The main feature could be observed from the acoustic waveform, shown in Figure 1 (a), is four peaks corresponding to the engine firing sequence and these represent combustion events in the cylinders 3, 1, 2 and 4 respectively. What makes the waveform complicated and difficult to extract information from is the numerous frequency components superimposed on each other. In the associated power spectrum, shown in Figure 1(b) , four peaks can be seen; the first at twice the frequency of revolution (33.4 Hz), the second at four times the frequency of revolution (66.8 Hz), the third at 100 Hz and the fourth at 470 Hz. The amplitudes of any higher harmonics can be ignored because they contain considerably less energy than the first four leading terms. Each cylinder experiences fuel injection and combustion once for every two complete revolutions of the crankshaft. Thus the number of 'combustions' per single revolution of the camshaft will be equal to (number of cylinders)/2. Here there are four cylinders, so there will be two combustion processes during each complete revolution of the camshaft, and the corresponding noise peak will occur at twice the fundamental frequency (2 x 16.7 33 Hz). The amplitude of this peak is highly dependent on the combustion conditions. The second peak (67 Hz) is probably due to closing knock of the valves, which occur twice per crankshaft revolution, every second revolution in each cylinder. By increasing the load the amplitude of both of these peaks increase. The third peak at 100 Hz, which corresponds to the third harmonic of the firing frequency, also increases in amplitude at higher loads. It has been shown that the peaks at 100 and 470 Hz are due to the vibration of the oil sump and front timing gear cover [12] .

It has been shown that the peaks at 100 and 470 Hz are due to the vibration of the oil sump and front timing gear cover.


With 3-T MRI using an endorectal coil (ERC), images of the prostate gland can be obtained with higher signal-tonoise ratio and higher spatial resolution than had been previously achieved at 1.5 T [36, 37] . Initial reports of ERC 3-T MRI of the prostate in volunteers or small patient cohorts in a research setting have been promising [31, 36, [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] . Staging accuracies of up to 92 % were achieved with experienced readers in small pilot, techniquedeveloping and retrospective, non-blinded studies [39] [40] [41] 43] . However, the accuracy of ERC 3-T MRI for determining the presence of ECE before prostatectomy across different levels of reader experience needs to be defined in a sizable cohort.

With 3-T MRI using an endorectal coil (ERC), images of the prostate gland can be obtained with higher signal-tonoise ratio and higher spatial resolution than had been previously achieved at 1.5 T.

Initial reports of ERC 3-T MRI of the prostate in volunteers or small patient cohorts in a research setting have been promising.

Staging accuracies of up to 92 % were achieved with experienced readers in small pilot, techniquedeveloping and retrospective, non-blinded studies.


Microarray analysis of tink/ibr5-6 revealed potentially novel roles in male gametogenesis and TCP regulatory pathways Microarray analysis of tink/ibr5-6 mutant flowers identified a large number of mis-regulated genes compared to wild-type (S1 Table) . An obvious pathway for organ size regulation was not identified whereas GO analysis of the tink/ibr5-6 microarray data suggests a significant overrepresentation of genes expressed in male gametophyte development and function. Transmission efficiency of tink/ibr5-6 gametes is not affected and the mechanism resulting in the change in gene expression remains somewhat elusive. Interestingly, a study of the phosphoproteome of mature Arabidopsis pollen identified an overrepresentation of mitogen-activated protein kinases [30] . The dual phosphorylation of MPK8 and MPK15 was confirmed yet no role in pollen development has been described to date. It is possible IBR5 plays a role in the male gametophyte through modulating activity of these or other MPKs. Although IBR5 did not interact with MPK8 or MPK15 in yeast-2-hybrid studies, an in vivo interaction cannot be ruled out [9] . Microarray comparison (MASTA) analysis revealed an interesting overlap of the tink/ibr5-6 profile with that of tcp14 tcp15 [31] . TCP transcription factors are key regulators of cell proliferation in growing organs and the balance between the growth-promoting class I factors and the negatively acting class II TCPs has been proposed to regulate the arrest of proliferative growth [32, 33] . Class I TCP factors are proposed to stimulate division required to produce the correct number of cells in young lateral primordia followed by a suppression of cell growth and division by class II TCP genes as cells exit the proliferative zone [34] . This view has been challenged in recent times as the class I TCPs, TCP14 and TCP15, can act to either promote or repress cell proliferation depending on the developmental context [28] .

Interestingly, a study of the phosphoproteome of mature Arabidopsis pollen identified an overrepresentation of mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Although IBR5 did not interact with MPK8 or MPK15 in yeast-2-hybrid studies, an in vivo interaction cannot be ruled out.

Microarray comparison (MASTA) analysis revealed an interesting overlap of the tink/ibr5-6 profile with that of tcp14 tcp15.

TCP transcription factors are key regulators of cell proliferation in growing organs and the balance between the growth-promoting class I factors and the negatively acting class II TCPs has been proposed to regulate the arrest of proliferative growth.

Class I TCP factors are proposed to stimulate division required to produce the correct number of cells in young lateral primordia followed by a suppression of cell growth and division by class II TCP genes as cells exit the proliferative zone.

This view has been challenged in recent times as the class I TCPs, TCP14 and TCP15, can act to either promote or repress cell proliferation depending on the developmental context.


User tolerance to network latency and its effects in multi-player networked games has also been studied. Game genre differ in game nature and user interaction models, so does the user tolerance to delay. For Real Time Strategy (RTS) games which emphasize more on strategy, a study with the popular game Warcraft III found that users feel the smoothness for latencies between 0 ms and 500 ms. They start perceiving a degrade in game experience at some point between 500 ms and 800 ms [8] . For MMORPGs, a study with EverQuest 2 found that the game still runs smoothly with very high latency of 1250 ms [6] . For first person shooting, a study with the Unreal Tournament 2003 game has shown that a delay of 100 ms is noticeable while network latency of 200 ms is annoying [2] .

They start perceiving a degrade in game experience at some point between 500 ms and 800 ms.

For MMORPGs, a study with EverQuest 2 found that the game still runs smoothly with very high latency of 1250 ms.

For first person shooting, a study with the Unreal Tournament 2003 game has shown that a delay of 100 ms is noticeable while network latency of 200 ms is annoying.


We acknowledge that some of the relationships indicated in the propositions are likely to be very complex, and that the possibilities for generalizing the results from any given study may be limited. In addition, the influence of some of the variables in the framework may vary depending on the country of origin and the industry involved. Thus, for example, in the case of Russian small and new ventures, difficulties with certain distance factors have emerged that are not that visible for Western firms (Bruton and Rubanik, 2002; Tovstiga et al., 2004) .

Thus, for example, in the case of Russian small and new ventures, difficulties with certain distance factors have emerged that are not that visible for Western firms.


One also has to bear in mind that the context of a study, involving for example the industry and the type of product/service, may have an interactive role with distance dimensions. Thus, to take an example, Internet firms may be able to overcome some important distance-creating factors (Arenius et al., 2005; Loane, 2006) . Furthermore, highly standardized products and services may be easier to sell to distant markets than customized products and services. These are all important issues that will merit further investigation.

Thus, to take an example, Internet firms may be able to overcome some important distance-creating factors.


This conceptual study contributes to international business literature in several ways. First of all, it develops an understanding of (1) how the main distance dimensions operate as mediators which progressively diminish the positive impact of foreign market size on the attractiveness of a foreign market, and (2) how cultural distance increases the negative effect of psychic distance on the attractiveness of a large foreign market. This is especially important for small and new ventures, which are aiming at large markets, but which have limited resources or international experience (Bell et al., 2003; Oviatt and McDougall, 1994) .

This is especially important for small and new ventures, which are aiming at large markets, but which have limited resources or international experience.


Genetic resources stored in gene banks are sampled with a final purpose of evaluating and utilising them efficiently, as well as studying phenotypic and genotypic diversity. Phenotypic analysis can be quite tedious and may require definition of core subsets. The aim in defining core subset is to preserve in the sample as much diversity present in the original collection as possible. The concept of core collections (or core subsets) was introduced to increase the efficiency of characterising and utilising the collections stored in gene banks while preserving the genetic diversity of the collection (Frankel and Brown, 1984; Brown, 1989) .

The concept of core collections (or core subsets) was introduced to increase the efficiency of characterising and utilising the collections stored in gene banks while preserving the genetic diversity of the collection.


Accurate identification of the 94 accessions of this collection is thus a preliminary step. Members of the user community typically request germplasm based on traits known to be present in specific species, cultivars, accessions or genotypes (Kresovich and McFerson, 1992; McFerson et al., 1996; Peeters and Galwey, 1988) . In order to identify the exact content of the germplasm collection and the extent of its diversity, we analyse the 94 accessions with 20 nuclear SSR microsatellite markers (Di Vecchi Staraz et al., 2007; Lacombe et al., 2007) .

Members of the user community typically request germplasm based on traits known to be present in specific species, cultivars, accessions or genotypes.

In order to identify the exact content of the germplasm collection and the extent of its diversity, we analyse the 94 accessions with 20 nuclear SSR microsatellite markers.


Passive electromagnetic shields for field expelling or confinement are necessary for the reliable operation of many electronic devices. Examples of shields for field expelling include superconducting quantum interface devices for precision measurements of magnetic fields (Polushkin et al. 1994) . Examples of shields for field confinement include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and tokamaks in magnetic confinement fusion (Tavernier et al. 1979; Crozier et al. 1998) . In addition to these examples, electromagnetic shields are commonly used in advanced nanotechnology research facilities, biomedical research laboratories, continuous beam accelerators and various facilities such as transformer vault and switchgear in electrical-power industry (Gustavson et al. 1997; Ohta & Matsui 2000) . The use of electromagnetic shields reduces the interference between devices and devices or devices and environments.

Examples of shields for field expelling include superconducting quantum interface devices for precision measurements of magnetic fields.

