Population-based cancer registries have proven an invaluable resource for both cancer researchers and policymakers [1] . Cancer registry data have been used to derive population-based estimates of outcome and to track changes in incidence in both adults and children [2] [3] [4] . In addition, when linked to other health administrative data, they have also provided a rich source with which to conduct comparative effectiveness research and guide government policy [1, 3] .

Population-based cancer registries have proven an invaluable resource for both cancer researchers and policymakers.

Cancer registry data have been used to derive population-based estimates of outcome and to track changes in incidence in both adults and children.

In addition, when linked to other health administrative data, they have also provided a rich source with which to conduct comparative effectiveness research and guide government policy.


MSLQ has been widely adapted into Malaysian context to identify students' motivation and use of self-regulated learning levels. The findings obtained from CFA measurement model showed that the obtained model is confirmed via data and actually reflected the theoretical latent construct of those items they are designed to measure (Byrne, 2010) . MSLQ is recognized to have high validity and reliability that can be applied in e-learning environment and students' level of SRL at Malaysian university.

The findings obtained from CFA measurement model showed that the obtained model is confirmed via data and actually reflected the theoretical latent construct of those items they are designed to measure.


We now distinguish the present room-temperature system from exciton-polariton condensates at cryogenic temperatures [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] . A laser is typically characterized by its coherence and spectral properties, whereas a macroscopic condensate exhibits unique energy and momentum distributions. Figs. 2 and 3 present data on the increase of spatial coherence, nonlinear growth of macroscopic occupation in a state in energy and momentum space, and the spontaneous increase in circular polarization. We note that some exciton-polariton condensates exhibit linearly polarized radiation. This polarized radiation is a result of an energy splitting of the order of 100 µeV between two linearly polarized modes (σ X and σ Y ) induced by structural disorder and strain [17] . The angular and spectral distributions of radiation from the polariton laser studied here resemble those observed in the condensates of exciton-polaritons at cryogenic temperatures [17, 19] . However, the room-temperature microcavity system presented here is a plasma laser with dynamics and spectral characteristics affected by the manybody effects at high photoexcited densities rather than the stimulation of exciton-polaritons in the strong coupling regime [50] .

We now distinguish the present room-temperature system from exciton-polariton condensates at cryogenic temperatures.

This polarized radiation is a result of an energy splitting of the order of 100 µeV between two linearly polarized modes (σ X and σ Y ) induced by structural disorder and strain.

The angular and spectral distributions of radiation from the polariton laser studied here resemble those observed in the condensates of exciton-polaritons at cryogenic temperatures.

However, the room-temperature microcavity system presented here is a plasma laser with dynamics and spectral characteristics affected by the manybody effects at high photoexcited densities rather than the stimulation of exciton-polaritons in the strong coupling regime.


The implementations of cooperative applications, usually referred to as groupware, require special attention to multiple issues. First, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the real need and opportunity for such tools. There are groupware applications that were never used because their potential was over-evaluated -there is no need at all or some other tool or combination of commonly used tools can do efficiently the job. It is also possible to find several groupware tools that were not designed accurately in terms of functionality, usability or technological support, and thus failed to succeed, despite the correct evaluation of its capabilities and 978-1-4244-3535-7/09/$25.00 ©2009 IEEE opportunity [13] . Moreover, it is also common to find resistance of users and organizations to adapt to new technologies that somehow change their work routines, even if they can benefit from this change.

It is also possible to find several groupware tools that were not designed accurately in terms of functionality, usability or technological support, and thus failed to succeed, despite the correct evaluation of its capabilities and 978-1-4244-3535-7/09/$25.00 ©2009 IEEE opportunity.


Unit Commitment (UC) is one of the most important plans for the electric utility company to determine most economical start-up and shut-down times for the electrical power generating units to meet a load demand while satisfying a set of operational constraints. As the energy market moves toward deregulation, the UC schedule directly affects the production cost, making it an essential input to successful bidding strategy. It is recognized that UC problem is a large and complex mathematical optimization with both integer and continuous variables. The exact solution to the problem can be obtained only by complete enumeration, which cannot be applied to a realistic power system due to its excessive computation time requirement [1] , [2] .

The exact solution to the problem can be obtained only by complete enumeration, which cannot be applied to a realistic power system due to its excessive computation time requirement.


Salinity is a major environmental factor limiting the crop productivity in the arid and semi-arid areas of the world (Dasgan et al., 2002) . This complex abiotic stress, which affects osmotic and ionic components, poses a threat to agriculture (Munns et al., 2006) . It induces a wide range of metabolic perturbations in higher plants; but it is not always possible to distinguish the perturbations associated with the osmotic component from those due to ion toxicity.

Salinity is a major environmental factor limiting the crop productivity in the arid and semi-arid areas of the world.

This complex abiotic stress, which affects osmotic and ionic components, poses a threat to agriculture.


Only a few of long-lived individuals (LLI) have been involved in most studies involving the genetics of ageing-related disorders. Epidemiological evidence suggests that different genetic risk factors are involved throughout the course of human life [6] . The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) have suggested that the management of hyperglycemia must be individualized [7] . Therefore, it is necessary to re-characterize the risk factors of fasting hyperglycemia that are specific to elderly subjects.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that different genetic risk factors are involved throughout the course of human life.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) have suggested that the management of hyperglycemia must be individualized.


Clinicopathological subtypes, as well as the risk of tumour recurrence, were defined according to the St. Gallen criteria [1, 2] . All Ki67 staining was performed by the same pathological laboratory using the MIB1 monoclonal antibody (1:80 dilution; Dako, Glostrup, Denmark); the largest tumour area, including the most proliferative zone, was assessed. The Ki67 score was calculated as the percentage of immunostained cells. The optimal cut-off for a high versus low Ki67 score was defined as 20% (i.e. ≥ 20% staining was defined as Ki67 hi ), according to the 2015 recommendations [15] .

Clinicopathological subtypes, as well as the risk of tumour recurrence, were defined according to the St. Gallen criteria.

The optimal cut-off for a high versus low Ki67 score was defined as 20% (i.e. ≥ 20% staining was defined as Ki67 hi ), according to the 2015 recommendations.


It is also interesting to consider a possibility of the higher spin generalization of the chaos bound. The 2D and 3D gravity can have a finite number of interacting higher spin fields at the cost of losing unitarity and causality [10] . Therefore, in the proof of the bound on chaos, the argument based on the unitarity and the causality will not hold, which leads to the violation of the chaos bound. In spite of the violation of the bound, the presence of a finite number of higher spin fields seemingly suggest a larger bound on Lyapunov exponent. It would be interesting to prove a new bound on chaos in the non-unitary field theories 17 of which bulk dual has a finite number of higher spin fields.

The 2D and 3D gravity can have a finite number of interacting higher spin fields at the cost of losing unitarity and causality.


Based on data of World Health Organization (WHO), in 2013 the number of death reach 6 million in the world as the results of smoking (Golli et al., 2016) . The cigarette smoke contain more than 4.000 chemicals and hundreds of them were toxic substances for body. Any substantial finds in cigarette e.g. nicotine, tar, carbonmonoxy, formaldehyde, benzene, cadmium, timbale/lead, ammonia, PAH (Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrogen), phenol, carbonyl, chlorine dioxin, furan, and radical (Goniewicz et al., 2014) . The entrance of cigarette smoke into the body is through the inhalation.

Based on data of World Health Organization (WHO), in 2013 the number of death reach 6 million in the world as the results of smoking.

Any substantial finds in cigarette e.g. nicotine, tar, carbonmonoxy, formaldehyde, benzene, cadmium, timbale/lead, ammonia, PAH (Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrogen), phenol, carbonyl, chlorine dioxin, furan, and radical.


Liver includes to the organs that is vulnerable to the free radical (Pavlovic et al., 2007) . The damages of liver caused by cigarette smoke can be recognized by check-up enzyme category transaminase, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) enzyme or well-known as Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (GOT) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme or well-known as Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT). Both of these enzymes will come out from hepatic cell if the hepatic cell is damage, and as the results, increased the levels in blood serum (Hidayat et al., 2013) .

Liver includes to the organs that is vulnerable to the free radical.

Both of these enzymes will come out from hepatic cell if the hepatic cell is damage, and as the results, increased the levels in blood serum.


The result of analysis showed that the administration of red fruit oil (Pandanus conoideus Lam) on female white rat (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke give no significant difference (P> 0.05) to the water intake (drink). Average water intake in mice after treatment was 8.79 ml/ day-11.64ml/day which means that there is no significant difference. Consumption of drinking water is controlled by cytochrome enzymes that are widely present in the liver, because in ward toxic substances it takes a lot of water so that metabolites from toxic substances can be eliminated from the body. Increased water intake is also influenced by the balance of body fluids. The body part that plays a role in the osmolarity control system is in the anteroventral edge of the third ventricle. If there is a change in cell osmolarity there will be signals received by the system and by the third ventricular anteroventral system, the signal will be sent to the anterolateral portion of the preoptic nucleus in the hypothalamus. This signal is then translated as a desire to drink (Yuniwarti & Saraswati, 2003) .

This signal is then translated as a desire to drink.


The compounds produced by cigarette smoke contains free radical (Feitosa et al., 2016) . Free radical of cigarette smoke are derived from two different fractions i.e. tar phase and smoke phase.. The gas phase of cigarette smoke produces the most reactive free radical such as oxygen and carbon radicals. The effect of free radical caused the pathology conditions indicated with system injuries to the DNA injuries (Rahimah et al., 2009) .

