Stem color is an important quality index, and one of the major limiting factors of cherry storage is stem browning. Consumers prefer fruit without brown and shriveled stems. In our study, hot water treatment and combinations with essential oils were effective on fruit stem quality. There were significant differences in stem quality between treated fruit and those of the control (p < 0.05) (figure 6). According to our results, at the end of the cold storage, minimum stem quality loss was recorded in fruit subjected to hot water treatment (score: 3.5 ± 0.3) followed by fruit dipped in hot water then treated with thymol (score: 3.2 ± 0.1) as compared with fruit of the control (score: 2.2 ± 0.2). The effect of dipping in hot water and combinations with essential oil treatments in delaying the loss of quality of stems could be attributed to its effect on the inhibition of water loss and, in turn, on stem desiccation and browning. Other previous reports on stem quality indicated that cherries and grapes were affected positively, after exposure to eugenol, thymol, menthol vapors and heat treatments [8, 9, 14] . Improvement of sweet cherry resistance against fungal attack can be a consequence of increases in biosynthesis of some protective proteins. Many authors indicated that the antimicrobial effects of essential oil constituents are dependent on their hydrophobicity and their partition in the cytoplasmatic microbial membranes [26] .

Other previous reports on stem quality indicated that cherries and grapes were affected positively, after exposure to eugenol, thymol, menthol vapors and heat treatments.

Many authors indicated that the antimicrobial effects of essential oil constituents are dependent on their hydrophobicity and their partition in the cytoplasmatic microbial membranes.


This study examines Swedish upper secondary students own reasoning about the usage of mobile phones in school. Since our data is generated from students' own narratives, we cannot make any certain conclusions of how mobile phones are actually used in school practice. However, students can be quite accurate in their self-rating of both their on-task and off-task use of potentially distractive technology in education (Ragan et al. 2014) . The students' narratives on their usage of mobile phones in school display that the students can reason around both potential benefits of mobile phone use in school and potential disadvantages of the same. The students acknowledge that out-side of school their mobile phones ubiquitously enable numerous of activities, and services in their day-to-day life. The students also describe how they in school use their mobile phones for school relevant work on many occasions, regardless of the current local policy in school. This means that students are actors in the boundary between the universal service infrastructure and the infrastructure for learning manifested through teachers, legislation and local policy.

However, students can be quite accurate in their self-rating of both their on-task and off-task use of potentially distractive technology in education.


The simplest method for broadcast is flooding. Its advantage is its simplicity. However, for a single broadcast, flooding generates abundant retransmissions resulting in battery power and bandwidth waste. In addition, the retransmissions of close nodes are likely to happen at the same time. As a result, flooding quickly leads to message collisions and channel contention. This is known as the broadcast storm problem [1] .

Its advantage is its simplicity.

This is known as the broadcast storm problem.


Two key approaches to address the broadcast problem are Connected Dominating set (CDS) and multipoint relaying (MPR). Multipoint relay protocols belong to the family of neighbor-designating methods. In these schemes, the sending node selects neighboring nodes that should relay the message to complete the broadcast. The identities of the selected nodes are recorded in the retransmission packet as a forward list. Several schemes based on one or both of above approaches have been proposed in literature [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [12] , [13] . All above protocols require either one-hop or two-hop neighbor knowledge. Every node can deduce its two-hop neighbor information, by having every node include its one-hop neighbor table in the hello message,. For highly mobile networks, the information in the neighbor tables becomes obsolete very fast, leading to routing failure or increase of hello messages frequency, which increases the chances for collision.

Several schemes based on one or both of above approaches have been proposed in literature.


Numerous studies have assessed an exposition of biological communities in receiving waters to wet-weather runoff. Most of these studies are focused on benthic invertebrate *Address correspondence to this author at the CTU in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Thakurova 7, 166 29, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Tel: +420 224 354 350; Fax: +420 224 355 474; E-mail: nabelkova@fsv.cvut.cz communities. These organisms may have a greater degree of contact with pollutants derived from stormwater discharges than others. They are highly relevant in environmental studies because of their sedentary nature, ubiquity, responsiveness to disturbances, easy of sampling and importance for other ecosystem components. The studies usually confirm toxicity of sediments, porewater and overlying water in stormwater-exposed aquatic systems [4, 5] . On the other hand, there are also studies reporting, that biological degradation occurs as a result of habitat changes, and that there is limited evidence for contaminant-induced impairment [6, 7] .

The studies usually confirm toxicity of sediments, porewater and overlying water in stormwater-exposed aquatic systems.

On the other hand, there are also studies reporting, that biological degradation occurs as a result of habitat changes, and that there is limited evidence for contaminant-induced impairment.


The lateral earth pressure acting on a retaining structure depends on the deformation of the structure and of the surrounding soil. It is thus a function of the properties of the soil and of the structure, as well as of the support conditions of the structure and of its construction process. The earth pressure behind a rigid cantilever wall is known to be very different from the earth pressure behind a flexible anchored sheet pile wall [1] . Similarly, for a given structure, the earth pressure and its distribution along the wall under service conditions, characterized by small deformations, considerably change when the structure gets close to failure, which is usually characterized by important deformations.

The earth pressure behind a rigid cantilever wall is known to be very different from the earth pressure behind a flexible anchored sheet pile wall.


The amount of nutrients and organic matter added to the corals varied seasonally as grunt biomass changed. On P. furcata colonies, maximum nutrient input occurred during August (Fig. 6 ), which is a period of warmer water temperature and high light. In another study we found that the most rapid P. furcata growth (g CaCO, deposited) in Tague Bay occurred in the period MayAugust (Meyer and Schultz 1985) . Hence for this coral species, the time of maximum inputs from grunts coincided with a period of rapid coral growth.

In another study we found that the most rapid P. furcata growth (g CaCO, deposited) in Tague Bay occurred in the period MayAugust.


Tidal current energy is predictable compared to other renewable resources, which makes it a reliable source of such energy [1] . Tidal turbines are the main energy generating devices used to harness tidal power in various countries [2] . Scientists and engineers have conducted various investigations to push for tidal power to be available for mass utilization with cheaper electricity prices [3] . The seabed scouring of turbines is an important consideration for their design and application. The maximum scour depth is one of the main interests of engineers, and scour depth can be related to water depth, turbine blade numbers, and blade area ratios [4] . The existence of a turbine obstructs flow with its blockage effects, and turbine scouring is influenced by the tip clearance between blades and the seabed [5] .

Tidal current energy is predictable compared to other renewable resources, which makes it a reliable source of such energy.

Tidal turbines are the main energy generating devices used to harness tidal power in various countries.

Scientists and engineers have conducted various investigations to push for tidal power to be available for mass utilization with cheaper electricity prices.

The maximum scour depth is one of the main interests of engineers, and scour depth can be related to water depth, turbine blade numbers, and blade area ratios.

The existence of a turbine obstructs flow with its blockage effects, and turbine scouring is influenced by the tip clearance between blades and the seabed.


Hydrate is an ice-like solid which can be made if water could be in contact with high pressure and low temperature gases. The demand for gas distribution to different regions and also long distances between them made scientists to develop new solutions for gas distribution; among them we can point to LNG, PLNG, GTL, ANG, GTW, CNG and also NGH (natural gas hydrates). NGH is new method in natural gas storage and distribution [1] . Many researches were made on NGH in recent years [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . Low speed of hydrate formation process and lack of hydrate stability are of the major problems against the industrial NGH cycle. Scientists have used different promoters to improve the natural gas hydrate formation process (HFP) which most of them were hydrophilic surfactants [7] . These promoters could increase hydrate formation speed and gas storage capacity [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] .

NGH is new method in natural gas storage and distribution.

Many researches were made on NGH in recent years.

Scientists have used different promoters to improve the natural gas hydrate formation process (HFP) which most of them were hydrophilic surfactants.

These promoters could increase hydrate formation speed and gas storage capacity.


There are four factors together needed in HFP: low temperature, high pressure, presence of water and presence of gas. Effective parameters in HFP could be divided to two parts of process parameters and the parameters related to the promoter. Major process parameters are temperature, pressure, speed of the mixer, amount of fluid used, and in some cases volume of the reactor [18] . Major nano-fluid promoter-related parameters could be heat transfer characteristics, geometry, size, porosity, concentration and stability of nano-particles.

Major process parameters are temperature, pressure, speed of the mixer, amount of fluid used, and in some cases volume of the reactor.


Nearly half of new HIV infections are among youth ages 15-24 [16] . In sub-Saharan Africa, women ages 15-24 are three times more likely to be infected with HIV than their male peers [17] . Young women may especially be at risk of experiencing IPV due to power imbalances with older partners [18, 19] . One strategy for HIV prevention is promoting delayed sexual debut among youth. Early sexual debut is associated with increased likelihood of risky sexual behavior later in life, lower levels of knowledge of STI and HIV prevention, and decreased ability to negotiate condom use during sex [20] [21] [22] [23] . Furthermore, early sexual debut may contribute to greater lifelong risks of poor RH, including HIV and STIs, due to longer periods of sexual activity and more lifetime sexual partners [20, 22] . Conversely, women who engage in early and premarital sex may be at reduced risk of HIV because they may be better able to refuse sex without a condom as compared to their married counterparts, who may face more difficulty negotiating condom use with their husbands [24] . Premarital sex is of particular interest in this region, where much attention has been focused on abstinence education to reduce the spread of HIV. The underlying assumption of abstinence education is that youth control the circumstances of first sex, ignoring the possibility that first sex is unwanted or coerced, or that young women may be unable to negotiate condom use due to power imbalances with older partners [25, 26] .

Nearly half of new HIV infections are among youth ages 15-24.

In sub-Saharan Africa, women ages 15-24 are three times more likely to be infected with HIV than their male peers.

