On the other hand, the SLA is a contract between the consumer and the provider. The main issue of SLAs is to provide a clear definition of the formal agreements about the service terms like performance, availability and billing. It is important that the SLA includes the obligations and actions that can be taken in the case of any violation, with clearly defined semantics between each party involved in the online contract [6] .

It is important that the SLA includes the obligations and actions that can be taken in the case of any violation, with clearly defined semantics between each party involved in the online contract.


Focus on treating established biofilms may need to shift from antibiotic to non-antibiotic therapy to effectively eradicate established biofilms. Among these modalities, were physical (laser-produced pressure waves, pulsed ultrasound) and chemical methods such as using of surfactants, which may soon replace traditional surgical techniques (Smith et al., 2011) . Researchers have also demonstrated ENT biofilm (ear, nose, and throat) prevention using many various techniques that have been shown to disrupt established biofilms, including the use of probiotics and surfactants (Free et al., 2001; Free et al., 2003; Rodriguez et al., 2004) . To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has evaluated effect of vinegar on biofilm formed by S. pyogenes isolated from recurrent tonsillitis patients.

Among these modalities, were physical (laser-produced pressure waves, pulsed ultrasound) and chemical methods such as using of surfactants, which may soon replace traditional surgical techniques.

Researchers have also demonstrated ENT biofilm (ear, nose, and throat) prevention using many various techniques that have been shown to disrupt established biofilms, including the use of probiotics and surfactants.


Over larger time and space scales, environmental conditions in the CGOA create persistent gradients in resource availability (Childers et al. 2005; Strom et al. 2006) . These gradients will influence microzooplankton grazing through their effects on phytoplankton community composition. Our data show that small phytoplankton are more likely than large to be grazed by microzooplankton in the CGOA. Factors affecting phytoplankton cell size will therefore indirectly influence the fate of primary production. Because of their increased surface area : volume ratio, small cells tend to be competitively superior under conditions of dissolved nutrient limitation. We have identified two modes of nutrient limitation in the CGOA that are associated with gradients in phytoplankton cell size (Strom et al. 2006) . Seasonally, nitrogen limitation develops across portions of the shelf as stratification intensifies in spring and summer. Spatially, the CGOA appears governed by a persistent cross-shelf gradient in dissolved iron availability. The microzooplankton data reported here strongly support the hypothesis that a persistent cross-shelf gradient in resource availability drives the offshore ecosystem toward dominance by a low biomass of smaller cells (Fig. 6A) .

Over larger time and space scales, environmental conditions in the CGOA create persistent gradients in resource availability.

We have identified two modes of nutrient limitation in the CGOA that are associated with gradients in phytoplankton cell size.


A number of UK and European guidelines have recommended the use of therapeutic interventions for patients with RA [7] . One national guideline in the UK reported that therapeutic footwear should be available to all people with RA, if indicated [8] . In another UK study the authors reported that appropriate footwear for comfort, mobility and stability is well recognised in clinical practice but little available evidence for early RA [9] . In established RA extra-width off-the-shelf therapeutic shoes for prolonged use are indicated when other types of footwear have failed [10] . However, the level of supporting evidence is low, mainly at the 'good clinical practice' and 'expert opinion' agreement level [7] .

A number of UK and European guidelines have recommended the use of therapeutic interventions for patients with RA.

One national guideline in the UK reported that therapeutic footwear should be available to all people with RA, if indicated.

In another UK study the authors reported that appropriate footwear for comfort, mobility and stability is well recognised in clinical practice but little available evidence for early RA.

In established RA extra-width off-the-shelf therapeutic shoes for prolonged use are indicated when other types of footwear have failed.

However, the level of supporting evidence is low, mainly at the 'good clinical practice' and 'expert opinion' agreement level.


Single-mode and multi-mode polymer waveguide structures can be readily formed using standard semiconductor fabrication technology. Several techniques have been reported for the fabrication of polymer waveguides, including reactive ion etching (RIE), ion-implantation, ultra-violet (UV) laser beam scanning, and electron-beam lithography [17] . However, these techniques are high cost and often contain many complicated steps in the fabrication process. Polymer planar waveguide technology tends out to be a cost effective technology. For the fabrication of SU-8 waveguides, though the conventional UV photolithography and wetetching method can simplify the processing steps, this fabricating process is still relatively complicated [16, 18] . In fact, SU-8 is a photosensitive polymer, and its refractive index is sensitive to the thermal UV processing parameters. The SU-8 polymeric waveguides can be fabricated by thermal UV bleaching instead of wet-etching method.

Several techniques have been reported for the fabrication of polymer waveguides, including reactive ion etching (RIE), ion-implantation, ultra-violet (UV) laser beam scanning, and electron-beam lithography.

For the fabrication of SU-8 waveguides, though the conventional UV photolithography and wetetching method can simplify the processing steps, this fabricating process is still relatively complicated.


It is likely that these observations are general to systematic reviews in palliative care. We limited our investigation to reviews from the Cochrane Database published through the auspices of the Palliative Care group, but we would expect such reviews to be no worse, and perhaps better, than non-Cochrane reviews [45, 46] . The restriction to Cochrane reviews should not limit any generalisability of these findings, especially as this reasonably sized body of reviews consistently makes the same, or very similar, points.

We limited our investigation to reviews from the Cochrane Database published through the auspices of the Palliative Care group, but we would expect such reviews to be no worse, and perhaps better, than non-Cochrane reviews.


The photonic crystal nanobeam cavity is a good candidate to serve for ultrafast modulation nanoLEDs because V eff of those cavities is very small [10] - [13] . It has been reported that the V eff of nanobeam cavity can be very close to $ð 0 =2nÞ 3 , which is the limit of an optical cavity. However, the Q value of nanobeam cavity is usually extremely high ð10 5 À10 7 Þ and difficult to be varied precisely and continuously while only controlling the number of periodic air holes or the structural parameters of tapered sections. Meanwhile, V eff of the cavities would be also varied with Q value.

The photonic crystal nanobeam cavity is a good candidate to serve for ultrafast modulation nanoLEDs because V eff of those cavities is very small.


Nanolasers and nano-light-emitting diodes (nanoLEDs) have been widely investigated driven by the application of on-chip systems [1] - [6] . Recently, nanoLEDs with enhanced spontaneous emission (SpE) rate are more attractive because they open the possibility of dramatically improving the modulation bandwidth of light sources [7] . In 2011, its firstly reported in experiment that direct modulation bandwidth can reach to 10 GHz for nanoLEDs [8] . Different from nanolasers, the SpE rate in nanoLEDs can be enhanced even higher than that of the stimulated emission (StE) due to Purcell effect. Up to now, a lot of research works on nanocavities are working toward extremely high quality factor Q with ultrasmall mode volume V eff to obtain larger Purcell factor, but this is not valid for increasing the modulation bandwidth. It has been clarified that the modulation bandwidth could be dramatically increased, if V eff was as small as possible, while Q should be meticulously designed to an optimal value [9] .

Nanolasers and nano-light-emitting diodes (nanoLEDs) have been widely investigated driven by the application of on-chip systems.

Recently, nanoLEDs with enhanced spontaneous emission (SpE) rate are more attractive because they open the possibility of dramatically improving the modulation bandwidth of light sources.

In 2011, its firstly reported in experiment that direct modulation bandwidth can reach to 10 GHz for nanoLEDs.

It has been clarified that the modulation bandwidth could be dramatically increased, if V eff was as small as possible, while Q should be meticulously designed to an optimal value.


The histological appearance of hemangiomas consists of benign vascular proliferation with normal capillary and venous structure [5] . Two types have been described: cavernous and capillary. The most common type of vertebral hemangioma is the cavernous type, which is characterized by large sinusoidal spaces lined by a single layer of epithelium. The capillary type of vertebral hemangioma differs from the cavernous type only by having smaller vascular channels.

The histological appearance of hemangiomas consists of benign vascular proliferation with normal capillary and venous structure.


By examining Seoul's experience of urban redevelopment during the last 30 years, we argue that new-build gentrification is not just an attribute of the cities in the global North ruled by neoliberal 'roll-out' states (Davidson and Lees, 2010) . In other words, new-build gentrification is an endogenous process embedded in Korea's speculative urban development processes. However, Seoul's new-build gentrification is not simply a replication of new-build gentrification in the global North, but a process that reveals distinctive characteristics due to the influence of the strong developmental (and later (neo-)liberalising) state. By adopting an evolutionary approach and making use of local historical archives, government records and authors' first-hand research, this paper attempts to deliver a more in-depth, nuanced interpretation of Seoul's history of urban development and gentrification.

By examining Seoul's experience of urban redevelopment during the last 30 years, we argue that new-build gentrification is not just an attribute of the cities in the global North ruled by neoliberal 'roll-out' states.


On the other hand, nowadays there are different methods of modeling whose goal is to generate models of different multidisciplinary phenomena [13] . By using these multiphysic models, a hyperthermia system can be modeled. The challenge consists on determining the absorption power related to the temperature increase generated on the biological tissue by the applicator [14] . The modeling of hyperthermia applicators and treatments are still required due to their complexity and multidisciplinary nature.

On the other hand, nowadays there are different methods of modeling whose goal is to generate models of different multidisciplinary phenomena.

The challenge consists on determining the absorption power related to the temperature increase generated on the biological tissue by the applicator.


