Longwall panels (rectangular coal blockss to be mined) are typically 150 to 400 m wide and can be up to 3 to 4 km long, depending on the geological conditions. Gateroads, similar to subsurface tunnels, are developed on both sides throughout the length of the panel and then connected by the face at the panel ends where mining equipment is installed for coal extraction. When the longwall system is ready for mining, the gateroad on one side of the panel is termed a maingate (MG) or headgate and on the other side is termed a tailgate (TG). Fresh air travels from the MG, across the face and back to the mine's main return gateroad via the TG, forming the commonly used U ventilation system. Similar to the excavation of tunnels and other underground facilities, ventilation to the longwall face is vital in terms of providing fresh air for operators and diluting hazardous gas/dust as well as cooling the mining machinery. However, the roof support for the underground longwall face is significantly different, it is normally supported by hydraulic chocks which can be advanced automatically as the shearer (coal cutting machine) cuts coal from the face and mine operators are working under the chocks canopy [1] . As longwall chocks advance, the roof behind chocks is allowed to cave, forming the goaf. The layout of a typical longwall face is presented in Figure 1 , where the major mining equipment (i.e., chocks, longwall shearer, Armoured Face Conveyor (AFC)) generally used at a longwall face can also be seen. At the longwall face, the shearer cuts coal from the face as it travels along the AFC which is used for transporting coal from face to the MG. The coal from face will then be crushed by a crusher in the MG before being transported by a Beam Stage Loader (BSL), after which a belt conveyor is used to remove coal from the panel. Bearing in mind the complex longwall system, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were developed in this study to obtain a thorough understanding of ventilation flow characteristics on a typical longwall face. The results can provide practical guidance to mine operators for improved longwall ventilation management, and the gas/dust hazards prevention. The longwall models developed in this study can also be used as a prototype for further simulation studies of gas and dust dispersion at the longwall face under different ventilation conditions.

However, the roof support for the underground longwall face is significantly different, it is normally supported by hydraulic chocks which can be advanced automatically as the shearer (coal cutting machine) cuts coal from the face and mine operators are working under the chocks canopy.


Combined with field ventilation survey, a variety of ventilation software oriented towards ventilation network solutions has been widely used in the mining industry [11] . With the aid of modern computers, the overall status of the ventilation system can be determined and visualised in three dimensions, as well as the optimisation of the existing ventilation system. Some computer programmes, typically known as mine ventilation network models (e.g., Ventsim), provide the function of heat and humidity analysis, together with fire and contaminants dispersion studies in the mine atmosphere [11] . Efforts have also been put to improve the performance of these network models [12] . It is noted that these ventilation programmes are written to solve the overall distribution of airflow or pressure in the entire mine ventilation system, and the actual working places and roadways are represented by nodes or branches in 3D views, as a result, a detailed airflow distribution on different cross sections of these locations cannot be obtained using the ventilation software.

Combined with field ventilation survey, a variety of ventilation software oriented towards ventilation network solutions has been widely used in the mining industry.

Some computer programmes, typically known as mine ventilation network models (e.g., Ventsim), provide the function of heat and humidity analysis, together with fire and contaminants dispersion studies in the mine atmosphere.

Efforts have also been put to improve the performance of these network models.


Let A be a Banach algebra. A multiplication operator M a,b : A → A corresponding to a, b ∈ A is given by M a,b (x) = axb. Properties of compact multiplication operators have been investigated since 1964 when Vala published his work "On compact sets of compact operators" [17] . Let X be a normed space and B(X ) the space of all bounded linear maps from X into X . Vala proved that a non-zero multiplication operator M a,b : B(X ) → B(X ) is compact if and only if the operators a ∈ B(X ) and b ∈ B(X ) are both compact.

Let A be a Banach algebra.

Properties of compact multiplication operators have been investigated since 1964 when Vala published his work "On compact sets of compact operators".


Network reconfiguration is the procedure of varying the topological structures of distribution feeders by changing the open/closed states of the sectionalizing and tie switches. This important operating practice is typically used to reduce the system real power loss (loss reduction), to relieve network overloads (load balancing) and to improve system security. A distribution network is commonly characterised by a weakly meshed structure with a certain number of closed and normally open switches arranged in order to achieve a radial operation scheme. The number of switches is generally high; consequently, the number of possible switch combinations is really vast, making the feeder reconfiguration a complex and time-consuming process for system operators. With the advent of Distributed Generation (DG), the complexity of the network reconfiguration problem is increased since power distribution systems will no longer remain passive radial networks with unidirectional power flows, but they will support bi-directional power flows and will contain meshes. Furthermore, the recent development of the distribution system automation, that enables remote real-time control of sectionalizing and tie switches, provides utilities with the opportunity to reconfigure their networks in response to load variations for significant loss reduction and reliability improvement. All these considerations justify the need to develop effective solution algorithms for real-time network reconfiguration of large scale distribution systems. The topic of the distribution network reconfiguration has been investigated by numerous researchers in the past, mostly for planning purposes [1] [2] [3] [4] . The objective function assessment (loss reduction, load balancing and system reliability), normally requires several power flow calculations, with high computational burden for practical size distribution networks.

The topic of the distribution network reconfiguration has been investigated by numerous researchers in the past, mostly for planning purposes.


Extensive research programs have been conducted to investigate the flexural behavior of concrete members reinforced with FRP reinforcement. On the other hand, the shear behavior of concrete members in general and especially punching shear of two-way slabs, reinforced with FRP bars has not yet been fully explored. Many researches have been carried out on punching shear behavior of slabs reinforced with conventional steel and several design models were proposed. However, these models cannot be directly applied to FRPreinforced concrete slabs due to the difference in mechanical properties between FRP and steel reinforcement. The modulus of elasticity for the commercially available glass and aramid FRP bars is 20-25% that of steel compared to 60-75% for carbon FRP bars. Due to the relatively low modulus of elasticity of FRP bars, concrete members reinforced with FRP bars experience reduced shear strength compared to the shear strength of those reinforced with the same amount of steel reinforcement [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] .

Due to the relatively low modulus of elasticity of FRP bars, concrete members reinforced with FRP bars experience reduced shear strength compared to the shear strength of those reinforced with the same amount of steel reinforcement.


Furthermore, tailoring of the optical gap and surface chemistry is employed to enhance the transfer of photo-generated carriers towards the external circuit. Currently, efficiencies of up to 13% were achieved for the titania NT-based DSSC, while above 20% for the NT-based PSC [9, 10] . It is important to point out that these materials are the most cost effective solar cell constituent layers, both in terms of material and preparation (both laboratory and scale up) costs vs. power conversion efficiency. Subsequently, all of the above-mentioned influence the efficiency/stability of SC.

Currently, efficiencies of up to 13% were achieved for the titania NT-based DSSC, while above 20% for the NT-based PSC.


Photovoltaic devices seem to be the most lucrative answer (clean, free, unlimited, low maintenance, etc.) to the large demands of the future [1] . In a 3 rd generation photovoltaic device, like dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC), or perovskite based solar cell (PSC), electron transmitting material (ETM) layer is considered to be the curtail for enabling high efficiency in the overall performance of solar cell [2, 3] . Namely, when excited by the light active material will yield excitons and the electron transmitting material which is underlaying the active material will ensure separation of the charge carriers and their further transfer to the electrode in order to finally yield electricity. The better the process, the higher performance of overall solar cell is achieved. The problem lies within the short lifetime of the photogenerated charge carriers, therefore the layer has to remain thin. Implementation of various nanostructural forms of the buffer layers ensures the increase of specific surface area, and enables more efficient charge transfer without the need to increase the thickness of the layers. Majority of non-inverted solar cells (SC) repose on the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer in order to serve as a transparent electrode underlying the electron transmitting material. Actually, the interface between the overlaying charge transfer oxide (CTO) layer and the underlaying transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer is concerned as one of the critical parameters in active material-to-electrode electron transport. The main disadvantageous process in the solar cells is the non-radiative recombination which is more probable at the interfaces of grains in the active material, but will also occur at the defect states in bulk of the active materials. Having in mind a multi-layer assembly of a solar cell, limits in the control of the interfaces can be nominated as one of the main reasons why nowadays all (familiar) types of solar cell (SC) materials still fail to get closer to the theoretical efficiency limits.

Photovoltaic devices seem to be the most lucrative answer (clean, free, unlimited, low maintenance, etc.) to the large demands of the future.

In a 3 rd generation photovoltaic device, like dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC), or perovskite based solar cell (PSC), electron transmitting material (ETM) layer is considered to be the curtail for enabling high efficiency in the overall performance of solar cell.


The theoretical storage capacity of the sorption reactions in this case are 1.0 MJ/kg for nesquehonite and 0.62 MJ/kg for silica gel [6, 15] . Dehydration temperatures used for NQ dehydration tests at 65 • C give a capacity of 0.52 MJ/kg. The dehydration part of the process is quite straightforward, with the possibility of releasing all crystallization water in 2 h, if needed. The reverse reaction, hydration of magnesite (MgCO 3 ), is more challenging considering conversion and kinetics. Our recent experiments with 50% / 50% NQ (with mass equivalent to MgCO 3 )-SG mixtures gave a calculated storage capacity of 0.41 MJ/kg and after 24 h hydration, being 2.4 times larger than heating up a similar mass of water from 20 • C to 60 • C [13] . The reason for mixing NQ with SG is to create a better solid structure for contact between (hydrated) magnesium carbonate and humidity as the challenge in this process is the hydration rate and conversion, while preventing water from forming a liquid phase [13] .