Young women may especially be at risk of experiencing IPV due to power imbalances with older partners.

Early sexual debut is associated with increased likelihood of risky sexual behavior later in life, lower levels of knowledge of STI and HIV prevention, and decreased ability to negotiate condom use during sex.

Furthermore, early sexual debut may contribute to greater lifelong risks of poor RH, including HIV and STIs, due to longer periods of sexual activity and more lifetime sexual partners.

Conversely, women who engage in early and premarital sex may be at reduced risk of HIV because they may be better able to refuse sex without a condom as compared to their married counterparts, who may face more difficulty negotiating condom use with their husbands.

The underlying assumption of abstinence education is that youth control the circumstances of first sex, ignoring the possibility that first sex is unwanted or coerced, or that young women may be unable to negotiate condom use due to power imbalances with older partners.


However, the nanostructures of silver and gold obtained by thermal evaporation processes have a strong drawback. The SERS activity of fresh evaporated films due to amorphous carbon is very large [3, [21] [22] [23] [24] . Some techniques have been tried to avoid the carbon contamination and to passivate it [3, 25] .

The SERS activity of fresh evaporated films due to amorphous carbon is very large.

Some techniques have been tried to avoid the carbon contamination and to passivate it.


In the sample preparation, it is not possible to control and quantify the coverage of the Ag particles by each molecular species. For example, 1-dodecanethiol forms selfassembled monolayers with covalent bonds on flat Ag and Au films. However, on highly corrugated surfaces it is not possible to know how many molecules are attached to the corners of Ag particles. The same holds for the other three aromatic molecules. In experiments done to demonstrate single-molecule SERS, volumes of tens of of solutions of dyes were prepared at very low concentrations, 10 −10 to 10 −13 M [11, 20] . However, the nanoparticles are prepared by colloidal chemistry methods. They do not suffer from amorphous carbon contamination, though the less controllable shape of the particles and clusters.

In experiments done to demonstrate single-molecule SERS, volumes of tens of of solutions of dyes were prepared at very low concentrations, 10 −10 to 10 −13 M.


The most commonly used measurement in automatic speech recognition (ASR) is the Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC) [1] . However, such a measurement is limited in its time-frequency representation since it is inherently a short-time spectral representation. Also, its computation is typically based on the inner product of the signal power spectrum with triangular band-pass filters where the filter shape selection is quasi-arbitrary. In this research, we propose a wavelet and filter bank framework for feature extraction to improve upon the signal representation as well as the filter selection.

The most commonly used measurement in automatic speech recognition (ASR) is the Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC).


In particular, transportation infrastructures must be able to withstand stress, maintain baseline service levels, and be stout in physical design and operational concept in order to provide restoration to the system. Resilient transportation systems may reduce the probability of failure within the system as well as reduce the consequences of any failure that may occur, thus improving the time for recovery. Moreover, analyzing the resilience of a transportation network will aid decision-makers in identifying specific weaknesses within the network, thus allowing the proper prioritization of investments and mitigation actions (Freckleton et al., 2012) .

Moreover, analyzing the resilience of a transportation network will aid decision-makers in identifying specific weaknesses within the network, thus allowing the proper prioritization of investments and mitigation actions.


Expectations have long been recognized to play a key role in macroeconomic and finance models. After the rise of rational expectations (RE) in the 70s, in more recent years economists have acknowledged the importance that bounded rationality can have on (macro)economic dynamics and the role it should play in modelling real life situations (Sargent, 1993) . In particular, the RE assumption, at least in its strict sense, does not allow for heterogeneity of expectations, a feature that seems so commonly observed in real economic situations when agents have to make forecasts.

After the rise of rational expectations (RE) in the 70s, in more recent years economists have acknowledged the importance that bounded rationality can have on (macro)economic dynamics and the role it should play in modelling real life situations.


Longitudinally, in the Paraná River, sites located near Porto Primavera dam presented distinct limnological configuration to those located near Itaipu reservoir. These differences in the limnological configuration can be assigned to the discharge of the tributaries in the Paraná River, some tributaries presenting high values of nutrients, as nitrogen and phosphorous, which are higher than those from the Paraná River. Therefore, the high inputs of nutrients from tributaries will increase primary production and probably reduce the Paraná River erosion capacity as more tributaries connect to the river channel and the distance from the dam increases, what could decrease some negative impacts of damming (Fu et al., 2008) . It must be highlighted that the reduction of the negative impacts, mainly sediment retention, of the Porto Primavera dam may not be assigned to a single tributary. These tributaries originate from different river basins, then the contribution of each tributary will differ and their downstream effects will be cumulative as more tributaries connect to the Paraná River channel. This fact is highlighted by the high concentration of phosphorous in the last transect before the Itaipu reservoir, which presented similar concentrations to those observed prior to Porto Primavera damming (Roberto et al., 2009) .

Therefore, the high inputs of nutrients from tributaries will increase primary production and probably reduce the Paraná River erosion capacity as more tributaries connect to the river channel and the distance from the dam increases, what could decrease some negative impacts of damming.

This fact is highlighted by the high concentration of phosphorous in the last transect before the Itaipu reservoir, which presented similar concentrations to those observed prior to Porto Primavera damming.


Examples from Ireland, New York, New Zealand, Norway and Italy demonstrate the potential for a significant reduction of ETS exposure. According to the data provided by the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease which covers 106 countries (50% of the world's population), the smoking ban is being introduced in hospitals and health care facilities worldwide. In the territories covering 71% of the world's population, the smoking ban has been introduced at educational facilities in 97 countries, at universities in 66 countries, indoor offices in 59 countries, at bars, pubs and restaurants in 18 countries, and at restaurants located at governmental facilities in 21 countries [13] . Analyses conducted in Ireland indicated that the compliance with the legislation is very high (more than 90%). Moreover, they revealed that owing to the implementation of the smoke-free law, the level of PM2.5 had been reduced by 88%, PM10 by 53% and the level of CO by 45% [14] . The results from a 32-country comparative study on indoor air quality show that the fine particle concentrations at bars, restaurants and other locations where smoking is permitted are typically far greater than the levels which are considered harmful to human health, according to the WHO and US Environmental Protection Agency reports. This finding was observed regardless of the geographic location of the facilities under study [15] . By contrast, indoor particle concentrations in the countries that have implemented smoke-free regulations are 87% lower on average than in the countries that have no regulations of this kind. In California, Ireland, Norway and Scotland, within a few months following the implementation of smoke-free laws, population approve the smoke-free workplace laws that cover restaurants and bars, which were enacted by the US Senate in 1998 [23] .

In the territories covering 71% of the world's population, the smoking ban has been introduced at educational facilities in 97 countries, at universities in 66 countries, indoor offices in 59 countries, at bars, pubs and restaurants in 18 countries, and at restaurants located at governmental facilities in 21 countries.

Moreover, they revealed that owing to the implementation of the smoke-free law, the level of PM2.5 had been reduced by 88%, PM10 by 53% and the level of CO by 45%.

This finding was observed regardless of the geographic location of the facilities under study.

In California, Ireland, Norway and Scotland, within a few months following the implementation of smoke-free laws, population approve the smoke-free workplace laws that cover restaurants and bars, which were enacted by the US Senate in 1998.


It is easy to see that the previous protocol exhibits different behaviours according to the values of T e and T r . When these are set to (arbitrary but) finite values, the protocol always satisfies the liveness property. When T r = +∞, the protocol satisfies the safety property but cannot satisfy the liveness one. In the following we assume that T r has a finite value, so liveness is ensured. In that case, the fact that the safety property is satisfied depends on the underlying system model. Here we consider a variant of the timed asynchronous system model [3] . This variant is characterized by the following points: (1) processes have access to local clocks with bounded drifts with respect to real time, and (2) process speeds and message delays are arbitrary. In such a context, due to slow messages, to slow processes or to a bad choice of the values of T e and T r , it is possible that processes claim a group failure while actually there is none (this is called a false failure detection). When this occurs, the safety property associated with the group failure detection problem is violated by the protocol. More generally, it appears that, for a given execution, the satisfaction of the safety property depends not only on the values of T e and T r but also depends strongly on the actual pattern of process speeds and of message transfer delays.

Here we consider a variant of the timed asynchronous system model.


Chronic inflammation is strongly associated with the development of cancer [1] [2] [3] . One of the crucial mediators of inflammatory reaction is cyclooxygenase (COX). The COX family of enzymes comprises two members (COX-1 and COX-2) and is the main controller of eicosanoid biosynthesis. Studies of human breast tumor tissues demonstrate that upregulation of COX-2 has been detected in approximately 40% of human breast tumor tissues, as well as preinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ lesions [4] . Elevated expression of COX-2 is associated with large tumor size, advanced histologic grade, axillary node metastasis, and unfavorable disease-free survival [4, 5] . In addition, COX-2 expression also links with increased tumor angiogenesis [6] . Epidemiologic investigations suggest that use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or selective COX-2 inhibitors reduces breast cancer risk [7, 8] .

Chronic inflammation is strongly associated with the development of cancer.

Studies of human breast tumor tissues demonstrate that upregulation of COX-2 has been detected in approximately 40% of human breast tumor tissues, as well as preinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ lesions.

Elevated expression of COX-2 is associated with large tumor size, advanced histologic grade, axillary node metastasis, and unfavorable disease-free survival.

In addition, COX-2 expression also links with increased tumor angiogenesis.

Epidemiologic investigations suggest that use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or selective COX-2 inhibitors reduces breast cancer risk.