The primary purpose of this study was to determine the split -half and the short -term test-retest reliability of the UPSIT. Such measures provide information on the internal consistency and self-correlation of a test, as well as its stability and dependability over time. A secondary purpose was to establish whether UPSIT scores obtained by releasing the microencapsulated odorants with a pencil tip differ from those obtained by releasing them with #120 sandpaper. Earlier work using 9-point category scales noted that different release methods subtly influenced rated intensity and other psychological dimensions of microencapsulated odorants, although it was not determined if scores in a forcedchoice identification task are similarly influenced (Doty et al. , 1984a) .

Earlier work using 9-point category scales noted that different release methods subtly influenced rated intensity and other psychological dimensions of microencapsulated odorants, although it was not determined if scores in a forcedchoice identification task are similarly influenced.


In an IEEE 802.11-based wireless network where nodes have identical and omni-directional ranges, going from single-hopping to two-hop routing, increases the end-toend delay, which decreases the goodput because only one of the two hops can be active at any time because of half-duplex operation. On the other hand, throughput is increased due to the decreased propagation delay over the shorter hop. From a network point of view, both the goodput and the throughput tend to increase due to spatial reuse of the spectrum when multi-hopping is employed and transmit power control is exercised. On the other hand, some factors impair the goodput performance with multihop routing, such as bit errors that accumulate at each hop, noise in the channel, increased sensitivity to fading over shorter links, longer hops used by multi-hop routing due to lack of optimally placed relay nodes, route overhead, and route maintenance [7] . Moreover, the goodput and throughput performances are affected by MAC-related issues such as carrier sensing, collisions, and retransmissions [8] . For example, the underlying mechanisms that increase collisions and retransmissions are different with single-hop and multi-hop routing: the main factor that increases collisions and retransmissions in a dense wireless network with single-hop routing is the increased number of contending stations and hidden terminals, whereas the increased traffic causes most of the collisions with multi-hop routing [9] . Hence, when the effects of collisions and retransmissions are considered, it is not straightforward to determine which routing strategy achieves the best goodput and throughput performances. The investigation of the effect of routing on goodput and throughput performances requires an analysis incorporating the MAC behavior.

On the other hand, some factors impair the goodput performance with multihop routing, such as bit errors that accumulate at each hop, noise in the channel, increased sensitivity to fading over shorter links, longer hops used by multi-hop routing due to lack of optimally placed relay nodes, route overhead, and route maintenance.

Moreover, the goodput and throughput performances are affected by MAC-related issues such as carrier sensing, collisions, and retransmissions.

For example, the underlying mechanisms that increase collisions and retransmissions are different with single-hop and multi-hop routing: the main factor that increases collisions and retransmissions in a dense wireless network with single-hop routing is the increased number of contending stations and hidden terminals, whereas the increased traffic causes most of the collisions with multi-hop routing.


The purpose of this paper is to report in detail on a formalism to incorporate QCD NLO corrections in both production and decay, in a manner which is easily extensible to other top-production processes. We shall keep only the diagrams with a resonant top quark propagator, but provide a complete NLO treatment of both production and decay stages of the calculation. In particular we will include NLO corrections in the decay of the top quark, including from the hadronic decay of the W boson if appropriate, and retain for the first time the effects of a non-zero bottom quark mass. The price for including the b-mass effects is very modest in most of the calculation, due to the simple structure of the matrix elements [19] . Although the top quark is strictly on shell, we allow the consistent inclusion of the effects of an off-shell W -boson in top decay.

The price for including the b-mass effects is very modest in most of the calculation, due to the simple structure of the matrix elements.


Considering the characteristics of SIW structure, replacing the substrate of the proposed antenna with another one, only changes the operating frequencies as a result of altering in fundamental cut off frequency. Therefore, the pattern reconfigurable characteristic of the proposed antenna is not dependent on specific substrate. Hence, due to the availability of test equipments and inexpensive FR4 substrate, prototype was fabricated on FR4 substrate to validate the proposed antenna. Obviously, if operating frequencies are altered, the number of the nulls in the far field radiation pattern vary as presented in Figure 3 . The entire structure over FR4 substrate was simulated, fabricated, and measured. Available Radant MEMS SPST-RMSW100 packaged switches were used for achieving reconfigurability. The overall outer dimension of this switch is 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm × 0.25 mm with a gold base. Copper pads with dimensions similar to the size of the switch (1.5 mm × 1.5 mm) were etched on the slot. The RF-MEMS switches glued onto the copper pads and wire are bonded to the substrate (1 mil diameter aluminum wire). The source and drain terminals of the switch are wire bonded across the slot with two wire bonds each, and the gate terminal is wire bonded to the DC isolation layer [31] . After calibrating the network analyser, reflection coefficients of the proposed antenna were measured when different combinations of the switches were activated. Figure 8 shows the fabricated proposed antenna without implementation of switches on it. It should be noted that the device was made only for the research purposes and since we had access to limited number of RF-MEMS switches than actually were needed for the antenna, in each measurement, the same switches had to be used. In other words, for each measurement the available switches were placed across the slot, and to perform the next measurement, those switches were taken out and placed on different appropriate position. This multiple usage of the available switches would require several soldering so that the final fabricated prototype was not suitable for insertion in the paper. As a result, here the fabricated prototype, without the placement of the RF-MEMS switches, is presented. The simulated and measured reflection coefficients and radiation patterns are shown in Figure 9 . In the results of the measurements, the frequencies shift between the simulated and measured reflection coefficients are attributed to the fabrication accuracy, particularly to the substrate used in fabrication and precision of jointing used to join the feed and the antenna. However, measured and simulated results are in good agreement with each other which validate the simulation results.

The source and drain terminals of the switch are wire bonded across the slot with two wire bonds each, and the gate terminal is wire bonded to the DC isolation layer.


The study indicated that the pine saplings growing in the more diverse stand gained associational resistance against their sawfly herbivores via the effect of the third trophic level. This lends experimental evidence for the earlier observations in the central France, which have shown that tree mortality rates following severe sawfly defoliation are lower in mixed stands than in pure Scots pine stands (Geri 1988) . Similarly, at the landscape level, areas of pure Scots pine have experienced the most severe, the earliest, and the longest infestations (Geri 1988) . On the basis of these observations, it has been suggested that forest management should attempt to mix pines with deciduous trees, and large areas of pure pine should be avoided (Geri 1988) . Our results give probably the first experimental support for this idea, and show that stand composition has at least potential for providing resistance against sawflies, although the results should be confirmed at a larger geographical scale, with more diverse stand sizes, and with stands covering a range of developmental stages. In our stands, further support for the results was received in 2006, when the number of trees with naturally occurring sawflies was twice as large in monocultures as in pinebirch mixtures (J. Riihimäki, unpublished data) . Stand composition together with the abundance of ants and spiders was associated with the incidence of sawfly larvae and survival of sawfly eggs, but a correlative analysis suggested the underlying mechanisms may have been largely different between the two areas investigated. Ants were the only predator group that was consistently associated with the lower survival of sawfly larvae on both areas, and hence responded correspondingly to the stand composition. The role of ants as predators of sawfly larvae has been reported also previously (Olofsson 1992) . Other predator groups were negatively associated with the presence of ants, which suggests possible interference between these groups (Halaj et al. 1997) . Similar to the analysis of final survival, the analysis of the timing of survival suggested that different predators were acting on the two areas, because there was a highly significant interaction between the area and stand composition.

This lends experimental evidence for the earlier observations in the central France, which have shown that tree mortality rates following severe sawfly defoliation are lower in mixed stands than in pure Scots pine stands.

Similarly, at the landscape level, areas of pure Scots pine have experienced the most severe, the earliest, and the longest infestations.

On the basis of these observations, it has been suggested that forest management should attempt to mix pines with deciduous trees, and large areas of pure pine should be avoided.

The role of ants as predators of sawfly larvae has been reported also previously.

Other predator groups were negatively associated with the presence of ants, which suggests possible interference between these groups.


To achieve homogenous TiN coatings on the particle surfaces, particle rearrangement during the CVD process is required. On the one hand, this is due to temperature gradients inside the particle bed. On the other hand, the reaction of precursors during the flow through the particle bed leads to consumption of precursors and generation of byproducts. This in turn causes different gas mixture at different points in the particle bed. Furthermore, particle/particle and particle/wall contact points can result in uncoated surface areas and thin film growth can provoke particle agglomeration. These problems can be counteracted by rearrangement of the particles during the coating process by means of fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) [14] .

These problems can be counteracted by rearrangement of the particles during the coating process by means of fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD).


The most recent cool phase of the AMO ran from about 1962 to 1993, overlapping with the first half of the Lake Annie monthly limnological records starting in 1984, and corresponding to a time when groundwater and lake levels were lower and the lake was very clear (Fig. 1B) . The earlier AMO warm phase (1932 AMO warm phase ( -1961 is associated with a period of lower predicted water clarity (Fig. 1B) , although the fixed stage of the outlet reduces the accuracy of model predictions during periods of enhanced water delivery. This coincides with reports of the lake being very darkly stained during the 1950s and 1960s, followed by a time in the 1970s when the lake was reported to be quite clear (J. Layne unpubl.). Climate at low latitudes appears to be strongly regulated by climate cycles with effects that may be exacerbated by stochastic events such as hurricanes and tropical storms (Hanson and Maul 1991) . The interplay of deterministic trends with stochastic climate events is best exemplified in the wettest years of the limnological record for Lake Annie, when several tropical storm and hurricane events between 2002 and 2005 followed the extreme drought year of 2000 (all expected consequences of an AMO warm phase) that resulted in the most dramatic shift in transparency observed over the period of record. Although the AMO signal is detected in our record, it explains only about half the variance in transparency, possibly due to the fact that organic materials may be quickly flushed from the parched watershed during large storm events at the onset of a warm phase resulting in a CDOM load that does not persist through the subsequent period of continued high rainfall.