The compounds produced by cigarette smoke contains free radical.

The effect of free radical caused the pathology conditions indicated with system injuries to the DNA injuries.


Fungal diversity studies have mainly focused on the pathogenic strains within related formae speciales or races (Baayen et al. 2000; Kistler 1997; Mes et al. 1999) . Less attention has been given to nonpathogenic F. oxysporum populations. Nonpathogenic strains likely have been involved in gene flow in both the pathogenic and nonpathogenic evolutionary processes. Nonpathogenic strains have been compared with pathogenic strains with respect to vegetative compatibility group (VCG), mitochondrial DNA haplotype, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) (Fiely et al. 1995; Gordon and Okamoto 1992; Katan and Katan 1988; Vakalounakis and Fragkiadakis 1999; Woudt et al. 1995) .

Fungal diversity studies have mainly focused on the pathogenic strains within related formae speciales or races.

Nonpathogenic strains have been compared with pathogenic strains with respect to vegetative compatibility group (VCG), mitochondrial DNA haplotype, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD).


In this review article we summarize our recent work, in which we have used numerical micromagnetics for the computation of the magnetic SANS cross section of two-phase magnetic nanocomposites. The use of numerical techniques allows us to solve the underlying equations rigorously, without resorting to the high-field approximation (saturation regime). This approach provides insights into the fundamentals of magnetic SANS. The micromagnetic simulations are adapted to the mi-crostructure of a two-phase nanocomposite from the NANOPERM family of alloys [64] .

The micromagnetic simulations are adapted to the mi-crostructure of a two-phase nanocomposite from the NANOPERM family of alloys.


The future retrieval problem was first presented by BaezaYates [3] . He proposed to extract temporal expressions from news, index news articles together with temporal expressions, and retrieve future information (composed of text and future dates) by using a probabilistic model. A document score is given as a multiplication of a keyword similarity and a time confidence, i.e., a probability that the document's events will actually happen. The limitation of this original work is that it is evaluated using a small data set and only a year granularity is used.

The future retrieval problem was first presented by BaezaYates.


Antibody-based diagnosis of TB is a close-to-ideal point-ofcare test, but it has proven to be difficult to implement it, because it has inadequate sensitivity and specificity when evaluated by independent researchers [20] . It is striking that antibody-based tests, which were developed and initially evaluated in countries where TB is not endemic, have consistently per- formed poorly when tested in regions where TB is endemic [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] . Our study reports an antigen that is highly specific and sensitive (figure 3) but that generated a surprisingly high percentage of positive antibody responses in healthy control subjects (ET-CC and ET-CON) from a region where TB is endemic (table 2)-but that also generates responses that follow a clear gradient from community control subjects, to contacts, to patients with TB in every setting. The simplest solution to this puzzle is that the responses that we observed reflect exposure to and infection with M. tuberculosis-even in healthy individuals from regions where TB is highly endemic. On the basis of data showing that circulating M. tuberculosis-specific antibodies can be found not only in individuals with active TB disease, but also in individuals with latent M. tuberculosis infection, we suggest that the poor performance may at least partially reflect the high prevalence of latent TB in these regions. It is important to emphasize that not all IGRA-positive individuals have M. tuberculosis-specific antibodies. For example, we observed that, in the Danish QFNpositive contact group, only 33% had a positive response with a low OD value, suggesting that a positive serologic response has either different developmental kinetics or different requirements (e.g., it may arise from boosting by frequent exposure).

Antibody-based diagnosis of TB is a close-to-ideal point-ofcare test, but it has proven to be difficult to implement it, because it has inadequate sensitivity and specificity when evaluated by independent researchers.

It is striking that antibody-based tests, which were developed and initially evaluated in countries where TB is not endemic, have consistently per- formed poorly when tested in regions where TB is endemic.


When dealing with conservation and phylogeographic issues, it is often necessary to detect K, the number of panmictic units or 'gene pools' in the data, in order to be able to suggest possible mechanisms that have shaped the genetic variability observed. The use of a Bayesian approach to the detection of K has become increasingly popular in the last decade (BERTORELLE and EXCOFFIER, 1998; PRITCHARD et al., 2000) . In the present study it was possible to estimate K = 3 as the number of inferred populations from which the studied populations derive. The most precise interpretation of this value is that three homogeneous gene pools contributed to the three populations sampled. This implies that the genetic structuring is very mild in the Canton Ticino chestnut population, as already observed by the relatively low levels of differentiation. Unfortunately for the purposes of our study this does not make possible to indicate with an acceptable degree of certainty the origin of the populations studied yet. However, this study paves the way for the assessment on a larger scale of the genetic characteristics of this important species. Also the use of uniparentally inherited markers will allow us to shed more light on this issue.

The use of a Bayesian approach to the detection of K has become increasingly popular in the last decade.


Precision positioning systems are fundamental components and significantly important to many industrial applications such as machine tools, measuring machines, semiconductor manufacturing systems, optical instruments and medical application equipment. The demands of high-precision performance have drastically increased in recent years [1] . System designers often improve mechanism features for high motion control performance and it is proved that the improvement is onerous and costly. For this account, a practical controller of which design procedure and structure are simple and transparency, and which is capable to produce fast response, nearly zeros overshoot, high robust performance and excellent accuracy is required as a solution especially in industry.

The demands of high-precision performance have drastically increased in recent years.


These region-based scene representations are also very similar to the coarser analysis that is performed in the automotive industry. Here, a column based approach and depth differences in the 3D space are used for creating the regions, the so-called stixels (Badino et al., 2009) . Natural scenes are then labeled based on these stixels which allows for detecting a set of relevant objects, like cars, persons or buildings.

Here, a column based approach and depth differences in the 3D space are used for creating the regions, the so-called stixels.


Demands for materials with improved properties have been continuously growing to satisfy new materials requirements, both in scientific researches and for engineering applications. In particular, polymer-based composites filled with carbon-based fillers such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been extensively investigated for the last decade due to their promising potential for future applications [1] . Among thermosetting polymer matrices, epoxy resins are frequently used for advanced composites materials owing to their excellent thermal, mechanical and electrical properties [2] . Incorporation of CNT into epoxy resin in the form of filler material demonstrated favourable findings because of the unique combination of structural and functional properties of CNT such as high aspect ratio in combination with low density, high tensile strength and stiffness as well as excellent thermal and electrical conductivity [3, 4] .

In particular, polymer-based composites filled with carbon-based fillers such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been extensively investigated for the last decade due to their promising potential for future applications.

Among thermosetting polymer matrices, epoxy resins are frequently used for advanced composites materials owing to their excellent thermal, mechanical and electrical properties.

Incorporation of CNT into epoxy resin in the form of filler material demonstrated favourable findings because of the unique combination of structural and functional properties of CNT such as high aspect ratio in combination with low density, high tensile strength and stiffness as well as excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.


The fabrication of MWCNT/epoxy composite involved three major steps namely processing of MWCNT, dispersion and post-processing of MWCNT/epoxy suspension. First, the processing or synthesis of MWCNT are widely performed via techniques such as chemical vapour deposition (CVD), laser ablation and arc discharge [1] . Compared with laser ablation and arc discharge techniques, CVD is a simple, cost-effective and popular method for processing nanotubes at ambient pressure and low temperature. Secondly, the dispersion of MWCNT in epoxy resin include separating agglomerated MWCNT and this process can be performed via stirring, ball milling, ultrasonication and calendaring techniques [8] . Most of these techniques are operated with limited capacity and are inefficient for the uniform dispersal of nanoparticles into epoxy resin. However, ultrasonication is one of the more favourable techniques for achieving efficient nanotubes dispersion in laboratory-scale quantities [9] . The final step, post-processing technique, involves curing the MWCNT/epoxy suspension into MWCNT/epoxy composite sheet, while maintaining the uniform distribution of MWCNT in place. Table 1 summarizes various types of post-processing techniques and their significant features are briefly described. Casting is a simple technique where MWCNT/epoxy suspension are deposited onto mould and cured at appropriate temperature and time. The hotpressing technique involves depositing MWCNT/epoxy suspension onto mould and then hot-pressing at certain pressure, temperature and time. The technique of spin coating involves the deposition of MWCNT/epoxy suspension on spinning flat surface of interest at appropriate angular speed and time. Another favourable technique is electrophoretic deposition (EPD), where MWCNT/epoxy suspension coats the surface of an opposite charged conductive electrode upon applying direct current (DC) electric field. Although tremendous research efforts have been carried out on the product development of these composites, limited study has been conducted to investigate the effect of various post-processing techniques and filler loading on the performance of MWCNT/epoxy composites. The aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of simple and cost effective post-processing techniques, namely casting and hot-pressing along with various filler loading on the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of MWCNT/epoxy composites. One dimensional with randomly oriented MWCNT was incorporated in less viscous epoxy resin and low MWCNT loading ranging from 0 to 1.0 vol% was selected for the suspension based on recommendation from previous study [3] . The dispersion procedures employed in this study were based on fixed sonication parameters, while the MWCNT/epoxy suspension was fabricated into composite sheets using post-processing techniques via casting and hot-pressing.

First, the processing or synthesis of MWCNT are widely performed via techniques such as chemical vapour deposition (CVD), laser ablation and arc discharge.

Secondly, the dispersion of MWCNT in epoxy resin include separating agglomerated MWCNT and this process can be performed via stirring, ball milling, ultrasonication and calendaring techniques.

However, ultrasonication is one of the more favourable techniques for achieving efficient nanotubes dispersion in laboratory-scale quantities.

