Further progress came in the 1990s as a byproduct of the work of BermanMoody, Benkart-Zelmanov, and Neher on the classification of root-graded Lie algebras [6] , [3] , [16] . Their work revealed that some families of intersection matrix (im) algebras, were universal covering algebras of well understood Lie algebras. An im algebra generally is a quotient algebra of a gim algebra associated to the ideal generated by homogeneous vectors those have long roots (i.e., (α, α) > 2).

Further progress came in the 1990s as a byproduct of the work of BermanMoody, Benkart-Zelmanov, and Neher on the classification of root-graded Lie algebras.


The very large sample size in the present study provided the statistical power to detect different effects of various infectious diseases on the mortality of cirrhotic patients with ascites. Nonetheless, some limitations of this study must be noted. First, although the severity of liver cirrhosis is commonly based by Child-Pugh scores or MELD scores, the database used in the present study did not allow us to identify the laboratory for bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, or prothrombin time by ICD-9 coding numbers. However, is has been proposed recently that the stages of cirrhosis are separated by easily defined clinical criteria [29] . The concept of four clinical stages of cirrhosis has been identified, and each stage has distinct clinical features and a markedly different prognosis. Cirrhotic patients with ascites are actually in decompensated status and are at least in stage 3 of the disease. On the other hand, complications of cirrhosis, such as EBV, HE, HCC, and RFI were considered in this study. Hence, we believe that lacking specific lab data is not a major flaw in this study, because all cases were reviewed in stage 3 according to the clinical staging system, and the other complications (such as EBV, HE, HCC, and RFI) were also well classified. Secondly, the exact etiology of liver cirrhosis was not identified in this national population-based study although nearly 20% of cirrhotic patients had alcohol-related cirrhosis. However, the etiology of liver cirrhosis in Taiwan has been well established in numerous published reports and is known to be related to the hepatitis B virus. However, the etiology of non-alcohol related liver cirrhosis cannot be confirmed definitively as a prognostic factor. Thirdly, the type of acquisition of infection is important in understanding the mortality of infection. Unfortunately, we were not able to identify exactly if the infections were community-acquired or hospital-acquired. Fourthly, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is considered to be a negative prognostic factor in patients with advanced cirrhosis [30] . Due to the limitations of our database, we could not identify if the cirrhotic patients had SIRS during their hospitalizations. Finally, even using this database, we could not identify sufficient numbers of other rare infectious diseases for comparison, including necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis, infective endocarditis, etc. However, these infections may have less clinical significance because of the limited number of cases encountered in clinical practice. Despite these limitations, this study is the first complete nationwide population-based study for identifying the occurrence and mortality risk of major infections in cirrhotic patients with ascites.

However, is has been proposed recently that the stages of cirrhosis are separated by easily defined clinical criteria.

Fourthly, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is considered to be a negative prognostic factor in patients with advanced cirrhosis.


Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is a hybrid modality that combines optics and ultrasound (US) and is capable of providing fine-resolution images of soft tissues based on optical contrast. PAM relies on local absorption of a brief (∼ns) monochromatic light pulse that heats the medium; the resulting rapid thermoelastic expansion generates broadband US waves. These waves can then be detected to produce clinically useful images [5] . Because scattering does not dominate acoustic-wave propagation in tissue, PAM provides acoustical fine resolution and ample sensing depth as well as molecular and functional contrast afforded by optics.

These waves can then be detected to produce clinically useful images.


In recent years, mobile applications get an unprecedented development. Burke proposed participant sensing firstly in 2006 [1] . He introduced the concept of participatory sensing, which take advantage of smartphone to form participatory sensor networks. It enables users to collect information, and after gathering and analyzing it will make the information public.

Burke proposed participant sensing firstly in 2006.


China has achieved remarkable progress in industrial economic development since the reform and opening-up of the late 1970s. However, the great differences between regions in the development of industrial economy are not conducive to the balanced development of the country's economy. After the successful implementation of two famous development plans (e.g., the Western Development program and Revitalizing the northeast old industrial base), the industrial sectors of the western and northeastern regions are catching up with that in the eastern region. In March 2004, Premier Wen Jiabao pointed out that industrial development in the central region should not be neglected, and implementation of the famous "Central rise" plan officially began [1] . As a result, the industrial development in China's Jiangxi Province has enjoyed remarkable progress. According to the Jiangxi the Jiangxi Statistical Yearbook 2016, the industrial gross domestic product (GDP) was as high as 619.8 billion yuan in 2015, accounting for more than 37 percent of the province's GDP. The industrial sector has become the pillar of social and economic development in this province [2] .

In March 2004, Premier Wen Jiabao pointed out that industrial development in the central region should not be neglected, and implementation of the famous "Central rise" plan officially began.

The industrial sector has become the pillar of social and economic development in this province.


Regarding the research methods for estimating the sustainability of industrial development, many related studies employed approaches based on multi-index analysis (e.g., the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach, the principal component analysis [PCA] approach, or the distance function approach), which incorporate a multitude of representative indicators. As pointed out, the AHP and PCA approaches are unsuitable for the task, because the value of weights in the AHP method is determined by subjective scoring, and the dimension reduction in PCA is accompanied by information compression [16] . In contrast, the distance function approach has the advantage of not needing to set parameter weights and compress data information [17] . In particular, there are two main approaches to estimate the distance function: the non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach and the parametric approach. A major advantage of the DEA approach over the parametric method is that a specific functional form describing the underlying technology is not required [18] .

As pointed out, the AHP and PCA approaches are unsuitable for the task, because the value of weights in the AHP method is determined by subjective scoring, and the dimension reduction in PCA is accompanied by information compression.

In contrast, the distance function approach has the advantage of not needing to set parameter weights and compress data information.

A major advantage of the DEA approach over the parametric method is that a specific functional form describing the underlying technology is not required.


As two most commonly intralymphatic-targeted nanocarriers, there is no previous study focusing on a systematic comparison of activated carbon particles and liposomes in terms of targeting delivery ability of docetaxel to metastatic lymph node. To fill this gap, we prepared docetaxel-loaded activated carbon nanoparticles (DTX-AC-NPs) and docetaxelloaded nanoliposomes (DTX-LPs). The DTX-AC-NPs were produced by the nitric acid oxidation method. And DTX-LPs were prepared by the proliposome method previously reported [24] . The physicochemical properties of DTX-AC-NPs and DTX-LPs were evaluated in vitro. Most importantly, the lymph node targeting ability of DTX-AC-NPs and DTX-LPs were compared with the aspects of metastatic lymph node uptake and the injection site retention after subcutaneous administration.

And DTX-LPs were prepared by the proliposome method previously reported.


Theorem provers are increasingly being used to assist with aspects of software development and hardware design [25] . In many of these applications, fully formal machine-assisted proof is essential, because the proofs are often large, and it is impractical to check such proofs by hand. Also, many of the systems being developed are proprietary or of interest only to a small community, so the usual quality-checking of proofs by peer review is not appropriate.

Theorem provers are increasingly being used to assist with aspects of software development and hardware design.


In this paper, we have looked at the theory of tensionless superstrings following earlier work [18] . We have seen that when we fix the equivalent of the conformal gauge in the tensionless superstring action, there is a residual gauge symmetry, the algebra of which is given by the homogenous Super Galilean Conformal Algebra or SGCA H . This (stripped of the indices on the supercharges) is actually the same as the algebra obtained recently in the analysis of asymptotic analysis of 3D Supergravity in asymptotically flat spacetimes [40] .

In this paper, we have looked at the theory of tensionless superstrings following earlier work.

This (stripped of the indices on the supercharges) is actually the same as the algebra obtained recently in the analysis of asymptotic analysis of 3D Supergravity in asymptotically flat spacetimes.


In the present work, analysis has been presented which investigates the effects of complex valued constitutive parameters of the complex conjugate medium on the scattering properties of a conducting strip. Illustrative computations are given for far field patterns as the function of imaginary part of permittivity/permeability whose value is zero for standard dielectric medium. Present analysis is based on the Kobayashi Potential (KP) Method. This method has successfully been applied to various problems in electromagnetic and acoustics [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . The method exploits the discontinuous properties of Weber-Schafheitlin's integrals and orthogonal properties of Jacobi's polynomials to construct the solution. In this method the problem at its final stage reduce to matrix equations. The elements of matrix equations are usually infinite integrals which has branch points as well as poles depending upon the nature of the problem. Analytic solutions of these integrals are not possible for most of the cases. Therefore algorithms are developed to numerically solve these integrals and hence the matrix equations.

This method has successfully been applied to various problems in electromagnetic and acoustics.


The complex value of the constitutive parameters (i.e. permittivity and permeability) of a medium cause the medium to be lossy as the refractive index r r     or the propagation constant of the medium also become complex (where r  and r  is the relative permittivity and relative permeability of the medium). But such medium may also be lossless if * r r    (that is they are complex conjugate of each other) because in this case refractive index/propagation constant will become real and this real value of  will ensure the unattanuated wave propagation through the medium. Such medium is named as complex conjugate medium by Dregoman in his recently published paper [1] . In this paper, he has discussed the reflection and transmission properties of this medium. He also has proposed a scheme to realize such materials. These materials have many potential applications in optoelectronics, miniaturized amplifiers and lasers.

Such medium is named as complex conjugate medium by Dregoman in his recently published paper.


