Research on polymeric integrated optical devices has spanned over two decades. Originally this research was initiated by the material scientists who proposed conjugated organic molecules consisting of electron doner-acceptor molecules leading to permanent electric dipoles. Through the poling of the dipoles doped in the polymer, one can introduce significant nonlinear optical effects which compete with those of the renowned inorganic crystal, lithium niobate. The explosive expansion of Internet traffic has created strong demand for low-cost high-speed optical modulators which can be realized by using electro-optic (EO) polymers [1] . Polymeric EO modulators draws attention by its merits of large modulation bandwidth derived from the small dispersion of dielectric constant over a wide frequency range, covering millimeter to optical waves. Consequently, the lower velocity mismatch of the two waves enables superior modulation bandwidth in polymer modulators [2] . In spite of the demonstration of 100 GHz signal modulation, EO polymer modulator have experienced difficulties to address several reliability issues, which includes the relaxation of poled order, photo-oxidation of chromophore exposed to strong optical field, and drift of the DC bias point in Mach-Zehnder interferometric modulators [3] . Recently, much effort has been devoted to improve the stability of EO polymer materials, and the modulator device have exhibited improved thermal and photostability in a hermatic package [4, 5] .

The explosive expansion of Internet traffic has created strong demand for low-cost high-speed optical modulators which can be realized by using electro-optic (EO) polymers.

Consequently, the lower velocity mismatch of the two waves enables superior modulation bandwidth in polymer modulators.

In spite of the demonstration of 100 GHz signal modulation, EO polymer modulator have experienced difficulties to address several reliability issues, which includes the relaxation of poled order, photo-oxidation of chromophore exposed to strong optical field, and drift of the DC bias point in Mach-Zehnder interferometric modulators.

Recently, much effort has been devoted to improve the stability of EO polymer materials, and the modulator device have exhibited improved thermal and photostability in a hermatic package.


In the early stage of TO polymer device development, skepticism over the reliability of polymer devices was widespread due to difficult experiences during the early EO polymer device development during which people observed degradation of the EO effect and photo-oxidation of the chromophores [12] . Though passive low-loss polymers do not contain any unstable molecules, engineers were reluctant to accept polymer devices in their optical communication systems requiring stable operation over 20 years. To resolve this skepticism on polymer devices, it was necessary to accumulate sufficient reliability data in accordance with the Telcordia reliability assurance guidelines [13] . Among the many requirements, the damp heat test (85 °C/85% RH) and temperature cycling test were the most difficult to pass for polymer devices. Weak adhesion of the fluorinated polymer materials on the surface of inorganic substrates often caused film lift-off when devices were exposed to humidity at elevated temperatures. Through the improvement of chemical properties of polymer materials and the investigation of surface adhesion chemistry, the stability of polymer devices has been greatly improved, and finally it has passed all of the reliability assurance requirements [11] .

In the early stage of TO polymer device development, skepticism over the reliability of polymer devices was widespread due to difficult experiences during the early EO polymer device development during which people observed degradation of the EO effect and photo-oxidation of the chromophores.

To resolve this skepticism on polymer devices, it was necessary to accumulate sufficient reliability data in accordance with the Telcordia reliability assurance guidelines.

Through the improvement of chemical properties of polymer materials and the investigation of surface adhesion chemistry, the stability of polymer devices has been greatly improved, and finally it has passed all of the reliability assurance requirements.


As optical communication systems evolve toward more sophisticated configurations, such as wavelength division multiplexing, demands on various functional waveguide devices have been increasing in which various optical signal processing devices become important. To meet with the demand for various functional devices, polymer device research based on low-loss polymers has emerged. However, due to the vibrational overtone absorption of the C-H bond, which could be reduced by substituting hydrogen with fluorine, polymer waveguides had higher propagation loss compared to silica waveguide devices, which had been widely adopted for passive optical devices such as wavelength multiplexers and optical power splitters [6, 7] . In spite of the larger propagation loss, polymer waveguide devices have the merit of high thermo-optic (TO) effects along with good thermal confinement [8] . Therefore, large index tuning is capable in polymer devices so as to enable novel device structures such as the digital optical switches (DOS), for which 10 times larger refractive index change is required than the other interferometric switches [9] . In DOS, precise input power control is not necessary for the switching because the device only needs to have refractive index change higher than a threshold value, as for a digital logic device. Especially, in the case of array devices such as NxN optical switches, the digital characteristics are useful for increasing fabrication tolerances so as to improve production yield. The strong TO effect is also very attractive for novel variable optical attenuators (VOA) [10, 11] . Compared to Mach-Zehnder interferometric VOAs made from silica waveguides, polymer VOAs rely on the large index TO index change in order to radiate the guided light out of the channel waveguide.

However, due to the vibrational overtone absorption of the C-H bond, which could be reduced by substituting hydrogen with fluorine, polymer waveguides had higher propagation loss compared to silica waveguide devices, which had been widely adopted for passive optical devices such as wavelength multiplexers and optical power splitters.

In spite of the larger propagation loss, polymer waveguide devices have the merit of high thermo-optic (TO) effects along with good thermal confinement.

Therefore, large index tuning is capable in polymer devices so as to enable novel device structures such as the digital optical switches (DOS), for which 10 times larger refractive index change is required than the other interferometric switches.

The strong TO effect is also very attractive for novel variable optical attenuators (VOA).


Au << x c the emission from gold dominates. The red circle and square in Fig. 2a are sufficient to identify the boundary between gold and gap dominated regimes, as well as η T HG at the cross point x c . Thus, only these two points are shown in Fig. 2b for each of the nine dipole nanoantennas. For comparison, dotted lines are used to indicate η T HG of the three monopoles -case study (IV). For the dipole nanoantenna, by changing w and g we observe the variation of four parameters: η T HG , x c , the horizontal spacing between circles (d h ), and the vertical spacing between circle and square (d v ). Increasing w produces a strong decrease in η T HG , a decrease in x c and a decrease in d h . Increasing g produces a slight decrease in η T HG , an increase in x c , and a decrease in d v . A high η T HG means that the baseline emission from gold is high. A high x c means that the emission from gold is more prone to dominate over the emission from the gap material. The lower d h for the largest width indicates that a larger gap volume compensates the lower field enhancement. The smaller d v for the largest gap size means that the gap material's contribution to η T HG is small. The monopole nanoantenna always performs better than the dipole nanoantennas with the same w, since a continuous structure supports a less damped linear harmonic oscillation, which is a cause of strong nonlinear emission [22] .

The monopole nanoantenna always performs better than the dipole nanoantennas with the same w, since a continuous structure supports a less damped linear harmonic oscillation, which is a cause of strong nonlinear emission.


H. pylori infection is often acquired in childhood and colonization of the gastric epithelium promotes an upregulation of TLR-2, − 4, − 5, and − 9, and the expression of cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β, and IL-10 [6] . The type and amount of cytokines produced in response to H. pylori infection have a significant impact on the risk of developing GC. This may depend on the kind of cytokines released by different subsets of differentiated CD4 + helper T cells in response to H. pylori. The pattern of cytokines secreted by the T helper (Th) cells will vary depending on the subsets cells; Th1 cells secretes IFN-γ, whereas Th2, secretes IL4, IL-6, and IL-10. Th3 secretes TGF-β, Th17 secretes IL-17A and IL-22 and Th22 secretes IL-22 [7] . Accordingly, cytokines are obvious candidates to be studied as GC risk factors, and polymorphisms in several cytokine genes may influence the risk for GC.

H. pylori infection is often acquired in childhood and colonization of the gastric epithelium promotes an upregulation of TLR-2, − 4, − 5, and − 9, and the expression of cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β, and IL-10.

Th3 secretes TGF-β, Th17 secretes IL-17A and IL-22 and Th22 secretes IL-22.


The prevalence of having depressive symptoms in our study group was 45.8%. The depression prevalence of the older adults reported in the different researches varies enormously. In a review; thirtyfour studies were examined, and the reported prevalence values were ranging from 0.4 to 35% [13] . In a study covering nine European countries the prevalence of depressive symptoms varies from country to country: the lowest prevalence was in Iceland (8.8%), while the highest was in Germany (45.9%) [14] . Another study from Sri Lankans the prevalence of depressive symptoms was observed as 27.8% [15] . In Turkey; the prevalence of depressive symptoms was reported as; 27.9% in Malatya, 58.3% in Erzurum, 61.1% in Erzincan [16] [17] [18] . These differences may be due to regional differences and to different screening methods used in studies.

In a review; thirtyfour studies were examined, and the reported prevalence values were ranging from 0.4 to 35%.

In a study covering nine European countries the prevalence of depressive symptoms varies from country to country: the lowest prevalence was in Iceland (8.8%), while the highest was in Germany (45.9%).

Another study from Sri Lankans the prevalence of depressive symptoms was observed as 27.8%.

In Turkey; the prevalence of depressive symptoms was reported as; 27.9% in Malatya, 58.3% in Erzurum, 61.1% in Erzincan.


The poor performance of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) user equipment in urban canyons is a well-known problem in terms of both accuracy and solution availability [1] [2] [3] . In contrast, a great number of day-to-day navigation requests are made in urban areas by city residents. Advanced intelligent transportation systems, for example, rely on positioning systems for their ability to direct individual cars in order to maximize traffic flow and prioritize emergency vehicles [4] . Vehicle lane detection in lane guidance systems, location-based advertising, augmented-reality applications, and step-by-step guidance for visually impaired and tourists all require sufficient positioning accuracy to perform their functions [5] [6] [7] [8] . However, the availability and accuracy of GNSS in urban areas limits the use of these applications [3] .