One dimensional with randomly oriented MWCNT was incorporated in less viscous epoxy resin and low MWCNT loading ranging from 0 to 1.0 vol% was selected for the suspension based on recommendation from previous study.


Here, the Fourier coefficients, v n , characterize the strength of the anisotropic flow, while the azimuthal flow orientation is represented by the corresponding "event plane" angle, Ψ n , the direction of maximum final-state particle density. The event plane angles are related to the event-by-event spacial distribution of the participating nucleons in the initial overlap region. The most widely studied and typically also strongest form of anisotropic flow is the second Fourier component, v 2 , called "elliptic flow". The elliptic flow event plane, Ψ 2 , is correlated with the "participant plane" given by the beam direction and the shorter axis of the approximately elliptical nucleon overlap region. Because of event-by-event fluctuations, higher-order deformations or eccentricities of the initial geometry can also be induced, which lead to higherorder Fourier harmonics (v n , n ≥ 3) in the final state with respect to their corresponding event plane angles, Ψ n [17] . Studies of azimuthal anisotropy harmonics provide important information on the fundamental transport properties of the medium, e.g., the ratio of shear viscosity to entropy density, η/s [18] [19] [20] .

Because of event-by-event fluctuations, higher-order deformations or eccentricities of the initial geometry can also be induced, which lead to higherorder Fourier harmonics (v n , n ≥ 3) in the final state with respect to their corresponding event plane angles, Ψ n.

Studies of azimuthal anisotropy harmonics provide important information on the fundamental transport properties of the medium, e.g., the ratio of shear viscosity to entropy density, η/s.


However, a significant breakdown of the factorization assumption, up to about 20%, was recently observed for pairs of particles, separated by more than 2 units in η, from different p T ranges in ultra-central (0-0.2% centrality) PbPb collisions [13] . The centrality in heavy ion collisions is defined as a fraction of the total inelastic PbPb cross section, with 0% denoting the most central collisions. While nonflow correlations (such as back-to-back jets) have been speculated to possibly account for this effect, contributions of those short-range correlations to the collective anisotropy are less dominant in high-multiplicity events as the total number of particles increases [22] . It was then realized that in hydrodynamic models the assumption of factorization does not hold in general because of fluctuations in the initial overlap region of two nuclei [23, 24] . In each event, due to local perturbations in the energy density distribution generating a pressure gradient that drives particles in random directions with differing boosts, the resulting event plane angles found with final-state particles from different p T ranges may fluctuate with respect to each other (although still correlated with the initial participant plane). This effect of initial-state fluctuations thus breaks the factorization relation of Eq. (3), which assumes a unique event plane angle for all particles in an event. As a result, the precise meaning of previous single-particle v n results should be reinterpreted as being with respect to the event plane determined with particles over a specific, usually wide, p T range. Quantitative studies of the factorization breakdown effect as a function of p T could place stringent constraints on the spatial scale (or granularity) of the fluctuations in the initial state of heavy ion collisions, especially along the radial direction [25] [26] [27] .

However, a significant breakdown of the factorization assumption, up to about 20%, was recently observed for pairs of particles, separated by more than 2 units in η, from different p T ranges in ultra-central (0-0.2% centrality) PbPb collisions.

While nonflow correlations (such as back-to-back jets) have been speculated to possibly account for this effect, contributions of those short-range correlations to the collective anisotropy are less dominant in high-multiplicity events as the total number of particles increases.

It was then realized that in hydrodynamic models the assumption of factorization does not hold in general because of fluctuations in the initial overlap region of two nuclei.

Quantitative studies of the factorization breakdown effect as a function of p T could place stringent constraints on the spatial scale (or granularity) of the fluctuations in the initial state of heavy ion collisions, especially along the radial direction.


The goal of experiments with heavy ion collisions at ultra-relativistic energies is to study nuclear matter under extreme conditions. By studying the azimuthal anisotropy of emitted particles in such collisions, experiments at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) indicated that a strongly-coupled hot and dense medium is created, which exhibits a strong collective flow behavior [1] [2] [3] [4] . At the significantly higher collision energies achieved at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the collective phenomena of this quark gluon plasma have also been studied in great detail [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] .

By studying the azimuthal anisotropy of emitted particles in such collisions, experiments at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) indicated that a strongly-coupled hot and dense medium is created, which exhibits a strong collective flow behavior.

At the significantly higher collision energies achieved at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the collective phenomena of this quark gluon plasma have also been studied in great detail.


For those patients with thin melanomas and type 1 regression, SNBx has routinely been performed at this institution. In the present study, 3% of patients (2/66) with T1a melanomas with regression had clinically or histologically evident metastases to regional nodes. This is comparable with the sentinel node positivity rate for all T1 melanomas and the regional nodal metastasis rate of T1a patients not undergoing SNBx [13, [37] [38] [39] 47, 48] . Thus, type 1 regression in thin melanomas does not appear to be associated with an increased risk for nodal metastasis. On the basis of these data, we no longer recommend SNBx for patients with T1a melanomas solely on the basis of histologic evidence of regression. It is appropriate, however, for these patients to be followed up regularly for at least 20 years after the excision of their primary tumor, maintaining high vigilance for clinically detectable metastases.

This is comparable with the sentinel node positivity rate for all T1 melanomas and the regional nodal metastasis rate of T1a patients not undergoing SNBx.


The phase mixture known as pearlite, which occurs in steels, is characterized by the cooperative growth of cementite (Fe 3 C) and ferrite at a common transformation front with the parent austenite. This leads to the development of a lamellar structure which in two-dimensional sections appears to consist of alternating layers of ferrite and cementite, which gives the mixture an iridescence that is associated normally with natural pearls or shells, and hence the name pearlite. In the context of steels, it is established that a colony of pearlite, in fact, is an interpenetrating bi-crystal of cementite and ferrite when viewed in three dimensions (Hillert 1962) . This complex structure enhances the strength of the steel, especially when the carbon concentration is about 0.8 wt%, so that the microstructure can become fully pearlitic. This can be an advantage, for example, in the manufacture of steel ropes, but a disadvantage if the steel has to be formed or machined into particular shapes before it is given a final hardening heat-treatment appropriate for the component of interest (Heron 1969) .

In the context of steels, it is established that a colony of pearlite, in fact, is an interpenetrating bi-crystal of cementite and ferrite when viewed in three dimensions.

This can be an advantage, for example, in the manufacture of steel ropes, but a disadvantage if the steel has to be formed or machined into particular shapes before it is given a final hardening heat-treatment appropriate for the component of interest.


It is commonly argued that a key challenge for online learning is to encourage learner participation.There is growing evidence that increased participation (in quality and quantity) can increase learning and that instructors can control a series of elements in course design and delivery that may result in increased participation (Harasim et al, 1995; Kemery, 2000) . Also establishing and sustaining a good climate in online environment suitable for the creation of learning community become important issues to consider. Both students' and teachers' communication behaviors are crucial in creating a good climate for learning. For this reason lurkers must be investigated to create effective learning community. According to these findings students have too many reasons for lurking. By contacting early and often the low visibility students, an instructor can help a student move from being a lurker to be an active learner.

There is growing evidence that increased participation (in quality and quantity) can increase learning and that instructors can control a series of elements in course design and delivery that may result in increased participation.


Although AFs have been part of the morphological toolbox for almost two decades, the reasons for their only recent popularity have been mostly computational, in addition to their flexibility. Efficient implementations of AFs have become possible thanks to a tree based image representation [14] . The max-tree (alternatively min-tree) used to represent the connected components of a given grayscale image is a basis for AP calculation. The advantage of these representations stems from the implementation possibility of attribute filtering in the form of node or branch removal from the tree representing the input image. This becomes especially interesting for the computation of AP since each tree needs to be computed only once and then multiple filtering outputs can be derived easily from it. Following their calculation using min and max-trees, the AP have also been calculated on the Tree of Shapes (ToS) [22] . Extending the idea of using different trees to calculate the AP, we examine the α and (ω)-trees as a basis for profile calculation.

Efficient implementations of AFs have become possible thanks to a tree based image representation.

Following their calculation using min and max-trees, the AP have also been calculated on the Tree of Shapes (ToS).


The Jatropha curcas L. species, known as jatropha (or physic nut), is an oilseed belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It's widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas and has potential for biofuel production. The oil content in the seeds varies between 30 and 40% (Dias, 2011) . The oil has little significant variations of acidity, besides having better oxidation stability than soy and palm oil. It has good viscosity when compared to oil from castor beans (Tapanes et al., 2008) .

The oil content in the seeds varies between 30 and 40%.

It has good viscosity when compared to oil from castor beans.


At each study area, a composite soil sample was drawn from the surface 1.5 dm. It consisted of equal quantities of soil from each transect. Soils were analyzed for texture using the hydrometer method (Foth et al. 1971) .

Soils were analyzed for texture using the hydrometer method.


Participants in this study recognised their struggle as part of an existential choice to discover and to belong to a new world. They were determined to invest energy and optimism in their attempts to belong, believing at the same time that this desired state of being was not far from reach. Only one participant in the study, tired of being turned down for work due to being unskilled had given up hope of integration and belonging and decided to go back to his country of origin. This confirms previous findings that lower education is predictive of higher stress (Berry, 2006) .

This confirms previous findings that lower education is predictive of higher stress.


Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received widespread attention in the past decade owing to their unique physical, chemical, thermal and mechanical properties (Iijima, 1991) . CNTs are the most promising of all nanomaterials and have been studied for their potential application in storage systems, composite materials, field emission displays, nanoscale sensors, nanoscale programmable logic circuits and other electronic applications (Popov, 2004) . Since CNTs possess relatively low density (varying from 0.8 to 1.8 g/cc for SWNTs and 1.4 to 1.8 g/cc for MWNTs), the estimated high young's modulus and tensile strength of the nanotube reinforcements make it possible to use in composite materials for improved mechanical properties (George et al., 2005; Overney et al., 1993) .

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received widespread attention in the past decade owing to their unique physical, chemical, thermal and mechanical properties.

CNTs are the most promising of all nanomaterials and have been studied for their potential application in storage systems, composite materials, field emission displays, nanoscale sensors, nanoscale programmable logic circuits and other electronic applications.

Since CNTs possess relatively low density (varying from 0.8 to 1.8 g/cc for SWNTs and 1.4 to 1.8 g/cc for MWNTs), the estimated high young's modulus and tensile strength of the nanotube reinforcements make it possible to use in composite materials for improved mechanical properties.


The main tool used to provide the uniform upper bound in characteristic 0 is a higher dimensional version of the Chebotarev density theorem formulated by Serre [20] . In positive characteristic the needed analogue is not available, so we use an effective form of the usual Chebotarev density theorem [23] . Specifically, we need a statement about natural density, not Dirichlet density. Over certain fields, this causes the bounds to be powers of n log n instead of n. For the lower bounds we use properties of Chevalley groups and associated graded Lie algebras, as well as the congruence subgroup property.

The main tool used to provide the uniform upper bound in characteristic 0 is a higher dimensional version of the Chebotarev density theorem formulated by Serre.

In positive characteristic the needed analogue is not available, so we use an effective form of the usual Chebotarev density theorem.


We used Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) for model selection. AIC optimizes between complexity and precision among the competing models, and the one with the lowest AIC value is considered the best. However, models with AIC value differing < 2 from the best are considered to be competing, and among these the one with fewest parameters is considered the most parsimonious model (Burnham & Anderson 2002) .

However, models with AIC value differing < 2 from the best are considered to be competing, and among these the one with fewest parameters is considered the most parsimonious model.


Interestingly, according to our measurements, length of ulna does not show greater sexual dimorphism than any other character. Therefore, relatively longer forearm in females must depend on the size of carpal joint. A special bone os prominens exists in wings of Strigidae and Accipitridae mediating pulling force to forearm when spreading the wing (Bock & McEvey 1969) . It may be one reason for relatively longer forearm in females.

A special bone os prominens exists in wings of Strigidae and Accipitridae mediating pulling force to forearm when spreading the wing.


This study demonstrated high rate of hydrogen production in a membrane-less MEC. The absence of a PEM resulted in decreased internal resistance. Electrode separation by a J-cloth allowed for reduced distance between the electrodes, which further minimized ohmic losses and increased volumetric power production. A volumetric hydrogen production rate of 6.3 L STP L À1 A d À1 was achieved under substrate non-limiting conditions at an applied voltage of 1 V, a power input of 2 Wh L À1 -H 2 , a hydrogen yield of 3.9 mol mol À1 -acetic acid, and a current density of 6 A m À2 . Further increase in volumetric hydrogen production rate and decrease in power input might be expected through optimization of electrode materials, operational conditions, and the use of a biocathode [19] [20] [21] .

Further increase in volumetric hydrogen production rate and decrease in power input might be expected through optimization of electrode materials, operational conditions, and the use of a biocathode.


The objective of this paper is to investigate the analytical solutions of the electro-elastic field and dynamic stress around a cavity embedded in a functionally graded piezoelectric material layer bonded to a homogeneous piezoelectric material. The incidence of anti-plane shear waves at the surface of the structure is applied, and both the displacement field and piezoelectric field in functionally graded piezoelectric materials are presented. The mechanical and electrically short conditions at the free surface are considered, and the image method is used to satisfy the free boundary conditions of the structure. The wave fields and electric potentials are expanded by using wave function expansion method (Pao and Mow, 1973) . The expanded mode coefficients are determined by satisfying the boundary conditions around the cavity. Addition theorem for Bessel functions is used to accomplish the translation between different coordinate systems. The analytical solution of the dynamic stress concentration factor around the cavity is presented, and the numerical solutions are graphically illustrated. The effects of the piezoelectric property, the incident wave number and the position of the cavity in the FGPM layer on the dynamic stress concentration factors around the cavity are also analyzed.

The wave fields and electric potentials are expanded by using wave function expansion method.


We will also analyze the zero-th level truncation of string field theory as a nonlocal theory [13] . In this case the perturbative reduced phase space around q = 0 is two dimensional ( fig.2 ). This implies that the space of solutions relevant for the rolling tachyon is two dimensional. The perturbative phase space around the fixed point q = M 2 g is infinite dimensional. This implies that there are infinite excitation modes around this minimum. The unstable and stable manifold of this non-trivial fixed point is a lagrangian submanifold of infinite dimension where the symplectic form vanishes. The difference with respect to the p-adic case is due to the different dispersion relation for the solutions we found.

We will also analyze the zero-th level truncation of string field theory as a nonlocal theory.


The flavor oscillation of the leptons can happen in the early Universe when the high energy leptons from the decays of the inflatons go through the medium. If the inflaton directly produces the left-handed leptons via its decay, the initial quantum state is some vector in the flavor space, that is generally not an eigenstate of the Hamiltonian in the medium. The lepton flavors will later be "observed" by some interactions. It has been discussed that the CP violation in the quantum oscillation phenomena during this process can explain the baryon asymmetry of the Universe [6] .

It has been discussed that the CP violation in the quantum oscillation phenomena during this process can explain the baryon asymmetry of the Universe.


Notably, in the scientific literature well-being is rarely investigated per se, when conceptualized as a subjective experience. Many studies are instead focused on three related concepts: happiness, good life, and satisfaction with life, which are defined and operationalized in various and overlapping ways and sometimes used as interchangeable proxies for well-being. Moreover, in both basic and applied research these concepts are predominantly explored through scaled instruments that are surely useful for assessing their levels, but not the meaning that participants attribute to them. Only a small number of studies have investigated how laypersons' definitions of terms related to well-being map onto the conceptual distinctions developed by philosophers and researchers (Delle Fave et al. 2011 , Delle Fave et al. 2016 Oishi et al. 2013) . Moreover, there has been little discussion regarding whether or how such mapping could inform conceptual models and intervention strategies.

Only a small number of studies have investigated how laypersons' definitions of terms related to well-being map onto the conceptual distinctions developed by philosophers and researchers.


Optoelectronic manufacturers and research laboratories have been striving to meet the 500V ESD requirement [3] [4] [5] [6] . Some companies have shown that the laser devices exhibit ESD threshold above 2000V in reverse polarity [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] . Despite of the technological achievements in ESD performance, there was only limited work done previously on the basic understanding of ESD characteristics and physical mechanisms [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . Although the ESD thresholds of FP and DFB lasers were reported, the interplay of ESD and electrical overstress (EOS), the size effect and the ESD degradation behavior, have not been well understood [8] [9] . In this paper, we study the ESD degradation characteristics of semiconductor lasers. We show that the ESD threshold and degradation behaviors are dependent upon the size of the chip. We have also shown that the ESD damage threshold was influenced by the dielectric properties, the frequency of ESD pulses and laser device structure. We will discuss the physical mechanism for the size and processing effects.

Optoelectronic manufacturers and research laboratories have been striving to meet the 500V ESD requirement.

Some companies have shown that the laser devices exhibit ESD threshold above 2000V in reverse polarity.

Despite of the technological achievements in ESD performance, there was only limited work done previously on the basic understanding of ESD characteristics and physical mechanisms.

Although the ESD thresholds of FP and DFB lasers were reported, the interplay of ESD and electrical overstress (EOS), the size effect and the ESD degradation behavior, have not been well understood.


Nowadays Assessment is known as a part of education process and not as a distinct part. It has an important impact on learning process. Assessment of students' achievement is an important factor in encouraging students to adopt deep learning strategies (Utaberta et al., 2011a) . In order to improve education and student learning, assessment must be appropriately designed and implemented. It has long been observed that the evaluation in the architectural design studio UKM as in other departments, are using a standard value of the letters A, B, C and so on, where the letter A is the highest value and E is the lowest. But before getting into that value, there is not enough discussion on the assessment framework (Hassanpour et al., 2011) . Assessment in architecture design studio is more holistic and subjective (Utaberta et al., 2011b) . The current assessment standards include the availability of materials such as assignments, attendance, activity and creativity. Though each of these criteria has a sub basic valuation should be done objectively and regularly.

Assessment of students' achievement is an important factor in encouraging students to adopt deep learning strategies.

But before getting into that value, there is not enough discussion on the assessment framework.

Assessment in architecture design studio is more holistic and subjective.


In all submission days, students prepare needed documentation such as sheets included plans, evaluations, sections, perspectives etc. and 3D models which may determine by instructors or leave arbitrary. But these are not just the things that are going to be assessed by jurors. Primary goals that were the basis of problem solving process are the most important part of assessment. So the criteria to be used in assessment and grading are linked directly to the way objectives expressed (Biggs, 1999) .

So the criteria to be used in assessment and grading are linked directly to the way objectives expressed.