Climate at low latitudes appears to be strongly regulated by climate cycles with effects that may be exacerbated by stochastic events such as hurricanes and tropical storms.


In this paper we apply a hierarchical Bayesian approach for changepoint detection to the problem of estimating contact points in material indentation studies. Indentation is a popular technique for probing materials to analyze their mechanical properties and has been used to characterize a wide range of physiological systems at different scales. Applications on the microscopic scale include studying the stiffness of cells by indenting their surfaces with an atomic force microscope [1] . More recently, indentation has been used at a macroscopic level to characterize the response of liver tissue to the high strains experienced in surgical manipulation [2] . The potential exists to apply this technique to clinically diagnose tissue disease, such as cardiac hypertrophy [3] .

Applications on the microscopic scale include studying the stiffness of cells by indenting their surfaces with an atomic force microscope.

More recently, indentation has been used at a macroscopic level to characterize the response of liver tissue to the high strains experienced in surgical manipulation.

The potential exists to apply this technique to clinically diagnose tissue disease, such as cardiac hypertrophy.


An accurate determination of this initial contact point is critical for inferring material properties. Indeed, errors in contact point estimation on the order of 5 nm for a 2.7 μm sample can cause an increase of nearly 200% in the estimated Young's modulus (a material property related to stiffness) for small displacements of thin films [4] . Moreover, measuring the contact point during indentation of soft materials is often difficult or impossible (as, e.g., the contact sensors do not exist on the size scale of the experiment, or cannot operate in fluids). Instead, researchers estimate the contact point by analyzing the force and indenter position data directly.

Indeed, errors in contact point estimation on the order of 5 nm for a 2.7 μm sample can cause an increase of nearly 200% in the estimated Young's modulus (a material property related to stiffness) for small displacements of thin films.


Included within these variations is the way in which an individual may react, both behaviourally and physiologically, to that of a perceived threat or challenging occurrence. Differing responses to stress, termed coping strategies, exist on a continuum from proactive to reactive (Koolhaas et al., 1999) . More proactive individuals attempt to exert control by eliminating the stressor, or removing themselves from the source of stress. Reactive strategies are characterised by freeze responses, emotional blunting and unresponsiveness (Koolhaas et al., 1999) . Despite more active behavioural responses to stress in proactive individuals, reactive individuals are known to have more pronounced physiological responses to stress .

Differing responses to stress, termed coping strategies, exist on a continuum from proactive to reactive.

Reactive strategies are characterised by freeze responses, emotional blunting and unresponsiveness.


A C C E P T E D M A N U S C R I P T Correct interpretation of stress-induced behaviour is critical for animal welfare (Cook et al., 2000) . However, individual differences may confound behavioural measures of stress. Consistent individual differences in behaviour are stable across time and contexts and are mediated by physiological differences .

A C C E P T E D M A N U S C R I P T Correct interpretation of stress-induced behaviour is critical for animal welfare.


Horses are prey animals and have developed functionally adaptive fear and related flight responses, resulting in increased species fitness ). Novel objects, situations and sounds may all induce fear and illicit the motivation to flee (McLean and McGreevy, 2010) . Routine procedures such as veterinary intervention, clipping, farriery, loading and travelling, training and aversive objects may trigger this response. As practitioners within the equine industry rely primarily on behaviour when determining whether an individual is coping with a stressor, incorrect interpretation of behaviour presents a potentially significant welfare compromise and may risk human safety.

Novel objects, situations and sounds may all induce fear and illicit the motivation to flee.


A sample of 46 privately owned horses (26 geldings and 20 mares) were sourced from Hartpury College liveries. Age of subjects ranged between 3 -20 years (mean = 9.33 ± 4.20) and subjects were of mixed breeds. Subjects were housed and managed as per owner preferences on a large livery yard. In general, subjects were provided forage three times a day with hard-feed dependent on workload and nutritional requirements and constant access to fresh water. They were individually stabled with a minimum of 1 hour of exercise each day but limited turn-out at the time of testing. The current study took place within the indoor holding arena at Hartpury College Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire (UK) during October 2016. Testing took place in the subject's home environment to reduce the effect of environmental novelty (Wolff et al., 1997) . Subjects were handled in their own headcollar and a long lead rope was provided. Headcollars with inbuilt pressure mechanisms were not permitted.

Testing took place in the subject's home environment to reduce the effect of environmental novelty.


The property of producing large bending moment and active strain by relatively low actuating voltage has made IPMC attractive for both active and hybrid (strain-dependent) damping applications. Performance of a flexible link is always limited by the generation of parasitic vibration due to its low stiffness. Various passive, active and combined damping schemes have been proposed in the past to restrain such vibration within desired limits. Smart piezoelectric materials have been used successfully for controlling vibration of a single link and multi-link system [1] [2] [3] . The piezoelectric actuators are modeled as a coupled system integrated with the host link. Application of control voltage in such piezoelectric actuators is shown to generate end moments about the neutral axis of the link at the two end points of the actuator [4] . Often due to the limitations of availability of high power, active constraint layer strategies are adopted wherein the frequency-dependent viscoelastic layers are actively deformed by piezoelectric layers. It is observed that about 5% damping factor could be achieved for a flexible link of slenderness ratio about 120 [5] . Similar strategies are adopted while controlling vibration using a magnetostrictive (Terfenol-D) actuator. Here the active strain is generated by a changing magnetic field around the smart actuator. A combined passive and active damping scheme using a combination of layers of ferromagnetic (passive) and smart (active) magnetostrictive material in hybrid mode has been proposed to control vibration [6] . In comparison to the piezoelectric material mostly used, electro-active polymers require control voltages of around 3-5 V while piezoelectric actuators normally require around 200-500 V. This eliminates the extra mass associated with power electronics, making ionic polymers a lightweight alternative. Also due to high brittleness, PZT actuators are manufactured in relatively small dimensions and may lead to breakdown under fatigue loading. An advantage of ionic polymers over PVDF is that they are more compliant and sensitive to the change of applied strain.

Smart piezoelectric materials have been used successfully for controlling vibration of a single link and multi-link system.

Application of control voltage in such piezoelectric actuators is shown to generate end moments about the neutral axis of the link at the two end points of the actuator.

It is observed that about 5% damping factor could be achieved for a flexible link of slenderness ratio about 120.

A combined passive and active damping scheme using a combination of layers of ferromagnetic (passive) and smart (active) magnetostrictive material in hybrid mode has been proposed to control vibration.


Kenya has limited data on the magnitude and predictors of injuries. The little available data is limited in geographical scope and no assessments have been carried out on a national scale. Furthermore, while some studies have focused on mortality estimates there has been less emphasis placed on morbidity due to injuries [9] [10] [11] [12] . Currently, no population-based survey has been conducted as existing studies have been conducted in a hospital setting. Studies conducted in hospital settings lack representativeness as the severe cases tend to be captured more and it is difficult to ascertain the community population at risk [13] .

Furthermore, while some studies have focused on mortality estimates there has been less emphasis placed on morbidity due to injuries.

Studies conducted in hospital settings lack representativeness as the severe cases tend to be captured more and it is difficult to ascertain the community population at risk.


The problem with most adaptive algorithms is that they need to accurately know the signal at each element in the array in order to form the estimate of the signal correlation matrix [3] . Errors in the signal path cause corresponding errors in the correlation matrix that result in adaptive weights that do not place the desired nulls in the sidelobes. Consequently, extensive array calibration and compensation schemes are required in order to equalize path lengths and signal strengths at the elements [4] .

The problem with most adaptive algorithms is that they need to accurately know the signal at each element in the array in order to form the estimate of the signal correlation matrix.

Consequently, extensive array calibration and compensation schemes are required in order to equalize path lengths and signal strengths at the elements.


Since setting the amplitudes at each element equal to zero minimizes the output power, amplitude weight constraints are necessary for a practical adaptive antenna system. An alternative to nulling with amplitude weights that preserves the quiescent amplitude taper is phase-only nulling [9] . Even though phase-only nulling cannot zero the amplitude weights, it can set half the elements out of phase with the other half in order to form a null in the middle of the main beam and reject the desired signal. Limiting the phase by using only the least significant bits in the phase shifters has been suggested as a solution to this problem [10] . Another approach, called partial adaptive nulling, limits the nulling of the desired signal by making only a subset of the elements in the array adaptive [11] . This approach limits the damage to the main beam while allowing nulls to be placed in the sidelobes.

An alternative to nulling with amplitude weights that preserves the quiescent amplitude taper is phase-only nulling.

Limiting the phase by using only the least significant bits in the phase shifters has been suggested as a solution to this problem.

Another approach, called partial adaptive nulling, limits the nulling of the desired signal by making only a subset of the elements in the array adaptive.


An adaptive array manipulates the antenna pattern using amplitude and phase weighting of the element signals in order to receive the desired signal entering the main beam while placing nulls in the directions of the interfering signals entering the sidelobes. Most adaptive nulling algorithms require an estimate of the signal correlation matrix in order to find the adapted weights [1] . These algorithms are based upon the Wiener Hopf solution and find the adaptive weights by optimizing a performance measure like signal to noise ratio. Eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the autocorrelation matrix indicate the number, locations, and strengths of the signals incident on the array [2] .