The poor performance of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) user equipment in urban canyons is a well-known problem in terms of both accuracy and solution availability.

Advanced intelligent transportation systems, for example, rely on positioning systems for their ability to direct individual cars in order to maximize traffic flow and prioritize emergency vehicles.

Vehicle lane detection in lane guidance systems, location-based advertising, augmented-reality applications, and step-by-step guidance for visually impaired and tourists all require sufficient positioning accuracy to perform their functions.

However, the availability and accuracy of GNSS in urban areas limits the use of these applications.


For improving navigation performance in highly built-up areas, a variety of navigation sensors have been used to enhance or augment GNSS. Road vehicles typically combine GNSS with odometers, and map-matching algorithms, while pedestrian navigation users may combine GNSS with cell phone signals, Wi-Fi, and/or dead reckoning using inertial sensors, magnetic compass and barometric altimeter [11, 12] . However, these approaches improve the continuity and robustness of the position solution, but not the cross-street accuracy.

Road vehicles typically combine GNSS with odometers, and map-matching algorithms, while pedestrian navigation users may combine GNSS with cell phone signals, Wi-Fi, and/or dead reckoning using inertial sensors, magnetic compass and barometric altimeter.


A new approach has recently be proposed to improve the cross-street accuracy using GNSS, assisted by knowledge derived from 3D building models close to the user of navigation devices [2, 27] . In shadow matching, satellites visible from different locations are predicted and compared with the measured satellite visibility to determine position. A preliminary shadow-matching algorithm was developed that demonstrated the ability to distinguish pavement from vehicle lane, and identify the correct side of street using real-world GPS and GLONASS measurements [28, 29] . However, only direct line-of-sight (LOS) signals are predicted in the earlier algorithm, whereas the user equipment can also observe diffracted and reflected signals. This mismatch can degrade shadow-matching performance.

A new approach has recently be proposed to improve the cross-street accuracy using GNSS, assisted by knowledge derived from 3D building models close to the user of navigation devices.

A preliminary shadow-matching algorithm was developed that demonstrated the ability to distinguish pavement from vehicle lane, and identify the correct side of street using real-world GPS and GLONASS measurements.


The problem of GNSS performance in urban canyons arises when the direct line-of-sight (LOS) signals from many of the satellites are blocked. The blockage is likely to happen where there are tall buildings or narrow streets. The buildings effectively cast GNSS shadows over the adjacent terrain. Without direct signals from four or more satellites, an accurate position solution cannot be determined. Sometimes, a degraded position solution may be obtained by making use of signals that can only be received by reflection off a building; these are known as non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signals [9, 10] .

Sometimes, a degraded position solution may be obtained by making use of signals that can only be received by reflection off a building; these are known as non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signals.


As well as affecting the number of available GNSS signals, an urban canyon also affects the geometry of satellites, which causes lower accuracy in the crossstreet direction. This is because signals with lines of sight going across the street are much more likely to be blocked by buildings than signals with lines of sight going along the street. As a result, the signal geometry, and hence the positioning accuracy, will be much better along the direction of the street than across the street [2] . Figure 1 illustrates this.

As a result, the signal geometry, and hence the positioning accuracy, will be much better along the direction of the street than across the street.

Figure 1 illustrates this.


Historically, income-related inequality in access to healthcare has been substantially higher in the US compared to other developed countries [10] . Griffith, Evans and Bor addressed the effect of the ACA Medicaid expansion on socioeconomic disparities using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data and stratifying each socioeconomic group, and found that it primarily benefited low income groups by expanding their access to healthcare [11] . In particular, the ACA promoted an increase in primary care utilization among all racial and ethnic groups while decreasing the racial and ethnic disparities in health care access and utilization [12, 13] . An analysis of BRFSS data in 2014 found that income disparities in breast and cervical cancer screenings as well as flu vaccinations decreased in the Medicaid expansion states, while increasing in non-expansion states [14] . Hence, an important outcome of ACA expansion may be to reduce income-based disparities in the use of health care services.

Historically, income-related inequality in access to healthcare has been substantially higher in the US compared to other developed countries.

Griffith, Evans and Bor addressed the effect of the ACA Medicaid expansion on socioeconomic disparities using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data and stratifying each socioeconomic group, and found that it primarily benefited low income groups by expanding their access to healthcare.

In particular, the ACA promoted an increase in primary care utilization among all racial and ethnic groups while decreasing the racial and ethnic disparities in health care access and utilization.

An analysis of BRFSS data in 2014 found that income disparities in breast and cervical cancer screenings as well as flu vaccinations decreased in the Medicaid expansion states, while increasing in non-expansion states.


Calcuim salt and alginate are used in food systems to improve/modify texture, to bind food components, to influence the structure and to improve water binding of formed food products (Means & Schmidt, 1986) . Alginate is added to restructured food products because of its ability to form chemically, rather than thermally, induced gels (Imeson, 1990) . The gel network is formed by intermolecular association of polyvalent cations, such as calcium, with the polyguluronate sites of the alginate molecule (Sime, 1984) . As gels formed by alginate are chemically induced, alginate gelation can take place at room temperature, hence the formation of mechanically and thermally stable gels. Restructuring of SP puree with alginate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and calcium sulphate appear to be effective methods for controlling textural characteristics of SP products, and utilizing virtually all harvested roots (Truong et al., 1995) . Model products such as simulated baked SP and a French fry-type SP product could be developed because of the increased firmness of the restructured SP puree (Truong et al., 1995) .

Calcuim salt and alginate are used in food systems to improve/modify texture, to bind food components, to influence the structure and to improve water binding of formed food products.

Alginate is added to restructured food products because of its ability to form chemically, rather than thermally, induced gels.

The gel network is formed by intermolecular association of polyvalent cations, such as calcium, with the polyguluronate sites of the alginate molecule.

Restructuring of SP puree with alginate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and calcium sulphate appear to be effective methods for controlling textural characteristics of SP products, and utilizing virtually all harvested roots.

Model products such as simulated baked SP and a French fry-type SP product could be developed because of the increased firmness of the restructured SP puree.


It is generally assumed that the working precision and performance of a machine tool depends to a large extent on the static stiffness of the machine in the workspace. Practical experience confirms this fact. Drawing on this basis, many papers are concerned with calculating stiffness by the method of finite elements [15, 16] .

Drawing on this basis, many papers are concerned with calculating stiffness by the method of finite elements.


The temperature influence during machining is very difficult to simulate with a mathematical model. The machine is practically never thermally stabilized. Thermal expansions vary over a range of many hours and are largely dependent on the work program. This is the main unpredictable factor. Properly executed simulation identifies imperfection within the machine's design. This way, erroneous TCP specification can be minimized by design adjustments [13] .

This is the main unpredictable factor.

This way, erroneous TCP specification can be minimized by design adjustments.


The motivation of the authors of this paper was not only an improvement of the classic method of static stiffness measurement. Classic measurement focuses primarily on development fostering environment. The main motivation of the authors was to use the stiffness measurement to achieve greater precision in defining the machine condition. Many error conditions of machines are accompanied by a change in stiffness. For example, wear and tear of the guide will not only result in increased noise and vibration, but also in a changed stiffness of the machine frame. Similarly, it also applies to wear of spindle bearings [24] . By measuring stiffness, incorrect assembly operations may also be revealed. For example, misalignment of the bearing preload. A deviation from guide parallelism allowance is manifested by a change in stiffness, too. It is therefore appropriate to develop modified, new compensation and measurement methods for the above ways of determining the stiffness of machines in practice [25] .

Similarly, it also applies to wear of spindle bearings.

It is therefore appropriate to develop modified, new compensation and measurement methods for the above ways of determining the stiffness of machines in practice.


A progressive method of measuring the stiffness of milling machines is the measurement in which the load is applied to a machine and measured by "ball bar", the so-called LDBB (Loaded Double Ball Bar) [17] [18] [19] . The principle lies in that a ball bar is attached between the spindle and the table, subjected to a force applied to the ball bar by means of a pneumatic cylinder, while measurement of deformation of the table against the spindle is done simultaneously therewith. The measurement is carried out in motion along the specified trajectory. Thus, it is possible to simultaneously determine the positioning accuracy and the stiffness of the workspace. The published results of measuring the stiffness of the milling spindle against the table showed very low values in this case (in the order of 10 N/µm). The experimental results presented in this paper indicate a possible explanation for low stiffness.

A progressive method of measuring the stiffness of milling machines is the measurement in which the load is applied to a machine and measured by "ball bar", the so-called LDBB (Loaded Double Ball Bar).


Recently, progressive methods of measuring machine stiffness have been introduced based on camera measurement of 3D optical distortions of points in space [20, 21] . This system is used, for example, to determine the technical condition of the forming machine and the tool. Early identification of wear or incorrect adjustment greatly reduces additional maintenance and operating costs. An advantage is that the measurement can also be carried out during machine in operation. High-speed cameras thus also make dynamic analysis possible.

Recently, progressive methods of measuring machine stiffness have been introduced based on camera measurement of 3D optical distortions of points in space.


The prosthesis related complications of hip hemiarthroplasty include: periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, infection, aseptic loosening, acetabular wear and possible bone cement implantation syndrome [5] . These complications can lead to increased morbidity, mortality and cost. This is seen in patients developing infection and dislocation, with up to 50% one-year mortality following *Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Way, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK; Tel: 07793364370; E-mail: niallsullivan@doctors.org.uk deep infection and 65% mortality at six months following dislocation [6, 7] . Studies have identified revision rates of 4-24% following hemiarthroplasties for trauma [8] [9] [10] [11] .