The theoretical storage capacity of the sorption reactions in this case are 1.0 MJ/kg for nesquehonite and 0.62 MJ/kg for silica gel.

Our recent experiments with 50% / 50% NQ (with mass equivalent to MgCO 3 )-SG mixtures gave a calculated storage capacity of 0.41 MJ/kg and after 24 h hydration, being 2.4 times larger than heating up a similar mass of water from 20 • C to 60 • C.

The reason for mixing NQ with SG is to create a better solid structure for contact between (hydrated) magnesium carbonate and humidity as the challenge in this process is the hydration rate and conversion, while preventing water from forming a liquid phase.


A number of renewable heat sources are not available when needed or do not meet the fluctuating demand for heating. During summer, the thermal solar heat output great exceeds the heating demand. Solving this problem requires seasonal storage, in the form of thermal energy storage (TES), within affordable boundaries. Moreover, in district heating systems, the seasonal storage possibility lowers the investment costs for plants in use during peak hours, and more thermal solar heating can be introduced to the system. Using reversible chemical reactions for storage gives the highest energy density. However, this requires heat sources at 200-1000 • C, which is not applicable in most heating systems [1] . Thermal storage of heat in big water or gravel tanks has been widely tested, having a 60% efficiency (re-use of stored energy) and requiring large storage volumes underground [2] . Chemical sorption reactions require lower temperatures and are more energy dense compared to water storage tanks and require temperatures of 50-150 • C in a TES system.

However, this requires heat sources at 200-1000 • C, which is not applicable in most heating systems.

Thermal storage of heat in big water or gravel tanks has been widely tested, having a 60% efficiency (re-use of stored energy) and requiring large storage volumes underground.


In general, ad-hoc wireless networks broadcast packets to the whole network as a means of transmitting information from one node to the other in the network [13] . Broadcasting in MANETs is not only an essential action for unicast routing protocols in mobile scenarios, but also a unique process of a number of multicast routing protocols. A variety of unicast, multicast, and geocast protocols uses the broadcasting method in order to provide the important control and route establishing functionality. Broadcasting a packet to the whole network has a wide range of applications in MANETs. Consequently, improving the process of broadcasting will result in savings in several ad-hoc applications.

In general, ad-hoc wireless networks broadcast packets to the whole network as a means of transmitting information from one node to the other in the network.


In addition, we observed some differences by gender in the global analysis, for the parents in the self-esteem and family dimensions, and for the patients, in the 13 to 16 year group, in the physical wellbeing dimension. In all the dimensions, the male presented lower scores, which represent lower QOL. Other studies have found differences by gender in the reverse direction, observing that males presented better QOL in dimensions such as physical and cognitive functions, while the females reported better QOL in the social function dimension. This same study points out that, females present higher level of depression because of the greater influence that physical changes have in them (Vlachioti et al., 2016) . Regarding the differences by school level, our results showed differences in the global analysis for the school dimension, where the patients evaluated QOL less favorable as the school level increased. This situation could be originated by the cognitive alterations remaining after some cancer treatments, or even because of some psychological or emotional sequels generated after the experience of the disease (Deasy-Spinetta, 1993) . Evidencing the need to develop effective socioemotional interventions that approach the patient's school life.

This same study points out that, females present higher level of depression because of the greater influence that physical changes have in them.

This situation could be originated by the cognitive alterations remaining after some cancer treatments, or even because of some psychological or emotional sequels generated after the experience of the disease.


One of the limitations of this study is that the measurement instrument used is only validated for adolescents in Mexico (Guadarrama-Guadarrama et al., 2015) . In addition, the sample size could have favored to not being able to find more differences between the patients and parents evaluations, or when controlling for the sociodemographic variables. It is necessary to increase the sample size and the participants for each age group. The heterogeneity of the sample regarding the tumor type is an element that should be taken into consideration, because it could explain contradictory results with other research and the high scores in the self-esteem dimension. Finally, the transversal design does not allow knowing the variations of QOL through the different stages of the disease, being important to develop longitudinal studies than can provide information about that.

One of the limitations of this study is that the measurement instrument used is only validated for adolescents in Mexico.


In algebraic geometry, projective varieties over k are studied via their homogenous coordinate rings, which are commutative, connected, finitely generated Ngraded k-algebras. This simple observation inspired some of the early development in noncommutative algebraic geometry, in which geometric objects are defined in terms of (possibly noncommutative) Z-graded rings, specializing to the usual commutative theory [1] , [20] . The subject has since blossomed, finding points of contact with physics, differential geometry and number theory.

This simple observation inspired some of the early development in noncommutative algebraic geometry, in which geometric objects are defined in terms of (possibly noncommutative) Z-graded rings, specializing to the usual commutative theory.


Object detection and classification has been very popular research area for many years. Many works were published focusing in object detection and classification in surveillance systems, traffic monitoring, human-machine interface, smart applications and different security solutions [1] [2] [3] [4] . But there are only a few publications, which are focusing on detection and classification of wild animals [5] , [6] . This was one of the motivations for creation an Automatic System For Animal Recognition (ASFAR system). Another reason was a growing rate of construction of new road infrastructures. This resolved in intervention in natural migration corridors of wild animals. The system is based on intelligent devices equipped with a camera, small computation unit like Raspberry Pi or Odroid-XU3, intelligent sensors and transmission module. These devices are situated in the designated area, where it is necessary to detect animal movement and collect information. Collected data are used to create migration corridors for particular animals in the designated area. Information about migration corridors can be essential in many areas, particular in planning and constructing of new road infrastructures, in building green migration corridors or any environmental studies. ASFAR system can also use collected data to replace currently standard method for monitoring of the movement of wild animals like field track, direct observation, satellite tracking, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking or droppings tracking.

Many works were published focusing in object detection and classification in surveillance systems, traffic monitoring, human-machine interface, smart applications and different security solutions.

But there are only a few publications, which are focusing on detection and classification of wild animals.


However, as many biogas plants use maize silage, such emerging activity has been accused to increase maize demand with two main consequences: i) pushing up (locally) land rent price and ii) raising its opportunity cost as livestock feed in a Region where, before the proliferation of biogas plants, animal production represented about 60% of the value of agricultural production (Cavicchioli, 2009) . According to such criticism, in Italy the share of maize area allocated for biogas production increased from 0.4% in 2007 to more than 10% of arable crop mix in 2012, reaching 18.2% in Lombardy (Mela and Canali, 2014) . Therefore such competition may put under pressure agri-food supply chain, among which some important Protected Designation of Origin, such as Grana Padano and Parma ham.

However, as many biogas plants use maize silage, such emerging activity has been accused to increase maize demand with two main consequences: i) pushing up (locally) land rent price and ii) raising its opportunity cost as livestock feed in a Region where, before the proliferation of biogas plants, animal production represented about 60% of the value of agricultural production.

According to such criticism, in Italy the share of maize area allocated for biogas production increased from 0.4% in 2007 to more than 10% of arable crop mix in 2012, reaching 18.2% in Lombardy.


Note that the organization became global after three decades of operation, leveraged by backwards verticalization and by a related portfolio diversification (Mintzberg, 1988) . This transformation became sharper in the last decade when one of the company's U.S. clients purchased the business. Because of this merger, an "Anglo-Saxon" management model was established as the interorganizational standard. Before 2010, decisions concerning capturing new opportunities were made randomly, and in the past three years, the company migrated to a more cyclic and formal mode to meet the agenda of the U.S. matrix. Moreover, by becoming part of a group with international capital, it is also observed that English´s terms were adopted, with the use of terms dedicated to a publically traded company.

Note that the organization became global after three decades of operation, leveraged by backwards verticalization and by a related portfolio diversification.


The dimension of internal alignment (2a) on Figure 3 seeks the disposition between the company's internal resources and the new demands needed to execute the established projects. Some theoretical evidence demonstrates that high performance companies relate the decisions about the product specifications with market needs right at the front-end (Khurana & Rosenthal, 1998) . There are some examples of failure in this alignment, in which product development is initiated without the competence to do so (Prahalad & Hamel, 1990) . For example, the company may decide to develop products without the ability to do so. In this sense, it is important that there is a fit between the project development and the company's competencies (Verganti, 1997) .

Some theoretical evidence demonstrates that high performance companies relate the decisions about the product specifications with market needs right at the front-end.

There are some examples of failure in this alignment, in which product development is initiated without the competence to do so.

In this sense, it is important that there is a fit between the project development and the company's competencies.


Thus, this involves a step in which there is a scarcity of information, which requires an additional ability to deal with the risk (Boeddrich, 2004) . To minimize this risk, quantification can be an option according to the functionalists, although, it is a tacit straightjacket for a company that needs to develop new paradigms to distance itself from competitors. These influences wind up forcing a migration from a focus of experiences and intuition to an emphasis on absolute quantification (Amaral & Sousa, 2011) .

Thus, this involves a step in which there is a scarcity of information, which requires an additional ability to deal with the risk.

These influences wind up forcing a migration from a focus of experiences and intuition to an emphasis on absolute quantification.