SNA is a valuable tool for supporting policing in several ways. First, it can guide investigative strategies and suggest targets for disruption or enforcement. Second, it can encourage an open-minded approach and counterbalance personal biases or assumptions based on prior experience, of individuals or of other operations. Third, it can identify areas of importance, such as 'girlfriends', which lie beyond the immediate police remit, highlighting areas for multi-agency collaboration. ICST is clearly a concern not just for the police and '[c]rosscutting problems require cross-cutting solutions' (Stephenson, 2008) . And finally, it can inform proactive interventions aimed at tackling ICST in a range of ways. ICST is a complicated and longstanding issue, well-suited to problem-oriented or intelligence-led approaches which recognize how preventive interventions can support 'smart enforcement' (Tilley, 2009) . Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember that SNA is a useful framework for analysis, rather than a 'one-stop-shop' for answers. Ultimately, SNA can support experience and creative problem-solving, but it cannot be a substitute for them.

ICST is clearly a concern not just for the police and '[c]rosscutting problems require cross-cutting solutions'.

ICST is a complicated and longstanding issue, well-suited to problem-oriented or intelligence-led approaches which recognize how preventive interventions can support 'smart enforcement'.


In order to measure VO2max we performed the Bruce protocol and used expiratory gas analyzer Oxycon Pro of Jaeger (Viasys). Today, the Bruce Protocol is also a common method for estimating VO2max in athletes. The Bruce Protocol was used such that the workload was increased by altering both the incline percent and velocity of the treadmill. The tests were done according to Bruce Protocol, starting at speed 2,74km/hr and grade of 10% and it progressively increased at every 3 minutes until exhaustion (Bruce et al., 1949) . During the test the participant breathed via a 2-way valve system. Air came in from the room, however expired through sensors that measure both oxygen concentration and volume. Additionally, the triathlete's heart rates were measured by Polar Vantage NV heart rate monitors (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland). Forty eight (48) hours prior to the measurements the athletes were asked not to participate in any vigorous training to avoid any possible side effects. The test finished when the VO2max values produced a plateau despite a load increase or the theoretical cardiac frequency was exceeded and the athlete indicated that he was exhausted.

The tests were done according to Bruce Protocol, starting at speed 2,74km/hr and grade of 10% and it progressively increased at every 3 minutes until exhaustion.


We used a treadmill to measure VO2max since in triathletes there is generally no difference in VO2max measured in cycle ergometry and treadmill running (Medelli, 1993) . However, data concerning the anaerobic threshold in cycling and running in triathletes is conflicting (Medelli, 1993) . This is likely due to a combination of actual training load and prior training history in each discipline.

We used a treadmill to measure VO2max since in triathletes there is generally no difference in VO2max measured in cycle ergometry and treadmill running.

However, data concerning the anaerobic threshold in cycling and running in triathletes is conflicting.


There are several methods to measure VO2max including indirect and direct methods. Indirect methods generally are more economical and rely on the use of equations or formulas (Chatterjee, 2010; Niels et al, 2004) . One commonly used indirect method is the Bruce protocol which is a maximal exercise test where the athlete works to complete exhaustion as the treadmill speed and incline is increased. The length of time on the treadmill is the test score and can be used to estimate the VO2max value. However, the reliability of indirect methods results are less than the ones offered by direct methods. Nevertheless, the direct measurement of cardiorespiratory endurance (VO2max) itself is difficult, exhausting and often hazardous to perform. The direct method is based on measures regarding expiratory gases from the athlete during exercise.

Indirect methods generally are more economical and rely on the use of equations or formulas.


Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is currently the most used measure of aerobic capacity. Thus, measuring VO2max is important to predict triathlon performance (Cejuela, 2007) . In fact, elite triathletes have significantly higher VO2max values than sub-elite triathletes and high VO2max levels are required for success in triathlons. However, some authors assert that VO2max is a relatively poor predictor of performance in runners due to variations in running and fatigue resistance during prolonged exercise (Noakes, 2003) .

Thus, measuring VO2max is important to predict triathlon performance.

However, some authors assert that VO2max is a relatively poor predictor of performance in runners due to variations in running and fatigue resistance during prolonged exercise.


Theorem D(P. Lu, L. Ni, J. Vázquez, C.Villani [10] ). Let (M n , g) be a complete Riemannian manifold with Ric(B p (2R)) ≥ −K, K ≥ 0. Suppose that u is a positive solution to (1.

Theorem D(P. Lu, L. Ni, J. Vázquez, C.Villani).


Up to now, several reviews have been published on the fabrication strategy of hierarchical photocatalysts with various morphologies. However, only a small part mentioned the synthesis of hierarchical ZnO materials in photocatalytic application [4, [8] [9] [10] . In addition, especially in the photocatalytic application of ZnO, most of the previous reviews are limited to low dimension (0D, 1D and 2D) ZnO nanostructures, where reviews about hierarchical ZnO nanostructures are still insufficient.

However, only a small part mentioned the synthesis of hierarchical ZnO materials in photocatalytic application [4.


Recently, we reported hierarchical ZnO architectures assembled by nanosheets and nanorods via a facile solution method [41] . In this reaction system, the critical morphology controller is the concentration of OH − . When OH − was contained at 0.33 mol/L, the ZnO nanosheets were first formed as the substrates for the heterogeneous nucleation and growth, and then, ZnO nanorod arrays that were oriented grew on the nanosheets in a secondary assembly process to generate the ZnO nanosheet-nanorod structures in which γ-Zn(OH)2 and ε-Zn(OH)2 acted as the zinc sources for the growth of nanorod arrays ( Figure 3) . The above developed approaches allowed the stepwise control of experimental conditions and provided an opportunity for the rational design and synthesis of controlled architectures in nanostructures.

Recently, we reported hierarchical ZnO architectures assembled by nanosheets and nanorods via a facile solution method.


A variety of methods such as sol-gel technology, a spray pyrolysis deposition, thermal evaporation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a laser ablation, a magnetron sputtering, etc., can be used for synthesizing nanolayers of multicomponent materials [10] [11] [12] [13] . However, very often traditional approaches to synthesis and deposition of multicomponent materials are not effective. Many of those methods are very cumbersome, expensive and inefficient for the complex materials deposition. Therefore, recently it was shown a special interest in wet chemical methods [14] .

A variety of methods such as sol-gel technology, a spray pyrolysis deposition, thermal evaporation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a laser ablation, a magnetron sputtering, etc., can be used for synthesizing nanolayers of multicomponent materials.

Therefore, recently it was shown a special interest in wet chemical methods.


Experience has shown that LbL deposition could be conducted in a simple apparatus at room temperature and at atmospheric pressure. In particular, the successive steps could be made using simple robotic system. For deposition one can use ordinary inexpensive precursors and solutions with pH close to neutral [19, 20] . In addition, this method does not require electrical current. Thus, LbL (SILD) process can be considered as relatively cheap technology. Moreover, particles used for the surface modification can present in the solution in a suspension state. As a result, nanolayers can be deposited on solid surfaces of any shape, including porous materials, disperse grains (powders) and nanowires. This ability of the LbL (SILD) technology to coat materials uniformly on a three dimensional surface under ambient conditions is main advantage of the LbL process as compared with expensive physical deposition methods.

For deposition one can use ordinary inexpensive precursors and solutions with pH close to neutral.


Tamarind seed flavonoids may be involved in stabilizing highly reactive, potential harmful free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. The ability of antioxidants to destroy highly reactive free radicals serves to protect the structural integrity of immune cells and prevents the loss of essential functions. This study proposes that tamarind seed flavonoids might contain bioactive components which act as antioxidant responsible for neutralizing the effect of free radicals which are normally generated by Oxygen-dependent mechanisms for intracellular killing by leukocytes as reported earlier (Sudjaroen et al., 2005) . PE exhibits the fastest rate of healing that contains highest protein content. The fastest rate of healing could be attributed to Trypsin inhibitor, an important protein molecule involved in proliferation of fibroblast and collagen synthesis during wound healing (El-Siddig et al., 2006) . Phytochemical result showed that alkaloid and saponin were present in PE and additional tannin was present in WE. Alkaloid is known to assist in epithelization of wound and chemotaxis in fibrosis (Azeez et al., 2007) . Saponin on the other hand stimulates angiogenesis by modifying the balance of protease/protease inhibitor secretion in human endothelial vascular cells (Morisaki, 1995) . Tannin is believed to have haemostatic activity, arresting bleeding from damaged or injured vessels by precipitating proteins to form vascular plugs (Okoli, 2007) . Possible combination of these chemicals may explain the fluctuation of wound reduction of PE and WE on day 4 to 8. Infections by a number of microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. faecalis, E.coli, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Coliform bacilli and enterococcus are reported to be responsible for delayed wound healing (Bowler et al, 2001) . The presence of tannin in WE therefore could be associated with faster wound closure due to its antimicrobial property.

This study proposes that tamarind seed flavonoids might contain bioactive components which act as antioxidant responsible for neutralizing the effect of free radicals which are normally generated by Oxygen-dependent mechanisms for intracellular killing by leukocytes as reported earlier.

The fastest rate of healing could be attributed to Trypsin inhibitor, an important protein molecule involved in proliferation of fibroblast and collagen synthesis during wound healing.

Alkaloid is known to assist in epithelization of wound and chemotaxis in fibrosis.

Saponin on the other hand stimulates angiogenesis by modifying the balance of protease/protease inhibitor secretion in human endothelial vascular cells.

Tannin is believed to have haemostatic activity, arresting bleeding from damaged or injured vessels by precipitating proteins to form vascular plugs.

Infections by a number of microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. faecalis, E.coli, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Coliform bacilli and enterococcus are reported to be responsible for delayed wound healing.


As Croatia has implemented feed-in tariffs as a renewables' support scheme, this paper will also estimate levels at which feed-in premiums, both variable and fixed, should be set to in order to replace the current mechanism. At the end of 2013, seven countries in the EU28 were using feed-in premiums or combination of feedin premiums and other supporting schemes [28] . Other common supporting schemes are green certificates and tenders. So far, feed-in systems proved to be more efficient than the green certificates [29] . Potential savings in expenditure on subsidies by the government, by adopting feed-in premiums, were assessed, too.

