Only in two of the tests, the four-choice reaction time and pursuit rotor tests, were scores significantly affected by hypoglycaemia in both groups. The effect sizes obtained for the euglycaemia-hypoglycaemia comparison in the two studies showed almost identical effect sizes (four-choice reaction time, η 2 =0.36 vs η 2 =0.34 in controls vs type 1 diabetic participants; pursuit rotor, η 2 =0.29 vs η 2 =0.27 in non-diabetic vs type 1 diabetic participants). Previous research has demonstrated that recurrent exposure to hypoglycaemia can lead to preservation of cognitive function with regard to certain cognitive domains [27] . Choice reaction time, however, does not appear to adapt, and if hypoglycaemia is induced slowly, it deteriorates at similar levels of blood glucose in most groups of participants, irrespective of their previous glycaemic experience or state of hypoglycaemia awareness [28] . Given that no difference was observed in pursuit rotor results between the groups, it seems possible that pursuit rotor also does not adapt to recurrent hypoglycaemia.

Previous research has demonstrated that recurrent exposure to hypoglycaemia can lead to preservation of cognitive function with regard to certain cognitive domains.

Choice reaction time, however, does not appear to adapt, and if hypoglycaemia is induced slowly, it deteriorates at similar levels of blood glucose in most groups of participants, irrespective of their previous glycaemic experience or state of hypoglycaemia awareness.


Building an android, an autonomous robot with humanoid form and humanlike abilities, has been both a recurring theme in science fiction and a "Holy Grail" for the Artificial Intelligence community. In the summer of 1993, our group began the construction of a humanoid robot. This research project has two goals: an engineering goal of building a prototype general purpose flexible and dextrous autonomous robot and a scientific goal of understanding human cognition (Brooks & Stein 1994) .

This research project has two goals: an engineering goal of building a prototype general purpose flexible and dextrous autonomous robot and a scientific goal of understanding human cognition.


In 2008, the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) was reconfigured to study issues related to the design of the International Linear Collider (ILC) damping ring, including electron cloud [11] . A significant component of this program, called CESR Test Accelerator (CESRTA), was the installation of several retarding field analyzers (RFAs) throughout the ring, in drift, dipole, quadrupole, and wiggler field regions. This paper will summarize results obtained from drift RFAs. More specifically, it will describe the the design of the detectors and experimental program (Section 2), and present measurements (Section 3), with a focus on directly comparing different cloud mitigation techniques. More quantitative analysis of the RFA results will be presented in a seperate paper [12] .

In 2008, the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) was reconfigured to study issues related to the design of the International Linear Collider (ILC) damping ring, including electron cloud.

More quantitative analysis of the RFA results will be presented in a seperate paper.


This research focuses on the development of new tools and also tailoring several general purpose robotic tools for application in medical robotics. More specifically, this research provides a study and implementation of a haptic feedback framework for teleoperated, minimally invasive surgery. The study intends to take a step toward intelligent, generic, and customizable solutions to address some of the short comings associated with robot-assisted surgery and haptics (Bennett et al., 1997) .

The study intends to take a step toward intelligent, generic, and customizable solutions to address some of the short comings associated with robot-assisted surgery and haptics.


The limited current of 30 A in the drive beam of CTF3 does not allow operating the two-beam module at parameters foreseen for CLIC. With the aim of increasing the PETS output power, the active length of the structure has to be adapted and increased in length to compensate the lower current available (lower than CLIC drive beam nominal current). The Double Length CLIC PETS was conceived by CERN to generate the needed RF output power to feed with 65 MW the accelerating structures with the available current in the CLIC module. Moreover, an additional input coupler was added to Double Length PETS with respect to CLIC PETS design; it allows the RF power distribution and recirculation along the structure [6, 7] . It is scheduled that two Double Length CLIC PETS are installed in the CLIC module of CLEX replacing the CLIC PETS tested previously. Several tests with increasing input currents will be carried out with the final goal of feeding two accelerating structures per PETS with an input power of 65 MW, each. This paper describes the engineering design, fabrication, assembly and RF low power testing of the first prototype of the Double Length CLIC PETS. The conceptual and compact design is based on a previous 11.4 GHz compact PETS (designed for testing at SLAC with an extra RF input power). The work has been carried out at CIEMAT with the close collaboration of the CLIC team from CERN.

Moreover, an additional input coupler was added to Double Length PETS with respect to CLIC PETS design; it allows the RF power distribution and recirculation along the structure.


The critical resource in epidemic routing is the buffer. An intelligent buffer management scheme can improve the delivery ratio over the simple FIFO scheme [3] . The best buffer policy evaluated is to drop packets that are the least likely to be delivered based on previous history. If node A has met B frequently, and B has met C frequently, then A is likely to deliver messages to C through B. Similar metrics are used in a number of epidemic protocol variants [3, 10, 18] . This approach takes advantage of physical locality and the fact that movement is not completely random. However, these protocols still transmit many copies of each message, making them very expensive.

An intelligent buffer management scheme can improve the delivery ratio over the simple FIFO scheme.

If node A has met B frequently, and B has met C frequently, then A is likely to deliver messages to C through B. Similar metrics are used in a number of epidemic protocol variants.


Several methods have been introduced for detecting the patient's intention in FES applications. They range from ordinary triggering of the FES via push button, complex motion capturing via optical systems or inertial sensors, to brain computer interfaces [3, 4] . Simple methods lack sufficient involvement and instinctiveness, whereas physiological approaches usually require high costs regarding adaption and training with the individual patient. A popular physiological approach is the detection and enhancement of the surface electromyogram (EMG) of the remaining muscle activity [5] .

They range from ordinary triggering of the FES via push button, complex motion capturing via optical systems or inertial sensors, to brain computer interfaces.

A popular physiological approach is the detection and enhancement of the surface electromyogram (EMG) of the remaining muscle activity.


Information published in company reports can be categorized mainly into two groups: "backward-looking information" and "forward-looking information" (Hussainey, 2004) . Backward-looking information refers to past financial results and their related disclosures (Aljifri and Hussainey, 2007) . On the other hand, forwardlooking disclosure refers to current plans and future forecasts that provide information about the company's future prospects (Alkhatib, 2014) . Traditional annual reports are generally retrospective and do not offer future prospects or crucial risks that may be relevant in the future (Jensen and Berg, 2012) . Shareholders and other stakeholders require public companies to disclose information regarding their future prospects, as the economic environment is too dynamic to rely only on backward-looking information (Beretta and Bozzolan, 2004; Menicucci, 2013) . At this point, forward-looking disclosures would be beneficial for all stakeholders, comprising future projections on both financial (i.e. future capital expenditures, earnings targets, cash flow forecasts and the next year's sales) and non-financial items (i.e. risks and uncertainties) (Aljifri and Hussainey, 2007; Bravo, 2016) .

Information published in company reports can be categorized mainly into two groups: "backward-looking information" and "forward-looking information".

Backward-looking information refers to past financial results and their related disclosures.

On the other hand, forwardlooking disclosure refers to current plans and future forecasts that provide information about the company's future prospects.

Traditional annual reports are generally retrospective and do not offer future prospects or crucial risks that may be relevant in the future.

Shareholders and other stakeholders require public companies to disclose information regarding their future prospects, as the economic environment is too dynamic to rely only on backward-looking information.

At this point, forward-looking disclosures would be beneficial for all stakeholders, comprising future projections on both financial (i.e. future capital expenditures, earnings targets, cash flow forecasts and the next year's sales) and non-financial items (i.e. risks and uncertainties).


This research will be helpful for policymakers and the IIRC by highlighting the forwardlooking disclosure practices among early adopters of integrated reporting. There are no disclosure rules relative to whether and how to release forward-looking statements, such as profit targets within the annual reports, which is determined solely by managerial discretion (O'Sullivan et al., 2008) . The latitude that managers have in choosing what to disclose and to what extent in narrative sections may encourage them to obscure the financial results (Hassanein and Hussainey, 2015) . In addition, flexibility in determining the extent, length and type of forward-looking disclosures makes it difficult to audit and provide assurance. Therefore, forward-looking disclosures upon which financial analysts and investors rely on for their investment decisions remain largely unregulated and unaudited (Schleicher and Walker, 2010) . The integrated report framework may solve this issue by clarifying the extent and type of the forward-looking disclosures to be published. More precise guidance would be useful for reporters, investors and auditors.

There are no disclosure rules relative to whether and how to release forward-looking statements, such as profit targets within the annual reports, which is determined solely by managerial discretion.

The latitude that managers have in choosing what to disclose and to what extent in narrative sections may encourage them to obscure the financial results.

Therefore, forward-looking disclosures upon which financial analysts and investors rely on for their investment decisions remain largely unregulated and unaudited.


Another issue to be considered by the regulators is the assurance of integrated reports, which should incorporate the expected form of disclosures, such as narrative data, forwardlooking information and combined financial and non-financial information (Simnett and Huggins, 2015) . The current assurance provisions have significant deficiencies, as assurances in non-financial disclosures are remarkably limited (Haji and Hossain, 2016) . The credibility of the disclosed qualitative and quantitative forward-looking information could be improved through an effective assurance of integrated reports.

Another issue to be considered by the regulators is the assurance of integrated reports, which should incorporate the expected form of disclosures, such as narrative data, forwardlooking information and combined financial and non-financial information.

The current assurance provisions have significant deficiencies, as assurances in non-financial disclosures are remarkably limited.