To advance this perspective, it is necessary to understand risks and properly address uncertainties. On one hand, firms yearn to evolve and advance in developing new products. On the other, firms fear failures and their financial impact. To overcome this paradox, organizations strive to reduce uncertainties and strengthen their ability to evolve. The response has been to learn and verify the multiple internal and external factors that can influence the different phases involved in new product development (Cooper, 2008) .

The response has been to learn and verify the multiple internal and external factors that can influence the different phases involved in new product development.


This report demonstrates that complete cytoreduction to no gross residual disease is associated with improved survival outcomes in women with ovarian carcinosarcoma. Given the limited activity of cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of this disease, a maximal surgical effort with the goal of cytoreduction to no gross residual disease should be the goal of initial management whenever possible. The ideal adjuvant treatment regimen is unclear, but a trend was observed favoring platinum-based therapy [15] . We eagerly await the results of GOG 261, to shed some light on this matter.

The ideal adjuvant treatment regimen is unclear, but a trend was observed favoring platinum-based therapy.


An effective approach to diversifying search results is to explicitly account for the various aspects 1 underlying an ambiguous query [1, 7, 33, 36] . By doing so, the problem becomes to select a ranking of documents that collectively provide the maximum relevance with respect to these different aspects. In a real scenario, however, the actual aspects of a query are not known, nor is the relevance of each retrieved document to each query aspect determined with certainty. Moreover, the relevance of a document to a query aspect may depend on the intent 2 underlying this aspect (e.g., informational or navigational [4, 31] ). Additionally, different aspects could feasibly represent information needs with different intents. For instance, 'website', 'downloads', and 'biography' arguably represent navigational, transactional, and informational aspects of the query 'led zeppelin', respectively. Similarly, 'albums' could exemplify a typed query aspect, representing an information need for a list of entities. In the same vein, 'reunion' might denote a question-answering aspect of the query 'led zeppelin', regarding whether the legendary rock band have any plans of reuniting in the near future.

An effective approach to diversifying search results is to explicitly account for the various aspects 1 underlying an ambiguous query.

Moreover, the relevance of a document to a query aspect may depend on the intent 2 underlying this aspect (e.g., informational or navigational).


When companies are committed to ensuring the sustainability of their businesses, they should be able to monitor the progress and evaluate the impacts so that they are able to objectively ascertain whether they have fulfilled their sustainability commitment or not. This brings to the forefront the importance of having effective monitoring systems and the use of appropriate evaluation methodologies to estimate the impact of CSR interventions. However, there are significant gaps in assessing the readiness of CSR initiatives to monitor and evaluate their own impact, identify flaws in the design of CSR projects and implementation, and take remedial measures to ensure the effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of outcomes from CSR initiatives. Along the same lines, a 2012 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report recognized that the major challenges with CSR programs are "scalability" and "sustainability" [32] . The report pointed out that companies are facing an "auditing fatigue" with CSR interventions, as they have to go through multiple external auditing exercises that primarily focus on financial compliance, but lack internal assessment mechanisms of "real sphere" outcomes and impacts [32] .

Along the same lines, a 2012 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report recognized that the major challenges with CSR programs are "scalability" and "sustainability".

The report pointed out that companies are facing an "auditing fatigue" with CSR interventions, as they have to go through multiple external auditing exercises that primarily focus on financial compliance, but lack internal assessment mechanisms of "real sphere" outcomes and impacts.


The inability to address the 'social' element of sustainability is also reflected in CSR policies. Although companies promise to create 'shared values' and have a 'positive impact' on communities, CSR policies fail to provide a blueprint as to how these promises will be achieved. A study carried out by the Harvard Business School showed that although it is promised, creating 'shared values' is not the reality. The study notes that "most companies practice a multifaceted version of CSR that runs the gamut from pure philanthropy to environmental sustainability to the active pursuit of shared value" [61] .

The study notes that "most companies practice a multifaceted version of CSR that runs the gamut from pure philanthropy to environmental sustainability to the active pursuit of shared value".


We use text network analysis (TNA) to analyze sustainability reports as well as CSR policies, using InfraNodus, a text network visualization software (http://www.infranodus.com). TNA enables us to create a text network graph, identify the "structural properties" of the graph and "central concepts" emerging from the text, and visualize "pathways for the production of meaning within the text" [46] . The method provides "a better insight into the hidden agendas present within a text and better understanding of its narrative structure" [46] (p. 3). In a text network, words become the nodes, and connections between words become edges. While analyzing the text network, we focus on four distinct network measures: the density, average degree, modularity, and discourse polysingularity. These measures are briefly explained in Table 1 . Apart from these measures, we also zoom into the concentration of the network and identification of the communities of words around which the text network is concentrated.

TNA enables us to create a text network graph, identify the "structural properties" of the graph and "central concepts" emerging from the text, and visualize "pathways for the production of meaning within the text".

The method provides "a better insight into the hidden agendas present within a text and better understanding of its narrative structure"(p. 3).


Our analysis provides us with three broad findings. First, companies do not conceptualize sustainability specific to their business operations; rather, they present a rhetorical and standard version of sustainability that remains more or less similar across companies. This finding is supported by a study carried out on Chinese and Korean companies [59] . As companies are engaged in different business operations with varied implications for socio-economic and environmental dimensions, a case for distinct approaches to corporate sustainability is made. Second, CSR policies also follow the same trend of rhetorical language of generating 'positive impact' of CSR initiatives on people and creating 'shared values', irrespective of the heterogeneous needs of resources to run the business operations and development needs of communities within which they operate. CSR policies generally do not present a vision, approach, or framework that would ensure that promises are fulfilled. Third, despite the promises made in sustainability reports and CSR policies, efforts to integrate these promises into an implementation of CSR operations are missing.

This finding is supported by a study carried out on Chinese and Korean companies.


It is a positive sign that companies have started thinking about integrating socio-economic and environmental sustainability with their business operations. However, the dilemma lies with the word 'social' in the realm of sustainability as well as social responsibility [27] . We do not find any sustained efforts by the companies to achieve social sustainability goals in the extant conceptualization of sustainability. While promises have been made in the sustainability reports, there is a dearth of strategies to achieve the same, as frameworks or implementation plans are largely missing. One of the reasons could be that among the four dimensions of sustainability, environmental sustainability has received much attention, while social sustainability is generally the weakest component. While several frameworks and measures have been developed to measure environmental sustainability, other elements of sustainability have not been addressed sufficiently [60] . In addition to that, environmental sustainability initiatives are monitored by several regulatory mechanisms and compliances that companies have to fulfill in order to continue to operate. Therefore, the companies are observed as being more responsive to environmental sustainability.

However, the dilemma lies with the word 'social' in the realm of sustainability as well as social responsibility.

While several frameworks and measures have been developed to measure environmental sustainability, other elements of sustainability have not been addressed sufficiently.


It may be mentioned that the integration of one or more active devices with the patch could be used to further increase the bandwidth of a single-layer single patch antenna [6] . The other advantage of using tunnel diode is its low voltage requirements (110-550 mV), very wide temperature range (−73 • C to 150 • C) of operation and extremely high speed of operation (5-80 mA/pF) [6] . Therefore, in the present paper, a tunnel diode integrated E-shaped patch antenna is presented to further widen the bandwidth of E-shaped patch antenna (ESPA). The details of investigations are given in the following sections.

It may be mentioned that the integration of one or more active devices with the patch could be used to further increase the bandwidth of a single-layer single patch antenna.

The other advantage of using tunnel diode is its low voltage requirements (110-550 mV), very wide temperature range (−73 • C to 150 • C) of operation and extremely high speed of operation (5-80 mA/pF).


Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is commonly used as an experimental technique in current biochemistry and medicine (Behar, 1994) . Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), which is a physical background for MRS, is an effect relying on magnetic properties of atomic nuclei. NMR is a base for two diagnostic methods -Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) G. MRI -gives detailed visualization of spatial structures of tissues, used in medical diagnostics, to distinguish pathologically changed tissues from normal. MRS provides information on the biochemical (metabolite) composition of samples (Jacobsen, 2007) .

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is commonly used as an experimental technique in current biochemistry and medicine.

MRS provides information on the biochemical (metabolite) composition of samples.


Brown HT (Fig. 1) is the disodium salt of 4,4 -[(2,4-dihydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl)-m-phenylene)-bis(azo)]-di-1-naphthalene-sulphonic acid. There are at least 10 synonyms for this compound. The most commonly used synonyms in published literature are Brown HT, Chocolate Brown HT and CI Food Brown 3 [1] . It presents very good stability in light and heat [2] .

The most commonly used synonyms in published literature are Brown HT, Chocolate Brown HT and CI Food Brown 3.

It presents very good stability in light and heat.


Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a unique extraction method that provides cost effective sample preparation with a high extraction efficiency [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] . This separation method is based on the temperature-dependent aggregation behaviour of surfactants in aqueous solution. If a solution with a surfactant concentration above the critical micellar concentration (c.m.c.) is heated to a certain temperature, termed the cloud point, the surfactant molecules form micelles that generate an additional phase. This surfactant-rich phase, depending on the type of surfactant employed, is lighter or heavier than the aqueous phase and can easily be separated from the latter.

Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a unique extraction method that provides cost effective sample preparation with a high extraction efficiency.