At the end of 2013, seven countries in the EU28 were using feed-in premiums or combination of feedin premiums and other supporting schemes.

So far, feed-in systems proved to be more efficient than the green certificates.


Clustering is the organization of the objects in a dataset D into homogeneous and separated groups with respect to a distance or a similarity measure. Its ultimate objective is to assign the similar objects to the same cluster or group, and dissimilar ones to different clusters. Clustering methods can basically be classified into two main types; partitioning and hierarchical based methods [11] . Partitioning algorithms construct a partition of a dataset D of n objects into a set of k clusters; k is an input parameter for these algorithms. A partitioning algorithm typically starts with an initial partition of D and then uses an iterative control strategy to optimize an objective function. The square error criterion, defined below in (1) , is the most commonly used (m i is the mean of cluster C i ).

Clustering methods can basically be classified into two main types; partitioning and hierarchical based methods.


For more general hierarchical soft terms at the GUT scale, the compatibility with flavour observables is not automatic, even though generic soft terms tend to be attracted towards MFV-like structures in the infrared [30, 31] . We have confirmed this tendency for the particularly relevant case where all third-generation squarks, including the right-sbottom, are light compared to the squarks of the first two generations. While this scenario strongly violates the MFV hypothesis at the GUT scale, the soft terms become increasingly MFV-like during the running, and end up compatible with flavour constraints at the low scale.

For more general hierarchical soft terms at the GUT scale, the compatibility with flavour observables is not automatic, even though generic soft terms tend to be attracted towards MFV-like structures in the infrared.


The micropatterned plastic film method is effective in enhancing sensitivity and ductility and reducing response time of microsensors [13] . For example, Bao's group demonstrated an ultrasensitive resistive pressure sensor with rapid response and a low-pressure regime of 0.8 Pa by using an elastic microstructured conductive polymer [14] . Wang's group presented a kind of self-powered pressure sensor based on micropatterned plastic films, which have a detection limit of 13 mPa [15] . Cheng's group reported on a new bioinspired strategy to fabricate flexible pressure sensors with touch sensitivity of 50.17 kPa −1 [16] . Because of the superior mechanical flexibility and great conductivity, carbon nanotube had also been applied as a conductive layer of micropatterned film to further improve the performance of the sensor [13, [17] [18] [19] [20] . For instance, Zhang's group presented silk-molded, flexible, micropatterned electronic skin coated with single-walled carbon nanotubes, which has ultrahigh sensitivity (1.8 kPa −1 ) for the detection of minute forces with fast response time [17] . Meanwhile, because of its great conductivity, carbon nanotube applied as a conductive layer may result in low consumption of the flexible sensors [21] .

The micropatterned plastic film method is effective in enhancing sensitivity and ductility and reducing response time of microsensors.

For example, Bao's group demonstrated an ultrasensitive resistive pressure sensor with rapid response and a low-pressure regime of 0.8 Pa by using an elastic microstructured conductive polymer.

Wang's group presented a kind of self-powered pressure sensor based on micropatterned plastic films, which have a detection limit of 13 mPa.

Cheng's group reported on a new bioinspired strategy to fabricate flexible pressure sensors with touch sensitivity of 50.17 kPa −1.

Because of the superior mechanical flexibility and great conductivity, carbon nanotube had also been applied as a conductive layer of micropatterned film to further improve the performance of the sensor.

For instance, Zhang's group presented silk-molded, flexible, micropatterned electronic skin coated with single-walled carbon nanotubes, which has ultrahigh sensitivity (1.8 kPa −1 ) for the detection of minute forces with fast response time.

Meanwhile, because of its great conductivity, carbon nanotube applied as a conductive layer may result in low consumption of the flexible sensors.


To demonstrate our key ideas, let us use the well-known record linkage algorithm, the sorted neighborhood method (SNM) [12] . The SNM scheme first sorts all the entities using the pre-selected key attributes and heuristics. Then, it slides a fix-sized window from the beginning to the end of the list. In each sliding window, the first entity is compared to the rest of the entities within the same window to identify pairs with small distances. Then the window slides down by one entity and the process repeats until it reaches the end of the list. Thus, the sliding window works as a blocking scheme with the premise that matching entities are lexicographically similar so that they tend to be located within the same window. Figure 1 illustrates SNM. Single pass of SNM over n records with w records per window yields n − w + 1 blocks. Since each block incurs w − 1 number of record comparisons, overall, the running time of SNM becomes O(nw). The baseline approach without any blocking requires all pair-wise comparisons among records, yielding O(n 2 ). Due to the relatively faster running time compared to the baseline approach and the simple implementation, the SNM approach has been a popular choice of record linkage algorithm in many data applications.

To demonstrate our key ideas, let us use the well-known record linkage algorithm, the sorted neighborhood method (SNM).

Figure 1 illustrates SNM.


A super high arch dam is divided into many blocks by contraction joints in the construction period. Heat of hydration develops in fresh concrete, associated with the exothermic chemical reactions of the cement [7] . Due to the poor conductivity of concrete, high temperature gradients may occur between the interior and the surface of the structural elements or between parts of an element with sequential concreting phases [8] . The temperature gradients may lead to tensile stresses and excessive tensile strength will result in the young concrete to crack [9] . A preemptive action can be taken to maintain the concrete temperature at the preferred design temperature, which in turn satisfies construction procedures and quality long-lasting lifetime. The other factors that play a major role are the heat of hydration temperature as a function of the construction plan and the quality of the materials used. Up to now, the proper curing methods are essentially empirical and rely on the experience of the contractor who usually considers the precooling (warming) of the materials and the use of cooling tubes, covering the insulation material or lowheat cements. For example, the 186 m high Kurobe Dam, a dome-type arch dam located at the Kurobe River, Japan, was completed in June 1963 [10] . Temperature evaluation requires not only thermometer readings but also theoretical calculations. The temperature data was collected by using vibrating cord thermometers and electrical resistance thermometers, which lacked in durability and precision. The Ertan arch dam is 240 m and is located in the Yalong River of China. The temperature of the concrete was measured by means of 3 sets of dial readouts using sufficient portable resistance thermometers, and maximum-minimum thermometers embedded in concrete [11] . The contractor provided all necessary assistance in obtaining weekly reports of the placing temperature of the concrete, direction of flow, pressure, and the temperature of the cooling water at the inlet and outlet of each individual cooling coil. Final average temperature checks were obtained by stopping the circulating water in an individual cooling coil for 96 hours and then measuring the water temperature. The 292.5 m Xiaowan arch dam was constructed in 2010 at the Lancang River of China [12] . For measuring internal-concrete temperature, the contractor buried infrared thermometers, and read data manually, since the existence of some errors in the concrete temperature leads to the occurrence of cracks in the dam body [13] .

Heat of hydration develops in fresh concrete, associated with the exothermic chemical reactions of the cement.

Due to the poor conductivity of concrete, high temperature gradients may occur between the interior and the surface of the structural elements or between parts of an element with sequential concreting phases.

The temperature gradients may lead to tensile stresses and excessive tensile strength will result in the young concrete to crack.

For example, the 186 m high Kurobe Dam, a dome-type arch dam located at the Kurobe River, Japan, was completed in June 1963.

The temperature of the concrete was measured by means of 3 sets of dial readouts using sufficient portable resistance thermometers, and maximum-minimum thermometers embedded in concrete.

The 292.5 m Xiaowan arch dam was constructed in 2010 at the Lancang River of China.

For measuring internal-concrete temperature, the contractor buried infrared thermometers, and read data manually, since the existence of some errors in the concrete temperature leads to the occurrence of cracks in the dam body.


In recent times, sensory technologies have been utilized in monitoring health of structural engineering [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . The sensors utilized in a super arch dam structural health monitoring system (DSHMS) are required to monitor not only the dam structural status including stress, displacement, and acceleration but also the affecting environmental parameters, such as wind speed, temperature, and seepage properties of foundation, especially in dam construction [2, 5, 6] . The DSHMS is a large sensory network that is deployed on a spatially extended structure so that the data acquired from the selected locations will result in the most optimal identification of the dam's structural characteristic changes.

In recent times, sensory technologies have been utilized in monitoring health of structural engineering.

The sensors utilized in a super arch dam structural health monitoring system (DSHMS) are required to monitor not only the dam structural status including stress, displacement, and acceleration but also the affecting environmental parameters, such as wind speed, temperature, and seepage properties of foundation, especially in dam construction.


While the proposed methods allow creating line drawings of many objects and in many different styles, the illustration of plants has so far been neglected. This is surprising because drawings of these objects are needed in areas like architecture and landscaping. In both cases early designs are preferentially visualized as abstract line drawings that often include many trees [18] .

In both cases early designs are preferentially visualized as abstract line drawings that often include many trees.


The study of soil physicochemical parameters is important to agricultural chemists for plants growth and soil management. The physicochemical properties such as moisture content, specific gravity, nitrogen as a fertilizer required for the growth of plant. Potassium is used for flowering purpose; it is also required for building of protein, photosynthesis, fruit quality and reduction of diseases. Calcium is an essential part of plant cell wall, which provides normal transport and retention of other elements (Chaudhari, 2013) .

Calcium is an essential part of plant cell wall, which provides normal transport and retention of other elements.