With the building requirements and the disadvantages of precast concrete panels, sandwich panels provide an alternative to the precast concrete panels. There are many different types of composite sandwich panels that can be constructed, but one of the stronger types of sandwich panels is a panel made of a polystyrene/cement core that is sandwiched between thin cement sheet facings [10] . The structural properties of sandwich panels constructed of polystyrene/cement cores and thin cement sheet facings are relatively unknown [11] . Therefore, there are a number of questions that could be asked such as how the stress acts within the panel under loads? How they are affected by moisture and what is the effect of a sustained load? Besides, the stresses acting within the panel are the stresses acting in the different materials within the panel. These stresses are unknown and an understanding of the amount of stress carried by each of the core and the facings components would be beneficial to provide a better awareness of the stresses acting and possibly provide information that could be used to improve these panels. As a result, in this study, to understand the mechanical behaviour and properties of sandwich panels made of polystyrene/cement mixed cores and thin cement sheet facings, a series of experimental tests have been performed at the structures laboratory of Federation University Australia and the outcomes have been explained and studied in this article.

There are many different types of composite sandwich panels that can be constructed, but one of the stronger types of sandwich panels is a panel made of a polystyrene/cement core that is sandwiched between thin cement sheet facings.

The structural properties of sandwich panels constructed of polystyrene/cement cores and thin cement sheet facings are relatively unknown.


The prestress force in pre-tensioned concrete elements is transferred from the steel to the concrete over a certain length, which is known as the transmission length. The formulae of the transmission length in the current design code are basically developed empirically for normal types of concrete. Because of the rapid innovation in construction industry and introducing of new types of concrete materials (i.e. high-strength, self-compacting etc.), experimental tests are needed to estimate the transmission length [1] . Models account for the new type of concrete material, based on the mechanical properties of materials which can be measured using simple tests, will be desirable [2] .

Because of the rapid innovation in construction industry and introducing of new types of concrete materials (i.e. high-strength, self-compacting etc.), experimental tests are needed to estimate the transmission length.

Models account for the new type of concrete material, based on the mechanical properties of materials which can be measured using simple tests, will be desirable.


Identifying the maximum range and an optimal guidance scheme is extremely important for unpowered gliding vehicles, which possess a limited amount of initial energy. For example, every airplane or unmanned aerial vehicle becomes a glider when the engine fails (power off); thus, determining the maximum reachable domain, selecting a proper landing site, and proposing a feasible trajectory toward the site for flight management are important [1] . The problems of maximum range trajectories and an optimal guidance scheme of subsonic unpowered gliding vehicles have been extensively studied for decades. The related methods can be divided into three categories, namely, trajectory optimization method, singular perturbation method, and quasi-steady approximation.

For example, every airplane or unmanned aerial vehicle becomes a glider when the engine fails (power off); thus, determining the maximum reachable domain, selecting a proper landing site, and proposing a feasible trajectory toward the site for flight management are important.


In previous work, we reported the mechanical characterization of two novel soy resins, Epoxidized Allyl Soyate (EAS) and Epoxidized Methyl Soyate (EMS) mixed with the Shell Epon 9500 [5] . Studies on the properties of these resins showed that by varying the concentration of EAS and EMS in base Epon resin, a wide range of polymeric materials have been obtained ranging from soft to brittle plastics. These materials are comprised of long flexible chains of EAS and EMS crosslinked with pure epoxy. The backbone flexibility of these materials makes it an ideal candidate for damping applications.

In previous work, we reported the mechanical characterization of two novel soy resins, Epoxidized Allyl Soyate (EAS) and Epoxidized Methyl Soyate (EMS) mixed with the Shell Epon 9500.


In recent years polymeric materials prepared from natural and renewable resources such as triglyceride vegetable oils are finding numerous applications. Among the triglyceride oils, soybean attracts great interest because of plentiful supply in the United States, low cost and the biodegradability [1] [2] [3] [4] . Soybean oil contains 85% unsaturated oleic, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids. This high degree of unsaturation makes it possible to polymerize it into useful materials.

Among the triglyceride oils, soybean attracts great interest because of plentiful supply in the United States, low cost and the biodegradability.


These indicators were created at federal level in the end of the 90's and beginning of 2000's as a form of quantifying the status and advances of teaching in the country, in different administrative spheres. Since then, a great concern for public educational managers has been how to measure and improve this academic attainment in their educational system, giving rise to some school performance indicators, such as the IDEB (Brazilian Basic Education Development Index) at federal level. The data is collected from predefined criteria of scope and periodicity and are used as primary source for establishing public policies, educational research in different subareas and for the society. On the other hand, there is the collection and provisioning of many other data, in different spheres other than education, such as demographic, economic, health, and environmental data, among others. However, such rich datasets are mostly available in isolation, with each dataset in its delimited scope, some with files dependent on proprietary standards and not suited for automated queries [1] [2] .

However, such rich datasets are mostly available in isolation, with each dataset in its delimited scope, some with files dependent on proprietary standards and not suited for automated queries.


Anaemia affects the tissue oxygenation and may subsequently have negative effects on various biological functions. A highly significant correlation between the neutrophil function and hematocrit was observed and the neutrophil carbon dioxide production was improved with rHuEPO therapy (Vanholder and Ringoir, 1992) . We found only a significant positive correlation between the number of red blood cells and the percentage proportion of neutrophils. But we did not find any statistically significant correlation between erythrocytes and neutrophil function.

A highly significant correlation between the neutrophil function and hematocrit was observed and the neutrophil carbon dioxide production was improved with rHuEPO therapy.


Studies on articular cartilage are motivated by its critical role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), a common cause of physical disability. Therefore, any sensitive technique for detecting the early signs of OA in cartilage would be valuable for monitoring disease progression and evaluating treatment efficacy. Various techniques have been developed for early and nondestructive diagnosis of cartilage disease [1] . The most widely used method for the assessment of joint disorders is arthroscopy, which cannot diagnose subsurface lesions. Others, including traditional radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and conventional and high-frequency ultrasound, either lack the resolution or are not cost effective, thus limiting their widespread clinical use.

Various techniques have been developed for early and nondestructive diagnosis of cartilage disease.


A uniform distribution of the scattering property was observed on visually intact cartilages, while spatial variations were found in the intrinsic low birefringence. The interpretation of this is that when the imaging light is directed normal to the cartilage surface, Φ increases with depth only in the SZ. Minimal to no retardation is expected in the TZ and RZ, which is because the incident beam travels parallel to the orientation of the collagen fiber. In addition, the direction of individual collagen fiber in layered planes parallel to the surface may vary from that of each other within a joint [18] . This induces a heterogeneous distribution of Φ signals.

In addition, the direction of individual collagen fiber in layered planes parallel to the surface may vary from that of each other within a joint.


Optical coherence tomography (OCT), introduced in 1991, is a powerful tool for noncontact and noninvasive tomographic imaging of biological tissues [2] . OCT images are created from measurement of the echo time delay and intensity of backscattered light from a specimen. OCT employs the inherent differences in the index of refraction, rather than enhancement with dyes, to differentiate tissue types. It can achieve very high resolutions and has, for example, been successfully used for micron-scale imaging of osteoarthritic cartilage and progressive articular cartilage degeneration [3] [4] [5] . Besides, an arthroscopic microscopy of articular cartilage using OCT has also been proposed [6] . Polarization-sensitive OCT (PS-OCT), a type of functional OCT, combines the advantages of OCT with the additional image contrast obtained by using the birefringence characteristics of a specimen as a contrast agent [7] . It has been reported to be a potentially valuable diagnostic tool for the characterization of the collagen structure in human and equine joints and to determine the orientation of collagen fibers in articular cartilage and the meniscus [8] [9] [10] .

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), introduced in 1991, is a powerful tool for noncontact and noninvasive tomographic imaging of biological tissues.

It can achieve very high resolutions and has, for example, been successfully used for micron-scale imaging of osteoarthritic cartilage and progressive articular cartilage degeneration.

Besides, an arthroscopic microscopy of articular cartilage using OCT has also been proposed.

Polarization-sensitive OCT (PS-OCT), a type of functional OCT, combines the advantages of OCT with the additional image contrast obtained by using the birefringence characteristics of a specimen as a contrast agent.

It has been reported to be a potentially valuable diagnostic tool for the characterization of the collagen structure in human and equine joints and to determine the orientation of collagen fibers in articular cartilage and the meniscus.


We conclude in Section 4 with a description of the primitive ideal space of a graph algebra. Our result will again be more complicated than the corresponding result for the row-finite case, which involves maximal tails [2] . For arbitrary graphs we will need to account for vertices that emit infinitely many edges, and our description of the primitive ideal space will include both maximal tails and special vertices that emit infinitely many edges known as "breaking vertices".

Our result will again be more complicated than the corresponding result for the row-finite case, which involves maximal tails.


Due to technology advances in telecommunications, microprocessors and monitoring, it is now possible to design networks with special features, such as Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) [1] . Such networks have specific requirements such as reduced energy availability, low memory and reduced processing power. A WSN consists of a number of sensors (e.g. from ~10 up to ~10000) spread across a geographical area. Each sensor is equipped with a wireless communication system, and some level of intelligence for signal processing and networking of the data.

Due to technology advances in telecommunications, microprocessors and monitoring, it is now possible to design networks with special features, such as Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs).


In cases where the sensing results are collected from the SUs without any prior information on users reputation, which is the case for many decentralized CR applications, even a small number of malicious users can sabotage cooperative spectrum sensing to significantly degrade the system performance or even paralyze the system. Malicious attacks in CR spectrum sensing can be categorized into two types, incumbent emulation and sensing data falsification [7] . Recently, several authentication schemes have been proposed to effectively cope with the incumbent emulation attack [8] , [9] . We consider the latter type of malicious attacks in this paper.

