012; Sookying and Davis, 2011; Sá et al., 2013) . A higher yield and apparent feed intake were observed in shrimp fed the diet without replacement (0%) compared with 100% replacement (Table 3) .

Apparent feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio showed similar efficiency in 100% replacement (Table 3) , which could be explained by a similar apparent crude protein digestibility in diets with different levels of fishmeal or SPC inclusion.

This corroborates other studies with L. vannamei, in which SPC was used as the main protein source in the diet.


A higher concentration of alanine was observed in the biofloc of tanks without fishmeal replacement (0%) compared with tanks with 100% replacement. Treatments with 33 and 66% replacement did not differ from others. Higher concentrations of fibre, arginine, and methionine were detected in the biofloc of treatments with 0 and 66% replacement relative to arginine and methionine concentrations with 100% replacement. Aspartic acid concentration was higher in the bioflocs of tanks with shrimp fed 100% replacement compared with that in the bioflocs of tanks with shrimp fed 33% replacement. Finally, proline concentration was lower for treatment with 100% replacement compared with other treatments. No other amino acids showed significant differences among dietary treatments (Table 5) . Bioflocs can be used as food source containing potential "growth promoters" (Avnimelech, 1999 (Avnimelech, , 2006 Burford et al., 2003; Michaud et al., 2006; Taw, 2010; Wasielesky et al., 2006) . In this study, different trends were recorded between diet and biofloc compositions. For example, methionine, glycine, and alanine were decreased in high levels of replacement, probably because SPC contains lower level of these amino acids than fishmeal. Only arginine was higher in the diet with 100% fishmeal replacement, though its concentration was lower in the biofloc of the same treatment. These results showed no correlation between diets and biofloc proximate composition. However each nutrient may have a different fluctuation and these differences did not affect the survival or apparent feed efficiency of the shrimp or their composition. This can suggest that diets and biofloc contain sufficient nutrients for shrimp performance, probably because of a growth-promoting effect, which may be associated with trace minerals or other unknown nutrients (Sabry Neto et al., 2015) .

Bioflocs can be used as food source containing potential "growth promoters".

This can suggest that diets and biofloc contain sufficient nutrients for shrimp performance, probably because of a growth-promoting effect, which may be associated with trace minerals or other unknown nutrients.


In this paper the problem of focusing a vector field into a nonhomogeneous medium has been tackled by giving a novel insight into Optimal Constrained Power Focusing techniques [8, 9, 25] . In particular, it has been showed that when dialing with vector fields the focusing problem can be recast as an optimization with respect to two sets of unknowns, that is, the polarization of the field into the target point and the arrays' excitations (when considering a fixed array geometry). Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the problem at hand is no-convex/convex with respect to the former/latter set of unknowns. This circumstance leads to the development of two solution strategies. One is based on the solution of all convex programming problems, with respect to the array's excitations, associated with each polarization, in an enumerative fashion. The other one relies on performing the global optimization in the polarization's space.

In this paper the problem of focusing a vector field into a nonhomogeneous medium has been tackled by giving a novel insight into Optimal Constrained Power Focusing techniques.


The utilization of forest openings are well studied in avian biology, where males often construct and clear elaborate arenas to perform intricate visual displays for females (i.e. the genus Parotia or six-plumed birds of paradise) [38] . However, to our knowledge, the visual capabilities across vertebrate animal species has never been compared to examine evolutionary investments in the nervous system that correlate with visual courtship. Again, we feel it is likely that investment in the visual system might mirror the tendency of a Drosophila species to possess a positive phototaxis, which we show between these two obscura species, though it remains unclear which of these behavioral phenotypes occurs first and subsequently drives a correlation in the other trait over the course of evolutionary time. It is also unclear which are the most important factors in the visual displays of D. subobscura during courtship, for example, whether outstretched wings provide a specific color or UV pattern, or whether this wing display simply generates a flash of bright light reflected towards the female. Moreover, it has been shown that D. subobscura does not sing, and thus do not vibrate their wings during display, but we do observe midleg tapping or drumming, which may instead be the auditory component of their courtship ethology. Thus far, no research has simultaneously compared visual and auditory neurobiology or development for these species, but future work should attempt to encompass further sensory modalities. Additional studies will also need to address which photoreceptors are expanded in the compound eye of D. subobscura and how they validate the increases in ommatidia when compared to other close relatives. However, previous research has already shown an expansion of the fruitless positive cells in the optic lobes of D. subobscura as compared to D. melanogaster [39] . Thus, while this pathway has not been addressed yet in D. pseudoobscura or any other members of the obscura group, it is perhaps again indicative of an evolutionary investment in visual modalities for courtship success, given the visual connection to this fruitless labeled pathway. Nevertheless, it is apparent from our current data that variation in visual and olfactory sensory system development occurs for more than just mating purposes, and appears to match ecological deviations in behavioral phototaxis and microhabitat preferences within a shared ecological niche. In the future, it will continue to be important to test our theories related to niche partitioning as an evolutionary force for sensory variation across other Drosophila groups beyond obscura and to continue to provide ecological explanations for the observed variation or tradeoff between these two sensory systems in relation to geographical overlap as well as across more species throughout the entire genus.

The utilization of forest openings are well studied in avian biology, where males often construct and clear elaborate arenas to perform intricate visual displays for females (i.e. the genus Parotia or six-plumed birds of paradise).

However, previous research has already shown an expansion of the fruitless positive cells in the optic lobes of D. subobscura as compared to D. melanogaster.


Parking presents a major challenge in metropolitan areas, where the supply of physical parking infrastructure is often constrained by available land vis-à -vis the extent of business, commercial, and other activities. As a result, arriving drivers spend many minutes searching for available parking space, which constitutes an important yet often ignored source of congestion. Previous research concludes that the average search time for parking in large cities is 8.1 min per vehicle; in addition, 30% of city road traffic is cruising for parking (Shoup, 2006) . Putting this in aggregate, parking space search in the city of Chicago resulted in 63 million vehicle-miles-traveled, 3.1 million gallons of gasoline consumption, and 48,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year (Ayala et al., 2011) . Given that the possibility of increasing parking supply is limited, solving the urban parking problem often requires a demand management perspective.

Previous research concludes that the average search time for parking in large cities is 8.1 min per vehicle; in addition, 30% of city road traffic is cruising for parking.

Putting this in aggregate, parking space search in the city of Chicago resulted in 63 million vehicle-miles-traveled, 3.1 million gallons of gasoline consumption, and 48,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.