Soil acts as a thin layer of earth's crust which serves as a natural medium for the growth of plants and it is the unconsolidated mineral matter influenced by genetic and environmental factors (Manimegalai and Sukanya, 2014) . It is a natural body consisting of layers (soil horizons) of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical and biological properties (Sumithra et al., 2013; Manimegalai and Sukanya, 2014) . Soil is one of the important and valuable resources of the nature. It is composed of particles of broken rock that have been altered by chemical and mechanical processes that include weathering and erosion. All living things are directly and indirectly dependent on soil for day to day needs and 95 % of the human food is derived from the earth. Soil has complex function which is beneficial to human and other living organism. It acts as a filter, buffer storage, transformation system and thus protects the global ecosystem against the adverse effects of environmental pollutants (Sumithra et al., 2013) .

Soil acts as a thin layer of earth's crust which serves as a natural medium for the growth of plants and it is the unconsolidated mineral matter influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

It is a natural body consisting of layers (soil horizons) of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical and biological properties.

It acts as a filter, buffer storage, transformation system and thus protects the global ecosystem against the adverse effects of environmental pollutants.


Soil is one of the most significant ecological factors, on which plants depend for their nutrients, water and mineral supply (Shaikh and Bhosle, 2013) . Soil testing is the only way to determine the available nutrient status in soil and the only way we can develop specific fertilizer recommendations. Results of physical and chemical tests provide information about the capacity of soil to supply mineral nutrients (Ganorkar and Chinchmalatpure, 2013) . Soil characterization in relation to evaluation of fertility status of the soils of an area or region is an important aspect in context of sustainable agricultural production. Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur are important soil elements that control its fertility and yields of crops (Singh and Mishra, 2012) .

Soil is one of the most significant ecological factors, on which plants depend for their nutrients, water and mineral supply.

Results of physical and chemical tests provide information about the capacity of soil to supply mineral nutrients.

Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur are important soil elements that control its fertility and yields of crops.


This research is primarily targeted at development of electrostatic energy harvesters. They must be able to work for at least 10 years in applications with temperatures of 150-200 • C and survive occasional short overheating to about 300 • C. Therefore, organic electrets that discharge at much lower temperatures are not suitable for the application. The single-layer electrets dramatically discharge at 300 • C either [4, 10] . Therefore, the only remaining option in this work was the SiO 2 /Si 3 N 4 electret. However, for studying the basic electret properties, the single layers of these materials were fabricated either.

The single-layer electrets dramatically discharge at 300 • C either.


There is evidence of detrimental effects of N. ceranae on the onset of foraging and longevity of EHBs (Goblirsch et al. 2013; Natsopoulou et al. 2016) . These traits are important components of colony fitness which could affect survival (Higes et al. 2008; Higes et al. 2009; Botías et al. 2013) . Nevertheless, it is yet unknown if compared to the situation in temperate areas, the interaction between N. ceranae and AHBs in the Neotropics could be of a similar detrimental magnitude. In this study, we performed an evaluation of the effects of N. ceranae on the onset of foraging, duration of foraging, and longevity in AHB workers in whole colonies under field conditions.

There is evidence of detrimental effects of N. ceranae on the onset of foraging and longevity of EHBs.

These traits are important components of colony fitness which could affect survival.


Glucose sensing has been receiving a lot of attention for almost four decades now. The first glucose sensor ever developed was an affinity-based sensor, which carried out detection using optical methods [16, 17] . Today, a wide range of new biosensors is capable of detecting glucose even down to a few nM concentrations [17] . This detection is carried out either with electrochemical methods or optical methods. One famous method uses Concanavalin-A (ConA) (a lectin) affinity towards mannose and glucose for detection. ConA is very stable chemically at body temperature. Gold nanoparticles have been successfully shown to detect glucose [18] . The ConA binds with gold nanoparticles which have been decorated with dextran leading to aggregate formation. Glucose, which has a higher affinity to ConA than dextran, breaks the aggregates of gold nanoparticles. This leads to a change in the local refractive index as well as absorbance. The change in absorbance is noted, which is then found to be proportional to the amount of glucose added. Due to unique features of GNRs, it is reasoned that utilizing GNRs in place of gold nanoparticles would provide an alternative approach to glucose detection. As illustrated in Figure 1 , we modified the surface of GNRs with dextran sulfate. The ConA is then introduced to the system which red shifts the longitudinal plasmon resonance due to the formation of GNR aggregates. Since glucose competitively binds ConA more than dextran sulfate does, the dissociation level of GNR aggregates can be tuned by the glucose concentration. Adding glucose to GNR aggregates can lead to a blue shift of the longitudinal plasmon band towards the GNR's original longitudinal plasmon resonance. Our results showed that dextran sulfate-coated GNR aggregates were formed by introducing 8 µM ConA, as illustrated by TEM images. In addition, the corresponding UV-Vis spectrum showed a red shift from 701 nm of dextran sulfate-coated GNRs to 718 nm of ConA-induced GNRs aggregates. According to TEM images, the ConA/GNR aggregates were reversibly disentangled in the presence of 12 mM glucose. Furthermore, the longitudinal plasmon resonance of UVVis spectrum revealed a blue shift from 718 nm of ConA trigged GNR aggregates to 714 nm of dissociated dextran sulfate-coated GNRs.

The first glucose sensor ever developed was an affinity-based sensor, which carried out detection using optical methods.

Today, a wide range of new biosensors is capable of detecting glucose even down to a few nM concentrations.

Gold nanoparticles have been successfully shown to detect glucose.


It has been reported that to effectively use the plasmon coupling effect the distance between two GNRs should be small [10] . This allows us to obtain the maximum red shift in the longitudinal band. It is also important to use small molecules as they can reduce entanglement and cross-linking [10, 14, 21] . Thus, for coating purposes, we used dextran sulfate with a molecular weight of ~2.5 kDa. Coating was carried out in 1 mM NaCl solution. The UVVis spectrum is shown in Figure 2B . The observed shift is proportional to the ConA concentration. A small ConA concentration for this experiment was used (8 µM) for a lower concentration of glucose. The decisive factor in deciding the concentration was the amount of red shift obtained and the extent to which the glucose molecules interact with ConA due to accessibility. One can observe from the UV-Vis spectrum that the shift in the longitudinal band is evidence of the ensemble formation proven by the TEM images. There is no blue shift in the transverse band and TEM imaging also shows the absence of a prominent side-by-side GNRs assembly. This ensures that if glucose dissembles, the resulting clusters will produce a notable change in the longitudinal band. It was also observed that the absorbance around the transverse band increases in accordance with the red shift in the longitudinal band. The sample (12 mM glucose) was prepared in 1 mM NaCl solution. Low concentrations of glucose were tested on the GNR clusters. The effect of 12 mM glucose on an 8 µM ConA-DSGNR ensemble is shown in Figure 2C and their TEM images are shown in 3B and 3C. After the addition of glucose, the UV-Vis spectrum blue shifted (from 718 to 714 nm peak, shown as the inset in Figure 2C ) towards the original position of DSGNRs (peaking at 710 nm). In addition to the UV-VIS spectrum change, the dissociation of GNR clusters after adding glucose is clearly observed by the TEM image. The degree of the spectrum peak shift of the ConA-DSGNR clusters can be modulated by the concentration of glucose added. As shown in Figure 4 , the sensitivity of glucose detection using the unique longitudinal plasmonic peak blue shift of ConA-induced DSGNR aggregates ranges from 1 to 30 mM.

It has been reported that to effectively use the plasmon coupling effect the distance between two GNRs should be small.

It is also important to use small molecules as they can reduce entanglement and cross-linking.


FAM70B (official full name: family with sequence similarity 70, member B) was found as part of the results of the Human Genomic Project [28, 29] . The locus of the gene is on chromosome 13q34, and its function is protein coding. The exact mechanism of action of the gene has yet to be characterized in the oncological research field. Although the exact function of this gene has not been determined, our study showed the usefulness of this gene as a potential prognostic marker for bladder cancer. Additional studies are needed to define the precise roles of FAM70B on tumorigenesis and metastasis in bladder cancer.

FAM70B (official full name: family with sequence similarity 70, member B) was found as part of the results of the Human Genomic Project.


Forty five of the 100 (45%) pregnancies with IUGR had abnormal Doppler waveforms in the umbilical arteries. Doppler waveform of the umbilical artery was considered abnormal if S/D ratio was equal to or more than three or diastolic flow was absent / reversed in fetuses above the gestational age of 28 weeks [1] [2] [3] [4] . The mean for the normal S/D ratio group (n=55) was 2.53 and for the higher S/D ratio group or for low end diastolic flow group (n=28) was 3.82. An additional 13 fetuses had absent end diastolic velocity and 4 fetuses had reversal of diastolic flow. The mean PI in the normal Doppler group was 0.954; for the low end diastolic flow group was 1.345 and that in the absent /reversed end diastolic flow group was 5.18.

Doppler waveform of the umbilical artery was considered abnormal if S/D ratio was equal to or more than three or diastolic flow was absent / reversed in fetuses above the gestational age of 28 weeks.


Seven olive breeding seedlings coming from crosses between the cultivars 'Arbequina' and 'Picual' were initially selected for their early cropping and oil content (León et al., 2004) . The selections have been previously evaluated for fruit traits and fatty acid composition (De la . The objective of this research was to evaluate the variability for squalene content and tocopherol and phytosterol contents and profiles in those selections.

Seven olive breeding seedlings coming from crosses between the cultivars 'Arbequina' and 'Picual' were initially selected for their early cropping and oil content.


The relative change in the length of briquettes during immersion in water for 6 hours was investigated. This was conducted to determine the water absorption capacity (hygroscopic property) of the produced briquettes under process variables of binder, pressure, and particle size. The relative change in length of briquettes ranged between 7.21 ± 0.24% ( 5 ) and 15.62 ± 3.07% ( 1 ), and the variation was significant ( < 0.05) (Figure 2 ). The hygroscopic property of briquettes at different binder proportions showed an increase in water resistance capacity with increased quantity of binder utilized. This is an indication that water hyacinth had high affinity for water compared to the binder (plantain peels). The implication of this observation is that, in high relative humidity areas such as the Niger Delta of Nigeria, briquettes made up of 50% binder ( 5 ) might be more suitable and appropriate for production of briquettes. The postimmersion linear expansion of the briquettes ranged between 0 and 10% after 72 hours of immersion in water for production of briquettes from paper and coconut husk. Briquettes that fall within this range are grouped as low water absorption briquettes [5] .