Integrated reporting guidelines emphasize on the importance of cohesive and multidimensional reporting, which communicates the factors that influence organizational value over time (Atkins and Maroun, 2015) . Future orientation is described as one of the key guiding principles of the IIRC's integrated reporting framework (Steyn, 2014) . Further, outlook is contained within the eight content elements described in this framework (IIRC, 2013, p. 5) . Thus, integrated reports help to make organizations accountable for their future financial and non-financial performance to all of their stakeholders (Abeysekera, 2013) .

Integrated reporting guidelines emphasize on the importance of cohesive and multidimensional reporting, which communicates the factors that influence organizational value over time.

Future orientation is described as one of the key guiding principles of the IIRC's integrated reporting framework.

Thus, integrated reports help to make organizations accountable for their future financial and non-financial performance to all of their stakeholders.


Listed companies are required to publish annual statements that present their financial situation and a corporate governance report that shows their governance level (Garcia-Sánchez et al., 2013) . Companies also voluntarily publish sustainability and social reports, which comprise their non-financial performance regarding social and environmental issues. Preparing social responsibility or sustainability reports as separate non-financial reports rather than publishing a unique integrated report creates information dissemination and confusion for the stakeholders (Ioana and Adriana, 2014) . The solution to this problem would be to create a single report providing a clear link between the financial and nonfinancial issues .

Listed companies are required to publish annual statements that present their financial situation and a corporate governance report that shows their governance level.

Preparing social responsibility or sustainability reports as separate non-financial reports rather than publishing a unique integrated report creates information dissemination and confusion for the stakeholders.


Identification of morphoanatomical modifications, both in root and leaf, has also contributed very much in the genotype selection and in the understanding of tolerance mechanisms in maize under drought conditions (Grzesiak et al. 2010; Kutschera et al. 2010; Zhu et al. 2010) . We hypothesized that changes in morphological, anatomical and physiological characteristics favor the survival and higher grain yield of maize genotypes tolerant to drought conditions in the field. Within this context, the objectives of this study were to characterize the morphophysiological and morphoanatomical changes and to evaluate the attributes of grain yield in two contrasting maize hybrids in response to drought stress under field conditions.

Identification of morphoanatomical modifications, both in root and leaf, has also contributed very much in the genotype selection and in the understanding of tolerance mechanisms in maize under drought conditions.


This strategy was applied recently to the case of D = 3, N = 4 supersymmetric 1 A 4d-dimensional HK manifold is toric if it has d commuting tri-holomorphic isometries. A 4d-dimensional QK manifold is toric if it has d + 1 commuting isometries. Both of these cases are covered by the Legendre transform construction [22, 16] .

Both of these cases are covered by the Legendre transform construction.


We have been trying to solve the problems by controlling nanostructures of ZnO photoelectrodes (Hosono et al., 2004a (Hosono et al., , 2005 Kakiuchi et al., 2008; Saito and Fujihara, 2009; Ueno and Fujihara, 2010a) . In this review article, we summarise our recent approaches for enhancing the DSSC performance by modifying ZnO electrodes based on materials processing. In one set of experiments, macroporous ZnO particles were introduced as light scattering centres to improve the light harvesting efficiency. In the other set of experiments, silica nanolayers were coated on ZnO electrodes to suppress the recombination and enhance the charge collection efficiency. We believe that ZnO has a potential to show much better cell performance by an appropriate nanostructural control of photoelectrodes.

We have been trying to solve the problems by controlling nanostructures of ZnO photoelectrodes.


Winemaking generates a very large amount of residues, characterized by a high content of biodegradable compounds. The residues consist of the remains of de-stemmed grapes, the sediments obtained during clarification, bagasse from pressing and lees, which are obtained after different decanting steps. These wastes may have phytotoxic effects if applied to crops, and thus, pollution problems associated with winery waste treatment and disposal have raised serious concerns about subsurface flow and the impact on the surrounding ecosystems [1] .

These wastes may have phytotoxic effects if applied to crops, and thus, pollution problems associated with winery waste treatment and disposal have raised serious concerns about subsurface flow and the impact on the surrounding ecosystems.


This waste material has been extensively investigated over the last few years, given its exceptionally high levels for a spectrum of polyphenolic phytochemicals, which possess bioactivities beneficial to human health; yet, the methodologies for efficient, but also environmentally compatible, recovery of these substances may suffer serious shortcomings, such as the toxicity of the solvents used (methanol, acetone), the need for solvent removal and recycling (ethanol) and cost (supercritical fluids). However, the search for plant food residues as cost-effective sources of multifunctional phytochemicals embraces valorization strategies in the direction of: (i) exploiting materials with a high content and a rich composition; (ii) deploying effective recovery processes; and (iii) ascertaining the production of novel formulations without further generation of waste, such as waste solvents, which pose severe environmental risks [2] . In this line, the use of low-cost, non-toxic solvent systems for the recovery of target compounds becomes imminent [3, 4] .

However, the search for plant food residues as cost-effective sources of multifunctional phytochemicals embraces valorization strategies in the direction of: (i) exploiting materials with a high content and a rich composition; (ii) deploying effective recovery processes; and (iii) ascertaining the production of novel formulations without further generation of waste, such as waste solvents, which pose severe environmental risks.

In this line, the use of low-cost, non-toxic solvent systems for the recovery of target compounds becomes imminent.


In this research, Natural Element Method (NEM) is used. This method is based on Voronoi diagram and Delaunay tessellation that have been used as weak form for some mechanical problems NEM possesses kronecker delta, a positive point which is rarely found in other Meshfree methods and covers the mentioned shortfalls. NEM shape functions are C 0 at node interpolation and C 1 elsewhere [13] . The current study uses natural element based method for estimating the probable slip surface and factor of safety described in the following steps.

NEM shape functions are C 0 at node interpolation and C 1 elsewhere.


Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that the interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral dimensions of teamwork are mutually dependent: On the one hand, better teamwork between professions facilitates cognitive-behavioral teamwork, such as coordination, communication, and cognitive functioning. This is in line with previous work suggesting that interpersonal teamwork forms the foundation on which cognitive-behavioral teamwork components are executed [2] . Trust and mutual respect foster a positive team climate that encourages individuals to contribute their expertise to the common goal, to speak up and voice their concerns in situations where they might deviate from the majority, or to report errors [42] . On the other hand, effective cognitive-behavioral teamwork improves the interpersonal quality of teamwork between professions.

This is in line with previous work suggesting that interpersonal teamwork forms the foundation on which cognitive-behavioral teamwork components are executed.

Trust and mutual respect foster a positive team climate that encourages individuals to contribute their expertise to the common goal, to speak up and voice their concerns in situations where they might deviate from the majority, or to report errors.


A concept of weak convergence in geodesic spaces is the so-called ∆-convergence, defined by Lim [32] . Applying our asymptotic regularity result and general properties of Fejér monotone sequences, we prove in Section 6, in the setting of complete UCW -hyperbolic spaces, the ∆-convergence of Picard iterates of a firmly nonexpansive mapping to a fixed point. As a consequence, one gets the ∆-convergence of a proximal point like algorithm to a minimizer of a proper, convex and lower semicontinuous mapping defined on a CAT(0) space.

A concept of weak convergence in geodesic spaces is the so-called ∆-convergence, defined by Lim.


The need for a roll-out of a public charging infrastructure in order to facilitate the adoption of both PHEV and BEV has been established unquestionably in the literature and formalized by the EU directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure [1] . Concerns in rolling out CI include providing both overcapacity (too many charging points, with a limited business case and scrutiny from local community), as well as under capacity (leading to limited accessibility for EV drivers) [20, 21] . The roll-out is a balancing act between investing to enable (candidate) EV drivers and to limit costly investments in public CI. Design and planning methods described in the literature are based on GPS, demographic, or traffic flow data and focus on the early stages of a CI roll out. Real-life charging data are either not available or limited in both transaction quantity and time-scale. Big data provides infrastructure developers great opportunities to optimize the roll-out of CI [6] . The case described in this paper resulted in access to knowledge and information for CI roll-out practitioners on the performance of 8650 public charging points installed in the four largest cities in the Netherlands and the four western provinces. The assessment tool represented over 7.3 million charging sessions by June 2018.

The need for a roll-out of a public charging infrastructure in order to facilitate the adoption of both PHEV and BEV has been established unquestionably in the literature and formalized by the EU directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure.

Concerns in rolling out CI include providing both overcapacity (too many charging points, with a limited business case and scrutiny from local community), as well as under capacity (leading to limited accessibility for EV drivers).

Big data provides infrastructure developers great opportunities to optimize the roll-out of CI.


Tobacco leaf-disc explants were pre-cultured on T1 medium [MS + 1.0 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) + 0.1 mg/l α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)] in darkness at 25°C for 2 days, immersed in bacterial suspension for 8 min, dried by sterile filter paper, and subsequently co-cultured on T1 medium under the same conditions as mentioned above for 2 days. Next, the inoculated leaf-disc explants were placed on T2 medium [MS + 1.0 mg/l 6-BA + 0.1 mg/l NAA + 200 mg/l Cefotaxime (Cef ) + 50 mg/l Kan] and incubated under 12/12 h photoperiod at 25°C. Subculture was done on fresh T2 medium on a weekly basis. Approximately 4 weeks later, shoots (1 cm long) were excised and rooted on MS medium supplemented with 50 mg/l Kan. Surviving plantlets were propagated on MS medium. Transgenic plant identification. Genomic DNA was extracted from young leaves of transgenic and wild-type plants using CTAB method (Hu et al. 2003) . PCR was performed using primers which contain the partial sequence of pGS vector Yans (5'-AAGGACAGTAGAAA AGGAAGGTGGC -3') and Yana (5'-CACTTGTCTTGTGGTTCCATTTT-GC-3') under these thermal conditions: 94°C for 4 min, followed by 33 cycles of 30 s at 94°C, 30 s at 56°C, 40 s at 72°C, and final 10 min incubation at 72°C. The presence of StoVe1 gene was identified by the PCR product expected to be a 660 bp fragment.