Examples of shields for field confinement include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and tokamaks in magnetic confinement fusion.

In addition to these examples, electromagnetic shields are commonly used in advanced nanotechnology research facilities, biomedical research laboratories, continuous beam accelerators and various facilities such as transformer vault and switchgear in electrical-power industry.


The opioid epidemic is a global problem faced by many European, North American and Oceania countries. In 2016, opioid addiction accounted for more than 55% of years of life lost due to premature death caused by drug abuse [1] . The opioid epidemic in the United States is particularly alarming. It was declared a 'National Public Health Emergency' in October 2017 [2, 3] . The number of opioid prescriptions quadrupled from 76 million to 207 million during 1991-2013 [4] . There was also a parallel escalation in opioid-related mortality rates, hospitalizations and emergency department visits [5, 6] . It was estimated that opioid abuse and overdose imposed 56 billion dollars of annual costs to US society [7] .

In 2016, opioid addiction accounted for more than 55% of years of life lost due to premature death caused by drug abuse.

It was declared a 'National Public Health Emergency' in October 2017.

The number of opioid prescriptions quadrupled from 76 million to 207 million during 1991-2013.

There was also a parallel escalation in opioid-related mortality rates, hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

It was estimated that opioid abuse and overdose imposed 56 billion dollars of annual costs to US society.


Put c −1 (N + 1) = 1 and Let {e i (n) : i ≥ 0, n ∈ N} be an independent, identically distributed family of random variables which take the value 0 with probability 1 − p and the value 1 with probability p. Let N be an integer. Given a sequence (r i (N )) i≥0 of 0 and 1 such that r i (N ) = 1 for finitely many indices i, we consider the sequences (r i (N + 1)) i≥0 and (c For p = 1 the transition operator equals the shift operator (cf. Figure 2 ), hence the stochastic adding machine can be seen as a stochastic perturbation of the shift operator. It is also a model of Weber law in the context of counter and pacemarker errors. This law is used in biology and psychophysiology [3] .

This law is used in biology and psychophysiology.


However, any solution must be compatible with the quality standards of the product and do not contribute to high emission levels. In the present research work, the incorporation of these papermaking residues in clinker production has been studied, at an industrial scale and evaluated in terms of the inherent environmental impact. Most of the work concerning the incorporation of residues into construction materials is based upon tests at laboratory or pilot scale (Trezza and Scian, 2007; Barros et al., 2004; Saikia et al., 2007; Tsakiridis et al., 2008; Caponero and Tenório, 2000) . In the present work, a full scale industrial assessment of the impact of a paper mill waste into clinker makes the results of high relevance to the management of such wastes.

Most of the work concerning the incorporation of residues into construction materials is based upon tests at laboratory or pilot scale.


This method presents a negative environmental impact, as consequence of groundwater pollution from leaching of toxic components, emission of odour and soil contamination (Saikia et al., 2007) . In addition, it should be taken into account the economical disadvantages of this method due to the increasing of disposal costs as consequence of regulations designed to protect the environment and the decreasing of available landfilling areas (Jordan et al., 2002; Cabral et al., 1998; Muse and Mitchell, 1995; Nurmesniemi et al., 2007) . Finally, waste can represent a loss of both materials and energy.

This method presents a negative environmental impact, as consequence of groundwater pollution from leaching of toxic components, emission of odour and soil contamination.

In addition, it should be taken into account the economical disadvantages of this method due to the increasing of disposal costs as consequence of regulations designed to protect the environment and the decreasing of available landfilling areas.


During the hydrothermal preparation, the formation of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles is sensitive to the synthesis conditions -such as the reaction time, temperature, and concentration of the reactive species -since the activity of reactants can increase under hydrothermal conditions [14, 15] . In our previous studies, we have experimentally investigated the size control of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles under various hydrothermal conditions and found some interesting results [16] [17] [18] . For example, the iron hydroxides as a precursor of Fe 3 O 4 were not co-precipitated, but sequentially precipitated to control the supersaturation and then hydrothermally heated, which demonstrated that the formation of iron hydroxides was one of the most important factors affecting the size of resultant Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles [18] . Therefore, to precisely control the crystal growth of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles under proper conditions, the influence of hydrothermal conditions on particle formation must be fully understood. However, the details have so far remained unclear.

During the hydrothermal preparation, the formation of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles is sensitive to the synthesis conditions -such as the reaction time, temperature, and concentration of the reactive species -since the activity of reactants can increase under hydrothermal conditions.

In our previous studies, we have experimentally investigated the size control of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles under various hydrothermal conditions and found some interesting results.

For example, the iron hydroxides as a precursor of Fe 3 O 4 were not co-precipitated, but sequentially precipitated to control the supersaturation and then hydrothermally heated, which demonstrated that the formation of iron hydroxides was one of the most important factors affecting the size of resultant Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles.


As a result, scientists and researchers are investigating cheaper processes for seawater desalination such as FO [6] [7] [8] . The attractiveness of the FO process consists in its low power consumption, easy to scale up, and potential high recovery rate [6, 8, 9] . The operating cost of FO process is much lower *Address correspondence to this author at the School of Engineering University of the West of Scotland Paisley PA1 2BE, the UK, Tel +971507356657; Email: alialtaee@hotmail.com than RO and thermal processes. In principle, FO relies on the for water transport across semi permeable membrane. Freshwater transports across the semipermeable membrane from the low to the high concentration solution due to the osmotic pressure gradient. A number of chemical compounds have been used as a draw solution in FO process such as table salt, magnesium sulfate, glucose, ammonia carbon dioxide, and magnesium chloride [9, 10] . In practice, draw solution is recycled and reused to reduce the cost of desalination. This is typically achieved either by thermal or membrane filtration processes.

As a result, scientists and researchers are investigating cheaper processes for seawater desalination such as FO.

The attractiveness of the FO process consists in its low power consumption, easy to scale up, and potential high recovery rate.

A number of chemical compounds have been used as a draw solution in FO process such as table salt, magnesium sulfate, glucose, ammonia carbon dioxide, and magnesium chloride.


Due to the increasing demands on fresh water supply and contamination of ground waters, desalination becomes the choice option for water supply in water shortage areas. Thermal and membrane technologies are the forefront processes for seawater desalination. Multi Stage Flashing (MSF) and Multi Effect Distillation (MED) are the leading processes in thermal technologies while Reverse Osmosis (RO) dominates the membrane desalination technologies [1] [2] [3] . The thermal processes are widely used in the Gulf region of the Middle East due the difficult nature of gulf water such as high salinity and concentrations of impurities. In the last decade, this trend has been changed in favor of the RO process due to the development of high performance RO membranes for seawater desalination. Worldwide, RO process is the most common technology for seawater desalination [3, 4] . Mainly, this is because of its reliability and lower power consumption compared to the thermal technologies [4, 5] . The cost of water desalination by the RO process is less than USD 1 $/m 3 [6, 7] . Unfortunately, the cost of RO desalination is still unaffordable to many countries.

Multi Stage Flashing (MSF) and Multi Effect Distillation (MED) are the leading processes in thermal technologies while Reverse Osmosis (RO) dominates the membrane desalination technologies.

Worldwide, RO process is the most common technology for seawater desalination.

Mainly, this is because of its reliability and lower power consumption compared to the thermal technologies.

The cost of water desalination by the RO process is less than USD 1 $/m 3.


Previous studies have shown there is a number of physical and chemical factors which affect the efficiency and cost of the FO process. Amongst these factors are; salt diffusion from the seawater to the draw solution, osmotic agent diffusion across the membrane, and concentration polarization. Because of the adverse impact of these factors, the actual performance of FO is significantly lower than the theoretical performance [11] . Yet, there isn't enough information about the overall effect of salt diffusion on the product water quality and the desalination cost. Although osmotic agent can be regenerated and reused, none of the aforementioned regeneration processes are capable of completely recycling the osmotic agent without losses. Depending on the regeneration process used for osmotic agent recycling, salt diffusion will affect the quality and cost of the product water. For example, the membrane processes is affected by the type of the osmotic agent and membrane used in the regeneration process. Different types of membranes were used such as RO, Nanofiltration (NF), and membrane distillation (MD).

Because of the adverse impact of these factors, the actual performance of FO is significantly lower than the theoretical performance.


Pepper (Capsicum annuum L., Solanaceae) as a widely distributed vegetable crop in the world is included in nutrition either fresh or processed, in various specialities or as spices and extracts. Pepper is rich in proteins, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, aromatic substances and other biologically active compounds [1] . The characteristic compounds, capsaicinoids and carotenoids, explain the importance of the red hot pepper varieties and their oleoresin extracts in the food and pharmaceutical industry [2, 3] .

Pepper is rich in proteins, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, aromatic substances and other biologically active compounds.

The characteristic compounds, capsaicinoids and carotenoids, explain the importance of the red hot pepper varieties and their oleoresin extracts in the food and pharmaceutical industry.


The pericarp is the edible part of pepper fruits, while the seed, placenta and stalk are waste obtained during pepper processing. Although treated as environmental pollutants, they are recognized as a source of valuable compounds also. As reported in the literature, the seed and placenta of hot red pepper are characterized by a valuable content of proteins and micro-and macroelements. The placenta, in comparison to the pericarp and seed, contains over 60% of the total quantity of capsaicinoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin [17] . A strong antioxidant and cytostatic activity, as well as anti-inflammatory effects were determined for stalk extracts due to the high content of phenols, flavonoids and capsaicin [1820] .

The placenta, in comparison to the pericarp and seed, contains over 60% of the total quantity of capsaicinoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin.