Briquettes that fall within this range are grouped as low water absorption briquettes.


Water hyacinth is an aquatic weed that grows at an extremely rapid rate, and its production is about 2 tons of biomass per acre and doubles every 5-15 days [3] . Water hyacinth is abundant in most of the fresh water bodies in the Niger Delta areas. Water hyacinth has a potential biomass for production of biofuel because of its high growth yield and availability in large amount throughout the year and all over the world [4] . Water hyacinth was reported to be difficult to control due its spread by physical, chemical, and biological means, and substantial amounts of money have been spent on their control annually throughout the world [3] .

Water hyacinth is an aquatic weed that grows at an extremely rapid rate, and its production is about 2 tons of biomass per acre and doubles every 5-15 days.

Water hyacinth has a potential biomass for production of biofuel because of its high growth yield and availability in large amount throughout the year and all over the world.

Water hyacinth was reported to be difficult to control due its spread by physical, chemical, and biological means, and substantial amounts of money have been spent on their control annually throughout the world.


Biomass is an important source of energy for the majority of the population in the developing countries. In Africa, it accounts for 75% of the total energy consumption [1] . In Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, biomass accounts for more the 80% of total energy consumption. The most important sources of biomass fuels in Africa are wood (fuelwood and charcoal), crop and wood residues, and dung [2] . Fuelwood is undoubtedly, the most prominent source of biomass energy, and because of its increasing scarcity, it is a subject of major concern in most developing countries in Africa.

In Africa, it accounts for 75% of the total energy consumption.

The most important sources of biomass fuels in Africa are wood (fuelwood and charcoal), crop and wood residues, and dung.


Accelerated HR at rest is known to be associated with an increased risk of stroke especially recurrent [28] . Since AIS commonly induces change in cardiovascular responses, post-stroke HR at admission could be a potential marker to identify patients at risk for short-term deterioration and long-term poor outcomes [29] . To the best of our knowledge, we have not found any literature, concerning HR correlations with HT. Here, we report that the more the HR is accelerated on ECG (but not the pulse rate), the more likely HT can occur.

Accelerated HR at rest is known to be associated with an increased risk of stroke especially recurrent.

Since AIS commonly induces change in cardiovascular responses, post-stroke HR at admission could be a potential marker to identify patients at risk for short-term deterioration and long-term poor outcomes.


Our extension consists in that we in stead of the gauge group rather consider the Lorentz group, or we even seek to use the Poincare group. Then of course our quantity C A /C F or slight modifications/"improvements" of it -enumerated a., b., c., d. -will depend on the dimension d of space time. The dimension d gives of course a different Lorentz group for each value of d. We then inserted this d-dependent Lorentz group in stead of the gauge group which were studied in last paper [1] . The various modifications, a., b., c., d., shall be considered attempts to use the Poincare group instead of the Lorentz group, but rather than truly doing that, make some approximate treatment as if crudely using the Poincare group.

We then inserted this d-dependent Lorentz group in stead of the gauge group which were studied in last paper.


Mobility is an important target field of technological advances, and, thus, a perfect candidate for their overconsumption. Nevertheless, from a positive point of view, mobility has continuously evolved under the influence of key industrial revolutions: the railway industry arose from the invention of the steam-powered engine, the automobile industry and popularization emerged from the birth of mass production, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) allowed for the first steps of technology-supported travel (Bluetooth, GPS, etc.). Today, we are immersed in the so-called fourth industrial revolution, in which automobile and technology industries walk hand in hand [5] . In fact, the technological progress made by all sectors in the field of personal mobility during the last decade has been enormous. Road mobility is a clear example, with new traffic monitoring and information devices, vehicle sharing projects, electric vehicles, and cooperative or autonomous driving as the main innovations. However, congestion is still growing, and accident rates are still unsustainable. For example, an average driver in Los Angeles spent 102 peak hours in bottlenecks in 2017 [6] . The truth is that technological innovation has not had a significant impact on congestion reduction. Nevertheless, technology consumption is not a problem itself. On the contrary, it can be very beneficial if society finds the way to make the most of it. This requires a comprehensive reflection on the social goals to achieve and a deep understanding of the application field before undertaking any technological implementation. Regarding transportation and personal mobility, there exist well-founded transportation engineering principles that are aimed at reaching a sustainable system, which must prevail over any other interest.

Today, we are immersed in the so-called fourth industrial revolution, in which automobile and technology industries walk hand in hand.

For example, an average driver in Los Angeles spent 102 peak hours in bottlenecks in 2017.


Other factors not directly addressed in this paper should also be considered when exploring the pros and cons of new transportation modes. For example, the world's population is ageing rapidly. Urban development strategies as well as mobility solutions must give due importance to this fact, not being predominantly drafted on the paradigm of technological progress [110] . Also, promising studies suggest that policies aimed at reducing wealth concentration could also be beneficial, because environmentally unfriendly practices related not only to transportation but also to manufacturing, etc., would be distributed too [111] .

Urban development strategies as well as mobility solutions must give due importance to this fact, not being predominantly drafted on the paradigm of technological progress.

Also, promising studies suggest that policies aimed at reducing wealth concentration could also be beneficial, because environmentally unfriendly practices related not only to transportation but also to manufacturing, etc., would be distributed too.


Scanning Internet hosts to initiate a denial of service, to find an exploit, or to discover an unsecured remote access is typically the first step of an attack towards Internet devices. In former times those attacks have been reserved to traditional server systems [1] . Today, not only desktops but also mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) offer intentionally external services.

In former times those attacks have been reserved to traditional server systems.


The fact that they did not behave as antagonists in the same assay system suggests that their potencies at PPARγ should be further improved. Likewise, we noted some inconsistencies relative to transactivation versus adipogenesis assays in terms of agonist effects. Although some agonists have relatively potent agonistic activities in the cotransfection assay (eg 39), they acted poorly on pre-adipocyte differentiation. This is in agreement with previous studies on a group of PPARγ agonists, including KR-62980, GW0072, FMOC-L-leucine, PAT5A and nTZDpa [17] . Biochemical and structural studies with PPARγ revealed that different ligands may occupy the PPARγ ligand-binding pocket in different manners, thereby inducing different allosteric changes in its conforma-tion. Such alterations would result in different kinds of interactions between receptor and cofactor proteins, such as steroid receptor co-activator 1 (SRC1), nuclear receptor co-activator TIF2, cAMP response element (CRE) binding protein (CBP), TRAP220/DRIP205, nuclear receptor co-repressor (NcoR), and the silencing mediator of the retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) [18] . Therefore, the effect of PPARγ modulators on the downstream adipogenesis and glucose uptake will depend on the context of interaction between the ligand and the receptor.

This is in agreement with previous studies on a group of PPARγ agonists, including KR-62980, GW0072, FMOC-L-leucine, PAT5A and nTZDpa.

Such alterations would result in different kinds of interactions between receptor and cofactor proteins, such as steroid receptor co-activator 1 (SRC1), nuclear receptor co-activator TIF2, cAMP response element (CRE) binding protein (CBP), TRAP220/DRIP205, nuclear receptor co-repressor (NcoR), and the silencing mediator of the retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT).


SH00012671 is a core structure discovered in a highthroughput screening campaign directed towards PPARγ [12] . It displayed a relatively higher binding affinity to the receptor, but was almost inactive in cell-based assays. In this paper, we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of analogues to SH00012671 with the aim of identifying novel PPARγ agonists.

SH00012671 is a core structure discovered in a highthroughput screening campaign directed towards PPARγ.


Cellular materials, often called lattice materials, are made up of an interconnected network of solid struts or plates and have complex architectures with voids (Gibson and Ashby, 1997) . They include two-dimensional (2D) honeycombs, three-dimensional (3D) lattice truss structures, randomly structured foams, and porous materials, and they have received a lot of attention due to their high stiffness to weight ratio. Despite numerous studies on the mechanical properties of cellular materials, there is little understanding of the function of each individual strut for a given deformation mode, especially for a large deformation. This lacuna in understanding is keeping cellular materials from widespread use. By discerning the functions of the individual struts of cellular materials, the overall stiffness (yield strength) and flexibility (yield strain) of cellular materials can be tailored appropriately.

Cellular materials, often called lattice materials, are made up of an interconnected network of solid struts or plates and have complex architectures with voids.


Muraoka and Sanada proposed a displacement amplifier using porous geometries with a re-entrant honeycomb mechanism (Muraoka and Sanada, 2010) . We synthesized a compliant porous structure with rectangular holes and slits using the re-entrant honeycomb based displacement amplifier to design a compliant cellular material (CCM). We then developed a constitutive model and conducted parametric studies with porous geometries . Inspired by our previous work on the design of a CCM with a high negative Poisson's ratio , we may extend our search to CCMs with high positive and negative Poisson's ratios.

Muraoka and Sanada proposed a displacement amplifier using porous geometries with a re-entrant honeycomb mechanism.