Most adaptive nulling algorithms require an estimate of the signal correlation matrix in order to find the adapted weights.

Eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the autocorrelation matrix indicate the number, locations, and strengths of the signals incident on the array.


As a first step in the study of tridymite formation, several experiments have been performed by heating ex situ at various temperatures and by analysing the products, as described in Section 2. It was already known that, by simply heating all the quartz samples, only cristobalite would form [7] . It was also well known (see the Section 1 for more details) that mineralisers, such as sodium or potassium ions could influence the reactivity, so that other polymorphs (e.g. tridymite) form during the heating or cooling stage.

It was already known that, by simply heating all the quartz samples, only cristobalite would form.


Here is an illustrative example. In a "Moroccan" reverse correlation task, participants repeatedly select from two random variations of faces the most Moroccan-looking face (Dotsch, Wigboldus, Langner, & Van Knippenberg, 2008) . Moroccans are a stigmatised outgroup in The Netherlands, associated with criminality (Coenders, Lubbers, Scheepers, & Verkuyten, 2008; Verkuyten & Zaremba, 2005) . If participants happen to select those faces that look a bit more criminal, the resulting CIs will visualise this bias and look more criminal than CIs of participants who do not have this bias. There is no mention of criminality in the task. The only concept mentioned is the category of interest (here: Moroccan). Any information encoded into the CI is used spontaneously in the process of deciding which of the two faces is more Moroccan-looking. Importantly, if participants spontaneously use information on a dimension that researchers did not expect a priori (e.g., competence information), the CI will reflect that dimension, whether or not the researcher is interested in it.

Here is an illustrative example.

In a "Moroccan" reverse correlation task, participants repeatedly select from two random variations of faces the most Moroccan-looking face.

Moroccans are a stigmatised outgroup in The Netherlands, associated with criminality.


Ro-FSO is a promising technology for increasing broadband penetration, enabling transmission of multiple RF signals via a high-speed optical carrier without expensive optical fiber cabling *Address correspondence to this author at the Integrated Optics Group, School of Computing, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia; Tel: +604 928 4000; Fax: +604-928 5067; E-mail: angela@uum.edu.my or licensing for RF solutions. Ro-FSO harness merits of both radio-over-fiber (RoF) and freespace-optics (FSO) technologies. In FSO links, transportation of signals is carried out through the atmosphere instead of an expensive optical fiber, thus eliminating the need for costly cabling of fiber optics in sparsely-populated rural areas. Another main advantage of FSO is that contrary to RF communications, no license is required for transmission in FSO [2] . Thirdly, in some rural areas where current wireless radio technology are inaccessible such as hilly terrains and areas far from radio base stations, FSO technology may be integrated with existing mobile cellular radio technology to promote more rapid deployment of a ubiquitous wireless architecture. Although FSO guarantees high speed data rates, there are some challenges such as scintillations, and atmospheric turbulences which need to be addressed in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the FSO link [3] [4] . Hence by integration of RoF to FSO, referred to as Ro-FSO, a ubiquitous platform for seamless integration with RF wireless networks may extend the achievable capacity of current wireless networks rapidly and cost effectively [5] .

Another main advantage of FSO is that contrary to RF communications, no license is required for transmission in FSO.

Although FSO guarantees high speed data rates, there are some challenges such as scintillations, and atmospheric turbulences which need to be addressed in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the FSO link.

Hence by integration of RoF to FSO, referred to as Ro-FSO, a ubiquitous platform for seamless integration with RF wireless networks may extend the achievable capacity of current wireless networks rapidly and cost effectively.


The data of the present study elaborate that HAuCl 4 solutions exhibit two different patterns, one at a concentration below 1 mM and other with molarities higher than or equal to 1 mM with respect to TA/HAuCl 4 . With increasing concentration of HAuCl 4 , a general decrease in the size of GNPs is observed whereas the sizes obtained for HAuCl 4 molarities greater than 1 mM present a different pattern; as the concentration of chloroauric acid increased, a general increase in the size of as-synthesized GNPs is observed. GNPs synthesized from HAuCl 4 concentrations below 0.8 mM exhibit a minimum in their size at the ratio 4:1 followed by an increase in size which further levels off beyond the ratio 8:1. However, this trend is not followed by the size of GNPs synthesized above 1 mM concentration wherein except for a minimal saturation from ratios 10:1 to 12:1 for 2 mM concentration, all other gold solutions with molarities less than 2 mM exhibit a general pattern of first decrease in size, reaching a minimum and then increase in diameters as a function of TA/HAuCl 4 ratios. So, from the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the higher ionic strength as a result of high molarities of HAuCl 4 leave a significant impact on the size of gold nanoparticles obtained. Moreover, the findings demonstrated in the present study are very much similar to those reported earlier for gold nanoparticles synthesized using citrate under higher concentrations of gold chloride [22] . Hence, it can be said that TA behaves similar to citrate in controlling the GNP size when higher concentrations of HAuCl 4 are used. TA may render a "similar" effect since it behaves as a reducing and stabilizing agent in GNP synthesis as citrate does but the effect might not be "same" owing to the greater aggressiveness of TA as a reductant than citrate.

Moreover, the findings demonstrated in the present study are very much similar to those reported earlier for gold nanoparticles synthesized using citrate under higher concentrations of gold chloride.


Modern Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) offer a tantalizing combination of general programmability, high peak operation throughput, and high energy efficiency. However, despite increasing hardware flexibility and software programming toolchain maturity, high efficiency GPU programming remains difficult. Only a small number of programmers can efficiently map new applications to GPUs, and even then the process often suffers from high complexity and low productivity. Thus, in practice, the bulk of high-performance, highefficiency GPU code resides inside highly tuned libraries for a few [ Copyright notice will appear here once 'preprint' option is removed.] specific tasks. Further, such libraries are generally tuned for only a small subset of GPUs -typically only those from a single vendor. Recently, interest in machine learning (ML) in general, and neural networks (NNs) in particular, has increased greatly. Deep neural networks (DNNs) are emerging as the primary approach for challenging applications in computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and human action recognition [1] .

Deep neural networks (DNNs) are emerging as the primary approach for challenging applications in computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and human action recognition.


In all high-temperature processes, radiation is dominant mode of heat transfer [1] . In contemporary three-dimensional mathematical models of combustion systems, the following models of thermal radiation are usually used: six-flux model (SFM), discrete ordinates model (DOM), spherical harmonics model (SHM), discrete transfer model (DTM), Monte Carlo model (MCM), and Hottel's zonal model (HZM) [2] [3] [4] . One of the main characteristics of the radiation model is its accuracy of determination of radiative energy source term and radiative wall fluxes.

In all high-temperature processes, radiation is dominant mode of heat transfer.

In contemporary three-dimensional mathematical models of combustion systems, the following models of thermal radiation are usually used: six-flux model (SFM), discrete ordinates model (DOM), spherical harmonics model (SHM), discrete transfer model (DTM), Monte Carlo model (MCM), and Hottel's zonal model (HZM).


The hypothesis of the presence of life on Mars was advanced in 1984, when American researchers found a small meteorite, weighing 8 kg and 20 cm in diameter, on the Allan Hills in the Transantarctic Range. Initially the fragment, named ALH84001, was assigned as a 'diogenite ': a kind of igneous meteorite, a sliver of the Vesta asteroid. Finally, in 1993, David McKay, a NASA biochemist, declared that the meteorite was, in fact, a Martian fragment which dated back 4.5 billion years, and he proposed its biological origin (McKay et al. 1996) . Some years later, McKay's hypothesis was refuted by other NASA research teams and in 2001 was definitively put aside for several reasons : the identification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (IPA) on the meteorite was regarded as environmental contamination; the micro-rings on its surface seemed so small as to be completely unlike any form of terrestrial bacteria ; the signs of loadstone incorporated in the meteorite's carbonatic matter were artificially reproduced in laboratory and, therefore, they were considered as inadequate evidence ).

Finally, in 1993, David McKay, a NASA biochemist, declared that the meteorite was, in fact, a Martian fragment which dated back 4.5 billion years, and he proposed its biological origin.


NASA's latest Rover Exploration Mission (REM, employing rovers 'Opportunity ' and 'Spirit '), has captured, from 2004 until now, the Mars landscape of Meridiani Planum and Gusev Crater, recording macroscopic (PanCam) and microscopic (MI) imagery. The pictures of the Mars outcrops brings forth once again an old problem, further emphasized by the presence on the Martian ground of several blue-coloured spherules, which Steve Squyres, team leader of NASA's mission, nicknamed 'blueberries ' (Fig. 1 ). Squyres himself, in NASA's press conference of March 2, 2004, advanced two hypotheses : the Aeolian-sedimentary origin of the subcrops of Meridiani Planum and the concretionary nature of the spherules (Squyres et al. 2004) .

Squyres himself, in NASA's press conference of March 2, 2004, advanced two hypotheses : the Aeolian-sedimentary origin of the subcrops of Meridiani Planum and the concretionary nature of the spherules.


Uncertainties in future market conditions affect the decisions on investments in process integration measures for increased energy efficiency. Investment alternatives that would be profitable might not be realized without a well-founded method to model the uncertainties. Therefore, we have developed a methodology to optimize process integration investments under uncertainty (Svensson, E. et al., 2008b) . The methodology provides a five-step procedure for carrying out this optimization.

Therefore, we have developed a methodology to optimize process integration investments under uncertainty.