CPS has been attracting rapidly growing attention from academia, industry, and the government worldwide. A number of conferences, workshops, and summit on CPS have been held during the past several years, gathering researchers, practitioners, and governors from all around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities brought by CPS. The renowned CPS Week launched in 2008 and is held annually. Many world-leading IT companies such as Microsoft, IBM, National Instruments, NEC Labs, and Honeywell have started research and development initiatives closely related to CPS. Although there have been a lot of research results in related fields including embedded computing systems, ubiquitous computing, and wireless sensor networks, CPS is a relatively new area with a large number of open problems [1] . In particular, we pay special attention to performance evaluation of one of the most popular wireless communication protocols (i.e. IEEE 802.15.4) in the context of CPS.

Although there have been a lot of research results in related fields including embedded computing systems, ubiquitous computing, and wireless sensor networks, CPS is a relatively new area with a large number of open problems.


For several decades, thermoelectric materials (TE) and devices have drawn increasing interest and attention due to their potential to convert waste heat into useful electricity. The efficiency of a TE material is quantified by a dimensionless figure of merit, zT = S 2 σT/ where S, σ, T and  are Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, temperature and total thermal conductivity (sum of the electronic part, e and the lattice part, latt) respectively. The fact that these transport properties are highly interrelated, presents a great challenge in attempting to enhancing zT. Advances in recent times show that it is feasible to enhance zT by a number of approaches [1] [2] [3] [4] . One approach is solid solution alloying, which enables acoustic phonon scattering leading to a decreased latt [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] .

The fact that these transport properties are highly interrelated, presents a great challenge in attempting to enhancing zT. Advances in recent times show that it is feasible to enhance zT by a number of approaches.

One approach is solid solution alloying, which enables acoustic phonon scattering leading to a decreased latt.


Computational fluid dynamics are capable to predict different scenarios at a patient-specific level [13] . Nevertheless, for computational models to be potentially integrated into clinical practice or used as clinical data (i.e., for decision-making) they need to be validated. Thus, in the present research two computational models were developed: one representative of a complex aortic pathology, with the presence of aneurysms, and another illustrative of a normal heart condition.

Computational fluid dynamics are capable to predict different scenarios at a patient-specific level.


Generally in plants, loss of water exceeds absorption under low water availability. The intensity of water loss is sufficient to cause a decrease in water content and turgor, resulting in a decrease in cell growth. This can also cause changes in several morphological and biochemical processes (Chaves et al. 2003) .

This can also cause changes in several morphological and biochemical processes.


A new use of building requires, from sustainability point of view, energy consumption control and reduction. Usually, at average-low latitudes, like Florence, many advanced energy technologies for new buildings are represented by solutions for "active" and/or "inter-active" building envelope. An integration with the HVAC system allows indoor ambient ventilation solutions that use external or exhausted air, to provide an "interactive" building envelope and to reduce thermal heat flow due to the external climatic variations. This can also guarantee an important energy consumption reduction [8, 9] . In historical buildings, whose opaque envelope is characterized by high thermal inertia, the glazed components assume fundamental importance for the heating/cooling energy consumption reduction if involved into energy efficient design.

This can also guarantee an important energy consumption reduction.


In Italy, many old buildings, especially churches, former factories and other heritage buildings, in the historical centers of important cities, are being converted into museums or more commonly, shops and showrooms. There is no inherent conflict between the retention of older buildings and the principles of sustainability. The retention of older buildings, either in their entirety, or simply by re-using components in-situ and allowing for their thermal upgrading in benign ways, can provide excellent final results, which are fully in agreement with the principles of building conservation and sustainability. In many cases, the process of careful adaptation, re-use, refurbishment and also energy efficiency and retrofitting solutions for the existing plants can produce new buildings and spaces of the highest architectural quality and internal comfort for occupants [6, 7] .

In many cases, the process of careful adaptation, re-use, refurbishment and also energy efficiency and retrofitting solutions for the existing plants can produce new buildings and spaces of the highest architectural quality and internal comfort for occupants.


The benefits of coating nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) onto the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is of great scientific interest as nanoparticles often exhibit different physical and chemical properties, as the size of the material becomes smaller and smaller, relative to their bulk material counterparts. This interesting shift in particle properties is largely due to the large surface area and surface to volume ratio of the material, which dominates the contributions made by the small bulk of the material [1] . Some of the unique size-dependent properties of nanomaterials include quantum confinement in semiconductor particles (movement of electrons and holes in semiconductor materials) and transport properties related to phonons and photons [2] [3] [4] [5] . Properties also vary as the shapes of the nanomaterials differ [6, 7] . It is because of the access to this new realm of physical and chemical properties that substantial research efforts in nanoscience and nanotechnology have been dedicated [8] [9] [10] .

This interesting shift in particle properties is largely due to the large surface area and surface to volume ratio of the material, which dominates the contributions made by the small bulk of the material.

Some of the unique size-dependent properties of nanomaterials include quantum confinement in semiconductor particles (movement of electrons and holes in semiconductor materials) and transport properties related to phonons and photons.

Properties also vary as the shapes of the nanomaterials differ.

It is because of the access to this new realm of physical and chemical properties that substantial research efforts in nanoscience and nanotechnology have been dedicated.


It has been shown that axial rotor yaw misalignment to incident flow angle (g) has potentially a greater impact on the theoretical power delivered to the turbine for values > 13 in the symmetrical tide case and > 6 where the tide is asymmetric. The aggregated effect of positioning a non-yawing device in tidal flows exhibiting the characterisics analysed in Section 2.4 could result in up to 5% loss in the exploitable resource power density (Fig. 6a) . However, optimisation at the design installation and planning stage could restrict these combined losses to < 2% (Fig. 6b) . When the tidal velocity constituent phase difference (f) is < 35 from the symmetrical case and total yaw misalignment to flow direction is < 8 , the orientation of a TEC can be optimised to ensure power density losses remain less than 0.25%. These results correlate well with the estimates of a previous study [3] . When micro-siting a TEC, determination of the importance of design installation and orientation for non-yawing devices would be useful in helping to reduce uncertainty in yield estimates and provide greater confidence for investors. Here, consideration has been given to how to optimise design layout through harmonic analysis and subsequent derivation of tidal constituent parameters, characterised synthetically using simulations and validated directly against observations. We further analyse the simulations and observations to ascertain a proxy for the potential net yield gain, here denoted as the optimisation factor (x). The correlation of difference between percentage net gain in annual energy yield (DAEY ¼ AEY opt e AEY nopt ), or difference between optimised (AEY opt ) and nonoptimised (AEY nopt ) case, versus optimisation factor, which includes a weighted ratio of both tidal asymmetry and misalignment, gives a close relationship to unity, therefore we use this to assess several sites around the Welsh coast (Fig. 10 ).

These results correlate well with the estimates of a previous study.


To survive in a highly competitive market, companies should design products that meet the needs of consumers. As a reflection of the affective needs of consumers on industrial product form, affective responses, which encompass consumers' psychological feelings as well as physiological issues, have received considerable attention from academia and industry [1] . Affective engineering, also called Kansei engineering, is a consumer centric technique for product design that aims to translate affective responses into design variables [2] . Many studies have been performed on optimizing product form design by using affective engineering [3] [4] [5] . In these studies, a questionnaire was commonly used to collect evaluation data, and only the mean scale rating was adopted [6] . On the basis of these data, the relationship between design variables and affective responses can be constructed, and the optimal design can then be determined. Nevertheless, evaluations of affective responses are individualistic and subjective, and adopting a mean scale rating alone without considering variations in the evaluations is inappropriate.

As a reflection of the affective needs of consumers on industrial product form, affective responses, which encompass consumers' psychological feelings as well as physiological issues, have received considerable attention from academia and industry.

Affective engineering, also called Kansei engineering, is a consumer centric technique for product design that aims to translate affective responses into design variables.

Many studies have been performed on optimizing product form design by using affective engineering.

In these studies, a questionnaire was commonly used to collect evaluation data, and only the mean scale rating was adopted.


The quality of affective responses has the features of fuzziness. When measuring affective responses, traditional methods such as semantic differential scales and Likert scales employ numerical values that do not exactly represent a perceptual interpretation because human perceptual interpretation of affective responses involves inherent imprecision or vagueness to a certain extent [13] [14] [15] [16] . By contrast, fuzzy sets are a generalization of crisp sets for representing imprecision or vagueness in everyday life, which can serve as a means for modeling the vagueness underlying most natural linguistic terms [17] . Therefore, in many studies, researchers have employed fuzzy sets to subjectively evaluate decision-making processes [18] [19] [20] . However, little attention has been devoted to measuring affective responses by using fuzzy sets in the Taguchi method for product form optimization.

When measuring affective responses, traditional methods such as semantic differential scales and Likert scales employ numerical values that do not exactly represent a perceptual interpretation because human perceptual interpretation of affective responses involves inherent imprecision or vagueness to a certain extent.

By contrast, fuzzy sets are a generalization of crisp sets for representing imprecision or vagueness in everyday life, which can serve as a means for modeling the vagueness underlying most natural linguistic terms.

Therefore, in many studies, researchers have employed fuzzy sets to subjectively evaluate decision-making processes.