Nowadays, plant origin waste, which is accumulated in agro-industrial fields or discarded into rivers causing environmental problems, has no significant industrial or commercial use even though it is rich in biologically active compounds. The re-utilization of agricultural waste as a bioresource for the production of novel products is related to its chemical composition and properties. In general, the chemical composition is dependent on the crop species and variety, geographic origin, and conditions during growing, storage and processing [21] . Agricultural wastes are heterogeneous materials that need to be reduced into small particles before processing. The particle size fractions obtained from grinding can differ in their chemical characteristics. In ground samples, the extractives were preferably present in the smaller particle sizes, while higher proportions of lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses were determined in the largest particle sizes [22, 23] .

In general, the chemical composition is dependent on the crop species and variety, geographic origin, and conditions during growing, storage and processing.

In ground samples, the extractives were preferably present in the smaller particle sizes, while higher proportions of lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses were determined in the largest particle sizes.


Production of biodiesel from waste cooking oils involves a fossil energy saving of 21% in comparison to the use of crude oil, and an energy saving of 96% compared to fossil diesel production [5] . Each kilogram of collected waste cooking oil can be converted into 0.92-0.97 kg of biodiesel. The production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil is one of the best ways to utilize it efficiently and economically. Biodiesel is synthesized by direct transesterification of vegetable oils, in which the corresponding triglycerides react with a short-chain alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst improves the solubility and hastens the reaction [6, 7] . Typically used alkaline catalysts are sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium methoxide (KOCH3) [8] . The transesterification process is influenced by several process variables. The type and dosage of catalyst, process temperature, agitation speed, agitation time, water content and impurities, are the main variables that affect biodiesel yield [9, 10] . Thus, the amount and type of products that are formed during frying affect either the biodiesel properties or the transesterification reaction. For example, the water in waste cooking oil affects the methyl ester yield by favoring a saponification reaction [11] [12] [13] . To remove the undesirable compounds in waste cooking oil, pretreatment is necessary prior to transesterification.

Production of biodiesel from waste cooking oils involves a fossil energy saving of 21% in comparison to the use of crude oil, and an energy saving of 96% compared to fossil diesel production.

The catalyst improves the solubility and hastens the reaction.

Typically used alkaline catalysts are sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium methoxide (KOCH3).

The type and dosage of catalyst, process temperature, agitation speed, agitation time, water content and impurities, are the main variables that affect biodiesel yield.

For example, the water in waste cooking oil affects the methyl ester yield by favoring a saponification reaction.


Step 3, we entered interaction terms of sample variable with main effects for the entire sample to test regional moderation. Variables forming the interaction term were entered to minimize multicollinearity among the interaction terms and their components (Aiken & West, 1991) . In addition, we conducted separate regression analysis using Red River Delta and South East data. All regression results are presented in Table 3 .

Variables forming the interaction term were entered to minimize multicollinearity among the interaction terms and their components.


Hence, a novel approach for the compensation of the disturbance effects is needed to overcome these limitations. For this purpose, predictive compensation methods have great potentials [4] - [6] . The idea behind these methods is to predict the deviations before they occur based on a system's model. Thus deviations can be compensated reliably and in time.

For this purpose, predictive compensation methods have great potentials.


Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant originally from the subtropical region of South America and is present in the south of Brazil, the north of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Mate beverages have been widely consumed for hundreds of years as infusions popularly known as chimarrão, tererê (both from green dried mate leaves) and mate tea (roasted mate leaves). Mate beverages are rich in polyphenolic compounds, which are mainly caffeoyl derivatives, such as dicaffeoylquinic and chlorogenic acids, saponins and purine alkaloids (Martins et al., 2009) .

Mate beverages are rich in polyphenolic compounds, which are mainly caffeoyl derivatives, such as dicaffeoylquinic and chlorogenic acids, saponins and purine alkaloids.


Tea is the second most widely-consumed beverage worldwide (after water) and is rich in polyphenolic compounds, known as tea flavonoids. Green tea contains several tea polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC) (Suganuma et al., 1999) . These flavonoids (also known as catechins) possess strong antioxidant properties (Majchrzak, Mitter, & Elmadfa, 2004) . Catechins have been proven to have antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic properties, and they can also prevent cardiovascular diseases (Cao & Ito, 2004) .

Green tea contains several tea polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC).

These flavonoids (also known as catechins) possess strong antioxidant properties.

Catechins have been proven to have antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic properties, and they can also prevent cardiovascular diseases.


Here, we report that infants between 12-and 14-months-old use interpersonal movement to guide social expectations. When watching synchronous and asynchronous movers interact in friendly and unfriendly ways, infants responded differently depending on movement style. More specifically, infants were surprised to see asynchronous partners interact in a friendly compared to an unfriendly way but did not demonstrate such expectations for synchronous partners. These results support the idea that interpersonal movement synchrony and/or asynchrony can signal group membership. Adults, for example, judge synchronous movers to be more socially cohesive and more likely to be part of the same cohesive unit than asynchronous movers (Lakens, 2010) . Here, we show that by 12 to 14 months of age, infants are already attending to the interpersonal movements of others and interpret this information as socially meaningful. Future studies may investigate how even younger infants perform on this task, given the null findings with respect to age in the present study.

Adults, for example, judge synchronous movers to be more socially cohesive and more likely to be part of the same cohesive unit than asynchronous movers.


Intensive land-based fish and shrimp farms produce wastewater high in organic matter (e.g., feed residues, feces, and algal detritus) which is discharged in the effluent and disperses in the environment, causing eutrophication in coastal regions [24] [25] [26] . In arid regions, where fresh water is scarce, aquaculture wastewater is an alternative water resource. Irrigation with aquaculture wastewater may affect the soil microbial community composition and functional diversity. Consequently, the changes in the soil environment would be significant [27] . Reducing aquaculture impacts on the environment is still a scientific challenge [28] .

Intensive land-based fish and shrimp farms produce wastewater high in organic matter (e.g., feed residues, feces, and algal detritus) which is discharged in the effluent and disperses in the environment, causing eutrophication in coastal regions.

Consequently, the changes in the soil environment would be significant.

Reducing aquaculture impacts on the environment is still a scientific challenge.


Three methods, integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), and beneficial bacteria for aquaculture, have been generally used to solve these problems. The design of IMTA provides byproducts (including waste) from one cultured species as inputs Sustainability 2019, 11, 1880 2 of 15 (e.g., fertilizers and foods) for another [2, 3] . The advantage of IMTA is the ability to create balanced systems to make fish farming more sustainable using a combinatorial aquaculture (e.g., fish and shrimp) with inorganic extractive (e.g., seaweed) and organic extractive (e.g., shellfish) components. RAS was designed for the use with fish production where water exchange is limited. The major goal of RAS is the reduction of ammonia toxicity and nutrient pollution using filtration and/or biofiltration to maintain water quality to provide a suitable habitat for fish [4, 5] . The main benefit of RAS is the ability to reduce the demand of fresh, clean water, and simultaneously maintain a healthy environment for fish.

The design of IMTA provides byproducts (including waste) from one cultured species as inputs Sustainability 2019, 11, 1880 2 of 15 (e.g., fertilizers and foods) for another.

The major goal of RAS is the reduction of ammonia toxicity and nutrient pollution using filtration and/or biofiltration to maintain water quality to provide a suitable habitat for fish.


Our interpretation of both the parental and the friend neuroticism correlation refers to a reference group effect induced by the differential streamlining of the children after age 10 into high-, medium-, and low-achieving children. Other streamlining effects are well established in the German educational-psychological literature. Repeatedly found has been, for example, a mean decrease in cognitive self-esteem in the children who advance to the Gymnasium after age 10 because they compare themselves with children of high ability in the Gymnasium (Asendorpf & van Aken, 1994; Schwarzer et al., 1982) . If it is true that such reference group effects affect not only self-esteem measures, but also neuroticism judgments by others, such a result warns us to take the fact seriously that a substantial portion of the variance in Big Five judgments, particularly for the lessobservable neuroticism factor, is in the eye of the beholders rather than in the judged persons.

Repeatedly found has been, for example, a mean decrease in cognitive self-esteem in the children who advance to the Gymnasium after age 10 because they compare themselves with children of high ability in the Gymnasium.


The quality and chemical composition of the microspheres influence many properties of the syntactic foams. And they have also strong influence during the production of the syntactic foams. The foams are usually produced by mixing technique and gravitational casting or by pressure infiltration [11] [12] [13] .

The foams are usually produced by mixing technique and gravitational casting or by pressure infiltration.


Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the six Portuguese medicinal infusions and teas are shown in Table 3 . In our experiments two different extracts where studied: aqueous and ethanolic. The tea or infusion may be considered a sort of water extract; however, in order to quantify the liposoluble components it is necessary to use organic solvents. The extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials is the first step in the utilization of phytochemicals in preparation of dietary supplements or nutraceuticals, food ingredients, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products (Vinha et al., 2013; Dai & Mumper, 2010) .

The extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials is the first step in the utilization of phytochemicals in preparation of dietary supplements or nutraceuticals, food ingredients, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.


Calgranulin A (S100A8) belongs to the S100 protein family, which has more than 20 members, all carrying a Ca 2? -binding EF-Hand motif. Calgranulin A is a protein of 10.83 kD and its gene is located at chromosome 1q21 [10] . It forms a heterodimer with calgranulin B (S100A9) which is called calprotectin. Calgranulin A may function in the inhibition of casein kinase and as a cytokine, and S100 proteins are involved in cell differentiation and cell cycle regulation [11, 12] . The precise function of the S100 proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression is still unknown but recent reports emphasize their role as a regulator of tumor progression [13] . Calgranulin A has been identified as highly expressed in muscle-invasive and advanced BC; however, studies of calgranulin A expression and its role in NMIBC are sparse.

Calgranulin A is a protein of 10.83 kD and its gene is located at chromosome 1q21.

Calgranulin A may function in the inhibition of casein kinase and as a cytokine, and S100 proteins are involved in cell differentiation and cell cycle regulation.

The precise function of the S100 proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression is still unknown but recent reports emphasize their role as a regulator of tumor progression.