Human dignity, unlike human rights, is thus imbued with a capacity to afford both "the politics of equal dignity" (i.e., "universally the same, an identical basket of rights and immunities") and "the politics of difference" (i.e., "the unique identity of an individual or group, their distinctness from everyone else"), borrowing Charles Taylor's ( [61] , p. 38) stipulation. In other words, dignity of fishers is derived not only from bestowing upon them equal rights and treatment vis-à-vis other segments of society, but also recognizing their distinctiveness and unique identity. It follows that human rights and group differences can be best articulated jointly through the notion of dignity.

Human dignity, unlike human rights, is thus imbued with a capacity to afford both "the politics of equal dignity" (i.e., "universally the same, an identical basket of rights and immunities") and "the politics of difference" (i.e., "the unique identity of an individual or group, their distinctness from everyone else"), borrowing Charles Taylor's (, p. 38) stipulation.


The question of duties that come with rights is also a significant issue in fisheries. Broadly speaking, we can ask ourselves about historical overfishing and the subsequent decline of target species and biodiversity in the quest for development and advancement of human well-being [33, 34] . Was resource stewardship robust enough in our thinking and action in relation to our fish-taking endeavor? More recently, there has been a call to recast a right to fish (such as an ITQ) into a privilege to fish, with attendant responsibilities and stewardship obligations levied on the fishing industry in the form of "social contracts" or "social responsibilities" [35] [36] [37] . Moreover, the link between human rights and responsible fisheries is being duly recognized by some fisherfolk organizations and community representatives [38] . Nevertheless, how something as fundamental and inviolable as human rights is to be attached with, and even become conditional upon, the duties of the right-holder is a paradox that fisheries scholars concerned with human rights advocacy have neglected to give adequate consideration.

Broadly speaking, we can ask ourselves about historical overfishing and the subsequent decline of target species and biodiversity in the quest for development and advancement of human well-being.

More recently, there has been a call to recast a right to fish (such as an ITQ) into a privilege to fish, with attendant responsibilities and stewardship obligations levied on the fishing industry in the form of "social contracts" or "social responsibilities".

Moreover, the link between human rights and responsible fisheries is being duly recognized by some fisherfolk organizations and community representatives.


Chaotic systems have been a focal point of renewed interest for many researchers in the past few decades. Such nonlinear systems can occur in various natural and man-made systems, and are known to have great sensitivity to initial conditions. Thus, two trajectories starting at arbitrarily nearby initial conditions in such systems could evolve in drastically different fashions, and soon become totally uncorrelated. At first glance, chaotic time trajectories look very much like noise. In fact, chaotic signals and noise have similar broad-band frequency spectrum charactersitics. However, there is a fundamental difference between noise and chaos, determinism: whereas chaos can be classified as deterministic but unpredictable, noise is neither deterministic nor predictable. This unpredictability of chaotic time signals has been utilized for secure communication applications. Basically, the useful signal is encapsulated in a chaotic envelope (produced by a chaotic oscillator) at the transmitter end, and is transmitted over the communication channel as a chaotic signal. At the receiver end, the information-bearing signal is recovered using various techniques, e.g. synchronization [1] [2] [3] .

At the receiver end, the information-bearing signal is recovered using various techniques, e.g. synchronization.


The underlying theory behind fractional-order systems is deeply rooted in fractional calculus [7] . Basically, these systems are characterized by characteristic equations of fractional order. From a state-space point of view, the fractional order of the resulting characteristic equation results from a fractional-order integrator placed, for example, in place of the output integrator in the system block diagram realization. From a circuit realization standpoint, a fractional-order circuit is obtained using fractional capacitors. Recently, a solid-state implementation of fractal capacitors has been reported [8] . A fractional capacitor ÔCÕ of order ÔmÕ has an Laplace domain impedance given by ZðsÞ ¼ 1=ðCsÞ m . Clearly, this device is characterized by a phase shift of mp=2, for sinusoidal excitation, and becomes 90°as expected when the order becomes unity. Moreover, the fractional capacitor is not lossless, as can be seen from its impedance. As more advances are brought about in the way of solid-state implementations of such devices, we are likely to see a flury of fractional-order integrated circuits. Thus, the need to understand and be able to analyze such circuits becomes vital.

The underlying theory behind fractional-order systems is deeply rooted in fractional calculus.

Recently, a solid-state implementation of fractal capacitors has been reported.


One way to study fractional-order systems is through linear approximations. By utilizing frequency domain techniques based on Bode diagrams, one can obtain a linear approximation for the fractional-order integrator, the order of which depends on the desired bandwidth and discrepancy between the actual and the approximate magnitude Bode diagrams [13] . In this paper, we use this approach to study the behaviors of the fractional-order versions of our chaotic oscillator and jerk models. We derive the approximate linear transfer functions for the fractional integrator of order that varies from 0.1 to 0.9, and study the resulting behavior of the entire system for each case under the effect of different types of nonlinearities. We demonstrate that chaotic attractors are obtained for total system order as low as 2.1.

By utilizing frequency domain techniques based on Bode diagrams, one can obtain a linear approximation for the fractional-order integrator, the order of which depends on the desired bandwidth and discrepancy between the actual and the approximate magnitude Bode diagrams.


Thus, well-designed, randomized, controlled studies are warranted to confirm the findings from the animal studies on bone loss and subsequent development of osteoporosis. In our view, however, the concept that has to be borne in mind is the following: PO is a multifactor and multifaceted disease, and, thus, OxS should not be considered as the unique enemy to defeat. Owing to these considerations, it is conceivable to assume that antioxidants alone could not represent the definitive treatment for PO but more likely as therapeutic adjuvant of well-established antiosteoporotic drugs. The indication that emerged from our investigation was that this type of supplements might benefit postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Indeed only in those subjects, where bone remodeling cycle is altered, but not still completely compromised, the RANK/RANK/OPG system appeared to be sensitive to the elevation of 8-OHdG. Therefore, OxS, during this condition defined as prelude of PO, could contribute to uncoupling the balance between bone resorption and formation, thus guiding the process of bone degeneration to the "definitive" osteoporotic damage. Arresting this process, before BMD is not too low ( -score < 2.5), is very important to prevent from onset of PO and related fragility fractures [31] .

Arresting this process, before BMD is not too low ( -score < 2.5), is very important to prevent from onset of PO and related fragility fractures.


Our study also supports the depressive realism effect in the face of an objective standard to judge accuracy. In contrast to studies that use observers' evaluation or prior predictions as standards, we used a medical algorithm (Gail score) to judge accuracy. We believe this procedure is better than using observer evaluations that may not be objective because observers are subject to their own cognitive biases (Ackermann and DeRubeis 1991) . Our method is also better than an average estimate, or subjects' forecasts, because subjects may have control over whether they can meet their predictions (Dunning and Story 1991) . We demonstrate that depressives are more accurate than nondepressives when they are provided with individual standards for accuracy.