The higher viscosity of biodiesel and its blends can be solving by preheating the fuel before combustion. Preheat biodiesel and its blends were results in a better fuel consumption and thermal efficiency produced due to decrease of the arithmetic diameter of the fuel droplets. In addition, this effect also contributes from the surface tension and viscosity changes with temperature [19] . Generally, emissions produced was lower for CO, CO 2 , HC and smoke. CO emissions was reduced due to few reasons; high O 2 content that could promotes better combustion process and heating effect that lower the viscosity and consequently improves the oxidation of biodiesel in the cylinder [13, 21] . Meanwhile, the NO x production was observed higher for the preheated fuel due to improved spray characterictics, better combustion due to high O 2 content and higher gas temperature in the cylinder as a results of increase in fuel inlet temperature.

In addition, this effect also contributes from the surface tension and viscosity changes with temperature.

CO emissions was reduced due to few reasons; high O 2 content that could promotes better combustion process and heating effect that lower the viscosity and consequently improves the oxidation of biodiesel in the cylinder.


Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have many potential applications, including space, defence, agriculture, mining and construction. Most unmanned ground vehicles are currently controlled by teleoperation. Tele-operation requires continuous and repetitive human intervention, which hampers the speed of the vehicle and the range of potential applications (Zweiri, et al., 2004) . Further, they have problems due to bandwidth limitations and communication time delays of the transmission link. Increased autonomy of ground vehicles will not only improve the safety of the operators and but also increase the range of potential applications.

Tele-operation requires continuous and repetitive human intervention, which hampers the speed of the vehicle and the range of potential applications.


Recently, significant research has been performed on the development of nonlinear analysis tools for computing regions of attraction, reachability sets, input-output gains, and robustness with respect to uncertainty for nonlinear polynomial systems (Tan, 2006; Tan et al., 2008; Topcu et al., 2007 Topcu et al., , 2008 Chiang and Thorp, 1989; Davison and Kurak, 1971; Genesio et al., 1985; Tibken, 2000; Tibken and Fan, 2006; Vannelli and Vidyasagar, 1985; Parrilo, 2000) . These tools make use of polynomial sum-of-squares optimization (Parrilo, 2000) . These tools can only be applied to the dynamics described by polynomial vector field . These techniques offer great potential to bridge the gap in the flight control validation process.

Recently, significant research has been performed on the development of nonlinear analysis tools for computing regions of attraction, reachability sets, input-output gains, and robustness with respect to uncertainty for nonlinear polynomial systems.

These tools make use of polynomial sum-of-squares optimization.


Safety critical flight systems require extensive validation prior to entry into service. Validation of the flight control system is becoming more dif-ficult due to the increased use of advanced flight control algorithms, e.g. adaptive flight controls. NASA's Aviation Safety Program (AvSP) aims to reduce the fatal (commercial) aircraft accident rate by 90% by 2022 (Heller et al., 2003) . A key challenge in achieving this goal is the need for extensive validation and certification tools for the flight systems. The current certification and validation procedure involves analytical, simulation-based and experimental techniques (Heller et al., 2003) . Current practice is to assess the closed-loop stability and performance characteristics of the aircraft flight control system around numerous trim conditions using linear analysis tools.

NASA's Aviation Safety Program (AvSP) aims to reduce the fatal (commercial) aircraft accident rate by 90% by 2022.

The current certification and validation procedure involves analytical, simulation-based and experimental techniques.


The boosted decision tree classifier has-apart from good performance results-further benefits: it is a fast classification algorithm with a simple structure and is therefore easy to implement. These benefits are especially important for activity monitoring applications since they are usually running on mobile, portable systems for everyday usage; thus, the available computational power is limited. Previous work showed the feasibility of using boosted decision tree classifiers for activity recognition on a mobile platform [27] . Moreover, boosting decision trees has been widely and successfully used in other research fields, e.g. recently in multi-task learning [7] . Therefore, considering all the above-mentioned benefits, this work focuses on using boosting, and in particular boosted decision tree classifiers for physical activity monitoring.

Previous work showed the feasibility of using boosted decision tree classifiers for activity recognition on a mobile platform.

Moreover, boosting decision trees has been widely and successfully used in other research fields, e.g. recently in multi-task learning.


University education is considered as a major consumer of modern technology as well as the regional and international changes in the areas of teaching, learning styles, scientific research and quality of education. This need to implement technological innovations is directed towards investment of knowledge and research to develop human resources, satisfy social needs and create new specialties to face challenges in the modern era. The need for faculty training based on the use of innovative technology has emerged to enhance their abilities to face the demands of the labor market and employ quality standards of education in general and in their areas of specializations in particular (Altschuld and Kumar, 2002) .

The need for faculty training based on the use of innovative technology has emerged to enhance their abilities to face the demands of the labor market and employ quality standards of education in general and in their areas of specializations in particular.


On the other hand, in the presence of a nonzero right electron chemical potential, µ eR = 0, the Chern-Simons (CS) term ∼ µ eR B Y Y arises in the effective Lagrangian for the hypercharge field Y µ [3] [4] [5] . It modifies the Maxwell equation in SM with parity violation producing additional pseudovector current J 5 ∼ µ eR B Y in a plasma. It is this current which leads to the important α Y -helicity parameter in a modified Faraday equation. This parameter appears to be scalar. We remind that the standard magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) parameter, which is generated by vortices in plasma, α MHD ∼ − v·(∇×v) /3, is pseudoscalar. Obviously in the isotropic early Universe such vortices are absent, at least, at large scales we consider here.

On the other hand, in the presence of a nonzero right electron chemical potential, µ eR = 0, the Chern-Simons (CS) term ∼ µ eR B Y Y arises in the effective Lagrangian for the hypercharge field Y µ.

This parameter appears to be scalar.


While the AFM measurements (Fig. 1) provide a surface appearance and a foundation for further mathematical processing, the SEM image (Fig. 2) shows the inner structure corresponding to AlN growth in cross-section. Different nano-asperities with a specific height probability distribution and asperity curvature for different asperity sizes are distributed over the 3-D surface of all the samples. The results show that there is an interdependence between the temperature of a substrate during deposition process and film morphology. Also, there is a connection between 3-D surface roughness parameters and the film texture (Table 1) since the texture could be considered as a measure of surface roughness [51] .

Also, there is a connection between 3-D surface roughness parameters and the film texture (Table 1) since the texture could be considered as a measure of surface roughness.


Lime is a common amendment material for enhancing the composting process and reducing the bioavailability of HMs to plants [6] . In India, about 0.75 million tonnes of lime sludge are generated per year during acetylene production [7] . The present study investigated the combined effects of waste lime in rotary drum composting in the immobilization of HMs.

Lime is a common amendment material for enhancing the composting process and reducing the bioavailability of HMs to plants.

In India, about 0.75 million tonnes of lime sludge are generated per year during acetylene production.


Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has been used widely for treating heavily polluted wastewaters due to its capacity for HM accumulation, but the economic disposal of water hyacinths used after wastewater treatment remains a problem [2] . Composting in rotary drums is a highly promising technique for converting biomass into well stabilized organic matter [1] . A high HM content in the final compost and vermicompost of water hyacinth is the major limitation in improving soil quality, and hence plant and human health [3, 4] . The application of such compost to agricultural fields is problematic due to the ease of transfer of HMs from compost to soil, to plant and then to humans. The bioavailability of HMs to plants depends on their different fractions or ways of binding, rather than on their total concentrations [5] .

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has been used widely for treating heavily polluted wastewaters due to its capacity for HM accumulation, but the economic disposal of water hyacinths used after wastewater treatment remains a problem.

Composting in rotary drums is a highly promising technique for converting biomass into well stabilized organic matter.

A high HM content in the final compost and vermicompost of water hyacinth is the major limitation in improving soil quality, and hence plant and human health.

The bioavailability of HMs to plants depends on their different fractions or ways of binding, rather than on their total concentrations.


An alternative approach is the use of pyrometers. Pyrometers provide a completely non-invasive method for measuring and/or controlling the temperature of a test piece by measuring the amount of thermal radiation emitted from the surface of the material. Accuracy of the temperature measurement is related to the spot size and position of the pyrometer's focal point. The smallest focal point possible is required to obtain the most accurate temperature measurements, since any angular deflection of the beam from the surface of the specimen may result in measurement inaccuracy. Additionally the spectral range of the pyrometer must surpass the T min and T max of the desired temperatures as inaccuracies become apparent within close proximity to the pyrometer's temperature range capabilities [8] .

Additionally the spectral range of the pyrometer must surpass the T min and T max of the desired temperatures as inaccuracies become apparent within close proximity to the pyrometer's temperature range capabilities.


Ensuring the TC wire diameter is as small as possible, using individual and not beaded TCs and providing additional thermal contact by wrapping TC wire around the test piece are all measures that can be taken to minimise the severity of the technique [9] . However despite all these measures, spot-welded TCs will induce a cold-spot, hence a surface defect and a resulting crack initiation site [3] . It is therefore not recommended that TCs be spot welded in the test piece gauge section [2] .

Ensuring the TC wire diameter is as small as possible, using individual and not beaded TCs and providing additional thermal contact by wrapping TC wire around the test piece are all measures that can be taken to minimise the severity of the technique.

However despite all these measures, spot-welded TCs will induce a cold-spot, hence a surface defect and a resulting crack initiation site.

It is therefore not recommended that TCs be spot welded in the test piece gauge section.


Additional complications arise when considering the traditional methods by which temperature is measured and usually controlled under dynamic high temperature cycles. A recommendation is that temperature control may be carried out using spot welded thermocouples (TCs) at the specimen shoulder (or still in the parallel length, but outside the gauge section) for heating and cooling rates up to 10°C/s [2] . The authors have found the accuracy and practicality of such a technique under rapid dynamic thermal cycles to be questionable, particularly in specimens with a long parallel gauge section, where large distances exist between the material under investigation (between the extensometer arms in a strain controlled tests) and the TC location on the test piece shoulder.