Malicious attacks in CR spectrum sensing can be categorized into two types, incumbent emulation and sensing data falsification.

Recently, several authentication schemes have been proposed to effectively cope with the incumbent emulation attack.


In order to find the most general transformation Demiański starts with a metric ansatz (with one unknown metric) and two arbitrary θ-dependent functions in the complex transformation. After applying the JN algorithm he is able to solve exactly Einstein equations and therefore to find the form of the allowed complex transformation. In particular he finds that they depend on three parameters (including angular momentum and NUT charge) for vanishing cosmological constant, and only on the NUT charge for non-vanishing cosmological constant. Moreover since the stationary metric functions are obtained from Einstein equations there is no ambiguity at all in the algorithm and this approach might be useful where we don't know precisely all the rules of the algorithm (such as in higher dimensions [16] ).

Moreover since the stationary metric functions are obtained from Einstein equations there is no ambiguity at all in the algorithm and this approach might be useful where we don't know precisely all the rules of the algorithm (such as in higher dimensions).


Water stress in plants is a complex physiological response to the limited availability of water to a plant. When plants suffer from water stress, a series of harmful plant-water interactions occur, which may disrupt a plant's physiology. These include a decrease in cell water potential, cell turgor and relative water content (Hsiao, 1973) .

These include a decrease in cell water potential, cell turgor and relative water content.


In conclusion, a multifunctional microwave photonic mixer with high performance is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. It can realize both frequency up-and down-conversion with continuous 360°phase shift in a wide frequency range when high performance commercial 90°hybrid coupler is adopted. Thanks to the carrier suppression technology, the conversion gain improves by 20.5 dB compared with DSB modulation scheme. What's more, the scheme is immune to dispersioninduced power fading and the ability of multichannel phase shift can simplify the system of beam forming in both transmitter and receiver. Fig. 9 is the structure of a typical PC, it contains two quarter-wave plates (QWP) and one halfwave plate (HWP). The wave plate has two orthogonal optical axes, which are called fast axis and slow axis (as shown in Fig. 10 ). When a light-wave goes through the wave plate, it will introduce a phase difference ϕ between two light vectors in fast axis and slow axis [19] .

When a light-wave goes through the wave plate, it will introduce a phase difference ϕ between two light vectors in fast axis and slow axis.


Firstly, we demonstrate the performance of frequency conversion. As shown in Fig. 2 , MZM 1 is driven by RF signal with the frequency of 3 GHz and the power of 0 dBm which is generated by an analog signal source (Rohde & Schwarz SMW200A); MZM 3 is driven by LO signal with the frequency of 14 GHz generated by another analog signal source (Agilent, N5183A) and MZM 4 is driven by the same LO signal with a 90-degree phase shift. The output of DP-QPSK modulator is the combination of DSB-CS modulation of RF signal and SSB-CS modulation of LO signal, as shown in Fig. 3(a) . The +1st-order sideband of LO is suppressed for almost 30 dB. However, due to the limited spectral resolution of the optical spectrum analyzer (Adantest, Q8384, 0.01 nm), the rejection level of the optical carrier cannot be clearly observed. So, we measure the optical spectrum without injecting the RF signal, as shown in Fig. 3(a) red dashed line. After the optical signal is detected by PD, electrical spectrum is obtained and given in Fig. 3(b) . The LO-IF isolation reaches 40.5 dB and the power of output IF signal is −19.1 dBm. Note that the conversion gain is defined as the ratio of the output frequency converted signal power and the input RF signal power. Because of the power of RF signal in the experiment is 0 dBm, the power of output IF frequency signal is just the conversion gain, which means the conversion gain in our scheme is −19.1 dB, In the experiment, we adjust the power of LO to obtain the max conversion gain [17] . As can be seen from Fig. 3(c) , as the LO power changes from 0 dBm to 15 dBm, the conversion gain increase first and then decrease. When the power of LO signal is in the range of 7-10 dBm, the conversion gain will reach to −19.7 dB.

Because of the power of RF signal in the experiment is 0 dBm, the power of output IF frequency signal is just the conversion gain, which means the conversion gain in our scheme is −19.1 dB, In the experiment, we adjust the power of LO to obtain the max conversion gain.


Finally, the phase of the IF signal is demonstrated. It should be noted that the best device to measure the phase shift is vector network analyzer. Limited by the condition of our laboratory, we use an oscilloscope (Tektronix, MDO3102) with the bandwidth of 1 GHz, sample rate of 5 G Samples/sec. Therefore, we can only measure the phase for down-conversion signal. As can be seen from Fig. 2(d) , the phase shift for up-conversion signal and down-conversion signal is just opposite. For frequency down-conversion with phase shift, a 16.1 GHz RF sinusoidal-signal is down-converted to 100-MHz IF signal by mixing it with a 16 GHz LO single-tone signal. Meanwhile, RF signal is down-converted to 100-MHz IF signal by an electrical mixer (CMB43431009H) and this IF signal is used as a standard signal. Then, the two down-conversion signals inject the dual-channel oscilloscope. CH1 is the standard signal and CH2 is the signal with different phase shift. Fig. 8 shows the IF signal waveforms with phase shift of 0-360°with a step of 45°. So, our scheme can achieve continuous phase shift over 360 degrees. Moreover, the amplitude of phase-shifted IF signals remain almost unchanged. As mentioned before, for each channel, the phase shift is realized by adjusting the polarization state of modulated signal by PC independently. The tuning rate and stability can be improved by replacing the three-paddle PC with electrically controlled PC [18] . The result manifests that our scheme can be used in beam forming for both transmitter and receiver.

The tuning rate and stability can be improved by replacing the three-paddle PC with electrically controlled PC.


In this paper, we propose a multi-functional scheme which can achieve both frequency conversion and phase shift. Due to the single side band-carrier suppression (SSB-CS) modulation of local oscillation (LO) signal, it is immune to dispersion-induced power fading. The system possesses good frequency tunability without using optical filter and it has high conversion gain because of carrier suppression. Actually, if the 90°hybrid coupler with a frequency range from 8 to 67-GHz (Marki Microwave, QH-0867) is used, the operating frequency can be extended to U waveband [14] . The system can realize both beam forming and multiple beam-forming for both transmitter and receiver. Fig. 1(a) shows the beam forming for a transmitter. The IF signal experiences frequency up-conversion and then is split into multiple channels to experience different phase shifts. Fig. 1(b) shows multiple beam-forming for a receiver. The RF signals received by multiple radiating elements experience frequency down-conversion and proper phase shift to form beam 1. Beam 2 can be formed with different phase shifts along different path in the same time [16] . So, our scheme can be widely used in beam forming for radar system and simplify the complexity of the system. Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram of proposed microwave photonic mixer. When an optical carrier from laser diode (LD) injects DP-QPSK modulator, it will be split into two parts and sent to X-DPMZM and Y-DPMZM. In our scheme, the output of X-DPMZM is dual side band-carrier suppression (DSB-CS) modulation of RF signal. The output of Y-DPMZM is SSB-CS modulation of LO signal, as shown in Fig. 2 (a) and (b). They are combined in orthogonal polarizations by a polarization combiner (PBC) which is shown in Fig. 2(c) . The polarization-multiplexed signal is split into several channels to implement multi-channel phase shift. In each channel, a polarization controller and a polarizer are employed. The phase difference between orthogonal signals can be tuned by polarization controller (PC). After optical-electrical conversion by photo-detector (PD), the microwave photonic mixer with phase-tunable ability is implemented.

Actually, if the 90°hybrid coupler with a frequency range from 8 to 67-GHz (Marki Microwave, QH-0867) is used, the operating frequency can be extended to U waveband.

Beam 2 can be formed with different phase shifts along different path in the same time.


The building construction sector is one of the most dynamic in the Brazilian industry, making significant use of diverse materials in residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites. This construction segment causes environmental, social, and economic impacts on the site and in the region where it takes place, and these impacts reflect from the manufacture and transport of materials, until the execution of a particular construction project [1] . These impacts have caused concern in society, particularly regarding the environment, since they have increased significantly due to growth in the construction sector, which is a major consumer of materials and energy in Brazil. This growth in demand for construction materials directly reflects increased consumption of raw materials and energy, particularly during the phases of extraction, processing, and transportation of materials.

This construction segment causes environmental, social, and economic impacts on the site and in the region where it takes place, and these impacts reflect from the manufacture and transport of materials, until the execution of a particular construction project.


The construction industry has become one of the biggest consumers of resources and energy inputs. Indeed, throughout their life cycle, buildings around the world account for approximately 40% of CO 2 emissions, 40% of natural resource consumption, and approximately 40% of waste generation. Because of this, the construction industry is sometimes referred to as "the industry of 40%" [6] . In the United States, for example, buildings account for 39% of total energy use and 38% of all carbon dioxide emissions, which confirms this reputation [7] . Analyzing this situation is needed for simultaneous improvement of quality and environmental management in the construction industry, through significant investments in processes, procedures, and technologies. In other words, the construction industry segment must align its success and investments with growing responsibilities towards society in order to engage in adequate and successful sustainable development practices.

Because of this, the construction industry is sometimes referred to as "the industry of 40%".

In the United States, for example, buildings account for 39% of total energy use and 38% of all carbon dioxide emissions, which confirms this reputation.