The prosthesis related complications of hip hemiarthroplasty include: periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, infection, aseptic loosening, acetabular wear and possible bone cement implantation syndrome.

This is seen in patients developing infection and dislocation, with up to 50% one-year mortality following *Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Way, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK; Tel: 07793364370; E-mail: niallsullivan@doctors.org.uk deep infection and 65% mortality at six months following dislocation.

Studies have identified revision rates of 4-24% following hemiarthroplasties for trauma.


Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2000, it was estimated that smoking alone had caused over 650 000 deaths and serious chronic disease in 13 million people of the European Union [1] . Smoking is associated with the promotion and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and CKD [2] [3] [4] .

In 2000, it was estimated that smoking alone had caused over 650 000 deaths and serious chronic disease in 13 million people of the European Union.

Smoking is associated with the promotion and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and CKD.


Early orbital and lander missions to Venus (Mariner 2, 5, 10; Venera 4-16; Pioneer Venus 1+2; Vega 1+2; Magellan) and space experiments during the Venus flybys of Galileo/NIMS and Cassini/VIMS revealed basic information about pressure and temperature conditions on the surface, chemical composition, thermal structure and cloud composition of the atmosphere, largescale atmospheric circulation features as well as surface topography (Arnold et al., 2012) . But in spite of the many successful measurements, some fundamental problems in the physics of the planet remained unsolved. In particular, a systematic and long-term survey of the atmosphere was missing (Titov et al., 2008a) .

Early orbital and lander missions to Venus (Mariner 2, 5, 10; Venera 4-16; Pioneer Venus 1+2; Vega 1+2; Magellan) and space experiments during the Venus flybys of Galileo/NIMS and Cassini/VIMS revealed basic information about pressure and temperature conditions on the surface, chemical composition, thermal structure and cloud composition of the atmosphere, largescale atmospheric circulation features as well as surface topography.

In particular, a systematic and long-term survey of the atmosphere was missing.


To seize mobile phone benefits, School and universities can promote the use of mobile phone to support their student in learning foreign language. This effort is in line with the fact that teenagers and youth always carry their mobile phone and spend their life screening mobilephone (Prensky 2001) . The term digital natives was coined to mark this generation characteristics in that they live with their gadget which is supported by internet connection. In other words youths are inseparable from their gadgets.

This effort is in line with the fact that teenagers and youth always carry their mobile phone and spend their life screening mobilephone.


The literature review shows that the already proposed translation approaches are not well specified (e.g., lack of abstraction and genre). Each one addresses a particular phenomenon without taking into account other phenomena. We should also mention that there are few works that proposed a modeling of NEs for explicitly representing the effects of meaning within the NE and explaining phenomena like synecdoche and the metonymy (Poibeau, 2005) . However, these works don't treat the concept of embedded NEs which is very important and can help to implement the recognition and the translation process of NEs. Furthermore, all translations using NooJ platform adopt a semi-direct approach of translation, in which the recognition task is combined with that of translation. Thus, the reuse of such work has become limited, which does not promote multilingualism.

We should also mention that there are few works that proposed a modeling of NEs for explicitly representing the effects of meaning within the NE and explaining phenomena like synecdoche and the metonymy.


First, practitioners should develop a culture based on quality to improve the competitiveness of their companies, given that QMPs can have a dual role in the company: on one hand, QMPs can strengthen a company's market orientation; and on the other, they can act as a transformational internal driver to add value for customers (Demirbag et al. 2006) . Therefore, an improved customer focus resulting in higher customer satisfaction is a good strategy to promote business survival in times of crisis. Involvement with customer requirements is vital for competitiveness in service industries to improve product design and development or create new products (Flynn et al. 1994) . Second, QMPs determine the extent to which the travel agency has fulfilled customer expectations before the respective customers become dissatisfied and are subsequently lost. Customer feedback is also useful for evaluating suppliers. Given that in the travel industry, the act of purchase and consumption occurs consecutively, if travel agencies do not monitor their customers' travelling experiences, they will miss an opportunity to strengthen their buyer-supplier relationships and improve the quality of the products they offer.

First, practitioners should develop a culture based on quality to improve the competitiveness of their companies, given that QMPs can have a dual role in the company: on one hand, QMPs can strengthen a company's market orientation; and on the other, they can act as a transformational internal driver to add value for customers.

Involvement with customer requirements is vital for competitiveness in service industries to improve product design and development or create new products.


The correlation matrix was subjected to two tests: Bartlett's test of sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) index. The Bartlett statistical confirmation of the existence of linear dependence between the variables in all cases justified continuation of the procedure. The KMO also confirmed that factor analysis was likely to generate satisfactory results (Visauta 1998) .

The KMO also confirmed that factor analysis was likely to generate satisfactory results.


Previous research has found improvements in internal processes due to QMP adoption (Flynn et al. 1995; Forza and Flippini 1998; Ho et al. 2001; Kaynak 2003) . These improvements can, in turn, improve service quality. Other positive effects of quality programmes have been identified, such as improved efficiency, cost reduction, improved decision-making processes and fewer quality defects (Beheshti and Lollar 2003) . Thus, it appears that QMP adoption has a positive impact on performance in services. In accordance with prior research, the following hypothesis is proposed: H1 The adoption of QMPs is likely to have a direct positive impact on operational performance.

Previous research has found improvements in internal processes due to QMP adoption.

Other positive effects of quality programmes have been identified, such as improved efficiency, cost reduction, improved decision-making processes and fewer quality defects.


Having a rich knowledge base is important for planning a meaningful dialogue. However, knowledge base authoring is an expensive and time consuming process. The traditional approaches develop bespoke solutions by involving relevant experts, often leading to 'knowledge bottleneck' [8] . Recent approaches begin to examine the possibility of reusing knowledge that already exists in digital forms (e.g. Linked Data) and even combining with dialogue systems [8] . New effort, such as LinkedUp, has been made to adopt this Linked Data approach for education [7] . While some have explored the cultural knowledge domain, there are no existing approaches that employ linked data for modelling user cultural awareness.

The traditional approaches develop bespoke solutions by involving relevant experts, often leading to 'knowledge bottleneck'.

Recent approaches begin to examine the possibility of reusing knowledge that already exists in digital forms (e.g. Linked Data) and even combining with dialogue systems.

New effort, such as LinkedUp, has been made to adopt this Linked Data approach for education.


Immediately following the decrease in proliferation, ALP activity is greatly increased. This postproliferative period occurs between days 12 and 18, and it is during this time that the ECM matures and becomes competent for mineralization [5, 6] . Here, ALP activity of untreated osteoprecursors steadily increased, while the groups containing osteogenic factors (BM+) and either vitamin D 3 or 1,25OH 2 D 3 increased more than 10-fold over a two-week period of time. While the measurement of increased ALP expression is used as an osteogenic marker as an indication of osteoblast phenotype, its function still remains unclear. It has been postulated to increase concentration of inorganic phosphate, a concept known as the "booster hypothesis" [28] . During the third stage of bone development, ALP expression decreases, and other genes associated with bone mineralization are expressed at maximal level [6, 27, 28] . These bone cell synthesized proteins include osteopontin (OP) and osteocalcin (OC) and are known to interact with the mineralized ECM in vivo [6] . OP is expressed in both the proliferation and mineralization periods and downregulated postproliferatively during matrix maturation; however, during proliferation, OP expression reaches only about 25% of its maximal level which peaks between days 16 and 20 during mineralization. In contrast, the calcium binding protein OC, which binds to hydroxyapetite, is expressed only postproliferatively with the onset of nodule formation and is expressed maximally with ECM mineralization in vivo and in vitro [6] . We saw minimal calcium mineralization after two weeks in untreated cell cultures as well as calcium mineralization of the ECM in cultures that were treated with osteogenic factors (BM+) and vitamin D 3 or 1,25OH 2 D 3 . However, further studies need to be carried out for a longer duration to see maximal levels of ECM mineralization that are associated with bone development. The osteoprecursor cultures observed in the present work were nonconfluent cultures with actively dividing cells. Because vitamin D has an antiproliferative effect, it is important to look at its influence on osteoblast precursors after proliferation begins to decrease in order to get a better understanding of how vitamin D affects a confluent cell population. Both OPC1 and MC3T3-E1 cultures treated with vitamin D 3 or 1,25OH 2 D 3 did not reach confluency during the 15 day culture period, while the control groups reached confluency at around 10 to 12 days after an initial seeding density of about 6,500 cells/cm 2 . Confluent osteogenic cultures, including MC3T3-E1 cells and human bone marrow derived stromal cells (BMSCs), follow a two-stage developmental process including a 1-to 2-week initiation phase during which cells slowly proliferate, express ALP activity and other bone specific genes, and produce and assemble a collagen matrix and a second maturation phase occurring in weeks 2 to 3 in which ECM mineralization is observed [24] . Mineralization has been demonstrated in BMSC cultures that achieve a minimal ALP activity (∼0.25 nmol/min/ g protein or 1.2 nmol/min/10,000 cells) at some point during the 2 to 3 week culture period, albeit some BMSC cultures can produce high levels of ALP in vitro without ever mineralizing [24] . Treatments applied here tended to speed up maturation at the expense of proliferation; hence, confluency would be achieved more slowly (or not at all, in this case) relative to control cultures. The effects of vitamin D on ALP activity and mineralization of ECM on confluent OPC1 cultures are currently under way.