The vehicle suspension system is a key component of improving the ride comfort and handling stability of vehicles [1] . During the running process, the active suspension can produce an expected active control force based on the road condition, movement state, and vehicle load, so that the active suspension is always in the best working condition to improve the ride comfort and handling stability of the vehicle. Therefore, the control of active suspensions is an important development direction in the field of automobile suspension.

The vehicle suspension system is a key component of improving the ride comfort and handling stability of vehicles.


The fracture property of concrete dominates the fracture failure of concrete structures and is essential for the design and durability assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. It has been studied that concrete shows inelastic fracture behaviour at the tip of the crack due to the presence of the fracture process zone (FPZ) [1] . Researchers are interested in the characteristics of the FPZ so that the role of the FPZ in the fracture behaviour of concrete can be clarified and a constitutive law can be obtained for concrete in the post-cracking stage.

It has been studied that concrete shows inelastic fracture behaviour at the tip of the crack due to the presence of the fracture process zone (FPZ).


For hard spheres, there is a single parameter which completely determines the phase behavior at rest, the particle volume fraction φ. Hard spheres exhibit a liquid phase at volume fractions beneath 0.494, where the particles are free to diffuse and explore the whole volume available. A liquid-crystal coexistence phase is observed at volume fractions ranging from 0.494 to 0.545 and a fully crystalline structure from 0.545 to about 0.58 [9, 10] . The increase of entropy and free volume are the driving forces behind the crystallization of hard sphere colloids. The ordered crystal structure allows each particle a larger volume of motion around their lattice site in comparison to a disordered state of the same volume fraction. Even though the particles are in an ordered state, the increase of entropy due to individual motion and free volume is greater than the reduction of the total configurational entropy [9] . The crystal structures initially assembled to when left at rest are a mixture of face-centred cubic (FCC) and hexagonally close packed (HCP) regions that are randomly oriented [11] . If particles increase in polydispersity, crystallization dynamics become slower as different particles sizes are not easily accommodated in the crystal lattice. At about 10% polydispersity, the distribution of sizes is too large and crystallization is suppressed [9, 12, 13] .

A liquid-crystal coexistence phase is observed at volume fractions ranging from 0.494 to 0.545 and a fully crystalline structure from 0.545 to about 0.58.

Even though the particles are in an ordered state, the increase of entropy due to individual motion and free volume is greater than the reduction of the total configurational entropy.

The crystal structures initially assembled to when left at rest are a mixture of face-centred cubic (FCC) and hexagonally close packed (HCP) regions that are randomly oriented.

At about 10% polydispersity, the distribution of sizes is too large and crystallization is suppressed.


The localized surface plasmon resonance property of gold nanoparticles is used in several optical sensor arrangements which includes solution-based bioassays, paper-based colorimetric detection, and surface-confined nanoparticle film/array-based sensing [5] . Currently, there is a lack of spectrophotometry methods to properly measure the diameter of a protein colloidal aggregate. Here, we present a new solution-based bioassay to measure the diameter of a colloidal sphere, which is composed of aggregated lysozyme protein.

The localized surface plasmon resonance property of gold nanoparticles is used in several optical sensor arrangements which includes solution-based bioassays, paper-based colorimetric detection, and surface-confined nanoparticle film/array-based sensing.


A wide range of diseases, which include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, systemic amyloidosis, and prion-related diseases were associated with the presence of amyloid aggregates in various parts of the body. Normally, there exist two main steps for amyloid fiber formation. Firstly, amyloidogenic protein monomers aggregate to form spherical particles commonly referred to as protein colloids, which further assemble into linear fibers [1] . Although the clinical and biochemical characteristics are distinct, the common feature implicated in the pathogenesis of amyloid-related diseases is self-assembly of normally soluble proteins into amyloid aggregates (dimers, colloids, fibers). This insoluble amyloid fiber cannot be removed from the human body. This phenomenon can exist in tissue, especially in the brain, leading to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Therefore, colloids appear in the early stage of amyloid fiber formation and play an important role in amyloid fiber formation. A way to quantify the diameter of colloids is quite helpful in the understanding of amyloid fiber formation.

Firstly, amyloidogenic protein monomers aggregate to form spherical particles commonly referred to as protein colloids, which further assemble into linear fibers.


Most of these studies performed kinetic analyses based on isothermal experiments. In these cases, some isothermal experiments were measured at low temperatures (below onset temperature) and kinetic parameters were determined assuming zero-order processes [10, 27] . Therefore, a prediction of the longterm stability of ILs based on the modelling of non-isothermal TG measurements enables to reduce significantly the time required to carry out the experiment, resulting in a considerable cost reduction [23] .

In these cases, some isothermal experiments were measured at low temperatures (below onset temperature) and kinetic parameters were determined assuming zero-order processes.

Therefore, a prediction of the longterm stability of ILs based on the modelling of non-isothermal TG measurements enables to reduce significantly the time required to carry out the experiment, resulting in a considerable cost reduction.


Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic levels in many countries, especially in Asia [1] . Disabling and life threatening micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes highlights the need for optimum management [2] . Benefits of intensive glycaemic control in prevention of these complications are well recognized [3, 4] . However it has been observed that most patients do not reach the optimum level of glycaemic control despite well defined management protocols [4] . This, at least partly, is attributable to the fear of hypoglycaemia, both among patients and treating medical professionals [5] . In fact, in the ACCORD study, the higher mortality rate in the intervention arm is largely attributable to higher incidence of hypoglycaemic events due to rapid reduction of blood glucose [6] . Unpleasant symptoms of hypoglycaemia reduce patients' compliance to and confidence in treatment and discourage medical professionals in adopting aggressive treatment strategies [5] . Insulin and oral antihyperglycaemic agents, particularly those that increase insulin secretion independent of plasma glucose levels are the major causes for iatrogenic hypoglycaemia.

Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic levels in many countries, especially in Asia.

Disabling and life threatening micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes highlights the need for optimum management.

Benefits of intensive glycaemic control in prevention of these complications are well recognized.

However it has been observed that most patients do not reach the optimum level of glycaemic control despite well defined management protocols.

This, at least partly, is attributable to the fear of hypoglycaemia, both among patients and treating medical professionals.

In fact, in the ACCORD study, the higher mortality rate in the intervention arm is largely attributable to higher incidence of hypoglycaemic events due to rapid reduction of blood glucose.

Unpleasant symptoms of hypoglycaemia reduce patients' compliance to and confidence in treatment and discourage medical professionals in adopting aggressive treatment strategies.


The correct use of an inhaler involves device-specific dose preparation steps followed by the inhalation pattern appropriate to the device. The ideal pattern with a dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a full exhalation (ideally to residual volume), then a rapid and forcible inhalation (also described as ''deep and hard as you can''), followed by a breath-hold for 10 s or as long as possible [5] . Unlike standard pressurized metereddose inhalers (pMDIs), DPIs are breath-actuated so they obviate the need to co-ordinate actuation and inhalation [5] . It has been suggested that some patients experiencing an asthma exacerbation could be unable to generate the forcible inhalation required with DPIs [21] . However, the Diskus DPI (also known as the Accuhaler) is designed to facilitate ease of use, and there is some evidence to suggest that, of the DPIs, this device is associated with fewest inhaler technique errors [14, [22] [23] [24] . In a randomized study of patients with obstructive lung disease who were hospitalized for an exacerbation, the highest number of optimum inhalation profiles were observed with the Diskus (100%), followed by a pMDI with a Volumatic spacer (87%), and the lowest number with MDIs alone (14%) [24] .

The ideal pattern with a dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a full exhalation (ideally to residual volume), then a rapid and forcible inhalation (also described as ''deep and hard as you can''), followed by a breath-hold for 10 s or as long as possible.

Unlike standard pressurized metereddose inhalers (pMDIs), DPIs are breath-actuated so they obviate the need to co-ordinate actuation and inhalation.

It has been suggested that some patients experiencing an asthma exacerbation could be unable to generate the forcible inhalation required with DPIs.

However, the Diskus DPI (also known as the Accuhaler) is designed to facilitate ease of use, and there is some evidence to suggest that, of the DPIs, this device is associated with fewest inhaler technique errors.

In a randomized study of patients with obstructive lung disease who were hospitalized for an exacerbation, the highest number of optimum inhalation profiles were observed with the Diskus (100%), followed by a pMDI with a Volumatic spacer (87%), and the lowest number with MDIs alone (14%).


This study began with introducing main theoretical OC and identified a need for research, which summarized the reasoning for the research. The literature was reviewed with multiple research relevant domains, and also described an overview of the research and the following key research questions were then drawn from the previous research gaps, which are what OC is and how it works and what are composed of their sub-constructs in operational capabilities, and are those constructs supported by the empirical testing. Also, it described a proposed research model and an established measurement model using index of construction (Diamantopoulos & Winklhofer, 2001) . As a result, each measurement construct was emphasized and was then proposed. The measurement for constructs and their instruments were explained in detail about application software categories to be studied.

Also, it described a proposed research model and an established measurement model using index of construction.