In addition, it is important to take into account that the consequent expansion of waste generation is caused by a surplus of unused materials and demolition leftovers. In large Brazilian cities, the mass of construction and demolition waste ranges from 45 to 70% of the total mass of solid waste generated, with the great majority coming from residential sector sources. The volume of construction and demolition waste amounts to more than half of a town's solid waste, and most of it is improperly deposited without segregation and management [2, 3] . In the real-world scenario, it is necessary to reduce environmental impacts in the pursuit of construction sustainability. In order to do so, it is important to develop and specialize supply chains of building materials and to seek sustainable materials that are not harmful to human health and that are durable or reusable, renewable, clean, and affordable [4] .

The volume of construction and demolition waste amounts to more than half of a town's solid waste, and most of it is improperly deposited without segregation and management.

In order to do so, it is important to develop and specialize supply chains of building materials and to seek sustainable materials that are not harmful to human health and that are durable or reusable, renewable, clean, and affordable.


Interesting "unifications" happen while generalizing the notion of Nijenhuis to Courant algebroids [3] . For instance, a Poisson structure on a Lie algebroid A, being a tensor from A * to A, becomes itself a tensor on the Courant algebroid A ⊕ A * which can be shown to be Nijenhuis. Hence, both Poisson structures and Nijenhuis tensors become, eventually, Nijenhuis tensors, and so do closed 2-forms, ΩN and Poisson-Nijenhuis structures [3] .

Interesting "unifications" happen while generalizing the notion of Nijenhuis to Courant algebroids.

Hence, both Poisson structures and Nijenhuis tensors become, eventually, Nijenhuis tensors, and so do closed 2-forms, ΩN and Poisson-Nijenhuis structures.


Thyroid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of endocrine system and its incidence is the first in head and neck malignant tumors. Thyroid papillary carcinoma is the most common, and its incidence accounts for about 85% of all thyroid cancer types (Davies et al., 2006) . Therefore, the diagnosis of thyroid papillary carcinoma is very important. The features of thyroid papillary carcinoma are as follows: unclear boundary, fibrous pseudomembrane, slight calcification of nodule or gravel inside the tubercle, non-uniform echo, etc. It is a challenging task to determine whether a lesion has these characteristics. The accuracy of ultrasound examination of thyroid cancer is closely related to the doctor's cognition and understanding of ultrasound images, there are often subjective judgments and misjudgments, and even experts with rich experience may misjudge. In addition, because of the different degree of experience and knowledge, the doctors of ultrasound images will have a certain degree of difference in their cognition of ultrasound images. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to accurately judge and identify ultrasound images with thyroid cancer lesions. In addition, the traditional methods of recognizing ultrasound images with human eyes have been unable to keep up with the development of the times, mainly because it is difficult to accurately judge the lesions of complicated cancers in the ultrasound images, and it is easy to misjudge, which will bring serious consequences to the patients. Therefore, the ultrasonic medical image diagnosis can be realized by using the computer image recognition technology. By collecting a large number of medical image information of the same kind of diseases, carrying out the classification processing, and then combining the computeraided diagnosis with the doctor's diagnosis, it's possible to quickly and accurately obtain the patients' diseases.

Thyroid papillary carcinoma is the most common, and its incidence accounts for about 85% of all thyroid cancer types.


Additionally, the proposed methodology has other limitations that deserve further attention. One might raise the question that runoff volume reduction depends on some factors, such as the precipitation characteristics, the vegetation, growth media, and roof slope. On the one hand, the total runoff volume will be largely determined by the total amount and intensity of precipitation. On the other hand, many studies agree that the soil type and its properties, including the type of vegetation, has a greater influence on green roof water retention capacity [41, 42, 51] . In this sense, the type of vegetation commercially available for non-intensive green roofs is very limited, with grass or sedum being practically the only commercial options. Therefore, it is probably still necessary to perform further research while exploring further options.

On the other hand, many studies agree that the soil type and its properties, including the type of vegetation, has a greater influence on green roof water retention capacity.


Finally, the energy-related economic benefits of green roofs are also well documented in the literature [33, 56] . However, again, usually the high construction costs of green roofs dissuade many building owners. In Chile, incentive policies for the adoption of sustainable and energy-efficient technologies are slowly being implemented. However, for the time being, the lack of legislation on green roofs is causing many users to be unaware of their entitlement to request fiscal benefits after installation. Studies such as the one proposed here may help to raise awareness in the near future.

Finally, the energy-related economic benefits of green roofs are also well documented in the literature.


The installation of green roofs falls within the possible technological solutions that can contribute to the sustainable development of cities [8, 9] . This type of roof has a series of benefits from a social, economic, environmental and sustainable point of view, which is why they are considered an effective element for mitigating climate change [10] . In addition, green roofs cause a decrease in the flow of surface runoff that circulates through cities during intense rainfall. This aspect is of particular interest for the objectives of this work.

The installation of green roofs falls within the possible technological solutions that can contribute to the sustainable development of cities.

This type of roof has a series of benefits from a social, economic, environmental and sustainable point of view, which is why they are considered an effective element for mitigating climate change.


This conclusion is also evident from observations. The Taylor theory would predict that the coronal field evolves towards a linear force-free field. For an infinite system like the corona, the only linear force-free field with finite energy is the field which is current-free in any finite volume [Berger, 1985] . Therefore if the theory held, the coronal field would evolve via reconnection to the potential field, in which case there would be no need for CMEs or eruptive flares. It may be argued that the Taylor theory should not be applied to the corona as a whole, since the helicity is not uniquely defined for an infinite system. But, in fact, the Taylor prediction for an infinite system is completely sensible. If reconnection could proceed freely, indeed it would be energetically favorable for the field to transfer all its shear and twist to the outermost field lines that extend toward infinity, such as the field lines at the poles. By transferring all the shear/twist to the longest field lines, the field conserves its helicity, but brings its energy down to the potential field value. The only problem with this type of evolution for the solar corona is that it is never observed.

For an infinite system like the corona, the only linear force-free field with finite energy is the field which is current-free in any finite volume.


A total of 182 asthmatic children participated in the study, for a total of 691 spirometry test results, 672 Fe NO test results, and 616 breath samples. Seven children had 5 measurement days, 142 had 4 days, 27 had 3 days, and 6 had 2 days. In total, there were 39 meas urement days during the study period, and no missing day for air monitoring to match health testing days. The characteristics of this cohort are presented in Table 1 . We meas ured the concentration of amylase in 25% of breath samples to determine saliva contamination. The median amylase concentration was 0.60 unit/L, with the 95th percentile being 1.46 unit/L. None of the samples had amylase concentrations near the reported salivary amylase concentration of 1,250 unit/L (Brand et al. 2006) . We estimated that saliva contamination was likely < 0.1%, and therefore interference of breath analysis by saliva was negligible. In 616 breath samples, only 2 samples had detectable IL-6 levels. We therefore did not conduct further analysis on IL-6.

The median amylase concentration was 0.60 unit/L, with the 95th percentile being 1.46 unit/L. None of the samples had amylase concentrations near the reported salivary amylase concentration of 1,250 unit/L.


Nursing home expenditures totaled $115.2 billion in 2004, which represented 6.1 percent of national health expenditures (Smith et al. 2006) . The nursing home market consists of both chronic (long-stay) and post-acute (short-stay) residents. Medicaid is the dominant payer of chronic nursing home services, accounting for roughly 50% of all nursing home expenditures and 70% of all bed days. Medicare covers post-acute nursing home care, which accounts for 12% of total nursing home expenditures. The remainder of care is financed primarily by private outof-pocket payments.

Nursing home expenditures totaled $115.2 billion in 2004, which represented 6.1 percent of national health expenditures.


The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) postulates that asset prices fully reflect all available information (Fama, 1970) . This implies that past prices should have no predictive power over future prices; hence, successive price changes should be random. However, a number of studies have established not only that stock prices are predicable on the basis of previous information, but also that indicators such as dividend yields and gross domestic product contain information that is useful in predicting stock prices. Moreover, earnings/ price and book-to-market ratios, among other seasonal patterns which have no basis in extant theoretical models seem to predict stock prices. This latter evidence, commonly called calendar anomalies (effects), is the subject of this paper. Broadly speaking, calendar anomalies refer to the tendency of financial asset returns to display systematic patterns at certain times of the day, week, month or year. This paper focuses on the month of the year and the pre-holiday effect on African stock markets.

The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) postulates that asset prices fully reflect all available information.


Of the patients who underwent ATT, 42 eyes (74%) demonstrated stable or improved vision, whereas 15 eyes (26%) had worsening vision (Figure 1 ). Overall, 73% of patients had improvement in inflammation with ATT, which is consistent with previous reports of disease control rates ranging from 40% to 81% [6] . No patients with intermediate uveitis had documented progression of disease, perhaps suggesting a better prognosis for this location. There was discrepancy in some cases that had improvement of inflammation yet worsening visual acuity. This may be explained by sequelae of inflammatory conditions of the eye, including cataracts and glaucoma, which can cause significant vision loss on their own.

Overall, 73% of patients had improvement in inflammation with ATT, which is consistent with previous reports of disease control rates ranging from 40% to 81%.


In birds where the retina is avascular, the presence of the pecten oculi, a highly vascularized intraocular organ with sparse pigmented tissue, strongly suggests a nutritive role (Meyer, 1977) . A trophic role calls for an expansive surface area and high blood supply. This must, however, be achieved after obviating a certain constraint: the pecten must not be too large as to interfere with the optical function of the eye. Our results show that the avian pecten oculi has been designed to meet this demand, which probably differs in nocturnal and diurnal birds and with the life-style of the bird. Out of the three avian species studied, the pecten of the black kite M. migrans had the largest volume and surface area coupled with the most expansive surface area of the capillary luminal endothelium. In contrast, the spotted eagle owl B. b. africanus had the smallest pecten in volume, surface area as well as in respect to surface area of the capillary luminal endothelium. The fairly inactive, ground dwelling domestic fowl G. g. var.