This postproliferative period occurs between days 12 and 18, and it is during this time that the ECM matures and becomes competent for mineralization.

It has been postulated to increase concentration of inorganic phosphate, a concept known as the "booster hypothesis".

During the third stage of bone development, ALP expression decreases, and other genes associated with bone mineralization are expressed at maximal level.

These bone cell synthesized proteins include osteopontin (OP) and osteocalcin (OC) and are known to interact with the mineralized ECM in vivo.

In contrast, the calcium binding protein OC, which binds to hydroxyapetite, is expressed only postproliferatively with the onset of nodule formation and is expressed maximally with ECM mineralization in vivo and in vitro.

Confluent osteogenic cultures, including MC3T3-E1 cells and human bone marrow derived stromal cells (BMSCs), follow a two-stage developmental process including a 1-to 2-week initiation phase during which cells slowly proliferate, express ALP activity and other bone specific genes, and produce and assemble a collagen matrix and a second maturation phase occurring in weeks 2 to 3 in which ECM mineralization is observed.

Mineralization has been demonstrated in BMSC cultures that achieve a minimal ALP activity (∼0.25 nmol/min/ g protein or 1.2 nmol/min/10,000 cells) at some point during the 2 to 3 week culture period, albeit some BMSC cultures can produce high levels of ALP in vitro without ever mineralizing.


Uncoordinated use of energy and high penetration of electric vehicles (EV) causes demand to peak and also degrades power quality which results in high energy costs. Consequently, the onus lies on the utility company to devise ways of reducing peak demand via various demand-side management (DSM) methods such as peak shaving and energy arbitrage via financial incentives [1] . DSM sets up incentives to encourage users to consume less power during peak times or defer energy use during peak times to off-peak times to mitigate the peak demand, this protects the grid and also lowers the electricity cost for a stable grid [2, 3] .

Consequently, the onus lies on the utility company to devise ways of reducing peak demand via various demand-side management (DSM) methods such as peak shaving and energy arbitrage via financial incentives.

DSM sets up incentives to encourage users to consume less power during peak times or defer energy use during peak times to off-peak times to mitigate the peak demand, this protects the grid and also lowers the electricity cost for a stable grid.


Recent instabilities of world economy, due to the increasing price of carbon-derivative fuels along with the depletion of conventional fuel resources, have stimulated the interest in the generation of renewable energy among the developing countries. One of the most promising concepts is wind energy associated with the local generation of clean electrical energy. Based on the rotational axis, wind turbines are primarily classified as horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). Nowadays, with the improvement of computational wind engineering, the interest on the VAWTs is greatly enhanced. Nevertheless, these are used as a small scale alternative to wind power extraction because of a variety of reasons such as design simplicity, easy installation, good starting ability, wind direction independency, low operating speed, reduced wear on moving parts and low noise level [1] [2] [3] .

Nevertheless, these are used as a small scale alternative to wind power extraction because of a variety of reasons such as design simplicity, easy installation, good starting ability, wind direction independency, low operating speed, reduced wear on moving parts and low noise level.


Currently, there are some existing heuristics scheduling algorithms which schedules meta-job to a set of resources [6] . A meta-job can be defined as a collection of independent jobs with no inter-job data dependency. Previous research has been related to grid job scheduling, to solve the problem of mapping a set of jobs to a set of computing resources. These existing heuristic algorithms are applied in a grid environment for utilizing a distributed different high-performance computing resources with high-speed network to perform computationally intensive applications. However, the network will surely effect these applications according to the diverse user's request. Therefore, the virtualized network is important parameter for the scheduling algorithm in cloud environments, which aim to efficient utilized potential computation resources. The problem of matching jobs to computation resources by considering a network resource in cloud system has been proven is an NP-complete problem [8] .

Currently, there are some existing heuristics scheduling algorithms which schedules meta-job to a set of resources.

The problem of matching jobs to computation resources by considering a network resource in cloud system has been proven is an NP-complete problem.


In this paper, we are experiment with different computation applications by varying its computation power need and file size of data. The simulation results are compared with 3 different types of heuristic scheduling algorithms under conventional physical network and computation resource or virtualized network and VMs conditions such as MCT, Min-Min and Max-Min. We evaluate these algorithms within a simulated cloud environment via an abilene network topology [9] . These experimental results show that heuristic scheduling algorithm achieved significant performance gain for a variety of applications in terms of load balance, makespan, average resource utilization and total processing time.

We evaluate these algorithms within a simulated cloud environment via an abilene network topology.


Sociologists routinely compare coefficients of the same variable across regression models successively including control variables or blocks of control variables (Clogg et al. 1995) . Changes in the coefficients inform the researcher about confounding or mediating relationships central to much sociological inquiry. However, in nonlinear probability models such as the logit or probit, such comparisons are distorted by a rescaling or attenuation bias.

Sociologists routinely compare coefficients of the same variable across regression models successively including control variables or blocks of control variables.


In this section, we present the effectiveness of SalSi for salt dome detection. We have used the real seismic dataset acquired from the Netherland's offshore, F 3 block in the North Sea, whose size is 24 x 16 km 2 [20] . The seismic volume that contains the salt dome structure has an inline number ranging from #151 to #501, a crossline number ranging from #401 to #701, and a time direction ranging from 1, 300ms to 1, 848ms sampled every 4ms.

We have used the real seismic dataset acquired from the Netherland's offshore, F 3 block in the North Sea, whose size is 24 x 16 km 2.


After watching the video or playing the game, to first assess their emotional responses, participants rated how much (from 1 = not at all to 5 = very much) of various emotions they were currently experiencing. Eight of these items (warm, softhearted, moved, tender, concerned, touched, compassionate, and sympathetic) represented empathic concern, which has predicted positive intergroup attitudes in previous research (Batson et al., 1997) . Ten other items (frustrated, alert, scared, upset, happy, hopeless, irritable, attentive, interested, and alert) were included to obscure the purpose of the study. Factor analyses on the eighteen items indicated three components. All of the empathic concern items factored onto one component (eigenvalue = 5.39), with factor loadings ranging from .60 to .87. Responses to the eight empathic concern items were averaged to for an Empathic Concern measure (α = .93, M = 2.89, SD = 1.05).

Eight of these items (warm, softhearted, moved, tender, concerned, touched, compassionate, and sympathetic) represented empathic concern, which has predicted positive intergroup attitudes in previous research.


Interestingly, these effects of game outcome are counterintuitive when considered in comparison with past work on perspective-taking (Shih et al., 2009) . If playing SPENT in the role of a poor person leads the player to view his or her experiences as reflecting the experiences of the poor, performing well on the game should lead players to believe that poor people, like him or her, can lift themselves out of poverty just by making the right choices. The player's controllability beliefs should be intensified, leading to less liking of the poor (Rank et al., 2003) . Instead, we found the opposite effect--doing well in the game was associated with more positivity toward the poor. These results suggest that SPENT'S ability to change attitudes and beliefs about the poor comes not from its role-playing aspect, but from its educational aspect. The more time that players spend learning about poverty in the game, the more likely they are to feel positively toward the poor and to support poverty reducing policies. However, it's likely that this effect wouldn't be seen for players who begin the game already holding strong beliefs about the personal controllability of life success.

Interestingly, these effects of game outcome are counterintuitive when considered in comparison with past work on perspective-taking.

The player's controllability beliefs should be intensified, leading to less liking of the poor.


Our prediction that playing SPENT would lead to higher controllability beliefs was not supported. In fact, playing SPENT had no main effect on controllability beliefs. It's possible that SPENT's effects on attitudes and beliefs are moderated by personal ideology, such as belief in meritocracy. Past work shows that individuals high in meritocracy beliefs more strongly believe that poverty is personally controllable and thus hold especially negative attitudes toward the poor (Kluegel & Smith, 1986) . Although these results generally support our hypotheses, other influences could be involved. For example, it is possible that playing (vs. observing) SPENT did not positively influence attitudes because game players were more distracted, more self-focused, or more physically aroused than game observers. However, further examination of emotions relating to alertness (mean of how alert, attentive, and interested participants felt after playing/observing the game; α = .90) revealed no differences between the Observation, Game, and Control conditions, F(2, 222) = .41, p = .665, suggesting that these results cannot be readily explained by differences in distraction or arousal levels.

Past work shows that individuals high in meritocracy beliefs more strongly believe that poverty is personally controllable and thus hold especially negative attitudes toward the poor.


There are few investigations of African American neonatal body composition, and these offer conflicting observations. Using body composition information from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), no significant mean differences from Caucasian neonates were found (Koo et al., 2000) . Based on anthropometry, lower birth weight among African American neonates was associated with lower average lean mass, but no difference in subcutaneous fat mass (Singh et al., 2010) .

Using body composition information from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), no significant mean differences from Caucasian neonates were found.

Based on anthropometry, lower birth weight among African American neonates was associated with lower average lean mass, but no difference in subcutaneous fat mass.


Online communities that enable collaborative consumption are more than just ordinary websites. They allow users not only to consume information but also to provide and contribute to the content within a wide range of topics. They evolve in accordance with how individuals communicate, with the aid of a website or software within their social interactions. Design principles of online communities are guided by their purpose, policies, selection of technology, designing usability, and supporting sociability [1] . Sociability refers to providing "a state of being sociable" within online community, where users find it satisfying to interact with each other to achieve their goals [2] .