Caring for a Person with Dementia (PwD) is a demanding task, often performed by a close relative that faces stress and burnout providing assistance 24/7. Context-Aware technologies can be designed to assist PwD and their caregivers [1] . Providing caregivers with information of the activities performed by the PwD would allow them to opportunistically identify when the elder might need assistance, for example detecting if the PwD is at risk, or if she is doing something unusual [2] .

Context-Aware technologies can be designed to assist PwD and their caregivers.

Providing caregivers with information of the activities performed by the PwD would allow them to opportunistically identify when the elder might need assistance, for example detecting if the PwD is at risk, or if she is doing something unusual.


The present research does not pretend to settle the debate but seeks to contribute to it. Clarifying the contribution of associative and propositional processes in EC has critical implications, in particular for dual-process models of attitudes that often consider EC as the best case for associative affective learning (Gawronski & Bodenhausen, 2006) . Given the remarkable ubiquity of evaluative conditioning as well as the theoretical importance of better understanding its underlying mechanisms, more research is needed to clarify its boundary conditions.

Clarifying the contribution of associative and propositional processes in EC has critical implications, in particular for dual-process models of attitudes that often consider EC as the best case for associative affective learning.


For any given participant, a given CS picture was always paired with the same US picture. CS-US assignments were counterbalanced across participants (4 different CS-US assignments were used). This procedure contributes to making slight variations in CS evaluations distributed evenly across conditions and so rules out undesirable effects in stimulus selection (Field & Davey, 1999) . Each CS-US pairing appeared five times for 1 s each and was presented at the center of the screen in a random order.

This procedure contributes to making slight variations in CS evaluations distributed evenly across conditions and so rules out undesirable effects in stimulus selection.


The pH of low-salt solid-state fermentation soy sauce decreased during the days of aging (Figure 5 ). At the first 5 days of aging, it decreased rapidly. But at the second 5 days, it had a little rise. Then the pH decreased rapidly from 5.39 to 5.12 at the end of the third 5 days. The decline of pH during the aging of mash may be attributed to autolysis of microbial cells, accumulation of free fatty acid, amino acids and peptides containing carbolylic side chains as a result of hydrolysis of mash constituents, as well as the microbial fermentation of carbohydrates (Shieh et al., 1982) .

The decline of pH during the aging of mash may be attributed to autolysis of microbial cells, accumulation of free fatty acid, amino acids and peptides containing carbolylic side chains as a result of hydrolysis of mash constituents, as well as the microbial fermentation of carbohydrates.


Soy sauce is a traditional fermented condiment commonly consumed by the people in China, Korea and Japan (Luo et al., 2009) . Soy sauce koji is traditionally prepared by growing the koji mold such as Aspergillus oryzae on the raw material containing a mixture of steamcooked defatted soybean and wheat bran. Soy sauce mash obtained by mixing the finished koji with brine solution is then subjected to various periods of aging (Ling and Chou, 1996; Su et al., 2005) .

Soy sauce is a traditional fermented condiment commonly consumed by the people in China, Korea and Japan.

Soy sauce mash obtained by mixing the finished koji with brine solution is then subjected to various periods of aging.


In situ measurements of 12 different trace gas species, including CO and SF 6 , were made using the four channel Airborne Chromatograph for Atmospheric Trace Species (ACATS-IV), using electron capture detection (Hurst et al., 2004; Romashkin et al., 2001) . The measurement interval for the SF 6 (and N 2 O) chromatographic channel was 70 s, while CO (and CH 4 , H 2 ) were assayed every 140 s. To compare with the flask measurements, we identified the in situ measurements made while each flask was filled. Typically, 2-3 in situ measurements of CO and 4-7 in situ measurements of SF 6 were made during each flask-filling period, and these were averaged to obtain a single data point. Uncertainties were assigned as the larger of the nominal measurement precision, or the one-sigma standard deviation of the averaged results.

In situ measurements of 12 different trace gas species, including CO and SF 6 , were made using the four channel Airborne Chromatograph for Atmospheric Trace Species (ACATS-IV), using electron capture detection.


Results supported the premise that IP would be present within a sample of graduate students. Traditional graduate student participants had a mean score that indicated frequent imposter feelings (M = 65.68, SD = 15.59). Online graduate student participants had a mean score that indicated a moderate level of IP (M = 54.17, SD = 16.85). Results also showed high levels of anxiety for both traditional graduate students (M = 37.49, SD = 6.01) and online graduate students (M = 36.88, SD = 6.76). A score of 36 or over on the SAS is considered high; in fact, it would suggest that an individual might need further assessment (Sharpley et al., 2010) . Overall, these results indicate that graduate students, whether they are enrolled in online programs or traditional programs, are dealing with anxiety and IP.

A score of 36 or over on the SAS is considered high; in fact, it would suggest that an individual might need further assessment.


It is predicted that the FTI occurring at half filling in the spin-holomorphic Landau levels is susceptible to an inherent spontaneous symmetry breaking, leading to the spatial separation of spins. The half-filled spin-holomorphic FTI with such spin separation could be potentially useful in spintronics since it can serve as a robust interaction-driven spin filter, which sorts electrons with different spins into two spatially separated regions. Once embedded in their respective spin-separated regions, spins are expected to be protected against various decoherence mechanisms by the Coulomb interaction. A spin-filtered current can flow by attaching a lead deep inside the desired spin-separated region, where the edge current surrounding the attached lead should be composed of only the single spin species corresponding to the region. Now, we discuss briefly how this state can be realized in experiments. Our model Hamiltonian is based on a two-dimensional electron gas confined in a parabolic confining potential with strong spin-orbit coupling, which can be realized by constructing a semiconductor quantum well or heterostructure on the substrate made of a strong spin-orbit-coupled material. Another way of realizing essentially the same model Hamiltonian is to induce an effective spin-orbit coupling by applying an appropriate strain gradient in a two-dimensional parabolic quantum well, as proposed by Bernevig and Zhang [10] .

Another way of realizing essentially the same model Hamiltonian is to induce an effective spin-orbit coupling by applying an appropriate strain gradient in a two-dimensional parabolic quantum well, as proposed by Bernevig and Zhang.


Perhaps, a more important possibility is the half-filled Chern band in the lattice with time-reversal symmetry. In principle, the half-filled spin-holomorphic FTI studied in this work can be mapped to its lattice version via the basis function mapping between the lowest-Landau-level wave functions and the hybrid Wannier functions [7, 8] . If so, our study predicts that a strongly correlated, halffilled Chern band with time-reversal symmetry can host a spin-separated FTI, and thus a spin filter.

In principle, the half-filled spin-holomorphic FTI studied in this work can be mapped to its lattice version via the basis function mapping between the lowest-Landau-level wave functions and the hybrid Wannier functions.


In Chile, maternal and perinatal health constitute a major focus of public health policies and PTB is a health priority [19] . However, the determinants of preterm birth in Chilean population are partially known. Therefore we cannot yet formulate primary and secondary prevention strategies based on specific characteristics of either women or mothers.

In Chile, maternal and perinatal health constitute a major focus of public health policies and PTB is a health priority.


In this study, A. melinus dispersed progressively from the release point to other citrus trees in the orchard over a period of 35-days. However, they were only uniformly dispersed throughout the study area in the orchard at the end of the trial, when the wasp had completed two generations. Indeed, during the first 14 days after the releases, the parasitoid was mainly recorded only 20 m from the release point, both in terms of captures and of EPP. In particular, the difference in the number of parasitoids captured in the two treatments (control vs release) during the first 7 days indicates this was mainly due to the release of wasps. The release of adults resulted in an increase in percentage parasitism after a further 7 days (R + 14d) and a significant decrease in the availability of vulnerable hosts in the release plots compared to the control, and therefore provided a better biocontrol service. The levels of parasitism recorded in the control plots, in the pre-release and R + 7 samples, and concomitant very low levels of captures could be due to the attractiveness of susceptible hosts being greater than the pheromone traps for the naturally occurring A. melinus. Moreover, our results suggest that the parasitoids that reached the 40 m circle trees 28 days after the release were the progeny of the released wasps that parasitized hosts within 20 m of the release point. Indeed, the mean temperature and relative humidity recorded during the post-release period (27.9°C and 60.6% RH) are compatible with this hypothesis, since the duration of immature development of A. melinus, under these conditions, ranges between 10 and 13 days, which matches the sampling intervals of our experiment (Yu & Luck, 1988) . The results of this longterm study of the dispersal of parasitoids following their release provide the first step towards determining the theoretically optimal intermediate dispersal level that maximizes the likelihood of establishment and appropriate levels of spread.

Indeed, the mean temperature and relative humidity recorded during the post-release period (27.9°C and 60.6% RH) are compatible with this hypothesis, since the duration of immature development of A. melinus, under these conditions, ranges between 10 and 13 days, which matches the sampling intervals of our experiment.


The differences in the effect of test compounds on the phase transition of the model membrane are more evident when we add cholesterol to the lipid bilayer. The most important function of the cholesterol is perhaps its ability to modulate the physicochemical properties of cellular membranes. In the membrane, the cholesterol interacts with membrane phospholipid and influences their behavior. Cholesterol induces an ''intermediate state'' in phospholipid molecules with which it interacts, increasing the fluidity of the hydrocarbon chains in temperatures below the T m and decreasing the fluidity in temperatures above it. The content of 5 mol% of cholesterol in the membrane formed from DPPC eliminates pre-transition. Incorporation of increasing levels of cholesterol broadens and eventually eliminates altogether the cooperative gel/liquid phase transition of the lipid bilayer. When the amount of cholesterol in the membrane formed from phosphatidylcholine ranges from 5 to 20 mol%, two phases with different cholesterol contents are formed [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] . In our experiments, two different concentrations of cholesterol were used: 5 mol% and 10 mol%, for which sharp main transition occurs (Figs. 4, 5) .