We believe this procedure is better than using observer evaluations that may not be objective because observers are subject to their own cognitive biases.

Our method is also better than an average estimate, or subjects' forecasts, because subjects may have control over whether they can meet their predictions.


In this study, a novel bi-layered nanostructure consisting of a top nanosphere layer and an underneath nanotubular one was synthetized by electrochemical anodization in an ethylene glycol-based electrolyte containing NH 4 F and water. This new double layered nanostructure combines the better photocatalytic properties of the nanospheres with the better electron transport behavior of the directly grown nanotubular structure from the iron substrate [1] . Different annealing conditions such as temperature, heating rate or annealing atmosphere were studied in order to establish the optimum annealing conditions for this nanostructure. The morphology and electrochemical properties of the nanostructure were characterized by different methods such as Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman Spectroscopy, Mott-Schottky (MS) analysis and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The morphological and electrochemical properties of the nanostructure have been correlated to the results of the water splitting tests in order to evaluate the performance of this new nanostructure as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production. The results obtained from this study imply an improvement in the performance of iron oxide nanostructures used as photocatalysts in applications such as water splitting.

This new double layered nanostructure combines the better photocatalytic properties of the nanospheres with the better electron transport behavior of the directly grown nanotubular structure from the iron substrate.


IaaS is a form of cloud computing that provides virtualized computing resources over the Internet. In an IaaS model, a third-party provider hosts hardware, software, servers, storage and other infrastructure components on behalf of its users. IaaS providers also host users' applications and handle tasks including system maintenance, backup and resiliency planning. IaaS platforms offer highly scalable resources that can be adjusted on-demand. This makes IaaS well-suited for workloads that are temporary, experimental or unexpected [6] .

This makes IaaS well-suited for workloads that are temporary, experimental or unexpected.


Therefore, there are many definitions for Social Cloud. That is a scalable computing model in which virtualized resources from users are dynamically provisioned amongst a group of friends, or it's a framework that enables sharing resources and services through utilization of already established relationships among members of social network [1] . Additionally, it's an emerging concept of networking services that are provided by nodes participating in a cloud network [2] . All these definitions refer to the particular notion of social-based service provisioning where human members of a social network site are able to publicize their computing resources and create a cloud service model on top of the social network site [3] .

That is a scalable computing model in which virtualized resources from users are dynamically provisioned amongst a group of friends, or it's a framework that enables sharing resources and services through utilization of already established relationships among members of social network.

Additionally, it's an emerging concept of networking services that are provided by nodes participating in a cloud network.

All these definitions refer to the particular notion of social-based service provisioning where human members of a social network site are able to publicize their computing resources and create a cloud service model on top of the social network site.


Surfactant-enhanced air flushing was conducted to remove perchloroethene (PCE) sources from laboratory flow chambers packed with sand. The resident water was supplemented with an anionic surfactant, (SDBS), to reduce the water's surface tension, and then sparged with nitrogen gas at a constant flow rate of 0.12 min -1 [9, 10] . The present work aimed to applying air flushing as remedial technology for removing the waste-lubricant oil from soil in presence of nonionic surfactant polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether (NPEO 9.3 ). In this respect three different concentrations (3, 5 and wt 7 %) poured individually into laboratory glass column packed with contaminated sand. Two air injection modes continuous (direct injection) and pulsed (on/off interval mode) were applied and the effect of surfactant, pollutant concentrations, washing time and pressure had been studied. The results discussed based on application of surfactant enhancing air flushing techniques as the most suitable and cheapest remedial technology for removal of oil polluted soil.

The resident water was supplemented with an anionic surfactant, (SDBS), to reduce the water's surface tension, and then sparged with nitrogen gas at a constant flow rate of 0.12 min -1.


Surfactants enhance organic contaminant act by two mechanisms. First, surfactants reduce the interfacial tension between water and contaminants that slow the mobility of the organic components, thereby, surfactants can be able to transfer the hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) to the mobile phase [1] . Secondly, surfactants are capable of forming aggregates known as micelles, thus solubilizing HOCs. Numerous studies have indicated that surfactants can enhance recoveries of non-aqueous phase liquids [6, 17] .

First, surfactants reduce the interfacial tension between water and contaminants that slow the mobility of the organic components, thereby, surfactants can be able to transfer the hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) to the mobile phase.

Numerous studies have indicated that surfactants can enhance recoveries of non-aqueous phase liquids.


In this paper, an -support vector regression machine with dynamic correction factor is proposed. And a novel hybrid RNA genetic algorithm (HRGA) is proposed to obtain the optimal parameters for a SVM. The HRGA is from the development of biological science and technology; the structure and information of RNA molecular are known profoundly. To improve the optimal performance of genetic algorithm, one genetic algorithm which bases on coding and biological molecular operation has been widely concerned [14] . This method improves the search efficiency and optimization performance through coding the individuals into biological molecules by use of bases [15, 16] . The appropriate mutation operator can improve the population diversity and prevent premature. While the mutation operator of classical RNA genetic algorithm (RGA) is fixed, so we need to find a suitable method to determine the mutation operator. In 2003, Kennedy did some improvement on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and proposed the bare bones particle swarm algorithm [17] .

To improve the optimal performance of genetic algorithm, one genetic algorithm which bases on coding and biological molecular operation has been widely concerned.

This method improves the search efficiency and optimization performance through coding the individuals into biological molecules by use of bases.

In 2003, Kennedy did some improvement on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and proposed the bare bones particle swarm algorithm.


In recent years, crude oil prices have experienced four jumps and two slumps. The fluctuation of crude oil price adds more changes to the development of world economy. Grasping the change of oil price can provide guidance for economic development [1] . Therefore, it is very important to predict the crude oil price accurately.

Grasping the change of oil price can provide guidance for economic development.


Once the support vector regression machine is designed optimally, it can be used to predict crude oil price. Dynamic correction factor is brought in to improve the predictive effect and can strengthen the robustness of systems. In order to test the performance of the proposed predicting method, we provided the predicting results by using a back propagation neural network and a traditional support vector regression machine which are also improved with dynamic correction factor [7, 8] . The results show that our predicting method obtains greater accuracy than that of the other two in this paper.

In order to test the performance of the proposed predicting method, we provided the predicting results by using a back propagation neural network and a traditional support vector regression machine which are also improved with dynamic correction factor.