Design principles of online communities are guided by their purpose, policies, selection of technology, designing usability, and supporting sociability.

Sociability refers to providing "a state of being sociable" within online community, where users find it satisfying to interact with each other to achieve their goals.


As one of the case studies, ETSY is the data gathering platform for this research. It is an online marketplace and community that connects buyers with craftsmen to buy and sell handmade, vintage and crafts supplies. Its diverse community features include Teams, Forums, Live chat, Offline events and online workshops. ETSY enable members with common interests to collaborate, exchange information, experience and support, and also to meet with each other. It is an appropriate platform for this study since it provides diverse collaborative tools and community features, and also it is a growing community with 30 million members in 200 countries [15] . Next, the data gathering methods for this research will be discussed.

It is an appropriate platform for this study since it provides diverse collaborative tools and community features, and also it is a growing community with 30 million members in 200 countries.


VEs typically require personalised interaction in order to maintain user engagement with the underlying task. While task engagement encompasses both the user's cognitive activity and motivation, it also requires an understanding of affective change in the user. Accordingly, physiological computing systems may be utilised to provide insight into the cognitive and affective processes associated with task engagement [15] . In particular, an indication of the levels of brain activity, through acquisition and processing of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, may yield benefits when incorporated as an additional input modality [48] .

Accordingly, physiological computing systems may be utilised to provide insight into the cognitive and affective processes associated with task engagement.

In particular, an indication of the levels of brain activity, through acquisition and processing of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, may yield benefits when incorporated as an additional input modality.


We cannot predict how the returns to higher-level, or more finely grained, measures of education will evolve in the labour market, but evidence from other studies suggests that the type of institution attended and subject choice matters. Those who take the 'right' subjects and attend highly regarded institutions receive higher earnings later in life (Hussain et al., 2009; Chevalier, 2011; Walker and Zhu, 2011) . Combining this evidence with stable, and likely increasing, educational inequality in higher attainment in the coming years, the picture for future trends in mobility is less positive.

Those who take the 'right' subjects and attend highly regarded institutions receive higher earnings later in life.


As the occurrence of unexpected events is ever increasing in today's society, a primary loading type that needs to be addressed is the localized impact of projectiles. In a broad sense, the projectile impact might be understood as a fragment generated from a high-speed rotating machine, explosion generated fragment, and last but not least a projectile generated from a direct armed attack. The projectile impact can be considered as a high strain-rate loading caused by an object travelling with high speed and having a relatively low weight. This kind of loading is characterized by its rapid increase in the release of energy in a very short time. Several damage mechanisms are activated at once during the projectile penetration, such as compaction, compression with confining pressure and tension cracking. The complexity is further increased since the strain rate effect is different for each mechanism [1] . To simulate the effects of possible damage by the projectile impact, a series of small firearms tests with live ammunition was carried out.

The complexity is further increased since the strain rate effect is different for each mechanism.


Several authors suggested that structures are required to withstand impact loads generated by projectiles and in case of the plant-internal accidents [2, 3] . A typical case of this phenomenon is a fracture of the rotary machine, which could occur in turbine missiles, which are projectiles travelling at high velocities [4] . Perforating the wall of the turbine may result in a severe damage to the facilities and endangering the safety of the personnel [5] .

Several authors suggested that structures are required to withstand impact loads generated by projectiles and in case of the plant-internal accidents.

A typical case of this phenomenon is a fracture of the rotary machine, which could occur in turbine missiles, which are projectiles travelling at high velocities.

Perforating the wall of the turbine may result in a severe damage to the facilities and endangering the safety of the personnel.


Finally, we note that our analysis is similar in spirit to that found in the large literature on the dynamics of job changes in labor markets. There, matching and specific-skill acquisition offer potential explanations for the fact that the probability of job change is inversely related to the employee's tenure with the firm. While the empirical patterns are largely consistent with this explanation, the literature has not, to date, offered convincing direct evidence in favor of these hypotheses (Farber, 1999) . Our analysis, which relies on matching or specific-skill acquisition to predict a positive CMTA, suffers from a similar limitation. While we argue that the patterns in the data appear consistent with coworker complementarity, the difficulty of directly measuring such complementarities precludes a sharper test.

While the empirical patterns are largely consistent with this explanation, the literature has not, to date, offered convincing direct evidence in favor of these hypotheses.


Molecular markers linked to TSWV resistance have also been developed and reported in tomato (Foolad and Panthee, 2012) . In particular, for TSWV resistance conferred by the Sw-5b gene, diverse molecular markers such as RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA), RFLP, SCAR (sequence characterized amplified regions), CAPS, and INDEL markers have been reported (Dianese et al., 2010; Garland et al., 2005; Langella et al., 2004; Roselló et al., 2001; Śmiech et al., 2000; Stevens et al., 1995) . Since the successful cloning of the Sw-5b gene, a gene-based marker and two SNPs specific to the Sw-5b allele for TSWV resistance have been reported (Shi et al., 2011) . However, SNP analysis between resistant and susceptible alleles of the Sw-5b gene has not yet been intensively examined.

Molecular markers linked to TSWV resistance have also been developed and reported in tomato.

In particular, for TSWV resistance conferred by the Sw-5b gene, diverse molecular markers such as RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA), RFLP, SCAR (sequence characterized amplified regions), CAPS, and INDEL markers have been reported.

Since the successful cloning of the Sw-5b gene, a gene-based marker and two SNPs specific to the Sw-5b allele for TSWV resistance have been reported.


We relate the magnitude of each recharge event to both the sum of daily rainfall ( P i ) and the annual sum of daily rainfall exceeding a threshold of 10 mm day −1 ( (P i − 10)). The first correlation assumes that all rainfall events contribute to recharge whereas the second assumes that only heavy rainfall events (>10 mm day −1 ) contribute to recharge. This latter criterion is consistent with recent modelling of recharge in the tropics [7] . Correlations additionally assume that daily rainfall events contribute proportionally to recharge yet the magnitude of the recharge flux derived from rainfall is influenced not only by antecedent soil-moisture conditions but also intra-annual variability in soil-infiltration capacities and evapotranspiration. In the absence of observations of soil moisture, we directly correlated rainfall and recharge observations in order to avoid the possibility of introducing model bias in relating rainfall intensity to recharge.

This latter criterion is consistent with recent modelling of recharge in the tropics.


Hair analysis currently represents a reliable and well-established means of clinical and forensic investigation [1] . The memory property of hair due to sequential accumulation of chemicals in its inner structure, together with the opportunity of conducting retrospective analysis, accounted for its success in several application contexts such as the confirmation of drug-facilitated crimes, the assessment of drug consumption history in addiction treatments, and the environmental and occupational exposure to pollutants [1] [2] [3] [4] . Also workplace drug testing, driving re-licensing, withdrawal control, postmortem toxicology, prenatal exposure to drugs, and doping control extensively apply hair analysis for screening and confirmation purposes [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] .

Hair analysis currently represents a reliable and well-established means of clinical and forensic investigation.

The memory property of hair due to sequential accumulation of chemicals in its inner structure, together with the opportunity of conducting retrospective analysis, accounted for its success in several application contexts such as the confirmation of drug-facilitated crimes, the assessment of drug consumption history in addiction treatments, and the environmental and occupational exposure to pollutants.

Also workplace drug testing, driving re-licensing, withdrawal control, postmortem toxicology, prenatal exposure to drugs, and doping control extensively apply hair analysis for screening and confirmation purposes.


In the framework of biphasic porous media, there is very few constitutive models introducing an internal length-scale. The most important works made in this topic have been performed by Ehlers and coworkers who used Cosserat continuum in coupled problems within a large strain elasto plastic framework [27, 28] . A gradient-dependent plasticity model has been recently extended in two and three phases porous media by Zhang and Schefler [29] .

The most important works made in this topic have been performed by Ehlers and coworkers who used Cosserat continuum in coupled problems within a large strain elasto plastic framework.

A gradient-dependent plasticity model has been recently extended in two and three phases porous media by Zhang and Schefler.


Computer systems are becoming increasingly pervasive such that our reliance on their continual provision of correct services, in spite of external perturbations such as node crashes, has correspondingly increased. This means that we, as users, want these systems to be dependable [13] . These computer systems are being deployed in a wide range of areas, from safety-critical systems such as nuclear power plants, fly-by-wire systems to consumer-oriented products such as cars, mobile phones, washing machines etc.

This means that we, as users, want these systems to be dependable.


It has been shown that making a given system dependable requires that the given system has sufficient redundancy [7] . There are two dimensions to be considered, namely: (i) redundancy in space, and (ii) redundancy in time. For example, to support a single node failure, there should be at least two nodes to support continuous service provision (space), or in order to mask a value failure, a reexecution might be needed (time). In this work, we consider the dependability aspect during the design phase and incorporate the necessary redundancy (spatial and temporal) so as to make the system dependable.

It has been shown that making a given system dependable requires that the given system has sufficient redundancy.


To deal with these challenges, a combined modulation scheme based on OOK and PSM for M-ary modulation schemes was proposed to reduce system complexity by using OOK for higher-level modulation schemes [14] . This preliminary work was based on an AWGN channel, and interference reduction was seen only in MAI. In this paper, multipath environments are considered by using two different sets of orthogonal pulses. Due to multipath and pulse orthogonality, two interference terms, interpulse interference (IPI) and multipulse interference (MPI), are considered in place of ISI. The cross-correlation properties of the orthogonal pulses reduce MPI, improving the system performance in multipath scenarios when compared to single-pulse systems. The present paper discusses the details of transceiver structure for an OOK-PSM system, its performance, and a detailed interference modeling under multipath scenarios. To compare it with existing schemes, PSM and its combined modulation schemes are also analyzed using a multipath channel [4] . This paper is organized as follows. Section 2 describes OOK-PSM modulation scheme and its advantages. Section 3 discusses transmission and detection procedures with the assumed correlator receiver structure. Section 4 shows interference issues and system performance of OOK-PSM scheme using RAKE reception. Section 5 discusses the simulation results under different channel environments in the presence of multiple users.