When the amount of cholesterol in the membrane formed from phosphatidylcholine ranges from 5 to 20 mol%, two phases with different cholesterol contents are formed.


The knowledge about shininess is also essential to computer scientists who work on object rendering and visualization [4, 5] . Realistic surface appearance is not only needed for computer aided design and manufacturing, but also for computer graphics in the entertainment industry. Purely physics-based models do not seem to have realistic results, so quantitative studies of gloss perception must be included [5] .

The knowledge about shininess is also essential to computer scientists who work on object rendering and visualization.

Purely physics-based models do not seem to have realistic results, so quantitative studies of gloss perception must be included.


It is easier for cell differentiation to evolve via the emergence of a switch, rather than the less plausible path that involves the evolution of a clockwork mechanism. According to the NDD model, the emergence of early stages of multicellularity only requires the evolution of a suitable switch -the rest of the necessary ingredients needed for the transition into self-organization is provided by the stochastic elements affecting the switch. The major transition from unicellularity to multicellularity -i.e., from phenotypic diversity in a population to from an ordered and stable spatial heterogeneityonly requires one more step: the evolved switch should be simply affected by the signal(s) released by its neighbors (components #8). The spatial information received in this way would bias the switch such that the population-level organization is retained. It is tempting to postulate a connection between the cell-differentiation switch, postulated in the NDD model, and the toggle switch used in quorum sensing in bacteria [46] . Quorum sensing enables bacteria to regulate their phenotypes apropos of their neighbors and is more robust in a dense community [47] . It seems plausible to consider this type community-based phenotypic regulation as a precursor to similar switch-based mechanisms for cell differentiation in multicellular organisms.

It is tempting to postulate a connection between the cell-differentiation switch, postulated in the NDD model, and the toggle switch used in quorum sensing in bacteria.

Quorum sensing enables bacteria to regulate their phenotypes apropos of their neighbors and is more robust in a dense community.


The HK approach to measuring test scores contrasts with the now-standard procedure for the number of years of schooling, where demographic information is combined with past data on years of schooling to produce an average estimate for the whole labour force, rather than just new entrants (Barro and Lee, 1993) . Lack of a sufficient run of data prevents such an approach for test scores, but a good first step is to relate test scores to growth only at a strictly later date. This resolves the potential endogeneity problem and also implies that the test scores should be a more accurate measure of the average knowledge of the labour force during the period over which growth is measured. This is the innovation of this paper. Using this procedure, we find that the estimated effect of test scores on five-year average growth rates at various lags is statistically significant but rather weaker than that reported by HK and HW. The estimated effects are of similar magnitude to theirs only when we relate test scores to growth at an earlier date, a result which explains their higher cross-section estimates and may reflect the endogeneity bias just discussed.

The HK approach to measuring test scores contrasts with the now-standard procedure for the number of years of schooling, where demographic information is combined with past data on years of schooling to produce an average estimate for the whole labour force, rather than just new entrants.

This is the innovation of this paper.


CVM research has made an invaluable contribution to the field by demonstrating that an explicit link between non-market goods and market price is unnecessary [17] . However, there is still a need for understanding of respondents' valuation of public goods [24] . Therefore, CVM is highly suitable for researching farmers' willingness to pay and the level of ecological compensation.

CVM research has made an invaluable contribution to the field by demonstrating that an explicit link between non-market goods and market price is unnecessary.

However, there is still a need for understanding of respondents' valuation of public goods.


Wetland ecosystem services are essential to human life, and they are essentially public goods. However, there is not a relative market that expresses these values in China [16] . Estimating the non-use values of public attributes requires a non-market economic valuation method to avoid "The Tragedy of the Commons" [17] . Two categories of non-market valuation methods, developed in previous research, are the revealed preference and stated preference methods [18] . The revealed preference category includes the hedonic pricing method (HPM) and the travel cost method (TCM). These methods have been applied to actual market valuation characterized by exchanging economic currency and market goods/services [17] . The stated preference method involves the choice experiment and the contingent valuation method (CVM,) which is used to estimate the value of total ecosystem services [19] .

However, there is not a relative market that expresses these values in China.

Estimating the non-use values of public attributes requires a non-market economic valuation method to avoid "The Tragedy of the Commons".

Two categories of non-market valuation methods, developed in previous research, are the revealed preference and stated preference methods.

These methods have been applied to actual market valuation characterized by exchanging economic currency and market goods/services.

The stated preference method involves the choice experiment and the contingent valuation method (CVM,) which is used to estimate the value of total ecosystem services.


The durability of reinforced cement based structures is a global pervasive problem [6] [7] [8] [9] . Poor understanding of deterioration processes and inadequate ingress resistance criteria for aggressive substances such as CO 2 , chlorides and sulphates, among others on site concrete changes in cement properties and construction practices are some of the reasons that account for the deterioration of cement based structures [6, [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . As a result, many cement based 2 Journal of Chemistry structures deteriorate prematurely resulting in short service life [17] [18] [19] . Repair and maintenance costs are greatly increased in the attempts to mitigate the adverse effects of aggressive substances [6, [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] . In this paper, an indepth review on current advances on carbonation process, factors affecting carbonation, and effects of carbonation on hardened cement materials have been discussed in detail.

The durability of reinforced cement based structures is a global pervasive problem.

Poor understanding of deterioration processes and inadequate ingress resistance criteria for aggressive substances such as CO 2 , chlorides and sulphates, among others on site concrete changes in cement properties and construction practices are some of the reasons that account for the deterioration of cement based structures.

As a result, many cement based 2 Journal of Chemistry structures deteriorate prematurely resulting in short service life.

Repair and maintenance costs are greatly increased in the attempts to mitigate the adverse effects of aggressive substances.


Cement is the main building binder used in housing and general construction throughout the world [1] . Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is the most common type of cement used in construction [1, 2] . However, OPC production process involves significant environmental damage with respect to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) production and raw material requisition [3] . Cement manufacturing releases CO 2 in the atmosphere when calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) is heated [4] . The gas is also emitted when petroleum based fuel is burnt in the kiln during clinkerisation process [4] . The cement industry is the second largest CO 2 emitting industry behind power generation [5] . CO 2 is considered as the main greenhouse gas causing global warming and climate change in the world. There is an increasing demand for eco-friendly cement in the world in order to meet the sustainable development goals.

Cement is the main building binder used in housing and general construction throughout the world.

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is the most common type of cement used in construction.

However, OPC production process involves significant environmental damage with respect to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) production and raw material requisition.

Cement manufacturing releases CO 2 in the atmosphere when calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) is heated.

The gas is also emitted when petroleum based fuel is burnt in the kiln during clinkerisation process.

The cement industry is the second largest CO 2 emitting industry behind power generation.


Multiple characteristics based battery grouping methods combine several characteristics together as the grouping criteria. Multiple characteristics can better characterize the battery; thus, the performance of this grouping method is often greatly improved compared with single characteristic based grouping methods. For example, many battery manufactories in China combine the discharge open-circuit cutoff voltage and the charge static terminal voltage as the standard for battery grouping [8] . However, generally speaking, battery characteristics are often assessed when the battery is in a stable state without consideration of the dynamic performance of the battery; thus, even the combination of multiple characteristics still does not completely reflect the battery performance, especially the dynamic performance.

For example, many battery manufactories in China combine the discharge open-circuit cutoff voltage and the charge static terminal voltage as the standard for battery grouping.


In general, the characteristics used for battery grouping include the battery terminal voltage, internal resistance, static capacity, self-discharge rate, etc. The single characteristic based battery grouping methods choose only one of these characteristics as the grouping criteria. For example, the cell capacity is usually used as the criteria for battery grouping, i.e., batteries with similar capacities are grouped together to form a battery pack. Internal resistance is another widely considered characteristic to build battery packs [6] . People may also consider thermal characteristics for building a battery pack [7] . Unfortunately, a single characteristic is generally too limited to present the performance of the battery; therefore, single characteristic based battery grouping methods commonly have poor performance.

Internal resistance is another widely considered characteristic to build battery packs.

People may also consider thermal characteristics for building a battery pack.


It is expected that the liquid-phase concentration of a dissolving solid increases with time until a plateau is reached, with this concentration plateau representing the solid solubility under a given condition. However, for insulin dissolution the behaviour observed was different as insulin concentration decreased after reaching a maximum ( Figure 2 ). We addressed whether this behaviour would take place at different pH's values (pH 3.2, 5.5, and 6.6). These values were chosen to evaluate the effect of the net surface charge of the molecules and of the different ways in which insulin molecules combine in solution. At pH 3.2 insulin is positively charged and is found predominantly as a combination of monomers or dimmers. At pH 5.5 (the isoelectric point of insulin) the net surface charge is null; and at pH 6.6 the molecule is negatively charged and predominantly combines as hexamers in solution (Blundell et al., 1972) . The same dissolution behaviour was observed keeping the pH value constant at 5.5 and varying the temperature (Figure 3) .

At pH 5.5 (the isoelectric point of insulin) the net surface charge is null; and at pH 6.6 the molecule is negatively charged and predominantly combines as hexamers in solution.


The very nature of proteins imposes several specificities to the study of their crystallisation. The main differences a rise from the large size, low symmetry, large solvent content in protein crystals and low binding energies. Low binding energies cause the protein crystals to be soft and sensitive to small changes in external conditions. Proteins have a large number of potential attachment sites that are energetically almost as favourable as the small number of specific sites at which an ordered array (crystal) is formed (Kam et al., 1978) .

Proteins have a large number of potential attachment sites that are energetically almost as favourable as the small number of specific sites at which an ordered array (crystal) is formed.