The COPS has been used as part of a battery of instruments for the prediction of job performance by public safety candidates for more than 20 years. During this time, the battery as a whole has been administered to more than 40,000 individuals in the United States, Trinidad and Australia who were either seeking employment or promotion as a public safety candidate, or were referred by their agency for testing due to disciplinary or mental health problems. A series of studies has found the battery to be a valid predictor of subsequent job performance in police and corrections officers (Fischler, 2004; Guller, 2004; Heyer, 1998; Lough & Ryan, 2005 Lough, Wald, Byrne, & Walker, 2007) . The following presents the results from the first set of studies to be completed evaluating the COPS as a stand-alone instrument.

A series of studies has found the battery to be a valid predictor of subsequent job performance in police and corrections officers.


Myofibrillar proteins are the major components of surimi and are responsible for the formation of gel texture upon heating. During the rinsing process of surimi production, oxidation of myofibrillar proteins by ozone treatment may cause the formation of intra-and/or intermolecular disulfide bonds, peptide bond cleavage, amino acid residue modification, unfolding of protein molecules, and alternation in protein functionality [7] . These changes to protein functionality ultimately affect the textural properties of surimi gels.

During the rinsing process of surimi production, oxidation of myofibrillar proteins by ozone treatment may cause the formation of intra-and/or intermolecular disulfide bonds, peptide bond cleavage, amino acid residue modification, unfolding of protein molecules, and alternation in protein functionality.


The radioprotective efficacy of plant extracts is as a result of their containing a large number of active constituents, such as antioxidants, immunostimulants and compounds with antimicrobial activity (Weiss and Landauer, 2003; Jagetia et al., 2007) . Reduction of oxidative damage by natural antioxidants in diets provides a degree of protection against ionizing radiation injury (Weiss and Landauer, 2003) . Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and Vitamin C and related analogues are food nutrients that can scavenge singlet oxygen and superoxide-anion radicals (Sert et al., 2000) .

The radioprotective efficacy of plant extracts is as a result of their containing a large number of active constituents, such as antioxidants, immunostimulants and compounds with antimicrobial activity.

Reduction of oxidative damage by natural antioxidants in diets provides a degree of protection against ionizing radiation injury.

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and Vitamin C and related analogues are food nutrients that can scavenge singlet oxygen and superoxide-anion radicals.


This paper focuses only on the RM and its representation in a conceptual schema by means of the RAP. Detailed work on translating conceptual models to a specific implementation can be found elsewhere [6] [7] [8] . The paper is organised as follows: after the introduction, Section 2 presents a short description of the main features of the TRADE and the OO-Method and how we combine the best properties of each. Section 3 presents the requirements engineering-based conceptual modelling approach, where the building of the conceptual schema from the RM is explained. The last section gives the conclusions and outlines further work.

Detailed work on translating conceptual models to a specific implementation can be found elsewhere.


To evaluate the theoretical expressions we have used a numerical procedure to perform the inverse Laplace transform [22] . For the initial condition, we have chosen g 1 = g 2 = 1/2, and the total evolution time was set equal to t = 100. Regarding the Monte Carlo simulations, the process is such that at each click of the clock the searcher decides whether to jump into the search state or the relocation state with transition probability α or 1 − α, respectively. We have averaged this walk over 10 5 realizations.

To evaluate the theoretical expressions we have used a numerical procedure to perform the inverse Laplace transform.


Many investigations take place to advance the understanding of the role of the interface between fibers and matrix on the properties of composite materials [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] . Surface treatments of the fibers before compounding can substantially increase the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact resistance, and fracture toughness of short fiber reinforced, injection molded thermoplastics [11] . In terms of industrial application one of the most often used compositions is glass fibers in polypropylene. This investigation tries to further contribute to the understanding of the fiber-matrix interfacial effects by researching into fracture and fatigue behavior of GFIPP composites with different surface treatments as well as some different compounding methods.

Many investigations take place to advance the understanding of the role of the interface between fibers and matrix on the properties of composite materials.

Surface treatments of the fibers before compounding can substantially increase the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact resistance, and fracture toughness of short fiber reinforced, injection molded thermoplastics.


Creating negative-index metamaterials requires both a negative permittivity and permeability at the same excitation frequencies and this is tantamount to creating strong electric and magnetic resonances [1] [2] [3] [4] . Metamaterials and metafluids can potentially be built from suitable nanoscale structured "meta-atom" building blocks in a bottom-up fashion [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] . It is thus important to be able to measure and characterize the dipolar and higher-order multipolar resonances in nanoscale engineered materials by optical spectroscopic and numerical simulations for optimization. An exciting prospect is the selective excitation of electric and magnetic modes in such nanostructured materials by the use of vector beams [13] [14] [15] . Quantitative comparison with simulation, which is critical for spectroscopic assignment and detailed understanding of the modes excited, requires consideration of the multipolar nature of the modes created with both scalar and vector beams of light, the angular scattering of radiation, and to be able to do so for arbitrary shaped nanostructures. Moreover, controlling the selectivity and enhancement of multipolar modes with vector beams may aide in the design and application of nanoscale antennas used for remote sensing [16] [17] [18] .

Creating negative-index metamaterials requires both a negative permittivity and permeability at the same excitation frequencies and this is tantamount to creating strong electric and magnetic resonances.

Metamaterials and metafluids can potentially be built from suitable nanoscale structured "meta-atom" building blocks in a bottom-up fashion.

An exciting prospect is the selective excitation of electric and magnetic modes in such nanostructured materials by the use of vector beams.

Moreover, controlling the selectivity and enhancement of multipolar modes with vector beams may aide in the design and application of nanoscale antennas used for remote sensing.


We demonstrate this rigorous ED-MA multipolar characterization method through application to dielectric core-Ag nanoparticle satellite structures under both scalar and vector beam illumination. With the ED-MA method we can address in detail the types of magnetic modes that are created in core-satellite structures and ramifications of angular directional detection in experiments. Excitation with azimuthally polarized beams results in selective excitation of magnetic modes while radially polarized beams selectivity excite electric modes. Specifically, we show that magnetic modes that arise from linearly polarized light rely on the finite size of the nanostructure and retardation whereas magnetic dipolar and quadrupolar modes excited with azimuthally polarized beams have no such dependence and are selectively excited, with high contrast vs. electric modes. The findings described in detail in this paper are in very good agreement with experiments [13] .

The findings described in detail in this paper are in very good agreement with experiments.


The safety of the world's mineral water storages is one of the topical issues in nowadays' province of recourse's conservation. It is very hard task to organize free from danger exploitation mode's parameters, particularly on the territories where the difficult hydrogeological conditions are. One of this regions is Caucasus Mineral Waters (CMW). Objects of research will be the field Nagutskoe. The summarized flow rate of the wells is 3200 m3/s, but because of its difficult structure it becomes quite hard produced (Martirosyan and Martirosyan, 2014) .