To deal with these challenges, a combined modulation scheme based on OOK and PSM for M-ary modulation schemes was proposed to reduce system complexity by using OOK for higher-level modulation schemes.

To compare it with existing schemes, PSM and its combined modulation schemes are also analyzed using a multipath channel.

This paper is organized as follows.


The successful deployment of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio systems for high-speed indoor communication strongly depends on the development of pulses, modulation techniques, and low-complexity receivers. For time-hopping ultra-wideband (TH-UWB) systems, symbols are transmitted using short-analog waveforms confined to the power and spectrum range specified for UWB radios [1] . Various kinds of modulation schemes such as pulse-position modulation (PPM), orthogonal PPM (OPPM), pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM), on-off keying (OOK), and biphase modulation (BPM) have been proposed for TH-UWB radio to achieve better system performance and high data rate transmission [2, 3] . However, due to increased intersymbol interference (ISI) in the presence of multipath channel, M-ary PPM or M-ary orthogonal PPM (OPPM) for TH-UWB systems may not be an effective modulation scheme for higher values of M [4, 5] . M-ary PAM also has limited applications for any short-range and low-power communication systems [6] . Although the OOK scheme is easy-to-implement, it cannot be used for higher-level modulation schemes for high data rates due to its binary nature.

For time-hopping ultra-wideband (TH-UWB) systems, symbols are transmitted using short-analog waveforms confined to the power and spectrum range specified for UWB radios.

Various kinds of modulation schemes such as pulse-position modulation (PPM), orthogonal PPM (OPPM), pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM), on-off keying (OOK), and biphase modulation (BPM) have been proposed for TH-UWB radio to achieve better system performance and high data rate transmission.

However, due to increased intersymbol interference (ISI) in the presence of multipath channel, M-ary PPM or M-ary orthogonal PPM (OPPM) for TH-UWB systems may not be an effective modulation scheme for higher values of M.

M-ary PAM also has limited applications for any short-range and low-power communication systems.


Since the non-commutativity of the multiplication of the F p singular cochains is visible already on the homology level in the Steenrod operations, one would not expect that any useful subcategory of the p-adic homotopy category to be equivalent to a category of commutative differential graded algebras. We must instead look to a more sophisticated class of algebras, the E ∞ algebras [18] . E ∞ algebras, roughly, are differential graded modules with an infinitely coherent homotopy associative and commutative multiplication. They provide a generalization of commutative differential graded algebras that admits homology operations as commutativity obstructions generalizing the Steenrod operations. To capture p-adic homotopy theory, even the category of E ∞ F p -algebras is not quite sufficient; rather we consider E ∞ algebras over the algebraic closureF p of F p . We prove the following theorem.

We must instead look to a more sophisticated class of algebras, the E ∞ algebras.

We prove the following theorem.


The novelty of this paper is to present an approach to integrate water supply and use management in a changing and complex environment. In recent years, many countries paid more attention on water use management, for example, China's most stringent water resources management for water quantity and quality control (Ge et al. 2017) . However, adapting to future water shortage requires considering both supply and use. Through assessing the combined effects of climate change and socio-economic development on water supply and use, and identifying water allocation strategies to alleviate competition over limited water resources in the PRB, this study represents an important contribution to integration of supply and use management. Additionally, multiple globally-consistent regional climate change and socio-economic development scenarios are developed and used to explore future water shortage in the PRB under different water allocation strategies in this paper. These regional scenarios provide a useful tool that works across different disciplines and different sector of society, and merging different spatial and temporal scales.

In recent years, many countries paid more attention on water use management, for example, China's most stringent water resources management for water quantity and quality control.


Saltwater intrusion may further aggravate water conflicts between upstream and downstream regions. To reduce saltwater intrusion, local authority launched the BKey Reservoirs Operational Project for Pearl River Basin^policy to reduce saltwater intrusion by releasing additional water from upstream reservoirs (Xie 2007) . The implementation of this policy reduced salt intrusion to some extent, but required large amounts of fresh water from upstream, where water resources were already insufficient in some regions (Cai et al. 2011) . Further implementation of this policy may exacerbate the already existing water scarcity in the upstream part of the basin.

To reduce saltwater intrusion, local authority launched the BKey Reservoirs Operational Project for Pearl River Basin^policy to reduce saltwater intrusion by releasing additional water from upstream reservoirs.

The implementation of this policy reduced salt intrusion to some extent, but required large amounts of fresh water from upstream, where water resources were already insufficient in some regions.


The Pearl River is the third largest river in terms of drainage area in China (Fig. 1) . It mainly flows through Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Guangdong provinces, and enters the South China Sea through the Pearl River Delta (PRD). The Pearl River basin (PRB) is situated in a subtropical monsoon climate zone. About 80% of the streamflow occurs during the wet season. Highly uneven spatial and temporal distribution of streamflow has caused seasonal water shortages in the basin. In a previous study, we showed that discharge during the dry season is likely to reduce because of climate change (Yan et al. 2015) . Without any interventions, reduced future low flows may further aggravate seasonal water shortages in the PRB.

In a previous study, we showed that discharge during the dry season is likely to reduce because of climate change.


Convergence in cultural value mappings and extensive enquiry devoted to the construct are prompting calls to "broaden the net" to include new culture constructs in cross-cultural business research (Leung, Bhagat, Buchan, Erez & Gibson, 2005; Smith, 2004; Steenkamp, 2005) . New constructs should help explain cultural variations that are not detected by the value perspective or provide needed triangulation for well-known results based on values (Leung, Bond, De Carrasquel, Munoz, Hernandez, Murakami et al., 2002) . In response to these calls, Leung and Bond are orchestrating the most recent large-scale programmatic attempt to broaden the dimensional map of culture (Bond, Leung, Au, Tong, De Carrasquel, Murakami et al., 2004; Leung et al., 2002) .

Convergence in cultural value mappings and extensive enquiry devoted to the construct are prompting calls to "broaden the net" to include new culture constructs in cross-cultural business research.

New constructs should help explain cultural variations that are not detected by the value perspective or provide needed triangulation for well-known results based on values.

In response to these calls, Leung and Bond are orchestrating the most recent large-scale programmatic attempt to broaden the dimensional map of culture.


Several papers have looked into the reasons behind the degradation in performance of these practical turbo-decoding algorithms, especially the one based on SOVA relative to the MAP algorithm [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] . A conviction has been created that the reason behind this degradation is the overestimation of reliability values generated by the SOVA decoder compared by those that would have been produced by the MAP decoder. It has been suggested in some of those papers that this optimistic extrinsic information may be due to the relatively high correlation between the intrinsic and extrinsic information [6] . As a result, various approaches were suggested to improve the performance of SOVA. Fixed and adaptive scaling factors are the more conventional approaches that are used to alleviate the distortion of the extrinsic information produced by SOVA [11] .

Several papers have looked into the reasons behind the degradation in performance of these practical turbo-decoding algorithms, especially the one based on SOVA relative to the MAP algorithm.

It has been suggested in some of those papers that this optimistic extrinsic information may be due to the relatively high correlation between the intrinsic and extrinsic information.

Fixed and adaptive scaling factors are the more conventional approaches that are used to alleviate the distortion of the extrinsic information produced by SOVA.


In 2010, the requirements recommended by WHO were implemented in the Danish Building Regulations. The Danish Building Regulations now stipulate a maximum radon concentration of 100 Bq/m 3 in the indoor air in all new buildings. For existing buildings, simple and cheap actions are recommended if the concentration ranges between 100 Bq/m 3 and 200 Bq/m 3 in the indoor air; however, if the radon concentration exceeds 200 Bq/m 3 , immediate intervention is necessary and more comprehensive efforts and improvements are recommended in order to lower the concentration of radon in the indoor air [6] . The first radon provisions were introduced in the Danish Building Regulations in 1995 [7] .

For existing buildings, simple and cheap actions are recommended if the concentration ranges between 100 Bq/m 3 and 200 Bq/m 3 in the indoor air; however, if the radon concentration exceeds 200 Bq/m 3 , immediate intervention is necessary and more comprehensive efforts and improvements are recommended in order to lower the concentration of radon in the indoor air.

The first radon provisions were introduced in the Danish Building Regulations in 1995.


BN has been applied to different areas [8] . A good BN should balance the accuracy and the network complexity, which is defined in term of the total number of entries in the conditional tables [9] . Variables can be classified into discrete, continuous, interval and ordinal variables. Since BN can only handle discrete values, continuous, interval and ordinal values must be discretized and thus the order information is ignored [12] . The disability to handle continuous, interval and ordinal values increases the network complexity and the relationships represented by BN become less understandable.

BN has been applied to different areas.

A good BN should balance the accuracy and the network complexity, which is defined in term of the total number of entries in the conditional tables.

Since BN can only handle discrete values, continuous, interval and ordinal values must be discretized and thus the order information is ignored.