The affective responses of humans to products often have various facets. To acquire consumers' preference weights for multiple affective responses (MARs), numerous studies have used questionnaires with single answers [3, 4] . However, as fuzzy statistics scholars have indicated that human thinking cannot be measured or described with a single option [21] . A fuzzy questionnaire with multiple answers can reflect the variability and intricacy of human fuzzy thinking, and the robustness and consistency of the evaluation process can be enhanced by reducing the degree of evaluator subjectivity [22, 23] . From the results of such a fuzzy questionnaire, the final option and the fuzzy thinking of a participant can be determined from fuzzy data; that is, the participant's preferences are reflected more accurately in a fuzzy questionnaire [24] . However, to the best of our knowledge, very few studies have used a fuzzy questionnaire to measure consumers' MARs preferences.

To acquire consumers' preference weights for multiple affective responses (MARs), numerous studies have used questionnaires with single answers.

However, as fuzzy statistics scholars have indicated that human thinking cannot be measured or described with a single option.

A fuzzy questionnaire with multiple answers can reflect the variability and intricacy of human fuzzy thinking, and the robustness and consistency of the evaluation process can be enhanced by reducing the degree of evaluator subjectivity.

From the results of such a fuzzy questionnaire, the final option and the fuzzy thinking of a participant can be determined from fuzzy data; that is, the participant's preferences are reflected more accurately in a fuzzy questionnaire.


As it involves socioeconomic dimensions that are hard to characterize as factors of change, the latent link between demographic structures and local development requires a more comprehensive analysis in economically-advanced countries [60] . A comparative investigation of population age structures over time and space can be extended to other countries in Mediterranean Europe with the aim of identifying common resilience trends, assuming that changes in vital rates are responsible for distinctive paths of population growth (or decline) in this region [39] . The operational framework proposed in this study outlines the importance of novel demographic indicators in a broader framework linking changes in population structure with the socioeconomic resilience of local systems (more or less rapidly) adapting to global change [17] .

As it involves socioeconomic dimensions that are hard to characterize as factors of change, the latent link between demographic structures and local development requires a more comprehensive analysis in economically-advanced countries.

A comparative investigation of population age structures over time and space can be extended to other countries in Mediterranean Europe with the aim of identifying common resilience trends, assuming that changes in vital rates are responsible for distinctive paths of population growth (or decline) in this region.

The operational framework proposed in this study outlines the importance of novel demographic indicators in a broader framework linking changes in population structure with the socioeconomic resilience of local systems (more or less rapidly) adapting to global change.


With the understanding that DT is a multidimensional process of change involving several dimensions of population structure and dynamics, the present study hypothesized that different population distributions by age reflect distinctive levels of resilience of a local system, underlying different responses to external shocks [37, 38] . Based on these premises, a two-step exploratory analysis verifying (i) the temporal coherency of population structure indicators in Italy between 1861 and 2011; and (ii) the spatial coherence of population structures in Italian municipalities at the most recent time point was developed. This analysis defined homogeneous (i) time intervals and (ii) spatial districts with distinctive demographic contexts implying a variable level of local resilience.

With the understanding that DT is a multidimensional process of change involving several dimensions of population structure and dynamics, the present study hypothesized that different population distributions by age reflect distinctive levels of resilience of a local system, underlying different responses to external shocks.


The major chemical used in the industry to achieve this are polymer, surfactant and alkaline. Surfactant lowers the interfacial tension between the oil and water, alter the wettability of the rock, generate emulsion and stabilize foam. Polymers on the other hand increases the viscosity, which reduces the mobility ratio, and therefore improves the sweep efficiency, whereas alkali increase pH, generate in situ surfactants and reduce adsorption of anionic surfactants [1] . The combination of all the chemicals alkaline, surfactant and polymer (ASP) is also in use but due to high cost of chemicals and fall in crude oil price, petroleum engineers has sought for ways to remedy this situation. With the introduction of nanotechnology in EOR, it is a way to solve the numerous problem plaguing the oil and gas industry.

Polymers on the other hand increases the viscosity, which reduces the mobility ratio, and therefore improves the sweep efficiency, whereas alkali increase pH, generate in situ surfactants and reduce adsorption of anionic surfactants.


Nanotechnology is the use of nanoparticles ranging from 1 to 100 nm size in the study of combination science, medical, engineering and technology. At present, nanotechnology has been used in medicine, electronics, electrical, space, science and engineering [2] . It has enjoyed wide range of use because of its large surface area which makes it easier to interact with solvent molecules when added to make suspension, optical transparency (copper nanoparticle), electrical conductivity (silicon nanoparticle), chemical catalyst (platinum nanoparticle), colour change (gold nanoparticle), thermal properties like heat transfer, cooling, insulation, and property of mechanical strength like ultra-high strength of material [3, 4] .

At present, nanotechnology has been used in medicine, electronics, electrical, space, science and engineering.

It has enjoyed wide range of use because of its large surface area which makes it easier to interact with solvent molecules when added to make suspension, optical transparency (copper nanoparticle), electrical conductivity (silicon nanoparticle), chemical catalyst (platinum nanoparticle), colour change (gold nanoparticle), thermal properties like heat transfer, cooling, insulation, and property of mechanical strength like ultra-high strength of material.


The application of nanoparticles in EOR process can be summarized into three major approaches; nanofluids, nanocatalyst and nanoemulsion [10] . Nanofluids are usually base fluid with nanoparticles size less than 100 nm in colloidal suspension [11] . The base fluid in this case can be water, oil or gas. Nanofluid in EOR are usually used to improve water flooding and the mechanism responsible include; IFT reduction, disjoining pressure, wettability reduction, viscosity increase, pore channel plugging and asphaltene precipitation. Nanoparticles can also be used to stabilize emulsion, it can overcome the challenges encountered by other stabilizers such as surfactants [12] . The high viscosity of nanoemulsion can control mobility ratio during flooding. It is therefore, very useful in heavy oil recovery [13] . And can penetrate through pore throats without much retention. Whereas nanocatalyst are used as catalyst in steam injection of heavy oil reservoir [14] . The advantages of using nanocatalyst to conventional catalyst include; upgrading of heavy oil reservoir by converting bitumen to lighter products. Nanocatalyst such as iron and nickel can also breakdown carbon-sulphur bonds within asphaltenes, increase saturates and aromatics in the heavy oil [10] . The summary of the application of nanoparticles in EOR is shown in Fig. 1 .

The application of nanoparticles in EOR process can be summarized into three major approaches; nanofluids, nanocatalyst and nanoemulsion.

Nanofluids are usually base fluid with nanoparticles size less than 100 nm in colloidal suspension.

Nanoparticles can also be used to stabilize emulsion, it can overcome the challenges encountered by other stabilizers such as surfactants.

It is therefore, very useful in heavy oil recovery.

Whereas nanocatalyst are used as catalyst in steam injection of heavy oil reservoir.

Nanocatalyst such as iron and nickel can also breakdown carbon-sulphur bonds within asphaltenes, increase saturates and aromatics in the heavy oil.


This secondary analysis uses data from a prior randomized controlled trial of lay-worker administered group Cognitive Processing Therapy for female SV survivors in Eastern DRC. Detailed information on trial design is available in a report of primary trial outcomes: posttraumatic stress and combined depression and anxiety [17] . In brief, sixteen villages (14 in South Kivu and 2 in contiguous areas of North Kivu) were purposefully selected out of 23 in which a psychosocial assistant (PSA) was providing supportive counseling to female SV survivors through one of three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) supported by the International Rescue Committee. PSA availability and whether a village could be consistently and safely accessed guided selection. These villages were grouped by location and language and cluster randomized to cognitive processing therapy (CPT; n = 7) or a continuation of individual support (IS; n = 8).

Detailed information on trial design is available in a report of primary trial outcomes: posttraumatic stress and combined depression and anxiety.


High-profile scandals have made patient neglect a key issue for policy makers. Scandals have included patients being regularly physically (e.g. left malnourished, dehydrated, in pain, and unwashed) or emotionally (e.g. being ignored whilst in need, not shown compassion, loss of dignity) neglected by healthcare staff [17] [18] [19] [20] . Linking patient neglect to specific metrics of patient harm or clinical outcomes is difficult due to the often complex conditions of patients and their treatment [21] . Furthermore, conducting research is challenging due to the toxicity of the subject (e.g. questioning the abilities, motivation and ethics of staff ) and a media narrative which seeks to blame rather than understand why poor care occurs [22, 23] . However, cases such as the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust scandal, where routine and basic failings in care resulted in up to 1,200 patients deaths between 2005 and 2008, show the catastrophic implications for patient care when neglect becomes systemic across an organisation [21, 24] .

Scandals have included patients being regularly physically (e.g. left malnourished, dehydrated, in pain, and unwashed) or emotionally (e.g. being ignored whilst in need, not shown compassion, loss of dignity) neglected by healthcare staff.

Linking patient neglect to specific metrics of patient harm or clinical outcomes is difficult due to the often complex conditions of patients and their treatment.

Furthermore, conducting research is challenging due to the toxicity of the subject (e.g. questioning the abilities, motivation and ethics of staff ) and a media narrative which seeks to blame rather than understand why poor care occurs.

However, cases such as the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust scandal, where routine and basic failings in care resulted in up to 1,200 patients deaths between 2005 and 2008, show the catastrophic implications for patient care when neglect becomes systemic across an organisation.


An image processing technique for evaluating and recognizing crops and weeds was employed by the previous study [1, 2, 5] . They tended to segment crops and weeds from soil (background) in the first step. Segmentation was done by using visible color information or reflection intensity in near-infrared. Information on the variable light conditions should be taken into account to achieve good classification. In the second step, an attempt was made to classify plants as crops or weeds based on their shape, texture and color properties.