In the case of the FL-MMP-2 isoform, gene expression increased over time and peak expression was approximately 15-fold greater than controls at 48 h (Fig 1, panel A; 15.4±0.7 fold p<0.001). In the case of the NTT-MMP-2 isoform, gene expression peaked at 24 h in high glucose medium and was approximately four times greater than controls (Fig 1, panel B (Fig 1, panel C) . In contrast, NTT-MMP-2 gene expression was increased by over 5-fold at 24 h and 48 h (Fig 1, panel D ; 5.4±1.1, p = 0.001; 5.4±0.7, p = 0.002, respectively). Confocal immunofluorescent microscopic findings confirmed that both isoforms of MMP-2 are induced by high glucose stimulation of HK2 cells (Fig 2, Panels I, II) . However, the cellular patterns of MMP-2 protein isoform expression differed. Specifically, FL-MMP-2 protein was diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm, along with concentrated perinuclear staining. In contrast, NTT-MMP-2 staining was present in a filamentous granular pattern consistent with our previously reported mitochondrial localization [14] . Quantitative levels of MMP-2 isoform fluorescence intensity are shown in Fig 2 , Panels III and IV, and confirm the impressions detailed above.

In contrast, NTT-MMP-2 staining was present in a filamentous granular pattern consistent with our previously reported mitochondrial localization.


Second, we could not confirm adequate cellular signal at the participants' home or work prior to enrolment in the study [17] . We did not have approval to contact participants (e.g., telephonically or through home visits) if there was a lapse in signal and could therefore not determine if the cause was technical failure (e.g., low battery power or low airtime) or behavioural (e.g., opting not to use the device). However, to minimize this during the study, participants were sent an SMS reminder to recharge the battery when low battery power was detected. Other factors including signal strength and issues with cell phones (e.g., lost, left at home etc.) could have resulted in more patients being classified as poorly adherent. Better cell-phone coverage would reduce delays in transmissions, possibly improving the effectiveness of the intervention.

Second, we could not confirm adequate cellular signal at the participants' home or work prior to enrolment in the study.


Gelatin is prepared by the hydrolysis of collagen, which is a natural, triple-helix macromolecule obtained from mammalian skin and bones [37, 38] . Gelatin has been widely used as a scaffold for tissue engineering owing to its excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation, and resistance to immunogenicity [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] . Moreover, gelatin has the potential to be used as an electrolyte in many applications such as dye-sensitized solar cells and electrochromic devices [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] .

Gelatin is prepared by the hydrolysis of collagen, which is a natural, triple-helix macromolecule obtained from mammalian skin and bones.

Gelatin has been widely used as a scaffold for tissue engineering owing to its excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation, and resistance to immunogenicity.

Moreover, gelatin has the potential to be used as an electrolyte in many applications such as dye-sensitized solar cells and electrochromic devices.


The identification of gait abnormalities could be beneficial for the early detection and better treatment planning for children with ASD [4] . Current gait assessment methods are often time-consuming and highly dependent on the clinician judgment, which leads to subjective interpretations. With the current advances in gait analysis and instrumentation, it not only provide new insights in understanding all aspects of movement patterns, but also support the evolution of automated diagnosis of pathological disorders.

The identification of gait abnormalities could be beneficial for the early detection and better treatment planning for children with ASD.


Our particular interest in the following will be in situations where the fermion spectrum has mid-gap, or zero energy states. These are well known to lead to interesting phenomena. Already for complex electrons, mid-gap states give rise to fractional quantum numbers [13, 14] . With Majorana fermions, they are known to lead to peculiar representations of the anti-commutator algebra which can violate basic symmetries [15, 16] . Some interesting effects in the context of zero modes on cosmic strings have also been examined [17] - [20] .

Already for complex electrons, mid-gap states give rise to fractional quantum numbers.

With Majorana fermions, they are known to lead to peculiar representations of the anti-commutator algebra which can violate basic symmetries.

Some interesting effects in the context of zero modes on cosmic strings have also been examined.


Fermion number mod 2 is an important conservation law in three dimensional physics [55] . Even though the quantum wire that we have discussed is one-dimensional, it is embedded in three dimensional space and the electrons that we are discussing are spin-1 2 particles in three dimensional space. This means that their wave-functions individually change sign under a rotation by 2π. More importantly, a state with odd fermion number must change sign under a rotation by 2π whereas a state with even number should remain unchanged. A rotation by angle 2π should not affect physics. Thus, the relative sign of even and odd fermion number states should not have any physical consequences.

Fermion number mod 2 is an important conservation law in three dimensional physics.


The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is an emerging technology where a number of tiny nodes are deployed in an open environment to sense various phenomena [1] . As the sensor nodes are resource constraint and are deployed in an open environment, the nodes are more prone to inside and outside attacks. Cryptography technique can ensure authentication, confidentiality and integrity. However, to deal with outside attacks such as black holes, sink hole, Denial of Service (DOS) attacks, researchers propose a trust based system. Trust management has proven good results in other network areas such as social networks, ad hoc networks and P2P networks. The trust models and methods which are applicable to other networks are not directly applicable to wireless sensor network, as WSN is a resource constraint network.

The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is an emerging technology where a number of tiny nodes are deployed in an open environment to sense various phenomena.


Geopolymer is a polymeric material with polymer frame and AlO4.SiO4 tetrahedral bonding [3] . The source material for geopolymer is the one with high SiO2 and Al2O3 content and amorphous [4] . Geopolymer material possesses excellent durability properties in aggressive environment, including in acid environment [5] . Geopolymer has also been developed as a coating material to resist high heat environment to above 1000°C [6] .

Geopolymer is a polymeric material with polymer frame and AlO4.SiO4 tetrahedral bonding.

The source material for geopolymer is the one with high SiO2 and Al2O3 content and amorphous.

Geopolymer material possesses excellent durability properties in aggressive environment, including in acid environment.

Geopolymer has also been developed as a coating material to resist high heat environment to above 1000°C.


Concrete is one of the main materials for building construction. The consistent increasing demand for concrete, increases the demand for cement. Cement production is a major contributor on the release of carbon dioxide emissions of CO2 gas to the atmosphere that causing the global warming [1] . One alternative measure to overcome the problem is the use of waste materials, such as fly ash and calcined Sidoarjo volcanic mud, as cement replacement material. Fly ash and calcined Sidoarjo volcanic mud can be used because of its high content of SiO2 and Al2O3 and its pozzolanic properties [2] .

Cement production is a major contributor on the release of carbon dioxide emissions of CO2 gas to the atmosphere that causing the global warming.

Fly ash and calcined Sidoarjo volcanic mud can be used because of its high content of SiO2 and Al2O3 and its pozzolanic properties.


We previously studied the mechanism underlying the adsorption of oral bacteria on the surfaces of prosthetic materials. Our results showed that electrostatic interactions have a role in the adsorption of oral bacteria on the surfaces of prosthetic materials such as ceramics and resins. In addition, zeta potentials were demonstrated to be important factors in the adsorption of oral bacteria on prosthetic materials [3] . We then examined the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on hydroxyapatite surfaces used as a blocking agent of bacteria adsorption on experimental salivary pellicles [4] . The results suggested that BSA adsorption on hydroxyapatite surfaces is related to electrostatic interaction [5] .

In addition, zeta potentials were demonstrated to be important factors in the adsorption of oral bacteria on prosthetic materials.

We then examined the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on hydroxyapatite surfaces used as a blocking agent of bacteria adsorption on experimental salivary pellicles.

The results suggested that BSA adsorption on hydroxyapatite surfaces is related to electrostatic interaction.


In order to rationalize the criteria for the selection and design of bioreagents for AuQC synthesis, we performed experiments with amino acid mixtures, model peptides, and proteins, and investigated the primary structures of proteins. Studies on peptides showed that the coexistence of cysteine and tyrosine in peptides can determine if a biomolecule can potentially mediate the formation of photoluminescent, red-emitting gold clusters. These observations provide experimental evidence for earlier assumptions [3, 14] . Furthermore, our results showed that effectiveness of cysteine residues is not hindered by their disulfide-bonded state. On the other hand, their location in the peptide sequence is crucial. However, further studies with model peptides are required in order to clarify the effect of the intramolecular distance between cysteine and tyrosine residues.

These observations provide experimental evidence for earlier assumptions.


Peptides have been designed for our experiments to elucidate if either cysteine or tyrosine can be substituted in the reaction (cysteine with methionine and tyrosine with tryptophan) and to clarify if the position of cysteine residues affects cluster formation. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone derivatives as potential drug-targeting moieties suitable for targeted cancer therapy and cancer detection were also chosen to these studies [42] . These compounds contain cysteines with free thiol group or in disulfide bridge, as well as both tyrosine and tryptophan.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone derivatives as potential drug-targeting moieties suitable for targeted cancer therapy and cancer detection were also chosen to these studies.


There is no doubt that HAART has been the most important progress in the therapy of HIV-infected patients in the last decade. A growing number of observations suggest that the beneficial effects of HAART also include improvement of HIV-related haematological complications [2] . Current guidelines for treatment of human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) infection recommend the combination of three antiretroviral agents, two reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) plus one protease inhibitor, or the association of three RTIs [1, 3] . These regimens of HAART have dramatically reduced the morbidity and mortality of HIV infection [2] .

A growing number of observations suggest that the beneficial effects of HAART also include improvement of HIV-related haematological complications.

Current guidelines for treatment of human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) infection recommend the combination of three antiretroviral agents, two reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) plus one protease inhibitor, or the association of three RTIs.

These regimens of HAART have dramatically reduced the morbidity and mortality of HIV infection.


Although the pathophysiology of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury is complex, poorly liganded iron appears to be linked to its development suggesting that acute kidney injury, may, in part, be a sideropathy [5] . Accordingly, a single center pilot randomized controlled trial enrolling a broad cohort of cardiac surgical patients recently reported a reduction in postoperative acute kidney injury from 52% to 32% (odds ratio [OR] 0.43) through perioperative urinary alkalinization with no significant side effects [6] . Administration of sodium bicarbonate was also associated with attenuation of postoperative acute tubular damage [6] . The mechanism behind these observed protective effects is thought to relate to the ability of bicarbonate to alkalinize the urine and to slow the Haber-Weiss reaction that generates reactive oxygen species via iron-dependent pathways [7] . Bicarbonate may also directly scavenge other reactive species, including hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, from the blood [8] . These postulated mechanisms of action for sodium bicarbonate are supported by the finding from a large meta-analysis on contrast-nephropathyanother form of acute kidney injury where iron-related oxidative stress has been implicated in its pathophysiology-with only studies that achieved alkalinization of urine, demonstrating a positive outcome [9] . A recent review identified urinary alkalinization as the single most important drug-based intervention with convincing evidence to prevent acute kidney injury [10] .