There are other properties that are important to those interpreting the semantics of the reduced space. Specifically, we note that while local neighbor preservation is important it depends upon the analysis task. No single reduction technique will provide the complete view as various properties of the space are obscured or lost. We have mentioned that typically the primary objective is relationship preservation. However, there are at least two others: outlier and macro structure visualization. Outliers are conceptually easy (i.e., a variance beyond some threshold), but more difficult to quantify, as we do not necessarily know which set of outliers are important to accentuate to the user. Certain techniques (e.g., PCA) tend to show outliers more readily, however tend to compress the reduced space at the expense of showcasing the outliers. Other techniques (e.g., SOM) maximize space usage well, but do so at the expense of masking or even hiding those outliers. Likewise, macro structures of the high dimensional space may be masked or massively distorted during the reduction. Macro structures are those larger order groupings (e.g., clusters) that exist in the original dimensional space. We recognize they are important in dimension reduction research and to those in the visual analytics community. However, few of them focus on data representation especially for visualization of the clustered data [20, 13, 3] .

However, few of them focus on data representation especially for visualization of the clustered data.


We use the SPHINX (Spectromicroscope for the PHotoelectron Imaging of Nanostructures with X-rays) X-PEEM from Elmitec (GmbH, Germany), mounted on the HERMON beamline of the Wisconsin-Synchrotron Radiation Center. SPHINX uses a magnetic lens column, to form a magnified image of the photoelectrons emitted by a specimen under soft x-ray illumination. The image magnification is continuously variable up to 10, 000x, and the optimum latéral resolution is 5. 5 nm, while the minimum détection limit is 80 ppm [3] .

The image magnification is continuously variable up to 10, 000x, and the optimum latéral resolution is 5. 5 nm, while the minimum détection limit is 80 ppm.


In the field research prediction technique plays an important role, this will reduce the number of experiments that needs to be conducted by providing correlation between input and output. The conventional statistical prediction approach will provide satisfactory response but their performance will reduce when given data is highly nonlinear. Also it requires large number of sample and less number of input features in a given training data set in order to generate best correlation. But in composite material, performing huge number of experiment is time consuming and expensive. To overcome these limitations, a non-linear statistical model known as artificial neural network (ANN) is widely used [21] . This is a computational algorithm with function & structure inspired by biological neural network. Learning capability of this algorithm made it popular in the field of research. Artificial neural network, an artificial intelligence modelling technique is a supervised learning algorithm. Artificial neural network is a reliable prediction technique and can be successfully employed in prediction of mechanical properties composites [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] .

To overcome these limitations, a non-linear statistical model known as artificial neural network (ANN) is widely used.

Artificial neural network is a reliable prediction technique and can be successfully employed in prediction of mechanical properties composites.


Millimeter-wave (mmW) frequencies offer large bandwidths to future mobile networks, which will face a huge demand for high data rates from users. This demand is expected to rise rapidly with the development of data rate hungry applications, such as augmented and virtual reality, in addition to the growth of services such as video streaming [1] . Large numbers of Remote Antenna Units (RAUs) can be expected in deployments for such systems, because the high propagation loss at mmW frequencies limits wireless distances in access networks, and the high density of devices will require limitation of the number per cell/access point in order to enable high user bit-rates. The cost of each RAU is a major factor to be considered in designing the whole system. These RAUs need to carry data from the Central Unit (CU) without performance degradation and to serve the large number of users connected to it [2, 3] . Radioover-fiber (RoF) transport can serve as a low loss and efficient link between the CU and any of its RAUs. Analog RoF transport and simple photodetection at the RAU reduce the cost of RAUs by avoiding the costs of additional components such as Digitalto-Analog converters [4] .

This demand is expected to rise rapidly with the development of data rate hungry applications, such as augmented and virtual reality, in addition to the growth of services such as video streaming.

These RAUs need to carry data from the Central Unit (CU) without performance degradation and to serve the large number of users connected to it.

Analog RoF transport and simple photodetection at the RAU reduce the cost of RAUs by avoiding the costs of additional components such as Digitalto-Analog converters.


In other work, a model-driven development approach for E-Learning platform is proposed [30] . In this case the authors established the CIM model through the analysis of business logic. And after, they establish the robustness diagram of the system then the robustness analysis. Finally they proposed a transformation method from PIM to PSM layer by layer.

In other work, a model-driven development approach for E-Learning platform is proposed.


The follow-up period after the bariatric operations was 24 months, and, as mentioned, some complications can develop after this time period [12] . Hence, a longer follow-up time would have provided information on the rates of very late complications. However, the mean time for first surgical intervention was at 390 days for LRYGB patients and 388 days for LSG patients (p = 0.98). Therefore, the fact that late complications occurred closer to 1 year after surgery than to 2 years after suggests that a longer time period for the study was not needed.

The follow-up period after the bariatric operations was 24 months, and, as mentioned, some complications can develop after this time period.


Explanation tables are also related to outlier detection. For example, the pattern (Sat,*,*) in Table 2 represents a subset of tuples with an unusually low fraction of tuples having outcome 1. There has been recent work on explaining outliers using predicates that are conceptually similar to our patterns [13] . However, it addressed a different problem using different techniques: given a subset of the results of an aggregation query that were marked by a user as outliers, identify subsets of tuples in the underlying table that most influenced these query results.

There has been recent work on explaining outliers using predicates that are conceptually similar to our patterns.


Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes catalyze the ratelimiting step in prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid. Their metabolites play a pivotal role in multiple physiological and pathophysiologic processes. Specifically, COX-1 is constitutively expressed in most tissues and is responsible for maintaining physiological processes such as gastric and renal protection and platelet function. In contrast, COX-2 is induced in response to growth factors, cytokines and tumour promoters, and its expression has been demonstrated in immune and non-immune cells, both under inflammatory and proliferative conditions, and is dependent mostly on pro-inflammatory stimuli [3] .

In contrast, COX-2 is induced in response to growth factors, cytokines and tumour promoters, and its expression has been demonstrated in immune and non-immune cells, both under inflammatory and proliferative conditions, and is dependent mostly on pro-inflammatory stimuli.


Whether COX-2 pathways are involved in PD-related angiogenesis or fibrosis is not known yet. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that under PD-like conditions, mesothelial and inflammatory cells and fibroblasts involved in peritoneal healing after abdominal surgery can express COX-2 [13] [14] [15] . A recent publication showed increased COX-2 expression in mesothelial cells that underwent epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), although COX-2 inhibition did not prevent EMT. Moreover, in a mouse model of PD, COX-2 inhibition reduced fibrosis, but not angiogenesis and partially recovered ultrafiltration [16] .

In vitro experiments have demonstrated that under PD-like conditions, mesothelial and inflammatory cells and fibroblasts involved in peritoneal healing after abdominal surgery can express COX-2.

Moreover, in a mouse model of PD, COX-2 inhibition reduced fibrosis, but not angiogenesis and partially recovered ultrafiltration.


In previous studies, to quantify the seismic uplift, a singlelayer and a multilayer system that considered the foundation uplift were simplified as a mechanical models fixed on a rigid foundation [7, 9] . Under rocking vibration, the foundation uplift and elastic deformation of the superstructure have been observed to influence each other [10] . Using a shaking test and numerical simulation, the oscillation response of a single rigid body under base excitation has been obtained [11] . The single rigid body rocking response when fixed on a rigid foundation slab has also been studied [12] . The main effects of uplift of the structural foundation have been observed as follows: when the foundation slab undergoes uplift, it interacts with the base of the structure; structural foundation uplift is directly related to the overturning resistance of the structure; the uplift of the foundation has an obvious influence on the seismic response of the structure, and, under certain conditions, the damage to buildings subject to strong earthquakes may be reduced by uplift [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . Notably, in previous research, the foundation slab is considered to be a rigid body in order to investigate the soil-foundation-structure interaction. However, little research has been conducted on a particular case in which one end of the foundation slab is restrained and the other end can be raised as a result of seismic response.

In previous studies, to quantify the seismic uplift, a singlelayer and a multilayer system that considered the foundation uplift were simplified as a mechanical models fixed on a rigid foundation.

Under rocking vibration, the foundation uplift and elastic deformation of the superstructure have been observed to influence each other.

Using a shaking test and numerical simulation, the oscillation response of a single rigid body under base excitation has been obtained.

The single rigid body rocking response when fixed on a rigid foundation slab has also been studied.

The main effects of uplift of the structural foundation have been observed as follows: when the foundation slab undergoes uplift, it interacts with the base of the structure; structural foundation uplift is directly related to the overturning resistance of the structure; the uplift of the foundation has an obvious influence on the seismic response of the structure, and, under certain conditions, the damage to buildings subject to strong earthquakes may be reduced by uplift.


During natural disasters, nuclear power plants can be severely damaged, and this damage can lead to even more harmful secondary disasters, such as the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, which resulted in huge social and economic losses [1] . The seismic safety of a nuclear power plant structure is critical in ensuring the safe production of nuclear power, but the appropriate degree of safety remains a critical facet of design to be improved [2, 3] . The CAP1400 nuclear power plant is representative of a new generation of nuclear power technology, intended to lead the future mainstream development of large-scale nuclear power. Accordingly, the seismic performance of this demonstration reactor must be based on strict design standards [4] . The CAP1400 nuclear power plant is designed using raft foundations, which provide a separation between the "nuclear island" and the "conventional island," in accordance with the requirements of functional isolation, as can be seen in Figure 1 . A facility, hereinafter referred to as the first span structure, is located at the edge of the conventional island foundation slab, adjacent to the nuclear island. The structural seismic rating of this first span was increased from that for nonseismic items to that for nuclear class II seismic items in the AP1000 nuclear power plant, indicating that the structural seismic capacity should be increased. Previous earthquake disasters show that strong seismic action often causes parts of a structure foundation to uplift, separating the foundation from the ground [5] [6] [7] . Additionally, some equipment, furniture, and other noncivil structures can vibrate and even be overturned [8] . Under earthquake action, the separate foundation slabs of the CAP1400 nuclear power plant also have a tendency to uplift, which has a direct effect on the seismic safety of the overall nuclear power plant.