As a result the complexity of protein, there is a large probability that polymorphism or pseudopolymorphism will occur during protein crystallization. When several types of solids have exactly the same chemical composition but different crystal structures they are called polymorphs. In the case of protein crystals, the term "polymorph" rarely corresponds strictly to this definition. In some cases, the crystal composition differs only by the number of solvent molecules. In these cases, the most frequently used term is "pseudopolymorphism", although some authors also use the term "solvatomorphism". Polymorphic form is usually identified by the powder X -ray diffraction measurement (Yoshihashi et al., 2000) .

Polymorphic form is usually identified by the powder X -ray diffraction measurement.


Also, PI foils are too expensive for large scale applications. By using cost effective polyesters such as PET (polyethylene teraphtalate), the substrate costs can be reduced by up to a factor 10 [4] . However, PET has a much lower thermal stability than PI [5] . This poses limitations for the integration technologies that can be used for manufacturing the foils [5, 6] . The foil system must be designed to avoid hot spots, which can affect the reliability of the PET foil. Moreover, the efficiency and lifetime of LEDs suffer significantly with increasing junction temperature. Therefore, it is imperative that the design copes well with the heat that is generated by the LEDs during operation [3] .

By using cost effective polyesters such as PET (polyethylene teraphtalate), the substrate costs can be reduced by up to a factor 10.

However, PET has a much lower thermal stability than PI.

This poses limitations for the integration technologies that can be used for manufacturing the foils.

Therefore, it is imperative that the design copes well with the heat that is generated by the LEDs during operation.


Despite the fact that the classes of graph C * -algebras and Exel-Laca algebras agree in the row-finite case, they are quite different in the non-row-finite setting. In particular, there are C * -algebras of non-row-finite graphs that are not isomorphic to any Exel-Laca algebra, and there are Exel-Laca algebras of non-row-finite matrices that are not isomorphic to the C * -algebra of any graph [23] . In order to bring graph C * -algebras and Exel-Laca algebras together under one theory, Tomforde introduced the notion of an ultragraph and described how to associate a C * -algebra to such an object [22, 23] . These ultragraph C * -algebras contain all graph C * -algebras and all Exel-Laca algebras, as well as examples of C * -algebras that are in neither of these two classes. The relationship among these classes is summarized in Figure 1 .

In particular, there are C * -algebras of non-row-finite graphs that are not isomorphic to any Exel-Laca algebra, and there are Exel-Laca algebras of non-row-finite matrices that are not isomorphic to the C * -algebra of any graph.

In order to bring graph C * -algebras and Exel-Laca algebras together under one theory, Tomforde introduced the notion of an ultragraph and described how to associate a C * -algebra to such an object.


We consider the four-point coupled system of nonlinear fractional differential equations: Here we emphasize that our problem is new in the sense of nonseparated coupled boundary conditions introduced here. To the best of our knowledge, fractional-order coupled system (1) has yet to be studied with the boundary conditions (2) . In consequence, our findings of the present work will be a useful contribution to the existing literature on the topic. The existence of positive solution results for the given problem is new, though they are proved by applying the well-known fixed point theorem.

To the best of our knowledge, fractional-order coupled system (1) has yet to be studied with the boundary conditions.


The added K correction to the MMPI-2 Clinical scales does not seem likely to account for the differences in elevations. Overall, K was at the normal level (M = 49.80). K was lowest in the psychotic level and highest in the neurotic level. K functions in much the same way as the subtle items function in those scales that are not K corrected, i.e. as the defensive aspects of the psychopathology (Gordon, 1989) . These diagnostically valid items are not artificially elevating the Clinical scales. Both K and the subtle items add diagnostic sensitivity to the MMPI-2 scales not found in homogenized scales.

K functions in much the same way as the subtle items function in those scales that are not K corrected, i.e. as the defensive aspects of the psychopathology.


Microbial degradation process aids the elimination of spilled oil from the environment after critical removal of large amounts of the oil by various physical and chemical methods (Ijah and Okang, 1993) . This is possible because microorganisms have enzyme systems to degrade and utilize diesel oil as a source of carbon and energy (Ijah and Antai, 1988; Ezeji et al., 2005; Antai and Mgbomo, 1993) . This study was designed to isolate, characterize and identify diesel oil-degrading microorganisms. Diesel oil degradation by the isolates was further monitored to determine their potentials as bioremediation agents.

Microbial degradation process aids the elimination of spilled oil from the environment after critical removal of large amounts of the oil by various physical and chemical methods.

This is possible because microorganisms have enzyme systems to degrade and utilize diesel oil as a source of carbon and energy.


The red jungle fowl is considered to be the wild ancestor of domestic chicken (Gal/us domesticus) (Kruijt, 1964) . In the present study we estimate phenotypic and genotypic parameters of three male sexual traits, namely comb size, spur length and testes mass. Two lines of White Leghorn were used in this comparison. One of the two lines has been artificially selected for large comb size during nine generations (line S) whereas the other line was a randomly mated control (line C) with the same origin as the selection line. The relations between morphology, inbreeding and mortality are also analysed. In these latter comparisons we also used two additional selection lines of White Leghorn (lines E and H) , both of which have a larger comb size than the control line.

The red jungle fowl is considered to be the wild ancestor of domestic chicken (Gal/us domesticus).


It appears therefore that the cockerels in the three selection lines express a comb size that cOnfers a net cost in terms of overall condition. In contrast, cockerels from the control line are more likely to express their comb size in accordance with their phenotypical condition. Hence, although we did not find any positive relationship in line C between comb size at 16 weeks of age and viability in this study, where the cockerels were raised under conditions designed to maximize survival, we would expect to find a positive relationship between survival and comb size among line C males if they had been living in a natural environment (Zuk et a!., 1990a) .

Hence, although we did not find any positive relationship in line C between comb size at 16 weeks of age and viability in this study, where the cockerels were raised under conditions designed to maximize survival, we would expect to find a positive relationship between survival and comb size among line C males if they had been living in a natural environment.


Ever since its inception, the "information-processing view" has been the predominant paradigm of consumer behavior research (Bagozzi, Gürhan-Canli, & Priester, 2002) . This paradigm mainly regards consumers as logical problem solvers and "thinking machines" (Shiv & Fedorikhin, 1999, p. 290) . Prominent researchers now increasingly contend that the information-processing paradigm paints an incomplete picture of consumer decision making. Although it can explain and predict the consumption of functional, utilitarian goods, its adequacy for hedonic consumption decisions, in which "less experience is available, where the problem is not wellstructured, and where emotional reactions are important" (Phillips, Olson, & Baumgartner, 1995, p. 284) , appears questionable.

Ever since its inception, the "information-processing view" has been the predominant paradigm of consumer behavior research.


The characterization results for Si-QD LEDs with MoO 3 interlayers are shown in Fig. 4 . The dependence of J on the thickness of MoO 3 is similar to what happens to HAT-CN [see Fig. 4(a) ]. The lowest turned-on current density is obtained with ∼3 nm thick MoO 3 . P also starts saturation at a higher voltage as the MoO 3 interlayer becomes thicker [see Fig. 4(b) ]. It is found that the saturated P decreases with the increase of MoO 3 thickness except for the device with ∼3 nm thick MoO 3 , which leads to the saturated P of ∼0.019 mw/cm 2 . The V T increases from 5.2 to 6.8 V as the MoO 3 thickness increases from 0 to 7 nm [see Fig. 4(b) ]. The maximum EQE of ∼2.4% is obtained when ∼3 nm thick MoO 3 is used [see Fig. 4(c) ]. This corresponds to an increase of ∼170% in EQE compared with the original EQE of the device without any interlayers. The current EQE of ∼2.4% is among the best EQE values of Si-QD LEDs that have been reported so far [24] - [26] , [29] . Fig. 4(d) shows the EL of the Si-QD LED with ∼3 nm thick MoO 3 . More intense EL from Si QDs is measured as the operating voltage increases. The rather efficient light emission from the device is exemplified by a photograph taken at an operating voltage of 12 V [see the inset of Fig. 4(d) ]. Now we explain why HAT-CN and MoO 3 effectively enhance the EQE of Si-QD LEDs. Fig. 5(a) and (b) show the J-V curves for HAT-CN-based and MoO 3 -based hole-only devices (ITO/ HAT-CN/PEDOT:PSS/Poly-TPD/Si-QD/Au and ITO/MoO 3 /PEDOT:PSS/Poly-TPD/Si-QD/Au), respectively. When the devices are turned on, the interlayer-thickness dependence of the hole current density is consistent with that of the measured current density for Si-QD LEDs. This implies that both HAT-CN and MoO 3 can modulate the device current by optimizing the hole transport. It is evident that ∼3 nm thick MoO 3 can more efficiently enhance the hole transport than ∼5 nm thick HAT-CN by comparing their corresponding hole current densities in Fig. 5(a) and (b) . For instance, at a voltage of 12 V the hole current density of the device with ∼5 nm thick HAT-CN is ∼3.3 mA/cm 2 , while that of the device with ∼3 nm thick MoO 3 is ∼7.5 mA/cm 2 . Thus, the hole current density enabled by MoO 3 may be closer to electron current density than that enabled by HAT-CN. It is the more balanced hole/electron transport that leads to the more pronounced increase in the EQE of Si-QD LEDs with MoO 3 interlayers.

The current EQE of ∼2.4% is among the best EQE values of Si-QD LEDs that have been reported so far.


Finally, we would like to mention the interlayer-enabled high stability of Si-QD LEDs. The decays of P at the operating voltage of 8 V have been compared among Si-QD LEDs without any interlayer, with ∼5 nm thick HAT-CN and with ∼3 nm thick MoO 3 , as shown in Fig. 5(d) . It can be seen that the half lifetime (T 50 ) of the Si-QD LED without any interlayer is ∼2.5 h. T 50 increases to ∼6.0 h for the Si-QD LED with ∼5 nm thick HAT-CN, while it increases to ∼8.5 h for the Si-QD LED with ∼3 nm thick MoO 3 . It is well known that unbalanced charge is one of the key factors that limit the stability of QD LEDs [59] . The HAT-CN/MoO 3 -induced enhancement of hole transport helps mitigate the charge unbalance of Si-QD LEDs. Therefore, the stability of Si-QD LEDs is greatly improved after the incorporation of HAT-CN and MoO 3 interlayers by up to ∼240%. It is worth mentioning that the best previously reported T 50 of ∼4 h was obtained for encapsulated Si-QD LEDs [26] . It is clear that our current Si-QD LEDs can work more than two times longer than previous ones even without encapsulation. Clearly, our device stability may be further improved after encapsulation.