Transgenic plant identification.

Genomic DNA was extracted from young leaves of transgenic and wild-type plants using CTAB method.


Since then, the performance limits have been clarified considerably as the LHC has delivered two Pb-Pb physics runs, to three experiments, in 2010 and 2011. With the natural scaling L AA ∝ E 2 b , this translates to roughly twice the design luminosity, Eq. (1), at full energy. The first experience of heavy-ion collisions in the new regime has also given opportunities to test some measures proposed to overcome the performance limits. Single-bunch intensities from the injectors are, with N b > 16 × 10 7 (for some bunches), already far higher than the design value, N b = 7 × 10 7 . The greatest remaining uncertainties stem from present knowledge of the quench limits of superconducting magnets operating at full field [7] .

The greatest remaining uncertainties stem from present knowledge of the quench limits of superconducting magnets operating at full field.


The results presented in this work for the FVF and FMM show that these models are a promising tool for modeling the transient response of realistic complex fluids. However, it is important to note that neither model can capture the shear thinning observed at large strains and high Weissenberg numbers [26] . To describe these nonlinear effects it will be important in future work to also incorporate nonlinear effects in the integral expressions for the stress, for example through a factorizable equation of K-KBKZ form [26, 85, 42] .

However, it is important to note that neither model can capture the shear thinning observed at large strains and high Weissenberg numbers.

To describe these nonlinear effects it will be important in future work to also incorporate nonlinear effects in the integral expressions for the stress, for example through a factorizable equation of K-KBKZ form.


This hydrostatic equilibrium undergoes an interesting change if the electrodes are made to be slightly convergent, with the spacing at the top a smaller than at the bottom b as shown in figure 1(b) . In particular, for dielectric liquids, if the spacing ratio r = a/b < 2/3, then h(V ) becomes a double-valued function over the range 0 < h < H, signifying a bifurcation of the hydrostatic equilibrium [15] . One manifestation of this bifurcation is the spontaneous jump of the liquid from some critical point z = h * to the top of the structure, once the voltage is increased beyond a threshold value V * . The other manifestation is observed if, with V > V * so that the liquid column fills the structure to the top, the voltage is reduced slowly. At V = V * , the free interface collapses inward on both sides of the liquid column at z = h * , trapping liquid at the top. Right at the condition for bifurcation, there exists an inflection in the hydrostatic equilibrium, above which no equilibrium-stable or unstable-exists. This is why the liquid meniscus spontaneously rises to the top when V exceeds V * .

In particular, for dielectric liquids, if the spacing ratio r = a/b < 2/3, then h(V ) becomes a double-valued function over the range 0 < h < H, signifying a bifurcation of the hydrostatic equilibrium.


The structure of LiNbO 3 at room temperature belongs to the trigonal R3c space group [6] . The oxygen arrangement can be described as distorted hexagonal close packing. Along the ferroelectric axis, the cation sequence in the oxygen octahedra is Li Nb V i Li Nb V i , where V i denotes an empty octahedron. In contrast to stoichiometric LiNbO 3 (sLN) with Li/Nb = 1, its congruent counterpart (cLN) with Li/Nb ≈ 0.945 contains high amounts of intrinsic defects such as antisite niobium ions (Nb on Li site, Nb Li ) and their charge-compensating lithium vacancies (V Li ), which modify the cation sequence.

The structure of LiNbO 3 at room temperature belongs to the trigonal R3c space group.


Since long, humans have always been in intimacy with animal life in their habitats for food, transportation, and medicine through observation and experimentation (Judith, 2005) . However, it can be assumed that concern about animal health only originated after the domestication of formerly wild animals species for use in transportation, agriculture, medicine, or as direct food source (Barboza, 2007) . So our ancestors started converting wild animals into domestic ones for their benefit throughout the world. In Rajasthan (India), too many traditional animal herders (pastoralist) have large number of domestic animals for their livelihood and they also depend on them for food, transportation, and medicinal purposes.

Since long, humans have always been in intimacy with animal life in their habitats for food, transportation, and medicine through observation and experimentation.

However, it can be assumed that concern about animal health only originated after the domestication of formerly wild animals species for use in transportation, agriculture, medicine, or as direct food source.


The previous studies of properties of particulate matters (PM) were mainly about coal combustion or co-combustion of coal and sewage sludge. Compared to coals, the volatile matter and ash is very high in sewage sludge. Meanwhile, there is not organic mineral matter, which can affect the formation mechanisms of particles during combustion process (Werther and Ogada, 1999) . Hence, the emission characteristics of particles during sewage sludge and coal combustion are different. The aim of this study is to reveal the emission characteristics of PM 10 during sewage sludge combustion in a laboratory scale drop tube furnace.

Meanwhile, there is not organic mineral matter, which can affect the formation mechanisms of particles during combustion process.


The Reissner-Mindlin theory is widely used to describe the bending behavior of an elastic plate loaded by a transverse force. Despite its simple formulation, the discretization by means of finite elements is not straightforward, since standard low-order schemes exhibit a severe lack of convergence whenever the thickness is too small with respect to the other characteristic dimensions of the plate. This undesirable phenomenon, known as shear locking, is nowadays well understood: as the plate thickness tends to zero, the Reissner-Mindlin model enforces the Kirchhoff constraint, which is typically too severe for Finite Element Methods (FEM), especially if low-order polynomials are employed (see, for instance, the monograph by Brezzi and Fortin [1] ). Roughly speaking, the root of the shear locking phenomenon is that the space of discrete functions which satisfy the Kirchhoff constraint is very small, and does not properly approximate a generic plate solution. The most popular way to overcome the shear locking phenomenon in FEM is to reduce the influence of the shear energy by considering a mixed formulation and/or suitable shear reduction operator. As a consequence, the choice of the discrete spaces requires particular care, also because of the possible occurrence of spurious modes. A vast engineering and mathematical literature is devoted to the design and analysis of plate elements for FEM; we mention here, in a totally non-exhaustive way, the works [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] .

This undesirable phenomenon, known as shear locking, is nowadays well understood: as the plate thickness tends to zero, the Reissner-Mindlin model enforces the Kirchhoff constraint, which is typically too severe for Finite Element Methods (FEM), especially if low-order polynomials are employed (see, for instance, the monograph by Brezzi and Fortin).

A vast engineering and mathematical literature is devoted to the design and analysis of plate elements for FEM; we mention here, in a totally non-exhaustive way, the works.


Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide [1] . Single-agent chemotherapy is not sufficient to prevent reoccurrence because of tumor heterogeneity and the complexity of cell signaling pathways. Targeted and combination therapies are frequently used to treat HCC and many regimens have been investigated in clinical trials [2] . Adjuvant therapies may improve patient outcomes [3, 4] . Chemotherapeutics in combination with natural compounds is an attractive approach for HCC treatment [5] .

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide.

Targeted and combination therapies are frequently used to treat HCC and many regimens have been investigated in clinical trials.

Adjuvant therapies may improve patient outcomes.

Chemotherapeutics in combination with natural compounds is an attractive approach for HCC treatment.


Management plans of patients with advanced COPD or CHF should strive to optimize daily functioning and stabilize disease-specific health status [9] [10] [11] . Identifying clinical correlates of an impaired health status may allow clinicians to better monitor health status and intervene more effectively in patients with advanced COPD or CHF. Several correlates of diminished general or disease-specific health status in COPD or CHF have been suggested before, like gender, age, educational level, symptoms, psychological symptoms, disease severity, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, smoking status and number of physicianprescribed drugs [2, 3, [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] . However, currently available literature does not provide definitive evidence; hence, it is still unknown whether and to what extent these clinical correlates are interrelated in advanced COPD or CHF.

Management plans of patients with advanced COPD or CHF should strive to optimize daily functioning and stabilize disease-specific health status.

Several correlates of diminished general or disease-specific health status in COPD or CHF have been suggested before, like gender, age, educational level, symptoms, psychological symptoms, disease severity, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, smoking status and number of physicianprescribed drugs.


One of the most important properties that has not really been taken into account is the existing differences in thermal conductivity between rock and fluid. The results showed that when convection is dominant (convective regime), Soret coefficients in porous medium are very different from the one in free fluid. More precisely, the impact of convection on the mass transfer by thermodiffusion is different from mass transfer by dispersion [10] . At this regime, the ratio of thermal conductivity of the phases also have a great influence on the effective thermodiffusion coefficients. Therefore, using the same Soret number in porous medium and free fluid may cause a great mistake in the results.

More precisely, the impact of convection on the mass transfer by thermodiffusion is different from mass transfer by dispersion.


Query rewriting using views has many applications including data integration, query optimization, and query caching [5] . A view is an existing query whose answer may or may not have been materialized. Given a new query, the problem is to find another query using only the views that will produce correct answers to the original query. Usually two types of rewritings are sought: equivalent rewritings and contained rewritings. An equivalent rewriting produces all answers to the original query, while a contained rewriting may produce only part of the answers. Both types of rewritings have been extensively studied in the relational database context [5, 9] .

Query rewriting using views has many applications including data integration, query optimization, and query caching.

Both types of rewritings have been extensively studied in the relational database context.