During natural disasters, nuclear power plants can be severely damaged, and this damage can lead to even more harmful secondary disasters, such as the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, which resulted in huge social and economic losses.

The seismic safety of a nuclear power plant structure is critical in ensuring the safe production of nuclear power, but the appropriate degree of safety remains a critical facet of design to be improved.

Accordingly, the seismic performance of this demonstration reactor must be based on strict design standards.

Previous earthquake disasters show that strong seismic action often causes parts of a structure foundation to uplift, separating the foundation from the ground.

Additionally, some equipment, furniture, and other noncivil structures can vibrate and even be overturned.


Recently, several compounds have been first isolated from this plant in our previous work, including flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, phenols and phenylpropanoids [14] . Moreover, 3, 3′-dimethylquercetin was documented to exhibit significant cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity against RKO cells [15] . As part of our ongoing research on chemical constituents, a total of 6 compounds were successively obtained, mainly flavonoids or flavonoid glycosides. They were further evaluated for the antioxidant activity by using two complementary systems, namely DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays, as well as their growth inhibitory effect against human colon cancer cell lines RKO by the MTT method.

Recently, several compounds have been first isolated from this plant in our previous work, including flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, phenols and phenylpropanoids.

Moreover, 3, 3′-dimethylquercetin was documented to exhibit significant cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity against RKO cells.


We recorded songs using a Telinga Pro II Parabola and a Marantz PMD-222 tape recorder, and analyzed the songs using the program CANARY Version 1.2.1 (Charif et al. 1993) . Tapes were deposited at the Laboratorio de Bioacústica, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica. Spectrograms were obtained with a filter bandwidth of 349.70 kHz, frame length of 256 points, and a sampling rate of 44,100 Hz. We identified the elements of the song, defining a song as a string of notes or elements, temporally separated from other such strings; an element was the shortest consistently recognizable trace on a sound spectrogram (Marler and Peters 1982) . We randomly selected five songs separated by at least 10 sec to analyze the among-individual song variation from the total record of each hummingbird. We measured eight variables for each complete song: high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), frequency range or bandwidth (⌬F) (HF-LF), peak frequency (PF, frequency with highest amplitude), peak time (PT, time with maximum amplitude), duration in seconds (⌬T), time elapsed between two consecutive songs (T1), and time between the first and the second element (T2). We also quantified the number of songs and elements delivered in a random selected minute for each individual.

We recorded songs using a Telinga Pro II Parabola and a Marantz PMD-222 tape recorder, and analyzed the songs using the program CANARY Version 1.2.1.

We identified the elements of the song, defining a song as a string of notes or elements, temporally separated from other such strings; an element was the shortest consistently recognizable trace on a sound spectrogram.


The lowest values were measured in garden areas (3.43 %) and residential zones (3.8 %). There was a radial increase with the distance from the city center, which can be attributed to the increasing proportion of forests in the outskirts. These results also confirm previous results on the high carbon storage capacity of forested areas, especially in topsoils (Juhász et al. 2008) .

These results also confirm previous results on the high carbon storage capacity of forested areas, especially in topsoils.


We propose two different methods. In cluster based sampling (CBS), we aim to select a sample in which the distribution of the model parameters is similar to their distribution in the whole unlabelled pool. To do that we build a vector representation for each sentence in the unlabelled pool reflecting the distribution of the model parameters in this sentence, and use a clustering algorithm to divide these vectors into clusters. In the second method we use the fact that a sample containing many examples of a certain parameter yields better estimation of this parameter. If this parameter is crucial for model performance and the selection process does not harm the distribution of other parameters, then the selected sample is of high quality. To select such a sample we introduce a reduction between this selection problem and a variant of the NP-hard multiset-multicover problem (Hochbaum, 1997) . We call this problem the constrained multiset multicover (CMM) problem, and present an algorithm to approximate it.

We propose two different methods.

To select such a sample we introduce a reduction between this selection problem and a variant of the NP-hard multiset-multicover problem.


Some concern has been expressed about the impact of large scale use of wind power on the local and global meteorology. Likewise, constructing multiple wind farms in the ocean within the same area will likely have negative impacts such as effect of change in temperature on the distributions of clouds and precipitation, effect of electric cables on the fish migrations, influence of sound noise generated by the power plant on the marine communication system, and wind shadowing between wind mills [2] . The magnitude and extent of wind wakes downstream of wind farms are the key parameters that can influence the balance between the negative and positive environmental and economical impacts of the offshore wind power. Wind turbines in a farm influenced by the wake from upstream turbines experience a flow field which is substantially altered compared to an isolated turbine, which in effect reduces power production and increases fatigue loads. Meanwhile, the magnitude of wind wake from a large wind turbine farm and the vertical extent of wind profile behind an operating wind farm influence the upper ocean response to this structure [3] . Ripples, waves, wind gusts, rapid changes in the wind direction and other disturbances in the atmosphere downstream of a wind farm increase the complexity of wake modeling and make it difficult to capture the upper ocean response.

Likewise, constructing multiple wind farms in the ocean within the same area will likely have negative impacts such as effect of change in temperature on the distributions of clouds and precipitation, effect of electric cables on the fish migrations, influence of sound noise generated by the power plant on the marine communication system, and wind shadowing between wind mills.

Meanwhile, the magnitude of wind wake from a large wind turbine farm and the vertical extent of wind profile behind an operating wind farm influence the upper ocean response to this structure.


When there are two rounds of anticipatory utility, the decision maker will exhibit interesting timeinconsistent behaviors. First, information can be used as a commitment device. The first period self can use information to incentivize the second period self through the information-consumption complementarity. Second, the interaction between attention and anticipation also leads to motivated belief (Carrillo and Mariotti, 2000; Bénabou and Tirole, 2002) . This manifests in two ways. First, when the expected consumption utility of a dimension is below a threshold, there is a demotivation effect: the decision maker will avoid information, and defer to the default in order to not think about a depressing dimension. To avoid this demotivation effect, the decision maker will prefer information that keeps expected consumption above the threshold. This results in subtle information preferences where the decision maker cares about the type and timing of information. For example, if the default for a dissertation-writing graduate student is to spend time teaching instead of research, the student may avoid information about the job market in order to avoid possible future low morale and low research productivity following a low signal. The student will also work hard to keep utility above the threshold.

Second, the interaction between attention and anticipation also leads to motivated belief.

This manifests in two ways.


In order to control the CdTe QDs band gap, mercury was added to the preparation medium [2] . The key challenge with such cells, the quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), is the relatively low absorption cross section of the QDs [6] . Titania nanotubes (TNTs) present the key solution for carrier's recombination and low absorption issues via the highly ordered nano-structured matrix which provides continuous electron pathways to facilitate a good electrons collection with high surface area [7] .

In order to control the CdTe QDs band gap, mercury was added to the preparation medium.

The key challenge with such cells, the quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), is the relatively low absorption cross section of the QDs.

Titania nanotubes (TNTs) present the key solution for carrier's recombination and low absorption issues via the highly ordered nano-structured matrix which provides continuous electron pathways to facilitate a good electrons collection with high surface area.


Quantum dots photovoltaic cells combine low-cost solution process-ability with quantum size-effect tunability to match absorption with the solar spectrum [1] . Relative to the dyes used in solar cells, QDs offer several advantages such as photo-stability, greater molar extinction coefficients, and size-dependent optical properties [2] . They also have the potential to increase the maximum attainable thermodynamic conversion efficiency of solar photon conversion up to 66% by utilizing hot photo-generated carriers to produce higher photo-voltages or higher photocurrents via multi-exciton generation capability. While the charge carriers are confined within an infinitesimal volume, thereby increasing their interactions and enhancing the probability for multiple exciton generation [3, 4] . The calculations of the dependence of ideal solar cell conversion efficiency on band gap show that CdTe is an excellent match to our sun [5, 6] .

Quantum dots photovoltaic cells combine low-cost solution process-ability with quantum size-effect tunability to match absorption with the solar spectrum.

Relative to the dyes used in solar cells, QDs offer several advantages such as photo-stability, greater molar extinction coefficients, and size-dependent optical properties.

While the charge carriers are confined within an infinitesimal volume, thereby increasing their interactions and enhancing the probability for multiple exciton generation.

The calculations of the dependence of ideal solar cell conversion efficiency on band gap show that CdTe is an excellent match to our sun.


Waste vegetable based palm oils are the most abundant biological sources and important raw materials for the production of biobased polyurethanes. The main components existing in waste vegetable oil are triglycerides with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids useful in many synthesis transformations and they become new polyol sources [1] . In polymer industry, waste vegetable oils which represent a major potential source of chemicals have been utilized as an alternative feedstock for biomonomers [2] [3] [4] .

The main components existing in waste vegetable oil are triglycerides with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids useful in many synthesis transformations and they become new polyol sources.

In polymer industry, waste vegetable oils which represent a major potential source of chemicals have been utilized as an alternative feedstock for biomonomers.