It is well known that unbalanced charge is one of the key factors that limit the stability of QD LEDs.

It is worth mentioning that the best previously reported T 50 of ∼4 h was obtained for encapsulated Si-QD LEDs.


Si-QD LEDs were initially fabricated with Si QDs embedded in porous Si [16] . It was subsequently realized that Si QDs dispersed in the matrices of SiO 2 , Si 3 N 4 and SiC could also be employed in LED structures [17] - [23] . However, all the Si-QD LEDs often suffered from rather low EQEs and quite high turn-on voltages. One of the main factors that limited the performance of these Si-QD LEDs were the poor charge transport in the Si-QD-containing layers, which were rather porous or had large energy barriers between Si QDs and matrices. It is interesting that the recent development of colloidal Si QDs has greatly facilitated the charge transport in Si-QD LEDs. On one hand, compact Si-QD films may be formed by simple processes such as spin coating. On the other hand, appropriate electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs) can be chosen to lower the energy barriers for electrons and holes injected into Si QDs. Hence, encouraging progress on the development of Si-QD LEDs has been made by using colloidal Si QDs [24] - [29] .

Si-QD LEDs were initially fabricated with Si QDs embedded in porous Si.

It was subsequently realized that Si QDs dispersed in the matrices of SiO 2 , Si 3 N 4 and SiC could also be employed in LED structures.

Hence, encouraging progress on the development of Si-QD LEDs has been made by using colloidal Si QDs.


Si QDs used in the current work are initially synthesized by nonthermal plasma [42] , [43] . The surface of Si QDs is then hydrosilylated with 1-dodecene. Fig. 1(a) shows a low-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image of Si QDs, which are obtained by drop-casting the Si-QD solution on a TEM grid. It is clear that individual Si QDs are readily observed, indicating the excellent dispersion of Si QDs in octane. The crystallinity of Si QDs is evidenced by the selected area electron diffraction [see the inset of Fig. 1(a) ]. Fig. 1(b) representatively shows the high-resolution TEM image of a Si QD. The lattice fringes of the Si QD are very clear. Statistical analysis on the TEM images indicates that Si QDs are ∼3.1 nm in diameter on average with a standard deviation of ∼0.4 nm, as shown in Fig. 1(c) . Fig. 1(d) shows the photoluminescence (PL) from Si QDs under the excitation of 350 nm light. The peak of the PL intensity appears at the wavelength of ∼740 nm (the energy of ∼1.7 eV), consistent with the quantum confinement effect of ∼3.1 nm Si QDs [43] - [45] . The quantum yield of the PL from Si QDs is ∼31%. The inset of Fig. 1(d) shows a photograph of Si QDs dispersed in octane under the illumination of a ∼365 nm ultraviolet lamp. The light emission from Si QDs is clearly seen.

Si QDs used in the current work are initially synthesized by nonthermal plasma.

The peak of the PL intensity appears at the wavelength of ∼740 nm (the energy of ∼1.7 eV), consistent with the quantum confinement effect of ∼3.1 nm Si QDs.


We have found that HAT-CN and MoO 3 interlayers actually modify the work function of ITO (W A ), as shown in Fig. 5(c) . The deposition of both HAT-CN and MoO 3 gives rise to the increase of W A . This results in better band alignment between ITO and PEDOT:PSS, enhancing the hole injection from ITO to PEDOT:PSS. Since the increase of W A is more significant for MoO 3 than that for HAT-CN, the hole current density of MoO 3 -based devices is larger than that of HAT-CN-based devices [see Fig. 5(a) and (b) ]. W A initially increases with the increase of the HAT-CN/MoO 3 thickness. But it is stabilized around 4.9 eV (5.0 eV) when the HAT-CN (MoO 3 ) thickness increases beyond 5 nm (3 nm). HAT-CN and MoO 3 are known as strong acceptors due to their rather low HOMOs. When HAT-CN (MoO 3 ) is deposited onto the ITO substrate, there will be charge redistribution around the interface because of the work function difference. Some electrons transfer from ITO to HAT-CN (MoO 3 ) and a dipole layer is formed, leading to an upward shift of the vacuum level (VL) [58] . Thus, the increase of W A is observed. However, the VL shift tends to be constant with the further deposition of HAT-CN (MoO 3 ), giving rise to stabilized W A . Once W A hardly increases with the further increase of the interlayer thickness, the interlayer-induced increase in the series resistance may play a prevailing role to reduce the hole transport. Therefore, we see that both the largest hole current density and the maximum EQE appear at the HAT-CN (MoO 3 ) thickness of ∼5 nm (3 nm) for Si-QD LEDs.

Some electrons transfer from ITO to HAT-CN (MoO 3 ) and a dipole layer is formed, leading to an upward shift of the vacuum level (VL).

Thus, the increase of W A is observed.


Most burrowing activity in subterranean species occurs following rainfall when there is increased soil moisture that makes the soil more friable and workable, and it is also easier to extrude the soil workings onto the surface as mounds (Miller, 1957) . Other factors that may also 2 " be related to rainfall and which can seasonally influence burrowing patterns are mate acquisition and foraging (Miller & Bond, 1960; Hickman & Brown, 1973) . Thus, in species occurring in regions of marked wet and dry seasons, as is the case in many African mole-rats (Family: Bathyergidae), some aspects of the architecture of the burrow system change seasonally and are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. Burrows may be extended for: a) the primary purpose of food acquisition, especially in the case where food resources are geophytic and occur below ground; or b) tunnelling may be triggered for the purpose of mate searching, or during dispersal, for example, when a juvenile leaves the maternal burrow system as is the case in solitary species, or when emigration occurs from a parent colony in social species (Bennett & Faulkes, 2000) .

Most burrowing activity in subterranean species occurs following rainfall when there is increased soil moisture that makes the soil more friable and workable, and it is also easier to extrude the soil workings onto the surface as mounds.

Other factors that may also 2 " be related to rainfall and which can seasonally influence burrowing patterns are mate acquisition and foraging.

Burrows may be extended for: a) the primary purpose of food acquisition, especially in the case where food resources are geophytic and occur below ground; or b) tunnelling may be triggered for the purpose of mate searching, or during dispersal, for example, when a juvenile leaves the maternal burrow system as is the case in solitary species, or when emigration occurs from a parent colony in social species.


A wide range of technologies exist for separation and capture of CO 2 from gas streams, of which a large number is based on absorption into solvents. Alkanolamines have been used as absorbents for several decades, MEA being the most studied absorbent. In the absorption processes, problems relating to degradation may be significant, causing not only loss of amine but also corrosion, foaming, fouling and plugging of the equipment, in addition to environmental problems [1] . MEA itself is an accepted chemical regarding marine environment, as is supported by ecotoxity and bidegradation measurements [2] . However mapping of MEA degradation compounds is important to characterize the system and to be able to use existing technology such as water wash to avoid emission of amine or amine degradation compounds.

In the absorption processes, problems relating to degradation may be significant, causing not only loss of amine but also corrosion, foaming, fouling and plugging of the equipment, in addition to environmental problems.

MEA itself is an accepted chemical regarding marine environment, as is supported by ecotoxity and bidegradation measurements.


Figs. 3 and 4 show the relation between the change of pressure load at constant amount of molasses (2%) on the drop number (drop damage resistance) and cold crushing strength (CS) of the briquette which contain one stoichiometric amount of coke breeze. It is clear that as the compacting pressure load is increased both the drop damage resistance and crushing strength increased.This is due to the fact that an increase in pressure load increases the compaction of briquette and subsequently the Vander Waals forces [11, 12] . Also the increase of briquetting pressure leads to progressive crushing of the macro pores [13] .

This is due to the fact that an increase in pressure load increases the compaction of briquette and subsequently the Vander Waals forces.

Also the increase of briquetting pressure leads to progressive crushing of the macro pores.


Logic-based representations of natural language meaning have a long history. Representing the meaning of language in a first-order logical form is appealing because it provides a powerful and flexible way to express even complex propositions. However, systems built solely using first-order logical forms tend to be very brittle as they have no way of integrating uncertain knowledge. They, therefore, tend to have high precision at the cost of low recall (Bos and Markert, 2005) .

They, therefore, tend to have high precision at the cost of low recall.


The cost involved in dispersing is critical in determining the relationship between population density and probability of dispersal. For almost all species it would seem likely that there is some cost to dispersal, whether it is due to a risk of mortality while moving, or the risk of not ¢nding a suitable destination site, or through costs associated with developing wings or seeds that disperse better. With density-independent dispersal it has been found that incorporating higher costs of dispersal leads to a reduction in propensity to disperse (Travis & Dytham 1998) . We wanted to ascertain whether the slope, the intercept, or both, are a¡ected by increased dispersal costs for the case of density-dependent dispersal. Our results suggest that whenever dispersal has a cost then we should expect the frequency at which it occurs to vary with population density. As the cost of dispersing increases, the form of the density-dependent relationship changes. With a low cost, the e¡ects of density are relatively weak; an individual has a good chance of surviving if it disperses. As the cost of dispersal increases however, the density at which dispersal is ¢rst apparent also increases; unless at very high densities it pays an individual to stay where it is and compete for whatever resources are available (¢gure 2c). From our results, we predict that the strongest forms of density-dependent dispersal should be observed in species where the cost of dispersal is greatest.