An image processing technique for evaluating and recognizing crops and weeds was employed by the previous study.


Further investigation of the community-level impact of Neemix cast doubt on the selectiVity of this pesticide to C. septempunctata. All larval lady beetles exposed to 100 ppm failed to pupate and died even though this concentration of Neemix was found to be sublethal «LeI) in a previous study (Banken and Stark 1997) . However, in the previous study, larvae were exposed only to direct sprays and then moved to a clean environment.

All larval lady beetles exposed to 100 ppm failed to pupate and died even though this concentration of Neemix was found to be sublethal «LeI) in a previous study.


Nitric oxide functions in a paracrine way to transmit cellular signals. Specifically, NO interacts with the HEME prosthetic group of guanilate cyclase, and activates this enzyme causing a rise in cGMP level. Higher (micromolar) concentrations of NO are also released by cells such as macrophages, fibroblasts and hepatocytes in response to inflammatory and mitogenic stimuli, and NO plays an important role in defending against pathogens through oxidative toxicity [2] . This higher level of NO, together with superoxide, causes production of peroxynitrite, destruction of iron-sulfur clusters, and nitration of thiol and protein tyrosine residues. Different biological systems produce a wide range of amounts of NO, and the chemical reactivity of NO is also diverse [3] . Recent studies suggest that generation of excessive amounts of NO can mediate protein misfolding and may cause several neurodegenerative disorders [4] .

Higher (micromolar) concentrations of NO are also released by cells such as macrophages, fibroblasts and hepatocytes in response to inflammatory and mitogenic stimuli, and NO plays an important role in defending against pathogens through oxidative toxicity.

Different biological systems produce a wide range of amounts of NO, and the chemical reactivity of NO is also diverse.

Recent studies suggest that generation of excessive amounts of NO can mediate protein misfolding and may cause several neurodegenerative disorders.


The Griess reaction is specific for nitrite. Analysis of nitrate by this reaction requires chemical or enzymatic reduction of nitrate to nitrite prior to the diazotization reaction. The simplicity of the Griess reaction and its easy and inexpensive analytical feasibility has attracted the attention of scientists from wide a spectrum of disciplines dedicated to the complex L-Arg/NO pathway [6] .

The simplicity of the Griess reaction and its easy and inexpensive analytical feasibility has attracted the attention of scientists from wide a spectrum of disciplines dedicated to the complex L-Arg/NO pathway.


Second, it also seeks to determine how central-assessed skills and knowledge are to the work-related application. In a workplace, it is the degree to which a final product or performance meets its purpose that is the overall determinant of its success. An authentic assessment should simulate and measure a real-world test of ability -rather than just match items to curriculum content -through a closer alignment of the task and the conditions under which it is assessed (Herrington and Herrington 2006) . While accuracy of the assessment activity in addressing the needs of the real-work environment reflects on the assessment value, it is important for the educator to ensure that students understand this connection and also perceive the assessment as valuable.

An authentic assessment should simulate and measure a real-world test of ability -rather than just match items to curriculum content -through a closer alignment of the task and the conditions under which it is assessed.


From the values given for z d in Table 5 we have the order of magnitude of zra. The figures contained in Table 8 sugges t that in ice, water and also for water adsorbed on Na-montmorillonite, the water molecules experience many orientations between two successive associations with a proton, because %a < Zn2o for the water adsorbed on clays saturated by bivalent cations the water molecules do not have enough time to experience a rotation between two successive associations with a proton, because zre > ZH~O-The relaxation phenomenon associated with adsorbed water is characterized by a wide spread of the relaxation time (computed value of n = 0.34 whatever the cation). This means that there are a large number of different environments for the water molecules adsorbed on the clay surface. A similar conclusion was deduced from the analysis of the repartition of water molecules relative to the exchangeable cations (Calvet, 1973) .

A similar conclusion was deduced from the analysis of the repartition of water molecules relative to the exchangeable cations.


In this paper we proposed a new approach to the vibration analysis of structures subjected to a moving inertial particle by using the finite element method in space and a time integration method, for example the Newmark method, in time, here represented by the Newmark and Houbolt methods. Elements describing a moving mass particle (15)- (18) can be commonly used both in the analysis of the Euler beam and the Timoshenko beam. In engineering practice, most dynamic simulations are performed by the Newmark method. Each approach extends a group of problems that can be directly solved by this commonly used time integration method, and is valuable. We showed in the paper that these matrices result in ac- curate and stable solutions of problems with a mass moving on a structure. Timoshenko beams or other shear resistant structures exhibit discontinuities in the solutions of the differential equations [19] [20] [21] . Although in practice nonlinear effects smooth the trajectories, high jumps of some physical quantities are observed. We assumed that identical computational results should be obtained both by analytical and numerical tools. There is no reason to say that numerical solutions converge to inaccurate results. Our finite element approach proves that simple elemental matrices derived from a mathematically correct analysis gives a perfect convergence to the analytical forms.

Timoshenko beams or other shear resistant structures exhibit discontinuities in the solutions of the differential equations.


Because of good gel-forming properties, alginates have been regarded as good biopolymer matrix materials. In biomedicine and biotechnology, they have been used to immobilize or encapsulate enzymes and living cells (Gilson and Thomas 1995) . Thus, alginates would be a suitable candidate for the granulation of fine particles and for the preparation of composite adsorbents.

In biomedicine and biotechnology, they have been used to immobilize or encapsulate enzymes and living cells.


In a multi-energy system, energy hub is a new concept and initiatively related with multi-carrier energy linking [33] . An energy hub can be modeled as a multi-input multi-output prosumer which can receive, send, convert and store different types of energies [34] . In this sense, other energy system integration concepts with multiple energy inputs and multiple energy outputs can be described as a sort of energy hubs.

In a multi-energy system, energy hub is a new concept and initiatively related with multi-carrier energy linking.

An energy hub can be modeled as a multi-input multi-output prosumer which can receive, send, convert and store different types of energies.


In this paper, synthesis, structure and properties of hybrid microspheres with amide functionalization, based on methacrylamide (MA), 1,4-divinylbenzene (DVB) and trimethoxyvinylsilane (TMVS), are presented ( Figure 1 ). The microspheres were prepared by suspension-emulsion polymerization in the presence of pore-forming diluents. Different amounts of MA were applied. In order to confirm the chemical structure of new materials, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and elemental analysis were used. The influence of the comonomer on physico-chemical properties of the obtained copolymers was investigated. Porous structures of the obtained microspheres in dry state were studied by means of nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements (Podkos´cielna and Sobiesiak, 2016) .

Different amounts of MA were applied.

Porous structures of the obtained microspheres in dry state were studied by means of nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements.


Anterior tooth loss results in difficulty in speech development, especially in the young child (Riekman and ElBadrawy, 1985; Pinkham et al., 2005) . It is also a setback for a child to have lost a tooth at an early age, and it may lead to the development of tongue habits. In such patients, a fixed space maintainer benefits speech, aesthetics, and selfesteem. Hence, a fixed esthetic space maintainer with a natural tooth pontic was designed. The patient's natural tooth was chosen as a pontic, since it would be of the same size and contour as the contralateral tooth. Readily available primary typodont teeth or acrylic teeth can also be used, but they do not provide as natural contour or size as does a natural tooth.

Anterior tooth loss results in difficulty in speech development, especially in the young child.


There is currently great interest in understanding the role of surfactant molecular structure on w/c phase formation and stability. For decades, extensive studies were devoted to define the effect of the surfactant tail architecture [13, 15, 24, 50, 51] . However, only few works have alluded to the effects of hydrophilic-headgroup modifications on surfactant performance in CO2 [36, 38, 39] .

For decades, extensive studies were devoted to define the effect of the surfactant tail architecture.

However, only few works have alluded to the effects of hydrophilic-headgroup modifications on surfactant performance in CO2.


BMP9 and BMP10 have been reported to play an important role in vascular development [20] . In addition, these two members of the BMP family can bind with high affinity to the endothelial-specific receptor activating receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) that is involved in vascular diseases [21] . As a secretory protein, BMP9 is also expressed in hepatocytes and secreted into the blood. Circulating BMP9 has also been shown as an important factor to maintain specific endothelial function [22] . In addition, BMP9 and its responsive genes have been reported to regulate vascular endothelial differentiation, promote angiogenesis, inhibit arteriosclerosis, and prevent vascular endothelial cell death [23] . Taken together, all these studies suggest that BMP9 may play an important role in the occurrence and development of vascular diseases, such as CHD and HTN. However, there is still a lack of report regarding the association between serum BMP9 and cardiovascular disease in human.

BMP9 and BMP10 have been reported to play an important role in vascular development.

In addition, these two members of the BMP family can bind with high affinity to the endothelial-specific receptor activating receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) that is involved in vascular diseases.

Circulating BMP9 has also been shown as an important factor to maintain specific endothelial function.

In addition, BMP9 and its responsive genes have been reported to regulate vascular endothelial differentiation, promote angiogenesis, inhibit arteriosclerosis, and prevent vascular endothelial cell death.