Although the pathophysiology of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury is complex, poorly liganded iron appears to be linked to its development suggesting that acute kidney injury, may, in part, be a sideropathy.

Accordingly, a single center pilot randomized controlled trial enrolling a broad cohort of cardiac surgical patients recently reported a reduction in postoperative acute kidney injury from 52% to 32% (odds ratio [OR] 0.43) through perioperative urinary alkalinization with no significant side effects.

Administration of sodium bicarbonate was also associated with attenuation of postoperative acute tubular damage.

The mechanism behind these observed protective effects is thought to relate to the ability of bicarbonate to alkalinize the urine and to slow the Haber-Weiss reaction that generates reactive oxygen species via iron-dependent pathways.

Bicarbonate may also directly scavenge other reactive species, including hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, from the blood.

These postulated mechanisms of action for sodium bicarbonate are supported by the finding from a large meta-analysis on contrast-nephropathyanother form of acute kidney injury where iron-related oxidative stress has been implicated in its pathophysiology-with only studies that achieved alkalinization of urine, demonstrating a positive outcome.

A recent review identified urinary alkalinization as the single most important drug-based intervention with convincing evidence to prevent acute kidney injury.


The MgB 2 film study in our group has been focused on the in situ annealing of MgB 2 films with an off-axis geometry of the PLD deposition. The PLD method is readily available among the superconducting laboratories and industry around the world, and is closely linked with electronics fabrication procedures. The off-axis deposition geometry solves the commonly existing problem of surface particulates in on-axis MgB 2 films [16] . Although the T c of in situ annealed films is substantially suppressed, the pinning in the in situ films is very strong and shows a nanosized granular microstructure. These features may have some potential usage in those electronics systems where pinning is required. In this paper we further develop our research on the in situ annealed off-axis MgB 2 films by studying the phase evolution with annealing times and with increasing annealing temperature. The T c has been significantly improved to 34 K in this study and we are looking forward to a bulk-like T c in this kind of off-axis PLD film in the future.

The off-axis deposition geometry solves the commonly existing problem of surface particulates in on-axis MgB 2 films.


It is possible that the nature of this study attracted a sample of men with greater motivation for, and ability to reflect on their experience. Despite efforts to recruit men with a more recent introduction to mental health treatment, the sample had experienced long-term service contact with multiple clinicians. We speculate that this may have been due to the observed high mental health literacy of the group, a factor enabling participants to more effectively overcome self-stigma and develop reflective skills, potentially leading to increased treatment engagement. Second, our sample was majority heterosexual, Caucasian, and highly-educated. The current findings are derived from a largely specific and homogenous subgroup of men, and our results are not claimed as generalisable or suggestive of the experiences of men with different cultural backgrounds or those earlier in the treatment process. Nevertheless, having had typically brief treatment with multiple clinicians, these men's' experiences are important in deriving unique, useful comparisons across clinician and treatment approaches, while helping to mitigate the positive bias associated with reflections on recent treatment completion (Owen, Wong, & Rodolfa, 2009) . Common challenges to qualitative methodologies and the current study include the small sample size and the subjective interpretation processes underpinning analysis that must be considered when contextualising the current findings. However, rigorous, best-practice methods were employed to reduce bias, ensure rigour and the representativeness within the current study.

Nevertheless, having had typically brief treatment with multiple clinicians, these men's' experiences are important in deriving unique, useful comparisons across clinician and treatment approaches, while helping to mitigate the positive bias associated with reflections on recent treatment completion.


Although the current findings focused on what clinicians can change to improve treatment engagement with male clients, shifting away from the attribution that masculinity is the only factor responsible for men's poor mental health outcomes, it is important to consider the role male clients themselves hold in the therapeutic dyad. In the present study, those men with the most positive therapeutic experiences were those with both a transparent, collaborative clinician, and an openness to flexibility in their masculinity. For these men, questioning long-held masculine ideals and practices was integral to their recovery from depression. The desire to interrogate and adapt more fluid and flexible masculine practices by some men should be promoted by clinicians, where appropriate, in treatment. The existing evidence reinforces that redrawing flexible boundaries of masculinity and reintegrating them into an evolving therapeutic experience may heighten feelings of client self-efficacy and improve the uptake and efficacy of psychological treatment (Seidler et al., 2016) .

The existing evidence reinforces that redrawing flexible boundaries of masculinity and reintegrating them into an evolving therapeutic experience may heighten feelings of client self-efficacy and improve the uptake and efficacy of psychological treatment.


Many participants felt that depression had stripped them of autonomy and control. Therefore, treatment styles matching these feelings through an authoritative approach, providing a homogenising or generic treatment, were detrimental to engagement (River, 2016) . Instead, effectively sharing control and reinstating the individual's importance in their treatment and recovery facilitated action and competence to re-develop. The inclusion of dynamic and collaborative shared decisionmaking has been linked with improved engagement (Dixon et al., 2016) . However, this may hold specific importance in a male population with depression as an exercise in building the client's trust, self-efficacy, and active contribution to treatment, all of which are related to improved clinical outcomes.

Therefore, treatment styles matching these feelings through an authoritative approach, providing a homogenising or generic treatment, were detrimental to engagement.

The inclusion of dynamic and collaborative shared decisionmaking has been linked with improved engagement.


The effect of squeezing force on joint fatigue life has been studied by many researchers, e.g. Müller [1] . Higher squeezing force results in a better filling of the rivet hole, higher clamping force in sheets (which increases load transfer by friction), higher radial expansion of the rivet shank and a larger size of the driven head. Residual stresses resulting from rivet upsetting are compression radial stresses and, for some range of squeezing force, compression tangential stresses in the hole vicinity [1] . Increasing squeezing force enhances fatigue life of the joint because it changes the tangential stress sign -from tension to compression, which prevents cracks nucleation.

The effect of squeezing force on joint fatigue life has been studied by many researchers, e.g. Müller.

Residual stresses resulting from rivet upsetting are compression radial stresses and, for some range of squeezing force, compression tangential stresses in the hole vicinity.


In aluminium aircraft structures, the riveting process induces high stresses in sheets. Typically, these stresses exceed the yield point near the rivet hole [1] , [2] . This stress system is modified by external loading during operation. Total stress value in sheets as well as its progress are crucial for fatigue properties since fatigue cracks initiate in this area. Stresses induced in the riveting process make up the largest part of total stress. An investigation of the stress system after riveting as well as the influence of the process parameters, rivet types and joint geometry on the stress system are vital for improving fatigue performance of riveted joints as well as accuracy of their fatigue life estimation.

Typically, these stresses exceed the yield point near the rivet hole.


One of the most promising applications in PCs is to engineer PBGs. PBGs, which are analogous to the electronic band gaps in solids, are frequency intervals in which electromagnetic waves are prohibited to propagate through the PCs because the waves are evanescent and will exponentially be attenuated. The direct consequences of PBGs include the total reflection of electromagnetic waves and the suppression of emission in PCs [4] . PCs with wide PBGs have proven to be of practical and experimental use in modern optical and photonic applications [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] .

The direct consequences of PBGs include the total reflection of electromagnetic waves and the suppression of emission in PCs.

PCs with wide PBGs have proven to be of practical and experimental use in modern optical and photonic applications.


Recently, PCs containing the semiconductor as one of the constituents have also been of interest to the photonic community. PCs with intrinsic semiconductor belong to T-tuning devices because the dielectric constant and the intrinsic carrier concentration of an intrinsic semiconductor are strongly dependent on temperature [27, 28] . PCs infiltrated with intrinsic semiconductor such as InSb are M-tuning devices [23, [29] [30] [31] . In addition, if the extrinsic doped semiconductor is incorporated in PCs, then optical response will be tuned directly by the doping concentration. In this case, it is known as the N-tuning (N is the carrier concentration) [32] . The N-tuning can switch the high reflectance range in a semiconductor-based PC, which is could be a positive impact on the semiconductor optoelectronics.

PCs with intrinsic semiconductor belong to T-tuning devices because the dielectric constant and the intrinsic carrier concentration of an intrinsic semiconductor are strongly dependent on temperature.

PCs infiltrated with intrinsic semiconductor such as InSb are M-tuning devices.

In this case, it is known as the N-tuning (N is the carrier concentration).


The field of photonic crystals (PCs), artificially periodic structures, was initialized during the late 1980s after the pioneering works by John and Yablonovitch [1] [2] [3] . The term "crystal" is used because the lattice constant (the spatial periodicity) of a PC is comparable to the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave. With the structurally periodic arrangement, the appearance of photonic band gap (PBG) structure in the dispersion relation is thus expected, and, in fact, the existence of PBG has been recognized as the most fundamental property for PCs.

The field of photonic crystals (PCs), artificially periodic structures, was initialized during the late 1980s after the pioneering works by John and Yablonovitch.


Thirdly, sliding increases the surface roughness of the wear track due to plastic deformation, material delamination and abrasion. It has been proven that a roughened surface provides more occluded sites favouring the development of pits at lower potentials [31] . The scratches became less-open areas due to the plastic deformation and smearing of materials at surrounding regions, and thus provided diffusion barriers to favour the development of corrosion pits.

It has been proven that a roughened surface provides more occluded sites favouring the development of pits at lower potentials.