With density-independent dispersal it has been found that incorporating higher costs of dispersal leads to a reduction in propensity to disperse.


At higher reproductive rates dispersal starts to occur at lower population densities and this e¡ect is seen most clearly at higher values of b. For individuals with low reproductive output that are in patches below equilibrium density, there is an advantage to be gained by having sedentary o¡spring. O¡spring in these patches will su¡er relatively low levels of competition and by moving they su¡er costs of dispersal with limited possible gains. However, for individuals with higher reproductive rates it is not so straightforward. If all their o¡spring remain the patch will become crowded and kin competition will be high. For these individuals it is better for some o¡spring to disperse, simultaneously reducing the level of competiton in the natal patch and increasing the chances that a new patch may be colonized. Thus, for reasons of kin competition, it bene¢ts individuals with higher rates of reproduction to start producing dispersing o¡spring at lower subpopulation densities than individuals with lower reproductive output. In this paper the relationship between population density and dispersal is constrained to be linear. This was primarily chosen as it represents the simplest case, although we believe that a linear relationship can provide for most likely strategies. An example of densitydependent dispersal that has a similar form to the one shown here is that of bagworm larvae (Rhainds et al. 1997) . Females of the bagworm, Metisa plana, lack wings and disperse by ballooning, releasing a silken thread, which is then caught on the wind. The propensity to balloon is density dependent with a linear relationship. At lower population densities females tend to stay on their natal host plant. This is attributed to the fact that M. plana is host speci¢c and the chance of ¢nding a suitable plant is quite small given that movement is dependent on wind conditions (Rhainds et al. 1998) . Mortality during dispersal is high but this mortality is traded o¡ against a reduction in fecundity due to small size at pupation if the female remains on a densely populated host plant. Another bagworm, Oiketicus kirbyi, has a higher rate of dispersal at low density levels. This is attributed to a combination of lower cost of dispersal (lower host speci¢city) and higher level of competition (Rhainds et al. 1998) .

An example of densitydependent dispersal that has a similar form to the one shown here is that of bagworm larvae.

This is attributed to the fact that M. plana is host speci¢c and the chance of ¢nding a suitable plant is quite small given that movement is dependent on wind conditions.

This is attributed to a combination of lower cost of dispersal (lower host speci¢city) and higher level of competition.


Statistical optimization of a process or formulation of a fermentation medium can overcome the limitations of classical empirical methods. A successful application of RSM to enhance exoinulinase production from K. marxianus by optimizing the fermentation medium has been reported. The existence of interactions between the independent variables with the responses was observed. The optimized fermentation medium composition was 2% inulin, 2.17% meat extract, 0.65 mM calcium chloride, 0.10 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate and pH 5.5. Applying the RSM medium, the maximum productivity of exoinulinase (64.05 IU/mL) at shake-flask level was more than double as reported in earlier findings using single variable optimization technique (Singh et al., 2007a) .

Applying the RSM medium, the maximum productivity of exoinulinase (64.05 IU/mL) at shake-flask level was more than double as reported in earlier findings using single variable optimization technique.


Virtual characters with communicative abilities have been a significant research focus in both academia and industry. Body motion is an important aspect of representing believable, intelligent virtual characters, and yet, we have limited knowledge of the relationship between body motion and gesture. In particular, we do not understand which aspects of body motion are perceptually relevant for gestures. In interactive character applications, gestures must often be generated or adapted to match the character's selected speech [1] [2] [3] [4] . How can body motion be adjusted to match these gestures? Understanding the perceptual connection between posture and gesture provides guidance as to which aspects of motion animation algorithms must maintain and where liberties can be taken.

In interactive character applications, gestures must often be generated or adapted to match the character's selected speech.


A recent study showed that individuals bearing management responsibility had more positive attitudes towards the SSC than individuals without it [16] . Barriers to proper SSC application also included insufficient instruction prior its implementation, perceived redundancy of collected data and poor team culture [17] . Our hospital performs approximately 47,000 surgical procedures in 44 operating theatres each year and a previous in-house survey among healthcare professionals revealed a high level of perceived usefulness of the SSC, while compliance rates, assessed by paper-based audits, remained low [10, 11] . These audits were performed by independent observers on two defined days by collection and review of paper-based hospital-wide SSCs. According to these audits, SSCs were used in 93.1% of all operations; however, just 57.2% were completed [11] . The approach of collecting quantitative data through audits is one possible approach to check SSC compliance, but how is the SSC used in reality?

A recent study showed that individuals bearing management responsibility had more positive attitudes towards the SSC than individuals without it.

Barriers to proper SSC application also included insufficient instruction prior its implementation, perceived redundancy of collected data and poor team culture.

Our hospital performs approximately 47,000 surgical procedures in 44 operating theatres each year and a previous in-house survey among healthcare professionals revealed a high level of perceived usefulness of the SSC, while compliance rates, assessed by paper-based audits, remained low.

According to these audits, SSCs were used in 93.1% of all operations; however, just 57.2% were completed.


Dexterity, related to the control accuracy, might be improved when studying the effect of redundant actuation (probably that a double actuating architecture with a similar actuator instead of a passive return could be employed to that end) [26] . More generally, the impact of the mechanical design on the dexterity for multi-DOF robot hand with complex kinematics and tendon routing has also been studied by the authors in the following previous paper [11] . In the field of control, the synthesis of state observers would also permit the development of strategies that would refine and improve the estimation of the grasping force only based on proprioceptive information (such as current and position at the DC motor level).

Dexterity, related to the control accuracy, might be improved when studying the effect of redundant actuation (probably that a double actuating architecture with a similar actuator instead of a passive return could be employed to that end).

More generally, the impact of the mechanical design on the dexterity for multi-DOF robot hand with complex kinematics and tendon routing has also been studied by the authors in the following previous paper.


With further increase in the applied voltage, a spark breakdown can be developed in the inter-electrode gap, resulting in gap closure. In non-uniform topologies in electronegative gases (including air), it is common to expect a higher breakdown voltage for a negativelyenergised sharp HV electrode as compared with a positively-energised electrode, [11] . This is due to the development of negative volumetric space charge (as discussed above), which results in field screening in the vicinity of the sharp cathode, [1, 9] . The field in the interelectrode gap is highly non-uniform: it reduces sharply from its maximum value near the cathode to a minimum value, then the field increases slightly toward the opposite plane electrode. For the point-pane electrode topology stressed with DC voltage in atmospheric air, the minimum value of the field is observed at distances < 1mm away from the cathode, depending on the corona current, [12] . In the case of positive corona discharge, positive ions also modify the field distribution in the vicinity of the corona generating electrode (anode), however the degree of distortion of the field in the main gap is considered to be not so significant, [13] .

In non-uniform topologies in electronegative gases (including air), it is common to expect a higher breakdown voltage for a negativelyenergised sharp HV electrode as compared with a positively-energised electrode.

This is due to the development of negative volumetric space charge (as discussed above), which results in field screening in the vicinity of the sharp cathode.

For the point-pane electrode topology stressed with DC voltage in atmospheric air, the minimum value of the field is observed at distances < 1mm away from the cathode, depending on the corona current.

In the case of positive corona discharge, positive ions also modify the field distribution in the vicinity of the corona generating electrode (anode), however the degree of distortion of the field in the main gap is considered to be not so significant.


It was found that for the electrodes with smaller tip radii the standard deviation of positive breakdown voltage for all distances and pressures are significantly higher than those for negative energisation. This difference is even more marked in the case of the HV electrode with the largest tip radius (0.8 mm), where the standard deviation for positive breakdown voltage was an order of magnitude higher than for negative polarity, ±5 kV and ±0.5 kV, respectively. Potentially this effect (higher deviation in positive spark breakdown voltages) can be a result of different mechanisms of initiation and development of positive and negative corona discharges in air: in the case of increasing of HV stress, the development of positive corona discharges progresses through different stages including a highly unstable and volatile impulsive (flashing) corona stage, while the behaviour of the negative corona discharges is more predictable, typically negative corona current is a combination of DC component and Trichel impulses, [21] .

Potentially this effect (higher deviation in positive spark breakdown voltages) can be a result of different mechanisms of initiation and development of positive and negative corona discharges in air: in the case of increasing of HV stress, the development of positive corona discharges progresses through different stages including a highly unstable and volatile impulsive (flashing) corona stage, while the behaviour of the negative corona discharges is more predictable, typically negative corona current is a combination of DC component and Trichel impulses.


It was observed that negative breakdown voltage increases linearly with increasing inter-electrode gap throughout the range of gaps tested. At very short gaps (depending on radius of point electrode), positive breakdown voltage is comparable to negative breakdown voltage. For larger gaps, with an increase in intensity of pre-breakdown negative corona discharges, and as a result more pronounced negative space charge, the positive breakdown voltage becomes lower than the negative breakdown voltage, and the rate of its increase with the distance reduces. The critical distance, d crit , at which positive and negative breakdown voltages deviate from each other has been identified for all tested pressures and electrode topologies. The negative pre-breakdown corona discharges initiate at much smaller gaps than positive corona discharges, causing stabilisation in the switch operation at much smaller gaps, [2] .

The negative pre-breakdown corona discharges initiate at much smaller gaps than positive corona discharges, causing stabilisation in the switch operation at much smaller gaps.


Positive corona initiates as a number of smaller-scale electron avalanches directed towards the sharp anode, and the secondary photoemission of electrons plays an important role in the development of this type of corona discharge. The electrons are absorbed into the anode leaving behind positive ions resulting in development of the positive local charge in close proximity to the anode and a reduction of the field at the anode. Thus, the ignition voltage of positive corona discharges in atmospheric air is higher than the ignition voltage of negative ones, [10] .

Thus, the ignition voltage of positive corona discharges in atmospheric air is higher than the ignition voltage of negative ones.