On the surface, it could be difficult to see what a methodology designed for large-scale engineering problems has to do with CNT systems. In this paper we indicated the suitability of this methodology on a much smaller time-and sizescale. We represented each CNT with a chain of parallelbonded spherical elements to capture the intra-wall interactions along with a vdW model to capture inter-wall interactions. The resulting mesoscale model is adequate for implementation in existing DEM software packages. With the PFC3D code, we demonstrates its ability to describe CNT rings. Of course, the basic CNT mesoscopic model introduced here can be further optimized and enhanced. For example, the parallel bonds can be adjusted to accommodate nonlinear rippling by introducing a reduction in the relevant elastic constants beyond certain strain levels [5] . To describe CNT fracture, one can introduced bond strengths beyond which the parallel bonds break [1] . There is an interesting prospect for more complex engineering investigations since the foundations are already in place. For example, this method can be used to describe CNT agglomerates, of high importance to nanotoxicology.

For example, the parallel bonds can be adjusted to accommodate nonlinear rippling by introducing a reduction in the relevant elastic constants beyond certain strain levels.

To describe CNT fracture, one can introduced bond strengths beyond which the parallel bonds break.


Surveillance of routinely collected data for unusual clusters of disease in space and time is a topic of general importance. Many epidemiologists resist community pressures to conduct cluster investigations believing they rarely provide conclusive information regarding the etiology of the disease. This is because cluster investigations often combine unrelated diseases; contain too few cases to be meaningful; have "gerrymandered" boundaries; and examine only cases without taking into account differences in population density [1] . Even studies of registry data ignore many known risk factors and latency. Maps that ignore latency may be flatter if population movement is random with respect to disease status [2] . Nevertheless, cluster investigations are an important part of responding to public concerns, even if no new etiologic knowledge is gained [3, 4] .

This is because cluster investigations often combine unrelated diseases; contain too few cases to be meaningful; have "gerrymandered" boundaries; and examine only cases without taking into account differences in population density.

Maps that ignore latency may be flatter if population movement is random with respect to disease status.

Nevertheless, cluster investigations are an important part of responding to public concerns, even if no new etiologic knowledge is gained.


The adoption of Active Magnetic Bearings (AMBs) in industrial applications has exhibited a steady growth in the last decades because of their remarkable advantages over traditional oil-lubricated bearings due to their contactless nature. This allows tribology and fatigue issues to be avoided, reducing power losses and eliminating oil supply units. Furthermore, AMB systems are characterized by monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, while the high tunability of the control action permits on-line adjustments of the bearing system according to the operating conditions. These and other benefits have favoured the adoption of AMBs in a variety of applications such as kinetic energy storage systems, the oil & gas and vacuum industry, heart pumps, refrigeration compressors and milling spindles [1] [2] [3] .

These and other benefits have favoured the adoption of AMBs in a variety of applications such as kinetic energy storage systems, the oil & gas and vacuum industry, heart pumps, refrigeration compressors and milling spindles.


Building rapport with students is important to teachers, and they consider it part of their to duty to help students develop coping mechanisms to deal with everyday problems. The best interests of the students are important. As teachers get older and more experienced in teaching, they tend to develop coping skills that alleviate work stress. This research study found that teachers tended to find ways to combat fatigue and to prevent treating students as impersonal objects. Teachers occasionally worry that students blame them for problems they are experiencing, and sometimes perceive that the job has caused them to become uncompassionate. Even though the results of this study suggest that our teachers are not burned-out, the results of the study indicated a moderate level of emotional exhaustion. Generally, the more emotionally fatigued agriculture teachers become, the more likely their teaching performance is going to suffer (Brouwers & Tomic, 2000) . However, the respondents in this study had very high scores on personal accomplishment, and as long as they are able to maintain that high degree of selfefficacy, the effects of emotional exhaustion should probably not be a cause for concern.

Generally, the more emotionally fatigued agriculture teachers become, the more likely their teaching performance is going to suffer.


One approach that can address these three issues is the use of Interpersonal Computers with a shared display [14] . Such Interpersonal Computers allow students in a classroom to interact simultaneously with each other in an orderly fashion. Using a shared display within the same physical space allows teachers and students to share the same information, so that teachers can detect any problems and clarify specific concepts if necessary. Interactive tabletops are one example of using an Interpersonal Computer with a shared display to encourage participation and agreement with large groups in a classroom [15] . However, interactive tabletops are quite expensive and not every school can afford to buy one.

One approach that can address these three issues is the use of Interpersonal Computers with a shared display.

Interactive tabletops are one example of using an Interpersonal Computer with a shared display to encourage participation and agreement with large groups in a classroom.


Each session included one collaborative activity which was carried out twice so that the roles of facilitator and acceptor could be rotated. The aim of this was to foster peer collaboration, since this is usually hindered in young children by their inability to take on other people's perspectives [21] . In the first session (S1), students became familiar with the application. During sessions two to five (S2-S5), they worked on subjects related to literature and grammar. These subjects were set by the school and had to be adapted to collaborative activities that could be represented in both the Matrix and Cloze modes. During the sessions, the students could decide to exchange suggestions using the application or by speaking to one another. Due to the lack of an authoring tool at the time of carrying out the studies, the researchers were responsible for creating the collaborative activities for the application. A detailed description of the subjects, activities, and difficulty levels in the five sessions for the Matrix and Cloze modes is outlined in Table 1 . This table also shows the time per session that the students were effectively working on the collaborative activities using this application.

The aim of this was to foster peer collaboration, since this is usually hindered in young children by their inability to take on other people's perspectives.


Currents and shear flows are a very important means by which fluids mix physical, biological or chemical properties. Particular velocity profiles with a large enough Reynolds number may become unstable and generate vortices which Correspondence to: F. J. Poulin (fpoulin@uwaterloo.ca) can then transport anomalous properties into the ambient fluid. This process has been frequently observed and studied in both laboratory experiments as well as oceanic observations (Griffiths et al., 1982) .

This process has been frequently observed and studied in both laboratory experiments as well as oceanic observations.


Overall, the propagation losses in our nanowires showed a progressive increase with wavelength in going from λ=1550nm to λ=2080nm, and finally λ=5.18μm, and were generally higher for TM polarization than TE, as expected. The fact that we were able to achieve less than 1dB/cm at λ=1550nm (for TE polarization) is surprising given that typical losses for nanowires in SOI fabricated with electron beam lithography are  3 to 4dB/cm [3, 4] . We attribute our low loss to the use of an I-line stepper mask aligner, along with the epitaxial growth process used to produce the SOS wafers, which results in extremely low defect density. The resolution of our stepper mask aligner was  400nm which is much lower than that for typical electron beam lithography machines. We believe this contributed to substantially lower sidewall roughness.

The fact that we were able to achieve less than 1dB/cm at λ=1550nm (for TE polarization) is surprising given that typical losses for nanowires in SOI fabricated with electron beam lithography are  3 to 4dB/cm.


In this work, in situ SEM tests were performed to identify the damage mechanisms of injection molded polyamide-66/short glass fiber 30 wt% composite (PA66/GF30) on specimens that have been conditioned at 23°C under three different relative humidity conditions: RH = 0%, 50% and 100%. The RH = 0%, 50% and 100% specimens represent approximately conditions where the composites are respectively in glassy, glass transition and rubbery states, according to the RH effect on the glass transition temperature [26, 27] . For a confirmation purpose, the results of lCT on the RH = 0% and 50% specimens will be presented. The results provided by the in situ SEM tests and lCT under different environmental conditions shall help to better understand the damage mechanisms of PA66/GF30 and then to implement them in a reliable modeling approach to predict the overall behavior of the composite.

The RH = 0%, 50% and 100% specimens represent approximately conditions where the composites are respectively in glassy, glass transition and rubbery states, according to the RH effect on the glass transition temperature.


In polyamide thermoplastics, the polar amide groups generate strong interactions in the crystalline and amorphous phases, with hydrogen bonds being established between neighboring molecules. Despite their strong interactions, these hydrogen bonds exhibit a disadvantage as they can lead to water absorption. The water molecules in the amorphous phase can interact with the amide groups which consequently weaken the preexisting interchain hydrogen bonds. Eventually, this can increase the chains mobility of the polyamide (plasticization effect). Meanwhile, swelling effect can also occur since a certain amount of water is absorbed by the polyamide [1] [2] [3] [4] . The plasticization highly impacts the polyamide properties as it reduces its glass transition temperature [5] . It also influences the mechanical properties of the polyamide matrix such as a reduction of the strength and modulus while increasing the ductility [6] . The swelling effect of polyamide matrix can induce a mismatched fiber-matrix volume expansion and thus creating a residual stress which in turn can reduce the fiber-matrix interfacial properties [7, 8] .

Meanwhile, swelling effect can also occur since a certain amount of water is absorbed by the polyamide.

The plasticization highly impacts the polyamide properties as it reduces its glass transition temperature.

It also influences the mechanical properties of the polyamide matrix such as a reduction of the strength and modulus while increasing the ductility.

The swelling effect of polyamide matrix can induce a mismatched fiber-matrix volume expansion and thus creating a residual stress which in turn can reduce the fiber-matrix interfacial properties.


Given these results it is natural to wonder how much of the theory of flat surfaces survives for spaces of stability conditions on more general categories, e.g. Fukaya categories, F (M), of higher-dimensional symplectic manifolds, M. See also the discussion by Smith [26] . The case when dim R M = 6 and M is compact is of particular interest in view of the theory of categorical Donaldson-Thomas invariants [17] . An immediate difficulty is that constructing stability conditions and determining the geometry of Stab(C) is a hard problem in higher dimensions, though progress has been made [3, 20, 2] .