Further research is clearly needed to capture incentives of earnings management through debt, governance, and country effects in private firms. For instance, it would be interesting to further explore this relationship using a structural equation model, trying to combine the relationship of the dependent variables for the latent variable with the quality of financial reporting (Afiah & Rahmatika, 2014) . Hence, building financial reporting quality models that capture the firm-level and country-level characteristics of private firms is both a challenge and an opportunity.

For instance, it would be interesting to further explore this relationship using a structural equation model, trying to combine the relationship of the dependent variables for the latent variable with the quality of financial reporting.


There are several promising avenues for further research. The results of this study evidence that private firms contracting larger amount of debts exhibit higher quality of financial reporting. However, there are other external characteristics, for example, the state of the economy, that can influence quality of financial reporting of these firms. Empirical literature on this has argued that during recession periods, companies may experience more difficulties in contracting debt and that some of them become more leveraged (Lin et al., 2014) . Do the recession and expansion periods influence the quality of financial reporting in private firms? Further research might examine whether the relationships found in this study can be extended to other firms and periods.

Empirical literature on this has argued that during recession periods, companies may experience more difficulties in contracting debt and that some of them become more leveraged.


The objective of the present study is to fill this gap by investigating whether financial reporting quality is influenced by the bank relationship in private firms. To this end, the empirical analysis was conducted in Portuguese private firms for 2013-2015. The Portuguese private firm is an interesting setting to study the influence of the lending relationship on financial reporting quality. My choice of the Portuguese context to examine medium-sized private firms with similar agency problems and similar reporting and disclosure rules is explained by the following three reasons. First, private firms are of great relevance to the Portuguese economy. More specifically, they form a large proportion, about 96%, of total businesses. Second, banking debt is a predominant source of new external funding for most private firms. Finally, Portugal is classified as the country of civil-law origin with the highest ownership concentration (La Porta et al., 1998) .

Finally, Portugal is classified as the country of civil-law origin with the highest ownership concentration.


The quality of publicly reported financial information of firms is relevant to the world economy as external users make decisions based on this information and depend on its accuracy. A large number of research studies have shown that firms exercise discretion in the preparation of financial statements and use accounting policies to affect earnings levels, with the main purpose of influencing financial reporting numbers. The extensive previous literature has focused on publicly listed companies and discussed the better earnings quality of these firms (Leuz et al., 2003; Ball & Shivakumar, 2005; Francis et al., 2005) . While the quality of financial reporting and contracting debt has been studied in listed firms, limited research has been conducted on the financial reporting choices of private firms (Gassen & Fülbier, 2015) .

The extensive previous literature has focused on publicly listed companies and discussed the better earnings quality of these firms.

While the quality of financial reporting and contracting debt has been studied in listed firms, limited research has been conducted on the financial reporting choices of private firms.


This study makes several contributions to the literature. First, it contributes to the understanding of the relationship between contracting debt and financial reporting quality in the Portuguese context. Little is known about the lending relationship in European firms because most empirical evidence is based on the US (Bharath et al., 2011; 2008) . Second, whereas most literature addresses the lending relationship in listed firms, my focus is on the relationship between lending and financial reporting quality in private firms. I investigate medium-sized private firms where banking debt is a predominant source of new external funding. Finally, this study has practical implications for regulators, namely, it raises concern about the need for regulatory enforcement to improve the financial reporting quality in private firms.

Little is known about the lending relationship in European firms because most empirical evidence is based on the US.


The non-Newtonian fluids are mainly classified into three types namely differential, rate and integral. The simplest subclass of the rate type fluids is the Maxwell model [5] . This fluid model can very well describe the relaxation time effects. Specifically the Maxwell fluid model has been used for the viscoelastic flows where the dimensionless relaxation time is small. However in some more concentrated polymeric fluids the Maxwell model is also useful for large dimensionless relaxation time. Some recent investigations dealing with the flows of Maxwell fluids are given in the references [6] [7] [8] [9] .

The simplest subclass of the rate type fluids is the Maxwell model.

Some recent investigations dealing with the flows of Maxwell fluids are given in the references.


In CBD, system development is based on a component model [26] . Such a model defines components and their composition mechanisms; thus it fixes the ways in which a system can be constructed from components. Therefore it follows that a component model also defines ways in which a system can be incremented. More importantly, if composition is hierarchical, then scalability should be achievable. In this paper we propose an approach to incremental construction of component-based systems, and demonstrate its feasibility.

In CBD, system development is based on a component model.


As the world perhaps faces the greatest challenge to civilization in centuries i.e. global warming, governments are actively participating in and contributing their efforts to the renewable energy community. Energy companies are working with interested government agencies, conservationists, scientists, utilities and research institutions to support the advancement of new wind energy technologies, the development of wind-powered applications and progress toward a sustainable economy. Early wind farms employed simple squirrel cage induction generators that operated at a speed that is substantially constant and as a consequence of this are normally referred to as fixed speed induction generators (FSIGs). Lacking control capability, such generation can contribute little to network support and relies on the network for maintaining adequate voltage levels for its successful operation [1] .

Lacking control capability, such generation can contribute little to network support and relies on the network for maintaining adequate voltage levels for its successful operation.


Worked examples typically include a problem statement along with a step-by-step procedure for solving the problem. Worked examples are most effective when used in worked examplepractice pairs [2] . In these pairs, students study a worked example solution and immediately practice by solving a similar problem.

Worked examples are most effective when used in worked examplepractice pairs.


With this background, an HCCI combustion engine system that was fuelled with DME and MRG has been proposed [9] [10] [11] . Because the ignition properties of DME and MRG are very different, adjusting the proportion of the two fuels can control the ignition timing in an HCCI combustion engine fueled with the two. In addition to ignition control, production of DME and MRG by onboard reformers utilizing the exhaust gas heat of the engine has also been proposed, with an outline of the arrangement as shown in Figure 1 . Because the reactions to produce DME and MRG from methanol are endothermic, the heating values of the produced DME and MRG can be higher than the primary fuel. Therefore, methanol reformation using the engine exhaust gas heat could be utilized to recover waste heat from the engine. By combining efficient HCCI operation and waste heat recovery a system based on these processes can achieve a good overall thermal efficiency. The use of a single liquid fuel, methanol, also eliminates the inconvenience of having to carry two fuels and makes the HCCI combustion practically possible in vehicles. It is crucial to avoid a too early ignition to achieve higher load operation in HCCI engines, and hydrogen retards the autoignition of DME considerably [10] [11] . The ignition control effect by MRG is attributed to the hydrogen in MRG. Therefore, DME-reformed gases, which contain hydrogen, are also effective to control autoignition of DME [12] . This report investigates the reaction mechanisms in the ignition control of hydrogen by using chemical kinetics analysis.

With this background, an HCCI combustion engine system that was fuelled with DME and MRG has been proposed.

It is crucial to avoid a too early ignition to achieve higher load operation in HCCI engines, and hydrogen retards the autoignition of DME considerably.

Therefore, DME-reformed gases, which contain hydrogen, are also effective to control autoignition of DME.


It is expected that the use of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion in internal combustion engines will result in higher thermal efficiency and lower NOx emissions than with conventional combustion systems. However, difficulties in controlling the ignition timing in accordance with the engine load are preventing HCCI combustion from practical application in vehicle engines. Adjusting the proportion of two fuels with different ignition properties has been reported as an effective technique to control the ignition timing and load in HCCI combustion [1] . However, this technique has not been practically used in vehicles because of the inconvenience of carrying two kinds of fuels.

Adjusting the proportion of two fuels with different ignition properties has been reported as an effective technique to control the ignition timing and load in HCCI combustion.


Galileo and GPS have been developing their new signals in recent years. In the new generation of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), Multiplexed Binary Offset Carrier (MBOC) modulation is recommended for the GPS L1C signal and the Galileo E1 OS signal [1] . The MBOC modulation places a small amount of additional power at high frequencies in order to improve signal tracking performance, which is the multiplexing of BOC (1,1) and BOC (6, 1) . The Binary Offset Carrier (BOC) modulation can split spectrum into two main lobes shifted from the center frequency by the frequency of the subcarrier. The common notation for BOCmodulated signals in the GNSS field is BOC ( s f , c f ) where s f is the frequency of the sub-carrier, and c f represents the spreading code chip rate. Both s f and c f are usually noted as a multiple of the reference frequency of 1.023 MHz. Therefore, BOC-modulated signals are also noted as BOC (m,n), where m means the ratio of the sub-carrier frequency s f to 1.023 MHz and n represents the ratio of the spreading code rate c f to 1.023 MHz. With the property of splitting spectrum, BOC modulation can reduce the intra-system interference and improve code delay tracking. Nevertheless, BOC-modulated signal will lead to a main drawback that is the autocorrelation function has multiple side-peaks, which will probably result in possible false acquisition. Several techniques have been proposed in the literature [2] , [3] .

In the new generation of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), Multiplexed Binary Offset Carrier (MBOC) modulation is recommended for the GPS L1C signal and the Galileo E1 OS signal.

The MBOC modulation places a small amount of additional power at high frequencies in order to improve signal tracking performance, which is the multiplexing of BOC (1,1) and BOC.

Several techniques have been proposed in the literature.


The Sub Carrier Phase Cancellation (SCPC) method generates an in phase and quadrature sub carrier signals, getting rid of the sub carrier. Therefore, this method doubles the number of correlators because it is necessary for two channels wiping off the carrier to generate two kinds of sub carrier signal. The BPSK-like method receives upper sideband or lower sideband with local carrier frequency plus a subcarrier frequency or minus one. If only single sideband is received, it will bring some power loss. But the process of both sidebands will consume more correlators [4] . AsPeCT method combines two kinds of autocorrelation functions to formulate a new one. After that, the new autocorrelation function still has small side peaks. Also, it is only dedicated to sin-BOC (n,n) signals [5] , [6] .