The summarized flow rate of the wells is 3200 m3/s, but because of its difficult structure it becomes quite hard produced.


Technogenic changes of hydrogeological conditions in areas of intensive underground waters' production have considerable impact on conditions of the extensive territories' economic development (Elmahdi and McFarlane, 2009) . It raises requirements to hydrogeological forecasting. For the perfomance of expected decisions the mathematical models describing processes of a geofiltration, geomigration and a mass transfer are built (Kresic, 2007.) . The most widespread of them are geofiltrational models. At high level of compliance to hydrogeological object and basic data's adequacy, the using of this type models gives qualitative results .

Technogenic changes of hydrogeological conditions in areas of intensive underground waters' production have considerable impact on conditions of the extensive territories' economic development.

For the perfomance of expected decisions the mathematical models describing processes of a geofiltration, geomigration and a mass transfer are built.


Synthesis of the regulator, allowing organizing of the balanced field's management is the new investigation phase of a hydrolithosphere following creation of the field's geofiltrational model (Malkov and Pershin, 2007) . Process of regulator synthesis is connected with determination of the model's parameters at which not only a compensation mechanism is using, but also stability conditions are satisfied. These researches become complicated that demand big computing capacities when performing numerical calculations. Accuracy increase in the model creation is connected with reduction of a discretization interval that at once is reflected in calculation time.

Synthesis of the regulator, allowing organizing of the balanced field's management is the new investigation phase of a hydrolithosphere following creation of the field's geofiltrational model.


More complex challenge is model's parametrical providing. Geological objects is the systems with the distributed parameters, and justification of the hydrodynamic parameters' spatial distribution is a responsible task. Certainly, in model forming the preliminary information about filtrational properties of the environment is also available. It is defined on the basis of the underground waters inflow testing, which is carried out in the course of the objects geological studying, however that is dot estimates which not always coincide with the geofiltration processes' average values characterizing (Meenal and Eldho, 2012) . In this regard it is very important to have a verification technique, that allows us to make an adjustment of the model's parameters. In other words, available information about object's operation modes for the last periods is reproduced on model, and by means of special receptions the parameters adjustment is introduced, providing the maximum convergence of the actual and model data (Gavich, 1988) .

It is defined on the basis of the underground waters inflow testing, which is carried out in the course of the objects geological studying, however that is dot estimates which not always coincide with the geofiltration processes' average values characterizing.

In other words, available information about object's operation modes for the last periods is reproduced on model, and by means of special receptions the parameters adjustment is introduced, providing the maximum convergence of the actual and model data.


Groundwater modeling is some form of the most projects dealing with groundwater development, protection and remediation. Model of underground waters fields can be divided into two components: geofiltrational model and mass transfer model. Geofiltration model is a representation of object (field) in the form of two or three-dimensional cell array, which are characterized by a set of parameters, and include the operational data of wells (field) and the sheeted processes dynamic characteristics (Jakeman et al., 2012) . Basic data for modeling includes: the layers amount data and their capacitor parameters, data for permeability and intra layers pressure, operational data etc. The mathematical filtration model is the differential equation that describing geofiltration process in specifically set space (Malkov and Pershin, 2007) .

Geofiltration model is a representation of object (field) in the form of two or three-dimensional cell array, which are characterized by a set of parameters, and include the operational data of wells (field) and the sheeted processes dynamic characteristics.

The mathematical filtration model is the differential equation that describing geofiltration process in specifically set space.


Cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients is 55% higher than in patients with normal kidney function [1] . Vascular calcification has been linked to deranged calcium-phosphate metabolism. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates phosphate metabolism by inhibiting renal phosphate reabsorption [2, 3] .

Cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients is 55% higher than in patients with normal kidney function.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates phosphate metabolism by inhibiting renal phosphate reabsorption.


An analogues effect is found also in arrays of carbon nanotubes [14] . The effect is determined by trapping of light in a rarefied chaotic nano-structural system. Subwavelength antireflection structures were used lately to increase the efficiency of semiconductor electro-optical devices such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors and also to increase brightness of displays [15] [16] [17] .

An analogues effect is found also in arrays of carbon nanotubes.

Subwavelength antireflection structures were used lately to increase the efficiency of semiconductor electro-optical devices such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors and also to increase brightness of displays.


Electrochemical oxidation easily removed 64%-70% of COD, and 15%-61% of ammonium. The intervention was helped by the electrical conductivity, which had a fairly high value. In order to achieve the discharging limits for COD, and particularly those for nitrogen, electro-oxidation alone is not sufficient, and other treatments are needed. Energy consumption for electro-oxidation treatment varied between 0.377 and 0.740 kWh· L −1 , depending on the treated sample. These values are only indicative, as they relate to laboratory tests, in which the optimal choice of electrode materials and of reaction times has not yet been obtained. In the literature, results related to energy consumption vary between 0.012 kWh· L −1 and 0.039 kWh· L −1 [46] .

In the literature, results related to energy consumption vary between 0.012 kWh· L −1 and 0.039 kWh· L −1.


Both of these processes encourage the partial or total electrochemical oxidation reactions of the pollutants. Partial conversion is aimed at more easily biodegradable compounds, whilst total conversion is aimed at CO 2 and H 2 O as final products. The choice of the electrode materials, voltages, currents and reaction times are decisive factors in the effectiveness of the treatment. Chemical electro-oxidation can be performed in two distinct ways: indirect or direct electro-oxidation [17] [18] [19] .

Chemical electro-oxidation can be performed in two distinct ways: indirect or direct electro-oxidation.


An initial form of indirect electro-oxidation takes place in the presence of high concentrations of chlorides, Cl − ; first of all, active chlorine is formed on the anode and, in rapid succession, hypochlorite HClO is produced, which has a strong oxidizing effect. This reaction is particularly suitable for saline refluent leachates. It removes many polluting molecules (for example, ammonium, which is partially transformed into nitrogen gas, N 2 ); but there is a risk that organo-chloride sub-products may be formed [17, [20] [21] [22] [23] .

It removes many polluting molecules (for example, ammonium, which is partially transformed into nitrogen gas, N 2 ); but there is a risk that organo-chloride sub-products may be formed.


Although a high energy consumption and a potential chlorinated organic formation may limit its application, electrochemical oxidation is a promising and powerful technology for the treatment of landfill leachate as was also stated by Deng and Englehardt in 2007 [26] . In general, it is reasonable to consider that electro-oxidation makes sense when renewable energy is used. This has recently been highlighted by several authors [47] [48] [49] [50] .

Although a high energy consumption and a potential chlorinated organic formation may limit its application, electrochemical oxidation is a promising and powerful technology for the treatment of landfill leachate as was also stated by Deng and Englehardt in 2007.