Three crucial principles should be met in every intestinal anastomosis: adequate blood supply, absence of serosal apposition as well as an absence of tension at the anastomotic site [10] . Unquestionably, the biofragmentable nature of the BAR anastomosis structure as well as the material (polyglycolic acid) presents the sufficient profile for intestinal anastomosis [5] . Although the first reports indicated some technical difficulties associated with BAR application, the introduction of specially designed tools such as dilatation device, pure-string clamps, or anastomotic forceps significantly facilitates operative handling of a BAR [11] . Comparative data of the latest studies using BAR regarding postoperative complications were summarized in Table 5 . Based on our experience, only eight postoperative complications were present and they were strictly associated with BAR anastomosis (anastomotic leakage, n = 6; intestinal obstruction, n = 2). One of the most challenging complications following bowel anastomosis associated with high morbidity and mortality is an anastomotic leak. Based on the previous large series, the anastomotic leak rate ranged between 2.5 and 4.2 % [6, [14] [15] [16] . Although based on the multivariate analysis the use of BAR was considered to be a risk factor for anastomotic leak after bowel resection, the overall leak rate according to some randomized studies regarding BAR, stapled and handsewn anastomosis confirmed comparable leak rates [8, 13, 15] . Based on prospective randomized study, the efficiency, complication rate, and postoperative recovery were comparable in groups using BAR and manual sutures [17] . Based on our study, leak rate occurred in 3.0 % of patients (n = 6) which is consistent with other studies mentioned above. All leakages of BAR anastomoses required re-surgery. Hartmann procedure was performed in the majority of cases.

Three crucial principles should be met in every intestinal anastomosis: adequate blood supply, absence of serosal apposition as well as an absence of tension at the anastomotic site.

Unquestionably, the biofragmentable nature of the BAR anastomosis structure as well as the material (polyglycolic acid) presents the sufficient profile for intestinal anastomosis.

Although the first reports indicated some technical difficulties associated with BAR application, the introduction of specially designed tools such as dilatation device, pure-string clamps, or anastomotic forceps significantly facilitates operative handling of a BAR.

Based on the previous large series, the anastomotic leak rate ranged between 2.5 and 4.2 % [6.

Although based on the multivariate analysis the use of BAR was considered to be a risk factor for anastomotic leak after bowel resection, the overall leak rate according to some randomized studies regarding BAR, stapled and handsewn anastomosis confirmed comparable leak rates.

Based on prospective randomized study, the efficiency, complication rate, and postoperative recovery were comparable in groups using BAR and manual sutures.


Flash Visual Evoked Potential signals were taken for a single subject. Ethics approval for the experimental procedure was obtained from the local Human Research Ethics Committee. Repeated strobe light flashes were presented to the subject's visual field at a distance of about one metre from the eye at an approximate rate of 1 per second. The response was measured Mid-Occipital (MO) location, which is located at a point 5cm directly above the inion [8] . An epoch length of 500ms was recorded synchronously with the strobe flash. The data was normalized to give a zero mean across all data. Visual inspection was performed to remove gross artifacts. Partial peaks occurring at the edges of each epoch were removed to eliminate border effects from the subsequent DWT processing. A total of 104 epochs were measured.

The response was measured Mid-Occipital (MO) location, which is located at a point 5cm directly above the inion.

A total of 104 epochs were measured.


Separating overlapping peaks is an important and difficult component of any singularity detection technique [6] . On occasion, some detected peaks do not have a close fit to the original. However, it is observed that the vast majority of epochs give an excellent fit to the original signal.

Separating overlapping peaks is an important and difficult component of any singularity detection technique.


This article summarises the methodology implemented for the development of improved rubber modified concrete mixes and investigates experimentally the use of externally bonded FRP confinement to exploit the deformation capacity of RuC and develop high-strength, highly-deformable FRP CRuC elements. The results presented in this article are part of the ongoing EU-funded project Anagennisi, which investigates the innovative reuse of all tyre components in concrete [31] . This work is expected to contribute towards the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of FRP CRuC and towards the development of a highly-deformable concrete for high-value structural applications.

The results presented in this article are part of the ongoing EU-funded project Anagennisi, which investigates the innovative reuse of all tyre components in concrete.


The goal of this paper is to enable fluid analysis for currently existing QPN models. We provide a concept of model-to-model transformation that converts any valid QPN model into an equivalent LQN instance that can be solved using LINE, LQNS, or LQSIM. LINE solver internally leverages fluid analysis [25] .

LINE solver internally leverages fluid analysis.


In a first set of experiments we analyzed the effect of electropolishing duration on the morphology of the Cu foil. Atomic force microscope images reveal the change in roughness as time progresses (Figures 1(a)-1(c) ). The images reveal, however, that the roughness does not simply decrease as assumed in previous electropolishing papers. Instead, two Journal of Nanomaterials components of the roughness have to be distinguished: while the long range roughness (or waviness) decreases as a function of electropolishing time (Figure 1(d) ), small particles start occurring (Figure 1(e) ). This is thought to be caused by two different mechanisms taking place during electropolishing. The concentration of electric field around micrometer high protrusions causes preferential electrochemical etching of these features and consequently adecrease of the waviness [7] . Nanometer sized particles, however, exhibit too small field enhancement and are not affected by the same mechanism [11] . Consequently, protrusions will smooth out until they reach a critical size but will remain unchanged afterwards. Therefore, increasing electropolishing time represents a tradeoff between decreasing waviness and increasing particle density as shown when comparing Figures 1(d) and 1(e). Based on the finding that waviness and particle density are both changed during electropolishing, we investigate the effect of each of the two parameters on the quality of graphene synthesized from thus pretreated Cu foils.

The concentration of electric field around micrometer high protrusions causes preferential electrochemical etching of these features and consequently adecrease of the waviness.

Nanometer sized particles, however, exhibit too small field enhancement and are not affected by the same mechanism.


Surprisingly, however, we observe a strong correlation of the substrate waviness with the carrier mobility of the grown graphene (Figure 2(b) ). It can be seen that beyond a critical value of ∼70 nm, the carrier mobility decreases rapidly with waviness. This behaviour can be explained when examining the graphene growth process during CVD. Hydrocarbons are adsorbed on the Cu substrate and diffuse on the surface until they attach to the edge of an existing graphene grain or a step edge [14] . In the case of samples with larger waviness, more step edges occur. These features act as obstacles for high-quality graphene growth and instead form disordered graphitic regions. The presence of disordered graphene regions can have two effects. First, carrier transport through these regions proceeds less efficiently, and the overall mobility of the graphene film deteriorates. Even if the disordered material is not integrated in the graphene film but only positioned in contact with pristine graphene, it can produce additional carrier scattering through charged impurities, phonon coupling, or electrostatic interactions.

Hydrocarbons are adsorbed on the Cu substrate and diffuse on the surface until they attach to the edge of an existing graphene grain or a step edge.


Although there is an evident benefit of wind power production in terms of low greenhouse gas emissions, there are also negative effects associated with it. These effects are in general caused by renewable energy sources operating with lower energy densities than non-renewable energy carriers, which results in spatially larger production facilities (Wüstenhagen et al., 2007) . This characteristic is often at the core of the observed limited community acceptance of renewable sources of energy. Wind power specifically results in a variety of uncompensated side-effects.

These effects are in general caused by renewable energy sources operating with lower energy densities than non-renewable energy carriers, which results in spatially larger production facilities.


In this study, meta-regression models are applied to analyze the impact of the valuation object, study and sample population characteristics on stated preferences related to wind power. Metaregression models mainly differ by how they treat data heterogeneity, heteroscedasticity of effectsize variances and non-independence of observations obtained from the same studies (Nelson and Kennedy, 2008) . Section 3.1 explains these issues and how they are addressed in this study. Section 3.2 introduces the explanatory variables included in the meta-regression models.

Metaregression models mainly differ by how they treat data heterogeneity, heteroscedasticity of effectsize variances and non-independence of observations obtained from the same studies.


During the last decades, several data analysis and modelling techniques have been developed in the statistics and artificial intelligence fields [13, 2] ). Data Mining (DM) is a modern and interdisciplinary area that joins together those techniques automatically operating (requiring minimum human involvement) and, besides that, it is highly efficient in processing huge quantities of information, like those available in several practical processes of data bases. The application of these disciplines is extended to a great number of commercial and research environments, when dealing with prediction, classification or diagnosis processes [27, 29, 30, 31, 9, 43, 44, 42 and 8] among others). Data mining uses different techniques, as probabilistic networks or Bayesian networks, allowing to model jointly all the relevant information for a given problem using probabilistic interference mechanisms to obtain conclusions based on the available evidences [18, 25, 35 and 7] .

During the last decades, several data analysis and modelling techniques have been developed in the statistics and artificial intelligence fields).


We specifically focus on situations where the game is stopped. At these times, a team can coordinate and commit to a plan of action to execute once the ball is back in play. These plans are known as setplays. Several preset setplay plans have been introduced that provide opportunities to position the teammates strategically and have been shown to contribute to the performance of a team [43, 45, 51] . We contribute adaptive setplays that are created online by the coach agent.

These plans are known as setplays.

Several preset setplay plans have been introduced that provide opportunities to position the teammates strategically and have been shown to contribute to the performance of a team.


There are at least four ways to obtain a quantitative measure of how good a presence/absence habitat model is: error rate, specificity, sensitivity, and the area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (Elith 2000) . The first three require an arbitrary choice of a probability threshold above which the site is predicted to be occupied. For example, if the threshold is 0.5, sites with a predicted probability of occupancy larger than 0.5 are positive predictions of occupancy. The error rate is simply the proportion of errors made by the model; how many sites are predicted to be occupied that were not, and vice versa. A low error rate is better. Specificity and sensitivity are the two sides of the error rate coin. A model is more ''specific'' if most sites that are actually unoccupied are predicted to be unoccupied. A high specificity means that the model is doing a good job of predicting where the animal does not occur. Conversely, a model is more ''sensitive'' if most sites that are actually occupied are predicted to be occupied. A high sensitivity means that the model is doing a good job of predicting where the animal does occur.