But the process of both sidebands will consume more correlators.

Also, it is only dedicated to sin-BOC (n,n) signals.


However, improvements in CNN accuracy are accompanied by a rapid increase in computational cost. CNNs have already grown to the point where multi-core CPUs are no longer a viable computing platform. At the same time, while GPUs offer adequate performance, GPU power consumption brings its own set of challenges, particularly at data-center scale. As a result, FPGAs have seen a surge in interest for CNN acceleration due to their programmable, massively parallel, and power-efficient computing substrate. The combination of high performance and power efficiency on machine learning tasks is leading to the adoption of FPGAs in data center environments [20] .

The combination of high performance and power efficiency on machine learning tasks is leading to the adoption of FPGAs in data center environments.


The majority of tunnels in the USA have transverse ventilation systems with only a small number of recently built tunnels being equipped with longitudinal ventilation. In the Far East, especially Japan, the majority of tunnels are longitudinally ventilated. In Europe, both longitudinal and transverse ventilation systems are common. Hybrid systems, comprising transverse supply and extract ducts combined with jet fans in the vehicle space to control longitudinal ventilation flow, are also now being considered for new and refurbished tunnels [4] . It should be noted that many existing tunnel ventilation systems have been constructed assuming a 'design fire' of between 20 and 50 MW, based on some early estimates of the burning rate of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV). It will be demonstrated in this article that fires of this magnitude may be unrealistically small and hence many existing ventilation systems may be unable to sufficiently control or extract smoke from real HGV fire incidents.

Hybrid systems, comprising transverse supply and extract ducts combined with jet fans in the vehicle space to control longitudinal ventilation flow, are also now being considered for new and refurbished tunnels.


The heat release rate (HRR) is considered by many to be the most important factor contributing to the severity of a fire [6] . Previous research have shown that, for a HGV fire in a tunnel, increasing the longitudinal ventilation rate in the tunnel can have a significant enflaming effect on the fire, increasing the HRR dramatically [7] [8] [9] . Other research (leading to the 'FIRE-SPRINT' models, described here) has shown that, for a given tunnel size, ventilation rate, and vehicle spacing, there exists a critical HRR above which a fire will spread from one HGV to an adjacent one [10] [11] [12] . This critical HRR is generally predicted to have higher values at higher airflow velocities (assuming that the degree of flame impingement on the second object, if any, does not vary with ventilation velocity). The predicted critical HRR values have been found to be considerably lower if flame impingement is assumed than if no impingement is assumed [13] . The most recent version of the model which assumes no flame impingement is FIRE-SPRINT A3 [12] . The most recent version which assumes a small, but persistent, degree of flame impingement is FIRE-SPRINT B1 [13] . The assumption that the degree of impingement does not vary with ventilation velocity may well not be realistic, and it is hoped that Fire Size and Fire Spread in Tunnels it can be amended in the future development of the model, as data and understanding allow.

The heat release rate (HRR) is considered by many to be the most important factor contributing to the severity of a fire.

Previous research have shown that, for a HGV fire in a tunnel, increasing the longitudinal ventilation rate in the tunnel can have a significant enflaming effect on the fire, increasing the HRR dramatically.

Other research (leading to the 'FIRE-SPRINT' models, described here) has shown that, for a given tunnel size, ventilation rate, and vehicle spacing, there exists a critical HRR above which a fire will spread from one HGV to an adjacent one.

The predicted critical HRR values have been found to be considerably lower if flame impingement is assumed than if no impingement is assumed.

The most recent version of the model which assumes no flame impingement is FIRE-SPRINT A3.

The most recent version which assumes a small, but persistent, degree of flame impingement is FIRE-SPRINT B1.


There have been a lot of damaged reinforced concrete (RC) bridge deck slabs reported in Japan since 1960. To work out the causes of this problem, different groups of researchers installed a wheel-type moving load testing machine (Maeda and Matsui 1984) . Various experiments of slabs have been conducted since 1980 (Matsui 1987; Pedikaris and Beim 1989) . Based upon the results of these experimental studies, they could arrive at several influencing factors in fatigue problems, such as minimum thickness of slabs, and a certain requirement of rebar arrangement to be renewed in national design codes.

To work out the causes of this problem, different groups of researchers installed a wheel-type moving load testing machine.

Various experiments of slabs have been conducted since 1980.


During the past few decades, a large variety of active systems have been connected to the electric power system, including geothermal generators, photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and so on. Most of these installations are connected to the grid with the assistance of grid-tied converters. Consequently, flexible interconnections of different installations depend largely on the design and control of grid-tied converters. In the past few years, model predictive control (MPC) of converters has received significant attention and experienced sustained development [1] . Various types of model predictive controllers have emerged as effective strategies and promising alternatives for the control of power converters and electrical machines [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] . One feasible solution for the application of MPC is known as continuous set model predictive control [13, 14] . Continuous voltage reference signals are obtained by means of online optimization and cost function minimization. A modulator is normally required to generate the switching signals. With continuous set model predictive strategies adopted, control actions are considered to be continuous. By contrast, another approach called finite set model predictive control regards these discrete switching actions as the constraints of the system inputs [15, 16] . During the optimizing process, the control actions are constrained to the limited available switching states, instead of continuous sets [17] [18] [19] . Until recently, finite set model predictive control with one-step prediction horizons has been applied to various converter topologies and also with a wide range of control objectives, including speed control, current control, power control, torque and flux control [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] .

In the past few years, model predictive control (MPC) of converters has received significant attention and experienced sustained development.

Various types of model predictive controllers have emerged as effective strategies and promising alternatives for the control of power converters and electrical machines.

One feasible solution for the application of MPC is known as continuous set model predictive control.

By contrast, another approach called finite set model predictive control regards these discrete switching actions as the constraints of the system inputs.

During the optimizing process, the control actions are constrained to the limited available switching states, instead of continuous sets.

Until recently, finite set model predictive control with one-step prediction horizons has been applied to various converter topologies and also with a wide range of control objectives, including speed control, current control, power control, torque and flux control.


Tree deformations, CFD, and linear models are different methods to estimate wind flows. Each one of these methods has its own specificities: wind assessment using bioindicators (namely tree deformations) is more time consuming because it requires expensive field and laboratory work. But it has the advantage to allow the evaluation of atmospheric flow conditions in areas where the information from meteorological stations is absent or scarce, especially in areas where the wind is constant all year long. A linear model is not as robust technique as CFD, but requires less computational time than the latter. The major limitations are related with wind speed accuracy in wake zones (i.e., leeward of hills and mountainous terrains) where higher wind speeds occur and with its restriction to smooth hills where flow separation is not to be expected (Lopes 2003) . With regard to the wind power estimation, the method has, however, some advantages in representing long-term data. CFD is generally more computational time consuming for complex terrain and has better spatial resolution. Furthermore, some available methods do not provide a complete simulation of the wind fluxes, but they are quite effective in predicting recirculation effects and thermal stratification (Lopes 2003) . However, it is not suitable to represent long-term data, but instead initial conditions for a prognostic situation, even for future conditions as those predicted by climate change studies.

The major limitations are related with wind speed accuracy in wake zones (i.e., leeward of hills and mountainous terrains) where higher wind speeds occur and with its restriction to smooth hills where flow separation is not to be expected.

Furthermore, some available methods do not provide a complete simulation of the wind fluxes, but they are quite effective in predicting recirculation effects and thermal stratification.


In LED communications, signals in electric domain are modulated to optical domain using the light-intensity of LEDs. At the receiver side, the intensity of the light is detected by photo detector (PD) and converted to electric signals [5] . However, the inherent nonlinearity of LEDs causes nonlinear distortions and LED is the major source of nonlinearity of LED communication systems [6] , [7] . The nonlinear behavior of the LED transfer function distorts the amplitude of the signal, and lower peak signals are forced to be the minimum LED turn-on voltage, while higher peak signals are clipped to avoid reaching the maximum permissible voltage [8] - [10] . Moreover, due to transport delay, rapid thermal effects, as well as biasing circuits, such nonlinear behavior has memory effects and may vary with time [11] .

At the receiver side, the intensity of the light is detected by photo detector (PD) and converted to electric signals.

However, the inherent nonlinearity of LEDs causes nonlinear distortions and LED is the major source of nonlinearity of LED communication systems.

The nonlinear behavior of the LED transfer function distorts the amplitude of the signal, and lower peak signals are forced to be the minimum LED turn-on voltage, while higher peak signals are clipped to avoid reaching the maximum permissible voltage.

Moreover, due to transport delay, rapid thermal effects, as well as biasing circuits, such nonlinear behavior has memory effects and may vary with time.


In recent years, light-emitting diode (LED) technology, known as Green Illumination, is growing rapidly. Compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights, LEDs have long life expectancy, high tolerance to humidity, low power consumption, small size, and minimal heat generation [1] . Another important feature of LEDs is that they are semiconductor devices capable of fast switching with the addition of appropriate drivers [2] . Visible light emitted by LEDs can be modulated for simultaneous illumination and data transmission. As LED lights are ubiquitous, LED-based optical wireless communications can provide communication service at low cost [3] . Also, the spectrum region of visible light is unregulated and interferences with radio bands can be avoided [4] . As white light cannot penetrate through walls, it is easy to achieve secure transmission within a certain room and prevent interferences from other places. Therefore, LED communication technology is a promising field which offers a novel scheme of high-speed data transmission for indoor communications.

Compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights, LEDs have long life expectancy, high tolerance to humidity, low power consumption, small size, and minimal heat generation.

Another important feature of LEDs is that they are semiconductor devices capable of fast switching with the addition of appropriate drivers.

As LED lights are ubiquitous, LED-based optical wireless communications can provide communication service at low cost.

Also, the spectrum region of visible light is unregulated and interferences with radio bands can be avoided.


Evaluating the structure and diversity of animal populations in conservation biology today involves the use of accurate genetic tools that support the planning of management schemes. Microsatellites are short, tandemly repeated DNA sequences (e.g. CACACACA) that are widely dispersed throughout the eukaryotic nuclear genome. Due to their high polymorphism and codominance, they are considered cornerstone molecular markers to address wildlife conservation issues [4] . They are among the most variable genetic markers available today and hence are particularly suitable to detect low levels of genetic diversity that are often found in vulnerable, declining or isolated populations [3] . They also allow investigations into the demographic history of populations and potentially correlated anthropogenic factors [5] .

Due to their high polymorphism and codominance, they are considered cornerstone molecular markers to address wildlife conservation issues.

They are among the most variable genetic markers available today and hence are particularly suitable to detect low levels of genetic diversity that are often found in vulnerable, declining or isolated populations.

They also allow investigations into the demographic history of populations and potentially correlated anthropogenic factors.


Early recognition of sepsis is a general principle of sepsis management and is very important in low-and middle-income countries where the priorities for improving the quality of care for critically ill patients are different. Documenting the burden of critical illness in low-resource settings is challenging [29] . In these settings, a triage system that quickly recognizes critically ill patients and transfers them immediately to an acute care unit is a vital component of the emergency services. The most important challenges in the management of sepsis in these areas are triage and pre-hospital diagnosis. It should be done by very sensitive and non-invasive methods outside the hospital setting.

Documenting the burden of critical illness in low-resource settings is challenging.


This study demonstrated that the TIMI risk score is able to risk stratify patients who are placed in an observation unit for potential ACS based on physician gestalt. There was a trend toward an increasing rate of composite coronary artery disease indicators at 30 days and one year, as well as positive stress testing, with increasing TIMI risk score. One other study has evaluated the use of TIMI for risk stratification of patients placed in an observation unit for ACS and demonstrated that the scoring method can be used to distinguish risk groups for adverse coronary events among this patient population but this study featured only 18 patients with adverse outcomes [16] . To date, this is the largest study to examine the TIMI risk score in an observation unit with nearly 80 patients with adverse outcomes. In revealing a trend of increasing composite indicators for coronary artery disease with increasing TIMI scores, our study affirms that TIMI can be used as a tool to measure patient risk of significant coronary artery disease indicators for those placed on an observation unit for ACS by physician gestalt.

One other study has evaluated the use of TIMI for risk stratification of patients placed in an observation unit for ACS and demonstrated that the scoring method can be used to distinguish risk groups for adverse coronary events among this patient population but this study featured only 18 patients with adverse outcomes.


A group of farmers recently funded a consortium for the protection and valorization of the 'Badda' bean, thus raising the need for a thorough characterization of the landrace and the establishment of distinctiveness criteria. These actions are generally necessary in order to pursue landrace valorization through quality marks or the inscription to the Register of Conservation Varieties [9] . In this work, we set out to describe with morphological traits and molecular markers three accessions belonging to the 'Badda' landrace, in comparison with several reference materials and with landraces showing morphological and/or geographical proximity.

These actions are generally necessary in order to pursue landrace valorization through quality marks or the inscription to the Register of Conservation Varieties.


Unfortunately, nowadays this variability is endangered; in Italy a great number of landraces have been dropped from the National Register, due to lack of commercial interest from major seed companies that focus on the breeding of the few types preferred by the market (e.g., borlotto and cannellino types). At the same time, relatively few traditional types have been accepted into alternative variety protection systems. To counteract this phenomenon, owing to the interest raised by bean landraces both as a germplasm source for breeding programs and as an added-value produce to be valorized in local and niche markets, the characterization of the Italian treasure of bean local varieties has recently been undertaken by several authors [5, [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] .

To counteract this phenomenon, owing to the interest raised by bean landraces both as a germplasm source for breeding programs and as an added-value produce to be valorized in local and niche markets, the characterization of the Italian treasure of bean local varieties has recently been undertaken by several authors.


Nowadays, the on-farm survival and commercial valorization of Italian bean landraces is only guaranteed for beans from 'Lamon', 'Sarconi' and 'Sorana', that are endowed with a I.G.P. mark of the European Community [35] . However, many other bean types deserve characterization and description to be included in the list of the protected landraces. Several levels of analysis are available to study genetic diversity and distinctiveness of cultivated populations. The discrimination power of manually-scored morpho-physiological traits is greatly improved by the wealth and accessibility of specific and random molecular markers. In addition, new useful strategies may be developed by the use of digitally acquired data that may expedite and objectivise the detection of organ shape, size and color. Detection systems based on digital analysis of seed properties have been successfully proposed to distinguish bean landraces [36] .

Nowadays, the on-farm survival and commercial valorization of Italian bean landraces is only guaranteed for beans from 'Lamon', 'Sarconi' and 'Sorana', that are endowed with a I.G.P. mark of the European Community.

Detection systems based on digital analysis of seed properties have been successfully proposed to distinguish bean landraces.


In Brazil, protective insecticides currently registered for the treatment of stored grains of maize and/or wheat are the organophosphates fenitrothion, malathion, and pirimiphosmethyl and the pyrethroids bifenthrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, and permethrin [17] . These insecticides present security intervals (SI) between 15 and 60 days, except fenitrothion with SI of 120 and 180 days for wheat and maize, respectively. The long security interval of fenitrothion makes it an insecticide slightly used in storing units; under these conditions this substance tends to fall into disuse, thus, leading to the loss of one more of the few insecticides registered for the treatment of stored grains, making it difficult for the management of pest resistance to insecticides. Esfenvalerate is a relatively new insecticide with physicochemical properties similar to fenvalerate, but it presents high efficiency to control insects because it holds more than 80% of isomers with insecticidal activity in contrast to 22% of fenvalerate [18] .

In Brazil, protective insecticides currently registered for the treatment of stored grains of maize and/or wheat are the organophosphates fenitrothion, malathion, and pirimiphosmethyl and the pyrethroids bifenthrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, and permethrin.

Esfenvalerate is a relatively new insecticide with physicochemical properties similar to fenvalerate, but it presents high efficiency to control insects because it holds more than 80% of isomers with insecticidal activity in contrast to 22% of fenvalerate.


WPT is emerging as a flexible, convenient, safe, and autonomous charging method for EV and PHEVs. WPT's safety stems beyond the inherent isolation between the large between the grid side transmit pad and the vehicle mounted receiver coil. Wireless charging can also be done during inclement weather without being affected from snow or rain without needing bulky cables and heavy duty plugs. The convenience and flexibility of the WPT is not only because no cables and connectors are necessary but due more to the fact that charging becomes fully autonomous [1] , [2] . It is not difficult to imagine a vehicle with magnetic field sensing or a parking aide being capable of positioning itself over a primary pad for optimum alignment and autonomous charging as the technology evolves. A vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communications can be implemented to add to the autonomy benefit by handling all the bidirectional communications needed for charging transactions as well as providing the feedback channel for power flow regulation.

The convenience and flexibility of the WPT is not only because no cables and connectors are necessary but due more to the fact that charging becomes fully autonomous.


Wet natural gas, rich in C 2 -C 5 alkanes, or C 2 -C 5 alkane fractions from natural gas conditioning, are valuable sources for syngas production. Depending on the alkane composition and the processing technology (i.e., steam reforming, partial oxidation, autothermal reforming, dry reforming), syngas with different H 2 /CO ratios can be obtained by using suitable catalysts [13] . Generally, the highest possible amount of H 2 can be achieved by using steam as a reactant for alkanes, due to the inherent hydrogen content of the water. Industrially, pre-reforming of the higher alkanes in wet natural gas can help to reduce the size of a downstream tubular reformer [9] . Moreover, liquid fuels such as butane, alcohols, or diesel are increasingly being considered as easily storable sources of hydrogen which can be applied in fuel cell systems [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] . Among those, reforming of bioethanol could contribute to sustainable hydrogen production. However, a high temperature of about 700 • C is required to obtain hydrogen yields above 70% [19] .

Depending on the alkane composition and the processing technology (i.e., steam reforming, partial oxidation, autothermal reforming, dry reforming), syngas with different H 2 /CO ratios can be obtained by using suitable catalysts.

Industrially, pre-reforming of the higher alkanes in wet natural gas can help to reduce the size of a downstream tubular reformer.

Moreover, liquid fuels such as butane, alcohols, or diesel are increasingly being considered as easily storable sources of hydrogen which can be applied in fuel cell systems.

However, a high temperature of about 700 • C is required to obtain hydrogen yields above 70%.