A recommendation is that temperature control may be carried out using spot welded thermocouples (TCs) at the specimen shoulder (or still in the parallel length, but outside the gauge section) for heating and cooling rates up to 10°C/s.


However, provided a stable oxide layer and thus a constant surface emissivity can be achieved, the high temperature preexposure and the resultant oxide formation can influence the fatigue life of the test piece [16] . A reduction in fatigue life occurs for some alloys subjected to pre-test temperatures ≥ 500°C [17] . The reductions in fatigue life can be a direct result from surface oxide scale cracking in combination with increased crack growth rates resulting from an enhanced susceptibility to intergranular cracking [17] [18] . This effect was investigated on two Ni-base superalloys in the temperature range 650-704°C for exposures of 100 to ≥ 1000h [17] . The investigation concluded that pre exposure increased scatter in the results and reduced fatigue life by up to 70% compared to unexposed specimens.

However, provided a stable oxide layer and thus a constant surface emissivity can be achieved, the high temperature preexposure and the resultant oxide formation can influence the fatigue life of the test piece.

A reduction in fatigue life occurs for some alloys subjected to pre-test temperatures ≥ 500°C.

The reductions in fatigue life can be a direct result from surface oxide scale cracking in combination with increased crack growth rates resulting from an enhanced susceptibility to intergranular cracking.

This effect was investigated on two Ni-base superalloys in the temperature range 650-704°C for exposures of 100 to ≥ 1000h.


As an example, consider type IIB string theory compactified on T 6 . There are 70 scalars parametrizing the moduli space E 7(7) /SU (8) . At least two of these scalars -those coming from dualizing the NS-NS and RR 2-forms -arise in the manner we have described.

There are 70 scalars parametrizing the moduli space E 7(7) /SU.


In this paper we are concerned with analytical solution of the equations for large deflection of initially straight, weightless, uniformly isotropic, linear elastic beam subject to end load which was in 1972 purposed by Reissner (Reissner, 1972) . The theory behind these equations enhanced the well-known Euler-Bernoulli large-deflections beam theory with starching and shearing strain. For convenience we will call a beam which fit this extend theory the Reissner's beam, although the equations are formally identical to the equations, which can be obtained from the planar Cosserat beams theory by assuming linear constitutive relations (Antman, 2005) .

In this paper we are concerned with analytical solution of the equations for large deflection of initially straight, weightless, uniformly isotropic, linear elastic beam subject to end load which was in 1972 purposed by Reissner.

For convenience we will call a beam which fit this extend theory the Reissner's beam, although the equations are formally identical to the equations, which can be obtained from the planar Cosserat beams theory by assuming linear constitutive relations.


In the United States, a consortium of teachers, education experts and CEOs of the technological companies preoccupied with the occupations of future prepared a framework report entitled as "21 st century skills" in 2011. This framework sets out what knowledge, skills and competencies students will need to be successful in their future business life and to become a model citizen in a democratic system. In the US, the educational community and business circles highly appreciated the report of 21 st century skills framework and called for schools to equip their students with qualifications such as problem solving, creativity, innovation, critical thinking, information and communication technology literacy, so that they can be prepared for the business world of future (Aydeniz, 2017) .

In the US, the educational community and business circles highly appreciated the report of 21 st century skills framework and called for schools to equip their students with qualifications such as problem solving, creativity, innovation, critical thinking, information and communication technology literacy, so that they can be prepared for the business world of future.


The skills needed by people in the 21 st century in terms of professional life, citizenship and self-actualization are highly different from the ones needed in the 20 th century. Adaptation of people having spent much of their life in the 20 th century to the 21 st century can be challenging as the skills of the 20 th century are different from those of the 21 st century and new information and communication technologies have emerged in the 21 st century. For example, the work done by people, as opposed to the work done by machines, constantly changes as computers and telecommunications develop (Dede, 2009) . Preparation of the students of the 21st century for adaptation to professional life, social values and life itself is a complicated task. Globalization, technology, migration, international competition, changing markets and international environmental and political changes add a new urgency to the acquisition of the skills and knowledge needed by students to be successful in the 21 st century (Saavedra and Opfer, 2012a) . Howard Gardner states that children should now be equipped with the knowledge and skills to do the works that cannot be done by machines. This also clearly indicates the importance of 21 st century skills. Skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and cooperation will constitute some kind of "universal literacy" needed to survive in the 21 st century (Akgunduz et al., 2015) .

For example, the work done by people, as opposed to the work done by machines, constantly changes as computers and telecommunications develop.

Globalization, technology, migration, international competition, changing markets and international environmental and political changes add a new urgency to the acquisition of the skills and knowledge needed by students to be successful in the 21 st century.

Skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and cooperation will constitute some kind of "universal literacy" needed to survive in the 21 st century.


The G-band of Raman spectra of the pristine SWCNTs acquired at laser wavelength of 458 nm includes three components at 1556, 1569, and 1596 cm −1 . In the spectrum of the filled SWCNTs, the components are upshifted by 2-6 cm −1 and positioned at 1558, 1574, and 1602 cm −1 . Their relative intensities stay unchanged upon filling (Figure 4(a) ). The same trends (an upshift and unchanged relative intensity of components) are observed in the G-band of Raman spectra of filled nanotubes obtained at other laser wavelengths (Figures 4(b)-4(e) ). It should be noted that the G-band of Raman spectra of the filled SWCNTs acquired at all laser wavelengths has a narrow Lorentzian shape, which is a characteristic of semiconducting SWCNTs [20] . The semiconducting profile of the G-band of the filled nanotubes testifies that SWCNTs remain in a semiconducting state upon filling.

It should be noted that the G-band of Raman spectra of the filled SWCNTs acquired at all laser wavelengths has a narrow Lorentzian shape, which is a characteristic of semiconducting SWCNTs.


In this study, BSA technique was used to identify RAPD markers linked to late blight resistance in tomato using F 2 population. An F 2 population is the earliest segregating generation available for mapping genes from the crosses and provides the greatest genetic window around the locus (Michelmore et al. 1991) . R gene was tagged based on the segregating population that were naturally infested with late blight. Initially, seeding was performed on June 1, 2009 in trays (30.5 × 45.7) cm containing peat moss and vermiculite. The trays were then kept in glasshouse with temperature set at 21.1 o C. Twelve days old seedlings were transplanted in a 50-cell tray (12.5 x 24.4 cm). Six-week-old seedlings were then transplanted in the field having loam type soil with row to row distance of 1.5 m and plant to plant distance of 45 cm. The bed was raised and covered with black plastic. Other recommended cultural practices were followed as described in Vegetable Crop Handbook, Southern US 2010. Fruits were harvested from September 9 to 18, 2009.

An F 2 population is the earliest segregating generation available for mapping genes from the crosses and provides the greatest genetic window around the locus.


Moreover, for the 5-DoF PKMs with horizontal layout, the deformation caused by the gravitational forces of the machine should not be neglected in the stiffness model since it will has great influence on the deformations of the end reference point. However, the stiffness model considering gravitational effects is an open issue to be investigated although several attempts have been made to deal with this problem [24, [38] [39] [40] . In addition, how to verify the validity of the stiffness model considering gravitational effects is also a challenging problem. This paper formulates a semi-analytical stiffness model of T5 PKM considering gravitational effects, and verifies its validity by means of the stiffness experiment. Having outlined the existing approaches and challenges in Section 1, this paper is organized as follows. The system description and inverse position analysis are addressed briefly in Section 2. Section 3 formulates the stiffness model of T5 PKM, in which the stiffness models of substructure I and II are obtained in Section 4. The stiffness experiment is carried out in Section 5 to illustrate the validity of this stiffness model. Section 6 demonstrates the stiffness analysis in the prescribed workspace and the gravitational effects to T5 PKM before the conclusions are drawn in Section 7.

However, the stiffness model considering gravitational effects is an open issue to be investigated although several attempts have been made to deal with this problem.


Wireless personal area network (WPAN) is one of the most popular applications of modern wireless technology. UWB technology is developed to reach requirements of the WPAN network using 3.1-10.6 GHz frequency band, approved by FCC [1] . In such a way, UWB antennas have received increasing attentions. Planar monopole antennas have been found as good candidates for UWB applications owing to their attractive advantages, such as wide impedance bandwidth, ease of fabrication, and acceptable radiation properties. Recently, several shaped monopole configurations, such as square, circular, elliptical, annular ring and spline shape, have been proposed for UWB applications [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . However, the UWB may cause potential interference with the existing operating bands, such as: the wireless local area network (WLAN) for IEEE802.11a operating at 5.15-5.35 and 5.725-5.825 GHz, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system covering 3.4-3.690 GHz. Therefore, band-notched performance is appreciable and necessary for avoiding potential interference in those frequency bands [7, 8] . Some studies have shown that embedding U-shaped, Y-shaped, and L-shaped slots on the patch or ground plane can be used to achieve this effect [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] . Some others suggest that adding parasitical structure or folded strips on the radiator could realize band rejection properties [14, 15] . Additionally, by adding either a resonator load or a split-ring resonator (SRR) in the antenna structure, the undesired frequencies can also be rejected [16, 17] .

UWB technology is developed to reach requirements of the WPAN network using 3.1-10.6 GHz frequency band, approved by FCC.

Recently, several shaped monopole configurations, such as square, circular, elliptical, annular ring and spline shape, have been proposed for UWB applications.