In birds where the retina is avascular, the presence of the pecten oculi, a highly vascularized intraocular organ with sparse pigmented tissue, strongly suggests a nutritive role.


The protection issue in a distribution system with DG has been extensively studied. Protection coordination strategies in the distribution system with DG were discussed in References [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] . The operation schemes of overcurrent relay considering DG were discussed in References [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] . Anti-islanding protection schemes were discussed in References [24, 25] . However, these studies did not consider the existence of a BESS in the distribution system. A few protection studies have been performed in distribution system with a BESS. Reclosing methods considering a BESS used as an uninterruptible power supply were discussed in References [26] [27] [28] . However, these articles did not consider the existence of DG in the distribution system. Thus, the protection studies considering both DG and a BESS have not been performed so far. Thus, we study protection issues in the distribution system with both DG and a BESS, focusing on the reclosing issue in this paper.

Protection coordination strategies in the distribution system with DG were discussed in References.

The operation schemes of overcurrent relay considering DG were discussed in References.

Anti-islanding protection schemes were discussed in References.

Reclosing methods considering a BESS used as an uninterruptible power supply were discussed in References.


Compared with domestic oil projects, overseas projects are an ideal way for oil companies as it helps them to continuously expand for survival and seek international profits [3] . As a result, oil companies are willing to seek investment opportunities for overseas projects. However, it should be noted that overseas oil projects are more complex because they contain risks of changes in policy and uncertainties of economic factors [4] . For international oil companies, the choices of optimal investment timing and scale are key aspects in overseas oil projects because of oil price fluctuation and heavy sunk cost. Investment decisions made at an inappropriate time can cause significant losses in the value of oil projects. Furthermore, the investment scale choice of oil projects is equally important under uncertainty. On the one hand, expanding investment scale can enable companies to increase their oil production and make it possible to obtain more benefits in the future. On the other hand, this may lead to large sunk costs and force companies to bear greater losses in the era of low oil prices. Based on the current situation, this article explores two issues from the perspective of overseas oil projects: (1) the critical oil price, which can be seen as the investment threshold for triggering oilfield development and (2) optimal recoverable factor for every oil price level, which indicates the optimal investment scale.

Compared with domestic oil projects, overseas projects are an ideal way for oil companies as it helps them to continuously expand for survival and seek international profits.

However, it should be noted that overseas oil projects are more complex because they contain risks of changes in policy and uncertainties of economic factors.


From 2008 to 2017, international oil prices have declined and fluctuated. The upstream oil investment will obviously decrease if the low levels of oil price are sustained [1] . For example, mining and exploration investment, which reflects petroleum exploration and development, declined 35% in 2015, the second largest year-over-year decline since the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) began reporting the series in 1948 [2] . In the era of low oil prices, many international oil companies, in an effort to avoid greater losses, have suspended upstream investment, stopped new oilfield construction, and waited for the recovery of oil prices.

The upstream oil investment will obviously decrease if the low levels of oil price are sustained.

For example, mining and exploration investment, which reflects petroleum exploration and development, declined 35% in 2015, the second largest year-over-year decline since the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) began reporting the series in 1948.


When preparations of faceted TiO 2 using fluorine as capping agent have been reported, often the presence of residual fluorine on the TiO 2 surface is not considered, focusing the studies only in the presence of reactive facets. However, as it has been mentioned before the presence of NTi-F groups can have an important influence in the photocatalytic behaviour of the TiO 2 . This has to be borne in mind in those preparations which often do not have a calcination process at high temperature to assure a clean fluorine-free surface that in those cases would also lead to an important loss of surface area [21] .

This has to be borne in mind in those preparations which often do not have a calcination process at high temperature to assure a clean fluorine-free surface that in those cases would also lead to an important loss of surface area.


On the other hand, addition of fluorine to TiO 2 surfaces has been used by itself as a method for improving the photocatalytic activity of the oxide. Thus, surface fluorination (NTi-F groups) has been reported to reduce the recombination of photogenerated electron-holes by acting as electron-withdrawing centres [17] [18] [19] [20] . At the same time, it has also been found that surface fluorination improves the generation of mobile (unbound) OHÁ radicals that are known to be stronger oxidants that the surface adsorbed OHÁ radicals [19] .

Thus, surface fluorination (NTi-F groups) has been reported to reduce the recombination of photogenerated electron-holes by acting as electron-withdrawing centres.

At the same time, it has also been found that surface fluorination improves the generation of mobile (unbound) OHÁ radicals that are known to be stronger oxidants that the surface adsorbed OHÁ radicals.


Raman spectra for ButHF, ButHCl and IsoHF (the samples with anatase as only crystalline phase) are shown in Fig. 2 . The peaks appearing at 144, 394, 514 and 636 cm -1 for all these samples are indicative of anatase phase, in agreement with XRD studies [23] . However, as it can be seen, relative intensities for the Eg peaks of the samples prepared with HF are lower than the ones for the sample prepared with HCl. At the same time, intensity of A1g peaks increases for the samples prepared with HF. Some authors have used Raman spectroscopy as an approach for measuring the percentage of exposed {001} facets in anatase TiO 2 , as the intensity of the A1g and B1g peaks in the Raman spectra of samples with high percentage of {001} facets becomes increased. The percentage of exposed {001} facets is then estimated by the ratio of Raman vibrational modes between Eg and A1g [10, 24] . For ButHF, ButHCl and IsoHF, the intensity ratios are depicted in Table 2 . The estimated percentages of exposed {001} facet for the samples prepared with HF are 69 and 55% for ButHF and IsoHF, respectively. In contrast, percentage for ButHCl, anatase sample prepared with HCl, is only 12%. BET surface area values for the different samples are given in Table 1 . Samples which consist in anatase phase have relatively high values of surface areas, ranging from 90 to 110 m 2 /g. On the contrary, IsoHCl which is rutile possess a much lower value of 12 m 2 /g. Figure 3 shows pore diameter distribution for the different samples. It can be seen that the range of pore size is larger for the samples prepared with the addition of HF. Thus, ButHF and IsoHF present a similar pore size distribution with pore diameters between 2 and 100 nm. In contrast, the sample prepared with HCl, ButHCl, presents a narrower range for pore size diameter from 2 to just 20 nm, without larger pores. IsoHCl, rutile sample, presents a very low value of pore volume in the whole range of pore diameters, in concordance with its low surface area value.

The peaks appearing at 144, 394, 514 and 636 cm -1 for all these samples are indicative of anatase phase, in agreement with XRD studies.

The percentage of exposed {001} facets is then estimated by the ratio of Raman vibrational modes between Eg and A1g.


The different intensities of the XRD peaks for the samples prepared with HF addition compared to the sample prepared with HCl give account of a different preferential growth of the TiO 2 crystals in the presence of fluorine [15, 22] . Relative peak intensity ratios for the different crystallographic planes are shown in Table 1 . As it can be seen, for the samples prepared with HF, relative intensity of the peaks corresponding to planes 004 decreases while relative intensity for 200 increases for these samples, being this fact more pronounced in sample IsoHF. Here, it can be inferred the role of fluorine as capping agent in the structure of the obtained TiO 2 . Thus, as it will be confirmed later with other techniques, materials prepared with HF are obtained in different crystal shape, exposing the facet {001} in a higher degree than conventional anatase TiO 2 .

The different intensities of the XRD peaks for the samples prepared with HF addition compared to the sample prepared with HCl give account of a different preferential growth of the TiO 2 crystals in the presence of fluorine.


In the updated version of the ERS plug-in, we provide a graphical environment for ERS, and we apply a different approach to transform from the ERS language to Event-B. The new approach followed is based on the generic Diagram Extensions framework for Event-B [5] . The framework used, is built specifically to support Event-B providing lots of helpful functionalities. In addition to supporting model transformation to Event-B, the generic Diagram Extensions framework provides graphical and validation support. Unlike, ETL which is a generic model to model transformation language, and supporting a graphical interface and validation requires other tools adding more learning efforts. Moreover, at the time we used ETL, we had technical problems related to debugging and code auto-completion features, while the current approach simply uses Java.

In the updated version of the ERS plug-in, we provide a graphical environment for ERS, and we apply a different approach to transform from the ERS language to Event-B. The new approach followed is based on the generic Diagram Extensions framework for Event-B.


Some papers postulate that the direction of the magnetization vector of a magnetic domain in Fe Á/Pd martensite is determined by the type of BCVs [3,4,6 Á/8] . Thus, they advocate that a magnetic field favors a certain variant over others and can control straining. If this is the case, straining in polycrystalline Fe Á/Pd by magnetic field should also be examined along the same lines as in the present study. However, a recent work by Yamamoto, Wang and Hirayama indicates that magnetic domains in Fe Á/Pd have no one-to-one correspondence to martensite variants [14] . Thus, we must examine magnetic field induced straining in more detail, as will be fully discussed in a separate paper.

However, a recent work by Yamamoto, Wang and Hirayama indicates that magnetic domains in Fe Á/Pd have no one-to-one correspondence to martensite variants.