A highly active Rh catalyst was formed in situ on Al2O3 during the reaction of C1-C5 alkanes with steam. The active phase in Rh1/Al2O3 were Rh nanoparticles in the range 1-3 nm formed from single Rh-atoms. The product spectrum of steam reformed alkanes over Rh1/Al2O3 strongly depends on S/C ratios and temperatures. With this catalyst, an alkane mixture of an LPG-rich natural gas containing 57.8 vol% CH4 can be fully reformed at 650 °C at S/C = 4. Below 650 °C, the higher alkanes showed a positive impact on the hydrogen production from binary mixtures at low temperatures but contributed to methanation. Furthermore, maximum H2/CO ratios (>10) were detected between 350 and 650 °C. Consequently, pre-reforming of LPG-rich natural gas should be performed under very mild conditions, no higher than 350 °C. Therefore, the application of a membrane-based preseparation represents a feasible concept to obtain (i) easily activatable LPG-enriched natural gas for This behaviour is not in accordance with general considerations regarding catalyst deactivation [57] . Commonly, particle deactivation involves (i) a loss in surface area in the beginning of the reaction, (ii) slowed sintering on stream, and (iii) reaching a stable performance at a certain time. In the present case, the active phase, e.g., formed nanoparticles from Rh single-sites, is being created during the initial stage and seems to possess particularly suitable features for the reaction at low temperatures. At 850 • C, Rh1/Al 2 O 3 shows no deactivation over 40 h on stream, the hydrogen yield remains at~73 vol%, and the H 2 /CO ratio was constant at 4.

Therefore, the application of a membrane-based preseparation represents a feasible concept to obtain (i) easily activatable LPG-enriched natural gas for This behaviour is not in accordance with general considerations regarding catalyst deactivation.


Thermally sprayed alumina coatings with suitable dielectric properties have been prepared and tested for the manufacturing of electrostatic chucks, discharge devices, and insulating coatings for high-temperature heaters (Ref [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . Compared with sintered alumina, which consists solely of the thermodynamically stable a-Al 2 O 3 (corundum), thermally sprayed coatings contain mainly metastable phases (c-and d-alumina), even though all commonly used feedstock spray powders consist of a-Al 2 O 3 . The properties of the metastable phases differ significantly from those of corundum; the stronger reaction of c-alumina with water or water vapour presumably has a negative effect on the dielectric properties of the material. It is generally agreed that coatings consisting primarily of a-Al 2 O 3 are desirable.

Thermally sprayed alumina coatings with suitable dielectric properties have been prepared and tested for the manufacturing of electrostatic chucks, discharge devices, and insulating coatings for high-temperature heaters (Ref.


In recent years, BIM-based BPS tools have emerged to facilitate the integration of building performance simulations into the design phase [11] . BIM-based BPS tools allow for the direct reuse of building design information to create building energy models, which eliminates redundant processes such as re-entering the building's geometric information from the design model. While these tools have been developed to facilitate the energy model generation processes through BIM, separate analysis models still need to be prepared to satisfy each simulation engine. Moreover, while a BIM-based energy model creation tool can simplify the energy model creation process, reliable energy model creation is still labor intensive, time consuming, and error prone [12] . In this context, in order to efficiently provide comprehensive building performance analyses from a single BIM model, the integration of multi-domain simulations is necessary and a seamless model translation between BIM and multi-domain simulations must be achieved.

In recent years, BIM-based BPS tools have emerged to facilitate the integration of building performance simulations into the design phase.

Moreover, while a BIM-based energy model creation tool can simplify the energy model creation process, reliable energy model creation is still labor intensive, time consuming, and error prone.


Here, n is the number of identical species in both A and B regions, N 1 is the number of species in region A, N 2 is the number of species in region B [23] . We consider the relationship of two given provinces with a coefficient (S) value. The similarity is considered to be low for S < 0.4, general for 0.4 6 S < 0.6, significant for 0.6 6 S < 0.8, and very significant for S P 0.8, respectively.

Here, n is the number of identical species in both A and B regions, N 1 is the number of species in region A, N 2 is the number of species in region B.


Bone tissue-engineering (TE) strategies aim at the ex vivo dynamic cultivation of human mesenchymal stem cells, seeded on appropriate three-dimensional (3D) biomaterials (scaffolds), and the use of bioactive factors within a bioreactor setup in order to create TE constructs with regenerative potential upon in vivo implantation [1] . Scaffolds allow cell attachment and proliferation within their pores, while at the same time providing the surface properties and porous structure that are required to permit cell growth in a setup that resembles more the native tissue than 2D culture conditions [2, 3] . In order to support improved nutrient and oxygen mass transport to cells residing at the center and not only at the peripheral layers of the scaffold, while at the same time more actively controlling the cellular microenvironment, TE constructs are often cultured in (perfusion) bioreactors [4] [5] [6] . Furthermore, with the use of bioreactors for TE construct culture, critical culture parameters, such as dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and perfusion velocity, as well as the magnitude of the applied shear stress to the cells can be controlled [7] .

Bone tissue-engineering (TE) strategies aim at the ex vivo dynamic cultivation of human mesenchymal stem cells, seeded on appropriate three-dimensional (3D) biomaterials (scaffolds), and the use of bioactive factors within a bioreactor setup in order to create TE constructs with regenerative potential upon in vivo implantation.

Scaffolds allow cell attachment and proliferation within their pores, while at the same time providing the surface properties and porous structure that are required to permit cell growth in a setup that resembles more the native tissue than 2D culture conditions.

In order to support improved nutrient and oxygen mass transport to cells residing at the center and not only at the peripheral layers of the scaffold, while at the same time more actively controlling the cellular microenvironment, TE constructs are often cultured in (perfusion) bioreactors.

Furthermore, with the use of bioreactors for TE construct culture, critical culture parameters, such as dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and perfusion velocity, as well as the magnitude of the applied shear stress to the cells can be controlled.


However, there is scant literature available on these systems. There are also no comprehensive studies examining the shapes of the various equilibrium surfaces and regions that arise in them. Finally, they are not even mentioned among all the phase equilibria types in the well-known book by John E. Ricci [1] . Moreover, the different regions in the equilibrium diagrams of these systems are not well understood and, consequently, the relatively small amount of existing experimental data in the literature is incomplete. For example, LVE data at salt saturation have been reported without giving the actual value of the salt solubility of the mixture, and LLVE data have been reported without specifying the compositions of the two liquid phases in equilibrium, etc.

Finally, they are not even mentioned among all the phase equilibria types in the well-known book by John E. Ricci.


Autogenous shrinkage is problematic because it occurs at very early ages, before the concrete has had a chance to develop sufficient structural strength. Unable to resist the tensile stresses, the material will experience internal cracking, increased permeability and become susceptible to water penetration and chemical attack. This inevitably leads to major durability issues. In response, various mitigation strategies have been explored, one of which is internal curing. Internal curing provides additional curing water through the inclusion of water-saturated porous materials, referred to as internal curing agents (IC agents), in the hydrating cement paste. This strategy is effective because the distance that the additional curing water must travel through the dense microstructure to replenish the emptying pores is dramatically reduced compared to traditional external curing methods. Voids that are otherwise difficult to reach are made accessible by well-dispersed IC agents and self-desiccation is averted. Saturated lightweight aggregates (LWA) and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) have been demonstrated to be effective IC agents [2] [3] [4] [5] .

Saturated lightweight aggregates (LWA) and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) have been demonstrated to be effective IC agents.


In recent years there has been an increase in the application of high-performance concrete (HPC) in the infrastructure due to its superior properties, such as high strength and low permeability, which are achieved through its characteristically dense microstructure. However, self-desiccation leading to autogenous shrinkage has been recognized to be a major shortcoming of HPC [1] . Autogenous shrinkage is bulk shrinkage that is due exclusively to hydration without any influence from the surrounding environment.

However, self-desiccation leading to autogenous shrinkage has been recognized to be a major shortcoming of HPC.


In addition, a quantitative measure of fiber dispersion was performed and correlated with the shrinkage results. In both applications of internal curing and fiber reinforcement, it is important to achieve good dispersion in the material -a fiber must be at the site of crack initiation and an IC agent must be in the vicinity of hydrating paste. Otherwise the benefits of these inclusions are not fully taken advantage of and any under-reinforced area or fiber clumping will act as a flaw in the material. Past work has shown direct correlations between fiber dispersion and performance of fiberreinforced materials [12, 13] .

Past work has shown direct correlations between fiber dispersion and performance of fiberreinforced materials.


The relationship between the coping strategies and psychological outcomes were mixed. There were only two significant adaptive mediators. Acceptance was significantly and positively related to depression, stress and anxiety, while humor was significantly and positively related to only depression and approached significance for anxiety, which could be considered counter-intuitive. This is in contrast to the majority of research suggesting adaptive styles of coping decrease psychological distress, and indicates these two strategies are unhelpful for construction workers. To explore this finding further, the questions used on the BCI were examined. Although the BCI has been widely validated and used to measure copings strategies, there is a possibility that the questions may have not tapped into this construct appropriately. The acceptance coping questions "accepting this has happened" and "learning to live with it" appear on face value to indicate defeat rather than using acceptance as a positive growth mechanism (Linley & Joseph, 2004) . Alternatively, individuals may think that they could accept the situation, but unconsciously they may not, and thus impacts on psychological health (which is caused by cognitive conflict). For humor, the questions do not elaborate on which type of humor is used. Studies involving humor as a coping mechanism indicate different types of humor (positive or negative) can impact differently on emotional outcomes (Samson & Gross, 2012) . Future studies could explore the different types of humor and its impact on mental health for construction workers.

The acceptance coping questions "accepting this has happened" and "learning to live with it" appear on face value to indicate defeat rather than using acceptance as a positive growth mechanism.

Studies involving humor as a coping mechanism indicate different types of humor (positive or negative) can impact differently on emotional outcomes.