Given these results it is natural to wonder how much of the theory of flat surfaces survives for spaces of stability conditions on more general categories, e.g. Fukaya categories, F (M), of higher-dimensional symplectic manifolds, M. See also the discussion by Smith.

The case when dim R M = 6 and M is compact is of particular interest in view of the theory of categorical Donaldson-Thomas invariants.

An immediate difficulty is that constructing stability conditions and determining the geometry of Stab(C) is a hard problem in higher dimensions, though progress has been made.


More generally, one may consider a sort of "soft" version of Calabi-Yau geometry given by a symplectic manifold (M, ω) with a closed complex-valued middle degree form Ω such that Ω p ∈ U + (T p M) for all p ∈ M, i.e. which does not vanish on any Lagrangian subspace of any tangent space. Some basic definitions in this direction are collected in Section 3. This type of structure was suggested by Kontsevich as a geometric approach to spaces of stability conditions, in particular as a way of understanding the origin of non-geometric stability conditions. By contrast, a geometric stability condition is one coming from Calabi-Yau geometry by the conjectural construction as described by Joyce [15] .

By contrast, a geometric stability condition is one coming from Calabi-Yau geometry by the conjectural construction as described by Joyce.


In the case when M is a torus with rational constant symplectic form, there is an explicit conjectural description of Stab(F (M)) due to Kontsevich [16] . It involves the following generalization of the notion of a compatible complex structure on a symplectic vector space, (V, ω). Suppose dim R V = 2n and let U(V ) be the space of C-valued alternating n-forms on V which are primitive (i.e. Ω ∧ ω = 0) and whose restriction to any Lagrangian subspace L ⊂ V is non-vanishing (as a top-degree form on L). It turns out that U(V ) has two connected components ) in terms of pairs of compatible complex structures. This is based on prior work of Hitchin on three-forms [13] . Conjecturally, the universal cover of U + (V ) is (perhaps a component of) the space of stability conditions on the Fukaya category of a torus V /Λ with constant rational symplectic form.

In the case when M is a torus with rational constant symplectic form, there is an explicit conjectural description of Stab(F (M)) due to Kontsevich.

This is based on prior work of Hitchin on three-forms.


To navigate the environment efficiently, people must rapidly select sensory information that is relevant to their current behavioral goals. They must also quickly redirect their attention and change their course of action when faced with novel, potentially threatening, or rewarding stimuli (Corbetta, Patel, & Shulman, 2008) . These two types of processes refer to goal-directed and stimulus-driven attention, respectively. Many studies have focused on how sensory-driven (task-irrelevant) self-processing interacts with concurrent behavioral tasks (Alexopoulos, Muller, Ric, & Marendaz, 2012; Bargh & Pratto, 1986; Bundesen, Kyllingsbaek, Houmann, & Jensen, 1997; Gray, Ambady, Lowenthal, & Deldin, 2004; Moray, 1959; Wolford & Morrison, 1980) . However, less is known about how goal-directed (task-relevant) self-processing interacts with additional mental tasks.

They must also quickly redirect their attention and change their course of action when faced with novel, potentially threatening, or rewarding stimuli.

Many studies have focused on how sensory-driven (task-irrelevant) self-processing interacts with concurrent behavioral tasks.


Automaticity develops as a function of repetition; the more frequently and consistently a mental representation is accessed, the lower its threshold of activation becomes (Bargh, 1994; Schneider & Chein, 2003) . In other words, after sufficient training, the representation becomes activated by the mere presence of a trigger, involuntarily, unconsciously, and with minimal cognitive effort. In contrast, controlled processes are intentional, aware, and effortful. Crucially, two controlled mental processes interfere with each other to a greater degree than two automatic processes and more than one automatic and one controlled processes (Bargh, 1994; Moors, 2015; Schneider & Chein, 2003) . The most common way of explaining this interference effect is to assume that people share processing capacity among mental processes; when more than one process occurs at any given moment, there is less capacity available for each individual process and performance is impaired (Pashler, 1994) . Thus, cognitive interference is an indicator of cognitive effort. In the present study, we use this indicator to determine whether goal-directed self-processing is more or less effortless than other-processing (please note that other features of automaticity are outside the scope of this study).

Automaticity develops as a function of repetition; the more frequently and consistently a mental representation is accessed, the lower its threshold of activation becomes.

Crucially, two controlled mental processes interfere with each other to a greater degree than two automatic processes and more than one automatic and one controlled processes.

The most common way of explaining this interference effect is to assume that people share processing capacity among mental processes; when more than one process occurs at any given moment, there is less capacity available for each individual process and performance is impaired.


As a methodological clarification, we should mention that the difference between the "easy" and "hard" sessions in our studies was a matter of one vs. two rules governing a single behavioral response. In contrast, classical dual-task interference paradigms typically involve multiple behavioral responses or task switching (Pashler, 1994) . In addition, we measured how the letter case task interfered with person-identification and not the other way around. Thus, we can only speculate that the same pattern of results would occur in a task in which participants are asked to indicate the letter case, but only when a target refers to themselves. More research is needed to reveal the full picture of self-related interference across different experimental manipulations.

In contrast, classical dual-task interference paradigms typically involve multiple behavioral responses or task switching.


The relationship between self-processing and other-processing has potentially interesting implications for models of cognitive interference. As mentioned in the Introduction, one way of explaining interference is through limited capacity resources. Another view is that some mental operations require a single dedicated mechanism and when two tasks need this mechanism at the same time, a bottleneck results, and one or both tasks become delayed (Pashler, 1994) . Interestingly, neither "capacity-sharing" or "bottleneck" theories have established whether resources/bottlenecks are unitary or not (Kahneman, 1973; Pashler, 1994; Wickens, 2002) . If self-processing engages attention preferentially, and if self-processing produces little cognitive interference with other-related tasks, then this would suggest that multiple resources/ bottlenecks exist.

Another view is that some mental operations require a single dedicated mechanism and when two tasks need this mechanism at the same time, a bottleneck results, and one or both tasks become delayed.

Interestingly, neither "capacity-sharing" or "bottleneck" theories have established whether resources/bottlenecks are unitary or not.


Building upon the results presented in this paper, the formalization of other commonly used RBDs, including parallel, series-parallel and parallel-series, and the Weibull random variable is underway. These advanced concepts are widely used in the reliability analysis of pipelines. However, their formalization requires some advanced properties of probability theory. For example, for formalizing the reliability block diagrams of the series-parallel and parallel-series structures, we need to first formally verify the principle of inclusion exclusion [34] . We also plan to formalize the underlying theories to reason about more realistic series pipeline systems, such as multi-state variable piping systems, where each subcomponent of the pipeline system consists of many irreversible states from good to worst. We also plan to investigate artificial neural networks in conjunction with theorem proving to develop a hybrid semi-automatic pipeline reliability analysis framework. Besides the pipeline reliability analysis, the formalized reliability theory foundation presented in this paper, may be used for the reliability analysis of a number of other applications, including hardware and software systems.

For example, for formalizing the reliability block diagrams of the series-parallel and parallel-series structures, we need to first formally verify the principle of inclusion exclusion.


These studies have revealed some important aspects of InP deformation due to mechanical contacts, and the experimental data are also very useful for understanding the machining process. However, to date, there have been no experimental investigations into the effects of indenter geometry on the deformation/fracture of InP. In particular, its response to an extremely sharp indenter under an extremely small load at room temperature has not yet been determined, although these experimental conditions are geometrically and energetically akin to those of ultraprecision machining [17, 18] . Moreover, there is still no literature on the threshold values of indentation depth and load for crack generation in InP, which are important process criteria for conducting ductile-regime machining.

However, to date, there have been no experimental investigations into the effects of indenter geometry on the deformation/fracture of InP. In particular, its response to an extremely sharp indenter under an extremely small load at room temperature has not yet been determined, although these experimental conditions are geometrically and energetically akin to those of ultraprecision machining.


A well-developed high resolution computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique, capturing the physics of a wave structure by applying the relating Riemann solver, is presented. Convective terms have been discretized by the third order implicit finite volume approximation, whereas diffusive and dispersive terms have been approximated based on second order finite difference implicit scheme. To avoid numerical oscillations across discontinuities of solution, a total variation diminishing (TVD) scheme was applied [5] . The proposed employment of implicit solver is justified by significant restriction imposed on a time step by alternative explicit scheme in case of stiff boundary value problems.

To avoid numerical oscillations across discontinuities of solution, a total variation diminishing (TVD) scheme was applied.


Several physical indicators (Table 1 ) are used to evaluate the quality of frying oil: smoke point, color, viscosity, taste, odor, and foam persistence [24, 31, 35] . These tests are extensively used; however they are not decisive in themselves. Color, for example, basically depends on the sort of food fried as well as the oil; taste and odor depend on the food type used for frying. Smoking amount of frying oil is related to the temperature as well as to the amount of low molecular weight breakdown in the oil. Viscosity measurements can be used as an indicator to detect the quality deterioration of frying oil, but it is not conclusive in itself.

Several physical indicators (Table 1 ) are used to evaluate the quality of frying oil: smoke point, color, viscosity, taste, odor, and foam persistence.