Sample size requirements become at least ten times the number of predictors from (1) or (2), whichever is greater (Barclay et al., 1995) . There were no formative indicators, so it is the second requirement that must be met. The largest number of antecedent constructs leading to an endogenous construct is three (3 * 10 = 30). Thirty is well below the total sample size of 107 or either of the sub-samples (service industries: n = 64, non-service industries: n = 43). The face validity of measures was assessed by examining the loadings, or simple correlations, of the measures with their respective construct. A rule of thumb is to accept items with loadings of 0.7 or more, which implies more shared variance between the construct and its measures than error variance (Carmines and Zeller, 1979) . All of the remaining items in Table IV had loadings over the 0.7 threshold.

Sample size requirements become at least ten times the number of predictors from (1) or (2), whichever is greater.

A rule of thumb is to accept items with loadings of 0.7 or more, which implies more shared variance between the construct and its measures than error variance.


The global community is being progressively shrunk by technology (Richardson, 1991) . The two major forces that Malaysian businesses currently face include the rapid rate of technological change and increasing industrialisation. The rate of change is likely to accelerate in the near future led by developments in the country's multimedia super corridor (MSC). The MSC links the present capital, Kuala Lumpur, with its new Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) some 50 kilometres away. The MSC is destined to become Malaysia's``Silicon Valley'' and its existing palm oil estates are giving way to new industries and research-intensive universities.

The global community is being progressively shrunk by technology.


Glass fibers are widely used as reinforcement in structural composite materials. They are produced from raw materials, which are virtually unlimited in supply [1] . The fibers have high hardness and such desirable reinforcement properties as high strength and stiffness in fiber direction [1, 2] . It is known that, glass fibers are hydrophilic and are susceptible to a relatively slow degradation when exposed to water environments [3] . Hydrolytic degradation of glass fibers can significantly reduce mechanical strength and leads to corrosion-induced defects [4] .

They are produced from raw materials, which are virtually unlimited in supply.

The fibers have high hardness and such desirable reinforcement properties as high strength and stiffness in fiber direction.

It is known that, glass fibers are hydrophilic and are susceptible to a relatively slow degradation when exposed to water environments.

Hydrolytic degradation of glass fibers can significantly reduce mechanical strength and leads to corrosion-induced defects.


The term degradation is used in the present work to denote all processes which lead to or affect the mass loss of the glass material by interacting with water. This includes the complex nature of several processes occurring in parallel, such as dissolution of glass matrix constituents, gel layer formation, neoformation of solid reaction products, alkaline and alkaline earth ion exchange. Some of these reactions occur while maintaining the glassy state, while others lead to leaching of the reaction products into the water environment [5] .

Some of these reactions occur while maintaining the glassy state, while others lead to leaching of the reaction products into the water environment.


Enabled by high-brilliance synchrotron sources, the in-situ highenergy X-ray characterization is a powerful tool for studying the deformation characteristics of steels used in various energy systems [31e35] . The evolution of lattice strains in different phases of a bulk material can be simultaneously measured through monitoring the positions of diffraction peaks, from which the load partitioning can be analyzed [36] . The plastic flow characteristics, such as the evolution of dislocation density, can also be investigated through the line-broadening analysis [37] .

The evolution of lattice strains in different phases of a bulk material can be simultaneously measured through monitoring the positions of diffraction peaks, from which the load partitioning can be analyzed.

The plastic flow characteristics, such as the evolution of dislocation density, can also be investigated through the line-broadening analysis.


Another research by has been accomplished on the Spanish sample. Direct and indirect effect of education on job satisfaction was evaluated and it was determined that the individuals with higher educational levels were more satisfied with their job. Because, more likely, they earn the jobs having better features and obtain more satisfaction [19] .

Because, more likely, they earn the jobs having better features and obtain more satisfaction.


Dastoorani and Poor Yoosef in the year 2012 evaluated the relation between personality features and mental health with job satisfaction of the staff. According to the theoretical foundations and study background, the performance results of this research revealed several basic findings: mental health of the staff has a positive and significant effect on their job satisfaction but the effect of the personality feature of conscientiousness and also the effect of the personality feature of neuroticism are slight on job satisfaction of the staff. In spite of the personality feature of palatability, other personality features, extraversion, flexibility and conscientiousness affect job satisfaction of the staff and as compared to the other personality features, palatability personality feature has reverse impact on job satisfaction of the staff and mental health subscales also affect job satisfaction of the staff so that depression subscale, as compared to the other subscales of public health, affects job satisfaction of the staff [20] .

In spite of the personality feature of palatability, other personality features, extraversion, flexibility and conscientiousness affect job satisfaction of the staff and as compared to the other personality features, palatability personality feature has reverse impact on job satisfaction of the staff and mental health subscales also affect job satisfaction of the staff so that depression subscale, as compared to the other subscales of public health, affects job satisfaction of the staff.


One and the same experimental design was applied in a network of spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) adult stands. Various fertilization treatments were tested on replicated plots. Each twoyear, soil as well as foliar analyses were performed. Crown condition was assessed each year and the floristic composition each four years. This article presents the general methodology of the research programme and the results of soil and foliar analyses obtained one and three years after fertilization. A second paper deals with fertilizer effects on the ground vegetation [22] .

A second paper deals with fertilizer effects on the ground vegetation.


A third and important difference is that our definitions of the three components do not follow from a mathematical decomposition of a well-known error measure (like the mean-squared error in case of the CRA technique). This renders the definition of the components subjective, at least to a certain degree. The advantage, however, is that the components can be tailored such that they become close to a subjective visual judgment. In any case, other definitions would be possible and could be regarded as variants of the SAL technique proposed here. For instance, instead of an absolute displacement component L 1 , a vector location error L 1 would provide additional information about the direction of the displacement. Alternatively, the Hausdorff distance metric could serve as a more sophisticated approach to define a location error component (Venugopal et al. 2005) . For the structure component, the volume of the scaled precipitation objects has been used as the key parameter. A simpler possibility would be to use the objects' base area. However, this would lead to a loss of information, because no distinction would be possible between peaked and flat objects. In contrast, a more refined alternative would be to use the surface of the objects instead of their volume. This would allow to additionally distinguish, for instance, between right circular cones and right elliptic cones with the same base area, because these objects have the same volume but not the same surface. Such an extension of S would be desirable; however, the accurate computation of the surface of complex-shaped precipitation objects is not straightforward and for this reason has not been pursued in this study.

Alternatively, the Hausdorff distance metric could serve as a more sophisticated approach to define a location error component.


Indeed, for components including active devices, in particular, MMIC's, the popularity of coplanar waveguide (CPW) has increased significantly in recent years because the advantages of CPW like wider bandwidth, smaller mutual coupling between two adjacent lines, and easier integration with solid-state active devices on one side of the planar substrate, thus avoiding via hole connections [4] . Current advancements in communication technology and significant growth in the wireless communication market and consumer demands demonstrate the need for smaller, more reliable and power efficient, integrated wireless systems. Integrating entire transceivers on a single chip is the vision for future wireless systems. This has the benefit of cost reduction and improving system reliability. Antennas are considered to be the largest components of integrating wireless systems [5] . In wireless systems, the distance between the antenna and the detector circuit must be made as short as possible in order to prevent transmission lost in the feed line such as CPW [6] . In addition the antenna integrated on the same substrate can be made well-matched with good efficiency and improved bandwidth [7] .

Indeed, for components including active devices, in particular, MMIC's, the popularity of coplanar waveguide (CPW) has increased significantly in recent years because the advantages of CPW like wider bandwidth, smaller mutual coupling between two adjacent lines, and easier integration with solid-state active devices on one side of the planar substrate, thus avoiding via hole connections.

Antennas are considered to be the largest components of integrating wireless systems.

In wireless systems, the distance between the antenna and the detector circuit must be made as short as possible in order to prevent transmission lost in the feed line such as CPW.

In addition the antenna integrated on the same substrate can be made well-matched with good efficiency and improved bandwidth.


Subjects: From the cohort of air force recruits aged 18 -20 years, 30 male subjects were randomly selected and randomly assigned into an experimental or control groups, n = 15 each. All subjects were found healthy; they submitted their written consents to participate. They were informed about study objective and protocol, all the procedures conforming to the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki [28] . The study was approved by the local Human Research Ethics Committee.

They were informed about study objective and protocol, all the procedures conforming to the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki.


The treatment of BD compared with depression is more difficult; the prognosis is worse, and the risk of suicide is higher [18] . Therefore, psychiatric department in general hospitals should not limit its focus on depression but also be on guard against BD, especially BD-II. The HCL-32 has a great clinical value in the department of psychiatry in general hospitals.

The treatment of BD compared with depression is more difficult; the prognosis is worse, and the risk of suicide is higher.


In this paper, researchers would look into teaching and learning strategies in prewriting process which are underpinned by brain based learning theory. The question arises as to how does prewriting process enhance student centred and thoughtful learning whilst brain based learning theory is underpinned by three basic pillars; relaxed alertness, active processing and orchestrated immersion (Caine & Caine 1994) . Recursive writing process is thus related or interconnected with the brain because as the activities take place, the brain works actively and this reduces the adrenalin rush. This process leads to orchestrated immersion of prewriting process.

The question arises as to how does prewriting process enhance student centred and thoughtful learning whilst brain based learning theory is underpinned by three basic pillars; relaxed alertness, active processing and orchestrated immersion.


With that obstacle, prewriting is the first stage of the writing process and it is also a time of discovery or unearthing ideas. Prewriting can condense swirling mists of thought into words on paper. There is no need to think about order or how to condense. The objectives are to produce as many ideas as possible. Activities that are involved in prewriting process are collecting ideas through reading, prewriting, brainstorming, mind mapping and listings (Raimes, 1983) .

Activities that are involved in prewriting process are collecting ideas through reading, prewriting, brainstorming, mind mapping and listings.