Therefore, band-notched performance is appreciable and necessary for avoiding potential interference in those frequency bands.

Some studies have shown that embedding U-shaped, Y-shaped, and L-shaped slots on the patch or ground plane can be used to achieve this effect.

Some others suggest that adding parasitical structure or folded strips on the radiator could realize band rejection properties.

Additionally, by adding either a resonator load or a split-ring resonator (SRR) in the antenna structure, the undesired frequencies can also be rejected.


This research focused on the development of student knowledge within the context of recently-developed (competence-based) learning environments in Dutch pre-vocational secondary education (PVSE). There were several reasons for conducting this study. First, during the last decades, learning environment research has grown considerably (Fraser 1998) . The context in which learning occurs and through which learning outcomes are affected has been mainly investigated in regular secondary education and in primary education. Much less attention has been paid to the context of vocational education. For example, scanning the content of 11 volumes of the Learning Environments Research journal showed that, out of more than 150 articles, 21 articles contained the word 'vocational', whereas only seven of these articles actually dealt with studies in the context of vocational education and/or with vocational learning. Because large numbers of students attend schooling in vocational education, the role of the learning environment in this context deserves more attention. Second, research into learning environments has often focused on the relation between motivational aspects of learning or student achievement and students' perceptions of the learning environment (Fraser 1998; Telli et al. 2007; Wubbels et al. 2006) . The development of knowledge, especially outside traditional subject areas such as science or mathematics, has been scarcely investigated.

First, during the last decades, learning environment research has grown considerably.

Second, research into learning environments has often focused on the relation between motivational aspects of learning or student achievement and students' perceptions of the learning environment.


We chose to focus on the particular context of The Netherlands for specific reasons. In The Netherlands, around 60% of children between 12 and 16 years of age attend prevocational secondary education schools. PVSE curricula in The Netherlands differ in the degree of difficulty (four levels running from basic to theoretical are distinguished) and in the ratio of theoretical to practical subjects. Furthermore, PVSE in The Netherlands encompasses programs in the four sectors of Care and Welfare, Technology, Business and Agriculture. Currently, students in Dutch schools for PVSE are increasingly being confronted with different forms of competence-based learning environments largely based upon social constructivist conceptions of learning. The focus of learning in such environments is on the development of competencies which are supposed to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes (Eraut 2004; Guile and Young 2003) . Some schools have advanced strongly in their development of competence-based education, while others have only implemented a few elements as yet. This opens up opportunities for studying the effects of non-traditional learning environments (Fraser 1998) .

The focus of learning in such environments is on the development of competencies which are supposed to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes.

This opens up opportunities for studying the effects of non-traditional learning environments.


In model 1, rivalry is positively related to fan attendance (t ϭ 3.75, p Ͻ .001), suggesting that it has a positive effect on the interest level or motivation of those who follow a competition. In model 2, rivalry is negatively related to the number of points scored per 100 possessions 9 (t ϭ Ϫ2.14, p Ͻ .05), which reflects increased defensive efficiency (Pomeroy, 2005) . Model 3 examined another measure of efficiency, field goal percentage, and revealed a similar, marginally negative, association with rivalry (t ϭ Ϫ1.81, p ϭ .07). Thus, defensive efficiency tends to be higher in games between fierce rivals than in games between mild rivals or nonrivals. These results, however, can also be viewed as reflecting decreased offensive efficiency, as offensive and defensive efficiency are perfectly confounded at the game level. Therefore, we analyzed the frequency of steals and blocked shots, which provide more distinct indicators of defensive activity. As shown in model 4, the coefficient for steals, although in the expected direction, did not achieve significance (t ϭ 1.05, n.s.). However, we did find a significant and positive association between rivalry and the number of blocked shots (t ϭ 1.99, p Ͻ .05; model 5).

In model 2, rivalry is negatively related to the number of points scored per 100 possessions 9 (t ϭ Ϫ2.14, p Ͻ .05), which reflects increased defensive efficiency.


In a previous work, we proposed the use of a source and sink pair model to mathematically describe the fluidic aspect of an optofluidic lens [10] . In this optofluidic lens, the direction of the flow channel coincides with the axis of a circular chamber where the lens is hydrodynamically formed. This paper presents a new design with inlet and outlet channels placed with an offset to the axis of a circular chamber as illustrated in figure 1 . The purpose of this design is to shift the inlet and outlet away from the centre of the circular chamber. With this measure, the curvature of the upper interface can overcome the restriction of the chamber geometry and achieve a maximum value. Therefore, this method promises to shorten the focal length and thus reinforce the focusing ability. In this paper, we first establish a model to describe the fluidic aspect of our new design and consequently derive the relationship between the flow rate ratio and the curvature of the interface. The interface of the lens is demonstrated to have a perfect arc shape. The experiment also verifies that our theory can mathematically pre-define the shape of the optofluidic lens. Finally, benzyl alcohol and ethylene glycol were used to form the lens and to test the tunability of its focal length; the focusing ability of the lens is also demonstrated.

In a previous work, we proposed the use of a source and sink pair model to mathematically describe the fluidic aspect of an optofluidic lens.


The multiway analysis conducted on this study displayed a significant relative effect of the abutment height on the marginal bone loss: Implants with longer abutments (>5 mm) appeared to have minimal bone resorption. It has been hypothesized that an abutment with a height <2 mm does not provide sufficient soft tissue for establishing the peri-implant biologic width [28] . The establishment of the peri-implant biologic width follows the implant placement and connective tissue attachment to the abutment. Long abutments might be associated with a thicker gingival biotype, which in turn would be more effective at preventing inflammatory infiltration.

It has been hypothesized that an abutment with a height <2 mm does not provide sufficient soft tissue for establishing the peri-implant biologic width.


In comparison of the CORBA and TINA models with federated binding mechanism, major differences can be found [10, 11] . First, in the CORBA or TINA architectures client-role interfaces are not explicitly presented. Both in the CORBA and TINA models, binding contract information is present in some extent, but only associated with the server side, thus implicating that only a shared controller for the communicating partners exists. Therefore, there are no facilities for noting discrepancy between client and server views of the shared interface. The client and server role interfaces should be separated from each other and the client requirements emphasised.

In comparison of the CORBA and TINA models with federated binding mechanism, major differences can be found.


The evaluation of physical therapy effectiveness is usually expressed by capability of the user to perform upper limb and lower limb movements in VR and AR scenarios as results of intensive muscles activity. The muscle activity during different type of training requires the usage wearable EMG system with wet or dry electrodes. A promissory technology that permits to perform the unobtrusive body temperature variation measurement caused by muscle activity during the physical training is the thermography. It is particularly suitable to precisely map the cutaneous temperature distribution and its evolution during exercise [15] [24] . The thermography may be used for the evaluation of physical therapy effectiveness when user performs upper limb and lower limb movements for muscles training in real, VR or AR scenarios.

It is particularly suitable to precisely map the cutaneous temperature distribution and its evolution during exercise.


The conceptual importance of the classical Feynman-Kac formula stems from the fact that it links the world of operator theory (or partial differential equations) with that of probability. In particular, the semigroup of a Schrödinger operator of the form −∆ + v on L 2 (R n ) is expressed in terms of an expectation value involving the Markov process of the free operator −∆, which is nothing but the Euclidean Brownian motion in this case. Now if one perturbs −∆ + v by a magnetic field with potential θ, one has to deal with the magnetic Schrödinger operator −∆ θ + v. In this case a very important extension of the Feynman-Kac formula is given by the Feynman-Kac-Itô formula. This formula again expresses the semigroup corresponding to the latter operator through Euclidean Brownian motion, where now one has to take the (Stratonovic) stochastic line integral of θ along the Brownian motion into account [37] . Such probabilistic representations have many important physical consequences through diamagnetism, e.g., one can easily deduce that switching on a magnetic field can only lead to an increase of the ground state energy of the systems.

This formula again expresses the semigroup corresponding to the latter operator through Euclidean Brownian motion, where now one has to take the (Stratonovic) stochastic line integral of θ along the Brownian motion into account.


Incorporating sustainability aspects can be a challenge for SMEs, regarding the amount of experience within the company [10] . Studies show the importance of a strong design orientation for company success, especially for SMEs [11, 12] . Offering of a PSS requires on the one hand additional competencies for the provision of the associated services and on the other hand a better understanding of the stakeholder requirements. As the requirements now have implications on the whole product life-cycle, an integrated development of the physical product, services, and the manufacturing processes is needed. They require the collaboration of disciplines such as mechanical engineering, service engineering, and computer science for their realization [13] .

Incorporating sustainability aspects can be a challenge for SMEs, regarding the amount of experience within the company.

Studies show the importance of a strong design orientation for company success, especially for SMEs.

They require the collaboration of disciplines such as mechanical engineering, service engineering, and computer science for their realization.


Once treated with penicillin or chloramphenicol the host trypanosomatid looses the bacterium, thus generating a cured or aposymbiotic strain [5, 6, 13, 14] . Furthermore, it is possible to obtain a pure fraction of endosymbionts after cell fractioning of the host cell using sonication or immunolysis, followed by differential centrifugation in sucrose or Percoll gradients [5, [15] [16] [17] . The comparative study between symbiont-bearing and aposymbiotic strains, as well as biochemical assays with isolated bacteria have opened up new possibilities to study the endosymbiosis in trypanosomatids and to better understand the appearance of bacterial origin organelles in eukaryotic cells.