This has recently been highlighted by several authors.


Another problem of the regional approach followed is the high variability in space and time of vegetation cover including data such as ground cover, type of land use, and protection measures. For example, C-values for Fynbos in the Western Cape are probably too high, leading to over-estimated soil-erosion values. This problem occurs during vegetation senescence when vegetation indices usually decrease even when the cover remains the same (French et al., 2000) . However, senescent vegetation offers the same protection to the soil as green vegetation and it is important also to detect relatively dry vegetation. Furthermore, this study calculates mean annual erosion, an approach that neglects important seasonal patterns of rainfall erosivity and cover. More specifically, coincidence of erosive rains with low cover in some regions can be a strong control on the mean annual soil-loss rates. Finally, the RUSLE-based approach will probably underestimate soil losses in regions where gully and subsurface erosion is prominent (Biesemans et al., 2000) . These errors, however, can only be challenged at the detailed level (e.g. 1: 10 000 or small catchment scale).

This problem occurs during vegetation senescence when vegetation indices usually decrease even when the cover remains the same.

Finally, the RUSLE-based approach will probably underestimate soil losses in regions where gully and subsurface erosion is prominent.


CMMI model is quite comprehensive. It covers several bodies of knowledge and defined numerous process areas, specific and generic goals, specific and generic practices, as well as a lot of typical work products. It should be used to improve processes, increase productivity and raise competitiveness of an organization [28] .

CMMI model is quite comprehensive.

It should be used to improve processes, increase productivity and raise competitiveness of an organization.


In CMMI-SW within each process area, there are one or more specific goals with specific practices and generic goals with generic practices. A specific goal applies to a process area and addresses the unique characteristics that describe what must be implemented to satisfy the process area. A specific practice is an activity that is considered important in achieving the associated specific goal. However, the CMMI recognizes that a specific practice is the goal rather than the way that goal is reached [25] .

However, the CMMI recognizes that a specific practice is the goal rather than the way that goal is reached.


Validation is the process of evaluating a system or component during or at the end of the development process to determine whether it satisfies specified requirements. Validation means the software should do what the user really requires. Validation is a collection of analysis and testing activities across the full life cycle and complements the efforts of other quality engineering functions. Validation is a critical task in any engineering project [26] .

Validation is a critical task in any engineering project.


GMI effect can be improved by using suitable amorphous or nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials with special geometric structures (microwire, ribbon and thin film) under optimized heat-treatment conditions [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] . For composite structures, such as composite wires and sandwiched films, their GMI ratios are much larger than those of homogeneous samples with the same dimensions and of similar ferromagnetic materials. The possible mechanism is enhancement of the skin effect due to electromagnetic interactions. If an insulator layer is added between two layers, composite wires with ferromagnetic core (CWFC) and composite wires with conductive core (CWCC) can be produced [16, 17] . The GMI effect may be further enhanced if the thickness of the insulator is suitable for CWCC. The influence of conductive layer for CWFC is not too much. The mechanism is still unclear until now.

GMI effect can be improved by using suitable amorphous or nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials with special geometric structures (microwire, ribbon and thin film) under optimized heat-treatment conditions.

If an insulator layer is added between two layers, composite wires with ferromagnetic core (CWFC) and composite wires with conductive core (CWCC) can be produced.


S PARSE matrices arise in a variety of scientific disciplines, ranging from physics simulations to data mining and financial analysis. Most of these applications boil down to the execution of basic sparse matrix kernels. Among these kernels, the Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication kernel (SpM Â V), which computes the product of a sparse matrix and a dense vector, is probably the most prominent and challenging, being recently classified as one of the kernels particularly important for science and engineering in the next decade [1] . The algorithmic characteristic that renders the optimization of SpM Â V so challenging in modern multiprocessor systems is its very low flop:byte ratio [2] , [3] , [4] . In effect, this means that the algorithm must retrieve a significant amount of data from the memory hierarchy to perform a useful operation. This adds significant pressure to the memory subsystem and tends to saturate the memory bandwidth of modern symmetric shared memory multicore architectures. In the case of NUMA architectures, although the higher memory bandwidth offered alleviates the pressure to the memory subsystem, the high memory intensity of the SpM Â V kernel renders its performance very sensitive to the placement of the data on the different memory nodes.

Among these kernels, the Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication kernel (SpM Â V), which computes the product of a sparse matrix and a dense vector, is probably the most prominent and challenging, being recently classified as one of the kernels particularly important for science and engineering in the next decade.

The algorithmic characteristic that renders the optimization of SpM Â V so challenging in modern multiprocessor systems is its very low flop:byte ratio.


The electrode erosion mechanism in corona stabilized switches, especially at high repetition rates, is a highly complicated process, and cannot be readily explained by conventional spark gap erosion studies that concern switches having large mass and sparking area electrodes [8] . This is due to the fact that the non-uniform field electrode of a corona stabilized switch usually exhibits a low mass, as well as a very small active discharge area. The net result is that the electrode tip is subjected to very high average temperatures during high-PRF operation leading to the formation of various gaselectrode compounds that play a dominant role on the erosion mechanism [7, 9] . In case SF 6 is used as a switching gas, in the presence of an electric discharge it dissociates to produce a large number of molecular, atomic and ionic species [10] . These, by virtue of their extremely reactive nature, are particular efficient in eroding the non-uniform field electrode of a corona stabilized switch, thus limiting the usable lifetime of the device. Other lifetime limiting parameters arise from the fact that corona stabilized switches are normally used as gassealed devices where no gas flow or frequent purging takes place during their operation. Due to this reason, accumulated effects such as gas deterioration (poisoning), deteriorated gaselectrode reactions and pollution of the switch insulation surfaces from sparking debris and corona by-products can act synergistically to alter the breakdown voltage levels of the device. This consequently degrades the operational consistency of the device by introducing pre-firing or misfiring periods during a long switch run [9] . This paper reports on the work undertaken to investigate the erosion characteristics of five different types of electrode materials and experimentally determine the lifetime performance of a TCS switch, with SF 6 at a PRF of 1 kHz. In addition, the effect of the charging voltage polarity has also been investigated, as this has been found to play an important role on the electrode erosion mechanism. Finally, the effects of non-uniform field electrode modification and switching gas deterioration on the operational performance of the switch have also been investigated.

The electrode erosion mechanism in corona stabilized switches, especially at high repetition rates, is a highly complicated process, and cannot be readily explained by conventional spark gap erosion studies that concern switches having large mass and sparking area electrodes.

The net result is that the electrode tip is subjected to very high average temperatures during high-PRF operation leading to the formation of various gaselectrode compounds that play a dominant role on the erosion mechanism.