The loss of paddock trees from the landscape also reduces connectivity ( Table 2 ). The mean distance to tree-cover increased from 80 m to 382 m with the loss of patches < 1 ha from the landscape, although high variation in the data can be seen (Table 2 ). Many species use the agri cultural matrix as a conduit for movement (Bennett 1999; Fischer 2000) . In the study area, this includes a number of fauna listed as threatened, such as the Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia) and Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) (Higgins 1999) . Subpopulations of a metapopu lation that are isolated face a higher risk of extinction relative to connected subpopu lations (Hanski & Gilpin 1991) . Move ments by flora and fauna between subpopulations are important to enable genetic exchange and permit larger rem nants to be repopulated in the event of a perturbation, such as fire or disease (Bennett 1999) .

Many species use the agri cultural matrix as a conduit for movement.

In the study area, this includes a number of fauna listed as threatened, such as the Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia) and Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor).

Subpopulations of a metapopu lation that are isolated face a higher risk of extinction relative to connected subpopu lations.

Move ments by flora and fauna between subpopulations are important to enable genetic exchange and permit larger rem nants to be repopulated in the event of a perturbation, such as fire or disease.


However, we believe there is a strong possibility Ruškuc's problem is undecidable in general. We are not aware of many undecidability results in the permutation class literature, although Garrabrant and Pak, using methods that seem quite different from ours, have proven an undecidability result about comparing the parity of the number of permutations of size n in two permutation classes [10] . As a first approximation to Ruškuc's problem, we examine the corresponding problem in the category of graphs, were we prove the following theorem via a reduction from the tiling problem.

We are not aware of many undecidability results in the permutation class literature, although Garrabrant and Pak, using methods that seem quite different from ours, have proven an undecidability result about comparing the parity of the number of permutations of size n in two permutation classes.


The key tools of our analysis are Lemmas 3.8 and 3.9 below. By means of these results we reduce the Γ-limit process to families of functions which are constants on suitable annuli surrounding the obstacle sets. Lemma 3.9 is the counterpart in the current non-local framework of the joining lemma in varying domains for gradient energies on standard Sobolev spaces proven by Ansini and Braides [5] . It is a variant of an idea by De Giorgi in the setting of varying domains, on the way of matching boundary conditions by increasing the energy only up to a small error. As in the local case the proofs of Lemmas 3.8 and 3.9 exploit De Giorgi's slicing/averaging principle and the fact that Poincaré-Wirtinger inequalities are qualitatively invariant under families of biLipschitz mappings with equibounded Lipschitz constants.

Lemma 3.9 is the counterpart in the current non-local framework of the joining lemma in varying domains for gradient energies on standard Sobolev spaces proven by Ansini and Braides.


In tandem with all problems, where various industries are grappling with it, confectionary, sweet and chocolate industry also is facing various problems and shortfalls. Type of packaging confection, sweet and chocolate are some of the problems, facing this industry, which makes a difference between domestic products and foreign rivals. Despite noticeable and eye-catching progresses observed in packing products of this industry in recent years, there is a wide qualitative gap between packaging of domestic products with foreign ones. Major part of these gaps is associated with the graphic design of these products while the other part is related to the type of material used in packaging operations (Alizadeh, 2011) . With regard to the confection, sweet and chocolate, it should be confessed that market of these products is growing severely in the Middle East region. Traditionally, people of this region show vehement interest in various types of chocolate and confection. For many years, confection and chocolate have been of paramount importance as a gift in the Middle East.

Major part of these gaps is associated with the graphic design of these products while the other part is related to the type of material used in packaging operations.


Using them with the aim of spreading trend of relationship between human beings is one of the stimulating reasons for creating various packages. A good package can carry news and declare specific statement and/or convey special feeling. In other words, packages can bond relationship among people. What can be said categorically is that all packages, ranging from ordinary to masterly designed packages, convey partial and slight news more or less and such conveyance of news is associated with many products (Alavi, 2005) . The issue will be signified when purchaser buys a product as a gift. Criteria of purchase and strategies of consumers' shopping vary when they want to purchase a present for someone and when they want to purchase product for themselves. Consumers purchase gift for various reasons and occasions. In social expectations and occasional situations, it seems necessary that some gifts should be offered irrespective of real tendencies of grantor of gift. Gifts are granted with the aim of declaring a type of feeling. Type of gift varies based on gender and situation and will affect behavior of purchaser and relationship between grantor of gift and recipient of gift. Sometimes, price of gift indicates a kind of respect that grantor of gift considers for its recipient. Image and function of gift indicates implication of grantor of gift from image and personality of recipient of gift. In addition, function of gift reflects image and contemplation of grantor of gift. Nature of a gift can indicate kind of relationship of grantor of gift with its recipient. The operation of granting and receiving gift can change relationship between grantor and recipient of gift. The items or goods, which are received as gift, almost convey some meanings with regard to the relationship of the two sides i.e. recipient or grantor of gift. Of course, cultural specifications are effective in this respect (Hawkins et al., 2007 (Derakhshan, 2011) .

What can be said categorically is that all packages, ranging from ordinary to masterly designed packages, convey partial and slight news more or less and such conveyance of news is associated with many products.

Of course, cultural specifications are effective in this respect.


Various purchasers adopt different assumptions with regard to their age, gender, economic, social and cultural situation and even their geographic situation on the goods, which are displayed to them. Some people pay due attention to the economic alternatives like quantity and price of goods while some people think about quality or unique specifications of goods. In the same direction, reputability of goods and name and prestige of producer or brand name of goods are of paramount importance to some other people. The more gender, age and social and economic situation of consumers is recognized, the more packaging will be operated fairly in consumer market (Kermaninejad, 2006) .

The more gender, age and social and economic situation of consumers is recognized, the more packaging will be operated fairly in consumer market.


In conclusion, we have documented the types of activities U.S. adolescents were participating in during the early 1990s. We also documented the relation of activity participation to indicators of other positive and risky developmental outcomes. Involvement in prosocial activities was linked to positive educational trajectories and low rates of involvement in risky behaviors. In contrast, participation in team sports was linked to positive educational trajectories and to high rates of involvement in one type of risky behavior: drinking alcohol. The fact that this activity was associated with both good educational outcomes and drinking is consistent with other studies reporting that some involvement in risky activities such as drinking and cutting school is not necessarily problematic in terms of the consequences for long-term educational success (Schulenberg, Maggs, & Hurrelmann, 1997) . One must take into account the meaning of the particular behavior in the broader context of the adolescent's life and development. If the risky behavior takes place in the context of a group of highly motivated and otherwise mentally healthy adolescents, it is unlikely that the risky behavior will, in and of itself, have extremely negative consequences (e.g., drinking among athletes and princesses). In contrast, if the risky behavior is part of a broader syndrome of behaviors and disaffection from socially accepted institutional settings such as schools, then the risky behavior is likely to be prognostic of poor subsequent developmental outcomes (Eckert, 1989; Jessor & Jessor, 1977) .

The fact that this activity was associated with both good educational outcomes and drinking is consistent with other studies reporting that some involvement in risky activities such as drinking and cutting school is not necessarily problematic in terms of the consequences for long-term educational success.

In contrast, if the risky behavior is part of a broader syndrome of behaviors and disaffection from socially accepted institutional settings such as schools, then the risky behavior is likely to be prognostic of poor subsequent developmental outcomes.


The results suggest that the GLCC simulated the monthly flow more accurately according to the NSE and R 2 values; however, the PBIAS statistic indicated the CORINE land cover dataset ranks first with a slightly better PBIAS over the other 2 datasets. The model could not match all the peaks with the observed flow, i.e. in April 2002 and March 2004, which is mainly caused by differences in measured precipitation. High actual evapotranspiration (ET) during the months of April 2002 and March 2004 associated with insufficient monthly precipitation of 115 mm and 38.75 mm, respectively, could be the reason for inaccurate simulation of the streamflow. This resulted in a reduction in the NSE values to be in the good range. However, the model succeeded in capturing the low flow peaks and the base flow. In general, it can be concluded that model accuracy was not greatly affected by using different land cover data sources for simulating the streamflow from the Seyhan River basin. The uncalibrated results revealed that the monthly sediment yield was severely overpredicted in the winter months during the rainy season; however, it was underestimated during the summer months when there is no precipitation; i.e. all NSEs for the 3 models were negative. The observed sediment yield obtained from the EIE was estimated by using the sediment rating curve approach, which basically is controlled by a suspended sediment discharge/ streamflow relationship. However, the SWAT model simulates not only the suspended sediment load (smaller bed material particles) but also the bedload fraction (larger particles transported by rolling sliding or saltation), which together are known as bed material load (Ndomba and van Griensven, 2011) .

However, the SWAT model simulates not only the suspended sediment load (smaller bed material particles) but also the bedload fraction (larger particles transported by rolling sliding or saltation), which together are known as bed material load.


Unfortunately, the design of such a system is absolutely hard, since it requires an integrated approach for effectively facing all the different requirements of energy scavenging. The amount of retrievable energy is typically small and in any case with a high variability in time. In this context, it is interesting to develop suitable techniques for modelling and optimization of renewable energy system design in which it is important not only to recover the maximum amount of energy from different sources, but also to increase overall system efficiency supporting network operators' planning and operations [3] . Moreover, the challenge for the next generation EHDs will be to interact with the power grid using smart and dynamic control in order to extract the maximum power, without compromising the quality of the output power.

In this context, it is interesting to develop suitable techniques for modelling and optimization of renewable energy system design in which it is important not only to recover the maximum amount of energy from different sources, but also to increase overall system efficiency supporting network operators' planning and operations.