Once treated with penicillin or chloramphenicol the host trypanosomatid looses the bacterium, thus generating a cured or aposymbiotic strain.

Furthermore, it is possible to obtain a pure fraction of endosymbionts after cell fractioning of the host cell using sonication or immunolysis, followed by differential centrifugation in sucrose or Percoll gradients.


CeO 2 and UO 2 have a fluorite crystal structure, and have a similar lattice parameter and melting temperature, as presented in Table 1 [25] . Due to their similarities, CeO 2 is often used as a surrogate material to study the effects of irradiation in oxide nuclear fuels without the additional safety requirements for handling UO 2 [25] [26] [27] . In addition, limited atom probe facilities exist that can handle radiological materials. Therefore CeO 2 will be considered often to study irradiation-induced chemical changes with APT.

CeO 2 and UO 2 have a fluorite crystal structure, and have a similar lattice parameter and melting temperature, as presented in Table 1.

Due to their similarities, CeO 2 is often used as a surrogate material to study the effects of irradiation in oxide nuclear fuels without the additional safety requirements for handling UO 2.


Recently, numbers of researches regarding local path planning is increasing gradually. Artificial Potential Field (APF) is one of the path planning algorithms that widely used by most researchers in local path planning. It was first proposed by Khatib [5] . The robot will navigate in the workspace as a particle that moves under the influence of potential field generated by the target and the obstacles. The target will generate attractive potential while the obstacles produce repulsive potential to keep the robot away from the obstacles [3] . Through decades there are many researchers propose the improvement of APF to overcome the drawback from the conventional approach [6] [7] . The concept of Potential Field was then implemented in one approach entitled as Virtual Force Field (VFF). The combination of certainty grid and Potential field was used to construct the path planning for a mobile robot [8] . The improvement of this method is widely used too but certainty grid concept used for representation of (inaccurate) sensory data about obstacles and Potential Fields hinges on the principle of repulsion and attraction forces where obstacles exert repulsion force and the target exerts an attractive force on the robot [4] .

It was first proposed by Khatib.

The target will generate attractive potential while the obstacles produce repulsive potential to keep the robot away from the obstacles.

Through decades there are many researchers propose the improvement of APF to overcome the drawback from the conventional approach.

The combination of certainty grid and Potential field was used to construct the path planning for a mobile robot.

The improvement of this method is widely used too but certainty grid concept used for representation of (inaccurate) sensory data about obstacles and Potential Fields hinges on the principle of repulsion and attraction forces where obstacles exert repulsion force and the target exerts an attractive force on the robot.


Path planning can be described as the task of navigating an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). UGV is a vehicle that operates while in contact with the ground and without human presence on board. UGV can be an autonomous vehicle which is capable to sense their environment on its own or can either be remote-guided vehicle [1] . UGV is widely use in military and industry purposes to facilitate human task especially in surveillance issues [2] . An autonomous UGV must be able to reach its predetermined target position with free collision avoidance path planning. Collision avoidance is the process of directing a robot's path to overcome expected and unexpected obstacles while navigating [3] . The UGV has to generate feasible and safe trajectory from the current robot position towards goal position [4] . Local path planning navigation directly uses the sensor's information in the command that control the motion without constructing a global map. Therefore, it suits to navigate UGV in dynamic environment with the existence of moving obstacles.

UGV can be an autonomous vehicle which is capable to sense their environment on its own or can either be remote-guided vehicle.

UGV is widely use in military and industry purposes to facilitate human task especially in surveillance issues.

Collision avoidance is the process of directing a robot's path to overcome expected and unexpected obstacles while navigating.

The UGV has to generate feasible and safe trajectory from the current robot position towards goal position.


Just like synchronous circuits, the basic FSM framework is also used to model asynchronous circuits with slight modification. In case of synchronous circuits, state changes in the FSM occur only at the active edge of the register clock, irrespective of the time of change of the inputs. On the other hand, in asynchronous circuits, state changes can occur immediately after transition in the inputs. FSM used to model asynchronous circuit is called AFSM [20] . An alternative to AFSM is burst-mode (BM) state machines [20] . AFSM and BM state machine are similar from the modeling perspective; however, in case of BM state machine transitions are labeled with signal changes rather than their explicit values, which is the case in AFSMs. AFSMs and BM state machines assume that first inputs change followed by outputs and finally new state is reached. Due to the strict sequence of signal changes, all asynchronous protocols cannot be VLSI Design 3 modeled using AFSMs or BM state machines. Extended BM state machines address this modeling issue by allowing some inputs in a burst to change monotonically along a sequence of bursts rather than in a particular burst. Petri net (PN) is widely accepted modeling framework for highly concurrent systems [21] . PN models a system using interface behaviors which are represented by allowed sequence of transitions or traces. The view of an asynchronous circuit as a concurrent system makes PN based models more appropriate than AFSMs and BM state machines for their analysis and synthesis. There are several variants of PNs among which signal transition graph (STG) is generally used to model asynchronous circuits. The major reason is that the STG interprets transitions as signal transitions and specifies circuit behavior by defining casual relations among these signal transitions [22] .

FSM used to model asynchronous circuit is called AFSM.

An alternative to AFSM is burst-mode (BM) state machines.

Petri net (PN) is widely accepted modeling framework for highly concurrent systems.

The major reason is that the STG interprets transitions as signal transitions and specifies circuit behavior by defining casual relations among these signal transitions.


Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses of surgical ablation included various types of surgical techniques: classic Cox-maze procedure, under mini-thoracotomy, using cardiopulmonary bypass, on the beating heart or video-assisted thoracoscopy [12] [13] [14] [15] . However, there has been no systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the clinical outcomes of the TA technique. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to review all studies that compared the clinical outcomes of TA and CA in order to assess the efficacy and safety of TA compared with CA for the management of AF.

Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses of surgical ablation included various types of surgical techniques: classic Cox-maze procedure, under mini-thoracotomy, using cardiopulmonary bypass, on the beating heart or video-assisted thoracoscopy.


In this study Red Meranti Wood Dust (RMD) was used because its abundant sources of the furniture manufacturing. The acoustical properties (sound absorption coefficient) of the composite were determined to investigate the possibility of RMD as filler of polymer composite foams. RMD was chosen as raw material because of its availability. The acid hydrolysis treatment of wood dust mainly produces xylose from hemicelluloses, leaving a solid residue containing the cellulose and lignin fractions almost unaltered in controlled condition [12] . The remaining RMD containing acidic cellulose-lignin and RMD before acid hydrolysis treatment were tested as filler.

The acid hydrolysis treatment of wood dust mainly produces xylose from hemicelluloses, leaving a solid residue containing the cellulose and lignin fractions almost unaltered in controlled condition.


In the recent years, a number of studies have been carried to develop new materials and technologies improving the sound absorption properties [5] [6] . The sound of an industrial waste developed by using processed bamboo and oil palm frond has been tested for its sound absorption properties [7] [8] . Sound absorbing materials absorb most of the sound energy striking them and reflect very little. Therefore, sound-absorbing materials have been found to be very useful for the control of noise [9] . Materials that have high value of sound absorption coefficient are usually porous [10] . The absorption coefficient is a useful concept when using geometrical acoustic theory to evaluate the growth and decay of sound energy in a room [11] .

In the recent years, a number of studies have been carried to develop new materials and technologies improving the sound absorption properties.

The sound of an industrial waste developed by using processed bamboo and oil palm frond has been tested for its sound absorption properties.

Therefore, sound-absorbing materials have been found to be very useful for the control of noise.

Materials that have high value of sound absorption coefficient are usually porous.

The absorption coefficient is a useful concept when using geometrical acoustic theory to evaluate the growth and decay of sound energy in a room.


As the problem of hazardous noise has become serious, the demand of better environment and residential safety is increased and becomes a major requirement. From previous study, polyurethane foams composites made from palm oil were synthesized, crosslink and doped with eco natural filler of rubber waste or sawdust powder [1] [2] . As natural resources become scarce, many researchers and industries are beginning to investigate and utilize various renewable resources such as the abundant and cheap vegetable oils, which represent a major potential source of chemicals [3] [4] .

From previous study, polyurethane foams composites made from palm oil were synthesized, crosslink and doped with eco natural filler of rubber waste or sawdust powder.

As natural resources become scarce, many researchers and industries are beginning to investigate and utilize various renewable resources such as the abundant and cheap vegetable oils, which represent a major potential source of chemicals.


The structure of a traditional railway is typically constituted of steel rails fastened to the sleepers, and laid on a coarse rocky material, i.e., the ballast. Railway ballast can be defined as a homogeneously graded material coming from the crushing of hard rocks or, seldom, of coarse gravel with small-sized particles sieved out. A railway track bed structure made of ballast aggregate particles is typically laid on the subgrade directly. In some configurations, a filter layer between the ballast and the subgrade, i.e., the sub-ballast, is also included. This is manufactured by smaller-sized soil materials, such as sand or gravel. Typically, the thickness of a track bed structure ranges between 0.45 m and 0.75 m. From a structural and operational point of view, the ballast/sub-ballast system accomplishes the tasks of dissipating the vertical, lateral and longitudinal stresses induced by the loads (i.e., trains passing on the rails), and draining the meteoric water by means of the high percentage of air-filled voids [1] .

Typically, the thickness of a track bed structure ranges between 0.45 m and 0.75 m. From a structural and operational point of view, the ballast/sub-ballast system accomplishes the tasks of dissipating the vertical, lateral and longitudinal stresses induced by the loads (i.e., trains passing on the rails), and draining the meteoric water by means of the high percentage of air-filled voids.