In case SF 6 is used as a switching gas, in the presence of an electric discharge it dissociates to produce a large number of molecular, atomic and ionic species.

This consequently degrades the operational consistency of the device by introducing pre-firing or misfiring periods during a long switch run.


CORONA stabilization is a novel technique used to improve the high-pulse repetition frequency (PRF) performance of high-pressure plasma closing switches while retaining the excellent switching characteristics, simplicity and cost efficiency of the conventional spark gap [1] . This is achieved by utilising the phenomenon of corona-stabilized breakdown, where the presence of a corona discharge after the application of a slow-rising or DC charging voltage delays and effectively inhibits premature breakdown of the gap. The stabilizing effect relies upon the space charge generated from the corona discharge, which de-couples the HV electrode of the switch from the rest of the gap, thus permitting the neutral gas density in the inter-electrode area to recover freely [1, 2] .

CORONA stabilization is a novel technique used to improve the high-pulse repetition frequency (PRF) performance of high-pressure plasma closing switches while retaining the excellent switching characteristics, simplicity and cost efficiency of the conventional spark gap.

The stabilizing effect relies upon the space charge generated from the corona discharge, which de-couples the HV electrode of the switch from the rest of the gap, thus permitting the neutral gas density in the inter-electrode area to recover freely.


An interesting result was the reasonably good performance of aluminum, particularly when its low melting temperature and moderately high reduction strength (reactivity) is considered [10, 16, 19] . A possible explanation for this result could involve the formation of aluminum fluoride (AlF 3 ), which was detected in large concentrations on the discharge areas of both the rod and trigger disc electrodes. The distribution of this gas-electrode compound indicates that it remains fixed at its formation place, a result of the combination of the high melting temperature of AlF 3 (1300 C), together with the thickness of the gas-electrode reaction zone, which is expected to extend to a considerable depth [18, 20] . From the above, it is suggested that this AlF 3 layer, retards to some extent the erosion process by limiting the removal of electrode material from the discharge areas.

An interesting result was the reasonably good performance of aluminum, particularly when its low melting temperature and moderately high reduction strength (reactivity) is considered.

The distribution of this gas-electrode compound indicates that it remains fixed at its formation place, a result of the combination of the high melting temperature of AlF 3 (1300 C), together with the thickness of the gas-electrode reaction zone, which is expected to extend to a considerable depth.


The objective response rate (ORR) observed in this retrospective review at 20% was consistent with the ORR reported in the CheckMate 025 trial. However, a higher percentage of patients with primary PD was noted in the non-ccRCC population at 51%. The response rate was highest for patients with unclassified histology, but responses were seen in three out of four most common non-clear cell histologies (papillary, unclassified, and collecting duct). For chromophobe histology, although no partial responses were observed, three out of four patients had stable disease as best response and two of the patients had a net decrease in the size of tumor lesions. Despite a comparatively short median duration of treatment of 3.0 months, the median time to best response among responders was 5.1 months. PFS was also modest at 3.5 months, consistent with prior trials of nivolumab in RCC. The available data suggest the potential for durable responses to nivolumab in non-ccRCC patients. Among seven patients with documented response to nivolumab, only two had progression during the follow-up period. Interestingly, two patients had their first documented radiographic response at least 4 weeks following discontinuation of nivolumab treatment. Another three patients were treated beyond radiographic progression for a duration of 2-4 months until clinical progression. In conjunction with other retrospective data supporting the efficacy of ICI treatments in non-ccRCC, the results of this analysis additionally support clinical trials that assess the efficacy of ICI monotherapy or ICI combinations for patients with non-clear cell RCC. One such trial assessing the efficacy of another anti-PD-1 agent, pembrolizumab, in both ccRCC and non-ccRCC is currently accruing patients [20] . It is more challenging to assess safety outcomes due to the retrospective nature of this analysis as it is difficult to assign causality as well as grade of the adverse events based on a retrospective chart review. Despite this limitation, nivolumab monotherapy was overall well tolerated in this population of patients with non-ccRCC. The reported TRAEs were consistent with what has previously been reported in patients treated with immunotherapy agents and with nivolumab in particular. The majority of patients did not have dose delays on nivolumab treatment and only a minority had nivolumab discontinued due to adverse events. Importantly, no patient deaths were directly attributable to nivolumab.

One such trial assessing the efficacy of another anti-PD-1 agent, pembrolizumab, in both ccRCC and non-ccRCC is currently accruing patients.


However, for some time there has been a vision about rapid three-dimensional measurements of turbulent flows in complex environments (Mikkelsen et al. 2008) . Now a ground-based remote-sensing wind-scanning instrument-WindScanner-has been developed at the Department of Wind Energy at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Risø campus in Denmark. The technology has primarily been developed for studies of the three-dimensional flow fields around wind turbines and the wind fields around complex natural and man-made structures. Here, however, the potential of the technology for full-scale rotorcraft flow field studies is outlined and a proof-of-concept trial in the extremely turbulent and complex downwash flow below a search and rescue (SAR) helicopter is presented.

However, for some time there has been a vision about rapid three-dimensional measurements of turbulent flows in complex environments.


We discuss two important invariants, the complexity and the representation dimension, for the twisted trivial extensions of a Koszul self-injective algebra. We show that for a Koszul self-injective algebra, its twisted trivial extension is Koszul and prove that if the complexity Λ is c, the complexity of its twisted trivial extension is c + 1. We also get lower bound for the representation dimension of the twisted trivial extension under Fg assumption for both algebras, using Bergh's theorem [6] . So under some stronger condition, we also shows that if the representation dimension of Λ is m, the representation dimensions of a twisted trivial extension is m + 1.

We also get lower bound for the representation dimension of the twisted trivial extension under Fg assumption for both algebras, using Bergh's theorem.


In 1992, the European Commission adopted the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC), which is considered to be the most important European legislative accomplishment with respect Most of these approaches focus on prioritizing conservation among habitat types, but lack a direct link to the pressures influencing the conservation status of habitat types, and possible conservation measures [38, 39] . A large variety of human activities occur in Natura 2000 sites, which may introduce various pressures to different habitat types [40] . Furthermore, novel approaches should consider data availability together with the assessment requirements of the Habitats Directive, while taking into account the spatial scale that would be appropriate for the regulatory framework. Under the Habitats Directive, several spatial scales are important for administrative and management reasons, including: the EU, biogeographical regions, EU member states, Natura 2000 sites, and cross-cutting combinations of scale (e.g., biogeographical regions of an EU member state). Despite this, identifying priorities across administrative scales is difficult [41] . In the context of the Habitats Directive, future actions should prioritize conservation measures to attain and maintain the favorable conservation status of habitat types and species [42] . Indeed, there is a demand for scientific support to identify conservation priorities and feasible management options [43] [44] [45] [46] .