An organic solvent used for one year in the industrial implementation of SANEX is expected to receive a total dose of between 100 kGy and 1 MGy [10] . This corresponds to a dose rate of ∼ 10-100 Gy/h. For the evaluation of the radiolytic stability of an organic solvent, not only the total received dose but also the dose rate is an important parameter [17] .

An organic solvent used for one year in the industrial implementation of SANEX is expected to receive a total dose of between 100 kGy and 1 MGy.

For the evaluation of the radiolytic stability of an organic solvent, not only the total received dose but also the dose rate is an important parameter.


The different behaviours by the two systems could be caused by other factors than the high and low dose rate. The possible ageing with time of the system was ruled out based on the measurements with a reference solution, but there might be other aspects connected to the difference in total time of irradiation. The solution exposed to the low dose rate was in contact with oxygen for a longer time than the high dose rate solution. Although the glass bottle containing the solution was equipped with a lid, this was removed at each sampling and the solution was in direct contact with the oxygen in the air. Presence of oxygen has proven to decrease the radiolytic effect on nitrogen-containing compounds irradiated in the presence of aqueous HNO 3 , by oxidizing HNO 2 formed from HNO 3 [28] . The solutions in this study were irradiated in absence of HNO 3 (or any other aqueous phase). The degradation of solid polypropylene was accelerated when oxygen was present during γ -irradiation compared to irradiation in the absence of oxygen [29] . A possible reaction between irradiated organic solutions and oxygen might be that between hydrocarbon radicals, formed by chain cleavage caused by γ -irradiation, and O 2 present in surrounding air. In summary, O 2 can either protect the system or enhance certain reactions and the influence depends on factors such as the solute, experimental conditions and the specific reaction studied [30] .

Presence of oxygen has proven to decrease the radiolytic effect on nitrogen-containing compounds irradiated in the presence of aqueous HNO 3 , by oxidizing HNO 2 formed from HNO 3.

The degradation of solid polypropylene was accelerated when oxygen was present during γ -irradiation compared to irradiation in the absence of oxygen.

In summary, O 2 can either protect the system or enhance certain reactions and the influence depends on factors such as the solute, experimental conditions and the specific reaction studied.


CS was originally promoted as near-optimal and lossless on orthonormal bases. However, practical WPS results show that the reconstruction is not exact if appreciable compression ratio is achieved. This was also concluded in some of the cited works on other CS applications, e.g. ECG [7] . Considering the reasonable compression at minimal computation effort, CS is still a reasonable choice for WPS monitoring WSN. RS and RMPI methods of AIC have been previously used in WSNs and proved to be efficient also with WPS. The presented DS and SI methods pose even lower computational demand on the sensor node. The SI method at the same time outperforms previously presented AIC methods in achievable SDR. AIC configuration that would reduce the sensor node power consumption by approximately 80 % was proposed and remains to be implemented on existing WSN nodes.

This was also concluded in some of the cited works on other CS applications, e.g. ECG.


Digital implementations of AIC methods described in section 3 were tested using WPS data obtained during the pilot operation of the WSN [13] . All of the tested methods can be implemented as a software add-on on existing sensor nodes. Testing was performed by means of simulations, but it sufficiently represents implementation on the physical WSN.

Digital implementations of AIC methods described in section 3 were tested using WPS data obtained during the pilot operation of the WSN.


Our analysis of 123,730 households across 12 highly foodinsecure countries reveals three key points. First, the level of dependence on fish for food across these countries is high. The estimate of roughly 90 million people in these 12 countries who rely on fish is likely to underestimate the level of dependence on fish and fish-based livelihoods. Our metric for fish dependency was based on a question which asked parents whether their children ate any fish in the past 24 h. This is the one consistent question in the survey that allows us to look at fish consumption. We were unable therefore to assess how many households without young children have adults who are reliant on fish for daily nutrition. This unknown number of households would presumably add substantially to our estimate of 90 million fish-dependent individuals. In addition, even in households where we could assess fish reliance, children (especially infants) might be less likely, compared to adults, to receive fish or seafood, particularly when quantities are scarce [26] . It is unclear how our 90 million estimate (for these 12 countries) extrapolated across the globe would compare to other estimates of the reliance on fish protein around the world, but our conservative estimate is that one in five people are fish reliant in these countries. Were this to hold for the globe, our figures are in line with other global estimates [5, 27] . The global figures come from nationally averaged "apparent consumption" (imports and domestic production, minus exports, divided by population size). The global figures are thus averages of indirectly measured averages. The direct figures compiled here, however incomplete, are a useful indicator of reliance on fish protein.

In addition, even in households where we could assess fish reliance, children (especially infants) might be less likely, compared to adults, to receive fish or seafood, particularly when quantities are scarce.

Were this to hold for the globe, our figures are in line with other global estimates.


The RISC architecture natively offers a lower power envelope relative to CISC processors while having more limited performance [4] . At the same time, x64 processors have been increasing the number of cores per processor to overcome the power-wall that limits their performance growth in single-core clock speeds. As a result, the performance difference between individual ARM and x64 cores has been narrowing.

The RISC architecture natively offers a lower power envelope relative to CISC processors while having more limited performance.


Due to the functions of microRNA (miRNAs) in a wide array of biological processes, they are believed to act as targets for anticancer drugs [4] . The miRNAs do not code for any protein and are generally very short RNA molecules consisting of about 20 nucleotides [5] . They have been shown to control a number of processes, including cell division [6] . A number of studies have reported that miRNAs are involved in cancer development [7, 8] . This is mainly due to altered expressions of miRNAs in cancerous tissues [9] . In particular, MiR-9 has been reported to play a role in the development and progression of several types of cancers. For instance, miR-9 regulates the metastasis of oesophageal cancer cells [10] . Similarly, it has been found that suppression of miR-9 causes activation of JAK/STAT pathway in HeLa cancer cells [11] .

Due to the functions of microRNA (miRNAs) in a wide array of biological processes, they are believed to act as targets for anticancer drugs.

The miRNAs do not code for any protein and are generally very short RNA molecules consisting of about 20 nucleotides.

They have been shown to control a number of processes, including cell division.

A number of studies have reported that miRNAs are involved in cancer development.

This is mainly due to altered expressions of miRNAs in cancerous tissues.

For instance, miR-9 regulates the metastasis of oesophageal cancer cells.

Similarly, it has been found that suppression of miR-9 causes activation of JAK/STAT pathway in HeLa cancer cells.


Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plants and animals. Almost 90% phosphate rock worldwide is used for food production (Schröder et al. 2010) . In agriculture, P fertilizer is the main source of phosphorus. Phosphate rock, such as mineral apatite, is the primary raw material for producing P fertilizer. However, P availability is low in calcareous soil, because P can be bound by calcium and forms Ca-P mineral. Therefore, in alkaline soils P is deficient for plants. In order to improve P solubility, microorganism can be used to solubilize phosphate (Salih et al. 1989) . Some plants also exude some organic acids to increase the bioavailability of P. For example, rapeseed has physiological adaptation when grown under P deficiency by exuding citrate and malate in the root zone. Citrate has a capability to mobilize P in soil with high Ca-P content (Jones and Darrah 1995) .

Almost 90% phosphate rock worldwide is used for food production.

In order to improve P solubility, microorganism can be used to solubilize phosphate.

Citrate has a capability to mobilize P in soil with high Ca-P content.


Available online at: http://journal.unila.ac.id/index.php/tropicalsoil DOI: 10.5400/jts.2012.17.3.219 Keywords: Citrate, deficiency, exudation rate, lupin, phosphorus, rapeseed, Zn Zinc deficiency is a widespread problem in plant cultivation. It is estimated that half of cereal crops worldwide are grown on Zn deficient soils (Cakmak 2008) . Some cereal crops (rice, wheat, etc.) which serve as staple food, are deficient in Zn (Fageria et al. 2002) . This trace element is essential for crop productivity and nutritional food quality. Soils do not supply sufficient Zn which result in a yield reduction and poor plant quality. Plants with Zn deficiency exhibit intervenal chlorosis and necrotic spots on the leaves (Alloway 2008) . Moreover, low concentrations of Zn can cause leakage of cations, e.g. K + from the root system, so Zn deficiency can disturb the operating efficiency of the root system (Pinton et al. 1993) .

It is estimated that half of cereal crops worldwide are grown on Zn deficient soils.

Some cereal crops (rice, wheat, etc.) which serve as staple food, are deficient in Zn.

Plants with Zn deficiency exhibit intervenal chlorosis and necrotic spots on the leaves.

Moreover, low concentrations of Zn can cause leakage of cations, e.g. K + from the root system, so Zn deficiency can disturb the operating efficiency of the root system.


The final recommendation for future research is to extend the UTAUT2 framework to incorporate culture in the adoption of technology for use in classroom instruction. Globalization has led to people doing business and communicating far beyond their national or regional borders. Information technology is at the heart of these exchanges by enabling communication between people in different countries. Consequently, IS researchers have argued the importance of studying espoused national culture differences and their impact on these activities (Ives & Jarvenpaa, 1991) . In sum, we propose additional research is needed in order to further explore and understand the potential application of UTAUT2 in the higher education context across cultures.

Consequently, IS researchers have argued the importance of studying espoused national culture differences and their impact on these activities.