There are at least four ways to obtain a quantitative measure of how good a presence/absence habitat model is: error rate, specificity, sensitivity, and the area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

A low error rate is better.


Scalar fields that have large vacuum expectation values (VEVs) in de Sitter universe (i.e. during inflation) eventually relax to a minimum of the effective potential after the end of inflation. This process often leads to instabilities and subsequent fragmentation of the initially homogeneous scalar field condensate into solitonic lumps and free particles in plasma, which was studied in detail in connection with scalar fields predicted by supersymmetry (SUSY) [40, 41] . The basic physics of such instabilities is similar to the origin of Jeans instability, which develops due to the attractive nature of gravity. In the case of a scalar field, the attractive self-interactions inside the condensate may be stronger than gravity, while the same interactions in empty space do not generate long-range forces since the scalar mediator is massive. Solitonic lump formation from the scalar field instabilities requires the scalar potential to be shallower than quadratic, ensuring that attractive field self-interactions are present.

This process often leads to instabilities and subsequent fragmentation of the initially homogeneous scalar field condensate into solitonic lumps and free particles in plasma, which was studied in detail in connection with scalar fields predicted by supersymmetry (SUSY).


The literature concerning the supercapacitor SoH and relevant fault diagnosis is quite limited and can be summarised by the references [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . As discussed in these papers, SC failures appear during ageing causing degradation of their energy storage capabilities and power performances. In several applications the improvement of SC reliability is fundamental and the evaluation of their SoH remains a priority in order to ensure timely maintenance interventions.

The literature concerning the supercapacitor SoH and relevant fault diagnosis is quite limited and can be summarised by the references.


As far as we know only two previous studies have investigated the association between sexual abuse and pregnancy-related physical symptoms [22, 23] . In both studies the sexual abuse was limited to abuse during childhood. The aim of our study was to investigate if a history of sexual violence is associated with the number of pregnancy-related symptoms women report. In addition we wanted to explore whether women with a history of sexual violence suffered to a greater extent from the reported symptoms, compared to women without such a history.

As far as we know only two previous studies have investigated the association between sexual abuse and pregnancy-related physical symptoms.


We find that much can be learned, in terms of practical problems and solutions, from research on translation in other disciplines that is of relevance to accounting. We also suggest that translation is not only a practical problem: accounting is not merely a neutral technical practice, but often serves more to legitimate the behaviour of individuals or organizations than to aid decision making (Power, 2003) . We show that, on the one hand, the ambiguity inherent in accounting and legal language, and the need to retain this ambiguity to permit room for interpretation especially in principle-based law and principle-based standards, may facilitate accounting convergence (rather than standardization). On the other hand, its inherent flexibility permits its discursive and vested use in negotiations to facilitate compromise based on accidental or deliberate misunderstanding. We provide examples to show that indeterminacy in accounting terminology may be exploited in ideologically or pragmatically motivated distortions in translation and implementation.

We also suggest that translation is not only a practical problem: accounting is not merely a neutral technical practice, but often serves more to legitimate the behaviour of individuals or organizations than to aid decision making.


The Oscillating Water Column (OWC) is a wave energy extraction device that is based on wave to air energy conversion by driving an oscillating column in a chamber open to the sea. The air energy is extracted by means of a biedirectional air turbine connected to the chamber. As the water level oscillates up and down inside the chamber, the air inside it is compressed and decompressed, respectively. In turn, this process generates mechanical energy through a reversible flow between the atmosphere and the chamber utilizing an air turbine that rotates in the same direction regardless of the airflow direction. Different from other Wave Energy Converters (WEC), OWCs are not only one of the simplest devices from an operational point of view, but also having no moving parts underwater provides lesser and easier maintenance works. OWCs can be deployed as fixed structures at the shoreline or nearshore, or integrated in breakwaters and floating structures (Falcão and Henriques, 2015) .

OWCs can be deployed as fixed structures at the shoreline or nearshore, or integrated in breakwaters and floating structures.


Based on the above studies, there is no doubt that leadership contributes significantly to the success of innovation within organisations. However, the results of these studies indicate positive results where competent leaders are in control. The negative results on the other hand show the incompetency of the leadership (Martins and Terblanche, 2003; Alves et al., 2007; Craig and Hart, 1992; Anderson and Gerbing, 1988) .

The negative results on the other hand show the incompetency of the leadership.


Innovative leaders drive themselves to be incredibly determined and it eventually rubs off onto their followers (Lindegaard, 2009) . Passionate leadership characteristics (PAS) within these SMEs generally empowered employees to take ownership challenges and work together as a team. This encourages employees to contribute their ideas toward innovation, and further involved in innovation actively. Ultimately, the organisational performance will be improved. The fast and action orientated (FAS) leadership style plays a vital role which leads employees to perform effectively and efficiently in SMEs. Employees feel at ease as any problems that they raised to leaders will be solved properly and in time.

Innovative leaders drive themselves to be incredibly determined and it eventually rubs off onto their followers.


Employees always perform extremely well when their ideas are acceptable. When employees are comfortable within the environment, they tend to show their creative true colours by bringing new ideas (Agbor, 2008) . This encourages employees to be immersed in progressive change (IMM) and become high gain risk takers (HIG). Charismatic leadership (CHA) quality is characterized by honesty and integrity, therefore without these qualities, leadership is undermined and seen as incompetent (Sloane, 2006) . Once leaders are open to their followers, this will inspire employees elevates them to a heightened level of motivation and performance in support of their organisational goals.

When employees are comfortable within the environment, they tend to show their creative true colours by bringing new ideas.

Charismatic leadership (CHA) quality is characterized by honesty and integrity, therefore without these qualities, leadership is undermined and seen as incompetent.


Wireless communication plays an important role in human life. With the number of users increasing, new frequency bands are distributed for wireless communication, such as the emergence of new bands in Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) named GSM1800 and GSM1900, as well as 3rd generation communication. In addition, many wireless services present a characteristic of multi-band operation, the Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), for example, operates at both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. Furthermore, the coming long term evolution (LTE), which will operate at multi-band, serves as a demonstration of the increasing prevalence of multi-band application. In fact, people have developed a lot of dual-band microwave components [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . To cater the dual-band application, the impedance matching networks, which are essential in different stages of a RF transceiver, should then be transformed to multi-band impedance matching networks. To be more precise, the multi-band impedance matching should be achieved using only one set of matching networks.

In fact, people have developed a lot of dual-band microwave components.


Axial flow compressors offer high air mass flow rate capacity with small frontal area, which is particularly advantageous for aeroengines [1] . The motivators in the design of present-day gas turbine based aeropropulsion systems are high thrust to weight ratio, wide stable operating range, and high thermal efficiency. The requirement of a compact engine demands compressor modules with less number of stages, which eventually requires high pressure ratio per stage. The choice is to use transonic axial compressor stages owing to their higher pressure ratio capability compared to subsonic stages and higher efficiency compared to fully supersonic stages. However, at high flow Mach numbers, the low loss incidence range of the aerofoil sections becomes narrow, resulting in reduced stall margin. Hence, one of the major concerns of the present-day compressor designer is finding ways and means to enhance the stable operating range of transonic axial compressors. Passive methods are preferred over active methods owing to incorporation of additional gadgets in the latter case which tend to increase the engine weight and reduce reliability.

Axial flow compressors offer high air mass flow rate capacity with small frontal area, which is particularly advantageous for aeroengines.


Settings, such as partnering relationships, that are characterized by trust and commitment can facilitate knowledge transfer between contractors and suppliers. Trust, followed by commitment, were the most frequently mentioned factors for forming a supply-chain partnership with suppliers. By developing collaborative relationships, firms can achieve lower costs as they enhance their capacity to continually improve system and operation effectiveness over time, as long as they maintain trust [46] .

By developing collaborative relationships, firms can achieve lower costs as they enhance their capacity to continually improve system and operation effectiveness over time, as long as they maintain trust.


One important aspect that emerged from the interviews was that respondents were not clear about how to define a green project. Their differences were partly due to their uncertainty about the real consequences of the plethora of design and technology choices, which indicated uncertainty about what a green project entailed. They tended to resort to green standards, such as LEED, to determine either what constituted a green project or what the client considered green. They then asked suppliers to comply. This problem may be based on environmental product policies, such as eco-labelling [96] . Interviewees equated the definition of green project with specified standards. In addition, some of the respondents' uncertainty stemmed from the idea that green is absolute, whereas it is actually relative. What might be considered a green project today may be viewed in the future as a conventional project. This suggests that a more relevant description might be greener project.

They then asked suppliers to comply.

This problem may be based on environmental product policies, such as eco-labelling.


There have been many attempts to define SUSY QM and low dimensional Wess-Zumino model on the lattice [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] . The proposed lattice models have provided not only further understanding of SUSY models but also testing grounds for lattice formulations of higher dimensional SUSY theories [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] . As for numerical studies, the standard Monte-Carlo techniques have been utilized so far in many literatures. It is, however, a demanding task to obtain precise results from Monte-Carlo simulations, especially for the case of supersymmetry breaking that causes the notorious sign problem.

There have been many attempts to define SUSY QM and low dimensional Wess-Zumino model on the lattice.

The proposed lattice models have provided not only further understanding of SUSY models but also testing grounds for lattice formulations of higher dimensional SUSY theories.


Supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SUSY QM) has been extensively studied since it provides a good testing ground for supersymmetric field theories [1] [2] [3] . Supersymmetry breaking triggered by instantons has been deeply understood and the associated topological index (Witten index) are widely used in other theories. In early studies, a class of exactly solvable potentials, so-called shape invariant potentials (SIP), was discovered and has attracted much attentions in revealing various aspects of SUSY QM [4] . However, to learn SUSY models beyond those cases, numerical approaches including lattice theory could play a significant role.

Supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SUSY QM) has been extensively studied since it provides a good testing ground for supersymmetric field theories.

In early studies, a class of exactly solvable potentials, so-called shape invariant potentials (SIP), was discovered and has attracted much attentions in revealing various aspects of SUSY QM.


I studied a group of five C. oenanthe n a prvately-owned fragmented forest, near the town of Moyobamba (6°0′3.9′′S, 76°59′33.7′′W) at an elevaton of 89 m a.s.l. The Alto Mayo valley s n the eastern foothlls of the Andes, n the northeastern Department of San Martín, whch comprses the provnces of Rioja and Moyobamba. The broad valley is flat to undulatng, wth low hlls, hgh hlls, and mountanous terrans. It s surrounded by the Cordllera Orental to the southwest and the Cahuapanas to the northeast. The forest surroundng Moyobamba s Humd Premontane Tropcal Forest, accordng to the Holdrdge system of lfe zones (Holdrdge 967 ). The clmate s tropcal and humd, wth the rany season occurrng from October to Aprl, averagng 48 mm of ranfall per month. The dry season s from June to August, averagng 60 mm/ month. The months of transton are May and September, durng whch average ranfall s 03 mm/month. Most varablty n ranfall occurs from October through March (wet season). The average monthly temperature ranges from a mnmum of 16°C to 21°C and a maximum of 26°C to 30°C, with an average annual temperature of 22°C (Peru, PEAM 2004) .

The average monthly temperature ranges from a mnmum of 16°C to 21°C and a maximum of 26°C to 30°C, with an average annual temperature of 22°C.


With respect to green shipping, the main challenge for the hydrodynamics community is to help reduce the ship resistance. Ship resistance has often been taken into account by employing excellent hull forms or hull lines optimization in ship design stage [1] [2] [3] . Another option to optimize the resistance of ships without modifying the vessel is to consider the operational efficiency of the hull, including the trim operation. For each draft and speed, there is a resistanceoptimum trim [4] . For ships with large transom sterns and bulbous bows, the power requirements for the best and worst trim may differ by more than 10% [5] . Model tests or CFD simulations have been used to assess the best trim and the effect of different trim conditions [6, 7] . However, model tests are too costly and further efforts are required to improve the reliability and effectiveness of CFD simulations. In this paper, a new method is developed to explore better trim conditions for a certain hull with typical wave making being taken into account.

Ship resistance has often been taken into account by employing excellent hull forms or hull lines optimization in ship design stage.

For each draft and speed, there is a resistanceoptimum trim.

For ships with large transom sterns and bulbous bows, the power requirements for the best and worst trim may differ by more than 10%.

Model tests or CFD simulations have been used to assess the best trim and the effect of different trim conditions.


Spatial data consists of spatial objects made up of points, lines, regions, rectangles, surfaces, volumes, and even data of higher dimension which includes time [13] . Examples of spatial data include cities, rivers, roads, counties, states, crop coverage, mountain ranges etc. It is often desirable to attach spatial with non-spatial attribute information. Examples of non-spatial data are road names, addresses, telephone numbers, city names, etc. Since spatial and non-spatial data are so intimately connected, it is not surprising that many of the issues that need to be addressed are in fact database issues.

Spatial data consists of spatial objects made up of points, lines, regions, rectangles, surfaces, volumes, and even data of higher dimension which includes time.


This apparent inequity in funding patterns for reproductive health to conflict-affected countries may be partially explained by a combination of geopolitical and historical ties between donors and aid-recipients [32, 33] . There may also be concerns over governance and security in the recipient countries. Issues of absorptive capacity in the recipient government institutions and country more broadly are also significant [34] . In many conflictaffected countries government capacity is very limited making aid delivery highly challenging in practice. ODA is more likely to be disbursed to countries where capacity, infrastructure, and systems enable effective service provision [35] . The constraints of conflictaffected countries also mean that tangible returns on ODA may take longer to materialise, which may deter donor support [36] . Despite donor concerns with disbursing aid to conflict-affected countries, the data from this study suggest that donors are willing to increasingly engage in conflict-affected countries, with ODA increasing to the conflict-affected countries during the study period, and also conflict-affected countries receiving more per capita total ODA than nonconflict-affected countries (Table 2) although still not necessarily proportionate to need. The literature also suggests that although donor motivations vary substantially, donors are recognising the needs in conflict-affected countries and that disengagement from conflict-affected countries would have serious humanitarian and development implications [37] . As a result, the major donors appear to be willing to disburse funds to conflict-affected countries [10, [38] [39] [40] [41] . This disbursement may be to governments or to nongovernmental organisations and UN agencies where there are concerns over the capacity of the government to manage those funds; with donors using a selective, carefully sequenced increase in aid for projects and programs tailored to weaker governance contexts [42] . This study did not analyse recipient institutions of the ODA. Future studies should be conducted to investigate the distribution patterns of reproductive health ODA between recipient governments and nongovernment organisations and agencies. In the case of some donors, this reduction in family planning activities may be partly explained by classification of certain family planning services, such as condoms, under HIV activities; and possibly individual donor funding cycles resulting in uneven distribution of funding. Previous studies have also shown that funding for family planning activities has decreased significantly for low-income countries since 1995 [7, 43] . This is despite coverage gaps for family planning in low-income countries [44] .

This apparent inequity in funding patterns for reproductive health to conflict-affected countries may be partially explained by a combination of geopolitical and historical ties between donors and aid-recipients.

Issues of absorptive capacity in the recipient government institutions and country more broadly are also significant.

ODA is more likely to be disbursed to countries where capacity, infrastructure, and systems enable effective service provision.

The constraints of conflictaffected countries also mean that tangible returns on ODA may take longer to materialise, which may deter donor support.

The literature also suggests that although donor motivations vary substantially, donors are recognising the needs in conflict-affected countries and that disengagement from conflict-affected countries would have serious humanitarian and development implications.

As a result, the major donors appear to be willing to disburse funds to conflict-affected countries.

This disbursement may be to governments or to nongovernmental organisations and UN agencies where there are concerns over the capacity of the government to manage those funds; with donors using a selective, carefully sequenced increase in aid for projects and programs tailored to weaker governance contexts.

Previous studies have also shown that funding for family planning activities has decreased significantly for low-income countries since 1995.

This is despite coverage gaps for family planning in low-income countries.


By studying how different dimensions of social capital interact and evolve over time, we contribute to the research on social capital and university-industry collaboration in several respects. First, we provide new insights into the role of firm characteristics in the use and development of different social capital dimensions. Prior experience in university collaboration and academic expertise has been seen as an important precondition for successful university-industry collaboration because it strengthens the cognitive social capital between partners (Inkpen and Tsang, 2005; Wasko and Faraj, 2005) . Our study shows that firms with lower levels of cognitive social capital might compensate by relying on relational social capital when they engage in collaborative projects with university researchers.

Prior experience in university collaboration and academic expertise has been seen as an important precondition for successful university-industry collaboration because it strengthens the cognitive social capital between partners.


Second, we add to the knowledge on the outcomes of social capital by studying the relationships among different dimensions of social capital; further study on this topic has been called for by several authors (Inkpen and Tsang, 2005; Rass et al., 2013) . The most notable finding relates to the relationship observed between cognitive and relational social capital. Firms with limited experience with university collaborations and academic expertise build on relational social capital to establish collaborations and then develop cognitive social capital over time. In contrast, more experienced firms with academic expertise can establish their collaborations on the basis of cognitive social capital, which is reinforced by relational social capital over time. These findings provide novel insights into how firms with low levels of prior experience with university collaboration and academic expertise can improve their ability to engage with university researchers in innovation activities. Overall, by adapting the social capital perspective, we outline a more detailed and theory-based understanding of how firms use university researchers as collaborative partners in the development of specific innovations. By studying innovation projects from inception to successful outcome, we add a dynamic understanding of how firms can manage their alliances and build better alliance capabilities (Ireland et al., 2002; Wang and Rajagopalan, 2015) .

Second, we add to the knowledge on the outcomes of social capital by studying the relationships among different dimensions of social capital; further study on this topic has been called for by several authors.

By studying innovation projects from inception to successful outcome, we add a dynamic understanding of how firms can manage their alliances and build better alliance capabilities.


Social capital is typically built through interaction over time. Hence, we conducted a longitudinal case study mapping the initiation, development, and outcome of 15 successful innovation projects conducted by Norwegian firms and that involved university collaboration. All the innovation projects developed new or improved products or processes that the firms' ex post evaluated as highly profitable. To investigate how prior experience influences the development of social capital in university-industry collaborations, we selected cases with varying degrees of cognitive social capital referring to the level of prior university collaborations and academic expertise (e.g. employees with a PhD degree). We relied on the extended case study method, whereby we reconceptualized and extended theory based on empirical data gathered through case studies (Burawoy, 1998; Danneels, 2011; Wadham and Warren, 2014) .

We relied on the extended case study method, whereby we reconceptualized and extended theory based on empirical data gathered through case studies.