In 1992, the European Commission adopted the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC), which is considered to be the most important European legislative accomplishment with respect Most of these approaches focus on prioritizing conservation among habitat types, but lack a direct link to the pressures influencing the conservation status of habitat types, and possible conservation measures.

A large variety of human activities occur in Natura 2000 sites, which may introduce various pressures to different habitat types.

Despite this, identifying priorities across administrative scales is difficult.

In the context of the Habitats Directive, future actions should prioritize conservation measures to attain and maintain the favorable conservation status of habitat types and species.

Indeed, there is a demand for scientific support to identify conservation priorities and feasible management options.


The observed diminishing number of populations, ramet clusters, and ramets of S. 9 niederederi from the abandoned field, via tree plantation, to the roadside slope, disused quarry, roadside ditch, and forest clearing (Table 3 ; Fig. 1 ) suggest the most successful establishment occurred in the abandoned fields. Simultaneously, it is worth mentioning that both parental species also show effective colonization of abandoned fields (Guzikowa and Maycock 1986; Tokarska-Guzik 2005; Lu et al. 2007; Priede 2008; Szymura and Szymura 2011; Karpavičien_ e et al. 2015; Dyderski and Jagodziński 2016; Szymura and Szymura 2016) . The low number of hybrid ramet clusters observed mainly in the forest clearing, roadside ditches, and on the roadside slopes suggests the early stage of colonization, which can be explained by the young age of the habitat or relatively recent disturbance in the habitat (e.g., deforestation, modernization of roads).

Simultaneously, it is worth mentioning that both parental species also show effective colonization of abandoned fields.


Several properties of the vibrissal system make it stand out as an interesting model system in which to investigate theories about the sensory guidance of behaviour. First, in tactile sensing systems generally, the sensory apparatus is usually brought into contact with objects in a deliberate and controlled manner. Whether it is a person exploring an object contour with their fingertips or a rat palpating (whisking) its vibrissae against a surface, purposive control or active sensing is key to information acquisition [14] . Second, the processing of tactile signals may require a relatively small number of stages. For instance, in the rat, there are multiple closed loops connecting vibrissal signals to actuation mechanisms such that new information can begin to influence behaviour after passing through just a small number of synapses [12] . Processing can also be very fast. For instance, whisker contact signals can reach the barrel cortex -from where they can begin to effect processing in behaviour-related areas such as the motor cortex, the superior colliculus, and cerebellum -in just 7 milliseconds [7] . The rat brain thus appears to be tuned to pick out the behaviourally-relevant aspects of vibrissal signals rapidly and in just a small number of steps.

Whether it is a person exploring an object contour with their fingertips or a rat palpating (whisking) its vibrissae against a surface, purposive control or active sensing is key to information acquisition.

For instance, in the rat, there are multiple closed loops connecting vibrissal signals to actuation mechanisms such that new information can begin to influence behaviour after passing through just a small number of synapses.

Processing can also be very fast.

For instance, whisker contact signals can reach the barrel cortex -from where they can begin to effect processing in behaviour-related areas such as the motor cortex, the superior colliculus, and cerebellum -in just 7 milliseconds.


To mitigate the impact of the HSW on the ecosystem, the demand for reliable data concerning HSW generation is implicitly necessary. Meanwhile, the process of predicting HSW generation is challenging and often intensify by uncontrollable parameters [5, 8] . In recent years, various conventional, regression, non-algorithm and descriptive statistical methods of forecasting municipal solid waste (MSW) generation have been reported [8] [9] [10] [11] .

Meanwhile, the process of predicting HSW generation is challenging and often intensify by uncontrollable parameters.

In recent years, various conventional, regression, non-algorithm and descriptive statistical methods of forecasting municipal solid waste (MSW) generation have been reported.


The CCD under response surface methodology is a combination of a statistical and mathematical technique for empirical modelling of complex problems in which the response of interest is influenced by several independent variables. The CCD considers the interaction effects between the operational parameters to produce high prediction accuracy on complex nonlinear systems [14] . To the best of the author's knowledge, there is no reported data on the application of CCD for forecasting waste generation. The ANN is a brain neuron-inspired data-driven technique that can directly learn linear and nonlinear relationships between variables from a set of data compared to the conventional forecasting techniques [15] [16] [17] .

The CCD considers the interaction effects between the operational parameters to produce high prediction accuracy on complex nonlinear systems.

The ANN is a brain neuron-inspired data-driven technique that can directly learn linear and nonlinear relationships between variables from a set of data compared to the conventional forecasting techniques.


In recent decades, tourism has become one of the most important and significant sectors in the economies of many countries. In fact, the sector accounts for 10-12% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and approximately 14% of total employment [1] . Even though tourism can sustain high levels of employment, the sector is a source of environmental impacts with consequent public health concerns [2] . One of the most significant impacts of tourism is the generation of urban wastes, which increases as the seasonal population of the tourist rises [3, 4] .

In fact, the sector accounts for 10-12% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and approximately 14% of total employment.

Even though tourism can sustain high levels of employment, the sector is a source of environmental impacts with consequent public health concerns.

One of the most significant impacts of tourism is the generation of urban wastes, which increases as the seasonal population of the tourist rises.


Sustained power system oscillation has become a serious problem for power system operation and control nowadays. Oscillations cause safety problems in electric power equipment and limit the transmission capacity of long distance power transmission. Even, in the most severe cases, growing power oscillations may lead to the collapse and blackout of the whole interconnected system if no appropriate measures are taken in time [1] .

Even, in the most severe cases, growing power oscillations may lead to the collapse and blackout of the whole interconnected system if no appropriate measures are taken in time.


Flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices, commonly located in power systems, are primarily used for scheduling power flow and/or providing voltage support [4] . Besides that, with the advance of fast acting FACTS controllers, it is possible to improve system dynamic stability and dampen system low frequency oscillations [5] . The concept of power oscillation damper (POD) is widely accepted by the engineers to restrain inter-area oscillations in power grids [6] . Considerable research focus has been given on designing various FACTS PODs and their coordination with PSSs to significantly improve the small signal stability of power systems [7] .

Flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices, commonly located in power systems, are primarily used for scheduling power flow and/or providing voltage support.

Besides that, with the advance of fast acting FACTS controllers, it is possible to improve system dynamic stability and dampen system low frequency oscillations.

The concept of power oscillation damper (POD) is widely accepted by the engineers to restrain inter-area oscillations in power grids.

Considerable research focus has been given on designing various FACTS PODs and their coordination with PSSs to significantly improve the small signal stability of power systems.