Mel'čuk approaches lexical relations by defining a lexical combinatorial zone that specifies semantically related lexemes through Lexical Functions (LF). These functions define a correspondence between a key lexical item and a set of related lexical items (Mel'čuk, 1988) . There are two types of functions: paradigmatic and syntagmatic (Ramos et al., 1994) . Paradigmatic LFs associate a lexical item with related lexical items. The relation can be semantic or syntactic. Semantic LFs include Synonym(calling) = vocation, Antonym(small) = big, and Generic(fruit) = apple. Syntactic LFs include DerivedNoun(expand)= expansion and Adjective(female) = feminine.

These functions define a correspondence between a key lexical item and a set of related lexical items.

There are two types of functions: paradigmatic and syntagmatic.


Although research on Lexical Functions provides an intriguing theoretical discussion, there are no large scale resources available for categorial variations induced by lexical functions. This lack of resources shouldn't suggest that the problem is too trivial to be worthy of investigation or that a solution would not be a significant contribution. On the contrary, categorial variations are necessary for handling many NLP problems. For example, in the context of MT, claims that 98% of all translation divergences (variations in how source and target languages structure meaning) involve some form of categorial variation. Moreover, most IR systems require some way to reduce variant words to common roots to improve the ability to match queries (Xu and Croft, 1998; Hull and Grefenstette, 1996; Krovetz, 1993) .

Moreover, most IR systems require some way to reduce variant words to common roots to improve the ability to match queries.


E-bikes are becoming a rising transportation mode for commuting in China. E-bike ownership increased significantly from 58 thousand in 1988 to 466 million in 2016, with an annual increase of 64.8% [1] . Due to their small size and flexible routes, e-bikes provide road users with convenient and affordable mobility. Furthermore, they are beneficial to the public for the advantages of low cost and easy parking [2] . However, a big issue preventing the use of e-bikes is the increasing number of e-bike collisions [3] . Particularly, e-bikes can result in serious collisions due to their lack of protection. As such, it is important to understand risk factors related to e-bike collisions in order to increase e-bike riders' safety awareness and help traffic professionals develop effective countermeasures.

E-bike ownership increased significantly from 58 thousand in 1988 to 466 million in 2016, with an annual increase of 64.8%.

Furthermore, they are beneficial to the public for the advantages of low cost and easy parking.

However, a big issue preventing the use of e-bikes is the increasing number of e-bike collisions.


Adsorption as a high performance technique for removal of contaminants from wastewaters has been proposed by researchers [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . Adsorption is a mass transfer operation in which material is transferred from Corresponding author. E-mail address: vafajoo@azad.ac.ir liquid to solid phase and some physical as well as; chemical interactions occurring on their interface. Adsorption process depends upon physical properties, large superficial area, micro-porous structure, high adsorption capacity and adsorbent surface reactivity. In recent years adsorbents like GAC and Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) have been more widely utilized for investigating organic and inorganic contaminants removal from the wastewaters [7] [8] [9] [10] . Generally, a comparison of previous researches indicated using activated carbon, whether powdered or granular, as an effective mean for removal of non-biodegradable waste materials from wastewater [3] - [5] .

Adsorption as a high performance technique for removal of contaminants from wastewaters has been proposed by researchers.

In recent years adsorbents like GAC and Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) have been more widely utilized for investigating organic and inorganic contaminants removal from the wastewaters.

Generally, a comparison of previous researches indicated using activated carbon, whether powdered or granular, as an effective mean for removal of non-biodegradable waste materials from wastewater.


Dyes are used extensively in the textile, leather, food processing, cosmetics, paper, and dyeing industries [1] . Dyes become water pollutants due to their presence in the effluents of dye manufacturing industries [2] . Over 10 5 commercially available dyes exist, and more than 7 × 10 5 tonnes of dye are produced annually [3] . However, approximately 7 × 10 4 tonnes/year of dyes are discharged into waste streams by the textile industry [4] . Dyes are carcinogenic and possess a serious hazard to aquatic living organisms [5] . In addition, the dyes in water cause human health disorders, such as severe damage to the kidneys and central nervous system [1] . In particular, basic dyes, such as triphenyl methane, are considered to be one of the more problematic classes of dyes [1] . Therefore, the removal of dyes from effluents prior to mixing with natural water is very important. Adsorption is one of the most efficient methods of removing pollutants from wastewater [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] . The adsorption processes yield the best results because they can remove different types of colouring materials, especially if inexpensive adsorbents are available. Different sorbents have been used to remove dyes from wastewater (e.g., Ni 0.6 Fe 2.4 O 4 nanoparticles, castor bean, lignocellulose, agricultural waste, cationic polymer, coal, carbonaceous and miswak) [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] .

Dyes are used extensively in the textile, leather, food processing, cosmetics, paper, and dyeing industries.

Dyes become water pollutants due to their presence in the effluents of dye manufacturing industries.

Over 10 5 commercially available dyes exist, and more than 7 × 10 5 tonnes of dye are produced annually.

However, approximately 7 × 10 4 tonnes/year of dyes are discharged into waste streams by the textile industry.

Dyes are carcinogenic and possess a serious hazard to aquatic living organisms.

In addition, the dyes in water cause human health disorders, such as severe damage to the kidneys and central nervous system.

In particular, basic dyes, such as triphenyl methane, are considered to be one of the more problematic classes of dyes.

Adsorption is one of the most efficient methods of removing pollutants from wastewater.

Different sorbents have been used to remove dyes from wastewater (e.g., Ni 0.6 Fe 2.4 O 4 nanoparticles, castor bean, lignocellulose, agricultural waste, cationic polymer, coal, carbonaceous and miswak).


A classical problem related to MGVs' route planning is the Convoy Movement Problem (CMP) [3] [4] [5] . In the CMP, there is a set of convoys with a specific origin-and-destination (OD) pair. The objective is to find the routes for every convoy that minimize the total overall travel time while adhering to some strategic constraints [6] . Time is the most important factor in this problem since present-day military engagements emphasize the need for mobility more than ever [3] . However, if we consider route planning associated with a mission, MGVs need not accomplish the maneuver mission as early as possible but must reach destinations before the mission deadline. Thus, in this paper we will consider the routing time of each MGV as a strong constraint rather than the objective for costs. Given the deadline of the mission, all MGVs involved in the maneuvering are requested to arrive at their destinations in a time no longer then this timeline.

A classical problem related to MGVs' route planning is the Convoy Movement Problem (CMP).

The objective is to find the routes for every convoy that minimize the total overall travel time while adhering to some strategic constraints.

Time is the most important factor in this problem since present-day military engagements emphasize the need for mobility more than ever.


The forerunner of Economics, Adam Smith and David Richardo developed the Classical Economics. They recognize that land, capital and labor were the factors that improved the economy. The Neo-classic growth theory represented by Robert Solow, Swan, Koopmans, negated the non-changeable factors of the classic economic growth theory, and in their view, it pointed out the diminishing capital return theory and brought in the exogenous variable knowledge and technology which admitted the effect the technological advance might have on economic growth but only on the sense that the technology improvements were only the exogenous variables in the economic growth. The New Growth Theory represented by Romer, Robert Lucas, Gary Beeker and Yang Xiaokai, believe that the advance in science and technology is the most significant motive to enhance the economic growth and social development [1] [2] [3] .

The New Growth Theory represented by Romer, Robert Lucas, Gary Beeker and Yang Xiaokai, believe that the advance in science and technology is the most significant motive to enhance the economic growth and social development.


Previous efforts worldwide have focused in the development of feasible, consistent, and cost-effective techniques to map GDEs at a local, regional, and even national scale. In Australia, it was not until the early 1970s that the approach to manage water resources by solely considering human needs was questioned. The consequences of groundwater overdraft on ecosystems were documented and the need to mitigate environmental impacts arising from these practices became obvious. In 1994 the Australian Government established a set of reforms to strive for a sustainable water industry [7] . Several efforts to map the location of GDEs in Australia have been undertaken. The most relevant to this study is the development of a GDE Atlas as part of a National Water Commission project which consists in a spatially based tool depicting the location of potential GDEs in the country [8] . Governmental agencies in the United States have been investing more resources into the development of strategies to identify the location. An inventory field guide was created with the purpose of providing a national protocol for collecting ground-based data that can serve as the basis for defining the location, extent, and characteristics of springs and wetlands on a local scale.

In 1994 the Australian Government established a set of reforms to strive for a sustainable water industry.

The most relevant to this study is the development of a GDE Atlas as part of a National Water Commission project which consists in a spatially based tool depicting the location of potential GDEs in the country.


In the current conditions, it is clear that there is a need to place restrictions in the amount of groundwater that can be extracted from an aquifer. The first step in the conservation of GDEs is to map their distribution, and then characterize the degree of dependence to be able to predict the ecological response to changes in water supply. Information about the location of GDEs is not readily available in the United States and only a few efforts to map the location and extent of GDEs at a national scale have been undertaken in countries like Australia and South Africa. The purpose of this study is to propose a method based on geospatial data sets and Random Forest (RF) algorithm to map the distribution of GDEs in the United States at 1 km spatial resolution. This paper presents the results of the application of this method in Nevada. The method is based on the principle that ecosystems will use water if the resource is available, and if that resource is limited, the ecosystem will create a functional dependence based on the spatiotemporal availability of the resource [4] . That dependence is expected to increase with greater aridity of the associated environment [5] . Water table position serves the purpose of ecological filter by regulating moisture [6] . For this reason, this parameter will be used as a proxy for the defining the location of GDEs.

The method is based on the principle that ecosystems will use water if the resource is available, and if that resource is limited, the ecosystem will create a functional dependence based on the spatiotemporal availability of the resource.

That dependence is expected to increase with greater aridity of the associated environment.

Water table position serves the purpose of ecological filter by regulating moisture.